-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, UDqq6WblITY633PJ5TUVROgv/fQRzctO5unDdhN8yCS8Dr62zKVJ0/S1W/mVl0wm V8Y8wsOig15Vyw7DX2/dZA== 0000950148-00-000557.txt : 20000331 0000950148-00-000557.hdr.sgml : 20000331 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950148-00-000557 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K405 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 5 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19991231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000330 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: MRV COMMUNICATIONS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000887969 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SEMICONDUCTORS & RELATED DEVICES [3674] IRS NUMBER: 061340090 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K405 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 001-11174 FILM NUMBER: 585359 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 8943 FULLBRIGHT AVE CITY: CHATSWORTH STATE: CA ZIP: 91311 BUSINESS PHONE: 8187679044 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 8943 FULLBRIGHT AVE CITY: CHATSWORTH STATE: CA ZIP: 91311 10-K405 1 FORM 10-K 1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K (MARK ONE) [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 [ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _____________ TO ___________ COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-25678 MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER) DELAWARE 06-1340090 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION NUMBER) 8943 FULLBRIGHT AVENUE 91311 CHATSWORTH, CALIFORNIA (ZIP CODE) (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) ISSUER'S TELEPHONE NUMBER: (818) 773-9044; (818) 773-0906 (FAX) SECURITIES REGISTERED UNDER SECTION 12(b) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT: NONE SECURITIES REGISTERED UNDER SECTION 12(g) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT: COMMON STOCK, $0.0034 PAR VALUE Indicate by checkmark whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ] Indicate by checkmark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which common equity was sold, or the average bid and asked prices of such stock, as of a specified date within the past 60 days: $2,983,799,000 based on the closing sale price of a share of Common Stock at March 20, 2000 as reported by The Nasdaq National Market. Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: 28,659,291 shares of Common Stock, $0.0034 par value at March 20, 2000. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None 1 2 The Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the Section under Item 1 Description of Business -- Risk Factors. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's view only as of the date of this Report. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. Readers should also carefully review the risk factors described in other documents the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As used in this Report, "MRV" or the "Company" refers to MRV Communications, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries, except where the context otherwise indicates. EdgeGuardian, Fiber Driver, GigaHub, MAXserver, MRV Communications, NBase, Network 3000, Network 9000, RouteRunner, West Hills LAN Systems, and Xyplex are trademarks or trade names of the Company. Trademarks of other companies are also used in this Report and are the property of their respective owners. PART I ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS OVERVIEW MRV is in the business of creating and managing growth companies in optical technology and Internet infrastructure. The Company has created several start-up companies and formed independent business units in the optical technology and Internet infrastructure area. The Company's core operations include the design, manufacture and sale of two groups of products: (i) optical networking and internet infrastructure products, primarily subscribers' management, Network Element Management, and physical layer, switching and routing management systems in fiber optic metropolitan networks and (ii) fiber optic components for the transmission of voice, video and data across enterprise, telecommunications and cable TV networks. The Company's advanced optical networking and Internet infrastructure solutions greatly enhance the functionality of carrier and network service provider networks. The Company's fiber optic components incorporate proprietary technology, which delivers high performance under demanding environmental conditions. The Company's business units offer active optical components, optical networking and Internet infrastructure products, including network element management and physical layer management in fiber optic metropolitan networks. MRV's In-Reach product line manages Internet elements through secure remote monitoring of large service providers' sites. MRV's Optical Networks family of products consist of multi-layer traffic management: at Layer 1 with the Fiber Driver, at Layer 2 with the OptiSwitch and at Layer 3 and above, with the OSR8000, Linux Router. The Company complements its optical networking and Internet infrastructure products with a family of optical transmission components and modules designed for transmission over fiber optic cable. These products enable the transmission of voice, data, and video across fiber and are also used in optical fiber test equipment. The Company's products include discrete components, such as laser diodes and LEDs, and integrated components such as transmitters, receivers and transceivers. The Company's components are used in data networks, telecommunication transmission and access networks. Upon completion of the Company's pending acquisition of Fiber Optic Communications, Inc., MRV will offer passive optical components. MRV has also initiated and funded start-up companies including Zaffire, Inc (formerly known as New Access Communications), Charlotte's Networks, Hyperchannel and Zuma Networks. The Company's principal executive offices are located at 8943 Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, California 91311 and its telephone and fax numbers are (818) 773-9044 and (818) 773-0906, respectively. The Company maintains Web 2 3 sites at "http://www.mrv.com" and "http://www.nbase-xyplex.com. Information contained in the Company's Web sites shall not be deemed part of this Report. BACKGROUND The Company was organized in July 1988 as MRV Technologies, Inc., a California corporation and reincorporated in Delaware in April 1992, at which time it changed its name to MRV Communications, Inc. On May 1, 1995, the Company acquired certain assets and the distribution business of Galcom Networking, Ltd. ("Galcom"), a network equipment company located in Israel. The purchase price paid by the Company was approximately $900,000 in cash and the assumption of approximately $1,800,000 in liabilities and debt. In connection with the acquisition of assets from Galcom, the Company issued to Galcom and certain of its employees five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 300,000 shares at prices ranging from $4.25 to $7.38 per share. On June 29, 1995, the Company acquired certain assets and the distribution business of Ace 400 Communications Ltd. ("Ace"), a network equipment company also located in Israel. The purchase price paid by the Company was approximately $4,477,000 comprised of $100,000 in cash, the assumption of approximately $467,000 in liabilities and debt and the issuance of approximately 855,000 shares of Common Stock valued at approximately $3,910,000 and extended a right to Ace to sell to the Company up to $400,000 of Ace's inventory. In connection with the acquisition of assets from Ace, the Company issued to the trustee and an employee of Ace five-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 330,000 shares of Common Stock at prices ranging from $4.57 to $4.67 per share. The Galcom and Ace acquisitions provided the Company with experienced personnel and technology for the Token Ring LAN, IBM Connectivity and Multi-Platform, Network Management IBM NetView and HP OpenView markets. Following the acquisitions, the Company consolidated these operations in Israel with its networking operations in the U.S. On September 26, 1996, the Company completed an acquisition (the "Fibronics Acquisition") from Elbit Ltd. ("Elbit") of certain of the assets and selected liabilities of Elbit's wholly-owned subsidiary, Fibronics Ltd. and its subsidiaries (collectively "Fibronics") related to Fibronics' computer networking and telecommunications businesses (the "Fibronics Business") in Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Israel. The assets acquired included Fibronics' technology in progress and existing technology, its marketing channels, its GigaHub family of computer networking products and other rights. The purchase price for the Fibronics Business was approximately $22,800,000. The purchase price was paid using a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock, all of which Elbit subsequently resold in the open market. The Fibronics Business enabled MRV to enhance the development of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet functions through the Fibronics GigaHub family of products, to offer a broader range of networking products and to benefit from combined distribution channels and sales in both the United States and Europe and greater product development capability. On January 30, 1998, MRV completed an acquisition from Whittaker Corporation ("Whittaker") of all of the outstanding capital stock of Whittaker Xyplex, Inc. a Delaware corporation (the "Xyplex Acquisition"). Whittaker Xyplex, Inc. (whose name the Company has since changed to NBase Xyplex, Inc.), is a holding corporation owning all of the outstanding capital stock of Xyplex, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation ("Xyplex"). Xyplex is a leading provider of access solutions between enterprise networks and wide area network and/or Internet service providers ("ISPs"). The purchase price paid to Whittaker consisted of $35,000,000 in cash and three-year warrants to purchase up to 421,402 shares of Common Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $35 per share. The Xyplex Acquisition enabled MRV to expand its product lines with products that have wide area network ("WAN") and remote access capabilities, permitting the Company to offer these solutions not only to MRV's own existing base of customers, but also to the customer base added by Xyplex. The acquisition of Xyplex also increased MRV's sales force, distribution channels and customer support and service capabilities. 3 4 On February 22, 2000, MRV announced plans to acquire Fiber Optic Communications Inc. ("FOCI"), headquartered in Science-Based Industrial Park, Hsinchu, Taiwan. FOCI designs, develops, manufactures and markets fiber optic components, subsystems and systems, and installations of fiber optic related products including fiber optic passive components, fiber optic testing systems, fiber optic instruments, fiber optic network installations and fiber optic sensing systems that serve to manage and increase the capacity, or bandwidth of fiber optic telecommunications and data communications networks. The purchase price to be paid to acquire FOCI will consist of $50,000,000 in cash and 2.4 million shares of MRV Common Stock. RISK FACTORS The Company may from time to time make written or oral forward-looking statements. Written forward-looking statements may appear in documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in press releases, and in reports to shareholders. The Private Securities Reform Act of 1995 contains a safe harbor for forward-looking statements on which the Company relies in making such disclosures. In connection with this "safe harbor" the Company is hereby identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. Any such statement is qualified by reference to the following cautionary statements: Risks of Technological Change; Development Delays. The Company is engaged in the design and development of devices for data networking, telecommunications and fiber optic communication industries. As with any new technologies, there are substantial risks that the marketplace may not accept the Company's new products. Market acceptance of the Company's products will depend, in large part, upon the ability of the Company to demonstrate performance and cost advantages and cost-effectiveness of its products over competing products and the success of the sales efforts of the Company and its customers. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue to market its technology successfully or that any of the Company's current or future products will be accepted in the marketplace. Moreover, the data networking, telecommunications and fiber optic communication industries are characterized by rapidly changing technology, evolving industry standards and frequent new product introductions, any of which could render the Company's existing products obsolete. The Company's success will depend upon its ability to enhance existing products and to introduce new products to meet changing customer requirements and emerging industry standards. The Company will be required to devote continued efforts and financial resources to develop and enhance its existing products and conduct research to develop new products. The development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation, as well as the accurate anticipation of technological and market trends. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to identify, develop, manufacture, market or support new or enhanced products successfully or on a timely basis, that new Company products will gain market acceptance or that the Company will be able to respond effectively to product announcements by competitors, technological changes or emerging industry standards. Furthermore, from time to time, the Company may announce new products or product enhancements, capabilities or technologies that have the potential to replace or shorten the life cycle of the Company's existing product offerings and that may cause customers to defer purchasing existing Company products or cause customers to return products to the Company. Complexity of Product and Product Defects. Complex products, such as those offered by the Company, may contain undetected software or hardware errors when first introduced or when new versions are released. While the Company has not experienced such errors in the past, the occurrence of such errors in the future, and the inability to correct such errors, could result in the delay or loss of market acceptance of the Company's products, material warranty expense, diversion of engineering and other resources from the Company's product development efforts and the loss of credibility with the Company's customers, system integrators and end users, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. Potential Fluctuations in Operating Results. The Company expects that in the future it revenues may grow at a slower rate than was experienced in previous periods and that on a quarter-to-quarter basis, the Company's growth in revenue may be significantly lower than its historical quarterly growth rates. As a consequence, operating results for a particular quarter are extremely difficult to predict. The Company's revenue and operating results could fluctuate 4 5 substantially from quarter to quarter and from year to year. This could result from any one or a combination of factors such as the cancellation or postponement of orders, the timing and amount of significant orders from the Company's largest customers, the Company's success in developing, introducing and shipping product enhancements and new products, the product mix sold by the Company, adverse effects to the Company's financial statements resulting from, or necessitated by, past and possible future acquisitions, new product introductions by the Company's competitors, pricing actions by the Company or its competitors, the timing of delivery and availability of components from suppliers, changes in material costs and general economic conditions. Moreover, the volume and timing of orders received during a quarter are difficult to forecast. From time to time, the Company's customers encounter uncertain and changing demand for their products. Customers generally order based on their forecasts. If demand falls below such forecasts or if customers do not control inventories effectively, they may cancel or reschedule shipments previously ordered from the Company. The Company's expense levels during any particular period are based, in part, on expectations of future sales. If sales in a particular quarter do not meet expectations, operating results could be materially adversely affected. Moreover, in certain instances, sales cycles are becoming longer and more uncertain as MRV bids on larger projects. As a result, MRV is finding it more difficult to predict the timing of the awards of contracts and the actual placement of orders stemming from awards. There can be no assurance that these factors or others, such as those discussed in "International Operations" or those discussed immediately below would not cause future fluctuations in operating results. Further, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to continue profitable operations. Share Prices Have Been and May Continue to Be Highly Volatile. Historically, the market price of the Company's Common Stock has been extremely volatile. The market price of the Common Stock is likely to continue to be highly volatile and could be significantly affected by factors such as actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Company's operating results, announcement of technological innovations or new product introductions by the Company or its competitors, changes of estimates of the Company's future operating results by securities analysts, developments with respect to patents, copyrights or proprietary rights, general market conditions and other factors. In addition, the stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that have particularly affected the market prices for the common stocks of technology companies. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the market price of the Company's Common Stock. In addition, it is possible that in a future fiscal quarter, the Company's results of operations will fail to meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors and, in such event, the market price of the Company's Common Stock would be materially adversely affected. For example, as a result of some of the factors discussed in "Potential Fluctuations in Operating Results" above, specifically, weaker than anticipated demand for its networking products, especially in Europe, and delays in its transitions to next generation, higher margin, networking products, in August 1998, MRV announced that it expected operating results in the third quarter of 1998 to be adversely affected. Following that announcement, the market price of the Company's Common Stock dropped substantially. Similarly, in February 1999 following its release of fourth quarter and 1998 financial results, the Company announced it did not expect revenues in the first quarter of 1999 to be as strong as revenues reported for the fourth quarter of 1998 and the market price of the Company's Common Stock again dropped significantly. See Item 5. Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters. Competition and Industry Consolidation. The markets for fiber optic components, and telecommunication and data networking products are intensely competitive and subject to frequent product introductions with improved price/performance characteristics, rapid technological change and the continual emergence of new industry standards. The Company competes and will continue to compete with numerous types of companies including companies which have been established for many years and have considerably greater financial, marketing, technical, human and other resources, as well as greater name recognition and a larger installed customer base, than the Company. This may give such competitors certain advantages, including the ability to negotiate lower prices on raw materials and components than those available to the Company. In addition, many of the Company's large competitors offer customers broader product lines which provide more comprehensive solutions than the Company currently offers. The Company expects that other companies will also enter markets in which the Company competes. Increased competition could result in significant price competition, reduced profit margins or loss of market share. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to compete successfully with existing or future competitors or that competitive pressures faced by the Company will not materially and adversely affect the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company. In particular, the Company expects that prices on many of its products will continue to decrease in the future and that the pace and magnitude of such price decreases may have an adverse impact on the results of operations or 5 6 financial condition of the Company. There has been a trend toward industry consolidation for several years. The Company expects this trend toward industry consolidation to continue as companies attempt to strengthen or hold their market positions in an evolving industry. The Company believes that industry consolidation may provide stronger competitors that are better able to compete. This could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. Management of Growth. The Company has grown rapidly in recent years, with revenues increasing from $39,202,000 for the year ended December 31, 1995, to $88,815,000 for the year ended December 31, 1996, $165,471,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, $264,075,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998, and $288,524,000 for the year ended December 31, 1999. The Company's recent growth, both internally and through the acquisitions it has made since January 1, 1995, has placed a significant strain on the Company's financial and management personnel and information systems and controls, and the Company must implement new and enhance existing financial and management information systems and controls and must add and train personnel to operate such systems effectively. While the strain placed on the Company's personnel and systems has not had a material adverse effect on the Company to date, there can be no assurance that a delay or failure to implement new and enhance existing systems and controls will not have such an effect in the future. The Company's recent growth through the acquisitions of the Fibronics Business and Xyplex discussed in "Risks Associated with Recent Acquisitions" below and its intention to continue to pursue its growth strategy through efforts to increase sales of existing and new products can be expected to place even greater pressure on the Company's existing personnel and compound the need for increased personnel, expanded information systems, and additional financial and administrative control procedures. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully manage expanding operations. On January 30, 1998, MRV completed the Xyplex Acquisition from Whittaker. Xyplex is a leading provider of access solutions between enterprise networks and WAN and/or Internet service providers ("ISPs"). The purchase price paid to Whittaker consisted of $35,000,000 in cash and three-year warrants to purchase up to 421,402 shares of Common Stock of the Company at an exercise price of $35 per share. During the year ended December 31, 1995, the period from January 1, 1996 through April 9, 1996 (the day Xyplex was acquired by Whittaker), the period from April 10, 1996 through October 31, 1996 and the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, Xyplex reported net revenues of $107,617,000, $28,100,000, $52,021,000, and $75,663,000, respectively, and net losses of $37,360,000, $2,269,000, $13,353,000 and $80,309,000, respectively. In connection with the Xyplex Acquisition, the Company incurred charges of $20,633,000 and $15,671,000 for purchased technology and restructuring during the year ended December 31, 1998. While the Xyplex Acquisition added 11 months of Xyplex' revenues to those of the Company, the charges resulting from the Xyplex Acquisition resulted in MRV incurring a net loss of $20,106,000 or $0.86 per share during the year ended December 31, 1998. MRV originally recorded charges of $30,571,000 related to research and development projects in progress at the time of the Xyplex Acquisition. Although MRV reported these charges and its first, second and third quarter results of 1998 in accordance with established accounting practice and valuations of Xyplex' purchased technology in progress provided by independent valuators, these valuations were reconsidered in light of more recent Securities and 6 7 Exchange Commission guidance regarding valuation methodology. Based on the new valuation methodology, MRV reduced the value of the purchased technology in progress related to the Xyplex Acquisition to $20,633,000 and increased the amount of goodwill by $9,938,000. This has resulted in additional charges during 1998 of $759,000 for amortization of intangibles, including goodwill, resulting from the Xyplex Acquisition and will result in additional charges of approximately $828,000 annually as these intangibles are amortized through January 2010. Recent actions and comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) have indicated that the Commission continues to review the current valuation methodology of purchased in-process research and development related to business combinations. The Commission has not notified MRV of any plans to review MRV's methodology for valuing purchased in-process research and development. The Company's action to reconsider that valuation of in process research and development related to the Xyplex Acquisition was voluntary. The Company believes it is in compliance with all of the rules and related guidance as they currently exist. However, there can be no assurance that the Commission, in the future, will not review MRV's accounting for the Xyplex Acquisition and seek to apply retroactively new guidance and change the amount of purchased in-process research and development expensed by the Company. This would result in an additional restatement of previously filed financial statements of the Company and could have a material adverse impact on financial results for periods subsequent to the acquisition. International Operations. International sales have become an increasingly important segment of the Company's operations, with the acquisitions of Galcom and Ace in 1995, the Fibronics Business in 1996 and Xyplex in 1998. Approximately 60%, 59% and 58%, respectively, of the Company's net revenues for the years ended December 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively, were from sales to customers in foreign countries. The Company has offices in, and conducts a significant portion of its operations in and from Israel. MRV is, therefore, directly influenced by the political and economic conditions affecting Israel. Any major hostilities involving Israel, the interruption or curtailment of trade between Israel and its trading partners or a substantial downturn in the economic or financial condition of Israel could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. Sales to foreign customers are subject to government controls and other risks associated with international sales, including difficulties in obtaining export licenses, fluctuations in currency exchange rates, inflation, political instability, trade restrictions and changes in duty rates. Although the Company has not experienced any material difficulties in this regard to date, there can be no assurance that it will not experience any such material difficulties in the future. The Company's sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars and to date its business has not been significantly affected by currency fluctuations or inflation. However, the Company conducts business in several different countries and thus fluctuations in currency exchange rates could cause the Company's products to become relatively more expensive in particular countries, leading to a reduction in sales in that country. In addition, inflation or fluctuations in currency exchange rates in such countries could increase the Company's expenses. The Single European Currency (Euro) was introduced on January 1, 1999 with complete transition to this new currency required by January 2002. The Company has made and expects to continue to make changes to its internal systems in order to accommodate doing business in the Euro. Any delays in the Company's ability to be Euro-compliant could have an adverse impact on the Company's results of operations or financial condition. To date, the Company has not hedged against currency exchange risks. In the future, the Company may engage in foreign currency denominated sales or pay material amounts of expenses in foreign currencies and, in such event, may experience gains and losses due to currency fluctuations. The Company's operating results could be adversely affected by such fluctuations or as a result of inflation in particular countries where material expenses are incurred. Moreover, the Company's operating results could also be adversely affected by seasonality of international sales, which are typically lower in Asia in the first calendar quarter and in Europe in the third calendar quarter. These international factors could have a material adverse effect on future sales of the Company's products to international end-users and, consequently, the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. Slowdown in Industry Growth Rates. The Company's success is dependent, in part, on the overall growth rate of the data networking and fiber optic industries and the growth of the Internet. In 1997 and 1998, industry growth was below historical rates according to industry reports. There can be no assurance that the data networking and fiber optic industries will continue to grow or that they will achieve higher growth rates. The Company's business, operating results or financial condition may be adversely affected by any decrease in industry growth rates. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company's results in any particular period will fall within the ranges for growth forecast by market researchers. 7 8 Dependence on Third Party Contract Manufacturers and Risks from Internal Manufacturing. The Company outsources the board-level assembly, test and quality control of material, components, subassemblies and systems relating to its data networking products to third party contract manufacturers. Though there are a large number of contract manufacturers which the Company can use for its outsourcing, it has elected to use a limited number of vendors for a significant portion of board assembly requirements in order to foster consistency in quality of the products. These independent third party manufacturers also provide these services to other companies. Risks associated with the use of independent manufacturers include unavailability of or delays in obtaining adequate supplies of products and reduced control of manufacturing quality and production costs. If the Company's contract manufacturers fail to deliver products in the future on a timely basis, or at all, it could be difficult for the Company to obtain adequate supplies of products from other sources in the near term. There can be no assurance that the Company's third party manufacturers will provide adequate supplies of quality products on a timely basis, or at all. While the Company could outsource with other vendors, a change in vendors may require significant lead time and may result in shipment delays and expenses. The inability to obtain such products on a timely basis, the loss of a vendor or a change in the terms and conditions of the outsourcing would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. The Company relies heavily on its own production capability for critical semiconductor lasers and light emitting diodes ("LEDs") used in its products. Because the Company manufactures these and other key components of its products at its own facility and such components are not readily available from other sources, any interruption of the Company's manufacturing process could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. Furthermore, the Company has a limited number of employees dedicated to the operation and maintenance of its wafer fabrication equipment, the loss of any of whom could result in the Company's inability to effectively operate and service such equipment. Wafer fabrication is sensitive to many factors, including variations and impurities in the raw materials, the fabrication process, performance of the manufacturing equipment, defects in the masks used to print circuits on the wafer and the level of contaminants in the manufacturing environment. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain acceptable production yields and avoid product shipment delays. In the event adequate production yields are not achieved, resulting in product shipment delays, the Company's business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. Risks Associated with Potential Future Acquisitions. An important element of management's strategy is to review acquisition prospects that would complement the Company's existing products, augment its market coverage and distribution ability or enhance its technological capabilities. For example, in February 2000, MRV announced plans to acquire FOCI for total consideration of approximately $263 million in cash and stock and the Company may acquire additional businesses, products or technologies in the future. The FOCI acquisition and future acquisitions by the Company could result in charges similar to those incurred in connection with the Fibronics Acquisition and the Xyplex Acquisition, dilutive issuances of equity securities, the incurrence of debt and contingent liabilities and amortization expenses related to goodwill and other intangible assets, any of which could materially adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Acquisitions entail numerous risks, including the assimilation of the acquired operations, technologies and products, diversion of management's attention to other business concerns, risks of entering markets in which the Company has no or limited prior experience, the potential loss of key employees of acquired organizations and difficulties in honoring commitments made to customers by management of the acquired entity prior to the acquisition. Prior to the Fibronics Acquisition, management had only limited experience in assimilating acquired organizations. There can be no assurance as to the ability of the Company to successfully integrate the products, technologies or personnel of any business that might be acquired in the future, and the failure of the Company to do so could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Investments in Affiliates. The Company has investments in affiliates which are accounted for according to the equity or cost methods as required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The market value of these investments may vary materially from the amounts shown as a result of business events specific to these entities or their competitors or market conditions. Actual or perceived changes in the market value of these investments could have a material impact on the share price of the Company and in addition could contribute significantly to volatility in the Company's share price. 8 9 Present Lack of Patent Protection; Dependence on Proprietary Technology. The Company holds no patents and only recently has filed two patent applications and a provisional patent application in the United States with respect to certain aspects of its technology. With the Xyplex Acquisition, MRV acquired five additional provisional patent applications filed by Xyplex on certain aspects of its technology. The Company currently relies on copyrights, trade secrets and unpatented proprietary know-how, which may be duplicated by others. The Company employs various methods, including confidentiality agreements with employees and suppliers, to protect its proprietary know-how. Such methods may not afford complete protection, however, and there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop such know-how or obtain access to it or independently develop technologies that are substantially equivalent or superior to the Company's technology. In the event that protective measures are not successful, the Company's business, operating results and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect the Company's proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. There can be no assurance that any patents will be issued as a result of the pending applications, including the provisional patent application, or any future patent applications, or, if issued, will provide the Company with meaningful protection from competition. In addition, there can be no assurance that any patents issued to the Company will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. The electronics industry has been characterized by extensive litigation regarding patents and other intellectual property rights, and companies in the electronics industry have employed intellectual property litigation to gain a competitive advantage. Since United States patent applications are presently maintained in secrecy until patents issue and since the publication of inventions in technical or patent literature tends to lag behind such patent application filings by several months, the Company cannot be certain that it was the first inventor of inventions covered by pending United States patent applications or that the Company is not infringing on the patents of others. Litigation may be necessary to enforce any patents that may be issued to the Company or other intellectual property rights of the Company, to protect the Company's trade secrets, to determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or to defend against claims of infringement. Such litigation could result in substantial costs and diversion of resources and could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations regardless of the final outcome of such litigation. In the event that any of the Company's products are found to infringe on the intellectual property rights of third parties, the Company would be required to seek a license with respect to such patented technology, or incur substantial costs to redesign the infringing products. There can be no assurance that any such license would be available on terms acceptable to the Company or at all, that any of the Company's products could be redesigned on an economical basis or at all, or that any such redesigned products would be competitive with the products of the Company's competitors. For a discussion of the intellectual property claims and litigation in which the Company is currently involved, see Item 3. Legal Proceedings. Dependence on Key Personnel. The Company is substantially dependent upon a number of key employees, including Dr. Shlomo Margalit, its Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Technical Officer and Noam Lotan, its President and Chief Executive Officer. The loss of the services of any one or more of these officers could have a material adverse effect on the Company. The Company has entered into employment agreements with each officer and is the beneficiary of key man life insurance policies in the amounts of $1,000,000 on the lives of both Dr. Margalit and Mr. Lotan. There can be no assurance that the proceeds from these policies will be sufficient to compensate the Company in the event of the death of any of these individuals, and the policies do not cover the Company in the event that any of them becomes disabled or is otherwise unable to render services to the Company. Attraction and Retention of Qualified Personnel. The Company's ability to develop, manufacture and market its products and its ability to compete with its current and future competitors depends, and will depend, in large part, on its ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the data networking and fiber optics industries is intense, and the Company will be required to compete for such personnel with companies having substantially greater financial and other resources than the Company. If the Company should be unable to attract and retain qualified personnel, the business of the Company could be materially adversely affected. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to attract and retain qualified personnel. Possible Issuance of Preferred Stock; Anti-takeover Provisions. The Company is authorized to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"). The Preferred Stock may be issued 9 10 in one or more series, the terms of which may be determined at the time of issuance by the Board of Directors without further action by stockholders. The terms of any such series of preferred stock may include voting rights (including the right to vote as a series on particular matters), preferences as to dividend, liquidation, conversion and redemption rights and sinking fund provisions. No preferred stock is currently outstanding. The issuance of any such preferred stock could materially adversely affect the rights of the holders of Common Stock, and therefore, reduce the value of the Common Stock. In particular, specific rights granted to future holders of Preferred Stock could be used to restrict the Company's ability to merge with, or sell its assets to, a third party, thereby preserving control of the Company by the present owners. Forward-looking Statements. This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Such forward-looking statements may be deemed to include the Company's plans to develop and offer new and enhanced networking and optical transmission products and its efforts to expand its customer base. Such forward-looking statements may also be deemed to include the Company's expectations concerning factors affecting the markets for its products, the growth in those markets in general, the timing of new product introductions by the Company and anticipated benefits from such product introductions or technological developments. Such forward-looking statements also may include the Company's expectations of benefits from the acquisition of Xyplex or its OEM or other arrangements with certain of its customers. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements for, among other things, the reasons detailed in the other sections of this "Risk Factors" portion of this Report. The forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this Report and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. INDUSTRY BACKGROUND As e-commerce and the Internet continue to proliferate, business enterprises are increasingly reliant on communications networks and software applications as critical strategic assets. Communications networks are being expanded to deliver new services and distribute mission critical computing applications such as customer network management, transaction processing, enterprise resource planning, large enterprise databases, and sophisticated on-line connections with vendors, and the increased use of traditional applications, such as e-mail, video conferencing, to suppliers, customers and employees. Bandwidth intensive applications that contain voice, video and graphics through intranets and extranets, and growth in business-to-business e-commerce and other on-line transactions are encumbering the optical networking and internet infrastructure. Due to the significant growth of network users who increasingly rely on secure access for higher speed and quality of communications networks, even small network delays can result in lost revenue, decreased employee productivity and customer dissatisfaction. As a result, businesses and network service providers are realizing the critical nature of network and application performance and the requirement for optical networking and fiber optic equipment that increases the capacity through high speed and more efficient transmission technologies. Optical networking and internet infrastructure systems enhance the carrier and network service provider networks by handling bandwidth and providing enhanced services. Fiber optic transmission components enhance the functionality of enterprise and residential access networks by enabling high-speed transmission of voice, video and data across fiber optic cable. Network service providers and carriers are reliant on higher value data centric network services and are accordingly rapidly deploying next generation solutions to accommodate the data service requirements Growth in the use and availability of wide area networks is being stimulated by many factors including the need to share information between centralized repositories and remote enterprise locations, to access and use the Internet for communications and marketing and to electronically access external resources used by the enterprise. Growth is also being fueled by the increasing availability of more cost-effective WAN services such as Frame Relay and Integrated Service Digital Network ("ISDN") making it more affordable for many organizations to set up a WAN or expand an existing one. The growth in the use and availability of the Internet coupled with increasing use, power, speed and complexity of metropolitan area networks ("MANs") and WANs has resulted in the increasing need for equipment that permits high speed connections throughout the infrastructure of the Internet. 10 11 OPTICAL NETWORKING AND INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE ENVIRONMENT The Internet has evolved into a network of hundreds of public and private networks interconnected using Internet Protocol ("IP"). International Data Corporation, an industry research firm, forecasts continued dramatic growth worldwide in the Internet and Internet traffic. As the Internet and e-commerce continue to explode, business enterprises are increasingly reliant on communications networks and software applications as strategic assets that are critical to business success. Communications networks are being expanded to deliver new services and distribute computing applications such as customer networks management, e-mail, video, conferencing, and Voice Over Internet Protocol ("VoIP") to suppliers, customers and employees. While consumers use the Internet for education and communication, business and service providers are realizing the critical nature of network and application performance. According to San Francisco-based market research firm RHK, network bandwidth will have to increase by more than 2000% between 1998 and 2002 to satisfy expected Internet and data traffic requirements. To meet the growth in the demand for high-speed data services, service providers are investing heavily to construct and upgrade the transmission foundation of the public network infrastructure worldwide. The public network infrastructure, which was originally built for voice traffic, is inadequate to handle data and must be rapidly upgraded. Current expenditures are spread across fiber deployment, dense wavelength division multiplexing ("DWDM") products, Synchronous Optical Network ("SONET") transmission equipment and more recently, intelligent optical networking solutions. Advances in emerging intelligent optical networking market should fundamentally change the architecture of the public network and create a host of new opportunities in infrastructure development, service delivery and applications. Intelligent optical networking offers a solution to public network scaling and high-speed service delivery. Intelligent optical networking will eventually deliver high speed data services provisioned over wavelengths and intelligent optical light paths. The flexibility and scalability of wave service is expected to offer service providers the ability to satisfy this demand for increased bandwidth while creating competitive differentiation in their service portfolio with "just-in-time" provisioning capability. FIBER OPTIC ENVIRONMENT Fiber optic cable can generally carry more information at less expense and with greater signal quality than copper wire. The higher the speed of transmission, the greater the capacity and the larger the span of the network, the more essential is fiber optic transmission. Fiber has long replaced copper as the preferred technology for long distance communications and major backbone telephony and data transmissions. Due to its advantages, fiber optic technology is also increasingly used to enhance performance and capacity within enterprise networks and access networks. As a result, the market for fiber optic products continues to grow both domestically and internationally. Demand for fiber optic transmission components is driven by four factors: (i) fiber applications have expanded beyond traditional telephony applications and are being deployed in enterprise network backbones to support high-speed data communications; (ii) within access networks, fiber is rapidly expanding downstream toward end-users as access networks deploy "Fiber-in-the-Loop" and fiber to the curb ("FTTC") architectures to support services such as fast Internet access and interactive video; (iii) the growth of cellular communications and PCs requires fiber to be deployed both within and between cells; and (iv) the usage of fiber in short distances increases the demand for components as more are used per mile of fiber. As the size, number and complexity of these fiber networks increases, management expects that the demand for fiber optic components will grow significantly. Fiber Optic Transmission in Data Communications. As higher speed connections are implemented in LAN/WAN systems, fiber optic transmission becomes an essential element in computer networks. For transmission speeds of 100 Mbps and higher, and transmission distances of 100 meters and longer, fiber optic transmission must be deployed. Virtually all high-speed transmission standards, such as Fiber Distributed Data Interface ("FDDI"), Asynchronous 11 12 Transfer Mode ("ATM"), Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, specify fiber optic media as the most practical technology for transmission. The steady rise in high-speed connections and the growth in the span of networks, including the need to connect remote workgroups, are driving the deployment of fiber optic cable throughout enterprise networks. Fiber Optic Transmission in Access Networks. To meet end users' increased demand for content, software and services, network operators must acquire additional bandwidth by either enhancing their existing networks or constructing new ones. Cable TV operators are increasingly seeking to provide general telecommunication services, high-speed Internet access and video-on-demand. As a result, they are now faced with the need to transmit "upstream," from customer premises to the cable TV operator and to send different signals to individual end-users. Similarly, local exchange carriers ("LECs") are implementing new technological standards, such as SONET and fiber-intensive architectures such as FTTC to enable high-speed Internet access and the delivery of cable TV and Internet services to the home. Management believes that deployment of and upgrades to these systems will increase the demand for the Company's fiber optic components that typically are better able to endure environmental factors, such as rain, snow, heat and wind, cost-effectively. In addition, cellular and PCS communications represent a fast emerging market for fiber optic networks, including their usage in the backbone and landline portion of wireless networks. PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY The Company's products fall into two groups (i) optical networking and internet infrastructure products, primarily subscribers' management, network element management, and physical layer, switching and routing management systems in fiber optic metropolitan networks and (ii) fiber optic components for the transmission of voice, video and data across enterprise, telecommunications and cable TV networks. The Company's advanced optical networking and Internet infrastructure solutions greatly enhance the functionality of of carrier and network service provider networks. The Company's fiber optic components incorporate proprietary technology, which delivers high performance under demanding environmental conditions. OPTICAL NETWORKING AND INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE PRODUCTS The Optical Networks family of products consist of multi-layer traffic management: at Layer 1 primarily with the Fiber Driver, at Layer 2 primarily with the OptiSwitch and at Layer 3 and above, with the OSR8000, Linux Router. The Company complements its optical networking and Internet infrastructure products with a family of optical transmission components and modules designed for transmission over fiber optic cable. These products enable the transmission of voice, data, and video across fiber and are also used in optical fiber test equipment. In-Reach. This product line manages Internet elements through secure remote monitoring of large service provider's sites. Fiber Driver. This line of products consists of high density, multi-media, multi-protocol, optical media converters and switches. The Fiber Driver family provides the interfaces between switches, hubs, routers and the fiber or copper plan to allow existing fiber to be used more efficiently, while providing network management across the entire LAN, WAN or metropolitan area network infrastructure. The Fiber Driver family maximizes the use of existing fiber by combining transmit and receive signals onto a single fiber strand freeing up the second strand in a fiber paid for additional data. Fiber Driver does this for all speeds of Ethernet as well as ATM, SONET, SDH ("Synchronous Digital Hierarchy"), a standard for synchronous data transmission on optical media and the international equivalent of SONET, and FDDI. In addition, the Fiber Driver family increases efficiency through a wave division multiplexing ("WDM") module. Fiber Optic Transceivers. These products consist of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet and converters fiber optic transceivers that enable campus or metropolitan deployment of Ethernet or Fast Ethernet networks through fiber optic interconnection of LANs to a distance of over 100 km, and multimode to single mode fiber for FDDI, ATM and SONET that extend the range of FDDI, ATM and SONET via fiber. Token Ring. These products consist of multimedia Token Ring hubs with fiber, coax, UTP and STP connectivity 12 13 which extends the distance between segments of Token Ring networks, and fiber optic transceivers with multimode and single mode fiber, which allow flexible implementation of IBM mid-range and mainframe terminal connectivity. Mid-range Connectivity. These products consist of Twinax Star panels, multiplexers and repeaters which allow flexible implementation of IBM mid-range and mainframe terminal connectivity. WAN Connectivity Solutions. The Company provides access solutions between LANs and WANs and ISPs. Principal network access and Internetworking products are summarized below. EdgeBlaster. EdgeBlaster is a multi-function WAN access router that combines industry-standard routing protocols with state-of-the-art access technologies to allow branch and enterprise offices to connect users, employees and remote offices using the latest digital techniques. EdgeBlaster advances WAN access convergence technology by integrating a full range of WAN protocols for Internet and intranet, digital modems, voice technologies and VPNs in a single unit, replacing multi-device solutions such as routers and Remote Access Services. Network 9000. Network 9000 enables the integration of routing, switching, access serving and media concentration technologies. Primarily used at the central site of corporate networks and at the edge of ISP networks, the Network 9000 supports any combination of Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI, ISDN, ATM, local and remote bridge/router connectivity. Network 3000. The Network 3000 family of branch office routers provides a modular, scalable solution geared toward accessing the corporate network and the Internet from remote offices. Any combination of Ethernet, ISDN, Frame Relay and asynchronous connections is available. RouteRunner is a low-cost ISDN router designed to meet the WAN needs of small offices, home offices and branch offices such as doctors' offices or sales offices. MAXserver. The MAXserver family of low-cost, scalable remote access server solutions enables terminals, PCs, modems, printers and other asynchronous devices to connect to the LAN and/or WAN. Ideal for supporting workgroups, the stackable MAXserver offers 8-40 ports (and up to 280 ports in the modular Network 9000 solution) to provide network access locally and remotely via dial-up services. A variety of protocols are supported including TCP/IP, IPX, and Appletalk. Security capabilities such as Kerberos, RADIUS, SecurID, password and dial-back are also offered. FIBER OPTIC COMPONENTS The Company offers a family of optical transmission components and modules designed for transmission over fiber optic cable. These products address transmission of voice, data and video across fiber and are also used in optical fiber test equipment. The Company's products include discrete components, such as laser diodes and LEDs and integrated components such as transmitters, receivers and transceivers. The Company's components are used in data networks, telecommunication transmission and access networks. Management believes that the Company is benefiting from three major demand trends in this area: first, the growth of the market, especially computer networking and the access networks, by both LECs and cable TV providers; second, the convergence of datacom and telecom; and third, as transmission speed and capacity grow, a larger portion of all network traffic is transmitted via fiber optic versus copper wires. Discrete Components. Discrete components include laser diodes and LEDs. Every fiber optic communication system utilizes semiconductor laser diodes or LEDs as its source of optical power. Laser diodes and LEDs are solid state semiconductor devices that efficiently convert electronic signals into pulses of light of high purity and brightness. The Company believes that its lasers and LEDs, which can carry data over distances in excess of 20 kilometers are among the most powerful in their wavelength range in terms of optical power coupled into single mode fiber. Integrated Components. The Company's integrated components include an LED and laser based 13 14 transmitter/receiver product line, designed for computer networking applications and data link products designed for SONET and ATM transmission standards. This product line consists of products compatible with single mode fiber optic cable, which is more suitable for long distance and high-speed transmission than multimode fiber optic cable. As most currently available data link modules are designed for multimode fiber optic cable, the Company has designed its products to be adaptable, providing for easy conversion from a multimode type data link to a single mode optical fiber. The Company recently began shipping a transmitter/receiver product incorporating WDM and two-way transmission over single fiber, thus increasing bandwidth and facilitating the deployment of FTTC in residential networks. Products for the Access Network. The Company offers a line of products that addresses the rapidly growing deployment of the access network. These products include fiber optic transmission by both LECs and cable TV providers to address the increasing demand for telephony, Internet access and interactive cable TV services. The following is a brief description of these products. FTTC: Telephone and High-speed Internet Access and Cable TV. The Company offers a bidirectional optical transmission and reception module for two-way simultaneous transmission of telephony and data over one fiber instead of the two fibers normally used to transmit and receive information. This product is integrated into a system currently deployed by Bell South and other LECs. The Company believes it is one of the few companies that offers subsystems for an FTTC solution that can be deployed economically within 500 feet of the subscriber. Because the final drop is within 500 feet of the subscriber, the physical characteristics of the drop cable (the "baseband" characteristics) permit signal transmission at rates up to 155 Mbps without requiring the addition of passband modulation electronics such as ISDN or xDSL. In addition, the Company's fiber solution requires only a single fiber (as opposed to separate upstream and downstream fibers). As a result, the Company believes that its fiber solution, in certain new network buildouts, such as in apartment complexes, can be currently deployed at a cost comparable to the cost of deploying a copper-based system. In addition, the Company believes that the lifetime cost of its fiber solution system will be significantly lower than copper-based systems due to the inherently lower maintenance requirements of fiber-based systems. The Company has developed WDM technology for its fiber solution that allows users to deliver simultaneous high-speed Internet access, analog and digital broadcast and interactive video services. This technology allows the delivery of high-speed Internet access using an Ethernet connection. Individual users connect to the Internet using broadly available traditional LAN connection devices such as an Ethernet network interface card. Access via the Company's fiber solution provides a reliable "always on" connection to the Internet with lower power requirements than other FTTC alternatives. Downstream Cable TV. The Company has recently engaged in new business opportunities for linear lasers and receivers for cable TV and believes its products are well positioned to serve this market. The Company further believes that the upgrade of existing cable networks and the deployment of fiber by the telephone companies to provide cable TV delivery services is expected to increase the demand for the Company's products. Return Path Laser Transmitters. The Company's return path laser transmitters send video, voice and data signals from the end user to the cable TV operator. For interactive applications such as cable modems and Fast Internet access, a cable network must have two-way optical transmitters and receivers in place before those services can be offered. Most of today's cable networks still have just a one-way downstream path. DFB Laser Module for Cable TV (Narrowcasting). The Company offers DFB laser modules with high power and stable analog transmission which enable cable TV operators to send different signals to individual end users, a capability known as narrowcasting. 14 15 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT All of the Company's research and development projects are geared toward technological advances with the goal of enabling the Company to introduce innovative products early to market. New networking and fiber optic components are constantly introduced to the market. This product introduction is driven by a combination of rapidly evolving technology and standards, as well as changing customer needs. MRV's research and product development strategy emphasizes continuing evaluation of emerging trends and technical challenges in order to identify new markets and product opportunities. The Company believes that its success is due in part to its ability to maintain sophisticated technology research programs while simultaneously focusing on practical applications to its customers' strategic needs. The following is a brief description of products under development. Red Sea product line. A growing number of Internet and application service providers as well as cable companies are rolling out new Internet network elements to provide lucrative services to a rapidly expanding subscriber base. Reliable, scaleable and customized subscriber management is therefore imperative for service provider customers. Recognizing this, MRV's Xyplex subsidiary is developing the Open Subscriber Management System. The Red Sea platform incorporates and integrates a number of technologies (IP Routing, ATM, RAS) and interfaces (DS1/DS3, OC-3, Digital Modems, Ethernet) that have been core competencies of Xyplex for many years. Feature sets of the Red Sea series encompass the termination of broadband traffic flowing from cable modem termination systems ("CMTS"), Digital Subscriber Line Aggregation Multiplexers ("DSLAM"), FTTC and Fiber to the Home Systems ("FTTH") and wireless systems. In Reach product line. In recent years, carrier central office facilities ("CO's") that were historically occupied by a single service provider are being occupied by an ever-expanding group of new service providers as a result of co-location agreements. Often such service providers demand new installations with many proprietary network elements and create a need for a solution that offers simple remote access, monitoring and control. Similar trends of expansion and consolidation are occurring with Cable TV and wireless providers. Each of these networks must have secure monitoring and management capabilities and these must be available to a large and diverse support force using different access methods. The Xyplex, NEBS compliant, In-Reach product line provides a customizable universal management platform, offering secure remote management for console access, alarm scan and distributions as well as environmental and power monitoring and control. Xyplex's comprehensive solutions offered in this product line are unmatched by the mostly smaller competitors who tend to focus in specific areas because of limited capabilities. OptiSwitch product line. A new generation of switching technology designed to provide fiber-rich solutions for service providers and carriers in large campus and metropolitan access networks, the OptiSwitch is designed to support applications such as FTTC, FTTH and even Fiber to the Desk. This product line consists of flexible chassis based layer 2 switches, plus a wide variety of high-performance fiber optic modules, with a relatively high port density. The OptiSwitch family of products include about 30 modules supporting Ethernet, fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, with a variety of fiber optic connectors. Advanced features include powerful optical transmission to support long distance transmission of over 100 km, wire speed performance to support a fully loaded configuration without degradation of speed, full network management and redundancy. Zuma Products. The Zuma Switch Router platform combines a high performing switch router engine with supercomputer processing power. The switch router engine provides 256 Gbps of wire speed bandwidth to support configurations of up to 126 Gigabit or 504 10/100Mb Ethernet ports. Zuma introduces a concept of network survivability with its intelligent fault tolerance and built-in redundancy. It is designed to meet customer requirements for traffic prioritization and bandwidth allocation with its ATM-like Quality of Service ("QoS") implementation and fine granularity of policy-based flow control. The supercomputing component consists of up to 64 high speed CPUs. A 256 Gbps system bus provides the necessary data transfer rates required for maximizing the multi-CPU performance. This processing power can be used to implement a wide range of standard and customized applications such as network-wide probing, subscriber and traffic management and high-end access device services. New products under development in the area of fiber optics include transmission products for cellular and personal communication systems which allow transmission over fiber optic cable between sites and also fiber optic components that will improve cable TV transmission and technologies that add intelligence and manageability to optical layers. 15 16 There can be no assurance that the technologies and applications under development by the Company will be successfully developed, or, if they are successfully developed, that they will be successfully marketed and sold to the Company's existing and potential customers. At December 31, 1999, the Company had 208 employees dedicated to research and product development. Research and development expenditures totaled approximately $13,093,000, $25,817,000, and $35,319,000 for years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. CUSTOMERS The Company has sold its products worldwide to over 500 diverse customers in a wide range of industries; primarily, data communications, telecommunications and cable. The Company anticipates that these customers will continue to purchase its products in the foreseeable future. No customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company's revenues in 1997, 1998 or 1999 Current customers include: OPTICAL NETWORKING & INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE COMPUTERS AND ELECTRONICS GOVERNMENT AGENCIES - AMP Incorporated - General Services Administration - Black Box Corporation - Ministry of Agriculture, Germany - Engel GmbH & Co. - Ministry of Justice, Netherlands - Fujitsu Ltd. (Japan) - Ministry of Social Security (Belgium) - Intel Corporation - MITI (Japan) - International Business Machines Corp. - South African Police - Newbridge Networks - US Coast Guard BANKING, FINANCE AND INSURANCE ISP, ASP & OTHER - Bankgarot Sweden - ADP - Chase Manhattan Bank - America OnLine - GE Capital - Eastman Kodak - HBOC - Sprint North Supply - Nationsbank - The Walt Disney Co. FIBER OPTIC COMPONENTS DATA COMMUNICATIONS TELECOMMUNICATIONS - Cabletron - Broadband Network Inc. - Cisco Systems, Inc. - Ciena - Alcatel - Marconi North America - Nortel Networks - Tellabs - Extreme Networks - Transcom VIDEO AND VOICE COMMUNICATIONS INSTRUMENTATION - Augat Communication Products Inc. - EXFO - C-COR - GN Nettest - General Instrument - Noyes Fiber Systems - Kathrein Werke - 3M - Texscan - Wandel & Goltermann MARKETING The Company markets and sells its products under the NBase Communications, MRV Communications, West Hills LAN Systems, Xyplex and Xyplex Networks brand names. Each product line has a dedicated sales and marketing organization. At December 31, 1999, the Company had 329 employees engaged in marketing and sales. The Company 16 17 employs various methods, such as public relations, advertising, and trade shows to build awareness of its products. Public relations activities are conducted both internally and through relationships with outside agencies. Major public relation activities are focused around new product introductions, corporate partnerships and other events of interest to the market. The Company supplements its public relations through media advertising programs and attendance at various trade shows throughout the year, both in the United States and internationally. The Company also establishes working relationships with trade analysts, testing facilities and high visibility corporate and government accounts. Since the results obtained by these organizations can often influence customers' purchase decisions, a positive response from these organizations regarding the Company's technology is important to product acceptance and purchase. Other activities include attendance at technology seminars, preparation of competitive analyses, sales training, publication of technical and educational articles, maintenance of a Web site and direct mailing of Company literature. The Company also believes that its participation in high-profile interactive projects such as Bell South's FTTC project significantly enhances its reputation and name recognition among existing and potential customers. SALES, SUPPORT AND DISTRIBUTION The Company continually seeks to augment and increase its distribution channels and sales force to accelerate its growth. Products are sold through the Company's direct sales force, VARs, systems integrators, distributors, manufacturer's representatives and OEM customers. The Company's sales and distribution divisions are organized along five primary lines: direct sales, OEM, domestic and international distributors, VARs and systems integrators and manufacturer's representatives; and domestic and international distributors. Direct Sales. The Company employs a worldwide direct sales force primarily to sell its products to large OEM accounts and to a lesser extent to end users of the Fibronics product line. MRV believes that a direct sales force can best serve large customers by allowing salespeople to develop strong, lasting relationships which can effectively meet the customers' needs. The direct sales staff is located across the United States, Europe and Israel. The acquisition of the Fibronics Business more than doubled the Company's sales force from the period immediately preceding the acquisition and the Xyplex Acquisition increased the total sales force again by over 70% from the period immediately preceding the acquisition. The largest portion of the increase from the Xyplex Acquisition was to the Company's domestic sales force which increased over 175% from the level existing immediately preceding the acquisition. Domestic and International Distributors. The Company works with both domestic and international distributors. Geographic exclusivity is normally not awarded unless the distributor has exceptional performance. Distributors must successfully complete the Company's training programs and provide system installation, technical support, sales support and follow-on service to local customers. Generally, distributors have agreements with a one year term subject to automatic renewal unless otherwise canceled by either party. In certain cases with major distributors, the agreements are terminable on 30 days' notice. The Company uses stocking distributors, which purchase the Company's product and stock it in their warehouse for immediate delivery, and non-stocking distributors, which purchase the Company's product after the receipt of an order. Internationally, the Company sells through approximately 80 distributors in Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Canada and Latin America. Value-Added Resellers and Systems Integrators. MRV uses a select group of VARs and system integrators in the U.S. which are generally selected for their ability to offer the Company's products in combination with related products and services, such as system design, integration and support. Such specialization allows the Company to penetrate targeted vertical markets such as telecommunications and cable TV. Generally, the Company uses a two-tier distribution system to reach a broader range of customers, however VARs may purchase the product directly from the Company if the volume warrants a direct relationship. Through the Xyplex Acquisition, the Company added a network of over 300 VARs to its distribution channel. The Company seeks to build dedication and loyalty from its resellers by offering special programs, the most recent providing its reseller base of companies dedicated marketing resources and an exclusive training and support program to help them grow their business. 17 18 Manufacturers' Representatives. To supplement the Company's direct sales efforts, manufacturer's representatives are assigned by territory in the United States and work exclusively on commission. Customer Support and Service. The Company is committed to providing strong technical support to its customers. MRV operates a customer service group, and provides support through its engineering group, sales staff, distributors, OEMs and VARs. Customer support personnel are currently located at the Company's offices in California, Massachusetts, Maryland, Germany, England, Italy and Israel. International Sales. International sales accounted for approximately 60%, 59% and 58% of the Company's net revenues in 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. MANUFACTURING The Company outsources the board-level assembly, test and quality control of its computer networking products to third party contract manufacturers, thereby allowing it to react quickly to market demand, to avoid the significant capital investment required to establish and maintain manufacturing and assembly facilities and to concentrate its resources on product design and development. Final assembly, burn-in, final testing and pack-out are performed by the Company and selected third-party contract manufacturers to maintain quality control. The Company's manufacturing team is experienced in advanced manufacturing and testing, in engineering, in ongoing reliability/quality assurance and in managing third party contract manufacturer's capacity, quality standards and manufacturing process. Risks associated with the use of independent manufacturers include unavailability of or delays in obtaining adequate supplies of products and reduced control of manufacturing quality and production costs. If the Company's contract manufacturers fail to deliver products in the future on a timely basis, or at all, it would be extremely difficult for the Company to obtain adequate supplies of products from other sources on short notice. There can be no assurance that the Company's third party manufacturers will provide adequate supplies of quality products on a timely basis, or at all. The Company could outsource with other vendors; however, such a change in vendors may require significant time and result in shipment delays and expenses. The inability to obtain such products on a timely basis, the loss of a particular vendor or a change in the terms and conditions of the outsourcing would have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. The Company relies extensively on its own production capability for critical semiconductor lasers and LEDs used in its products. The Company's optical transmission production process involves (i) a wafer processing facility for semiconductor laser diode and LED chip manufacturing under stringent and accurate procedures using state-of-the-art wafer fabrication technology, (ii) high precision electronic and mechanical assembly, and (iii) final assembly and testing. Relevant assembly processes include die attach, wirebond, substrate attachment and fiber coupling. The Company also conducts tests throughout its manufacturing process using commercially available and in-house built testing systems that incorporate proprietary procedures. The Company performs final product tests on all of its products prior to shipment to customers. Many of the key processes used in the Company's products are proprietary; and, therefore, many of the key components of the Company's products are designed and produced internally. Because the Company manufactures these and other key components of its products at its own facility and such components are not readily available from other sources, any interruption of the Company's manufacturing process could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. Furthermore, the Company has a limited number of employees dedicated to the operation and maintenance of its wafer fabrication equipment, the loss of any of whom could result in the Company's inability to effectively operate and service such equipment. Wafer fabrication is sensitive to a wide variety of factors, including variations and impurities in the raw materials, difficulties in the fabrication process and performance of the manufacturing equipment. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to maintain acceptable production yields and avoid product shipment delays. In the event adequate production yields are not achieved resulting in product shipment delays, the Company's business, operating results and financial condition could be materially adversely affected. The Company believes that it has sufficient manufacturing capacity for growth in the coming years. In addition, at various times there have been shortages of parts in the electronics industry, and certain critical components have been subject to limited allocations. Although shortages of parts and allocations have not had a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, there can be no assurance that any future shortages or allocations would not have such an effect. 18 19 The Company is subject to a variety of federal, state, and local governmental laws and regulations related to the storage, use, emission, discharge, and disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals used in the manufacturing process. There can be no assurance that environmental laws and regulations will not result in the need for additional capital equipment or other requirements. Further, such laws and regulations could restrict the Company's ability to expand its operations. Any failure by the Company to obtain required permits for, control of use of, or adequately restrict the discharge, emission or release of, hazardous substances under present or future laws and regulations could subject the Company to substantial liability or could cause its manufacturing operations to be suspended. Such liability or suspension of manufacturing operations could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results. To date, such laws and regulations have not had a material adverse effect on the Company's operating results. COMPETITION The communications equipment and component industry is intensely competitive. The Company competes directly with a number of established and emerging computer, communications and networking device companies. Direct competitors in optical networking and Internet infrastructure, Cisco Systems Inc., Lucent Technologies, Nortel Networks, and 3Com Corporation. Direct competitors in fiber optic components include AMP Incorporated, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard Company, Lucent Technologies Inc., Mitsubishi, NEC Electronics Inc., Ortel Corporation and Siemens Components, Inc. Many of the Company's competitors have significantly greater financial, technical, marketing, distribution and other resources and larger installed customer bases than MRV. Several of these competitors have recently introduced or announced their intentions to introduce new competitive products. Many of the larger companies with which the Company competes offer customers a broader product line which provides a more comprehensive networking solution than the Company's products. In addition to competitors competing with products that perform similar functions there are also several alternative network technologies. For example, in the local access market, the Company's products compete with telephone network technology known as "ADSL." In this technology, digital signals are transmitted through existing telephone lines from the central office to the home. The Company also expects that competitive pricing pressures could result in price declines for the Company's and its competitors' products. Such increased competition, if not accompanied by decreasing costs, could result in reduced margins and loss of market share which would materially and adversely affect the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. The communications industry has become increasingly concentrated in recent years as a result of consolidation. This consolidation is likely to permit the Company's competitors to devote significantly greater resources to the development and marketing of new competitive products and the marketing of existing competitive products to their larger installed bases. The Company expects that competition will increase substantially as a result of these and other industry consolidations and alliances, as well as the emergence of new competitors. PROPRIETARY RIGHTS To date, the Company has relied principally upon copyrights and trade secrets to protect its proprietary technology. The Company generally enters into confidentiality agreements with its employees and key suppliers and otherwise seeks to limit access to and distribution of the source code to its software and other proprietary information. There can be no assurance that such steps will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of the Company's technology or that a third party will not independently develop technology similar or superior to the Company's technology. The Company has recently filed two patent applications and a provisional patent application in the United States. With the Xyplex Acquisition, MRV acquired five additional provisional patent applications filed by Xyplex on certain aspects of its technology. There can be no assurance that patents will be issued with respect to the pending applications or that, if issued, such patents will be upheld as valid or will prevent the development of competitive products. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not permit the protection of the Company's proprietary rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. On December 27, 1996 Datapoint Corporation ("Datapoint") brought an action against NBase Communications, 19 20 Inc., a subsidiary of the Company ("NBase"), and others alleging infringement of two of Datapoint's patents. The other defendants include Dayna Communications, Inc., Sun Microsystems, Inc., Adaptec, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, Lantronix and SVEC America Computer Corporation. Intel and Cisco Systems, Inc. have also had actions brought against them by Datapoint with respect to the same two patents. The Company is cooperating with several of these companies in pursuit of common defenses and believes it has meritorious defenses to this action. If a conclusion unfavorable to the Company is reached, however, Datapoint's claim could materially and adversely affect the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company. The Company has received notices from third party alleging possible infringement of patents with respect to product features or manufacturing processes. Management believes such notices are common in the communications industry because of the large number of patents that have been filed on these subjects. The Company's policy is to discuss these notices with the senders in an effort to demonstrate that the Company's products and/or processes do not violate any patents. The Company is currently involved in such discussions with Lucent, Ortel, Rockwell and the Lemelson Foundation. The Company does not believe that any of its products or processes violates any of the patents asserted by these parties and the Company further believes that it has meritorious defenses if any legal action is taken by any of these parties. However if one or more of these parties was to assert a claim and gain a conclusion unfavorable to the Company such claims could materially and adversely affect the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company. In the future, litigation may be necessary to protect trade secrets and other intellectual property rights owned by the Company, to enforce any patents issued to the Company, to defend the Company against claimed infringement of the rights of others and to determine the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others. Any such litigation could be costly and a diversion of management's attention, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. An adverse determination in such litigation could further result in the loss of the Company's proprietary rights, subject the Company to significant liabilities, require the Company to seek licenses from third parties or prevent the Company from manufacturing or selling its products, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, operating results and financial condition. The Company typically has agreed to indemnify its customers and key suppliers for liability incurred in connection with the infringement of a third party's intellectual property rights. EMPLOYEES As of December 31, 1999, the Company had 996 full-time employees, including 5 executive officers, 368 in production, 329 in marketing and sales, 208 in research and development and 86 in general administration. None of the Company's employees are represented by a union or governed by a collective bargaining agreement, and the Company believes its relationship with its employees is good. 20 21 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company's principal administrative, sales and marketing, research and development and manufacturing facility is located in Chatsworth, California. The facility covers approximately 17,700 square feet and is leased from an unaffiliated third party at an annual base rent of approximately $150,000 through the end of the lease term in February 2004. In addition, the Company leases space in buildings near its primary facility in Chatsworth. One of these facilities, consisting of approximately 49,900 square feet is leased from an unaffiliated third party at an annual base rent of approximately $455,000 with a term expiring in July 2004. A second facility, consisting of approximately 20,950 square feet, is leased from an unaffiliated third party at an annual base rental of approximately $131,000 with a term expiring in January 2003. A third facility covers approximately 12,800 square feet and is leased from an unaffiliated third party at an annual base rent of approximately $102,500 through March 2002. Xyplex occupies a facility in Littleton, Massachusetts, consisting of approximately 101,000 square feet under a lease that expires in September 2003. Annual base rent under this lease is approximately $1,061,00 through September 2001 and $1,086,000 thereafter through expiration of the lease. Most of the square footage is used for manufacturing, engineering, and product development, while the remainder is used for sales, marketing, and other general and administrative support. The Company's administrative, sales and marketing, research and development and manufacturing operations in Israel are located in Yokneam, Israel in facilities that cover approximately 23,400 square feet, are leased for a total annual base rent of approximately $206,000 for a lease term expiring in January 2002. The Company also occupies space under a capital lease with an unaffiliated third party in Milan, Italy which it uses for sales offices and warehousing. Annual payments under the lease are approximately $220,000 and the lease expires in March 2004. The Company believes that its present facilities are sufficient to meet its current needs and that adequate additional space will be available for lease when required. 21 22 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On December 27, 1996, Datapoint brought an action against NBase and several other defendants in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York alleging infringement of two of Datapoint's patents related to LANs. More particularly Datapoint claims relate to allegedly improved LANs which interoperatively combine additional enhanced capability and/or which provide multiple different operational capabilities. In the same lawsuit, Datapoint alleges that other defendants including Dayna Communications, Inc., Sun Microsystems, Inc., Adaptec, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, Lantronix and SVEC America Computer Corporation have infringed the same two patents. The Company has been advised that several other companies, including Intel Corporation and Cisco Systems, Inc. have also had actions brought against them by Datapoint with respect to the same two patents. The action against NBase and its codefendants seeks, among other things, an injunction against the manufacture or sale of products which embody the inventions set forth in the two patents and single and treble damages for the alleged infringement. Datapoint's complaint also seeks to have the court determine that the named defendants shall serve as representatives of a defendant class of manufacturers, vendors and users of products allegedly infringing on Datapoint's claimed patents from which defendant class Datapoint seeks the same relief as from the individual defendants. In February 1999, the court entered judgment in favor of the defendants and plaintiff filed a notice of appeal. The Company is cooperating with several of the defendants in pursuit of common defenses and believes it has meritorious defenses to this action. If a conclusion unfavorable to the Company is reached, however, Datapoint's claim could materially affect the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company. The Company has received notices from third party alleging possible infringement of patents with respect to product features or manufacturing processes. Management believes such notices are common in the communications industry because of the large number of patents that have been filed on these subjects. The Company's policy is to discuss these notices with the senders in an effort to demonstrate that the Company's products and/or processes do not violate any patents. The Company is currently involved in such discussions with Lucent, Ortel, Rockwell and the Lemelson Foundation. The Company does not believe that any of its products or processes violates any of the patents asserted by these parties and the Company further believes that it has meritorious defenses if any legal action is taken by any of these parties. However if one or more of these parties was to assert a claim and gain a conclusion unfavorable to the Company such claims could materially and adversely affect the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company. 22 23 ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS On December 3, 1999, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") at which, among other things, the Company's entire board of directors was elected. The name of each director elected at the Annual Meeting, and the number of votes cast for and against (or withheld) were as follows: Number of Votes
Name For Against or Withheld ---- --- ------------------- Noam Lotan 21,309,155 27,960 Shlomo Margalit 21,309,155 27,960 Igal Shidlovsky 21,309,155 27,960 Guenter Jaensch 21,309,155 27,960 Baruch Fischer 21,309,155 27,960 Daniel Tsui: 21,309,155 27,960
The other matters voted upon at the meeting and the number of votes cast for, against or withheld, including abstentions and broker non-votes, as to each matter were as follows:
PROPOSAL FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN -------- ---------- --------- ------ To approve amendments to the Company's 1997 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan To increase by 600,000 shares the number of shares of Common Stock that can be optioned and sold under such Stock Option Plan 18,615,185 2,629,203 92,727 To ratify the selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent auditors for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1999 21,260,711 39,930 36,474
23 24 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company's Common Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market and has been included in the Nasdaq National Market since February 28, 1994 under the symbol "MRVC." The following table sets forth the high and low closing sale prices of the Common Stock for the periods indicated as reported by The Nasdaq National Market.
HIGH LOW --------- --------- 1998: First Quarter .......... $ 29.00 $ 21.13 Second Quarter ......... 28.38 19.38 Third Quarter .......... 24.00 5.06 Fourth Quarter ......... 9.06 5.13 1999: First Quarter .......... $ 9.88 $ 5.94 Second Quarter ......... 14.06 5.93 Third Quarter .......... 24.81 12.63 Fourth Quarter ......... 65.63 19.44
At March 20, 2000, the Company had 211 stockholders of record, as indicated on the records of the Company's transfer agent, who held, management believes, for approximately 14,010 beneficial holders. The Company has never declared or paid cash dividends on the Common Stock since its inception. The Company currently intends to retain all of its earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of its business and does not intend to pay any cash dividends to its stockholders in the foreseeable future. 24 25 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected statement of operations data for the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 1998 and 1999 are derived from the financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, as set forth in their report included elsewhere herein. The selected statement of operations data for the two years in the period ended December 31, 1996 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 were derived from audited financial statements of the Company not included herein. The following data should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in this Report. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Year ended December 31, ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- (In thousands, except per share amounts) Revenues, net ........................................... $ 39,202 $ 88,815 $ 165,471 $ 264,075 $ 288,524 Cost of goods sold ...................................... 22,608 51,478 94,709 162,284 197,442 Write-down of discontinued products ..................... -- -- -- 3,101 13,761 Research and development expenses ....................... 4,044 8,201 13,093 25,817 35,319 Selling, general and administrative expenses ............ 6,799 14,025 27,365 56,753 71,757 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Operating income (loss) before purchased technology in progress and restructuring costs ........................ 5,751 15,111 30,304 16,120 (29,755) Purchased technology in progress(1) ..................... 6,211 17,795 -- 20,633 -- Restructuring costs(1) .................................. 1,465 6,974 -- 15,671 -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Operating income (loss) ................................. (1,925) (9,658) 30,304 (20,184) (29,755) Other income (expense), net ............................. 654 153 2,744 6,819 4,822 Interest expense(2) ..................................... -- (4,357) (843) (2,480) (4,500) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Income (loss) before provision for income taxes, minority interests and extraordinary item ........................ (1,271) (13,862) 32,205 (15,845) (15,672) Provision (credit) for income taxes ..................... 2 (4,404) 9,474 5,707 (2,153) Minority interests ...................................... -- 196 146 1,345 (610) Gain on repurchase of convertible notes, net of tax ..... -- -- -- 2,791 -- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Net income (loss)(1) .................................... $ (1,273) $ (9,654) $ 22,585 $ (20,106) (12,909) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Net income (loss) per share - Basic(1) ................. $ (0.07) $ (0.49) $ 0.95 $ (0.76) (0.48) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Net income (loss) per share - Diluted(1) ............... $ (0.07) $ (0.49) $ 0.88 $ (0.76) (0.48) ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= Shares used in per share calculation - Basic ............ 18,377 19,739 23,670 26,532 26,960 Shares used in per share calculation - Diluted .......... 18,377 19,739 25,734 26,532 26,960
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
At December 31, ----------------------------------------------------------------- 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- (In thousands) Working capital ......................................... $ 22,019 $ 56,973 $ 111,559 $ 115,318 $ 106,425 Total assets ............................................ 33,307 96,943 236,236 320,192 314,533 Long-term debt, net of current portion ................. 271 18,892 2,853 94,317 94,409 Stockholders' equity .................................... 25,258 41,771 189,969 174,429 166,815
(1) Purchased technology in progress and restructuring charges were incurred as a result of acquisitions. Purchased technology in progress for the year ended December 31, 1995 was for research and development ("R&D") projects in progress at the time of acquisition of assets from Ace and Galcom. Restructuring costs during the year ended December 31, 1995 were associated with a plan adopted by the Company in 1995 calling for the merger of the newly acquired subsidiaries and the Company's LAN product division. The plan also called for the closure of some facilities, termination of redundant employees and cancellation of representation agreements. Purchased technology in progress for the year ended December 31, 1996 was in conjunction with the Fibronics Acquisition. Restructuring costs during the year ended December 31, 1996 were associated with a plan adopted by the Company on September 30, 1996 calling for the reduction of workforce, closing of certain facilities, retraining of certain employees and elimination of particular product lines due to this acquisition. Purchased technology in progress for the year ended December 31, 1998 was in conjunction with the Xyplex Acquisition. Restructuring costs during the year ended December 31, 1998 were associated with a plan adopted by the Company in March 1998 calling for the reduction of workforce, closing of certain facilities, elimination of particular product lines, settlement of distribution agreements and other costs. (2) Interest expenses for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 were in connection with the private placement of $30 million principal amount of Debentures, the proceeds from which the Company used to finance the cash portion of the Fibronics Acquisition. Interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 were connected with the private placement of $100 million principal amount of 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes. 25 26 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS This Report contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth in the following and elsewhere in this Report. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Report. GENERAL Since its inception in 1988, the Company has manufactured and marketed semiconductor optical transmission products for the fiber optics communications industry. In 1993, the Company expanded its product line to include products incorporating Ethernet switching technology that improved network throughput and enhanced efficiency of LANs and introduced its first switch marketed under the NBase trademark in the fourth quarter of 1993. During 1994, the Company expanded commercial shipments of its LAN switching products. In 1995, the Company augmented its networking products with the acquisitions of certain assets of Galcom and Ace, which resulted in charges of $6,211,000 and $1,465,000 for purchased technology in progress and restructuring, respectively. Net revenues from sales of networking products and semiconductor optical transmission products were approximately 76.1% and 23.9%, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 1997,approximately 81.5% and 18.5%, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 1998 and approximately 77.1% and 22.9%, respectively, during the year ended December 31, 1999. In September 1996, the Company completed the Fibronics Acquisition, acquiring assets related to Fibronics' computer networking and telecommunications businesses in Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Israel. The assets acquired include Fibronics' technology in progress and existing technology, its marketing channels, its GigaHub family of computer networking products and other rights. This acquisition also resulted in charges in the amount $17,795,000 and $6,974,000 for purchased technology in progress and restructuring, respectively. Through the restructuring of September 30, 1996, the Company expected to improve Fibronics' operations in, among others, the following key areas: (i) the elimination of unprofitable products and operations that appeared detrimental to overall profit margins; (ii) the reduction of payroll by eliminating redundant staff; (iii) the merger and relocation of research and development resources to place qualified individuals on the most appropriate projects; (iv) and the reduction of overhead costs by the closure of redundant facilities. The costs incurred to complete the research and development in process at the time of the Fibronics Acquisition have not had a material effect on MRV's research and development expenses as a percentage of net sales. These projects were completed as of 1997. In September 1996, the Company completed a private placement of an aggregate of $30,000,000 principal amount of 5% convertible subordinated debentures due August 6, 1999 (the "Debentures"). Proceeds from this private placement were used to purchase the Fibronics Business. The Debentures were convertible into Common Stock of the Company at any time at the option of the holders at a discount from the market price of the Common Stock at the time of conversion that decreased over the life of the Debentures until it reached a floor. The Company recorded a non-recurring, non-cash charge to its results of operations for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 related to the issuance of the Debentures in the amounts of $4,357,000 and $843,000, respectively. The outstanding principal and accrued interest on the Debentures were paid in full at April 4, 1997 through conversion into Common Stock. See "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below. On January 30, 1998, MRV completed the Xyplex Acquisition from Whittaker. The purchase price paid to Whittaker consisted of $35,000,000 in cash and 3-year warrants to purchase up to 421,402 shares of common stock of the Company at an exercise price of $35 per share. During the year ended December 31, 1995, the period from January 1, 26 27 1996 through April 9, 1996 (the day Xyplex was acquired by Whittaker), the period from April 10, 1996 through October 31, 1996 and the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, Xyplex reported net revenues of $107,617,000, $28,100,000, $52,021,000, and $75,663,000, respectively, and net losses of $37,360,000, $2,269,000, $13,353,000 and $80,309,000, respectively. In connection with the Xyplex Acquisition, the Company incurred charges of $20,633,000 and $15,671,000 for purchased technology and restructuring. MRV originally recorded charges of $30,571,000 related to research and development projects in progress at the time of the Xyplex Acquisition. Although MRV reported these charges and its first, second and third quarter results of 1998 in accordance with established accounting practice and valuations of Xyplex' purchased technology in progress provided by independent valuators, these valuations have been reconsidered in light of very recent Securities and Exchange Commission guidance regarding valuation methodology. Based on this new valuation methodology, MRV has reduced the value of the purchased technology in progress related to the Xyplex Acquisition to $20,633,000 and increased the amount of goodwill by $9,938,000. This has resulted in additional charges during 1998 of $759,000 for intangibles, including goodwill, resulting from the Xyplex Acquisition and will result in charges of approximately $828,000 annually as these intangibles are amortized through January 2010. Recent actions and comments from the Securities and Exchange Commission have indicated that the Commission is reviewing the current valuation methodology of purchased in-process research and development related to business combinations. Unlike the case of many other companies, the Commission has not notified MRV of any plans to review MRV's methodology for valuing purchased in-process research and development. The Company's action to reconsider that valuation of in process research and development related to the Xyplex Acquisition has been voluntary. The Company believes it is in compliance with all of the rules and related guidance as they currently exist. However, there can be no assurance that the Commission will not review MRV's accounting for the Xyplex Acquisition and seek to apply retroactively new guidance and further reduce the amount of purchased in-process research and development expensed by the Company. This would result in an additional restatement of previously filed financial statements of the Company and could have a material adverse impact on financial results for periods subsequent to the acquisition. The Company's international sales are not concentrated in any specific country. The estimated operating profit from international sales for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 were $18,113,000, $11,733,000 and $[ ] respectively. At December 31, 1997, 17.1% of the Company's assets were located in the Middle East. At December 31, 1998, and 1999, the Company's assets in the Middle East were not material. At December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 14.4%, 20.7% and [ ]%, respectively, of the Company's assets were located in the European Community. Except for such assets, there were no significant assets located in geographic regions outside of the U.S. at December 31, 1997, 1998 or 1999. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, statements of operations data of the Company expressed as a percentage of net revenues.
Year ended December 31, --------------------------- 1997 1998 1999 ----- ----- ----- Revenues, net ........................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Cost of goods sold ...................................... 57.2 62.6 68.4 Research and development expenses ....................... 7.9 9.8 12.2 Selling, general and administrative expenses ............ 16.5 21.5 24.9 ----- ----- -----
27 28 Operating income (loss) before purchased technology in progress and restructuring costs ...................... 18.3 6.1 (5.4) Purchased technology in progress ........................ -- 7.8 -- Restructuring costs ..................................... -- 5.9 -- ----- ----- ----- Operating income (loss) ................................. 18.3 (7.6) (5.5) Other income, net ....................................... 1.7 2.6 0.3 Interest expense related to convertible debentures/notes (0.5) (0.9) (1.6) ----- ----- ----- Income (loss) before provision for income taxes, minority interests and extraordinary item ...................... 19.5 (6.0) (3.5) Provision (credit) for income taxes ..................... 5.7 2.2 (0.7) Minority interests ...................................... (0.1) (0.5) (0.2) Gain on repurchase of convertible notes, net of tax ..... -- 1.1 -- ----- ----- ----- Net income (loss) ....................................... 13.6% (7.6)% (4.5)% ===== ===== =====
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 AND 1998 Revenues. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1999 were $288,524,000, compared to $264,075,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998, an increase of 9.3%. Revenues from sales of networking products and optical transmission products were 77.1% and 22.9%, respectively, of total revenues during the year ended December 31, 1999 as compared to 81.5% and 18.5%, respectively, of total revenues during the year ended December 31, 1998. Revenues increased as a result of greater marketing efforts and greater market acceptance of the Company's products, both domestically and internationally. International sales accounted for approximately 57.7% of revenues for year ended December 31, 1999, as compared to 59.3% of revenues for year ended December 31, 1998. Gross Profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1999 was $91,082,000 compared to $98,690,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998. Gross Profit as a percentage of revenues decreased from 37.4% during the year ended December 31, 1998 to 31.6% for the year ended December 31, 1999 as a result of the Company's decision to exit the LAN switching business. During the last two years the Company endured intense price competition from large competitors. The Company had planned to compensate for such price competition by introducing new lower cost products during 1998. The Company did begin shipping such products during the last quarter of 1998 however the commoditization of these products and the volume manufacturing advantages of larger competitors were too difficult for the Company to overcome. Therefore the Company decided to exit the LAN switching business and in connection with this decision recorded a charge of $13,761,000 primarily to write off inventory in connection with this decision. Research and Development. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, research and development expenses ("R&D") expenses were $35,319,000 and $25,817,000, respectively. R&D expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 9.8% of revenues during year ended December 31, 1998, to 12.2% of revenues for year ended December 31, 1999. This increase was primarily caused by additional development projects commenced during the year and associated personnel costs as well as increased expenses resulting from personnel added to existing projects. The Company intends to continue to invest in the research and development of new products. Management believes that the ability of the Company to develop and commercialize new products is a key competitive factor. Selling, General and Administrative. For the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses increased to $71,757,000 from $56,753,000. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A increased from 21.5% for the year ended December 31, 1998 to 24.9% for the year ended December 31, 1999. The increases in SG&A expense, both in dollar amounts and as a percentage of sales were due primarily to substantially increased marketing efforts as well as the addition of personnel and overhead costs in additional and expanded locations. Purchased Technology in Progress and Restructuring Costs. Purchased technology in progress for the year ended December 31, 1998 was $20,633,000. The purchased technology in 1998 was related to R&D projects of Xyplex in progress at 28 29 the time of the Xyplex Acquisition on January 30, 1998, which had not yet reached technological feasibility and for which the Company had no alternative future use. Restructuring costs during the year ended December 31, 1998 were $15,671,000. The restructuring costs in 1998 were associated with a plan adopted by the Company in March 1998 calling for the reduction of workforce, closing of certain facilities, elimination of particular product lines, settlement of distribution agreements and other costs. The restructuring costs incurred in first quarter of 1998 as a result of the Xyplex Acquisition was offset by a restructuring credit of $7,523,000 booked during the last quarter of 1998 in connection with Company's decision to consolidate the Xyplex and NBase organizations. This credit principally resulted from the renegotiation of Xyplex' lease in Littletown, Massachusetts and a reevaluation reducing the anticipated cost of discontinuing some of Xyplex' legacy products. The Company did not incur these charges or receive a similar credit in 1999. On June 26, 1998, the Company sold $100,000,000 principal amount of 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2003 (the "Notes") in a 144A private placement to qualified institutional investors at 100% of their principal amount, less a selling discount of 3% of the principal amount. In November 1998 the Company repurchased $10,000,000 face amount of these notes. The Company recorded a gain of $2,791,000, net of tax, when it repurchased the notes at a discount from par during the last quarter of 1998. The outstanding notes resulted in interest expense of $2,480,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998 and $4,500,000 for the year ended December 31, 1999. Net Loss. The Company reported a net loss of $12,909,000 for the year ended December 31, 1999. This compares to a net loss of $20,106,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998. Net income for the year ended December 31, 1999 would have been $852,000, excluding charges of $13,761,000 associated with the decision to exit the LAN switching business compared to net income $14,869,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998 excluding charges related to the Xyplex Acquisition of $20,633,000 for purchased technology in progress and $15,671,000 for restructuring and the $3,101,000 write-down of discontinued products and a $4,430,000 gain on the repurchase of the Notes during the fourth quarter of 1998. YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND 1997 Revenues. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 1998 were $264,075,000, compared to $165,471,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, an increase of 59.6%. Revenues from sales of networking products and optical transmission products were 81.5% and 18.5%, respectively, of total revenues during the year ended December 31, 1998 as compared to 76.1% and 23.9%, respectively, of total revenues during the year ended December 31, 1997. Revenues increased as a result of a larger sales force, greater marketing efforts and greater market acceptance of the Company's products, both domestically and internationally. The increase in sales of networking products during the year ended December 31, 1998 over 1997 was the result of an increased number of networking products available for sale and a larger sales, marketing and customer support organization to support such sales. International sales accounted for approximately 59.3% of revenues for year ended December 31, 1998, as compared to 59.8% of revenues for year ended December 31, 1997. Gross Profit; Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 1998 was $98,690,000 compared to $70,762,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997. The changes represented an increase of $27,928,000 or 39.5% for the year ended December 31, 1997. Gross Profit as a percentage of revenues decreased from 42.8% during the year ended December 31, 1997 to 37.4% for the year ended December 31, 1998 as a result of intense price competition from competitors. The Company had planned to compensate for such price competition by introducing new lower cost products during the latter half of 1998. However, while the Company did begin shipping such products during the last quarter of 1998, they were introduced too late in the year to make meaningful contributions to revenue. During the last quarter of 1998, the Company determined to discontinue some of its low-end networking products that were not sufficiently profitable and this resulted in a write-down of $3,101,000. Research and Development. For the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, R&D expenses were $25,817,000 and $13,093,000, respectively. R&D expenses as a percentage of revenues increased from 7.9% of revenues during year ended 29 30 December 31, 1997, to 9.8% of revenues for year ended December 31, 1998. This increase was primarily caused by additional developed projects commenced during the year and associated personnel costs as well as increased expenses resulting from personnel added to existing projects.. The Company intends to continue to invest in the research and development of new products. Management believes that the ability of the Company to develop and commercialize new products is a key competitive factor. Selling, General and Administrative. For the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, SG&A expenses increased to $56,753,000 from $27,365,000. As a percentage of revenues, SG&A increased from 16.5% for the year ended December 31, 1997 to 21.5% for the year ended December 31, 1998. The increases in SG&A expense, both in dollar amounts and as a percentage of sales were due primarily to substantially increased marketing efforts as well as the addition of personnel and overhead costs in additional and expanded locations. Purchased Technology in Progress and Restructuring Costs. Purchased technology in progress for the year ended December 31, 1998 was $20,633,000. The purchased technology in 1998 was related to R&D projects of Xyplex in progress at the time of the Xyplex Acquisition on January 30, 1998, which had not yet reached technological feasibility and for which the Company had no alternative future use. Restructuring costs during the year ended December 31, 1998 were $15,671,000. The restructuring costs in 1998 were associated with a plan adopted by the Company in March 1998 calling for the reduction of workforce, closing of certain facilities, elimination of particular product lines, settlement of distribution agreements and other costs. The restructuring costs incurred in first quarter of 1998 as a result of the Xyplex Acquisition was offset by a restructuring credit of $7,523,000 booked during the last quarter of 1998 in connection with Company's decision to consolidate the Xyplex and NBase organizations. This credit principally resulted from the renegotiation of Xyplex' lease in Littletown, Massachusetts and a reevaluation reducing the anticipated cost of discontinuing some of Xyplex' legacy products. The Company did not incur these charges or receive a similar credit in 1997. Interest Expense Related to Convertible Debt. In September 1996, the Company completed a private placement of $30,000,000 principal amount of convertible Debentures. The value of the fixed discount has been reflected in the Company's consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997 as additional interest expense and such fixed discount was accreted through the first possible conversion date of the respective issuance. These interest charges amounted to $843,000 from January 1 to April 4, 1997, when the Company paid the outstanding principal and accrued interest of the Debentures in full through conversion into Common Stock. On June 26, 1998, the Company sold $100,000,000 principal amount of 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2003 (the "Notes") in a 144A private placement to qualified institutional investors at 100% of their principal amount, less a selling discount of 3% of the principal amount. This resulted in interest expense of $2,480,000 for the year ended December 31, 1998. Gain on Repurchase of Notes. The Company recorded a gain of $2,791,000, net of tax, when it repurchased at a discount from par during the last quarter of 1998 $10,000,000 principal amount of the Notes. Net Income (Loss). The Company reported a net loss of $20,106,000 during the year ended December 31, 1998. Net income for the year ended December 31, 1998 would have been $14,869,000, excluding charges associated with the Xyplex Acquisition of $20,633,000 for purchased technology in progress and $15,671,000 for restructuring and the $3,101,000 write-down of discontinued products and a $4,430,000 gain on the repurchase of the Notes during the fourth quarter of 1998. This compares to net income of $22,585,000 the Company reported for the year ended December 31, 1997. SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth certain selected operating data for the quarters indicated. This information has been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company which in the opinion of management 30 31 contain all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of such information. These operating results are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period and results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter in the future.
(Amounts in thousands) 1997 1998 ----------------------------------------------------- ------------------------ Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Revenues, net .................... $ 35,564 $ 39,528 $ 41,979 $ 48,400 $ 60,826 $ 65,742 Gross profit ..................... 15,388 16,643 18,174 20,557 26,821 28,993 Operating income (loss) before purchased technology in progress and restructuring costs ........ 6,865 7,370 8,131 7,938 9,978 11,385 Operating income (loss) .......... 6,865 7,370 8,131 7,938 (33,849) 11,385 Net income (loss) ................ 4,343 5,209 5,922 7,111 (30,221) 8,528 (Amounts in thousands) 1998 1999 ------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------ Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Revenues, net .................... $ 62,624 $ 74,883 $ 70,116 $ 73,251 $ 71,254 $ 73,903 Gross profit ..................... 24,280 18,596 23,750 25,656 26,601 15,075 Operating income (loss) before purchased technology in progress and restructuring costs ........ 1,619 (6,862) (560) 1,192 1,593 (18,219) Operating income (loss) .......... 1,619 661 (560) 1,192 1,593 (18,219) Net income (loss) ................ 1,348 239 (909) 525 567 (13,092)
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES In September 1997, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 2,785,000 shares of Common Stock raising net proceeds of approximately $93,320,000 (the "1997 Public Offering"). In June 1998, the Company sold an aggregate $100,000,000 principal amount of 5% convertible subordinated notes due 2003 (the "Notes") in a private placement raising net proceeds of $96,423,000 (the "1998 Private Placement"). The Notes are convertible into Common Stock of the Company at a conversion price of $27.0475 per share (equivalent to a conversion rate of approximately 36.97 shares per $1,000 principal amount of notes), representing an initial conversion premium of 24%, for a total of approximately 3.7 million shares of Common Stock of the Company. The Notes have a five-year term and are not callable for the first three years. Interest on the Notes is at 5% per annum and is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, commencing on December 15, 1998. Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 1999 was $2,027,000. Net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 1999 was $6,225,000. The net cash provided by investing activities came primarily from the maturity or sale of U.S. Treasuries offset by purchases of U.S. Treasuries and property and equipment. Net cash provided by financing activities was $10,914,000 out of which $8,000,000 came from the exercise of warrants to purchase stock by Intel Corporation. Net cash used in operating activities for the year ended December 31, 1998 was $6,946,000. The funds were used primarily to pay down accounts payable and accrued expenses and for restructuring costs in connection with the Xyplex Acquisition. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 1998 was $84,164,000. Cash used in the Xyplex Acquisition and net purchases of United States treasury securities accounted for the majority of the cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 1998 and cash provided by the sale of investments to finance the Xyplex Acquisition accounted for most of the cash provided by investing activities for the same period. The sale of the Notes in the 1998 Private Placement accounted for substantially all of the $92,438,000 of cash provided by financing activities during the year ended December 31, 1998. Net cash used in operating activities for the years ended December 31, 1997 was $54,596,000. The funds were used primarily for increased inventories and receivables as a result of increased revenues. Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996 were $95,153,000 and $38,882,000, respectively. The cash provided by financing activities in 1997 came principally from the proceeds from the 1997 Public Offering, which were partially offset by the repurchase of the Common Stock from Elbit. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $87,454,000. The cash used in investing activities was primarily used to purchase investments in U.S. Government securities. Accounts receivable were $60,637,000 at December 31, 1999 as compared to $54,596,000 at December 31, 1998. The increase in accounts receivable was primarily attributable to the increase in overall sales. 31 32 Inventories were $35,392,000 at December 31, 1999 as compared to $47,467,000 at December 31, 1998. The decrease in inventories was primarily attributable to the writedown of LAN switching inventories as a result of the Company's decision to exit this business. Royalties are payable by the Company, as the successor to Galcom, Ace and Fibronics, to the Office of the Chief Scientist of Israel ("OCS") at rates of approximately 2% to 3% on proceeds from the sale of products arising from the research and development activities for which OCS has provided grants. The total amount of royalties may not exceed the amount of the grants. The Company does not expect that revenues from royalty bearing products will result in material royalty payment obligations in the future. EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES The Company believes that the relatively moderate rate of inflation in the United States over the past few years has not had a significant impact on the Company's sales or operating results or on the prices of raw materials. However, in view of the Company's recent expansion of operations in Israel which has experienced substantial inflation, there can be no assurance that inflation in Israel will not have a materially adverse effect on the Company's operating results in the future. The Company's sales are currently denominated in U.S. dollars and to date its business has not been significantly affected by currency fluctuations or inflation. However, the Company conducts business in several different countries and thus fluctuations in currency exchange rates could cause the Company's products to become relatively more expensive in particular countries, leading to a reduction in sales in that country. In addition, inflation or fluctuations in currency exchange rates in such countries could increase the Company's expenses. To date, the Company has not hedged against currency exchange risks. In the future, the Company may engage in foreign currency denominated sales or pay material amounts of expenses in foreign currencies and, in such event, may experience gains and losses due to currency fluctuations. The Company's operating results could be adversely affected by such fluctuations or as a result of inflation in particular countries where material expenses are incurred. POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS The Company does not provide post-retirement benefits affected by SFAS 106 "Employers' Accounting For Post-retirement Benefits Other Than pensions." RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In June 1998 and June 1999, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Investments and Hedging Activities," and SFAS No. 137, which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 133. The Company will adopt the statement in January 2001 and does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. YEAR 2000 Many computer programs, including some programs used by the Company, use only two digits to identify a year in the date field. These programs were designed without considering the impact of the change in the century. Prior to December 31, 1999 the Company completed a company-wide Year 2000 compliance program ("Y2K Program"). The Y2K Program addressed the issue of computer programs and embedded computer chips being unable to distinguish between the year 1900 and the year 2000. The Company incurred approximately $500,000 to implement its Y2K Program and believes that the Y2K Program was responsible for a successful transition without interruption in, or a failure of, normal business activities or operations at the turn of the century. 32 33 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The following financial statements are filed as part of this Report:
PAGE ---- Report of Independent Public Accountants ...................................... F-1 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1999 .................. F-2 Consolidated Statements of Operations for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 ............................. F-5 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Compensation Income for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 ............. F-7 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 ............................................ F-8 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements .................................... F-10
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Not applicable. 33 34 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To MRV Communications, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1999, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss) and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of MRV Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1999, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1999 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Los Angeles, California February 22, 2000 F-1 35 MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1998 and 1999
Assets (in thousands) 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,692 $ 34,330 Short-term investments 30,493 10,141 Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $8,487 in 1998 and $8,451 in 1999 54,596 60,637 Inventories 47,467 35,392 Refundable income taxes - 3,216 Deferred income tax asset 5,035 6,907 Other current assets 5,508 6,336 -------------- -------------- Total current assets 163,791 156,959 -------------- -------------- Property and Equipment, at cost: Building 3,814 3,814 Machinery and equipment 10,141 12,598 Furniture and fixtures 3,906 4,233 Computer hardware and software 9,169 12,913 Leasehold improvements 1,528 3,053 -------------- -------------- 28,558 36,611 Less - Accumulated depreciation and amortization (9,201) (17,011) -------------- -------------- 19,357 19,600 -------------- -------------- Other Assets: Investments 100,138 101,936 Deferred income tax asset 5,661 5,324 Intangibles and goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $3,405 in 1998 and $7,380 in 1999 26,666 27,214 Other 4,579 3,500 -------------- -------------- 137,044 137,974 -------------- -------------- $ 320,192 $ 314,533 ============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. F-2 36 MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1998 and 1999
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (in thousands) 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ Current Liabilities: Current portion of capital lease obligations $ 185 $ 198 Accounts payable 29,757 33,455 Accrued liabilities 13,606 15,403 Accrued restructuring cost 82 - Income taxes payable 445 - Deferred revenue 4,398 1,478 ------------- ------------- Total current liabilities 48,473 50,534 Long-Term Liabilities: Convertible notes 90,000 90,000 Capital lease obligations, net of current portion 1,400 1,481 Other long-term liabilities 2,917 2,928 ------------- ------------- Total long-term liabilities 94,317 94,409 ------------- ------------- Commitments and Contingencies (Note 9) Minority Interest 2,973 2,775 Stockholders' Equity: Preferred stock, $0.01 par value: Authorized - 1,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding - - Common stock, $0.0034 par value: Authorized - 80,000 shares Issued and outstanding - 26,639 shares in 1998 and 28,117 in 1999, respectively 88 124 Additional paid-in capital 180,656 191,440 Retained deficit (5,471) (18,377) Treasury stock, at cost (133) (133) Accumulated other comprehensive loss (711) (6,239) ------------- ------------- Total stockholders' equity 174,429 166,815 ------------- ------------- $ 320,192 $ 314,533 ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets. F-3 37 MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Consolidated Statements of Operations For the Three Years Ended December 31, 1999 (in thousands, except for per share data)
1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Revenues, net: $ 165,471 $ 264,075 $ 288,524 ------------- ------------- -------------- Costs and Expenses: Cost of goods sold 94,709 165,385 197,442 Research and development expenses 13,093 25,817 35,319 Selling, general and administrative expenses 27,365 56,753 71,757 Purchased technology in progress - 20,633 - Restructuring costs - 15,671 - ------------- ------------- -------------- 135,167 284,259 304,518 ------------- ------------- -------------- Operating income (loss) 30,304 (20,184) (15,994) ------------- ------------- -------------- Other Income (Expense): Interest expense related to convertible debentures and acquisition (843) - - Interest expense related to convertible notes - (2,480) (4,500) Minority interest (146) (1,345) 610 Interest income, net 2,744 6,819 4,822 ------------- ------------- -------------- 1,755 2,994 932 ------------- ------------- -------------- Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes and extraordinary item 32,059 (17,190) (15,062) Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes 9,474 5,707 (2,153) ------------- ------------- -------------- Income (Loss) before Extraordinary Item 22,585 (22,897) (12,909) ------------- ------------- -------------- Extraordinary Item-- Gain on repurchase of convertible notes, net of tax of $1,639 - 2,791 - ------------- ------------- -------------- Net Income (Loss) $ 22,585 $ (20,106) $ (12,909) ============= ============= ============== Earnings (Loss) per Common Share Information: Basic earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.95 $ (0.76) $ (0.48) Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.88 $ (0.76) $ (0.48) ============= ============= ============== Weighted Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding: Basic 23,670 26,532 26,960 Diluted 25,734 26,532 26,960 ============= ============= ==============
F-4 38 MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the Three Years Ended December 31, 1999
Common Stock Additional Retained Other --------------------- Paid-In Earnings Treasury Comprehensive Shares Amount Capital (Deficit) Stock Income (loss) Total --------- --------- ---------- --------- -------- ------------- --------- Balance, December 31, 1996 21,286 $ 70 $ 49,636 $ (7,950) $ -- $ 15 $ 41,771 Issuance of common stock in connection with public offering 2,785 9 93,311 -- -- -- 93,320 Issuance of common stock in connection with the acquisition of Fibronics Ltd. 275 1 6,299 -- -- -- 6,300 Return of shares held relating to Fibronics Ltd. (137) -- -- -- -- -- -- Conversion of debentures 1,013 4 17,737 -- -- -- 17,741 Exercise of stock warrants and options 1,138 4 8,464 -- -- -- 8,468 Interest expense related to convertible debentures and acquisition -- -- 427 -- -- -- 427 Comprehensive Income: Translation adjustments -- -- -- -- -- (643) (643) Net income -- -- -- 22,585 -- -- 22,585 --------- Comprehensive Income -- -- -- -- -- -- 21,942 --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance, December 31, 1997 26,360 88 175,874 14,635 -- (628) 189,969 Exercise of stock warrants and options 303 -- 1,510 -- -- -- 1,510 Issuance of warrants in connection with the acquisition of Xyplex -- -- 3,272 -- -- -- 3,272 Purchase of treasury stock (24) -- -- -- (133) -- (133) Comprehensive Income: Translation adjustments -- -- -- -- -- (83) (83) Net loss -- -- -- (20,106) -- -- (20,106) --------- Comprehensive loss -- -- -- -- -- -- (20,189) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance, December 31, 1998 26,639 88 180,656 (5,471) (133) (711) 174,429 Exercise of stock warrants and options 1,078 10 2,810 -- -- -- 2,820 Exercise of stock warrants by Intel Corporation 400 26 7,974 -- -- -- 8,000 Other -- -- -- 3 -- -- 3 Comprehensive Income: Translation adjustments -- -- -- -- -- (5,528) (5,528) Net loss -- -- -- (12,909) -- -- (12,909) --------- Comprehensive loss -- -- -- -- -- -- (18,437) --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- Balance, December 31, 1999 28,117 $ 124 $ 191,440 $ (18,377) $ (133) $ (6,239) $ 166,815 ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F-5 39 MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Three Years Ended December 31, 1999 (in thousands)
1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net income (loss) $ 22,585 $ (20,106) $ (12,909) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,439 7,902 12,501 Provision for losses on accounts receivable 1,951 2,591 1,414 Deferred income taxes 185 1,408 (1,302) Realized gain on investment (215) (2,535) - Purchased technology in progress - 20,633 - Extraordinary gain on repurchase of convertible notes - (2,791) - Interest related to convertible debentures and acquisition 843 - - Other 37 324 - Minority interests' share of income (loss) 146 1,345 (610) Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions: Accounts receivable (22,568) 12,263 (7,455) Inventories (21,867) 3,453 12,075 Other assets (2,824) 2,008 (519) Accounts payable 17,435 (19,505) 3,698 Accrued liabilities and restructuring (2,092) (7,438) 1,715 Income taxes payable 3,622 (7,006) (3,661) Customer deposits (1,207) - - Accrued severance pay (231) - - Deferred revenue - 508 (2,920) ------------- ------------- ------------ Net cash used in (provided by) operating activities (2,761) (6,946) 2,027 ------------- ------------- ------------
F-6 40
1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Purchases of property and equipment $ (1,207) $ (6,337) $ (8,053) Purchases of investments (148,948) (206,846) (19,242) Proceeds from sale of investments 67,990 173,714 38,293 Cash used in acquisitions, net of cash received (5,289) (44,695) (4,773) ------------- ------------- ------------ Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (87,454) (84,164) 6,225 ------------- ------------- ------------ Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net proceeds from issuance of common stock 99,638 1,510 10,820 Repurchase of common stock issued in connection with acquisition (4,230) - - Proceeds from issuance of convertible debentures - 96,423 - Principal payments on capital lease obligations (255) (62) 94 Repurchase of convertible notes - (5,300) - Purchase of treasury stock - (133) - ------------- ------------- ------------ Net cash provided by financing activities 95,153 92,438 10,914 ------------- ------------- ------------ Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents (151) (64) (5,528) Net Increase In Cash and Cash Equivalents 4,787 1,264 13,638 Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of year 14,641 19,428 20,692 ------------- ------------- ------------ Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of year $ 19,428 $ 20,692 $ 34,330 ============= ============= ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. F-7 41 MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 1999 1. Business MRV Communications, Inc. (the Company) is in the business of investing and managing growth companies in optical technology and Internet infrastructure. The Company's core operations design, manufacture, market and sell high speed network switching and fiber optic transmission systems which enhance the performance of existing data and telecommunications networks. The Company sells two groups of products: (1) computer networking products, primarily Ethernet local area network (LAN) switches, wide area network (WAN) and remote access devices, and (2) fiber optic components for the transmission of voice, video and data across enterprise telecommunications and cable TV networks. The Company's networking solutions enhance the functionality of LAN's and WAN's by reducing network congestion while allowing end users to preserve their investments in pre-existing networks and providing cost-effective migration paths to next generation technologies such as Gigabit Ethernet. The Company markets and sells its products both domestically and internationally. 2. Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, NBase Communications, Inc., NBase Communications, Ltd. (Nbase Ltd.), NBase Europe GmbH (Nbase Europe), NBase Fibronics, Ltd. (Fibronics), Netsoft Solutions, Ltd. (Netsoft), Turnkey, Kempton Communications, Nbase-Xyplex, its 80 percent-owned subsidiary, EDSLAN SRL (EDS), its 60 percent-owned subsidiary, Tecnonet and its 62.5 percent-owned subsidiary, RDS. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Foreign Currency Translation The financial statements of NBase Ltd. and Fibronics have been prepared in U.S. dollars as the currency of the primary economic environment in which the operations of these companies are conducted is the U.S. dollar. Thus, the functional currency of these companies is the U.S. dollar. Transactions and balances originally denominated in U.S. dollars are presented at their original amounts. Transactions and balances in other currencies are converted into U.S. dollars in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation," and are included in determining net income or loss. The financial statements of NBase Europe, Netsoft, Turnkey, Kempton Communications, EDS and RDS have been prepared in the companies' local currencies and have been translated into U.S. dollars. The functional currency for these companies is their local currency. F-8 42 Assets and liabilities are translated from the local currencies into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenues, expenses and cash flows are translated at weighted average exchange rates for the period to approximate translation at the exchange rates prevailing at the dates those elements are recognized in the financial statements. Translation adjustments resulting from the process of translating the local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars are included in determining comprehensive income(loss). Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Revenue Recognition The Company realizes revenue from sales of hardware products, from the sale of related software and from maintenance contracts. Revenue on product sales is recognized at the time of shipment. Revenue related to software and software maintenance contracts is recognized in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Statement of Position No. 97-2, "Software Revenue Recognition." Maintenance revenues for customer support are deferred and recognized ratably over the term of the maintenance period, generally one to three years. The Company warrants its products against defects in materials and workmanship for one to five year periods. The estimated cost of warranty obligations is recognized at the time of revenue recognition. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Concentration of Credit Risk The Company maintains cash balances and investments in highly qualified financial institutions. At various times such amounts are in excess of insured limits. F-9 43 Investments The Company accounts for its investments under the provisions of SFAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities." At December 31, 1998 and 1999, short and long-term investments consisted principally of U.S. Treasury notes. As defined by SFAS No. 115, the Company has classified its investments in these debt securities as "held-to-maturity" investments and all investments are recorded at their amortized cost basis, which approximated their fair value at December 31, 1998 and 1999. All short-term investments mature by December 2000. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and consist of material, labor and overhead. Inventories consisted of the following as of December 31, 1998 and 1999 (in thousands):
1998 1999 ------------ ------------ Raw materials $17,409 $ 8,475 Work-in-process 10,118 8,083 Finished goods 19,940 18,834 -------- -------- $47,467 $35,392 ======== ========
Software Development Costs In accordance with SFAS No. 86, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased, or Otherwise Marketed," development costs related to software products are expensed as incurred until the technological feasibility of the product has been established. Technological feasibility in the Company's circumstances occurs when a working model is completed. After technological feasibility is established, additional costs would be capitalized. The Company believes its process for developing software is essentially completed concurrent with the establishment of technological feasibility, and, accordingly, no software development costs have been capitalized to date. F-10 44 Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while significant replacements and betterments are capitalized. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Useful lives range from three to thirty-three years. Intangibles and Goodwill The intangibles and goodwill resulted from the Company's acquisitions between 1995 through 1999. It is amortized on a straight-line basis over 8 to 12 years. The Company continually evaluates the recoverability of goodwill by assessing whether the recorded value will be recovered through future expected operating results. Statements of Cash Flows Cash paid for income taxes was $5,473,000 in 1997, $9,945,000 in 1998 and $1,652,000 in 1999. Cash paid for interest was $214,000 in 1997, $2,569,000 in 1998 and $4,887,000 in 1999. In 1997, $17,325,000 of convertible debentures and $843,000 of interest were converted into approximately 1,013,000 shares of common stock. Also, the Company received $2,150,000 of tax benefits relating to the exercise of non-qualified stock options. These non-cash transactions are excluded from the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. Common Stock Splits On March 3, 2000, the Company announced a 2 for 1 stock split of its common stock to be effected on or around May 10, 2000. Share amounts set forth in these consolidated financial statements have not been retroactively restated to give effect to the stock split. F-11 45 Net Income (loss) per Common Share In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share." The following schedule summarizes the information used to compute earnings per common share (in thousands except per share data) for the three years ended December 31, 1999:
1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Income (loss) before extraordinary item $ 22,585 $ (22,897) $ (12,909) Extraordinary item-gain on repurchase of convertible notes, net of the tax (see Note 5) - 2,791 - ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income (loss) $ 22,585 $ (20,106) $ (12,909) ========== =========== =========== Weighted average number of common shares used to compute basic net income per common share 23,670 26,532 26,960 Dilutive effect of common share equivalents 2,064 - - ---------- ---------- ---------- Weighted average number of common shares used to compute diluted net income per common share 25,734 26,532 26,960 ========= ========== ========== Basic income (loss) per common share before extraordinary item 0.95 (0.86) (0.48) Diluted income (loss) per common share before extraordinary item 0.88 (0.86) (0.48) Effect of extraordinary item per basic common share - 0.11 - Effect of extraordinary item per diluted common share - 0.11 - Basic net income (loss) per common share 0.95 (0.76) (0.48) Diluted net income (loss) per common share 0.88 (0.76) (0.48)
F-12 46 Recently Issued Accounting Standards In June 1998 and June 1999 the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and SFAS No. 137, which delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 133. The Company will adopt the statement in January 2001 and does not expect the adoption of this statement to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with current year's presentation. 3. Acquisitions EDSLAN In May 1996, the Company purchased 50 percent of the outstanding stock of EDSLAN SRL, an Italian networking company. The purchase price paid by the Company was approximately $1,050,000. The purchase agreement provides for the Company to receive 80 percent of EDS' profits or losses from the date of acquisition. In June and November 1997, the Company purchased an additional 10 percent of the outstanding stock of EDSLAN SRL for approximately $500,000. In April 1999, the Company purchased an additional 10 percent of the stock of EDSLAN SRL for approximately $1,500,000. As of December 31, 1999, the Company receives 92% of EDS' profits or losses from the date of these investments. Tecnonet In January 1998, the Company purchased 50 percent of the outstanding stock of Tecnonet SRL, an Italian networking company. The purchase price paid by the Company was approximately $3,139,000. The agreement provides for the Company to receive 80 percent of Tecnonet's profits or losses from the date of acquisition. During 1999, the Company purchased an additional 10 percent of the outstanding stock of Tecnonet SRL for approximately $600,000. As of December 31, 1999, the Company receives 84% of Tecnonet's profits or losses from the date of these investments. F-13 47 Xyplex On January 30, 1998, the Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Whittaker Xyplex, Inc. (whose name the Company subsequently changed to Nbase-Xyplex), a subsidiary of the Whittaker Corporation engaged in the design and manufacture of computer networking products primarily for use in WAN. The purchase price was $35,000,000 in cash and three-year warrants to purchase up to 421,402 shares of the Company's common stock at $35 per share. RDS In January 1998, the Company acquired 50 percent of the outstanding stock of RDS, a Swedish networking company. The purchase price was $8,000,000 in cash. In April 1999, the Company purchased an additional 12.5 percent of the outstanding stock of RDS for approximately $2,428,000. All acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values, as follows (in thousands):
1998 ---------- Inventory $ 9,231 Accounts receivable 23,528 Property and equipment 9,274 Other assets 1,223 Current liabilities and debt (38,026) --------- Net assets acquired or liabilities assumed 5,230 Cash paid for legal, consulting and other costs (1,426) Accrued legal, consulting and others costs (574) Common stock issued to sellers (3,271) Cash paid to sellers (44,695) --------- Paid or accrued (49,966) Allocated to purchased technology in progress 20,633 --------- Goodwill $ 24,103 =========
4. Convertible Debentures In September 1996, the Company completed a private placement of $30,000,000 principal amount of convertible debentures, which bore interest at 5 percent per annum. The proceeds from the private placement were primarily used to finance the Company's 1996 acquisition of certain assets from Fibronics, Ltd. As of December 31, 1997, all debentures had been converted to common stock based on the conversion price at the date of conversion, as defined. F-14 48 As part of the private placement, the Company also issued to the holders three-year warrants to purchase an aggregate of up to 600,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $26.67 per share. In accordance with SFAS 123, the fair value of the warrants ($852,000) was recorded as an increase to stockholders' equity and amortized as additional interest expense over the life of the debentures. 5. Convertible Notes In June 1998, the Company completed a private placement of $100,000,000 principal amount five-year, convertible subordinated notes. The notes bear interest at five percent per year, payable semi-annually, and are convertible into common stock at any time after September 1998, at the option of the holders. The conversion rate is 36.972 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, equivalent to a conversion price of $27.0475 per share, an initial premium above market price. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances, including dividends payable in common stock, issuance of stock rights to all holders of common stock or stock splits or distributions to common stockholders in connection with a tender offer. If a change in control, as defined, occurs, the holders of the notes have the right to require the Company to repurchase the notes at face value together with interest accrued. The Company has the right, after June 2001, to redeem the notes at 102 percent of face value, and after June 2002 for 101 percent of face value. The notes are not entitled to the benefits of any sinking fund. In connection with the private placement, the Company incurred costs of $4,004,000. These costs are being amortized over five years, the life of the notes. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1999 was $360,000 and $681,000, respectively. In November 1998, the Company repurchased $10,000,000 of the notes for $5,300,000. The Company recorded an extraordinary gain of $2,791,000, net of tax, related to the repurchase of the notes. Included in this amount is the portion of the amortization of expense of the costs attributable to the repurchased notes. 6. Common Stock Purchase Warrants In connection with various public and private offerings of common stock and acquisitions the Company has issued warrants to purchase additional shares of common stock. F-15 49 A summary of warrant activities for 1997, 1998 and 1999 is as follows (number of shares in thousands):
Number Exercise Of Shares Prices --------- ---------------------- Balance, December 31, 1996 3,462 $0.27 to 26.65 Issued 10 32.50 Exercised (766) 1.67 to 14.25 Canceled (100) 20.00 -------- ---------------------- Balance, December 31, 1997 2,606 0.27 to 32.50 Issued 421 35.00 Exercised 66 4.25 to 5.60 Canceled (76) 8.42 -------- ---------------------- Balance, December 31, 1998 3,017 0.27 to 35.00 Issued - - Exercised 437 4.80 to 20.00 Canceled 778 0.27 to 26.75 -------- ---------------------- Balance, December 31, 1999 1,802 $4.25 to 35.00 ======== ======================
7. Purchased Technology in Progress and Restructuring Costs In connection with the Company's acquisitions (see Note 3), the Company acquired incomplete research and development (R&D) projects that will be included in the current R&D activities of the Company. For projects that will have no alternative future use to the Company and where technological feasibility had not yet been established, the Company allocated $20,633,000 to technology in progress and recorded the expense during the year ended December 31, 1998. The technology in progress acquired as part of the Xyplex transaction in 1998 was valued according to the "milestone" or percentage complete method. This method established a total estimated cost to complete the projects that constituted the purchased technology in progress. An estimate was then made as to the percentage of completion that had been achieved in these projects at the date of acquisition and this was applied to the overall estimated cost. The large majority of the value was assigned to the "Edgeblaster", a multifunction WAN access router designed to combine routing protocols with access technologies to allow branch and enterprise offices to connect users, employees and remote offices using digital techniques. The Edgeblaster was approximately 70 percent complete at the time of the acquisition and its completion depended upon successful development of digital signal processing technology required to enable it to compete with similar products in development by other companies. The development of the Edgeblaster has been substantially completed since the acquisition. Also in connection with the Company's acquisitions, during the year ended December 31, 1998, the Company recorded $15,671,000 as restructuring costs, which primarily related to the closing of facilities, a reduction of its workforce, elimination of product lines and the settlement of distribution agreements. The reduction of the workforce in 1998 related to 183 employees, of which eight were upper management personnel. F-16 50 8. Income Taxes Deferred income tax assets or liabilities are computed based on temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal income tax rate in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax expenses or credits are based on the changes in the deferred income tax assets or liabilities from period to period. The components of the net deferred income tax asset at December 31, 1998 and 1999 are as follows (in thousands):
1998 1999 ---------- ------- Allowance for bad debts $ 2,203 $ 2,548 Inventory reserve 1,512 3,811 Warranty reserve 992 1,072 State income taxes 400 - Other, net (72) (524) ----------- -------- Current portion 5,035 6,907 Purchased technology in progress 5,778 5,724 Depreciation (117) (490) ----------- -------- 5,661 5,234 ----------- -------- $ 10,696 $12,141 ========== ========
The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 (including provision of $1,639,000 related to the extraordinary gain in 1998) is as follows (in thousands):
1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Current Federal $ 7,635 $ 3,306 $ (2,139) State 828 1,093 (413) Foreign 1,356 3,324 1,701 -------------- ------------ ------------- 9,819 7,723 (851) -------------- ------------ ------------- Deferred Federal 157 (176) (1,487) State 28 (31) 45 Foreign (530) (170) 140 -------------- ------------ ------------- (345) (377) (1,302) -------------- ------------ ------------- Provision (benefit) for income taxes $ 9,474 $ 7,346 $ (2,153) ============== ============ =============
F-17 51 Differences between the provision (benefit) for income taxes and income taxes at the statutory federal income tax rate based on U.S. pre-tax income for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 are as follows (in thousands):
1997 1998 1999 -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- Amount Percent Amount Percent Amount Percent Income tax provision (benefit) at statutory federal rate $11,222 35.0% $ 6,017 35.0% $ (5,121) 34.0% State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax effect 1,924 6.0 1,031 6.0 (904) 6.0 Permanent differences 175 0.5 - - 2,222 14.8 Research and development credit (1,669) (5.2) (1,024) (6.0) (900) (6.0) Income tax on extraordinary gain - - 1,639 9.5 - - Foreign taxes at rates different than domestic rates, other (1,216) (3.8) (317) (1.8) 2,550 16.9 Change in valuation reserve (962) (3.0) - - - - ---------- ------- ---------- ------ ---------- ------- $ 9,474 29.6% $ 7,346 42.7% $ (2,153) (14.3)% ========== ======= ========== ====== ========== =======
In 1995, NBase Ltd. qualified for a program under which it will be eligible for a tax exemption on its income for a period of ten years from the beginning of the benefits period. This benefit is due to expire in 2006. NBase Ltd. received a tax benefit of approximately $300,000 in 1999. The Company does not provide United States federal income taxes on the undistributed earnings of its foreign operations. The Company's policy is to leave the income permanently invested in the country of origin. Such amounts will only be distributed to the United States to the extent any federal income tax can be fully offset by foreign tax credits. F-18 52 9. Commitments and Contingencies Lease Commitments The Company leases all of its facilities and certain equipment under noncancelable capital and operating lease agreements expiring in various years through 2000. The aggregate minimum annual lease payments under leases in effect on December 31, 1999 were as follows (in thousands):
Capital Operating Leases Leases ---------- ----------- 2000 $ 241 $ 3,793 2001 218 3,190 2002 212 2,725 2003 212 2,105 2004 163 502 Thereafter 156 - ---------- ----------- $ 1,202 $ 12,315 =========== Less - Amount representing interest (166) ---------- 1,036 Less - Current portion 221 ---------- $ 815 ==========
Rent expense under noncancelable operating lease agreements for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 was $706,000, $2,759,000, and $4,734,000, respectively. Royalty Commitment As part of the purchase agreements of the Israeli companies in 1996, the selling companies' commitments to pay royalties to the State of Israel were assigned to the Company. The commitments arose as a consequence of the participation of the Israeli Government in product development through the payment of grants. The royalties are payable at a rate of between 1.5 percent and 5.0 percent of the sales proceeds of the products developed up to 150 percent of the amount of the grants received. $314,000 was provided for in 1999 for royalties to be paid under these agreements. F-19 53 Accounts Receivable The Company (through foreign subsidiaries) has agreements with several financial institutions to sell its receivables with recourse; in the event of customer's default, the Company must repurchase the receivables. At December 31, 1999 the Company is contingently liable in the amount of $10,500,000 relating to such receivables sold with recourse. The Company believes that adequate provision has been made for losses on receivables with recourse. Litigation In December, 1996, Datapoint brought an action against Nbase Communications, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company ("Nbase") and several other defendants in the United States District Court, for the Eastern District of New York alleging infringement of two of Datapoint's patents related to LANs, more particularly to claimed improved LANs which interoperatively combine additional enhanced capability and/or which provide multiple different operational capabilities. In the same lawsuit, Datapoint alleges that other defendants including Dayna Communications, Inc., Sun Microsystems, Inc., Adaptec, Inc., International Business Machines Corporation, Lantronix and SVEC America Computer Corporation have infringed the same two patents. The Company has been advised that several other companies, including Intel Corporation and Cisco Systems, Inc., have also had actions brought against them by Datapoint with respect to the same two patents. The action against Nbase and its codefendants seeks, among other things, an injunction against the manufacture or sale of products which embody the inventions set forth in the two patents and single and treble damages for the alleged infringement. Datapoint's complaint also seeks to have the court determine that the named defendants shall serve as representatives of a defendant class of manufacturers, vendors and users of products allegedly infringing on Datapoint's claimed patents from which defendant class Datapoint seeks the same relief as from the individual defendants. In February 1999, the court entered judgement in favor of the defendants and Datapoint filed a notice of appeal. The Company is cooperating with several of the defendants in pursuit of common defenses and believes the claim is without merit. If a conclusion unfavorable to the Company is reached, however, Datapoint's claim could materially affect the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company. The Company has received notices from third party alleging possible infringement of patents with respect to product features or manufacturing processes. Management believes such notices are common in the communications industry because of the large number of patents that have been filed on these subjects. The Company's policy is to discuss these notices with the senders in an effort to demonstrate that the Company's products and/or processes do not violate any patents. The Company is currently involved in such discussions with Lucent, Ortel, Rockwell and the Lemelson Foundation. The Company does not believe that any of its products or processes violates any of the patents asserted by these parties and the Company further believes that it has meritorious defenses if any legal action is taken by any of these parties. However if one or more of these parties was to assert a claim and gain a conclusion unfavorable to the Company such claims could materially and adversely affect the business, operating results and financial condition of the Company. 10. Stock-Based Compensation Plans The Company's stock option plans (a 1992 and 1997 Plan) provide for the granting of options to purchase up to 2,950,000 shares of common stock, consisting of both incentive stock options and non-qualified options. Incentive stock options are issuable only to employees of the Company. Non-qualified stock options may be issued to non-employee directors, consultants and others, as well as to employees. The exercise price of all stock options granted under the Plans have been at least equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant. The options generally vest over three to five years and expire ten years from the grant date. F-20 54 The Company has two other outstanding option and warrant programs: (1) its 1998 Non-statutory Stock Option Plan provides for the granting of options to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of common stock to non-employees who perform consulting or advisory services, as well as to employees of the Company. The exercise price of all stock options granted must be at least equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. The options vest over a two year period and expire five years from the grant date, and (2) its Foreign Employee Warrant Programs which provide for the granting of warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of common stock to employees of its foreign subsidiaries, at fair market value. The warrants vest over a five year period and expire six years from the grant date. Directors and officers of the Company are not eligible to participate in either of these plans. Stock option information with respect to the Company's stock option and warrant plans is as follows:
1997 1998 1999 ----------------------- --------------------- --------------------- Wtd. Avg. Wtd. Avg. Wtd. Avg. Shares Ex. Price Shares Ex. Price Shares Ex. Price ------ --------- ------ --------- ------ --------- Outstanding at beginning of year 1,475 $ 6.02 1,208 $ 8.77 2,041 $ 4.98 Granted 110 19.45 1,000 18.47 561 18.42 Exercised (372) 4.86 (118) 4.51 (372) 4.62 Forfeited (5) 4.86 (49) 11.09 (240) 5.25 Cancelled in repricing - - (1,498) 17.86 - - Granted in repricing - - 1,498 5.25 - - Outstanding at end of year 1,208 $ 8.77 2,041 $ 4.98 1,990 $ 8.71
Information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 1999 is summarized as follows:
Number Weighted Average Number Outstanding Remaining Exercisable at Exercise Price 1999 Contract Life 1999 --------------- ------------- ----------------- --------------- $ 3.63 - $5.25 1,932 7.29 Years 1,880 $ 5.50 - $5.88 571 9.09 Years 159 $ 35.25 240 9.95 Years - -------- ------- 2,743 2,039 ======== ========
F-21 55 The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," under which no compensation cost has been recognized. If the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the fair value at the date of grant for awards in 1999, 1998 and 1997, consistent with the provisions of SFAS No. 123, net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share would have been reduced to the following pro forma amounts (amounts are in thousands, except per share data):
1997 1998 1999 ------ ------ ------ Additional compensation expense $ 2,488 $ 1,835 $ 2,888 Pro forma net income (loss) $ 20,943 $ (21,317) $ (14,642) Pro forma basic net income (loss) per share $ 0.88 $ (0.80) $ (0.54) Pro forma diluted net income (loss) per share $ 0.81 $ (0.80) $ (0.54)
The pro forma effect on net income (loss) for fiscal years 1997, 1998 and 1999 may not be representative of the pro forma effect on net income (loss) in future years because the SFAS No. 123 method of accounting for pro forma compensation expense has not been applied to options granted prior to December 31, 1995. The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully transferable. Option valuation models also require the input of highly subjective assumptions such as expected option life and expected stock price volatility. The following assumptions were applied: (i) no expected dividend yield for all periods, (ii) expected volatility ranging from 22 percent to 162 percent, (iii) expected lives of 4 to 6 years for all years, (iv) and risk-free interest rates ranging from 4.23 percent to 6.73 percent for all years. Because the Company's employee stock-based compensation plans have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the Company believes that the existing option valuation models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of awards from those plans. 11. Segment Reporting and Geographic Information The Company designs, manufactures and sells computer networking products and fiber optic components and modules. Each of these is a business segment with its respective financial performance detailed in this report. Computer networking consists of Ethernet LAN routing switches and WAN and remote access devices. These products are sold to end user customers, distributors and value added resellers. Fiber optic components and modules include discrete components such as lazer diodes and light emitting diodes and integrated components such as transmitters, receivers and transceivers. These products are sold primarily to original-equipment manufactures and through distributors. Business Segment Net Revenues (in thousands):
1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Computer Networking $125,968 $215,230 $222,415 Fiber Optic Components and Modules 39,503 48,845 66,109 ------------ ------------ ------------ Total revenues $165,471 $264,075 $288,524 ============ ============ ============
Intersegment Sales from Fiber Optic Components and Modules to Computer Networking were $4,561,000, $6,152,000 and $4,161,000 in 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. F-22 56 Business segment profit (loss) (in thousands):
1997 1998 1999 -------- ---------- ---------- Operating income (loss): Computer Networking $ 23,070 $ (23,739) $ (24,998) Fiber Optic Components and Modules 7,234 3,555 9,004 Other income (expense): Interest expense related to convertible debentures and acquisition (843) - Interest expense related to convertible notes - (2,480) (4,500) Interest income, net 2,744 6,819 4,822 Other (146) (1,345) 610 Extraordinary item, gross - 4,430 - -------- --------- --------- Income (loss) before income taxes $ 32,059 $ (12,760) $ (15,062) ======== ========= ========= Business segment assets (in thousands): 1997 1998 1999 -------- ---------- ---------- Computer Networking $113,638 $ 170,758 $ 173,871 Fiber Optic Components and Modules 17,229 16,871 25,526 Other 105,369 132,563 115,136 -------- --------- --------- Total $236,236 $ 320,192 $ 314,533 ======== ========= ========= Business segment assets (in thousands): 1997 1998 1999 -------- ---------- ---------- Depreciation Computer Networking $ 928 $ 3,994 $ 6,719 Fiber Optic Components and Modules 225 443 1,091 --------- --------- --------- Total $ 1,153 $ 4,437 $ 7,810 ========= ========= =========
F-23 57
1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ Additions Computer Networking $ 623 $ 5,481 $ 5,815 Fiber Optic Components and Modules 584 856 2,238 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total $ 1,207 $ 6,337 $ 8,053 ========== ========== ========== Geographic Area Net Trade Revenue (attributed to regions based on location of customer), (in thousands): 1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ United States $ 66,562 $ 107,376 $ 122,054 European Community 68,719 118,881 129,994 Middle East 5,178 5,634 4,166 Pacific Rim 21,607 24,892 28,921 All Other Areas 3,405 7,292 3,389 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total $ 165,471 $ 264,075 $ 288,524 ========== ========== ========== Geographic Area Property, Plant and Equipment (in thousands): 1997 1998 1999 ------------ ------------ ------------ United States $ 2,437 $ 11,035 $ 10,756 European Community 3,869 5,930 5,470 Middle East 1,877 2,392 3,374 ---------- ---------- --------- Total $ 8,183 $ 19,357 $ 19,600 ========== ========== ========= Operating Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Other Income (Expense), Provision (Benefit) for Income Taxes and Extraordinary Item (in thousands): U. S. Non-U.S. Total --------------- ------------ ------------- 1997 $ 21,915 $ 8,389 $ 30,304 1998 $ (28,280) $ 8,096 $ (20,184) 1999 $ (5,781) $ (10,213) $ (15,994)
No customer accounted for more than ten percent of revenues in 1997, 1998 or 1999. F-24 58 12. 401(k) Plans The Company has 401(k) savings plans (the Plans) at certain subsidiaries under which all eligible employees may participate. The Plans call for the Company to make matching contributions to all eligible employees. In 1998 and 1999, approximately $154,000 and $679,000, respectively, was charged to operations related to these plans. 13. Subsequent Event On February 22, 2000, the Company announced that it will no longer support products in their LAN business. In connection with this decision, the Company recorded one-time charges of approximately $13,761,000 primarily related to the write-down of inventories which are included in cost of sales in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. On February 21, 2000, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the outstanding stock of Fiber Optic Communications Inc. (FOCI), Headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan. FOCI designs, develops, manufactures, and markets Fiber Optic components and related products. The purchase price to be paid to acquire FOCI will consist of approximately $50,000,000 in cash and approximately 2.4 million shares of the Company's common stock. F-25 59 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The current executive officers and directors of the Company are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION ---- --- -------- Noam Lotan(1) 48 President, Chief Executive Officer and Director Shlomo Margalit(1) 58 Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Technical Officer and Secretary Edmund Glazer 40 Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer Khalid (Ken) Ahmad 47 Vice President of Marketing and Sales Ofer Iny 32 Vice President of Engineering Igal Shidlovsky(2)(3) 63 Director Guenter Jaensch(2)(3) 60 Director Daniel Tsui 60 Director Baruch Fischer 49 Director
(1) Member of the Executive Committee. (2) Member of the Compensation Committee. (3) Member of the Audit Committee. Noam Lotan has been the President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company since May 1990 and became Chief Financial Officer of the Company in October 1993, in which position he served until June 1995. From March 1987 to January 1990, Mr. Lotan served as Managing Director of Fibronics (UK) Ltd., the United Kingdom subsidiary of Fibronics International Inc. ("Fibronics"), a manufacturer of fiber optic communication networks. The Company purchased the Fibronics Business in September 1996. From January 1985 to March 1987, Mr. Lotan served as a Director of European Operations for Fibronics. Prior to such time, Mr. Lotan held a variety of sales and marketing positions with Fibronics and Hewlett-Packard. Mr. Lotan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, and a Masters degree in Business Administration from INSEAD (the European Institute of Business Administration, Fontainebleau, France). Dr. Shlomo Margalit, a co-founder of the Company, has been Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Technical Officer since the Company's inception in July 1988. From May 1985 to July 1988, Dr. Margalit served as a founder and Vice President of Research and Development for LaserCom, Inc. ("LaserCom"), a manufacturer of semiconductor lasers. From 1982 to 1985, Dr. Margalit served as a Senior Research Associate at the California Institute of Technology ("Caltech"), and from 1976 to 1982, as a Visiting Associate at Caltech. From 1972 to 1982, Dr. Margalit served as a faculty member and Associate Professor at the Technion. During his tenure at the Technion, Dr. Margalit was awarded the "Israel Defense" prize for his work in developing infrared detectors for heat guided missiles and the David Ben Aharon Award for Novel Applied Research. Dr. Margalit holds a Bachelor of Science degree, a Masters degree and a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Technion. Edmund Glazer was appointed Vice President of Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer in June 1995. He has been with the Company since October 1994 serving as Operations Manager. In 1993 and 1994, Mr. Glazer served as a consultant providing document imaging and information systems to clients. From 1986 to 1993, Mr. Glazer served as Vice President of Finance at Concord Electrical Supply, a distributor of electrical and electronic products. From 1984 to 1986, Mr. Glazer worked as a certified public accountant at the accounting firm of Singer, Lewak Greenbaum & Goldstein. From 1981 to 1984, Mr. Glazer worked as an auditor at the accounting firm of Weber, Lipshie 60 & Co. In 1983, Mr. Glazer qualified as a Certified Public Accountant from the State of California. Mr. Glazer holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Khalid (Ken) Ahmad has been employed as Vice President of Marketing and Sales since July 1990 and an Executive Officer since May 1992. From April 1990 to July 1990, Mr. Ahmad served as a consultant to the Company. From January 1990 to March 1990, Mr. Ahmad served as a consultant to Welwyn Microcircuits, a British manufacturer, providing market research information on fiber optic technology. From October 1988 to November 1989, Mr. Ahmad served as marketing manager and regional sales manager for STC Components, a manufacturer of optical transmission components. From 1985 to 1988, he served as marketing operations manager for PCO, Inc., a manufacturer of optical transmission devices and data links. From 1977 to 1985, Mr. Ahmad also held a variety of marketing and sales management positions with Canoga Data Systems, a data communications equipment manufacturer, and Deutsch Company, an aerospace manufacturer. Mr. Ahmad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from California State University at San Bernardino. Ofer Iny has been Vice President of Engineering of the Company since May 1994. From January 1993 to May 1994, he served as a consultant to the Company. From September 1991 to January 1993, Mr. Iny was a researcher at Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Microgravity and Microwave Group. From May 1990 to March 1992, Mr. Iny held the position of Senior Engineer at Whittaker Electronic Systems, a manufacturer. Mr. Iny holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from California State University, Northridge, and a Masters degree in Physics from University of California, Los Angeles ("UCLA"). Dr. Igal Shidlovsky became a Director of the Company in May 1997. Dr. Shidlovsky serves as Managing Director of Global Technologies, an investment and consulting organization, which he founded in 1994. He has extensive management and consulting experience with international companies and start up technology companies. Dr. Shidlovsky is a Director of the Omega Point Foundation. From 1982 to 1991, Dr. Shidlovsky was a Director of Sentex Sensing Technologies. Dr. Shidlovsky held several executive positions including Vice President Corporate Development at Siemens Pacesetter, a division of Siemens AG Medical Group, Director of Strategic Planning and Technology Utilization, and Director of the Microelectronics Department at Siemens Corporate Research. From 1969 to 1982 he was with RCA Laboratories, a leading electronic R&D organization. Dr. Shidlovsky holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the Technion and Master and Ph.D. degrees from the Hebrew University in Israel. Dr. Guenter Jaensch became a Director of the Company in December 1997, agreeing to serve after Mr. Eddie Kawamura, who had been elected a Director at the Company's annual meeting of shareholders, became too ill to serve. Dr. Jaensch serves as Managing Director of The McKenzie Companies, Inc. and McKenzie Ventures LTD. and as President of Jaensch Enterprises, each firm engaged in management consulting, mergers and acquisitions and investments. For over 20 years, Dr. Jaensch held several executive positions with Siemens or its subsidiaries. Among his executive positions in the United States were service as President of Siemens Communications Systems, Inc.; Chairman of Siemens Corporate Research and Support, Inc.; Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pacesetter; and head of the cardiac management division of Siemens AG Medical Group. Dr. Jaensch also served as controller of Siemens Data Processing Group and Director of Siemens Internal Accounting and Budgeting operations. Dr. Jaensch holds a Master degree in Business Administration and Ph.D. degree in Finance from the University of Frankfurt. He also served as an Associate Professor at the University of Frankfurt prior to joining Siemens. Professor Daniel Tsui became a director of the Company in September 1999. He is the Arthur Le Grand Doty Professor of Electrical Engineering at Princeton University and was awarded the 1998 Nobel prize in Physics for the discovery and explanation of the fractional quantum hall effect. Professor Tsui was a recipient of the American Physical Society 1984 Buckley Prize, the 1998 Benjamin Franklin Medal and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is currently engaged in research activity relating to properties of thin films and microstructures of semiconductors and solid state physics. He received his Ph.D. in physics from the University of Chicago in 1967 and for 13 years was with Bell Laboratories before joining Princeton University, where he spent the last 16 years. Professor Baruch Fischer became a director of the Company in September 1999. He currently serves as Dean of the 61 Electrical Engineering Faculty at the Technion, Israel Institute of Technology. Professor Fischer's current Research Activities include solid state devices, lasers and optical amplifiers; WDM technology; fiber gratings; "all optical" networks; non-linear effect in fiber, wave mixing; and optical computing, optical data storage and optical image processing. He has authored or co-authored approximately 180 papers and holds several patents in the field of optics and opto-electronics. He received his Ph.D. from Bar-Ilan University, Israel in 1980. He subsequently became a Post-Doctorate Fellow at Caltech and joined the faculty of the Technion in 1983. Each director is elected for a period of one year at the Company's annual meeting of stockholders and serves until the next annual meeting and until his successor is duly elected and qualified. Officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors, subject to relevant employment agreements. None of the Directors of the Company are related by blood, marriage or adoption to any of the Company's Directors or executive officers. Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Directors, executive officers and 10% or greater shareholders are required by the SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. The Company believes, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company, that each report required of the Company's executive officers, directors and 10% or greater shareholders was duly and timely filed during the year ended December 31, 1999. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The following table sets forth a summary of all compensation paid by the Company to its Chief Executive Officer and for the four other highest paid executive officers whose total annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 (the "Named Executive Officers") during the year ended December 31, 1999:
LONG-TERM ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION -------------------------------------- ------------- SECURITIES UNDERLYING NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITIONS YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS (#) - -------------------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ------------- Noam Lotan 1999 $100,000 $ 0 0 President and Chief Executive Officer 1998 $100,000 $ 0 30,000(1) 1997 $100,000 $ 0 0 Shlomo Margalit 1999 $110,000 $ 0 0 Chairman of the Board of Directors, 1998 $110,000 $ 0 0 Chief Technical Officer and Secretary 1997 $110,000 $ 0 0 Ken Ahmad 1999 $ 90,000 $118,807 30,000 Vice President of Marketing and Sales 1998 $ 90,000 $ 89,000 0 1997 $ 90,000 $ 45,000 0 Edmund Glazer 1999 $140,000 $ 0 30,000 Vice President of Finance and Administration 1998 $107,000 $ 0 89,000(2) and Chief Financial Officer 1997 $ 71,000 $ 0 15,000
62 Zeev Rav-Noy(3) 1999 $ 89,654 $ 30,000 0 Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer 1998 $110,000 $ 60,000 0 1997 $110,000 $ 60,000 0
- ------------------ (1) Consists of repriced options granted under the Company's Stock Option Plans that were issued in replacement of earlier options granted to the Named Executive Officers under the Stock Option Plans. The Options vest at their original vesting schedules. (2) Includes 39,000 repriced options granted under the Company's Stock Option Plans that were issued in replacement of earlier options granted to the Named Executive Officers under the Stock Option Plans. The Options vest at their original vesting schedules. (3) Dr. Rav-Noy resigned in September 1999. Dr. Margalit, Dr. Rav-Noy or Mr. Lotan were not granted any stock options during 1999. The following table provides certain information regarding stock option grants made to the other Named Executive Officers during 1999. OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE PERCENT OF VALUE AT ASSUMED NUMBER OF TOTAL ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK SECURITIES OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE FOR OPTION TERM(1) OPTIONS EMPLOYEES PRICE EXPIRATION --------------------- NAME GRANTED 1999 ($/SH) DATE %5 10% --------- ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- ----- ------ Ken Ahmad 30,000 2.9 % $ 5.875 03/26/99 $ 201,000 $ 438,000 Edmund Glazer 30,000 2.9 % $ 35.250 12/09/99 $1,208,000 $ 2,630,000
(1) The dollar amounts under these columns are the result of calculations assuming the price of Common Stock on the date of the grant of the option ($5.25) increases at the hypothetical 5% and 10% rates set by the Securities and Exchange Commission for the term of the option. Neither the amounts reflected nor the rates applied are intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if any, of the Company's stock price. FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES Neither Dr. Margalit nor Mr. Lotan received or exercised any stock options during 1999. The following table provides certain information concerning stock options held by the other Named Executive Officers at December 31, 1999:
Number of Shares Underlying Value of Unexercised Unexercised Options at In-the-Money Options at December 31, 1999 December 31, 1999(1) --------------------------------- --------------------------------- Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- ------------- Noam Lotan 30,000 0 $1,698,750 $ 0 Edmund Glazer 20,000 79,000 $1,152,500 $3,652,375 Ken Ahmad 150,000 30,000 $8,886,750 $ 0
(1) Based on the difference between $62.875 per share (the closing price per share of Common Stock on December 31, 1999 as reported on The Nasdaq National Market) and the per share exercise price. 63 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS In March 1992, the Company entered into three-year employment agreements with Mr. Lotan and Dr. Margalit. Upon expiration, these agreements automatically renew for one year terms unless either party terminates them by giving the other three months' notice of non-renewal prior to the expiration of the current term. Pursuant to the agreements, Mr. Lotan serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the Company and Dr. Margalit serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Technical Officer and Secretary. Mr. Lotan and Dr. Margalit receive base annual salaries of $100,000 and $110,000, respectively, and each is entitled to receive a bonus determined and payable at the discretion of the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board. Recommendations with respect to bonus levels are based on achievement of specified goals, such as new product introductions, profitability levels, revenue goals, market expansion and other criteria as established by the Compensation Committee. Each officer also receives employee benefits, such as vacation, sick pay and insurance, in accordance with the Company's policies which are applicable to all employees. The Company has obtained, and is the beneficiary of, key man life insurance policies in the amount of $1,000,000 on the lives of each of Drs. Margalit and Mr. Lotan. All benefits under these policies will be payable to the Company upon the death of an insured. COMPENSATION OF OUTSIDE DIRECTORS Outside directors, i.e., directors who are not employees of the Company, receive cash compensation of $800 per month and $500 for each Board of Directors' meeting attended, while serving as Directors. The following table provides information concerning repriced options granted to outside directors during 1999:
Securities underlying number of Date of options Exercise Expiration Name Grant repriced(#) price($) Date ---- ------- ------------ -------- ---------- Igal Shidlovsky 12/9/99 15,000 $ 35.25 12/9/2005 Guenter Jaensch 12/9/99 15,000 $ 35.25 12/9/2005 Daniel Tsui 12/9/99 15,000 $ 35.25 12/9/2005 Baruch Fischer 12/9/99 15,000 $ 35.25 12/9/2005
STOCK OPTION PLANS 1992 Plan. On March 27, 1992, the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Company adopted the 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "1992 Plan"), which provides for the grant to employees, officers, directors and consultants of options to purchase up to 900,000 shares of Common Stock, consisting of both "incentive stock options" within the meaning of Section 422 of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and non-qualified options. Incentive stock options are issuable only to employees of the Company, while non-qualified options may be issued to non-employee directors, consultants and others, as well as to employees of the Company. The Board increased the 1992 Plan by 900,000 shares in February 1995, which was approved by stockholders in June 1995 and in May 1996 increased the 1992 Plan by 150,000 shares, which was approved by stockholders in July 1996. Under the 1992 Plan, the Compensation Committee has the authority to determine the persons to whom options will be granted, the number of shares to be covered by each option, whether the options granted are intended to be incentive stock options, the duration and rate of exercise of each option, the option price per share, the manner of exercise and the time, manner and form of payment upon exercise of an option. 64 The exercise price per share of Common Stock subject to incentive stock options may not be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted. The exercise price per share of Common Stock subject to non-qualified options will be established by the Board of Directors. The aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date the option is granted) of the Common Stock that any employee may purchase in any calendar year pursuant to the exercise of incentive stock options may not exceed $100,000. No person who owns, directly or indirectly, at the time of the granting of an incentive stock option to him, more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company shall be eligible to receive any incentive stock options under the 1992 Plan unless the exercise price is at least 110% of grant. Nonqualified options are not subject to this limitation. No incentive stock option may be transferred by an optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and, during the lifetime of an optionee, the option will be exercisable only by the optionee. In the event of termination of employment other than by death or disability, the optionee will have three months after such termination or until the expiration of such option, whichever occurs first, to exercise the option. Upon termination of employment of an optionee by reason of death or permanent total disability, options remain exercisable for one year thereafter or until the expiration of such option, whichever occurs first, to the extent they were exercisable on the date of such termination. No similar limitation applies to non-qualified options. Stock options under the 1992 Plan must be granted within 10 years from the effective date of the 1992 Plan. Incentive stock options granted under the 1992 Plan cannot be exercised more than 10 years from the date of grant, except that incentive stock options issued to 10% or greater stockholders are limited to five year terms. All options granted under the 1992 Plan provide for the payment of the exercise price in cash or by delivery to the Company of shares of Common Stock already owned by the optionee having a fair market value equal to the exercise price of the options being exercised, or by a combination of such methods of payment. Therefore, an optionee may be able to tender shares of Common Stock to purchase additional shares of Common Stock and may theoretically exercise all of his stock options without making any additional cash investment. Any unexercised options that expire or that terminate upon an employee's ceasing to be employed with the Company become available once again for issuance. At December 31 1999, options for 831,480 shares were outstanding under the 1992 Plan and none were reserved thereunder for options available for future grant. 1997 Plan. On November 11, 1997 and December 12, 1997, respectively, the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Company adopted the 1997 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (the "1997 Plan"), which provides for the grant of options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of Common Stock. On October 30, 1998 and December 3, 1999 stockholders approved the board's proposals to increase by 500,000 and 600,000 shares, respectively, the number of shares of Company Stock that may be optioned and sold under the 1997 Plan. The Company's 1997 Plan provides for the granting of (i) incentive stock options to key employees and (ii) nonstatutory stock options to key employees and non-employee directors of the Company and any person who performs consulting or advisory services for the Company and who is, by the Board of Directors or the Stock Option Committee, determined to be eligible to participate. For information concerning the federal income tax distinctions of incentive and nonstatutory stock options, see "Federal Income Tax Consequences of Incentive Stock Options and Nonstatutory Stock Options," below. The maximum number of shares of the Company's Common Stock that may be issued pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the 1997 Plan is 1,600,000 shares (subject to adjustment in the event of stock dividends, splits, reverse splits, recapitalizations, mergers or other similar changes in the Company's capital structure). No more than 1,000,000 shares may be optioned and sold to directors or non-director officers under the Stock Option Plan as amended. All options must be granted, if at all, not later than November 10, 2007. The aggregate fair market value (determined as of the date the option is granted) of the shares of Common Stock to which incentive stock options granted under the Stock Option Plan are exercisable for the first time by 65 any employee of the Company during any calendar year may not exceed $100,000. This limitation does not apply with respect to nonstatutory stock options. The 1997 Plan is to be administered by Board of Directors, which will determine the terms of options granted, including the exercise price, the number of shares subject to the option and the terms and conditions of exercise. No option granted under the 1997 Plan is transferable by the optionee other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and each option is exercisable during the lifetime of the optionee only by such optionee. Incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options may be and typically are granted for exercise for up to ten years from the date granted and typically vest in equal installments over three years from the date of grant. Options granted under the 1997 Plan are evidenced by written agreements specifying the number of shares covered thereby and the option price, the exercise period and all other terms, restrictions and conditions of the option. The exercise price of all stock options granted under the 1997 Plan must be at least equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of grant. With respect to any optionee who owns stock possessing more than 10% of the voting rights of the Company's outstanding capital stock, the exercise price of any stock option must be not less than 110% of the fair market value on the date of grant. Options must be exercised only by written notice from the optionee (or his estate or other legal representative) to the Company accompanied by payment of the option price in full. The option price may be paid in cash, cash equivalents (certified or cashier's check), or with shares of Common Stock of the Company. As of December 31, 1999, options to purchase an aggregate of 1,158,900 shares of Common Stock were outstanding and 360,000 were available for future grant. Other Option Plans. The Company also has two other types of option/warrant programs for employees: (1) its 1998 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan, under which the Company may grant nonstatutory stock options to purchase up to 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock to employees the Company and any person who performs consulting or advisory services for the Company and who is, by the Board of Directors or the Stock Option Committee, determined to be eligible to participate, and (2) its Foreign Employee Warrant Programs under which the Company may grant warrants to purchase up to 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock to employees of its foreign subsidiaries. Directors and officers of the Company are not eligible to participate in either of these plans. At December 31, 1999 options for 758,475 shares were outstanding under the 1998 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan and 509,165 were reserved thereunder for options available for future grant. At December 31, 1999, warrants for 1,015,461 shares were outstanding under the Foreign Employee Warrant Programs and 261,000 were reserved thereunder for warrants available for future grant. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY AND INDEMNIFICATION MATTERS The Company's Certificate of Incorporation includes a provision that eliminates or limits the personal financial liability of the Company's directors, except in situations where there has been a breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the Company or its stockholders, acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, liability under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("Section 174") relative to unlawful payment of dividends, stock purchases or redemptions, or any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. Furthermore, Section 174 eliminates monetary liability for gross negligence in exercising the duty of due care related to the directors' fiduciary duties under state corporate law, however, such section does not eliminate monetary liability of directors under the federal Securities laws. In addition, the Company's Bylaws include provisions to indemnify its officers and directors and other persons against expenses, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement in connection with threatened, pending or completed suits or proceedings against such persons by reason of serving or having served as officers, directors or in other capacities, except that in relation to matters with respect to which such persons shall be determined to be liable for misconduct or negligence in the 66 performance of their duties, the Company's Bylaws provide for indemnification only to the extent that the Company determines that such person acted in good faith and in a manner not opposed to the best interests of the Company. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the Company has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against the public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable. 67 ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT. The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of March 20, 2000, of (i) each person known by the Company to own beneficially 5% or more of the Common Stock, (ii) each current director of the Company owning Common Stock, (iii) each of the current Named Executive Officers owning Common Stock, and (iv) all current directors and executive officers as a group.
Number of Shares Name and Address(1) Beneficially Percentage of of Beneficial Owner Owned(2) Class -------------------- ---------------- ------------- Shlomo Margalit ........................ 1,668,530 5.8% Noam Lotan(3) .......................... 763,437 2.6% Ken Ahmad(4) ........................... 294,464 1.0% Edmund Glazer .......................... 20,000 * All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (8 persons)(5) ............ 2,870,431 10.0%
- ---------------------- * Less than 1%. (1) Except as noted below, the address of each of the persons listed is c/o MRV Communications, Inc., 8943 Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, CA 91311. (2) Pursuant to the rules of the Commission, shares of Common Stock that an individual or group has a right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table. (3) Includes 30,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options exercisable within 60 days from March 20, 2000. (4) Includes 156,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options exercisable within 60 days from March 20, 2000. (5) Includes 279,000 shares issuable pursuant to stock options exercisable within 60 days from March 20, 2000. 68 ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS In July 1998, the Company and Zaffire, Inc. (Formerly New Access Communications, Inc.) ("Zaffire")entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement, under which the Company purchased for $950,000 shares of the capital stock of Zaffire equal to approximately 19% of the capital stock of Zaffire then outstanding and warrants to purchase additional capital stock of Zaffire, which, if fully exercised for an aggregate of $2,050,000, the Company would own an aggregate of approximately 60% of Zaffire's capital stock (when the shares purchased upon exercise of the warrants were added to the Company's existing stake in Zaffire). The warrants were exercisable in two installments (provided the first installment was exercised) by July 1, 1999 and January 4, 1999, respectively. Both warrants were exercised. Subsequent financings have diluted MRV's ownership interest in Zaffire to below 50% at December 31, 1999. Zaffire is engaged in the development of new products based on wave division multiplexing technology. Dr. Near Margalit is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Zaffire and a principal shareholder of it. Dr. Near Margalit is the son of Dr. Shlomo Margalit, a principal shareholder of the Company and the Company's Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Technical Officer. 69 PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) (1) The financial statements filed as a part of this Report consist of the financial statements listed under Item 8. (2) The financial statements schedules filed as part of this report consist of the following: Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Report of Independent Public Accountants on Financial Statement Schedule (3) The following exhibits are filed as part of this Report:
Exhibit No. Description ---------- ----------- 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger by and between MRV Technologies, Inc. (a California corporation) and MRV Technologies, Inc. (a Delaware corporation), as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2a filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 2.2 Certificate of Merger by and between MRV Technologies, Inc. (a California corporation) and MRV Technologies, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2b filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 3.1 Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3a filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 3.2 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on March 20, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 filed August 14, 1998). 3.3 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on July 29, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 filed August 14, 1998) 3.4 Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation filed with the Delaware Secretary of State on November 19, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed March 31, 1999. 3.5 Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3b filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 4.1 Specimen certificate of Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-64017). 4.2 Specimen of Restricted Global Security (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 998 filed August 14, 1998). 10.1 Form of Underwriter's Warrant issued to Hampshire Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4f filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-86516)). 10.2 Lease for premises at 8917 Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, CA dated August 5, 1991 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)).
70 10.3 Lease for premises at 8943 Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, CA dated March 3, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10a(1) filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.4 Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Noam Lotan dated March 23, 1993 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(1) filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.5 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Noam Lotan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(1)1 filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.6 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Noam Lotan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(1)2 filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.7 Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Zeev Rav-Noy dated March 23, 1992 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(2) filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.8 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Zeev Rav-Noy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(2) filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.9 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Zeev Rav-Noy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(2) filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.10 Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Shlomo Margalit (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(3) filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.11 Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Shlomo Margalit (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(3)1 filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.12 Form of Letter amending Key Employee Agreement between the Company and Shlomo Margalit (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(3) 2 filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.13 Employment Letter between the Company and Khalid (Ken) Ahmad dated August 8, 1990 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10b(4) filed as part of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-48003)). 10.14 MRV Communications Inc. Incentive Plan for Grant of Warrants to Employees Subsidiaries (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.21 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (0-23452) for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed April 15, 1997). 10.15 Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease dated October 8, 1996 between the Company and Nordhoff Development relating to the premises located at 20415 Nordhoff Street, Chatsworth, California (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.23 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed April 15, 1997). 10.16 Common Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 26, 1996 between the Company and Intel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.27 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (0-23452) for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed April 15, 1997).
71 10.17 Investor Agreement dated November 26, 1996 between the Company and Intel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.28 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (0-23452) for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed April 15, 1997). 10.18 Warrant to Purchase 300,000 shares of Common Stock in favor of Intel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.29 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (0-23452) for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed April 15, 1997). 10.19 Warrant to Purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock in favor of Intel Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.29 of Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K (0-23452) for the year ended December 31, 1996 filed April 15, 1997). 10.20 Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 19, 1998 by and between Whittaker and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1(a) of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K filed February 13, 1998 with respect to the Xyplex Acquisition). 10.21 Warrant Agreement dated January 30, 1998 by and between Whittaker and Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1(b) of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K filed February 13, 1998 with respect to the Xyplex Acquisition). 10.22 Warrant Certificate No. Whittaker # 1 to purchase 421,402 shares of Common Stock of Registrant issued to Whitaker on January 30, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2.1(c) of Registrant's Report on Form 8-K filed February 13, 1998 with respect to the Xyplex Acquisition). 10.23 American Industrial Real Estate Association, Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease - Net dated November 17, 1997 by and between Ruth G Fisher Living Trust U/D/T dated June 28 1990 and Registrant relating to the premises located at 8928 Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, California (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.35 of Registrant's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed April 15, 1998). 10.24 New Lease dated February 22, 1993 by and between 495 Littleton Associates and Xyplex, Inc. relating to the premises located at 295 Foster Street, Littleton, Mass, Amendments Nos. 1 through 4 thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.36 of Registrant's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed April 15, 1998). 10.25 Fifth Amendment to Lease relating to the premises located at 295 Foster Street, Littleton, Mass. with attached Lease Guaranty of Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed March 31, 1999). 10.26 Underwriting Agreement dated September 18, 1997 by and among Registrant, the Selling Stockholders named on Schedule I thereto and the Underwriters named on Schedule II thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 10.37 of Registrant's Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 filed April 15, 1998). 10.27 Indenture, dated as of June 26, 1998, between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to the Company's 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes Due 2003 (the "Notes") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, filed August 14, 1998). 10.28 Purchase Agreement, dated June 23, 1998, between the Company and Prudential Securities Incorporated and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.
72 relating to the Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 filed August 14, 1998). 10.29 Indenture, dated as of June 26, 1998, between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Trustee, relating to the Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998, filed August 14, 1998). 10.30 Registration Rights Agreement dated June 26, 1998 between the Company and Prudential Securities Incorporated and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. relating to the shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Notes (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the Company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1998 filed August 14, 1998). 10.31 Underlease dated September 16, 1998 between Lowe Azure Limited, NBase Europe Gmbh and the Company relating to property at Unit 16, Campbell Court, Campbell Road, Bramley Basingstoke Hampshire, England (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed March 31, 1999). 10.32 Standard Industrial/Commercial Single-Tenant Lease - Net dated December 1, 1998 by and between Radar Investments, Inc. and Registrant relating to the premises located at 8943 Fullbright Avenue, Chatsworth, California (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 of the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 filed March 31, 1999). 10.33 Stock Purchase Agreement Dated February 21, 2000 Relating To The Sale And Purchase Of Up To One Hundred Percent (100%) Of The Ordinary Shares In The Capital Of Fiber Optic Communications, Inc. And The Sale And Purchase Of Two Million Four Hundred Thousand Of Ordinary Shares In The Capital Of MRV Communications, Inc. 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant. 23 Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP to incorporation of Report on Financial Statements into Company's Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File No. 33-96458), Form S-3 (File No. 333-17537) and Form S-3 (File No. 333-64017). 25 Power of Attorney (contained on Signature Page). 27 Financial Data Schedule.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K. No reports on Form 8-K were filed by registrant during the last quarter of the period covered by this Report. 73 SIGNATURES In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), the Registrant caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chatsworth, State of California, on March 30, 2000. MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. By: /s/ Noam Lotan Noam Lotan, President and Chief Executive Officer POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below constitutes an appoints Noam Lotan, Shlomo Margalit and Edmund Glazer, and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution for him in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Annual Report on Form 10-K 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 substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Names Title Date ----- ----- ---- /s/ Noam Lotan President, Chief Executive Officer March 30, 2000 - ------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer), Noam Lotan and a Director /s/ Shlomo Margalit Chairman of the Board of Directors, March 30, 2000 - ------------------------------- Chief Technical Officer, Shlomo Margalit Secretary, and a Director /s/ Edmund Glazer Vice President of Finance and March 30, 2000 - ------------------------------- Administration, Edmund Glazer Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ Igal Shidlovsky Director March 30, 2000 - ------------------------------- Igal Shidlovsky /s/ Guenter Jaensch Director March 30, 2000 - ------------------------------- Guenter Jaensch
74 /s/ Daniel Tsui Director March 30, 2000 - ------------------------------- Daniel Tsui /s/ Baruch Fischer Director March 30, 2000 - ------------------------------- Baruch Fischer
75 MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997, 1998 AND 1999
Balance at Charged to Balance at Beginning Costs and End of Year Other Expenses Deductions of Year ------------ -------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Year Ended December 31, 1997 - ---------------------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts $2,468 -- $1,872 (88) $4,252 Year Ended December 31, 1998 - ---------------------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts $4,252 $2,647 $2,591 (1,003) $8,487 Year Ended December 31, 1999 - ---------------------------- Allowance for doubtful accounts $8,487 -- $1,416 (1,452) $8,451
76 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS To MRV Communications, Inc.: We have audited in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards, the financial statements of MRV Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries included in this Form 10-K and have issued our report thereon dated February 22, 2000. Our audit was made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the basic financial statements takes as a whole. The Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts, Schedule II, for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1998 and 1999 is the responsibility of the Company's management and is presented for purposes of complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and, in our opinion, fairly states in all material respects the financial data required to be set forth therein in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole. ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Los Angeles, California February 22, 2000
EX-10.33 2 MATERIAL CONTRACTS 1 EXHIBIT 10.33 EXECUTION COPY DATED FEBRUARY 21, 2000 BY AND AMONG MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND FIBER OPTIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. AND SHAREHOLDERS OF FIBER OPTIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT Relating to the sale and purchase of up to one hundred percent (100%) of the Ordinary Shares in the capital of FIBER OPTIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. and the sale and purchase of two million four hundred thousand of Ordinary Shares in the capital of MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BAKER & MCKENZIE 15th Floor, Hung Tai Centre 168 Tun Hwa North Road Taipei, Taiwan 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION PAGE - ------- ---- 1. Definitions 2 2. The Transaction 2 3. The Closing 4 4. Deliveries at the Closing 5 5. Representations and Warranties of FOCI and Selling Shareholders 5 6. Representations and Warranties of MRV 17 7. Pre-Closing Covenants 18 8. Conditions Precedent to Closing 22 9. Post Closing Covenants 24 10. Indemnification and Escrow 24 11. Termination 12. Transfer Restriction 27 13. Miscellaneous 28
SCHEDULES 1. List of Signing Shareholders and Shareholding 2. List of Subsidiaries of FOCI 3. List of Equity Interests hold by FOCI and its Subsidiaries 4. Financial Statements of FOCI and its Subsidiaries 5. List of Warehouses 6. List of Liabilities 7. List of Material Changes 8. List of Real Properties 9. List of Tangible Personal Property 10. List of Intellectual Properties 11. List of License of any Intellectual Properties
2 3 12. List of Contracts 13. List of Permits 14. List of Non-Renewable Permit 15. List of Encumbrances 16. List of Litigation 17. List of Employee Benefits 18 List of Unemployment Compensation 19. List of Distributors 20. List of Suppliers 21. List of Related Party Transaction 22. List of Directors; Officers; Banks and Powers of Attorney 23. List of Insurance 24. List of Principal Employees
3 4 EXHIBITS A. Form of Power of Attorney to be issued to Attorneys-in-Fact B. Form of Power of Attorney to be issued to Closing Agent C. Form of FOCI's Bring-Down Certificate D. Form of MRV's Bring-Down Certificate E. Form of Employment Agreement F. Form of Escrow Agreement 4 5 STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT THIS STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into as of this 21st day of February, 2000 by and among Fiber Optic Communications, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Republic of China ("FOCI"), MRV Communications, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of Delaware, U.S.A.("MRV"), and each person listed in the schedule of FOCI shareholders attached hereto as Schedule 1 (individually, a "Signing Shareholder" and collectively "Signing Shareholders"), represented by their attorneys-in-fact, Ronald Fu-Chang Wang and Steve Song-Fure Lin ("Attorneys-in-Fact") (as evidenced by a Power of Attorney attached hereto as Exhibit A). MRV, FOCI and Signing Shareholders are referred to herein individually as the "Party" and collectively as the "Parties". WHEREAS, Signing Shareholders collectively own sixty one point eight-seven-nine percent (61.879%) of the issued and outstanding shares of the capital stock of FOCI ("FOCI Shares"), each of them in the respective amounts and percentages set forth on Schedule 1; WHEREAS, MRV is authorized to issue up to two million and four hundred thousand (2,400,000) new common shares ("MRV Shares") prior to the sale and transfer of FOCI Shares to MRV contemplated by this Agreement; WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that, once the transactions contemplated in this Agreement have been consummated, the business of FOCI might be merged into a newly formed subsidiary wholly owned by MRV ("MRV Subsidiary") which will also incorporate some of the MRV's existing optical components business. The ten percent (10%) ownership of MRV shareholding in MRV Subsidiary is established as equivalent to One Million (1,000,000) shares of MRV common stock. WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, (i) MRV desires to by itself and/or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates purchase up to one hundred percent (100%) but no less than seventy five percent (75%) of FOCI Shares from Signing Shareholders and other FOCI shareholders (Signing Shareholders and other FOCI shareholders selling their FOCI Shares to MRV (and/or its Subsidiaries/Affiliates) collectively "Selling Shareholders"), and Signing Shareholders desire to, and will use their best efforts to cause other Selling Shareholders to sell and transfer their FOCI Shares to MRV (and/or its Subsidiaries/Affiliates) in return for the consideration set forth herein; and (ii) Signing Shareholders desire to and will cause other Selling Shareholders to aggregately purchase up to two million and four hundred thousand (2,400,000) MRV Shares from MRV, and MRV desires to sell the MRV Shares up to the same amount to Selling Shareholders in return for the consideration set forth herein. 5 6 WHEREAS, Singing Shareholders and FOCI will use their best efforts to obtain the consent of other Selling Shareholders to be a Party of this Agreement and to be bound by the terms and conditions herein. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual promises herein made, and in consideration of the representations, warranties, and covenants herein contained, the Parties agree as follows: 1. DEFINITIONS 1.1 Generally. As used in this Agreement, capitalized terms not otherwise defined shall have the meanings specified in the text hereof or on Annex 1 hereto (which is incorporated herein by reference), which meanings shall be applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the term defined. 2. THE TRANSACTION 2.1 At the Closing (as hereinafter defined), upon satisfaction of the terms and conditions set forth herein: 2.1.1 Purchase and Sale of FOCI Shares (a) Selling Shareholders shall sell, transfer, assign and deliver to MRV (and/or its Subsidiaries/Affiliates) at the Closing (as hereinafter defined), and MRV (and/or its Subsidiaries/Affiliates) agrees to purchase and acquire from Selling Shareholders and pay therefor at the Closing, all of their respective FOCI Shares, free and clear of any and all Encumbrances, consisting of up to one hundred percent (100%) of the total number of issued and outstanding FOCI Shares as of the Closing Date, at and for an aggregate purchase price of Two Hundred Sixty Three Million Six Hundred Thousand and Zero Cents United States Dollars (US$ 263,600,000.00) for purchasing one hundred percent (100%) FOCI Shares (equaling US$Three Dollars & Eighty Two Point One One Cents (US$3.8211) per share). The foregoing aggregate purchase price (the "MRV's Payment") shall be paid by MRV (and/or its subsidiaries/Affiliates) at the Closing by wire transfer to a single bank account in Taiwan designated by Selling Shareholders to MRV (and/or its subsidiaries/Affiliates) in writing at least seven (7) Business Days prior to the Closing (the "Taiwan Account"). Such Taiwan Account shall be agreed by MRV. The MRV's Payment shall be divisible among Selling Shareholders pro rata in accordance with their percentage shareholdings in FOCI; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the MRV's Payment shall not be released from the Taiwan Account to Selling Shareholders until the payment due MRV for the MRV Shares being purchased by Selling Shareholders (as per Section 2.1.2 below) shall be fully wired by 6 7 Selling Shareholders via Closing Agent (as defined and discussed below) on their behalf to an account designated by MRV to Selling Shareholders in writing at least seven (7) Business Days prior to the Closing (the "MRV Account"). Furthermore, Closing Agent shall not release the balance of MRV's Payment to Attorneys-in-Fact for and on behalf of Selling Shareholders until he pays from such funds (i) the 0.3% share transfer tax imposed by Taiwan on the sale of FOCI Shares by Selling Shareholders ("The Taiwan Stock Transfer Tax"); (ii) whatever costs and fees charged relating to the Taiwan Account for the wire transfer; and (iii) the Escrow Fees as described in Section 10.2.3 (c) below and in the Escrow Agreement (above (i), (ii), and (iii) collectively referred to as "Sellers' Costs"). (b) In the event that less than one hundred percent (100%) but not less seventy five percent (75%) of FOCI Shares are available for sale, the MRV's Payment shall be adjusted down by the same percentage as those shares not available for sale are as a percentage of the total shares of outstanding shares on the date of execution of this Agreement. If less than seventy five percent (75%) of FOCI Shares are available for sale to MRV, MRV shall not be obligated to complete the transactions contemplated in this Agreement. 2.1.2 Purchase and Sale of MRV Shares (a) MRV shall issue and sell to Selling Shareholders, and Selling Shareholders shall purchase from MRV pro rata in accordance with their percentage shareholdings in FOCI, the MRV's Shares, free and clear of any and all Encumbrances, at and for an aggregate purchase price of US$ Two Hundred Thirteen Million Six Hundred Thousand and Zero Cents (US$ 213,600,000.00) (equaling US$ eighty nine (US$89) per share). The foregoing aggregate purchase price (the "Selling Shareholders' Payment") shall be paid by Selling Shareholders via Closing Agent at the Closing by wire transfer to the MRV Account. The wire transfer shall be effected immediately upon receipt of each installment of the MRV's Payment in the Taiwan Account. In order to secure and assure the payment to MRV of the Selling Shareholders' Payment, which shall be made using a portion of the funds first wired by MRV to the Taiwan Account, at least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing, Selling Shareholders (or Attorney(s)-in-Fact or FOCI in whose name the Taiwan Account shall be registered) shall give the Taiwan Account passbook, chops and a power-of-attorney in the form attached as Exhibit B (Power of Attorney-Form B) to the law firm of Baker & McKenzie, Taipei Office as the Closing Agent of Selling Shareholders ("Closing Agent") granting said Closing Agent the exclusive right to give instructions to the bank with respect to the Taiwan Account. 7 8 (b) In the event that less than one hundred percent (100%) but not less than seventy five (75%) of FOCI Shares are available for sale, the number of MRV Shares to be sold to Selling Shareholders and the Selling Shareholders' Payment shall be adjusted down by the same percentage as those FOCI Shares not available for sale are as a percentage of the total FOCI Shares of outstanding on the date of execution of this Agreement. 2.1.3 In each of the above transactions, the seller shall be liable to pay any applicable taxes or duties on the issuance or sale of its shares of stock to other party. Thus, Selling Shareholders shall be liable for the payment of the Taiwan Stock Transfer Tax, which shall be deducted and paid from the Taiwan Account, as discussed above. MRV shall be liable for the payment of the taxes or duties (if any) on the issuance and sales of the MRV Shares to Selling Shareholders, which shall be paid by MRV within the period of time required by the laws of the State of Delaware. 2.2 In order to prevent any doubts, the balance of MRV's Payment payable to Selling Shareholders who owns one hundred percent (100%) of FOCI Shares after their paying of the purchase price of the MRV's Shares will amount to US$ fifty million (US$ 50,000,000) ("Balance MRV's Payment"). However, such Balance MRV's Payment shall be subject to Sellers' Costs and foreign exchange impacts and shall be pro rata adjusted down in the event that less than one hundred percent (100%) of FOCI Shares are available for sale to MRV. Selling Shareholders understand and agree to bear any risk or loss resulted from the daily exchange rates and the difference of the rates between buying and selling United States dollars. 2.3 Notwithstanding the transaction mechanism described in Sections 2.1.1 and 2.1.2, MRV shall have the option to carry out a direct shares swap if MRV's verification with the Taiwan authorities reveals that such direct shares swap is feasible prior to the Closing. 2.4 The Parties agree that upon the successful completion of transfer of Balance of MRV's Payment to Attorneys-in-Fact in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Closing Agent will thereupon be deemed to have been released from any and all obligation arising hereunder or from the Agreement. The Parties further agree any of them will not hold the Closing Agent liable or responsible for any act it may do or omit to do in the exercise of reasonable care, as prudent administrator, in good faith, and in compliance with this Agreement. The Parties and Closing Agent agree that Closing Agent will keep the Parties informed of the status and the progress of the Closing matters handled by the Closing Agent. 2.5 Selling Shareholders agree that, upon the occurrence of any of the following events, the Escrowed Shares as defined in 10.2.3 hereof shall be exchanged 8 9 for ten percent (10%) of MRV's shareholding in MRV Subsidiary as defined in the Escrow Agreement ("Exchanged Shares") within two years after the Closing ("Escrow Period"): (i) MRV Subsidiary conducts an initial public offering on NASDAQ or any other stock exchange or over-the-counter market in the United States; (ii) A sale of one hundred percent (100%) of the shares of MRV Subsidiary to any third party buyer other than an affiliate to MRV ("Third Party Buyer"). Upon the occurrence of the condition (ii) mentioned above, Selling Shareholders agree to authorize Escrow Agent to exchange their MRV Shares for ten percent (10%) of the MRV's shareholding in MRV's Subsidiary before the expiration of two-year escrow period. 3. THE CLOSING 3.1 The closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the "Closing") shall take place at the office of Baker & McKenzie, Taipei office and be held over a five (5) day or longer period (given the necessity of effecting international wire transfers and considering the time differences involved), commencing on the later to occur of (a) March 27, 2000, and (b) five (5) Business Days after all conditions to the closing of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement have been satisfied or waived (the fourth or the last day of Closing being the "Closing Date"), but in any case not later than April 30, 2000("Target Day") (unless the Parties shall agree upon a different date or location). 4. DELIVERIES AT THE CLOSING 4.1 Deliveries by Selling Shareholders At the Closing, the Selling Shareholders will deliver or cause to be delivered to MRV: (i) stock certificates evidencing FOCI Shares, and duly executed stock transfer documentation transferring thereof to MRV (including its nominees) and/or its Subsidiaries/Affiliates; (ii) Selling Shareholders' Payment, (iii) FOCI's Bring-Down Certificate (as defined and discussed below and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C); (iv) written consents and the powers of attorney from the other Selling Shareholders as described in Section 7.10 and (iv) such other instruments, certificates or documents as MRV may reasonably request. 4.2 Deliveries by MRV 9 10 At the Closing Date, MRV will deliver or cause to be delivered to Selling Shareholders (i) stock certificates evidencing MRV Shares; (ii) MRV's Payment; and (iii) MRV's Bring-Down Certificate (as defined and discussed below and substantially in the form attached as Exhibit D) 5. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF FOCI AND SELLING SHAREHOLDERS FOCI and Signing Shareholders hereby and will cause other Selling Shareholders, jointly and severally, represent, warrant and covenant to MRV as follows at the date hereof and again as of the Closing Date as follows: 5.1 Power, Authority and Ownership 5.1.1 Selling Shareholders have an absolute and unrestricted right, power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Powers of Attorney and to perform their obligations hereunder with respect to their respective FOCI Shares. The Attorneys-in-Fact have been duly authorized by each of the Signing Shareholders and shall obtain the authorization from the other Selling Shareholders before Closing to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the transactions contemplated herein for and on behalf of Selling Shareholders by valid Powers of Attorney duly executed by Selling Shareholders. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Attorneys-in-Fact for and on behalf of Selling Shareholders and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by MRV and FOCI, constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Selling Shareholders enforceable against Selling Shareholders in accordance with its terms. 5.1.2 Selling Shareholders own their respective FOCI Shares of record and beneficially, free and clear of any Encumbrances or restrictions. [Provided that certain FOCI Shares will be immediately eliminated from such Encumbrances within twenty days after the execution of this Agreement.] Selling Shareholders have good title to their respective Shares and at the Closing, Selling Shareholders shall deliver to MRV good title to their respective Shares free and clear of all Encumbrances, security interests, restrictions, and all other claims, rights and interests of third parties. 5.1.3 FOCI has full corporate power and authority, including all necessary approvals of its directors and shareholders, to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. 10 11 5.2 Organization and Capitalization 5.2.1 Each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries as set forth on Schedule 2 is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of their respective jurisdictions of their incorporation and has full corporate power and authority to conduct business and is in good standing under the laws of each jurisdiction where such qualification is required. Each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries has full corporate power and authority and all material licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary to carry on the business in which it is now being engaged and to own and use the properties owned and used by it. Except as set forth in Schedule 3 or in the Financial Statements, neither FOCI nor its Subsidiaries hold any shares of the capital stock or other equity interests of or investment in any other Person (other than bank accounts). FOCI has delivered to MRV correct and complete copies of the charter and bylaws of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries (as amended to date). FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries is not in default under or in violation of any provision of its charter or bylaws. 5.2.2 The authorized capital stock of FOCI consists of one hundred and ten million (110,000,000) shares of common stock with a par value of NT$10 per share, of which sixty-eight million nine hundred eighty four thousand and four hundred (68,984,400) shares are issued and outstanding. All issued shares have been duly authorized, validly issued and are fully paid and non-assessable, with no preemptive rights. There are no outstanding obligations, options, warrants, preemptive rights or other agreements or commitments to which FOCI or any of the Selling Shareholders is a party, or by which FOCI or any of the Selling Shareholders is otherwise bound, providing for the issuance of any additional shares or for the repurchase of shares of FOCI's capital stock. No shares of the capital stock of FOCI are reserved for future issuance provided that only sixty-eight million nine hundred eighty four thousand (68,984,000) shares out of one hundred and ten million (110,000,000) shares are outstanding and issued. 5.2.3 The Signing Shareholders listed in Schedule 1 own sixty-one point eight-seven-nine percent (61.879%) of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of FOCI. All of the information set out in Schedule 1 is true, correct and complete. 5.3 Financial Condition 5.3.1 FOCI has delivered or will deliver to MRV consolidated financial statements of FOCI and its Subsidiaries, which are collectively attached hereto as Schedule 4 consisting of (i) audited balance sheets and statements of income for the fiscal years ended 11 12 December, 1997 through 1999, (the "Financial Statements", the latest audited balance sheet being the "Audited" Balance Sheet"), and (ii) unaudited balance sheet and statements of income for the fiscal period ended February 29, 2000 (the "Latest Financial Statements", said balance sheet being the "Latest Balance Sheet"). The Financial Statements and the Latest Financial Statements (including the notes thereto) have been prepared in accordance with US GAAP applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods covered thereby and shall bear an unqualified opinion from the auditors. Except as explained in the notes thereto, the Audited Financial Statements and Latest Financial Statements fairly present the financial condition, assets, liabilities, equity and results of operations of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries as of their respective dates and periods, are and will be correct and complete in all material respects, and have been and will be prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applied on a consistent basis throughout the periods involved. FOCI has obtained or will obtain a written consent by the Closing from the auditor ("Auditor Consent") to include their opinion on the Financial Statements in order to comply with MRV's necessary filing with the Securities Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of the United States. 5.3.2 The inventories of each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries are not obsolete or damaged, are fit for their particular use, and are not defective, such that they are of a quantity and quality usable or saleable in the ordinary course of the business of FOCI and its Subsidiaries for the amounts reflected on the Latest Balance Sheet, exclusive of any reserve allocable thereto, subject only to changes in the Ordinary Course of Business. All inventories reflected on the Latest Financial Statements are stated at not more than the lower of cost or fair market value thereof, with adjustments for obsolete, damaged or otherwise not readily marketable items. Set forth on Schedule 5 hereto is a complete list of the addresses of all warehouses or other facilities in which inventories of each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries are located as of the date hereof. 5.3.3 The accounts receivable of each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries are valid receivables, collectible to the extent of the excess thereof over any reserves set forth on the Latest Balance Sheet, and are subject to no defenses, counterclaims or set-offs. 5.4 Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. Each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries has no liabilities or obligations (whether absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether due or to become due, including liabilities for taxes and interest and penalties thereon) except (i) the liabilities set forth on the Latest Balance Sheet and (ii) the liabilities and obligations set forth in Schedule 6 hereto. 12 13 5.5 Tax Returns 5.5.1 Each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries has filed with the appropriate governmental agencies all required tax returns, is not in default with respect to any such filing, is not delinquent in payment of any taxes shown to be due on any such tax return or claimed to be due by any taxing authority, and has paid or made on the Latest Balance Sheet adequate provision or reserves for all taxes (including but not limited to, all income, withholding, corporate, excise, and value added taxes, real and personal property taxes, occupation taxes, social security taxes, and interest and penalties) payable by it, or attributable to all periods ending on or prior to the date of the Latest Balance Sheet. Each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries has not given any waiver or extension of any period of limitation governing the time of assessment or collection of any tax. No deficiency in any tax payment is claimed by any tax authority for any taxable years of FOCI and its Subsidiaries. There are no tax audits currently pending with respect to FOCI and its Subsidiaries. To the best knowledge of any Selling Shareholders and FOCI, there is no basis for assessment of any deficiency in any income taxes or any other taxes or governmental charges against each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries. 5.5.2 Neither FOCI nor its Subsidiaries is a party to, and is not bound by, any tax indemnification agreement, tax sharing agreement or tax allocation agreement with any other person, firm, corporation or other entity, and neither FOCI nor its Subsidiaries is responsible for any tax obligation or liability of any such other person, firm, corporation or other entity. 5.5.3 Neither FOCI nor any of its Subsidiaries has, or has at any time had, a taxable presence or permanent establishment in any country other than the Republic of China or each jurisdiction where it is incorporated, under the Applicable Laws of such country or under any Income Tax Treaty between that country and the Republic of China. 5.6 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as disclosed in Schedule 7 attached hereto, since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, there has not been: (a) any material adverse change in the financial condition, assets, liabilities, equity, operations, business or prospects of FOCI and or any of its Subsidiaries; (b) any obligation or liability incurred by FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries other than obligations and liabilities incurred in the Ordinary Course of Business; (c) any damage, destruction or loss, whether or not covered by insurance, 13 14 materially or adversely affecting any material asset of FOCI and its Subsidiaries; (d) any Encumbrance placed on , or any claim, right or interest of any third party of any nature whatsoever asserted against, any material asset of FOCI and its Subsidiaries; (e) any purchase or sale or other disposition, or any agreement or other arrangement for the purchase or sale or other disposition, of any material asset of FOCI and its Subsidiaries; (f) any material change in the compensation or benefits payable or to become payable by FOCI or its Subsidiaries to any of its employees or agents or any new bonus payment or arrangement or employee benefit made to or with any of them; (g) any material change with respect to the management or supervisory personnel of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries; (h) any dividend declared or paid or any other stockholder payment or distribution with respect to the FOCI Shares or a purchase or redemption of any of the securities of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries or the execution of any agreement or commitment to do so; or (i) any other event or condition of any character that may materially and adversely affect the financial condition , assets, liabilities, equity, operations, business or prospects of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries. 5.7 Real Property. Schedule 8 sets forth a complete list of all real property owned or leased by either FOCI or its Subsidiaries. Each of FOCI and its Subsidiaries has valid legal rights to, or in the case of leased property, has valid leasehold interests, in all real properties. FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries has valid and outstanding leasehold interests in all real property that it leases from others and the improvements situated thereon, all of which are listed and identified on the Schedule 8 hereto. All such real estate and improvements (including all buildings, or portions thereof, and all fixtures) are in good repair and operating condition, normal wear and tear and required maintenance (which has heretofore been regularly performed) excepted, are suitable and fit for the purposes for which they are currently being used, and are sufficient to conduct the business of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries as it is presently conducted. True , correct and complete copies of all leases, evidence of FOCI interest in the real property, and all other instruments of title, or those of any of FOCI's Subsidiaries and FOCI's interest therein, with respect to all real property, leaseholds or other interests owned or held by FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries have been delivered to MRV. The use and occupation of such real property and the improvements thereon by FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries comply in all material respects with Applicable Law including zoning regulations and building codes. 14 15 5.8 Tangible Personal Property. FOCI and any of its Subsidiaries has good and marketable title to all of the tangible personal property which it owns, as reflected on the Latest Balance Sheet and Schedule 9 hereto (except as sold or otherwise disposed of or acquired in the Ordinary Course of Business or otherwise consistent with this Agreement). All machinery, equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer hardware and software used by FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries are in good operating condition and repair, normal wear and tear and required maintenance (which has heretofore been regularly performed) excepted, are suitable and fit for the purposes for which they are currently being used. 5.9 Intellectual Properties. Schedule 10 hereto lists all of the Intellectual Properties, specifying in each case whether such Intellectual Properties rights are owned or used under license, as well as specifying whether FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries act as licensor of any such Intellectual Properties Rights. All license agreements and all other instruments relating to licenses of any Intellectual Property Rights are described in Schedule 11, and true and complete copies thereof have been provided to MRV. None of the Intellectual Properties have been held or stipulated to be invalid in any litigation which has been concluded and the validity of none of the Intellectual Properties has been questioned in any litigation currently pending or, to the best knowledge of any Selling Shareholders and FOCI, threatened. FOCI and any of its Subsidiaries owns or possesses the Intellectual Properties necessary to manufacture and sell its products, and, to the best knowledge of any Selling Shareholders and/or FOCI, such manufacture and sale does not infringe any rights of any other Person. FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries, has not received any notice of conflict thereof with the asserted rights of any other Person, firm, corporation or other entity, and FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries has the right to bring an action for any infringement of any of the Intellectual Properties. 5.10 Contracts. There is no Contract: (a) extending for a period of time longer than 12 months; (b) involving expenditures or receipts by FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries in excess of US$ 1.0 million (US$1,000,000); (c) relating to the borrowing of money or guarantying any obligation for borrowed money or otherwise, other than endorsements for collection; (d) with any insider or any affiliate; (e) prohibiting or substantially restricting FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries from freely engaging in business in any part of the world; (f) with a sales agent or representative, dealer, or distributor; or 15 16 (g) any other contract, commitment or lease outside of the usual and Ordinary Course of Business, except such Contracts listed in Schedule 12 attached hereto. 5.11 Permits. FOCI and any of its Subsidiaries holds all of the Permits required by Applicable Law to own any and all of its assets, and to operate its business as that business is now conducted. Schedule 13 hereto contains a true and complete list of all such Permits. Except as specified on Schedule 14, all Permits are renewable in the Ordinary Course of Business and will remain in full force and effect following the Closing pursuant to this Agreement. 5.12 Compliance with Applicable Law and Permits. FOCI and any of its Subsidiaries are conducting, and has conducted, the business in compliance with all Applicable Laws and Permits, and has received no notice that it is in breach of any such Applicable Law or Permit. FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries have not processed, stored, disposed, transported, handled, emitted, discharged, or released any Waste Material, whether on or off the real estate. Neither of Selling Shareholders has any knowledge or information or reason to believe that any Waste Material, tanks, containers, cylinders, drums or cans were buried on the real estate by FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries or any other party during or preceding FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries ownership or leasing of any real estate. FOCI and any of its Subsidiaries have delivered to MRV copies of all internal or external environmental audit reports prepared by or for FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries. 5.13 No Conflict. Neither the entering into nor the delivery of this Agreement nor the performance of the transactions contemplated therein by Selling Shareholders and FOCI will result in the violation of: (a) any of the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws and other constitutional documents of FOCI; (b) any Contract to which FOCI or any Selling Shareholders, including FOCI, is a party; or (c) any Applicable Law or Permit. Except for satisfaction of any conditions specified in this Agreement, neither the Selling Shareholders nor FOCI are required to give prior notice to, or obtain any consent, approval or authorization of, or make any declaration or filing with, any governmental authority, or any other person, firm, corporation or other entity in connection with the execution or delivery of this Agreement or the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. 5.14 No Encumbrances. Except as set forth in Schedules 15 hereto, FOCI and each 16 17 of its Subsidiaries have good title to all of its assets which they owns, free and clear of all Encumbrances or any other claims, rights or interests of any other Person, firm, corporation or other entity of any nature whatsoever. 5.15 No Defaults. FOCI and any of its Subsidiaries has performed, or has taken all actions reasonably necessary to enable it to perform when due, all material obligations under all Contracts and Permits, all of which are in full force and effect, and there has not occurred any material default or other event which with the lapse of time or giving of notice or both may become a material default under any such Contract or Permit. 5.16 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 16 hereto, there are no claims, actions, suits or proceedings pending or, to the best knowledge of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries, threatened by or against FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries or affecting it in any court or before any governmental or administrative authority. FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries is subject to no decree, judgment, order or notice of any kind which enjoins or restrains it from taking any action of any kind whatsoever. 5.17 Employee and Labor Matters. To the best knowledge of any Selling Shareholders and FOCI, none of the key employees, and no group of employees of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries, plans to terminate his, her or their employment with FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries. FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries is not a party to any collective bargaining or union agreement. FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance in all material respects with all Applicable Law respecting employment and employment practices, terms and conditions of employment, and wages and hours. Since its incorporation, FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries has experienced no significant union organization attempts and no material work stoppage due to any labor disagreement with respect to its business. There is no unfair labor practice charge or complaint against FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries pending or, to the best knowledge of any Selling Shareholders and FOCI, threatened, in any court or before any governmental or administrative authority. There is no labor strike, request for representation, slowdown or stoppage actually pending or threatened against or affecting FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries. 5.18 Employee Benefits. 5.18.1 FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries have no employment, consulting, agency, commission, retirement, severance pay, non-competition, profit-sharing, deferred compensation or pension agreements or plans, or related practice, whether written or oral, formal or informal, other than as identified on Schedule 17 hereto (true, correct and complete copies of which have been delivered to MRV, including reasonably detailed summaries of any unwritten plans, arrangements or practices). All obligations of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries, whether arising by operation of law, by contract or by past custom, for payments by it with respect to unemployment 17 18 compensation benefits, pension and retirement benefits, social security benefits, or other benefits for employees of FOCI and any of its Subsidiaries, including but not limited to, those set forth on Schedule 19, in respect of periods prior to the Closing have been paid in full, or adequate provision therefor has been made in the Latest Balance Sheet. 5.18.2 Upon termination by FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries of the employment of any employee, FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries shall not incur any liability for any severance or termination pay or other similar payment except as required by law expressly provided in the agreements or plans set forth on, or otherwise disclosed in Schedule 18. 5.18.3 FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries does not maintain, contribute to or have any liability under any funded or unfunded, medical, health or life insurance plan or arrangement for present or future retirees or present or future terminated employees except group insurance and as required by the Labor Insurance Act and the National Health Insurance Act. 5.19 Sufficient Assets. The assets identified in this Agreement or on the Latest Balance Sheet constitute all of the tangible and intangible rights and assets necessary for the conduct of, or used or held by FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries in connection with, its business and operations as they are presently being conducted. 5.20 Customers, Distributors and Suppliers. Schedule 19 hereto contains a true, correct and complete list of all distributors, representatives and agents of FOCI and any of its Subsidiaries and a description of the terms of their relationships with FOCI or with any of its Subsidiaries and a true, correct and complete list of all other persons to whom FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries sold goods or services in the twelve months ended as of the date of this Agreement and by whom FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries has been paid or who have committed to pay Seller NT$160,000 or more since the beginning of said period. Schedule 20 contains a true, correct and complete list of all persons who provided goods or services to FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries in the twelve months ended as of the date of this Agreement to which the Selling Shareholder has paid or is committed to pay NT$160,000 or more since the beginning of said period. The relations of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries with the foregoing persons are good, and there are no disputes between FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries and any of such persons pending or, to the best knowledge of any Seller and FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries , threatened. True, correct and complete copies of all contracts with all of the foregoing persons have been delivered to MRV and are in full force and effect in accordance with their terms, and there are no defaults or allegations or claims of default thereunder. 18 19 5.21 Related Party Transactions. Except as set forth in Schedule 21 hereto or as contemplated by this Agreement, no Selling Shareholder and no officer, or director of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries has any interest in any of the assets used or held by FOCI in the conduct of its business or operations or is a party to any contract with FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries or affecting the business or operations of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries. 5.22 Directors; Officers; Banks; and Powers of Attorney. Schedule 22 hereto is a true and complete list showing: (a) the names of all of directors and officers of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries; (b) the name of each bank in which FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries has an account or safety deposit box, and the names of all persons authorized to draw thereon or to have access thereto; and (c) the names of all persons holding powers of attorney from FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries together with a summary statement of the terms thereof. 5.23 Insurance. Schedule 23 hereto sets forth all existing insurance policies held by FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries relating to its business. Each such policy is in full force and effect, is with responsible insurance carriers and is in an amount and scope customary for persons engaged in businesses and having assets similar to those of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries. All claims arising under such policies and all premiums that are due and payable thereunder have been paid in full. 5.24 Disclosure. No representation or warranty by the Selling Shareholders and/or FOCI in this Agreement, and no certificate or statement furnished or to be furnished to MRV pursuant to this Agreement or in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, contains or shall contain any untrue statement of material fact, or omits or shall omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements contained herein and therein not misleading. There is no fact known to a Selling Shareholder or FOCI which materially adversely affects, or in the future may (so far as can now be reasonably foreseen) materially adversely affect, FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries, its financial condition its business or its prospects which has not been set forth in this Agreement or other information or material provided in writing by FOCI to MRV. 5.25 Representations and Warranties Regarding Acquisition of MRV Shares. Each of the Selling Shareholders represents and warrants to MRV as follows: 5.25.1 Disclosure; Access to Information. Each of the Selling Shareholders has received or will receive prior to the Closing all documents, records, books and other information pertaining to such Selling Shareholder's investment in MRV that have been requested by such Selling Shareholder, including the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers. MRV is subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), and each of the Selling 19 20 Shareholders has reviewed or received copies of any such reports filed by MRV with the SEC under the Exchange Act that have been requested by such Selling Shareholder. 5.25.2 Manner of Sale. At no time were any of the Selling Shareholders presented with or solicited by or through any leaflet, public promotional meeting, television advertisement or any other form of general solicitation or advertising. 5.25.3 Registration or Exemption Requirements. Each of the Selling Shareholders further acknowledges and understands that the MRV Shares may not be transferred, resold or otherwise disposed of in the United States except in a transaction registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") and any applicable state securities laws, or unless an exemption from such registration is available. 5.25.4 No Legal, Tax or Investment Advice. Each of the Selling Shareholders understands that nothing in this Agreement or any other materials presented to the Selling Shareholders in connection with the purchase of MRV Shares constitutes legal, tax or investment advice. The Selling Shareholders have relied on, and have consulted with, such legal, tax and investment advisors as they, in their sole discretion, have deemed necessary or appropriate in connection with their purchase of the MRV Shares. 5.25.5 No Registration, Review or Approval. Each Selling Shareholder acknowledges and understands that the offering and sale of MRV Shares pursuant to this Agreement has not been reviewed or approved by the SEC or by any state or other securities commission, authority or agency, and is not registered under the Securities Act or under the securities or "blue sky" laws, rules or regulations of any state. Each Selling Shareholder acknowledges, understands and agrees that the MRV Shares are being offered and sold hereunder pursuant to an offshore offering exemption to the registration provisions of the Securities Act pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under such Act. Each Selling Shareholder understand that MRV is relying upon the truth and accuracy of the representations, warranties, agreements, acknowledgments and understandings of such Selling Shareholder set forth herein in order to determine the applicability of such exemptions and the suitability of each Selling Shareholder to acquire the MRV Shares. 5.25.6 Investment Intent. Without limiting its ability to resell the MRV Shares pursuant to an effective registration statement, or an exemption from such registration, each Selling Shareholder is acquiring the MRV Shares solely for its own account and not with a 20 21 view to the distribution, assignment or resale to others. Each Selling Shareholder understands and agrees that it may bear the economic risk of its investment in the MRV Shares for an indefinite period of time. 5.25.7 Offering Outside the United States. Each Selling Shareholder is not a "U.S. Person" as defined in Regulation S (as the same may be amended from time to time) promulgated under the Securities Act. At the time the buy order for this transaction was originated, each Selling Shareholder was outside the United States and no offer to purchase the MRV Shares was made in the United States. Each Selling Shareholder agrees not to reoffer or sell the MRV Shares, or to cause any transferee permitted hereunder to reoffer or sell the MRV Shares, within the United States, or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person, (i) as part of the distribution of the MRV Shares at any time, or (ii) otherwise, only in a transaction meeting the requirements of Regulation S under the Securities Act, including without limitation, where the offer (i) is not made to a person in the United States and either (A) at the time the buy order is originated, the Buyer is outside the United States or MRV and any person acting on its behalf reasonably believe that the buyer is outside the United States, or (B) the transaction is executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market and neither the seller nor any person acting on its behalf knows that the transaction has been pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States, and (ii) no direct selling efforts shall be made in the United States by the buyer, an affiliate or any person acting on their behalf, or in a transaction registered under the Securities Act or pursuant to an exemption from such registration. 5.25.8 Regulation S Offering Transfer Restrictions. The transaction restrictions in connection with this offshore offer and sale restrict each Selling Shareholder from offering and selling to U.S. Persons, or for the account or benefit of a U.S. Person, for a period of time (the "Distribution Compliance Period"). The Distribution Compliance Period for the MRV Shares is one (1) year from the Closing. 5.25.9 Legend. A legend substantially in the following form will be placed on any certificates or other documents evidencing the MRV Shares so as to restrict the resale, pledge, hypothecation or other transfer thereof in accordance with the provisions hereof and the provisions of Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act: "THE SHARES EVIDENCED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (TOGETHER WITH THE REGULATIONS PROMULGATED THEREUNDER, THE "SECURITIES ACT"), AND 21 22 MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED OR HYPOTHECATED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN REGULATION S PROMULGATED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT) OR TO A U.S. PERSON (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN REGULATION S) IN THE ABSENCE OF AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT FILED UNDER SAID ACT AND ANY APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS, UNLESS AN EXEMPTION FROM SUCH REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. HEDGING TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE CONDUCTED UNLESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECURITIES ACT." 5.25.10 Permitted Offers and Sales. Offers and sales of MRV Shares prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period (or the effective date of the Registration Statement) may be made (only if otherwise so permitted by this Agreement) pursuant to the following conditions: (a) The purchaser of the MRV Shares, other than a distributor, certifies that it is not a U.S. Person and is not acquiring the MRV Shares for the account or benefit of any U.S. Person or is a U.S. Person who purchased the MRV Shares in a transaction that did not require registration under the Securities Act; (b) The Purchaser of the MRV Shares agrees to sell such securities only in accordance with Regulation S as promulgated under the Securities Act, pursuant to registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an available exemption from registration; and agrees not to engage in hedging transactions with regard to such MRV Shares unless in compliance with the Securities Act; and (c) The MRV Shares contain a legend, substantially in the form of Section 5.25.9 herein, to the effect that transfer of the MRV Shares is prohibited except in accordance with Regulation S, pursuant to registration under the Securities Act, or pursuant to an available exemption from registration; and that hedging transactions involving those MRV Shares may not be conducted unless in compliance with the Securities Act. 5.25.11 No Hedging. Selling Shareholders agree not to engage in hedging transactions with respect to the MRV Shares prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period. For offers and sales of the MRV Shares prior to the expiration of the Distribution Compliance Period, such offering materials must state that hedging transactions involving those securities may not be conducted unless in compliance with the Securities Act and Regulation S promulgated thereunder. 22 23 5.26 Brokers' Fees. Selling Shareholders shall be responsible to pay any fees or commissions to any broker or finder, with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which the Selling Shareholders could be liable or obligated. MRV and the Escrow Agent shall not be responsible whatsoever with respect to such fees or commission. 5.27 FTC Approval. FOCI and Selling Shareholders warrant and represent that FOCI's revenues and market share ratio do not reach or exceed the amount on percentage provided in the Fair Trade law as required to obtain the combination approval from the Fair Trade Commission (the "FTC Approval") of the Republic of China in order to complete the transactions contemplated in this Agreement. 6. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MRV MRV represents and warrants to that the statements contained in this Section 6 are correct and complete as of the date of this Agreement. 6.1 Organization of MRV. MRV is a corporation duly organized, validly existing, and in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation. 6.2 Authorization of Transaction. MRV has full authority (including full corporate power and authority) to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations hereunder. This Agreement constitutes the valid and legally binding obligation of MRV, enforceable in accordance with its terms and conditions. MRV need not give any notice to, make any filing with, or obtain any authorization, consent, or approval of any government or governmental agency in order to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than the filings required by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. 6.3 Brokers' Fees. MRV has no Liability or obligation to pay any fees or commissions to any broker or finder with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which MRV could become liable or obligated. 6.4 No Conflicts. Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation by MRV of the transactions contemplated hereby will (i) violate any of the provisions of the by-law of MRV, (ii) violate any provision of Applicable Law, rule or regulation which violation would prevent MRV from being able to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or (iii) conflict with or result in a breach of , require consent under, give rise to a right of termination of, or accelerate the performance required by the terms of any judgement, court order or consent decree, or any agreement, 23 24 indenture, mortgage or instrument to which MRV is a party or to which either of its property is subject, or constitute a default thereunder. 6.5 Capitalization; Validity of Securities. As of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, all issued and outstanding ordinary shares of MRV are and will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable. The MRV Shares when issued and paid for in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, will be validly authorized, legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable, and the delivery to the Selling Shareholders pursuant to this Agreement shall vest in them good and marketable title thereto, free of any Encumbrances, except for restrictions on transfers set forth herein or imposed by law and except for any Encumbrance created by the Selling Shareholders themselves. 6.6 Reporting Company. MRV is a reporting company under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") required to file periodic reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15 of the Exchange Act and has timely filed all such periodic reports with the SEC during the past 12 months. 6.7 Approvals. No consent, approval, order, or authorization of, or registration, qualification, designation, declaration, or filing with, any governmental authority is required on the part of MRV in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the offer, issuance, sale, and delivery of the MRV Shares, or the other transactions to be consummated at the Closing, as contemplated by this Agreement, except such filings as shall have been made prior to and shall be effective on and as of the Closing (except for filings required under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act or the United States securities laws or regulations or the regulations of the NASDAQ Stock Market or the Applicable Laws). Based on the representations made by the Selling Shareholders in Section 5 of this Agreement, the offer and sale of the MRV Shares to Selling Shareholders will be in compliance with applicable U.S. Federal and state securities laws. 6.8 Compliance. MRV is, in all material respects, in compliance with all laws, regulations, and orders applicable to its present business and has all permits and licenses required thereby where the failure to so be in compliance or to have such permits or licenses would be reasonable likely to materially adversely affect, the business, prospects, condition (financial or otherwise), affairs, or operations of MRV and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. 6.9 Disclosure. MRV has received, or will receive prior to the Closing, all documents, records, books or other information of FOCI required to be filed with the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") in the ROC in the year of 1999. 7. PRE-CLOSING COVENANTS. 24 25 The Parties agree as follows with respect to the period between the execution of this Agreement and the Closing: 7.1 General. Each of the Parties will use its best efforts to take all action and to do all things necessary, proper, or advisable in order to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (including satisfaction, but not waiver, of the closing conditions set forth in Section 8 below). 7.2 Approvals, Notices and Consents. Each of the Parties will shall use their best efforts to satisfy all Conditions Precedent to the Closing and will give any necessary notices to third parties, and will use its best efforts to obtain any necessary third party consents, that MRV reasonably may request in connection with the matters referred to in Section 5 above. Each of the Parties will (and will cause to) give any notices to, make any filings with, and use its best efforts to obtain any authorizations, consents, and all necessary Approvals. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Selling Shareholders shall report the transfer of the FOCI Shares to the Securities and Futures Commission of the ROC (the "SFC"). 7.3 Operation of Business. FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries will not engage in any practice or take any action outside the Ordinary Course of Business of or which results in a material adverse change in the business, financial condition, operations or results of operations of, except for actions to which MRV has given its prior consent. 7.4 Preservation of Business. FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries will keep its business and properties substantially intact, including its present operations, physical facilities, working conditions, and relationships with lessors, licensors, suppliers, customers, and employees. 7.5 Reserved Matters. Between the date hereof and Closing, Selling Shareholders shall cause the managing team (directors, supervisors and Principal Employees of FOCI) to procure that FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries shall not without the prior consent in writing of MRV: (a) enter into any transaction or incur any obligation or liability (absolute or contingent), except for current liabilities incurred, and contracts and transactions entered into, in the ordinary course of business; (b) dispose of or acquire any assets or properties or cancel any debts or claims, except in each case in the ordinary course of business; (c) increase any benefits to employees under pension, insurance or other employee benefit programs or enter into any deferred compensation agreement 25 26 with any of its directors, officers or employees except for increase in compensation for employees and probationary employees for which FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries is contractually bound to give; (d) enter into an agreement to do any of the things described in Section 5.10; (e) cease to pay its creditors in the Ordinary Course of Business; (f) repay any loan capital in whole or in part (other than indebtedness to its bankers) or become bound or liable to be called upon to repay prematurely any loan capital or borrowed moneys; (g) declare any dividend or pass any resolutions or do anything in the conduct or management of the affairs of either FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries which would be likely materially to reduce the value of the business; (h) suffer any material adverse change in its financial condition, assets, business, properties, liabilities, earnings, operations, affairs or prospects; (i) waive or release any right of a material or substantial value howsoever arising; (j) incur any capital expenditure or make any capital commitment of an amount in excess of US$1.0 million (US$1,000,000) or dispose of any fixed assets having a value of more than US$1.0 million (US$1,000,000) in aggregate; (k) make any purchase or sale or introduce any method of management or operation in respect of the business except in a manner consistent with proper prior practice; (l) discharge or satisfy any lien or encumbrance or any other obligation or liability (absolute or contingent) other than liabilities in the ordinary course of business; (m) pass any resolution the result of which would be its winding up, liquidation or receivership, or make any composition or arrangement with creditors; (n) carry on any business other that the business or otherwise change the nature or geographical area of its business; (o) enter into any partnership or joint venture arrangement or set up any subsidiary or associated company; (p) create any fixed or floating charge, lien (other than a lien arising by operation of law) or other encumbrance over the whole or any part of its undertaking, property or assets; (q) undertake anything which would require accounting treatment by way of provision, reserve or extraordinary item; 26 27 (r) make, amend or terminate any contract, loan, guarantee or other arrangement with any Selling Shareholders or any of their respective Affiliates; (s) make, amend or terminate any long-term, unusual or onerous contract (long-term meaning a contract under which the obligations of any party thereto may remain outstanding for more that twelve (12) months) or take any action which could, as a consequence of any action taken by another party, result in any of the same. 7.6 Full Access. FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries will permit representatives of MRV to have full access on a confidential basis at all reasonable times, and in a manner so as not to interfere with the normal business operations of, to all premises, properties, personnel, books, records (including Tax records), contracts, and documents of or pertaining to; 7.7 Notice of Developments. FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries will give prompt written notice to MRV of any material adverse development causing a breach of any of the representations and warranties in Section 5 above. Each Party will give prompt written notice to the others of any material adverse development causing a breach of any of its own representations and warranties in Sections 5 and 6 above. 7.8 Exclusivity. FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries will not solicit, initiate, or encourage the submission of any proposal or offer from any other Person relating to the acquisition of any capital stock or other voting securities, or any substantial portion of the assets, of (including any acquisition structured as a merger, consolidation or share exchange). 7.9 Supervisor. FOCI and Selling Shareholders agree that they will fully cooperate with MRV to have one of the existing supervisor of FOCI being replaced by a person designated by MRV ("Nominee Supervisor") for purpose of conducting the special shareholders meeting to elect the new directors and supervisors and to conduct other necessary corporate actions after the Closing. MRV agrees that it shall cause Nominee Supervisor to resign from its position in the event that the Closing is not completed prior to Target Date or any other date as agreed by the Parties. 7.10 FOCI and Selling Shareholders agree to confirm to MRV in writing three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing the definite list of the name and number of shares of Selling Shareholders and shall have all the Selling Shareholders agree to be a Party of this Agreement and bear the same obligations and liabilities as the Signing Shareholders under this Agreement and Escrow Agreement and issue a Power of Attorney in the form attached as Exhibit A to authorize the Attorneys-in-Fact to sign this Agreement and perform their obligations hereunder on their behalf in connection with their respective FOCI Shares. 27 28 7.11 The Parties shall each use their best efforts to procure the fulfillment of the conditions set forth in Section 8 hereof on or before the Closing, and in particular, shall furnish such information, supply such documents, and do all such acts and things as may be required to enable such conditions to be fulfill. 7.12 Selling Shareholders and FOCI shall cause any personal or corporate guarantors who provide Guaranties on the indebtness or other obligations of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries to continually provide guaranties over the same after the execution of this Agreement in accordance with the current terms thereof. 7.13 At least five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing, Selling Shareholders (or Attorney(s)-in-Fact or FOCI in whose name the Taiwan Account shall be registered) shall give the Taiwan Account passbook, chops and the Power-of-Attorney-Form B to Closing Agent. 7.14 The Selling Shareholders shall sign through their duly authorized representative (i) an Escrow Agreement with the Escrow Agent as described in Section 10.2.3; and (ii) any other documents required in this Agreement or in the Escrow Agreement. 7.15 The Selling Shareholders (or Attorney(s)-in-Fact or FOCI in whose name the Taiwan Account shall be registered) shall, prior to five (5) Business Days prior to the Closing, give the Taiwan Account passbook, chops and a Power of Attorney-Form B to the law firm of Baker & McKenzie, Taipei Office as the Closing Agent of Selling Shareholders ("Closing Agent") granting said Closing Agent the exclusive right to give instructions to the bank with respect to the Taiwan Account. 7.16 Within twenty (20) days after the execution of this Agreement, FOCI and Selling Shareholders shall be responsible to implement and provide a list of Principal Employees (as defined and discussed below) which shall include the key employees in the technical team of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries. Such list shall be incorporated into this Agreement as Schedule 24. FOCI and Signing Shareholders shall be responsible to implement and provide any other necessary information to be contained in the Schedules relating to the warranties and representations described in Section 5 of this Agreement. 7.17 MRV shall provide the Attorneys-in-Fact copies of its most recent public filings with the SEC (including MRV's most recent available financial statements) within two weeks of the execution of this Agreement. 8. CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CLOSING 8.1 Conditions to Obligation of MRV. The obligation of MRV to consummate the 28 29 transactions to be performed by it in connection with the Closing is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions: 8.1.1 FOCI and Selling Shareholders shall have complied with all of their respective agreements and covenants contained herein to be performed at or prior to the Closing, and all their representations and warranties contained herein shall be true and accurate on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except that representations and warranties that were made as of a specified date shall continue on the Closing Date to have been true as of the specified date, and MRV shall have received a certificate of Selling Shareholders and FOCI, dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit C certifying as to the fulfillment of the condition set forth in this Section 8.1.1 (the "FOCI's Bring-Down Certificate"). 8.1.2 MRV shall have received the written agreement (in the form attached as Exhibit E) of the "Principal Employees" of FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries to continue in the employment of said companies for a period of at least two (2) years after the Closing Date on mutually agreed upon salary and benefit terms (including the stock option plan) and on such other terms as MRV normally requires of its employees. In any event, their salary and other cash benefits shall be no more than those of the year of 1999. For this purpose, the following individuals are deemed to be "Principal Employees" of FOCI and its Subsidiaries: Steve Lin, Goodman Chen, Janpu Ho, Thomas Liu and any other Principal Employees whose names are shown in Schedule 24. 8.1.3 No statute, rule or regulation, or order of any court or administrative agency shall be in effect which restrains or prohibits from consummating the transaction contemplated hereby. 8.1.4 No material action, suit or proceeding before any court or any governmental body or authority against Selling Shareholders, either FOCI or its Subsidiaries, or pertaining to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or their consummation, shall have been instituted on or before the Closing Date. 8.1.5 The Approvals and all necessary agreements and consents of any third parties for which FOCI is required to obtain shall have been obtained, and true and complete copies thereof delivered to MRV. 8.1.6 Each Encumbrance or obligation to create any Encumbrance, if any, on FOCI Shares shall have been terminated and released prior to the Closing Date, and Selling Shareholders shall have provided evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to MRV, of such termination and release. 29 30 8.1.7 During the Closing, there shall not have occurred any event or condition materially and adversely affecting the assets or the financial condition, results of operations or business prospects of FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries from those reflected in the Financial Statements, except as disclosed in this Agreement or the Schedules hereto. 8.1.8 Selling Shareholders and FOCI shall have delivered to MRV at the Closing each agreement, instrument, certificate and document required by this Agreement and the Financial Statements, the Latest Financial Statements, and the Auditor Consent as required by Section 5.3.1 of this Agreement, and Selling Shareholders' Payment shall be received by MRV during the Closing. 8.1.9 FOCI Shares available for sale to MRV in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be not less than seventy-five percent (75%). 8.1.10 All final due diligence results on FOCI and its Subsidiaries are satisfactory to MRV. MRV may waive any condition specified in this Section 8.1 if it executes a writing so stating at or prior to the Closing. 8.2 Conditions to Obligation of Selling Shareholders. The obligation of Selling Shareholders to consummate the transactions to be performed by it in connection with the Closing is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions: 8.2.1 MRV shall have complied with all of its agreements and covenants contained herein to be performed at or prior to the Closing, and all their representations and warranties contained herein shall be true and accurate on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though made on and as of the Closing Date, except that representations and warranties that were made as of a specified date shall continue on the Closing Date to have been true as of the specified date and Selling Shareholders shall have received a certificate dated as of the Closing Date, substantially in the form of Exhibit D certifying as to the fulfillment of the condition set forth in this Section (the "MRV's Bring-Down Certificate"). 8.2.2 No statute, rule or regulation, or order of any court or administrative agency shall be in effect which restrains or prohibits the Parties from consummating the transaction contemplated hereby. 8.2.3 The Approvals and all necessary agreements and consents of any third parties shall have been obtained and true and complete copies thereof delivered to Selling Shareholders. 30 31 8.2.4 MRV's Payment shall, via Closing Agent, be made to Attorneys-in-Fact for and on behalf of Selling Shareholders during the Closing. Selling Shareholders may waive any condition specified in this Section 8.2 if it executes a writing so stating at or prior to the Closing. 9. POST CLOSING COVENANTS 9.1 FOCI and Selling Shareholders agree that they will fully cooperate with MRV to convene all necessary corporate actions including but not limited to holding the shareholders meetings and the directors meetings to elect the new directors and Supervisors and to amend the article of incorporation, if necessary. 9.2 FOCI and Selling Shareholders agree that they will fully cooperate with MRV to manage the operation and business conducted by FOCI and each of its Subsidiaries. 9.3 FOCI and Selling Shareholders agree that they will fully cooperate with MRV and use their best efforts to obtain further additional consents from the auditors on the Financial Statements to include auditor's reports in other filing to be made by MRV with the SEC as necessary from time to time. 10. INDEMNIFICATION AND ESCROW 10.1 Survival of Representations and Warranties All of the representations and warranties contained in Sections 5 and 6 above, shall survive the Closing hereunder (even if MRV knew or had reason to know of any misrepresentation or breach of warranty at the time of Closing) and continue in full force and effect for a period of two (2) years thereafter (subject to any applicable statutes of limitations). Provided however, FOCI's liabilities concerning the said representations and warranties may be waived under the discretion of MRV without releasing the liabilities of Signing Shareholders. 10.2 Indemnification Provisions 10.2.1 MRV shall indemnify defend and hold harmless the Selling Shareholders against any and all losses that any of them may suffer, sustain or become subject to as a result of any breach by MRV of its warranties, representations, agreements or covenants set forth in this Agreement. 10.2.2 In the event that FOCI or any of Selling Shareholders breaches any 31 32 of their covenants in Sections 7 and 9 above or any of its representations and warranties in Section 5, above or any other obligations set forth in this Agreement, and, if there is an applicable survival period pursuant to Section 10.1 above, provided that MRV makes a written claim for indemnification against the Selling Shareholders and/or FOCI, then the Selling Shareholders and FOCI agree to jointly and severally indemnify MRV from and against the entirety of any Adverse Consequences MRV may suffer through and after the date of the claim for indemnification (including any Adverse Consequences MRV may suffer after the end of any applicable survival period) resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the breach. The Parties agree that the maximum indemnification of liabilities of each Selling Shareholder shall not exceed the total consideration he is entitled to receive from this transaction. 10.2.3 Escrow. The Parties agree to the following: (a) the representations, warranties, covenants and obligations of Selling Shareholders shall be secured by placing one million of the MRV Shares owned by Selling Shareholders in escrow ("Escrowed Shares") under an Escrow Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F (the "Escrow Agreement"). In the event that payment is required to MRV as a result of invocation of the indemnification clauses of this Agreement, the Escrowed Shares shall be taken from the escrow account and delivered to MRV pro rata to the shareholding of Selling Shareholders in MRV Shares or as shall otherwise be agreed among the Selling Shareholders. Notwithstanding the above, in the event that less than 100% of FOCI Shares sold and delivered to MRV, the number of Escrowed Shares shall be adjusted down by the same percentage as those FOCI Shares not available for sale are as a percentage of the total FOCI Shares of outstanding on the date of execution of this Agreement. (b) The Parties shall appoint the firm of Baker & McKenzie, Taipei office, with David T. Liou as its representative, as escrow agent ("Escrow Agent") to proceed pursuant to the Escrow Agreement. (c) The relevant escrow fees ("Escrow Fees") as described in the Escrow Agreement shall be borne at the sole cost of Selling Shareholders and shall be deducted from the MRV's payments payable to Selling Shareholders. 32 33 10.4 Matters Involving Third Parties 10.4.1 If any third party shall notify any Party (the "Indemnified Party") with respect to any matter (a "Third Party Claim") which may give rise to a claim for indemnification against any other Party (the "Indemnifying Party") under this Section 10, then the Indemnified Party shall promptly notify each Indemnifying Party thereof in writing; provided, however, that no delay on the part of the Indemnified Party in notifying any Indemnifying Party shall relieve the Indemnifying Party from any obligation hereunder unless (and then solely to the extent) the Indemnifying Party thereby is prejudiced. 10.4.2 Any Indemnifying Party will have the right to defend the Indemnified Party against the Third Party Claim with counsel of its choice reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party so long as (A) the Indemnifying Party notifies the Indemnified Party in writing within fifteen (15) days after the Indemnified Party has given notice of the Third Party Claim that the Indemnifying Party will indemnify the Indemnified Party from and against the entirety of any Adverse Consequences the Indemnified Party may suffer resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the Third Party Claim, (B) the Indemnifying Party provides the Indemnified Party with evidence reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party that the Indemnifying Party will have the financial resources to defend against the Third Party Claim and fulfill its indemnification obligations hereunder, (C) the Third Party Claim involves only money damages and does not seek an injunction or other equitable relief, (D) settlement of, or an adverse judgment with respect to, the Third Party Claim is not, in the good faith judgment of the Indemnified Party, likely to establish a precedential custom or practice materially adverse to the continuing business interests of the Indemnified Party, and (E) the Indemnifying Party conducts the defense of the Third Party Claim actively and diligently. 10.4.3 So long as the Indemnifying Party is conducting the defense of the Third Party Claim in accordance with Section 10.4.2 above, (A) the Indemnified Party may retain separate co-counsel at its sole cost and expense and participate in the defense of the Third Party Claim, (B) the Indemnified Party will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, and (C) the Indemnifying Party will not consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the 33 34 Indemnified Party. 10.3.4 In the event any of the conditions in Section 10.4.2 above is or becomes unsatisfied, however, (A) the Indemnified Party may defend against, and consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to, the Third Party Claim in any manner it reasonably may deem appropriate (and the Indemnified Party need not consult with, or obtain any consent from, any Indemnifying Party in connection therewith), (B) the Indemnifying Parties will reimburse the Indemnified Party promptly and periodically for the costs of defending against the Third Party Claim (including reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses), and (C) the Indemnifying Parties will remain responsible for any Adverse Consequences the Indemnified Party may suffer resulting from, arising out of, relating to, in the nature of, or caused by the Third Party Claim to the fullest extent provided in this Section 10. 11. TERMINATION. 11.1 Termination of Agreement. Certain of the Parties may terminate this Agreement as provided below: 11.1.1 The Parties may terminate this Agreement by mutual written consent at any time prior to the Closing; and 11.1.2 Either party to this Agreement may terminate this Agreement by giving written notice to the other party if the Closing shall not have occurred on or before Target Day, except that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 11 shall not be available to (A) FOCI or the members of Selling Shareholders if the failure to consummate the Closing on or before such date was caused by or resulted from the failure of any member of Selling Shareholders or FOCI to fulfill any of its obligations under this Agreement or (B) MRV if the failure to consummate the Closing on or before such date was caused by or resulted from MRV's failure to fulfill any of its obligations under this Agreement. 11.2 Effect of Termination. If any Party terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 11.1 above, all further obligations of the Parties hereto shall become null and void and no party shall have any liability to any other party, unless the basis for such termination was the failure by such party to fulfill its covenants and agreements set forth herein. In the event that the Closing is not completed, either Party will destroy or return to the other Party the Confidential Information of the other Party. 34 35 12. TRANSFER RESTRICTION Each of the Selling Shareholders agree that the Selling Shareholders shall not sell the MRV Shares in a group at one time more than 100,000 shares. Such grouped sales shall be further restricted to a total of one hundred thousand (100,000) shares in any given month. This restriction does not apply if a Selling Shareholder is selling the MRV Shares alone and not in concert in any way with any other Selling Shareholders. 13. MISCELLANEOUS 13.1 Press Releases and Public Announcements No Party shall issue any press release or make any public announcement relating to the subject matter of this Agreement prior to the Closing without the prior written approval of MRV and; provided, however, that any Party may make any public disclosure it believes in good faith is required by Applicable Law or any listing or trading requirement concerning its publicly-traded securities (in which case the disclosing Party will notify the other Parties of such disclosure forty-eight (48) hours prior to making the disclosure). 13.2 No Third-Party Beneficiaries. This Agreement shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any Person other than the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. 13.3 Notices All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by facsimile transmission to the other parties at the fax number set forth below for MRV (in the case of a notice to be sent to MRV) or for FOCI (in the case of notices to be sent to FOCI or the Selling Shareholders prior to the Closing -- after the Closing they shall designate a representative and provide a fax number for this purpose), with a copy sent by first class mail or express courier to said parties at the address provided to the other parties, or to such other fax number and/or address as a party may hereinafter designate by notice to the other. Notice shall be effective on the date it is sent by facsimile transmission if the facsimile transmission report confirms receipt by the receiving fax. - To FOCI Attention: Ronald Fu-Chang Wang Fax: (886-3) 579-9766 35 36 - To MRV Attention: Edmund Glazer Fax: (1-978) 952-4795 - To Selling Shareholders Attention: Ronald Fu-Chang Wang Steve Song-Fure Lin Fax: (886-3) 363-4816 (886-3) 352-0558 13.4 Headings The headings contained in this Agreement (including but not limited to the titles of the Schedules and Exhibits hereto) have been inserted for convenience of reference only, and neither such headings nor the placement of any term hereof under any particular heading shall in any way restrict or modify any of the terms or provisions hereof. Terms used in the singular shall be read in the plural, and vice versa, and terms used in the masculine gender shall be read in the feminine or neuter gender when the context so requires. 13.5 Schedules, Exhibits and Annexes All Schedules, Exhibits and Annexes attached to this Agreement constitute an integral part of this Agreement as if fully rewritten herein. 13.6 Entire Agreement This Agreement (including the documents referred to herein) constitutes the entire agreement among the Parties and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, to the extent they related in any way to the subject matter hereof. 13.7 Succession and Assignment This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties named herein and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No Party may assign either this Agreement or any of its rights, interests, or obligations hereunder without the prior written approval of MRV and; provided, however, that MRV may (i) assign any or all of its rights and interests hereunder to one or more of its Affiliates and (ii) designate one or more of its Affiliates to perform its obligations hereunder (in any or all of which cases MRV nonetheless shall remain responsible for the performance of all of its obligations hereunder). 13.8 Counterparts This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together will constitute one and 36 37 the same instrument. 13.9 GOVERNING LAW THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF TAIWAN, THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CHOICE OR CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISION OR RULE (WHETHER OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION) THAT WOULD CAUSE THE APPLICATION OF THE LAWS OF ANY JURISDICTION OTHER THAN TAIWAN, THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA. 13.10 Amendments and Waivers No amendment of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same shall be in writing and signed by the Parties. No waiver by any Party of any default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation, or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any prior or subsequent such occurrence. 13.11 Severability Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions hereof or the validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other situation or in any other jurisdiction. 13.12 Cost and expenses Except this Agreement provides otherwise, each of the Parties shall bear its own costs and expenses (including but not limiting to legal fees and expenses) incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. 13.13 Construction The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement. Any reference to any federal, state, local, or foreign statute or law shall be deemed also to refer to all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, unless the context requires otherwise. The word "including" shall mean including without limitation. The Parties intend that each representation, warranty, and covenant contained herein shall have independent 37 38 significance. If any Party has breached any representation, warranty, or covenant contained herein in any respect, the fact that there exists another representation, warranty, or covenant relating to the same subject matter (regardless of the relative levels of specificity) which the Party has not breached shall not detract from or mitigate the fact that the Party is in breach of the first representation, warranty, or covenant. 13.14 Specific Performance Each of the Parties acknowledges and agrees that the other Parties would be damaged irreparably in the event any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or otherwise are breached. Accordingly, each of the Parties agrees that, the other Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically this Agreement and the terms and provisions hereof in any action instituted in any court of Taiwan, the Republic of China or any other state thereof having jurisdiction over the Parties and the matter, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled, at law or in equity. 13.15 Submission to Jurisdiction Any dispute relating to the validity, performance, construction or interpretation of this Agreement that cannot be resolved amicably among the Parties shall be submitted to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any state or federal court sitting in Delaware, Massachusetts or California, U.S.A. and in Taiwan, R.O.C. in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement and agrees that all claims in respect of the action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court. Each Party further agrees not to bring any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any other court. Each of the Parties waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any action or proceeding so brought and waives any bond, surety, or other security that might be required of any other Party with respect thereto. Any Party may make service on any other Party by sending or delivering a copy of the process to the Party to be served at the address and in the manner provided for the giving of notices in Section 13.3 above. Nothing in this Section 13.15, however, shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by law or at equity. Each Party agrees that a final judgment in any action or proceeding so brought shall be conclusive and may be enforced by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law or at equity. 13.16 Attorney's Fees In the event that a party to this Agreement commences any legal action under this Agreement to enforce any of its rights hereunder, or to recover damages for any breach or default by the other party or parties hereto of any of its (their) obligations hereunder, the prevailing party in any such legal 38 39 action shall be entitled to recover from the other party all of its costs and expenses incurred in connection with such legal action, including reasonable attorneys' fees, 13.17 Confidential Information FOCI and each of Selling Shareholders and MRV shall:- (a) not use or disclose to any person Confidential Information; and (b) use all reasonable endeavours to prevent the use or disclosure of Confidential Information by any person. This Section 13.17 does not apply to:- (a) disclosure of Confidential Information to or at the written request of MRV; (b) use or disclosure of Confidential Information required to be disclosed by law, regulation or any revenue authority; (c) disclosure of Confidential Information to professional advisers for the purpose of advising MRV; or (d) Confidential Information which is in the public domain other than as a consequence of a breach of this Section 13.17. 13.18 Non-Competition 13.18.1 The Selling Shareholders hereby jointly and severally undertake (except as otherwise agreed in writing with MRV) not to, either solely or jointly with any other Person (either on their own account or as the agent of any other Person):- (a) for a period of two (2) years from Closing carry on or be engaged or concerned or (except as the holder of shares in a listed company which confer not more than two per cent. of the votes which can generally be cast at a general meeting of the company), interested, or hold more than five percent of the shares directly or indirectly in a business which competes with the type of business carried on by FOCI or its Subsidiaries at Closing in the world; (b) for a period of two (2) years from the Closing solicit or accept the custom of any person in respect of goods or services competitive with those manufactured or supplied by FOCI during the period of 12 months prior to Closing, such person having been a customer of FOCI in respect of such goods or services 39 40 during such period; (c) for a period of two (2) years from the Closing induce, solicit or endeavour to entice to leave the service or employment of any employee of FOCI or its Subsidiaries, likely (in the opinion of MRV) to be:- (i) in possession of confidential information relating to; or (ii) able to influence the customer relationships or connections of FOCI or its Subsidiaries; or (iii) use any trade or domain name or e-mail address used by FOCI at any time during the two (2) years immediately preceding the date of this agreement or any other name intended or likely to be confused with any such trade or domain name or e-mail address. 13.18.2 Selling Shareholders shall cause the Principal Employees undertake, not to, within two years after the termination of their employment with FOCI or its Subsidiaries either solely or jointly with other Person (either on their own account or as the agent of any other Person) conduct any behaviors provided in Section 13.18.1. 13.18.3 Selling Shareholders agree that the undertakings contained in this Section 13.18 are reasonable and are entered into for the purpose of protecting the goodwill of the business of FOCI and its Subsidiaries and that accordingly the benefit of the undertakings may be assigned by MRV and its successors in title without the consent of the Selling Shareholders. 13.18.4 Each undertaking contained in this Section 13.18.3 is and shall be construed as separate and severable and if one or more of the undertakings is held to be against the public interest or unlawful or in any way an unreasonable restraint of trade or unenforceable in whole or in part for any reason the remaining undertakings or parts thereof, as appropriate, shall continue to bind Selling Shareholders. 13.18.5 If any undertaking contained in this Section 13.18 shall be held to be void but would be valid if deleted in part or reduced in application, such undertaking shall apply with such deletion or modification as may be necessary to make it valid and enforceable. Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, such period (as the same may previously have been reduced by virtue of this Section 13.18.4) shall take effect as if reduced by six months until the resulting period shall be valid and enforceable. 40 41 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first above written. MRV COMMUNICATIONS, INC. --------------------------------------- By: Title: FIBER OPTIC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. --------------------------------------- By: Title: SIGNING SHAREHOLDERS --------------------------------------- Represented by: Ronald Fu-Chang Wang --------------------------------------- Represented by: Steve Song-Fure Lin 41 42 ANNEX 1 DEFINITIONS "Adverse Consequences" means all actions, suits, proceedings, hearings, investigations, charges, complaints, claims, demands, injunctions, judgments, orders, decrees, rulings, damages, dues, penalties, fines, costs, amounts paid in settlement, Liabilities, obligations, Taxes, liens, losses, expenses, and fees, including court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses. "Affiliate" means in relation to any Party, any company, other commercial entity or person which directly or indirectly controls, or is controlled by, under common control with, any Party or any of the Parties' directors, supervisors or management personnel. "Approvals" means (i) the approval granted by the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park Administration of the acquisition by MRV of FOCI Shares contemplated by this Agreement so that, after the Closing, FOCI shall be deemed to be a foreign invested company with foreign investment approval (an "FIA company"), (ii) the approval required under Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, and (iii) any other governmental or regulatory approvals of the transactions contemplated hereunder which may be required by Applicable Law (if any). "Applicable Law" shall include all laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, administrative or judicial orders, injunctions, notices, approvals or judgment of any federal, national, state, provincial or local government or governmental department, agency, or instrumentality. "Business Day" means any day on which banks in both New York and Taiwan are open for business. "Closing" has the meaning set forth in Section 3. "Closing Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 3. "Closing Agent" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.1 (a). "Confidential Information" means any information concerning the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and is not already generally available to the public. "Contract" means any agreement, contract, obligation, promise, or understanding (whether written or oral and whether express or implied) that is legally binding on either FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries. "Encumbrance" means any security interest, lien, claim, option, warrant, easement, limitation, restriction, royalty, charge, pledge, preemptive or other right, restraint on alienation, voting trust or arrangement, proxy, shareholders agreement, mortgage or other encumbrance. 42 43 "Escrow Agent" shall have the meaning set out in Section 10.2.3. "Escrow Agreement" means an Escrow Agreement to be signed by and among MRV, Escrow Agent and Signing Shareholders in connection with Escrowed Shares on the same date of this Agreement. "Escrowed Shares" shall have the meaning as defined in Section 10.2.3. "Financial Statements" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.1. "Guaranties" means any guaranty or other surety provided by a Person Company in respect of any indebtedness or other obligation. "Hart-Scott-Rodino Act" means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended. "Indemnified Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.1 below. "Indemnifying Party" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.1 below. "Intellectual Property" means (a) all inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), all improvements thereto, and all patents, patent applications, and patent disclosures, together with all reissuances, continuations, continuations-in-part, revisions, extensions, and reexaminations thereof, (b) all trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names, and corporate names, together with all translations, adaptations, derivations, and combinations thereof and including all goodwill associated therewith, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (c) all copyrightable works, all copyrights, and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (d) all mask works and all applications, registrations, and renewals in connection therewith, (e) all trade secrets and confidential business information (including ideas, research and development, know-how, formulas, compositions, manufacturing and production processes and techniques, technical data, designs, drawings, specifications, customer and supplier lists, pricing and cost information, and business and marketing plans and proposals), (f) all computer software (including data and related documentation), (g) all other proprietary rights, and (h) all copies and tangible embodiments thereof (in whatever form or medium). "Knowledge" means actual knowledge after reasonable investigation. "Latest Balance Sheet" shall name the meaning set out in Section 5.3.1. "Latest Financial Statements" shall have the meaning set out in Section 5.3.1. "Loss" shall mean any liability, loss, damage, claim, cost, deficiency, delegation, or expense (including any penalty and any reasonably legal fees and costs) incurred by 43 44 a party. "Liability" means any liability (whether known or unknown, whether asserted or unasserted, whether absolute or contingent, whether accrued or unaccrued, whether liquidated or unliquidated, and whether due or to become due), including any liability for Taxes. "New Taiwan Dollars" or "NT$" shall mean the lawful currency of the Republic of China. "Ordinary Course of Business" means the ordinary course of business consistent with past custom and practice (including with respect to quantity and frequency). "Party" has the meaning set forth in the preface above. "Permit" means all governmental licenses, registrations, authorizations, permits, and approvals, and all applications therefor. "Person" means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or a governmental entity (or any department, agency, or political subdivision thereof). "Power of Attorney" means a Power of Attorney in the form of Exhibit A attached hereto, duly executed by each Selling Shareholder in favor of the Attorneys-in-Fact, by which each Selling Shareholder appoints and authorizes the Attorneys-in-Fact, jointly and severally, to execute for and on behalf of the Selling Shareholder this Agreement, and any and all other documents in connection with the performance by Selling Shareholder of its/his/her obligations hereunder, and to take all actions necessary or appropriate for the performance of the transaction contemplated herein for and on behalf of the Selling Shareholder. "Subsidiary", as it relates to any Person, means a corporation or other type of entity of which such Person owns (or has the right to acquire either by contract or exercise of outstanding options, warrants or other convertible instruments) 50% or more of the capital stock or equity interest. "Target Day" shall have the meaning set out in Section 3.1. "Tax" means any federal, state, local, or foreign income, gross receipts, license, payroll, employment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, premium, windfall profits, environmental (including taxes under Code Section 59A), customs duties, capital stock, franchise, profits, withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use, transfer, registration, value added, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, or other tax of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalty, or addition thereto, whether disputed or not. 44 45 "Tax Return" means any return, declaration, report, claim for refund, or information return or statement relating to Taxes, including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof. "Third Party Claim" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.3.1. "US GAAP" means United States generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time. "U.S. Person" means: (i) any natural person resident in the United States, (ii) any partnership or corporation organized or incorporated under the laws of the United States, (iii) any estate of which any executor or administrator is a U.S. Person, (iv) any trust of which any trustee is a U.S. Person, (v) any agency or branch of a foreign entity located in the United States, (vi) any non-discretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other fiduciary for the benefit or account of a U.S. Person, (vii) any discretionary account or similar account (other than an estate or trust) held by a dealer or other fiduciary organized, incorporated, or, if an individual resident, in the United States, or (viii) any partnership or corporation, if organized under the laws of any foreign jurisdiction and formed by any U.S. Person principally, for the purpose of investing in securities and registered under the Securities Act, unless it is organized or incorporated and owned by accredited Selling Shareholders (as defined in Rule 501(a) under the Securities Act who are not natural persons, estates or trusts. "Waste Material" shall mean any pollutant, contaminant, hazardous or toxic material or other material produced, discharged or emitted by FOCI or any of its Subsidiaries other than products intended to be sold in the Ordinary Course of Business. 45
EX-21 3 SUBSIDIARIES 1 EXHIBIT 21 SUBSIDIARIES The following are the Company's subsidiaries at December 31, 1999: Name Jurisdiction of Organization - ---- ---------------------------- NBase Communications, Inc. Maryland NBase Communications, Ltd. Israel NBase Europe GmbH Germany NBase Fibronics Ltd. Israel Netsoft Solutions Ltd. France Turnkey Switzerland Hyperchannel Ltd. United Kingdom NBase Xyplex, Inc. Delaware Xyplex, Inc. Massachusetts EDSLAN SRL Italy RDS Sweden Optical Access, Inc. Delaware Tecnonet Italy Charlotte's Networks, Inc. Delaware EX-23 4 CONSENT OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL 1 EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated February 22, 2000, included in the MRV Communications', Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 into (i) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 33-96458); (ii) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-87743); (iii) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-87741); (iv) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-87739) (v) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-87735); (vi) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-87733); (vii) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-87731); (viii) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-86163) (ix) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-17537); and (x) the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of MRV Communications, Inc. (File Nos. 333-64017). /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP Los Angeles, California March 29, 2000 EX-27 5 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
5 YEAR DEC-31-1999 JAN-01-1999 DEC-31-1999 34,330 112,077 69,088 8,451 35,392 156,959 36,611 17,011 314,533 50,534 90,000 0 0 124 166,691 314,533 288,524 288,524 197,442 107,076 (610) 0 4,500 (15,062) (2,153) (12,909) 0 0 0 (12,909) (0.48) (0.48)
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