SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. __)
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant |_|
Check the appropriate box:
|_| Preliminary Proxy Statement
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|_| Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
|_| Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
|X| No fee required.
|_| Fee computed on the table below per
Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant
to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is
calculated and state how it was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid: Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the
offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by
registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its
filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2201 Second Street, Suite 402
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. The annual meeting will be held at the office of
NeoMedia, 2201 Second Street, Suite 402, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, on October
29, 2004, beginning at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time.
Your vote is important and I urge you to vote your shares by proxy, whether or
not you plan to attend the meeting. After you read this proxy statement, please
indicate on the proxy card the manner in which you want to have your shares
voted. Then date, sign and mail the proxy card in the postage-paid envelope that
is provided. If you sign and return your proxy card without indicating your
choices, it will be understood that you wish to have your shares voted in
accordance with the recommendations of NeoMedia's Board of Directors.
We hope to see you at the meeting.
Sincerely,
/s/ Charles T. Jensen
President and Chief Executive Officer
September 10, 2004
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2201 Second Street, Suite 402
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO
BE HELD ON OCTOBER 29, 2004
--------------------------------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Annual
Meeting") of NeoMedia Technologies, Inc. will be held at the office of NeoMedia,
2201 Second Street, Suite 402, Fort Myers, Florida 33901, on October 29, 2004,
beginning at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, for the following
purposes:
1. To elect five directors to hold office until the next annual meeting of
stockholders and the due election and
2. To consider such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any postponements or adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on September 10,
2004, as the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting or at any adjournment thereof. A complete list
of the shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be open for
examination by any shareholder during ordinary business hours for a period of
ten days prior to the Annual Meeting at the office of NeoMedia, 2201 Second
Street, Suite 402, Fort Myers, Florida 33901.
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" THE PROPOSALS.
IMPORTANT
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. In order
to ensure your representation at the meeting, however, please promptly complete,
date, sign and return the enclosed proxy in the accompanying envelope. If you
should decide to attend the Annual Meeting and vote your shares in person, you
may revoke your proxy at that time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE NOTE THAT ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING WILL BE LIMITED TO STOCKHOLDERS OF
NEOMEDIA AS OF THE RECORD DATE (OR THEIR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES) HOLDING
ADMISSION TICKETS OR OTHER EVIDENCE OF OWNERSHIP. THE ADMISSION TICKET IS
DETACHABLE FROM YOUR PROXY CARD. IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD BY A BANK OR BROKER,
PLEASE BRING TO THE MEETING YOUR BANK OR BROKER STATEMENT EVIDENCING YOUR
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF NEOMEDIA STOCK TO GAIN ADMISSION TO THE MEETING.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
September 10, 2004 /s/ William E. Fritz, Secretary
----------------------------------------
Fort Myers, Florida William E. Fritz, Secretary
2
Proxy Statement for
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To Be Held on October 29, 2004
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
----
ABOUT THE MEETING.............................................................................................1
What is the purpose of the annual meeting?...............................................................1
Who is entitled to vote?.................................................................................1
Who can attend the annual meeting?.......................................................................1
What constitutes a quorum?...............................................................................1
How do I vote?...........................................................................................2
What if I do not specify how my shares are to be voted?..................................................2
Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?.......................................................2
What are the Board's recommendations?....................................................................2
What vote is required to approve each item?..............................................................2
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES........................................................................3
PROPOSAL ONE..................................................................................................4
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS......................................................................................4
Directors Standing for Election..........................................................................4
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS...................................................................4
The Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends a Vote "FOR" the Election of Each of the Nominees..........4
Meetings.................................................................................................5
Committees Of The Board Of Directors.....................................................................5
Compensation Of Directors................................................................................5
Vote Required For Election of Nominees for Directors.....................................................5
MANAGEMENT.................................................................................................6
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.....................................................................................7
Employment Agreements....................................................................................7
Incentive Plan For Management............................................................................7
Stock Option Plans.......................................................................................8
Stock Incentive Plan.....................................................................................8
401(k) Plan..............................................................................................8
Options And Warrants Granted In The Last Fiscal Year.....................................................9
Option And Warrant Exercises In Last Fiscal Year And Fiscal Year-End Values..............................9
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.............................................................9
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE...................................................10
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS.............................................................11
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION(1)..............11
General Compensation Philosophy.........................................................................11
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION...............................................12
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE.............................................................................13
AUDIT COMMITTEE..............................................................................................13
AUDITORS.....................................................................................................14
Audit Fees..............................................................................................14
Financial Information Systems Design And Implementation Fees............................................14
Other Fees..............................................................................................14
OTHER MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS.........................................14
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.......................................................................................14
APPENDIX A..................................................................................................A-1
Vote on Proposals......................................................................................A-2
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2201 Second Street, Suite 402
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
-------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
September 10, 2004
-------------------------
This proxy statement contains information related to the Annual
Stockholders Meeting (the "Annual Meeting") of NeoMedia Technologies, Inc., a
Delaware corporation ("NeoMedia" or the "Company"), to be held at the principal
executive offices of NeoMedia, 2201 Second Street, Suite 402, Fort Myers,
Florida 33901 on October 29, 2004, beginning at 10:00 a.m., and at any
postponements or adjournments thereof, for the purposes set forth herein. This
proxy statement, the enclosed proxy and a copy of NeoMedia's Annual Report to
Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, are first being mailed
on or about September 27, 2004, to all stockholders entitled to vote. NeoMedia
is making this proxy solicitation.
ABOUT THE MEETING
What is the purpose of the annual meeting?
At NeoMedia's annual meeting, shareholders will act upon the matters
outlined in the notice of meeting on the cover page of this proxy statement,
which relates to the election of directors, and to consider such other business
as may properly come before the meeting or any postponements or adjournments
thereof.
Who is entitled to vote?
Only shareholders of record on the close of business on the record date,
September 10, 2004, are entitled to receive notice of the annual meeting and to
vote the shares of common stock that they held on that date at the meeting, or
any postponements or adjournments of the meeting. Each outstanding share of
capital stock will be entitled to the number of votes set forth in the following
table on each matter to be voted upon at the meeting. The holders of common
stock vote together as a single class. See "Description of Securities."
Description of Capital Stock Number of Votes Total Votes
---------------------------- --------------- -----------
Common Stock One Vote Per Share 354,833,954
Who can attend the annual meeting?
All shareholders as of the record date, or their duly appointed proxies,
may attend the annual meeting. Seating, however, is limited. Admission to the
meeting will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration will begin at
9:30 a.m., and seating will begin at 9:45 a.m. Each shareholder may be asked to
present valid picture identification, such as a driver's license or passport.
Cameras, recording devices and other electronic devices will not be permitted at
the meeting.
Please note that if you hold your shares in "street name" (that is,
through a broker or other nominee), you will need to bring a copy of a brokerage
statement reflecting your stock ownership as of the record date and check in at
the registration desk at the meeting.
What constitutes a quorum?
The presence at the meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a
majority of the shares of common stock outstanding on the record date will
constitute a quorum, permitting the meeting to conduct its business. As of the
record date, the shareholders held a total of 354,833,954 votes. As such,
holders of at least 177,416,978 shares (i.e., a majority) must be present at the
meeting, in person or by proxy, to obtain a quorum. Proxies received but marked
as abstentions and broker non-votes will be included in the calculation of the
number of shares considered to be present at the meeting.
1
How do I vote?
If you complete and properly sign the accompanying proxy card and return
it to NeoMedia, then it will be voted as you direct. If you are a registered
shareholder and attend the meeting, then you may deliver your completed proxy
card in person or vote by ballot at the meeting. "Street name" shareholders who
wish to vote at the meeting will need to obtain a proxy form from the
institution that holds their shares.
What if I do not specify how my shares are to be voted?
If you submit a proxy but do not indicate any voting instructions, then
your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board's recommendations.
Can I change my vote after I return my proxy card?
Yes. Even after you have submitted your proxy card, you may change your
vote at any time before the proxy is exercised by filing with the Secretary of
NeoMedia either a notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later
date. The powers of the proxy holders will be suspended if you attend the
meeting in person and so request, although attendance at the meeting will not by
itself revoke a previously granted proxy.
What are the Board's recommendations?
Unless you give other instructions on your proxy card, the persons named
as proxy holders on the proxy card will vote in accordance with the
recommendation of the Board of Directors. The Board's recommendation is For the
election of the nominated slate of directors (see page 4).
With respect to any other matter that properly comes before the meeting,
the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no
recommendation is given, in their own discretion.
What vote is required to approve each item?
Election of Directors. The affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes
cast at the meeting (regardless of the class or series of stock held) is
required for the election of directors. This means that the five nominees will
be elected if they receive more affirmative votes than any other person. A
properly executed proxy marked "Withheld" with respect to the election of any
director will not be voted with respect to such director indicated, although it
will be counted for purposes of determining whether there is a quorum.
If you hold your shares in "street name" through a broker or other
nominee, your broker or nominee may not be permitted to exercise voting
discretion with respect to some of the matters to be acted upon. Thus, if you do
not give your broker or nominee specific instructions, your shares may not be
voted on those matters and will not be counted in determining the number of
shares necessary for approval. Shares represented by such "broker non-votes,"
however, will be counted in determining whether there is a quorum.
2
PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
The following table contains information about the beneficial ownership
of our common stock as of September 10, 2004, for:
(i) each person who beneficially owns more than five percent of the
common stock;
(ii) each of our directors;
(iii) the named executive officers; and
(iv) all directors and executive officers as a group.
Percent
Amount and Nature of of
Beneficial Ownership (1) Class (1)
------------------------ ---------
Charles W. Fritz (2)(3) 34,316,467 9.2%
William Fritz(2)(4) 55,175,944 15.4%
Charles T. Jensen(2)(5) 15,506,886 4.2%
David A. Dodge(2)(6) 4,300,000 1.2%
A. Hayes Barclay(2)(7) 1,805,000 *
James J. Keil(2)(8) 2,718,619 *
----------- ----
Officers and Directors as a Group (9 Persons)(9) 113,822,916 28.5%
=========== ====
----------
* Indicates less than 1%.
(1) Applicable percentage of ownership is based on 354,833,954 shares of
common stock outstanding as of September 10, 2004, together with
securities exercisable or convertible into shares of common stock within
60 days of September 10, 2004 for each stockholder. Beneficial ownership
is determined in accordance with the rules of the Commission and generally
includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. Shares of
common stock subject to securities exercisable or convertible into shares
of common stock that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60
days of September 10, 2004 are deemed to be beneficially owned by the
person holding such options for the purpose of computing the percentage of
ownership of such person, but are not treated as outstanding for the
purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.
(2) Address of the referenced individual is c/o NeoMedia Technologies, Inc.,
2201 Second Street, Suite 402, Fort Myers, FL, 33901.
(3) Charles W. Fritz is the Company's founder and the Chairman of the Board of
Directors. Shares beneficially owned include 100 shares owned by each of
Mr. Fritz's four minor children for an aggregate of 400 shares, 15,549,000
shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options granted under the
Company's 2003, 2002 and 1998 stock option plans, 1,510,000 shares
issuable upon exercise of stock warrants, 15,714,098 shares of common
stock owned by Mr. Charles W. Fritz directly, and 1,542,969 shares of
common stock held by the CW/LA II Family Limited Partnership, a family
limited partnership for the benefit of Mr. Fritz's family.
(4) William E. Fritz, the Company's corporate secretary and a director, and
his wife, Edna Fritz, are the general partners of the Fritz Family Limited
Partnership and therefore each are deemed to be the beneficial owners of
the 1,511,742 shares held in the Fritz Family Partnership. As trustee of
each of the Chandler R. Fritz 1994 Trust, Charles W. Fritz 1994 Trust and
Debra F. Schiafone 1994 Trust, William E. Fritz is deemed to be the
beneficial owner of the 165,467 shares of NeoMedia held in these trusts.
Additionally, Mr. Fritz is deemed to own: 48,923,735 shares held directly
by Mr. Fritz or his spouse, 2,540,000 shares to be issued upon the
exercise of warrants held by Mr. Fritz or his spouse, and 2,035,000 shares
to be issued upon the exercise of options held by Mr. Fritz or his spouse.
Mr. William E. Fritz may be deemed to be a parent and promoter of
NeoMedia, as those terms are defined in the Securities Act.
(5) Charles T. Jensen is President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Executive
Officer, and a member of the Board of Directors. Beneficial ownership
includes 15,505,386 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of
options granted under NeoMedia's stock option plans, and 1,500 shares
owned by Mr. Jensen's sons.
(6) David A. Dodge is Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Controller.
Beneficial ownership includes 4,300,000 shares of common stock issuable
upon exercise of options granted under NeoMedia's stock option plans.
(7) A. Hayes Barclay is a member of the Board of Directors. Ownership includes
1,800,000 shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of options granted
under NeoMedia's stock option plans, and 5,000 shares owned by Mr. Barclay
directly.
(8) James J. Keil is a member of the Board of Directors. Shares benficially
owned includes 1,500,000 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants, and
1,218,619 shares owned by Mr. Keil directly.
(9) Includes an aggregate of 40,689,386 currently exercisable options to
purchase shares of common stock granted under NeoMedia's stock option
plans, 4,050,000 currently exercisable warrants to purchase shares of
common stock, and 69,083,530 shares owned directly by NeoMedia's officers
and directors.
3
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Directors Standing for Election
The Board of Directors of NeoMedia consists of 5 seats. Each director
holds office until the first annual meeting of shareholders following their
election or appointment and until their successors have been duly elected and
qualified.
The Board of Directors has nominated Charles W. Fritz, Charles T. Jensen,
William E. Fritz, James J. Keil and A. Hayes Barclay for election as directors.
The accompanying proxy will be voted for the election of these nominees, unless
authority to vote for one or more nominees is withheld. In the event that any of
the nominees is unable or unwilling to serve as a director for any reason (which
is not anticipated), the proxy will be voted for the election of any substitute
nominee designated by the Board of Directors. The nominees for directors have
previously served as members of the Board of Directors of NeoMedia and have
consented to serve such term.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors Unanimously Recommends a Vote "FOR" the Election of Each
of the Nominees
Directors - Present Term Expires at the Annual Meeting
The following is information concerning nominees for election proposed by
the Board of Directors. None of the nominees are adverse parties in any legal
proceedings involving NeoMedia.
Charles W. Fritz, age 48, is a founder of NeoMedia and has served as an
officer and as a Director of NeoMedia since our inception. On August 6, 1996,
Mr. Fritz was appointed Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors. On April 2, 2001, Mr. Fritz was appointed as President where he
served until June 2002. Mr. Fritz is currently a member of the Compensation
Committee. Prior to founding NeoMedia, Mr. Fritz was an account executive with
IBM Corporation from January 1986 to January 1988, and Director of Marketing and
Strategic Alliances for the information consulting group from February 1988 to
January 1989. Mr. Fritz holds an M.B.A. from Rollins College and a B.A. in
finance from the University of Florida. Mr. Fritz is the son of William E.
Fritz, a Director of NeoMedia.
Charles T. Jensen, age 60, was Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and
Vice-President of NeoMedia from 1996 through 2002. Mr. Jensen has been a
Director since 1996, and currently is a member of the Compensation Committee.
During 2002, Mr. Jensen was promoted to President, Chief Operating Officer, and
Acting Chief Executive Officer. During August 2004, Mr. Jensen was made
permanent Chief Executive Officer. Prior to joining NeoMedia in November 1995,
Mr. Jensen was Chief Financial Officer of Jack M. Berry, Inc., a Florida
corporation which grows and processes citrus products, from December 1994 to
October 1995, and at Viking Range Corporation, a Mississippi corporation which
manufactures gas ranges, from November 1993 to December 1994. From December 1992
to February 1994, Mr. Jensen was Treasurer of Lin Jensen, Inc., a Virginia
corporation specializing in ladies clothing and accessories. Prior to that, from
January 1982 to March 1993, Mr. Jensen was Controller and Vice-President of
Finance of The Pinkerton Tobacco Co., a tobacco manufacturer. Mr. Jensen holds a
B.B.A. in accounting from Western Michigan University and is a Certified Public
Accountant.
William E. Fritz, age 74, is a founder of NeoMedia and has served as
Secretary and Director of NeoMedia since our inception. Mr. Fritz also served as
Treasurer of NeoMedia from its inception until May 1, 1996. Since February 1981,
Mr. Fritz has been an officer and either the sole stockholder or a majority
stockholder of G.T. Enterprises, Inc. (formerly Gen-Tech, Inc.), D.M., Inc.
(formerly Dev-Mark, Inc.) and EDSCO, three railroad freight car equipment
manufacturing companies. Mr. Fritz holds a B.S.M.E. and a Bachelor of Naval
Science degree from the University of Wisconsin. Mr. Fritz is the father of
Charles W. Fritz, NeoMedia's former Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Directors.
James J. Keil, age 76, has been a Director of NeoMedia since August 6,
1996. Mr. Keil currently is a member of the Compensation Committee, the Stock
Option Committee and the Audit Committee. He is founder and President of Keil &
Keil Associates, a business and marketing consulting firm located in Washington,
D.C., specializing in marketing, sales, document application strategies,
recruiting and electronic commerce projects. Prior to forming Keil & Keil
Associates in 1990, Mr. Keil worked for 38 years at IBM Corporation and Xerox
Corporation in various marketing, sales and senior executive positions. From
1989-1995, Mr. Keil was on the Board of Directors of Elixir Technologies
Corporation (a non-public corporation), and from 1990-1992 was the Chairman of
its Board of Directors. From 1992-1996, Mr. Keil served on the Board of
Directors of Document Sciences Corporation. Mr. Keil holds a B.S. degree from
the University of Dayton and did Masters level studies at the Harvard Business
School and the University of Chicago in 1961/62.
4
A. Hayes Barclay, age 73, has been a Director of NeoMedia since August 6,
1996, and currently is a member of the Stock Option Committee and the Audit
Committee. Mr. Barclay has practiced law for approximately 37 years and, since
1967, has been an officer, owner and employee of the law firm of Barclay &
Damisch, Ltd. and its predecessor, with offices in Chicago, Wheaton and
Arlington Heights, Illinois. Mr. Barclay holds a B.A. degree from Wheaton
College, a B.S. from the University of Illinois and a J.D. from the Illinois
Institute of Technology - Chicago Kent College of Law.
NeoMedia's by-laws permit the Board of Directors to fill any vacancy and
such director may serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and the
due election and qualification of his successor.
Meetings
During the year ended December 31, 2003, NeoMedia held 4 directors'
meetings and each incumbent director attended more than seventy-five percent of
the total of meetings of the Board of Directors and the Committees of which he
is a member. The Board of Directors also acted 35 times by unanimous written
consent.
Committees Of The Board Of Directors
NeoMedia's Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, Compensation
Committee and a Stock Option Committee. The Board of Directors does not have a
standing Nominating Committee.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for nominating
NeoMedia's independent accountants for approval by the Board of Directors,
reviewing the scope, results and costs of the audit with NeoMedia's independent
accountants, and reviewing the financial statements, audit practices and
internal controls of NeoMedia. During 2003, members of the Audit Committee were
non-employee directors James J. Keil and A. Hayes Barclay. During 2003, the
Audit Committee held 1 meeting.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is responsible for
recommending compensation and benefits for the executive officers of NeoMedia to
the Board of Directors and for administering NeoMedia's Incentive Plan for
Management. Charles W. Fritz, Charles T. Jensen, A. Hayes Barclay and James J.
Keil, were members of NeoMedia's Compensation Committee during 2003. The
Compensation Committee met once during 2003.
Stock Option Committee. The Stock Option Committee, which is comprised of
non-employee directors, is responsible for administering NeoMedia's Stock Option
Plans. A. Hayes Barclay and James J. Keil are the current members of NeoMedia's
Stock Option Committee. During 2003, the Stock Option Committee acted by
unanimous written consent 6 times.
Compensation Of Directors
Outside directors are currently compensated through the issuance of stock
options from the Company's 2003 Stock Option Plan. The last grant to outside
directors was during May 2004, at which time each outside director received
1,000,000 options with an exercise price of $0.075 per share. NeoMedia does not
have a written compensation policy for its outside directors at this time.
Vote Required For Election of Nominees for Directors
Election of the nominees for director will require that the holders of at
least a plurality of the shares of Common Stock present or represented at the
meeting and entitled to vote thereon vote "FOR".
5
MANAGEMENT
As of September 10, 2004, NeoMedia's directors and executive officers
were:
Name Age Position
------------------------ --------- ------------------------------------------
Charles W. Fritz 48 Chairman of the Board of Directors
Charles T. Jensen 60 President, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Operating Officer, and Director
David A. Dodge 29 Vice-President, Chief Financial Officer
and Controller
William E. Fritz 74 Secretary and Director
James J. Keil 76 Director
A. Hayes Barclay 73 Director
Below are biographies of our executive officers (who were not also
directors) as of September 10, 2004:
David A. Dodge joined NeoMedia in 1999 as the Financial Reporting Manager.
Since then, Mr. Dodge has acted as NeoMedia's Director of Financial Planning and
Controller, and currently holds the title of Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Controller. Prior to joining NeoMedia in 1999, Mr. Dodge was an
auditor with Ernst & Young LLP for 2 years. Mr. Dodge holds a B.A. in economics
from Yale University and an M.S. in accounting from the University of Hartford,
and is also a Certified Public Accountant.
6
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
compensation paid to (i) NeoMedia's Chief Executive Officer and (ii) each of
NeoMedia's other executive officers who received aggregate cash compensation in
excess of $100,000 for services rendered to NeoMedia (collectively, "the Named
Executive Officers") during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:
Summary Compensation Table
Annual Compensation Long-term Compensation
-------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
Other Securities
Annual Restricted Underlying
Compens- Stock Options/ LTIP All other
Name and Salary Bonus ation Award(s) SARs (1) Payouts Compensation
Principal Position Year ($) ($) ($) ($) (#) ($) ($)
------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------
Charles W. Fritz 2003 $145,255 $110,322(2) $60,568(3) -- 10,000,000 -- --
Chairman of the Board 2002 144,583 -- 4,470(4) -- 1,800,000 --
2001 221,758 -- 21,532(4) -- 400,000 -- --
Charles T. Jensen 2003 162,318 91,618(2) 1,072(4) -- 10,000,000 --
Chief Operating Officer, 2002 163,542 -- 5,079(4) -- 800,000 --
President, Acting Chief 2001 144,239 -- 17,794(4) -- 240,000 -- --
Executive Officer
(1) Represents options granted under NeoMedia's 2003, 2002 and 1998 Stock
Option Plans and warrants granted at the discretion of the Stock Option
Committee of NeoMedia's Board of Directors.
(2) During 2003, the Company paid past due Year 2000 Executive Incentive
liability through the issuance of shares of its common stock. The amounts
reported in this table represent the market value of the shares on the
date of issuance.
(3) During 2003, the Company paid Charles W. Fritz unpaid salary from 2002
through the issuance of shares of its common stock. The amounts reported
in this table represent the market value of the shares on the date of
issuance.
(4) Includes automobile expenses attributable to personal use and the
corresponding income tax effects, and life insurance premiums where policy
benefits are payable to beneficiary of the Named Executive Officer.
Employment Agreements
NeoMedia does not currently have any unexpired employment agreements with
any of its officers or employees.
Incentive Plan For Management
Effective as of January 1, 1996, NeoMedia adopted an Annual Incentive Plan
for Management ("Incentive Plan"), which provides for annual bonuses to eligible
employees based upon the attainment of certain corporate and/or individual
performance goals during the year. The Incentive Plan is designed to provide
additional incentive to NeoMedia's management to achieve these growth and
profitability goals. Participation in the Incentive Plan is limited to those
employees holding positions assigned to incentive eligible salary grades and
whose participation is authorized by NeoMedia's Compensation Committee which
administers the Incentive Plan, including determination of employees eligible
for participation or exclusion. The Board of Directors can amend, modify or
terminate the Incentive Plan for the next plan year at any time prior to the
commencement of such next plan year.
To be eligible for consideration for inclusion in the Incentive Plan, an
employee must be on NeoMedia's payroll for the last three months of the year
involved. Death, total and permanent disability or retirement are exceptions to
such minimum employment, and awards in such cases are granted on a pro-rata
basis. In addition, where employment is terminated due to job elimination, a pro
rata award may be considered. Employees who voluntarily terminate their
employment, or who are terminated by NeoMedia for unacceptable performance,
prior to the end of the year are not eligible to participate in the Incentive
Plan. All awards are subject to any governmental regulations in effect at the
time of payment.
7
Performance goals are determined for both NeoMedia's and/or the employee's
performance during the year, and if performance goals are attained, eligible
employees are entitled to an award based upon a specified percentage of their
base salary.
The Company did not have an incentive plan for management in place for the
year ended December 31, 2003.
During 2003, the Company settled approximately $300,000 in past due
incentive awards relating to its executive incentive plan for fiscal 2000,
through the issuance of common stock. The Company has a remaining liability of
approximately $80,000 as of December 31, 2003 relating to this executive
incentive. During January 2004, the Company paid an additional $74,000 toward
the balance through the issuance of common stock.
Stock Option Plans
Effective February 1, 1996 (and amended and restated effective July 18,
1996 and further amended through November 18, 1996), NeoMedia adopted its 1996
Stock Option Plan ("1996 Stock Option Plan"). The 1996 Stock Option Plan
provides for the granting of non-qualified stock options and "incentive stock
options" within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended, and provides for the issuance of a maximum of 1,500,000 shares of
common stock. All 1,500,000 options were granted under NeoMedia's 1996 Stock
Option Plan.
Effective March 27, 1998, NeoMedia adopted its 1998 Stock Option Plan
("1998 Stock Option Plan"). The 1998 Stock Option Plan provides for the granting
of non-qualified stock options and provides for the issuance of a maximum of
8,000,000 shares of common stock. All 8,000,000 options were granted under
NeoMedia's 1998 Stock Option Plan.
Effective June 6, 2002, NeoMedia adopted its 2002 Stock Option Plan ("2002
Stock Option Plan"). The 2002 Stock Option Plan provides for authority for the
Board of Directors to the grant non-qualified stock options with respect to a
maximum of 10,000,000 shares of common stock. All 10,000,000 options were
granted under NeoMedia's 2002 Stock Option Plan
Effective September 24, 2003, NeoMedia adopted its 2003 Stock Option Plan
("2003 Stock Option Plan"). The 2003 Stock Option Plan provides for authority
for the Board of Directors to the grant non-qualified stock options with respect
to a maximum of 150,000,000 shares of common stock. On October 17, 2003,
NeoMedia filed a Form S-8 to register all 150,000,000 shares underlying the
options in the 2003 Stock Option Plan.
Stock Incentive Plan
Effective October 31, 2003, NeoMedia adopted the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan
("the Plan"). Under the terms of the Plan, NeoMedia has set aside up to
30,000,000 shares of common stock to be issued to pay compensation and other
expenses related to employees, former employees, consultants, and non-employee
directors. On November 3, 2003, NeoMedia filed a Form S-8 to register all
30,000,000 shares underlying the options in the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan. As of
December 31, 2003, the Company had issued approximately 5.8 million shares under
the 2003 Stock Incentive Plan.
401(k) Plan
NeoMedia maintains a 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust (the "401(k)
Plan"). All employees of NeoMedia who are 21 years of age and who have completed
three months of service are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. The
401(k) Plan provides that each participant may make elective contributions of up
to 20% of such participant's pre-tax salary (up to a statutorily prescribed
annual limit, which is $12,000 for 2003) to the 401(k) Plan, although the
percentage elected by certain highly compensated participants may be required to
be lower. All amounts contributed to the 401(k) Plan by employee participants
and earnings on these contributions are fully vested at all times. The 401(k)
Plan also provides for matching and discretionary contributions by NeoMedia. To
date, NeoMedia has not made any such contributions.
8
Options And Warrants Granted In The Last Fiscal Year
The following presents certain information on stock options and warrants
for the Named Executive Officers for the year ended December 31, 2003:
Percent of Potential Realizable Value
Number of Total at Assumed Annual Rates
Securites Options/ of Stock Price
Underlying SARs Appreciation
Options Granted to Exercise or for option Term
Granted Employees in Base Price Expiration --------------------------
Name (#) Fiscal Year ($/share) Date 5% ($) 10% ($)
------------------ ------------- --------------- ------------- ------------------ --------------------------
Charles W. Fritz 10,000,000 16.6% $0.01 October 20, 2013 $641,473 $1,625,617
Charles T. Jensen 10,000,000 16.6% $0.01 October 20, 2013 641,473 1,625,617
Option And Warrant Exercises In Last Fiscal Year And Fiscal Year-End Values
The following table sets forth options exercised by NeoMedia Named
Executive Officers during the year ended December 31, 2003, and the number and
value of all unexercised options at fiscal year end.
Number of Unexercised
Securities Underlying Value of Unexercised In-
Shares Options/SARs at the-Money Options/SARs at
Acquired Value December 31, 2003 December 31, 2003 (1)
on Exercise Realized ------------------------------- --------------------------------
Name (#) ($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
------------------ ----------- --------- ------------------------------ --------------------------------
Charles W. Fritz -- $ -- 13,059,000 -- $1,658,493 --
Charles T. Jensen -- $ -- 11,505,386 -- $1,461,184 --
(1) Based on the closing price of $0.137 of NeoMedia's common stock as quoted
on OTC Bulletin Board on December 31, 2003 and the exercise price of the
option/SAR. During May 2003, the Option Committee of the Company's Board
of Directors repriced all outstanding stock options to an exercise price
of $0.01 per share for a period of six months. The Option Committee
subsequently extended the option repricing through June 30, 2004. As a
result, as of December 31, 2003, Mr. Fritz and Mr. Jensen held 3,059,000
and 1,527,386, respectively, with restated exercises prices, for which the
exercise prices will revert to the original amounts if not exercised by
June 30, 2004. All of the restated options were out-of-the-money at their
original exercise prices.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
During February 2002, the Company borrowed $10,000 from William E. Fritz
under a note payable bearing interest at 8% per annum with a term of 30 days.
The note was repaid during April 2003.
During March 2002, the Company borrowed $190,000 from William E. Fritz
under a note payable bearing interest at 8% per annum with a term of 16 days.
The note was repaid during March 2002.
During April 2002, the Company borrowed $11,000 from William E. Fritz
under a note payable bearing interest at 8% per annum with a term of 60 days.
The note was repaid during April 2003..
During November 2002, NeoMedia issued Convertible Secured Promissory Notes
with an aggregate face value of $60,000 to 3 separate parties, including Charles
W. Fritz, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NeoMedia; William E. Fritz, an
outside director; and James J. Keil, an outside director. The notes bear
interest at a rate of 15% per annum, and matured at the earlier of i.) four
months, or ii.) the date the shares underlying the Cornell Equity Line of Credit
were registered with the SEC. The notes were convertible, at the option of the
holder, into either cash or shares of NeoMedia common stock at a 30% discount to
either market price upon closing, or upon conversion, whichever is lower.
NeoMedia also granted to the holders an additional 1,355,670 shares of its
common stock and 60,000 warrants to purchase shares of its common stock at $0.03
per share, with a term of three years. The warrants and shares were issued in
January 2003. In addition, since this debt is convertible into equity at the
option of the note holder at beneficial conversion rates, an embedded beneficial
conversion feature was recorded as a debt discount and amortized using the
effective interest rate over the life of the debt in accordance with EITF 00-27.
Total cost of beneficial conversion feature, fair value of the stock and cost of
warrants issued exceed the face value of the notes payable, therefore, only
$60,000, the face amount of the note, was recognizable as debt discount, and
amortized over the life of the notes payable. During March 2003, two of the
affiliated parties, Mr. William Fritz and Mr. Keil, agreed to extend the
maturity date due to the Company's capital constraints. The Company repaid
Charles Fritz's note in full during March 2003, and repaid James J. Keil's note
in full during April 2003. The Company paid $30,000 of the principal on William
Fritz's note during April 2003, and entered into a new note with Mr. Fritz for
the remaining $10,000. The new note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum
and matures in April 2004. The new note also includes a provision under which,
as consideration for the loan, Mr. Fritz will receive a 3% royalty on all future
revenue generated from the Company's intellectual property.
9
During April 2003, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the
payment in full of approximately $154,000 of liabilities owed by the Company to
Charles W. Fritz, the Company's Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors,
through the issuance of 15,445,967 shares of common stock. The Company
recognized a discount expense in general and administrative expenses of
approximately $15,000 relating to this transaction with Mr. Fritz.
During April 2003, the Company sold 25,000,000 shares of its common stock,
par value $0.01, in a private placement at a price of $0.01 per share. In
connection with the sale, the Company also granted the purchaser 25,000,000
warrants to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price
of $0.01 per share. The warrants had a fair value of $298,000 and have been
recorded as a cost of issuance. The purchaser was William E. Fritz, a member of
the Company's Board of Directors. Proceeds to the Company from sale of the
shares were $250,000. The Company recognized a discount expense in general and
administrative expenses of approximately $50,000 relating to this transaction
with Mr. Fritz. On August 6, 2003, Mr. Fritz exercised his warrants and
purchased 25,000,000 additional shares of common stock at a price of $0.01 per
share.
During April 2003, the Company entered into a consulting agreement with
William Fritz, an outside director, for consulting and advisement services
relating to the merger with Loch Energy, Inc., and to the subsequent
implementation of various management programs surrounding the business. The
agreement called for total payments of $250,000 over a period of one year.
During August 2003, the Company paid the consulting contract in full. During
September 2003, the consulting contract was rescinded and the full $250,000 was
returned to NeoMedia.
During July 2003, the Company borrowed $25,000 from William E. Fritz, one
of its outside directors. This amount was added to the principal of a $10,000
note payable to Mr. Fritz that matured in April 2004, with all other terms of
the note remaining the same. As consideration for the loan, the Company granted
Mr. Fritz 2,500,000 warrants to purchase shares of the Company's common stock at
an exercise price of $0.01 per share. The warrants had a fair value of
approximately $74,000. In accordance with EITF 00-27, the Company recorded the
relative fair value of the warrants as a discount against the note, and
amortized the discount over the life of the note.
On August 29, 2003, the Company borrowed $50,000 from William E. Fritz,
one of its outside directors, under an unsecured note payable. The note was paid
in full during September 2003.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires NeoMedia's
officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of NeoMedia's equity securities, to file reports of ownership
and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers,
directors and greater than ten-percent shareholders are required by SEC
regulation to furnish NeoMedia with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to
NeoMedia, NeoMedia believes that during 2003 all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to NeoMedia's officers, directors and ten percent
beneficial owners were complied with.
10
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
The Compensation Committee, which meets on a periodic basis, is comprised
of Messrs. Charles W. Fritz and Charles T. Jensen, officers of NeoMedia and A.
Hayes Barclay and James J. Keil, non-employee members of the Board of Directors.
The Compensation Committee formulates and administers compensation policies for
the President and Chief Executive Officer and all vice presidents of NeoMedia.
(A Stock Option Committee consisting of two non-employee Directors is
responsible for determining to whom and under what terms stock options should be
granted, other than options which are automatically granted to members of the
Board of Directors, under the Plan.)
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION(1)
The following is a report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors (the "Committee") describing the compensation policies applicable to
NeoMedia's executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003.
The Committee is responsible for establishing and monitoring the general
compensation policies and compensation plans of NeoMedia, as well as the
specific compensation levels for executive officers.
General Compensation Philosophy
Under the supervision of the Committee, NeoMedia's compensation policy is
designed to attract, motivate and retain qualified key executives critical to
NeoMedia's success. It is the objective of NeoMedia to have a portion of each
executive's compensation dependent upon NeoMedia's performance as well as upon
the executive's individual performance. Accordingly, each executive officer's
compensation package is comprised of three elements: (i) base salary which
reflects individual performance and expertise, (ii) variable bonus payable in
cash and tied to the achievement of certain annual performance goals and (iii)
stock options which are designed to align the long-term interests of the
executive officer with those of NeoMedia's stockholders. NeoMedia did not pay
any bonuses related to fiscal years 2003 or 2002.
The Committee considers the total compensation of each executive officer
in establishing each element of compensation, other than stock options which are
the responsibility of the Stock Option Committee. All incentive compensation
plans are reviewed at least annually to assure they meet the current strategies
and needs of NeoMedia.
The summary below describes in more detail the factors that the Committee
considers in establishing each of the three primary components of the
compensation package provided to the executive officers.
Base Salary
Base salary ranges are established based on benchmark data from nationally
recognized surveys of similar high-technology companies that compete with
NeoMedia for executive officers and NeoMedia's research of peer companies. Each
executive officer's base salary is established on the basis of the individual's
qualifications and relevant experience.
Variable Bonus
The Committee believes that a substantial portion of the annual
compensation of each executive should be in the form of variable incentive pay
to reinforce the attainment of NeoMedia's goals. The Incentive Plan rewards
achievement of specified levels of corporate profitability. A pre- determined
formula, which takes into account profitability against the annual plan approved
by the Board of Directors, is used to determine the bonus award. The individual
executive officer's bonus award is based upon discretionary assessment of each
officer's performance during the prior fiscal year. NeoMedia did not pay any
bonuses related to fiscal years 2003 or 2002.
11
Compensation for the Chief Executive Officer
During June 2002, Charles T. Jensen, NeoMedia's former Chief Financial
Officer, was elected president and Chief Operating Officer, and also named
acting Chief Executive Officer. During August 2004, Mr. Jensen was named
permanent CEO.
Base Salary: The Committee reviews the Chief Executive Officer's major
accomplishments and reported base salary information for the chief executive
officers of other companies in NeoMedia's peer group. Mr. Jensen's salary is
currently $175,00 per year. During the period from May 1, 2003 through July 15,
2003, Mr. Jensen's salary was reduced to $120,000 per year in an effort to
reduce costs. He is not under contract with NeoMedia.
Cash Incentive: The Chief Executive Officer's incentive target is at the
discretion of the Committee. Achievement of the target is based on overall
company income versus annual Plan income. Neither Mr. Jensen did not earn a
bonus relating to fiscal 2003 or 2002. During April 2003, Mr. Jensen's award
under the 2000 Executive Incentive Plan was paid with shares of NeoMedia's
common stock. The Company also paid all other employees, except one who
declined, who had earned awards under the 2000 Executive Incentive Plan with
shares of common stock.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
----------------------
Charles W. Fritz
Charles T. Jensen
A. Hayes Barclay
James J. Keil
(1) This Section is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the
SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of NeoMedia
under the 1933 Act or the 1934 Act whether made before or after the date
hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such
filing.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of
Messrs. Fritz, Jensen, Barclay and Keil. During the last fiscal year, no
interlocking relationship existed between NeoMedia's Board of Directors or
Compensation Committee and the board of directors or compensation committee of
any other company.
12
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee for the last fiscal year consisted of two nonemployee
Directors. The Board of Directors has determined that none of the members of the
Audit Committee has a relationship to NeoMedia that may interfere with his
independence from NeoMedia and its management. The Audit Committee has a written
charter, a copy of which was filed as Appendix A to NeoMedia's proxy statement
filed on May 23, 2001.
The primary function of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of
Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities by reviewing financial
reports and other financial information provided by NeoMedia to any governmental
body or the public, NeoMedia's systems of internal controls regarding finance,
accounting, legal compliance and ethics that management and the Board of
Directors have established, and NeoMedia's auditing, accounting and financial
processes generally. The Audit Committee annually recommends to the Board of
Directors the appointment of a firm of independent auditors to audit the
financial statements of NeoMedia and meets with such personnel of NeoMedia to
review the scope and the results of the annual audit, the amount of audit fees,
NeoMedia's internal accounting controls, NeoMedia's financial statements
contained in NeoMedia's Annual Report to Stockholders and other related matters.
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the
financial statements for fiscal year 2003 audited by Stonefield Josephson, Inc.,
NeoMedia's independent auditors. The Audit Committee has discussed with
Stonefield Josephson, Inc. various matters related to the financial statements,
including those matters required to be discussed by SAS 61 (Codification of
Statements on Auditing Standards, AU ss. 380). The Audit Committee has also
received the written disclosures and the letter from Stonefield Josephson, Inc.
required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Standards
Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and has
discussed with the firm its independence. Based upon such review and discussions
the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited
financial statements be included in NeoMedia's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ending December, 2003 for filing with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
---------------
James J. Keil
A. Hayes Barclay
The report of the Audit Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by
reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this proxy
statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the filing
specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise
be deemed filed under such Acts.
13
AUDITORS
Following the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of
Directors has selected Stonefield Josephson, Inc. as the independent auditors of
the Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2004.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Stonefield Josephson, Inc. ("Stonefield") for
professional services rendered for the audit of NeoMedia's annual financial
statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 and for the review of the
financial statements included in NeoMedia's Reports on Form 10-Q for the
quarterly periods during 2003 were approximately $98,000. The aggregate fees
billed by Stonefield relating to accounting services for registration statement
reviews and independent auditors' consents were approximately $36,000.
Financial Information Systems Design And Implementation Fees
There were no fees billed by Stonefield Josephson, Inc. for financial
information systems design and implementation professional services for the year
ended December 31, 2003.
Other Fees
There were no other fees billed Stonefield Josephson, Inc. to NeoMedia for
other fees for the year ended December 31, 2003.
OTHER MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The management of NeoMedia knows of no other matters to be presented at
the Annual Meeting. Should any matter requiring a vote of the stockholders other
than those listed in this Proxy Statement arise at the meeting, the persons
named in the proxy will vote the proxies in accordance with their best judgment.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Proposals of Shareholders for the Next Annual Meeting. Proposals of
shareholders intended for presentation at the 2005 annual meeting must be
received by NeoMedia on or before December 31, 2004, in order to be included in
the proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting. Additionally, NeoMedia
must have notice of any shareholder proposal to be submitted at the 2005 Annual
Meeting (but not required to be included in the Proxy Statement) by March 15,
2005, or such proposal will be considered untimely pursuant to Rule 14a-4 and
Rule 14a-5(e) under the Exchange Act and persons named in the proxies solicited
by management may exercise discretionary voting authority with respect to such
proposal.
Proxy Solicitation Costs. Our Company is soliciting the enclosed proxies.
The cost of soliciting proxies in the enclosed form will be borne by our
Company. Officers and regular employees of our Company may, but without
compensation other than their regular compensation, solicit proxies by further
mailing or personal conversations, or by telephone, telex, facsimile or
electronic means. Our Company will, upon request, reimburse brokerage firms for
their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to the beneficial
owners of stock.
Incorporation by Reference. Certain financial and other information
required pursuant to Item 13 of the Proxy Rules is incorporated by reference to
NeoMedia's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003,
which are being delivered to the shareholders with this proxy statement. In
order to facilitate compliance with Rule 2-02(a) of Regulation S-X, one copy of
the definitive proxy statement will include a manually signed copy of the
accountant's report.
September 10, 2004 /s/ William E. Fritz
Fort Myers,Florida -----------------------
William E. Fritz, Secretary
14
APPENDIX A
REVOCABLE PROXY
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
The undersigned hereby appoints CHARLES W. FRITZ and CHARLES T. JENSEN and
WILLIAM E. FRITZ, or any of them individually, with full power of substitution,
to act as proxy and to represent the undersigned at the 2004 Annual Meeting of
shareholders and to vote all shares of common stock of NeoMedia Technologies,
Inc. which the undersigned is entitled to vote if personally present at said
meeting to be held at the Company's Headquarters, 2201 Second Street, Suite 402,
Fort Myers, Florida on October 29, 2004 at 10:00 a.m., and at all postponements
or adjournments thereof upon all business as may properly come before the
meeting with all the powers the undersigned would possess if then and there
personally present.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. THIS PROXY, WHEN
PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO DIRECTION
IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR LISTED IN
PROPOSAL 1. PROXIES ARE GRANTED THE DISCRETION TO VOTE UPON ALL OTHER MATTERS
THAT MAY PROPERLY BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY POSTPONEMENT OR
ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN
BY THE UNDERDSIGNED. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THE SHARES WILL BE VOTED "FOR"
PROPOSAL ONE. SUCH PROXY ALSO DELEGATES DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY TO VOTE WITH
REPSECT TO ANY OTHER BUSINESS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY
ADJOURNMENTS OR POSTPONEMENTS THEREOF.
(CONTINUED, AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE)
PLEASE RETAIN THIS ADMISSION TICKET
FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
COMPANY HEADQUARTERS - 2201 SECOND STREET, SUITE 402.
FT. MYERS, FLORIDA 33901
OCTOBER 29, 2004
10:00 A.M., EASTERN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME
PRESENT THIS TICKET TO A NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC. REPRESENTATIVE
AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE MEETING ROOM.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign, and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope
we have provided or return it to NeoMedia Technologies, Inc., c/o ADP, 51
Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY, 11717.
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED AT THIS MEETING, WHETHER OR NOT
YOU ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. TO MAKE SURE YOUR SHARES ARE REPRESENTED, WE
URGE YOU TO COMPLETE AND MAIL THE PROXY CARD BELOW.
IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE 2004 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS, PLEASE MARK THE
APPROPRIATE BOX ON THE PROXY CARD BELOW.
B-1
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED
NEOMEDIA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Vote on Directors
1. Election of directors - The election of the following nominees to the
Board of Directors unless otherwise indicated:
01) A. Hayes Barclay 04) Charles T. Jensen
02) Charles W. Fritz 05) James J. Keil
03) William E. Fritz
For All |_| Withhold All |_| For All Except |_|
To withhold authority to vote for any particular nominee, mark "For All
Except" and write the nominee's number on the line
below_____________________________
Vote on Proposals
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
or any adjournments or postponements thereof.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND
PROXY STATEMENT OF THE COMPANY.
Please sign your name exactly as it appears on your stock certificate.
When signing as attorney-in-fact, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian,
please add your title as such. When signing as joint tenants, all parties in the
joint tenancy must sign. If signer is a corporation, please sign in full
corporate name by duly authorized officer or officers and affix the corporate
seal.
Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting: Yes |_| No |_|
------------------------- ------------- ------------------------- -----------
Signature Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date