-----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, BGl8zgUkouahHI/aPCxJ5QkyvC/j346xQqmKlsTsEzQRvevVj9oer55r2Lr9H5MR bTZH9fOzwZ96HsHcOM7cTQ== 0000950153-99-001505.txt : 19991217 0000950153-99-001505.hdr.sgml : 19991217 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950153-99-001505 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-8 PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 4 FILED AS OF DATE: 19991216 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 19991216 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000893160 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SURGICAL & MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & APPARATUS [3841] IRS NUMBER: 942976937 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-8 SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-92883 FILM NUMBER: 99775873 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3865 N BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE CITY: TUCSON STATE: AZ ZIP: 85705 BUSINESS PHONE: 5208872155 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3865 N BUSINESS CENTER DR CITY: TUCSON STATE: AZ ZIP: 85705 S-8 1 S-8 1 As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 15, 1999 Registration Statement No. 333- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, DC 20549 -------------------- FORM S-8 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 --------------------- VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Delaware 94-2976937 (State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) Incorporation or Organization) 3865 North Business Center Drive, Tucson, Arizona 85705 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) 1998 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (Full Title of the Plan) Jay Meridew Vice President of Finance Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. 3865 North Business Center Drive Tucson, Arizona 85705 (Name and Address of Agent for Service) (520) 887-2155 (Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service) Copies to: Christian J. Hoffmann, III, Esq. Streich Lang, P.A. Renaissance One Two North Central Avenue Phoenix, Arizona 85004 (602) 229-5336 CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
======================================================================================================================= Proposed Proposed Maximum Maximum Amount of Title of Securities To Be Amount To Be Offering Price Aggregate Registration Registered Registered Per Share(1) Offering Price(1) Fee - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Common Stock, $.001 par value 500,000 $23.75 $11,875,000 $3,135 per share =======================================================================================================================
(1) Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) and (h) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee. The calculation is based on the average of the high and low prices as quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on December 9, 1999 (the "Market Price"). 2 PART II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ITEM 3. INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE. The following documents and information previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") by Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (the "Company") are hereby incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement: (1) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998; (2) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1999; (3) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999; (4) Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1999; (5) Definitive Proxy Statement used in connection with the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on May 6, 1999, other than the portions of such document, which by statute, by designation in such document or otherwise, are not deemed to be filed with the Commission or are not required to be incorporated herein by reference; and (6) All documents subsequently filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), prior to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities registered have been sold or which deregisters all securities then remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and to be part hereof from the date of filing of such documents. ITEM 4. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES. Not applicable. ITEM 5. INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL. Not applicable. ITEM 6. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS. Pursuant to Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the "DGCL"), Article X of the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the "Restated Certificate of Incorporation") eliminates the liability of the Company's directors to the Company or its stockholders, except for liabilities related to breach of duty of loyalty, actions not in good faith and certain other liabilities. Section 145 of the DGCL provides for indemnification by the Company of its directors and officers. In addition, Article VI of the Company's Bylaws requires the Company to indemnify any current or former director or officer to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnity agreements with its directors and executive officers that obligate the Company to indemnify such directors and executive officers to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. The Company also maintains officers' and directors' liability insurance, which insures against liabilities that officers and directors of the Company may incur in such capacities. ITEM 7. EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION CLAIMED. Not applicable. ITEM 8. EXHIBITS. See the Exhibit Index at Page E-1 of this Registration Statement. 2 3 ITEM 9. UNDERTAKINGS. A. The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes: (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement: (i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933; (ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof), which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the Registration Statement; and (iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement. Provided, however, that paragraph (A)(1)(i) and (A)(1)(ii) do not apply if the Registration Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement. (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering. B. The undersigned Registrant undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that is incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. C. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to Directors, officers and controlling persons of the Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions described under Item 6 above, or otherwise, the Company has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a Director, officer or controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such Director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue. 3 4 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized, in the City of Tucson, State of Arizona, on this 15th day of December, 1999. VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. By: /s/ Jay Meridew Jay Meridew, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Jay Meridew and Christopher M. Gleeson and each of them acting individually, as his attorney-in-fact, each with full power of substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact, or his substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated:
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE /s/ Christopher M. Gleeson President and Chief Executive Officer December 15, 1999 - --------------------------- Christopher M. Gleeson (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ Jay Meridew Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary December 15, 1999 - --------------------------- Jay Meridew (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) /s/ Edward M. Giles Director December 15, 1999 - -------------------------- Edward M. Giles /s/ Thomas M. Grogan Director December 15, 1999 - -------------------------- Thomas M. Grogan /s/ John Patience Director December 15, 1999 - -------------------------- John Patience /s/ Jack W. Schuler Director December 15, 1999 - -------------------------- Jack W. Schuler /s/ James R. Weersing Director December 15, 1999 - -------------------------- James R. Weersing /s/ Rex J. Bates Director December 15, 1999 - -------------------------- Rex J. Bates /s/ Henry T. Pietraszek Director December 15, 1999 - -------------------------- Henry T. Pietraszek
4 5 VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Exhibit Number Description - ------- ----------- 4.1 1998 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan with forms of agreements used thereunder 5.1 Opinion of counsel as to legality of securities being registered 23.1 Consent of counsel (contained in Exhibit 5.1 hereto) 23.2 Consent of Ernst & Young LLP 24.1 Powers of Attorney (contained in signature pages on page 4 of this registration statement) E-1 EX-4.1 2 EX-4.1 1 EXHIBIT 4.1 VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. 1998 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN 1. Purposes of the Plan. The purposes of this Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan are: - to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, - to provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants, and - to promote the success of the Company's business. Options granted under the Plan will be Nonstatutory Stock Options. 2. Definitions. As used herein, the following definitions shall apply: (a) "Administrator" means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be administering the Plan, in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. (b) "Applicable Laws" means the requirements relating to the administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S. federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted and the applicable laws of any foreign country or jurisdiction where Options are, or will be, granted under the Plan. (c) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company. (d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. (e) "Committee" means a committee of Directors appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4 of the Plan. (f) "Common Stock" means the Common Stock of the Company. (g) "Company" means Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation. (h) "Consultant" means any person, including an advisor, engaged by the Company or a Parent or Subsidiary to render services to such entity. (i) "Director" means a member of the Board. (j) "Disability" means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code. -1- 2 (k) "Employee" means any person, including Officers, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. A Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (i) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (ii) transfers between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor. Neither service as a Director nor payment of a director's fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute "employment" by the Company. (l) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. (m) "Fair Market Value" means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows: (i) If the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq National Market or The Nasdaq SmallCap Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system for the last market trading day prior to the time of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; (ii) If the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, the Fair Market Value of a Share of Common Stock shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the last market trading day prior to the day of determination, as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable; (iii) In the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value shall be determined in good faith by the Administrator. (n) "Notice of Grant" means a written or electronic notice evidencing certain terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Notice of Grant is part of the Option Agreement. (o) "Officer" means a person who is an officer of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. (p) "Option" means a nonstatutory stock option granted pursuant to the Plan, that is not intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder. (q) "Option Agreement" means an agreement between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions of an individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan. (r) "Option Exchange Program" means a program whereby outstanding options are surrendered in exchange for options with a lower exercise price. -2- 3 (s) "Optioned Stock" means the Common Stock subject to an Option. (t) "Optionee" means the holder of an outstanding Option granted under the Plan. (u) "Parent" means a "parent corporation," whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code. (v) "Plan" means this 1999 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan. (w) "Service Provider" means an Employee including an Officer, Consultant or Director. (x) "Share" means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 12 of the Plan. (y) "Subsidiary" means a "subsidiary corporation," whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code. 3. Stock Subject to the Plan. Subject to the provisions of Section 12 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be optioned and sold under the Plan is Five Hundred Thousand (500,000) Shares. The Shares may be authorized, but unissued, or reacquired Common Stock. If an Option expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Option Exchange Program, the unpurchased Shares which were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless the Plan has terminated). 4. Administration of the Plan. (a) Administration. The Plan shall be administered by (i) the Board or (ii) a Committee, which committee shall be constituted to satisfy Applicable Laws. (b) Powers of the Administrator. Subject to the provisions of the Plan, and in the case of a Committee, subject to the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee, the Administrator shall have the authority, in its discretion: (i) to determine the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock; (ii) to select the Service Providers to whom Options may be granted hereunder; (iii) to determine whether and to what extent Options are granted hereunder; -3- 4 (iv) to determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by each Option granted hereunder; (v) to approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan; (vi) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of any award granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Options may be exercised (which may be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation regarding any Option or the shares of Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator, in its sole discretion, shall determine; (vii) to reduce the exercise price of any Option to the then current Fair Market Value if the Fair Market Value of the Common Stock covered by such Option shall have declined since the date the Option was granted; (viii) to institute an Option Exchange Program; (ix) to construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and awards granted pursuant to the Plan; (x) to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans established for the purpose of qualifying for preferred tax treatment under foreign tax laws; (xi) to modify or amend each Option (subject to Section 14(b) of the Plan), including the discretionary authority to extend the post-termination exercisability period of Options longer than is otherwise provided for in the Plan; (xii) to authorize any person to execute on behalf of the Company any instrument required to effect the grant of an Option previously granted by the Administrator; (xiii) to determine the terms and restrictions applicable to Options; (xiv) to allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount required to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be withheld is to be determined. All elections by an Optionee to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; and (xv) to make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for administering the Plan. -4- 5 (c) Effect of Administrator's Decision. The Administrator's decisions, determinations and interpretations shall be final and binding on all Optionees and any other holders of Options. 5. Eligibility. Options may be granted to Service Providers; provided, however, that notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan, Options may not be granted to Officers and Directors. 6. Limitation. Neither the Plan nor any Option shall confer upon an Optionee any right with respect to continuing the Optionee's relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall they interfere in any way with the Optionee's right or the Company's right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause. 7. Term of Plan. The Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board. It shall continue in effect for ten (10) years, unless sooner terminated under Section 14 of the Plan. 8. Term of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option Agreement. 9. Option Exercise Price and Consideration. (a) Exercise Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued pursuant to exercise of an Option shall be determined by the Administrator. (b) Waiting Period and Exercise Dates. At the time an Option is granted, the Administrator shall fix the period within which the Option may be exercised and shall determine any conditions which must be satisfied before the Option may be exercised. (c) Form of Consideration. The Administrator shall determine the acceptable form of consideration for exercising an Option, including the method of payment. Such consideration may consist entirely of: (i) cash; (ii) check; (iii) promissory note; (iv) other Shares which (A) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (B) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which said Option shall be exercised; (v) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; -5- 6 (vi) a reduction in the amount of any Company liability to the Optionee, including any liability attributable to the Optionee's participation in any Company-sponsored deferred compensation program or arrangement; (vii) such other consideration and method of payment for the issuance of Shares to the extent permitted by Applicable Laws; or (viii) any combination of the foregoing methods of payment. 10. Exercise of Option. (a) Procedure for Exercise; Rights as a Shareholder. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms of the Plan and at such times and under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Option Agreement. An Option may not be exercised for a fraction of a Share. An Option shall be deemed exercised when the Company receives: (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement) from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is exercised. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 12 of the Plan. Exercising an Option in any manner shall decrease the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised. (b) Termination of Relationship as a Service Provider. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, other than upon the Optionee's death or Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option, but only within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement, and only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for three (3) months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified -6- 7 by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. (c) Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Optionee's Disability, the Optionee may exercise his or her Option within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement, to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement). In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's termination. If, on the date of termination, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. (d) Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised within such period of time as is specified in the Option Agreement (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Notice of Grant), by the Optionee's estate or by a person who acquires the right to exercise the Option by bequest or inheritance, but only to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death. In the absence of a specified time in the Option Agreement, the Option shall remain exercisable for twelve (12) months following the Optionee's termination. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. The Option may be exercised by the executor or administrator of the Optionee's estate or, if none, by the person(s) entitled to exercise the Option under the Optionee's will or the laws of descent or distribution. If the Option is not so exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan. (e) Buyout Provisions. The Administrator may at any time offer to buy out for a payment in cash or Shares, an Option previously granted based on such terms and conditions as the Administrator shall establish and communicate to the Optionee at the time that such offer is made. 11. Non-Transferability of Options. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, an Option may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised, during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If the Administrator makes an Option transferable, such Option shall contain such additional terms and conditions as the Administrator deems appropriate. 12. Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Dissolution, Merger or Asset Sale. (a) Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by the shareholders of the Company, the number of shares of Common Stock covered by each outstanding Option, and the number of shares of Common Stock which have been authorized for issuance under the Plan but as to which no Options have yet been granted or which have been returned to the Plan upon cancellation or expiration of an Option, as well as the price per share of Common Stock covered by each such outstanding Option, shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the -7- 8 number of issued shares of Common Stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the Common Stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of Common Stock effected without receipt of consideration by the Company; provided, however, that conversion of any convertible securities of the Company shall not be deemed to have been "effected without receipt of consideration." Such adjustment shall be made by the Board, whose determination in that respect shall be final, binding and conclusive. Except as expressly provided herein, no issuance by the Company of shares of stock of any class, or securities convertible into shares of stock of any class, shall affect, and no adjustment by reason thereof shall be made with respect to, the number or price of shares of Common Stock subject to an Option. (b) Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. The Administrator in its discretion may provide for an Optionee to have the right to exercise his or her Option until ten (10) days prior to such transaction as to all of the Optioned Stock covered thereby, including Shares as to which the Option would not otherwise be exercisable. In addition, the Administrator may provide that any Company repurchase option applicable to any Shares purchased upon exercise of an Option shall lapse as to all such Shares, provided the proposed dissolution or liquidation takes place at the time and in the manner contemplated. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an Option will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action. (c) Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of the assets of the Company, each outstanding Option shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation or a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the Option, the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the Option as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable. If an Option becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution in the event of a merger or sale of assets, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the Option shall be fully vested and exercisable for a period of fifteen (15) days from the date of such notice, and the Option shall terminate upon the expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or sale of assets, the option or right confers the right to purchase or receive, for each Share of Optioned Stock, immediately prior to the merger or sale of assets, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or sale of assets by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that if such consideration received in the merger or sale of assets is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon the exercise of the Option, for each Share of Optioned Stock to be solely common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders of Common Stock in the merger or sale of assets. -8- 9 13. Date of Grant. The date of grant of an Option shall be, for all purposes, the date on which the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option, or such other later date as is determined by the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be provided to each Optionee within a reasonable time after the date of such grant. 14. Amendment and Termination of the Plan. (a) Amendment and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan. (b) Effect of Amendment or Termination. No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee, unless mutually agreed otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company. Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator's ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with respect to options granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination. 15. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares. (a) Legal Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option unless the exercise of such Option and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. (b) Investment Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Option the Company may require the person exercising such Option to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required. 16. Inability to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority is deemed by the Company's counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall not have been obtained. 17. Reservation of Shares. The Company, during the term of this Plan, will at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient to satisfy the requirements of the Plan. -9- 10 VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. 1998 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms defined in the Plan shall have the same defined meanings in this Option Agreement. I. NOTICE OF STOCK OPTION GRANT [OPTIONEE'S NAME] You have been granted an option to purchase Common Stock of the Company, subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement, as follows: Grant Date of Grant Vesting Commencement Date Exercise Price per Share $ Total Number of Shares Granted Total Exercise Price $ Type of Option: Nonstatutory Stock Option Term/Expiration Date: Vesting Schedule: Subject to the Optionee continuing to be a Service Provider on such dates, this Option shall vest and become exercisable in accordance with the following schedule: DEPENDING ON OPTION GRANT -1- 11 Termination Period: This Option may be exercised for 30 days after Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider. Upon the death or Disability of the Optionee, this Option may be exercised for such longer period as provided in the Plan. In no event shall this Option be exercised later than the Term/Expiration Date as provided above. II. AGREEMENT 1. Grant of Option. The Plan Administrator of the Company hereby grants to the Optionee named in the Notice of Grant attached as Part I of this Agreement (the "Optionee") an option (the "Option") to purchase the number of Shares, as set forth in the Notice of Grant, at the exercise price per share set forth in the Notice of Grant (the "Exercise Price"), subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan, which is incorporated herein by reference. Subject to Section 14(b) of the Plan, in the event of a conflict between the terms and conditions of the Plan and the terms and conditions of this Option Agreement, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall prevail. 2. Exercise of Option. (a) Right to Exercise. This Option is exercisable during its term in accordance with the Vesting Schedule set out in the Notice of Grant and the applicable provisions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. (b) Method of Exercise. This Option is exercisable by delivery of an exercise notice, in the form attached as Exhibit A (the "Exercise Notice"), which shall state the election to exercise the Option, the number of Shares in respect of which the Option is being exercised (the "Exercised Shares"), and such other representations and agreements as may be required by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Plan. The Exercise Notice shall be completed by the Optionee and delivered to the Chief Financial Officer. The Exercise Notice shall be accompanied by payment of the aggregate Exercise Price as to all Exercised Shares. This Option shall be deemed to be exercised upon receipt by the Company of such fully executed Exercise Notice accompanied by such aggregate Exercise Price. No Shares shall be issued pursuant to the exercise of this Option unless such issuance and exercise complies with Applicable Laws. Assuming such compliance, for income tax purposes the Exercised Shares shall be considered transferred to the Optionee on the date the Option is exercised with respect to such Exercised Shares. 3. Method of Payment. Payment of the aggregate Exercise Price shall be by any of the following, or a combination thereof, at the election of the Optionee: (a) cash; (b) check; -2- 12 (c) consideration received by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan; or (d) surrender of other Shares which (i) in the case of Shares acquired upon exercise of an option, have been owned by the Optionee for more than six (6) months on the date of surrender, AND (ii) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender equal to the aggregate Exercise Price of the Exercised Shares. 4. Non-Transferability of Option. This Option may not be transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent or distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of Optionee only by the Optionee. The terms of the Plan and this Option Agreement shall be binding upon the executors, administrators, heirs, successors and assigns of the Optionee. 5. Term of Option. This Option may be exercised only within the term set out in the Notice of Grant, and may be exercised during such term only in accordance with the Plan and the terms of this Option Agreement. 6. Tax Consequences. Some of the federal tax consequences relating to this Option, as of the date of this Option, are set forth below. THIS SUMMARY IS NECESSARILY INCOMPLETE, AND THE TAX LAWS AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE OPTIONEE SHOULD CONSULT A TAX ADVISER BEFORE EXERCISING THIS OPTION OR DISPOSING OF THE SHARES. (a) Exercising the Option. The Optionee may incur regular federal income tax liability upon exercise of an NSO. The Optionee will be treated as having received compensation income (taxable at ordinary income tax rates) equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the Exercised Shares on the date of exercise over their aggregate Exercise Price. If the Optionee is an Employee or a former Employee, the Company will be required to withhold from his or her compensation or collect from Optionee and pay to the applicable taxing authorities an amount in cash equal to a percentage of this compensation income at the time of exercise, and may refuse to honor the exercise and refuse to deliver Shares if such withholding amounts are not delivered at the time of exercise. (b) Disposition of Shares. If the Optionee holds NSO Shares for at least one year, any gain realized on disposition of the Shares will be treated as long-term capital gain for federal income tax purposes. 7. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan is incorporated herein by reference. The Plan and this Option Agreement constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Optionee with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Optionee's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Optionee. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of Delaware. -3- 13 8. NO GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED SERVICE. OPTIONEE ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THE VESTING OF SHARES PURSUANT TO THE VESTING SCHEDULE HEREOF IS EARNED ONLY BY CONTINUING AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT THE WILL OF THE COMPANY (AND NOT THROUGH THE ACT OF BEING HIRED, BEING GRANTED AN OPTION OR PURCHASING SHARES HEREUNDER). OPTIONEE FURTHER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREUNDER AND THE VESTING SCHEDULE SET FORTH HEREIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED PROMISE OF CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT AS A SERVICE PROVIDER FOR THE VESTING PERIOD, FOR ANY PERIOD, OR AT ALL, AND SHALL NOT INTERFERE WITH OPTIONEE'S RIGHT OR THE COMPANY'S RIGHT TO TERMINATE OPTIONEE'S RELATIONSHIP AS A SERVICE PROVIDER AT ANY TIME, WITH OR WITHOUT CAUSE. By your signature and the signature of the Company's representative below, you and the Company agree that this Option is granted under and governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan and this Option Agreement. Optionee has reviewed the Plan and this Option Agreement in their entirety, has had an opportunity to obtain the advice of counsel prior to executing this Option Agreement and fully understands all provisions of the Plan and Option Agreement. Optionee hereby agrees to accept as binding, conclusive and final all decisions or interpretations of the Administrator upon any questions relating to the Plan and Option Agreement. Optionee further agrees to notify the Company upon any change in the residence address indicated below. OPTIONEE VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Signature By Print Name Jay Meridew, Vice President of Finance - ------------------------------------ - ------------------------------------ Residence Address - ------------------------------------ Social Security Number -4- 14 EXHIBIT A VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. 1998 NONSTATUTORY STOCK OPTION PLAN EXERCISE NOTICE Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. 3865 North Business Center Drive Tucson, Arizona 85705 Attention: Secretary 1. Exercise of Option. Effective as of today, ________________, _____, the undersigned ("Purchaser") hereby elects to purchase ______________ shares (the "Shares") of the Common Stock of Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. (the "Company") under and pursuant to the 1998 Nonstatutory Option Stock Plan (the "Plan") and the Stock Option Agreement dated, ___________ (the "Option Agreement"). The purchase price for the Shares shall be $_____________, as required by the Option Agreement (total exercise price $ __________________ ). 2. Delivery of Payment. Purchaser herewith delivers to the Company the full purchase price for the Shares. 3. Representations of Purchaser. Purchaser acknowledges that Purchaser has received, read and understood the Plan and the Option Agreement and agrees to abide by and be bound by their terms and conditions. 4. Rights as Shareholder. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a shareholder shall exist with respect to the Optioned Stock, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option. The Shares so acquired shall be issued to the Optionee as soon as practicable after exercise of the Option. No adjustment will be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date of issuance, except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan. 5. Tax Consultation. Purchaser understands that Purchaser may suffer adverse tax consequences as a result of Purchaser's purchase or disposition of the Shares. Purchaser represents that Purchaser has consulted with any tax consultants Purchaser deems advisable in connection with the purchase or disposition of the Shares and that Purchaser is not relying on the Company for any tax advice. 6. Entire Agreement; Governing Law. The Plan and Option Agreement are incorporated herein by reference. This Agreement, the Plan and the Option Agreement constitute the entire -1- 15 agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede in their entirety all prior undertakings and agreements of the Company and Purchaser with respect to the subject matter hereof, and may not be modified adversely to the Purchaser's interest except by means of a writing signed by the Company and Purchaser. This agreement is governed by the internal substantive laws, but not the choice of law rules, of Arizona. Submitted by: Accepted by: PURCHASER: VENTANA MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. Signature By: Print Name Its: Address: Address: 3865 North Business Center Drive Tucson, Arizona 85705 - ------------------------------------ Social Security Number Date Received -2- EX-5.1 3 EX-5.1 1 EXHIBIT 5.1 December 15, 1999 Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. 3865 North Business Center Drive Tucson, AZ 85705 RE: REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8 Ladies and Gentlemen: We are familiar with the proceedings taken and proposed to be taken by Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), with respect to 500,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Shares"), of the Company to be offered and sold from time to time pursuant to the Company's 1998 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"). As counsel for the Company, we have assisted in the preparation of a Registration Statement on Form S-8 to be filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission to effect the registration of the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. In this connection, we have examined the Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws of the Company, records of proceedings of the Board of Directors and stockholders of the Company, and such other records and documents as we have deemed necessary or advisable to render the opinion contained herein. Based upon our examination and inquiries, we are of the opinion that the Shares, when issued pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Plan, will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable. We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement described above. Very truly yours, /s/ Christian J. Hoffmann, III Christian J. Hoffmann, III For the Firm EX-23.2 4 EX-23.2 1 EXHIBIT 23.2 CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8) pertaining to the 1998 Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan of our report dated February 2, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1998 and our report dated March 24, 1999 on the financial statement schedule included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Tucson, Arizona December 7, 1999 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP -----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----