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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-2.
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
Louis Monari, Secretary
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-12.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(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):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] 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:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
4041 Hadley Road
South Plainfleld, New Jersey 07080
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held on March 19, 1997
To the Shareholders of
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC. (the "Corporation") will be held at the Somerset
Marriott, 110 Davidson Avenue, Somerset, New Jersey 08873 on March 19, 1997 at
11:00 AM New Jersey Time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect six directors to the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
2. To transact such other business as may properly be brought before the Meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
The close of business on February 14, 1997 has been fixed as the record
date for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of' and to vote
at, the Meeting and any adjournment thereof.
You are cordially invited to attend the Meeting. Whether or not you
plan to attend, please complete, date and sign the accompanying proxy and return
it promptly in the enclosed envelope to assure that your shares are represented
at the Meeting. If you do attend, you may revoke any prior proxy and vote your
shares in person if you wish to do so. Any prior proxy will automatically be
revoked if you execute the accompanying proxy or if you notify the Secretary of
the Corporation, in writing, prior to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Louis J. Monari
Secretary
Dated: February 17, 1997
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE
AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE IN
ORDER TO ASSURE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR SHARES. NO POSTAGE NEED BE AFFIXED IF
MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
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DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
4041 Hadley Road
South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MARCH 19, 1997
This proxy statement and the accompanying form of proxy have been
mailed to the shareholders of record on February 14, 1997 (the "record date") of
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC., a New Jersey corporation (the "Corporation") in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of the
Corporation for use at the Annual Meeting of shareholders to be held on March
19, 1997 at 11:00 a.m. and at any adjournment thereof.
SOLICITATION, VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXY
Shares of the Corporation's common stock par value $.001 per share
represented by an effective proxy in the accompanying form will, unless contrary
instructions are specified in the proxy, be voted FOR the election of the six
persons nominated by the Board of Directors. Each share of common stock is
entitled to one vote. Voting is on a noncumulative basis.
Any proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted. A shareholder
may revoke a proxy by submitting a proxy bearing a later date or by notifying
the Secretary of the Corporation either in writing prior to the Annual Meeting
or in person at the Annual Meeting. Revocation is effective only upon receipt of
such notice by the Secretary. Election of directors is by plurality vote, with
the six nominees receiving the highest vote totals to be elected as directors of
the Corporation. Accordingly, abstentions and broker non-votes will not affect
the outcome of the election of directors. Abstentions and non-votes will,
however, be considered as votes represented at the Annual Meeting solely for
quorum purposes.
The Corporation will bear the cost of the solicitation of proxies by
the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may use the services of its
executive officers and certain directors to solicit proxies from shareholders in
person and by mail, telegram and telephone. Arrangements may also be made with
brokers, fiduciaries, custodians, and nominees to send proxies, proxy statements
and other material to the beneficial owners of the Corporation's common stock
held of record by such persons, and the Corporation may reimburse them for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in so doing.
The annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year ended September
30, 1996, including financial statements, accompanies this proxy statement.
The principal executive offices of the Corporation are located at 4041
Hadley Road, South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080; the Corporation's telephone
number is (908) 561-1200.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors of the Corporation has selected Arthur Andersen
LLP., Certified Public Accountants, as independent accountants of the
Corporation for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997. Shareholders are not
being asked to approve such selection because such approval is not required. The
audit services provided by Arthur Andersen, LLP. consist of examination of
financial statements, review of filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, and consultation in regard to various accounting matters.
Representatives of Arthur Andersen, LLP. are expected to be present at the
Annual Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire,
and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
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VOTING SECURITIES AND SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The securities entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting are the
Corporation's common stock, $.001 par value. Each share of common stock entitles
its holder to one vote on each matter submitted to shareholders. The close of
business on February 14, 1997 has been fixed as the record date for the
determination of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting
and any adjournment thereof. As of February 14, 1997, 19,091,187 shares of
common stock were issued and outstanding. Voting of the shares of common stock
is on a noncumulative basis.
The following table sets forth certain information as of January 9,
1997 with respect to (i) each director and officer of the Company (ii) the
persons (including any "group" as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) known by the Company to be the beneficial owner
of more than five percent of any class of the Company's voting securities and
(iii) officers and directors as a group.
NUMBER OF SHARES PERCENT OF COMPANY'S
NAME OF SHAREHOLDER PRESENTLY OWNED(1) OUTSTANDING STOCK
Kenneth P. Brice(2) 63,334 *
c/o Digital Solutions, Inc.
4041 Hadley Road
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Karl W. Dieckmann(3) 249,493 1.3%
c/o Digital Solutions, Inc.
4041 Hadley Road
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
George J. Eklund(4) 243,334 1.3%
c/o Digital Solutions, Inc.
4041 Hadley Road
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
Senator John H. Ewing(5) 76,000 *
76 Claremont Road
Bernardsville, NJ 07924
Alfred C. Koeppe(6) 0 *
c/o PSE&G
80 Park Plaza
T-4B
Newark, NJ 07102
William J. Marino(7) 51,667 *
c/o Blue Cross/Blue Shield
of New Jersey
3 Penn Plaza East
Newark, NJ 07105
Louis J. Monari(8) 61,000 *
c/o Digital Solutions, Inc.
4041 Hadley Road
South Plainfield, NJ 07030
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Steven B. Sands(9) 13,731 *
c/o Sands Brothers & Co.
90 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Raymond J. Skiptunis 177,783 1.0%
c/o Digital Solutions, Inc.
4041 Hadley Road
South Plainfield, NJ 07080
All officers and directors as a group 936,342 4.9%
(9) persons (2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9)
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* Less than 1 percent.
(1) Ownership consists of sole voting and investment power except as
otherwise noted.
(2) Includes options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 25,000 shares of
common stock. Mr. Brice resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the
Company in January, 1997.
(3) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock, and
excludes unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock.
(4) Includes options to purchase 200,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 300,000 shares of
common stock.
(5) Includes options to purchase 30,000 shares of common stock, and
excludes unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock.
(6) Does not include unvested options to purchase 6,250 shares.
(7) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, and excludes unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares.
(8) Includes options to purchase 30,000 shares of common stock, and
excludes unvested options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock.
(9) Includes options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock, and excludes
unvested options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock.
CERTAIN REPORTS
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
requires the Corporation's directors and officers, and persons who own, directly
or indirectly, more than 10% of a registered class of the Corporation's equity
securities, to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity
securities of the Corporation. Officers, directors and greater than 10%
shareholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Corporation with
copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file. Based solely on review of the
copies of such reports received by the Corporation, the Corporation believes
that all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to officers, directors and
10% shareholders were complied with during the 1996 fiscal year.
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I. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
A board of six directors is proposed to be elected at the Annual
Meeting of shareholders to hold office for a term of one year and until their
respective successors shall have been duly elected and shall have qualified. The
affirmative vote of a plurality of the outstanding shares of common stock voting
thereon at the Annual Meeting of shareholders is required to elect the
directors. All proxies received by the Board of Directors from holders of the
common stock will be voted for the election as directors of the nominees listed
below if no direction to the contrary is given. In the event any nominee is
unable to serve, the proxy solicited hereby may be voted, in the discretion of
the proxies, for the election of another person in his stead. The Board of
Directors knows of no reason to anticipate that this will occur.
The following tables set forth certain information as of February 14,
1997 with respect to the nominees for election as directors of the Corporation.
POSITION WITH CORPORATION: DIRECTOR CONTINUOUSLY
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION; AND AGE SINCE
Karl W. Dieckmann Chairman of the Board of Directors; 68 1990
George J. Eklund Director, President and Chief Executive 1995
Officer; 53
Senator John H. Ewing Director; New Jersey State Senator; 76 1990
Alfred C. Koeppe Director; Senior Vice President, PSE&G 1996
Company; 50
William J. Marino Director; Chief Executive Officer, 1995
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New
Jersey; 53
Steven B. Sands Director; 37 1994
Each director is elected for a period of one year at the Company's
annual meeting of shareholders and will serve until his successor is duly
elected by the shareholders. Officers serve at the will of the Board of
Directors.
Karl W. Dieckmann, Director of the Company since April, 1990, has been
Chairman of the Board since November, 1991. From 1980 to 1988, Mr. Dieckmann was
the Executive Vice President of Science Management Corporation and managed the
Engineering, Technology and Management Services Groups. From 1948 to 1980, Mr.
Dieckmann was employed by the Allied Corporation (now Allied Signal Corporation)
in various capacities including President, Semet Solvay Division; Executive Vice
President, Industrial Chemicals Division; Vice President Technical -- Fibers
Division; Group General Manager -- Fabricated Products Division; and General
Manager -- Plastics Division, as well as various positions with the Chemicals
Division.
George J. Eklund was President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since September 21, 1994, and has been President and Chief Executive
Officer from March 12, 1996. From 1992 to 1994, Mr. Eklund was President of the
Human Resource Information Services division of Fiserv, Inc., which provides
outsourcing services to the financial services industry. From 1977 to 1992, Mr.
Eklund was employed by ADP (Automatic Data Processing) in various positions
eventually serving as Corporate Vice President and Eastern Division President.
His eastern division served the northeast area of the country.
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Louis J. Monari is Vice-President of DSI Staff ConnXions NE and
Corporate Secretary. His experience includes 16 years with Nabisco Brands in
human resources positions based in manufacturing, research and development and
corporate headquarters. This includes 7 years in Nabisco's international
division. Prior to joining DSI, he was with Goodrich and Sherwood, a major human
resources consulting firm headquartered in New York City. From 1988-1993, he
served as co-Founder and President of Holgate Associates, Inc., a human
resources consulting firm.
Senator John H. Ewing, has been a Director of the Company since April,
1990. Senator Ewing has been a State Senator for the state of New Jersey from
1978 to the present. From 1968 to 1977, Senator Ewing was a New Jersey State
Assemblyman. From 1940 to 1968, he was employed by Abercrombie and Fitch Co.,
New York City, and eventually rose to the position of Chairman of the Board.
Senator Ewing is also currently Chairman of the New Jersey Senate Education
Committee.
Alfred C. Koeppe joined the Board of Directors in August, 1996. From
October, 1995 to the present, Mr. Koeppe has served as the Senior Vice President
of Corporate Services & External Affairs of Public Service Electric and Gas
Company. A graduate of Rutgers University and Seton Hall Law School. In 1975, he
served as clerk for U.S. District Judge Vincent Biunno and has served as a trial
attorney for the NJ Department of the Public Defender, the American Electric
Power Company in NY, and with AT & T in the Department of Justice antitrust
case. He was elected President and CEO of New Jersey Bell on February 1, 1993.
He holds memberships in various associations, among them the NJ, American and
Essex County Bar and the Board of Governors of the National Conference of
Christians and Jews .
William J. Marino, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue
Cross/Blue Shield of New Jersey, joined the Board of Directors in October, 1995.
He joined Blue Cross/Blue Shield in 1992 and was named to his present post in
1994. From 1968 to 1991, Mr. Marino held a variety of sales, marketing and
management positions with the Prudential Insurance Company of America. He is
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Essex and West Hudson
(NJ) and is Chairman of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the
Regional Business Partnership, and a Trustee of the New Jersey Network
Foundation, St. Peter's College and the Newark Museum.
Steven B. Sands was elected to the Board of Directors in April, 1994.
Mr. Sands has been engaged in the investment banking business since 1980. From
1987 to 1990, Mr. Sands was employed at Rodman & Renshaw, New York, NY, an
investment banking firm. Since 1990, Mr. Sands has been co-Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Sands Brothers & Co., Ltd., an investment banking firm. Mr.
Sands is a director of Semi-Conductor Packaging Materials Co. (semi-conductor
components manufacturer), Air Methods Corporation (emergency air medical
transport), The National Registry Inc. (fingerprint database technology),
Financing for Science International, Inc. (leasing of health care related
equipment), The Village Green Bookstore, Inc. (bookstore owner and operator),
Command Security Corp. (security guards) and Wholesale Cellular USA Inc.
(cellular telephone distributor), each a publicly-held company.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
The Board of Directors has three committees: Audit, Compensation and
Nominating Committees. During fiscal year 1996, the Board of Directors held
seven meetings. The Audit Committee met on one occasion and the Nominating
Committee met on two occasions. The Compensation Committee met on two occasions.
No member of the Board nor any member of any Board Committee failed to attend
less than 75% of the meetings of the Board or such Committee.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Audit Committee. The members of the Audit Committee are John E. Ewing,
Karl W. Dieckmann and Steven B. Sands. The Audit Committee acts to: (i) acquire
a complete understanding of the Corporation's audit functions; (ii) review with
management the finances, financial condition and interim financial statements of
the Corporation; (iii) review with the Corporation's independent auditors the
year-end financial statements; and (iv)
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review implementation with the independent auditors and management any action
recommended by the independent auditors.
Compensation Committee. The members of the Compensation Committee are
Karl W. Dieckmann, John H. Ewing, and William J. Marino. The Compensation
Committee functions include administration of the Corporation's 1992 Employee
Stock Option Plan and Non-Executive Director Stock Option Plan and negotiation
and review of all employment agreements of executive officers of the
Corporation.
Nominating Committee. The members of the Nominating Committee are Karl
W. Dieckmann, George J. Eklund, and William J. Marino. The Nominating Committee
functions include the review of all candidates for a position on the Board of
Directors including existing directors for renomination and reports its findings
with recommendations to the Board. The Nominating Committee solicits candidates
on behalf of the Company to fill any vacancy on the Board. The Nominating
Committee performs such other duties and assignments as directed by the Chairman
or the Board but shall have no power to add or remove a director without the
approval of the Board.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following provides certain summary information concerning
compensation paid or accrued by the Company during the years ended September 30,
1996, 1995 and 1994 to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and each of the
executive officers of the Company who received in excess of $100,000 in
compensation.
ANNUAL COMPENSATION
LONG TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS
NAME AND
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR
SALARY BONUS OPTIONS/SAR'S
Raymond J. Skiptunis (2) 1996 $214,061 $0 0
1995 $193,542 $15,000 0
1994 $167,003 $0 300,000
George J. Eklund (3) 1996 $207,924 $100,000 300,000
Chief Executive Officer 1995 $181,866 $50,000 0
Kenneth P. Brice (4) 1996 $120,000 0 0
Chief Financial Officer 1995 $68,077 $20,000 75,000
Louis J. Monari 1996 $91,539 (1) 30,000
Vice President 1995 $90,538 $15,000 0
1994 $71,948 0 20,000
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(1) 1996 Bonus to be determined.
(2) Mr. Skiptunis was replaced as Chief Executive Officer by Mr. Eklund in
March 1996.
(3) Mr. Eklund's employment with the Company commenced on September 19,
1994. He assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer in March 1996.
(4) Mr. Kenneth Brice resigned as Chief Financial Officer in January, 1997.
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The Corporation provides normal and customary life and health insurance
benefits to all of its employees including executive officers. The Corporation
has no retirement or pension plan, other than the Company's 401(k) Savings Plan
which is voluntary.
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
PERCENTAGE OF
NO. OF SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED IN EXERCISE OR BASE
OPTIONS GRANTED FISCAL YEAR PRICE PER SHARE EXPIRATION DATE
NAME
GEORGE J. EKLUND 300,000 59% $3.50 3/12/2001
LOUIS J. MONARI 30,000 6% $1.5625 12/20/2000
AGGREGATED OPTIONS/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION/SAR
VALUES
The following table sets forth information with respect to the named
executive officers concerning exercise of stock options and SARs during the last
fiscal year and the value of unexercised options and SARS held as of the year
ended September 30, 1996.
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
SHARES OPTIONS/SARS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30,
ACQUIRED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 1996
ON VALUE EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE(1)
Raymond J. Skiptunis 177,783 844,469 0 0
George J. Eklund 0 0 200,000/300,000 $712,500/$768,750
Kenneth P. Brice 0 0 42,500/22,500 $160,156/$125,790
Louis Monari 0 0 30,000/20,000 $81,250/$120,250
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(1) Based upon a closing bid price of the Common Stock at $6.0625 per share
on September 30, 1996.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
Directors who are employees of the Company are not compensated for
services in such capacity. Non- employee directors receive $400 for each meeting
attended and $250 for each meeting attended. Non- employee directors are also
eligible to participate in the Non-Executive Director Option Plan, as discussed
below.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION IN COMPENSATION
DECISIONS
Karl W. Dieckmann, John H. Ewing and Steven B. Sands served on the
Company's Compensation Committee during the last fiscal year. See "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions" for transactions between the Company and
members of the Compensation Committee.
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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors was comprised
during fiscal year 1996 of Karl W. Dieckmann, Steven B. Sands and Senator John
H. Ewing. The Compensation Committee determines the compensation of the
Company's chief executive officer. The chief executive officer determines the
compensation of all other executive officers. The Company's executive
compensation policies are aimed to attract, retain and motivate key employees
while making sure that a relationship exists between executive compensation and
the creation of shareholder value. Accordingly, the Company's policy on
compensation for its executive officers is to combine annual base salaries and
incentive stock options in accordance with the Company's 1990 Senior Management
Incentive Plan (the "Management Plan").
In fiscal year 1996, the annual base salary of Mr. Eklund, the
Company's Chief Executive Officer, was increased to $210,000 upon Mr. Eklund's
assuming the position of Chief Executive Officer in March, 1996. The Committee
authorized a bonus to the chief executive officer in the amount of $100,000 for
the fiscal year 1996, which was paid in shares of the Company's Common Stock.
The Committee believes that any increases in the compensation of the
Company's chief executive officer, not otherwise provided in his employment
agreement, will be based on combined and individual performance, experience,
level of responsibility and anticipated future performances, competitive with
the pay practices of similarly situated companies and in accordance with the
Company's increase in performance from the previous fiscal year.
The Company issues stock options in order to provide management with an
opportunity to acquire a proprietary interest in the Company as an incentive for
future performance. The stock options granted are exercisable, pursuant to
vesting periods, for a period of time, at the market price of the Company's
common stock on the date of the grant. Therefore, there is no benefit to
management upon receipt of stock options unless the Company's stock price
performs favorably. Awards under the stock option plan are intended to provide
incentives for management to enhance long term corporate performance, as
reflected in stock price appreciation, thereby increasing stockholder value.
The Company believes that the combination of base salary with equity
based compensation links management's interests with that of the Company's
stockholders.
SHAREHOLDER RETURN PERFORMANCE PRESENTATION
Set forth herein is a line graph comparing the total returns (assuming
reinvestment of dividends) of the Company's common stock, the Dow Jones
Industrial Average, and an industry composite consisting of a group of two peer
issuers selected in good faith by the Company. The Company's common stock is
listed for trading in the Nasdaq SmallCap market and is traded under the symbol
"DGSI".
DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Industry 100 150 169.98 192.3 310.96 448.03
Dow 100 97.17 101.94 98.09 136.87 130.07
DSI 100 150 216.67 333.33 212.5 458.33
NOTES
(1) Assumes that the value of the investment in the Company's Common Stock and
each index was $100 on September 30, 1991 and that dividends were reinvested at
years ended September 30.
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(2) Industry composite includes Paycheck and Automatic Data Processing. The
industry composite has been determined in good faith by management to represent
entities which compete with the Company in certain of its significant business
segments. Management does not believe that there are any publicly held entities
which compete with all of the Company's business segments.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Effective March 12, 1996, the Company entered into a new employment
agreement with Mr. Eklund for a three year term. The employment agreement
provides for (i) annual compensation of $210,000 for the first year of the
agreement increasing at the discretion of the Company; (ii) a bonus in
accordance with a plan to be established by the Company; (iii) the award of
stock options to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company's common stock, subject
to vesting requirements; (iv) certain insurance and severance benefits; and (v)
a $700 per month automobile allowance.
In the event of a "change of control" of the Company, all options
granted to Mr. Eklund will vest immediately. Under the employment agreement, a
"change of control" is defined to mean; (a) any consolidation or merger of the
Company, the result of which the Company is not the surviving company; (b) any
sale, lease or exchange of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the
Company; (c) any plan or proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the
Company which is approved by the Company's shareholders; (d) any person becomes
the beneficial owner of 20% or more of the company's outstanding common stock;
or (e) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the
beginning of the term constituted the Board of Directors cease to constitute a
majority thereof, unless the election of each new director was approved by a
vote of at least two-thirds of the directors then still in office.
1990 STOCK OPTION PLANS
In April, 1990, the Board of Directors adopted the 1990 Employees Stock
Option Plan (the "1990 Plan") which was approved by shareholders in August,
1990. The 1990 Plan provides for the grant of options to purchase up to
1,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock. Under the terms of the 1990
Plan, options granted thereunder may be designated as options which qualify for
incentive stock option treatment ("ISOs") under Section 422A of the Code, or
options which do not so qualify ("Non-ISO's").
The 1990 Plan is administered by a Stock Option Committee designated by
the Board of Directors. The Stock Option Committee has the discretion to
determine the eligible employees to whom, and the times and the price at which,
options will be granted; whether such options shall be ISOs or Non-ISOs; the
periods during which each option will be exercisable; and the number of shares
subject to each option. The Committee has full authority to interpret the 1990
Plan and to establish and amend rules and regulations relating thereto.
Under the 1990 Plan, the exercise price of an option designated as an
ISO shall not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date
the option is granted. However, in the event an option designated as an ISO is
granted to a ten percent (10%) shareholder (as defined in the 1988 Plan), such
exercise price shall be at least 110% of such fair market value. Exercise prices
of Non-ISO options may be less than such fair market value.
The aggregate fair market value of shares subject to options granted to
a participant, which are designated as ISOs and which become exercisable in any
calendar year, shall not exceed $100,000.
The Stock Option Committee may, in its sole discretion, grant bonuses
or authorize loans to or guarantee loans obtained by an optionee to enable such
optionee to pay any taxes that may arise in connection with the exercise or
cancellation of an option.
Unless sooner terminated, the 1990 Plan will expire in April 2000.
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In April 1990, the Board of Directors adopted the Non-Executive
Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan") which was approved by
shareholders in August, 1990 and amended in March 1996. The Director Plan
provides for issuance of a maximum of 500,000 shares of common stock upon the
exercise of stock options arising under the Director Plan. Options may be
granted under the Director Plan until April, 2000 to: (i) non-executive
directors as defined and, (ii) members of any advisory board established by the
Company who are not full-time employees of the Company or any of its
subsidiaries. The Director Plan provides that each non-executive director is
automatically granted an option to purchase 5,000 shares upon joining the Board
and each September lst, pro rata, based on the time the director has served in
such capacity during the previous year. Similarly, each eligible director of an
advisory board will receive on each September lst an option to purchase 5,000
shares of the Company's common stock each September lst. The Director Plan also
provides that directors, upon joining the Board, and for one (1) year
thereafter, will be entitled to purchase restricted stock from the Company at a
price equal to 80% of the closing bid price on the date of purchase up to an
aggregate purchase price of $50,000.
The exercise price for options granted under the Director Plan shall be
100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Until
otherwise provided in the Stock Option Plan, the exercise price of options
granted under the Director Plan must be paid at the time of exercise, either in
cash, by delivery of shares of common stock of the Company or by a combination
of each. The term of each option commences on the date it is granted and unless
terminated sooner as provided in the Director Plan, expires five (5) years from
the date of grant. The Director Plan shall be administered by a committee of the
Board of Directors composed of not fewer than three persons who are officers of
the Company (the "Committee"). The Committee has no discretion to determine
which non-executive director or advisory board member will receive options or
the number of shares subject to the option, the term of the option or the
exercisability of the option. However, the Committee will make all
determinations of the interpretation of the Director Plan. Options granted under
the Director Plan are not qualified for incentive stock option treatment.
In April 1990, the Board of Directors adopted and in August, 1990, the
Company's shareholders approved the Senior Management Incentive Plan (the
"Management Plan") for use in connection with the issuance of stock, options and
other stock purchase rights to executive officers and other key employees and
consultants who render significant services to the Company and its subsidiaries.
It is contemplated that only those executive management employees (generally the
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer,
President and Vice Presidents of the Company or Presidents of the Company's
subsidiaries) who perform services of special importance to the Company will be
eligible to participate under the Management Plan. A total of 5,000,000 shares
of common stock will be reserved for issuance under the Management Plan. Awards
made under the Management Plan will be subject to three-(3) year vesting
periods, although the vesting periods are subject to the discretion of the
Administrator.
Unless otherwise indicated, the Management Plan is to be administered
by the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board, if one is appointed for
this purpose (the Board or such committee, as the case may be, shall be referred
to in the following description as the "Administrator"). The Management Plan
generally provides that, unless the Administrator determines otherwise, each
option or right granted under a plan shall become exercisable in full upon
certain "change of control" events as described in the Management Plan. If any
change is made in the stock subject to the Management Plan, or subject to any
right or option granted under the Management Plan (through merger,
consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, dividend in
property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of
shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or otherwise), the
Administrator will make appropriate adjustments to such plans and the classes,
number of shares and price per share of stock subject to outstanding rights or
options. The Management Plan permits awards until April, 2000.
Directors who are not otherwise employed by the Company will not be
eligible for participation in the Management Plan.
The Management Plan provides four types of awards: stock options,
incentive stock rights, stock appreciation rights (including limited stock
appreciation rights) and restricted stock purchase agreements, as described
below.
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Options granted under the Management Plan may be either incentive stock
options ("ISOs") or options which do not qualify as ISOs ("non-ISOs") similar to
the options granted under the 1990 Plan.
Incentive stock rights consist of incentive stock units equivalent to
one share of common stock in consideration for services performed for the
Company. If the employment or consulting services of the holder with the Company
terminate prior to the end of the incentive period relating to the units
awarded, the rights shall thereupon be null and void, except that if termination
is caused by death or permanent disability, the holder or the holder's heirs, as
the case may be, shall be entitled to receive a pro-rata portion of the shares
represented by the units, based upon that portion of the incentive period which
shall have elapsed prior to the death or disability.
Restricted stock purchase agreements provide for the sale by the
Company of shares of common stock at a price to be determined by the Board of
Directors, which shares shall be subject to restrictions on disposition for a
stated period during which the purchaser must continue employment with the
Company in order to retain the shares. Payment can be made in cash, a promissory
note or a combination of both. If termination of employment occurs for any
reason within six months after the date of purchase, or for any reason other
than death or by retirement with the consent of the Company after the six month
period, but prior to the time that the restrictions on disposition lapse, the
Company shall have the option to reacquire the shares at the original purchase
price.
Restricted shares awarded under the Management Plan will be subject to
a period of time designated by the Administrator (the "restricted period")
during which the recipient must continue to render services to the Company
before the restricted shares will become vested. The Administrator may also
impose other restrictions, terms and conditions that must be fulfilled before
the restricted shares may vest.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
For information concerning employment agreements with and compensation
of the Corporation's executive officers and directors, see "Executive
Compensation."
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Proposals of shareholders intended to be presented at the
Corporation's l998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the
Corporation on or prior to November 20, 1997 to be eligible for inclusion in the
Corporation's proxy statement and form of proxy to be used in connection with
the l998 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
A COPY OF THE CORPORATION'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM l0-K FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WILL BE FURNISHED WITHOUT THE ACCOMPANYING EXHIBITS TO SHAREHOLDERS WITHOUT
CHARGE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST THEREFOR SENT TO LOUIS J. MONARI, SECRETARY, DIGITAL
SOLUTIONS, INC., 4041 HADLEY ROAD, SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NEW JERSEY 07080. Each such
request must set forth a good faith representation that as of February 14, 1997,
the person making the request was the beneficial owner of common stock of the
Corporation entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
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II. OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the only business which the
Board of Directors intends to present, and knows that others will present, at
the Annual Meeting is that herein above set forth. If any other matter or
matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, or any adjournments
thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of
proxy to vote the proxy on such matters in accordance with their judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Louis J. Monari
February 17, 1997 Secretary
WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE AND
RETURN YOUR PROXY PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF
IT IS MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
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DIGITAL SOLUTIONS, INC.
Annual Meeting of Shareholders - March 19, 1997
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Karl W. Dieckmann and George J Eklund, and each
of them, proxies, with full power of substitution. to vote all shares of common
stock of Digital Solutions, Inc owned by the undersigned at the annual meeting
of shareholders of Digital Solutions, Inc. to he held on March 19, 1997 and at
any adjournments thereof, hereby revoking any proxy heretofore given.
The undersigned instructs such proxies to vote:
I. Election of Directors
/ / For all nominees listed below / / Withhold authority
(except as marked to the contrary below) to vote for all nominees listed below
(Instruction: To withhold authority for any individual nominee, strike a line
through the nominee's name in the list below.)
Karl W. Dieckmann Senator John Ewing William J. Marino George J. Eklund
Alfred C. Koeppe Steven B. Sands
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side)
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and to vote upon any other business as may properly become before the meeting or
any adjournment thereof, all as described in the proxy statement dated February
17, 1997 receipt of which is hereby acknowledged.
Either of the proxies or their respective substitutes. who shall be present and
acting shall have and may exercise all the powers hereby granted. The shares
represented by this proxy will be voted FOR the election of six directors unless
contrary instructions are given. Said proxies will use their discretion with
respect to any other matters which properly come before the meeting.
Date_________________________________________________
Signed_______________________________________________
(Please date and sign exactly as accounts. Each joint
owner should sign. Executors, administrators,
trustees, etc. should also so indicate when signing.)
The proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of
Directors. Please sign and return in the enclosed
envelope.
