IANETT INTERNATIONAL SYSTEMS LTD.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
TO BE HELD ON APRIL 19, 2002
AND
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION CIRCULAR
The Canadian Venture Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the
transactions
described herein and any representation to the contrary is an offence.
IANETT INETRNATIONAL SYSTEMS LTD.
Suite 500 - 750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T7
Telephone: (604) 681-4911
Facsimile: (604) 687-4990
March 20, 2002
Dear Shareholder:
The accompanying management information circular (the "Circular") contains
information for holders of common shares of iaNett International Systems Ltd.
(the "Company" or "iaNett") relating to the proposed reverse merger (the
"Acquisition") of 100% of the issued common shares of the Data Fortress
Technologies Group (2002) Inc. ("DFTG") as well as certain other general and
special matters to be dealt with at the upcoming shareholders' meeting (the
"Meeting").
You are invited to attend the Annual and Special General Meeting of iaNett's
shareholders (the "Shareholders") to be held in the offices of Fraser and
Company, Barristers & Solicitors, 1200 - 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, April 19, 2002 starting at 10:00 a.m., at which time you will
be asked to consider and vote upon the proposed Acquisition and other related
matters.
Pursuant to the Acquisition, the shareholders of DFTG (the "DFTG Shareholders")
will receive 1.0 common share of iaNett for each outstanding common share of
DFTG held and DFTG will become a wholly owned subsidiary of iaNett. The
Acquisition will constitute a Reverse Takeover Transaction pursuant to the
Canadian Venture Exchange ("CDNX") Policy 5.2.
The Acquisition is contingent upon, among other things, approval of the
Acquisition by the Shareholders of iaNett and the CDNX.
The Board of Directors of iaNett has unanimously approved the Acquisition and
recommends that the Shareholders vote in favour of the Acquisition and all
matters to be considered at the Meeting. Without the approval of the
Shareholders, the proposed Acquisition cannot take place.
For details of all matters to be considered at the Meeting, please refer to the
Notice of Annual and Special General Meeting of iaNett contained within the
accompanying Circular.
If you are unable to attend the Meeting in person, please return the enclosed
form of Proxy so that your shares can be voted at the Meeting in accordance with
your instructions. If you are in doubt as to how to deal with the enclosed
documents or the matters referred to therein, please immediately consult your
legal advisor or broker.
IANETT INTERNATIONAL SYSTEMS LTD.
"Gordon A. Samson"
Gordon A. Samson
President and Chief Executive Officer
IANETT INTERNATIONAL SYSTEMS LTD.
Suite 500 - 750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T7
Telephone: (604) 681-4911
Facsimile: (604) 687-4990
NOTICE OF ANNUAL AND SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Annual and Special General Meeting (the
"Meeting") of the Shareholders of iaNett International Systems Ltd. (the
"Company" or "iaNett") will be held at the offices of Fraser and Company,
Barristers & Solicitors, 1200 - 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British
Columbia, on Friday, April 19, 2002, at the hour of 10:00 o'clock in the
forenoon (Vancouver time) for the following purposes:
1.
To receive and consider the Report of Management to the Shareholders;
2.
To receive and consider the audited financial statements of the Company for the
year ended June 30, 2001 and the Auditor's Report thereon.
3.
To fix the number of directors for the ensuing year at six (6);
4.
To elect directors;
5.
To appoint the Company's auditor for the ensuing year and to authorize the
directors to fix the remuneration to be paid to the auditor;
6.
To consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an
Ordinary Resolution approving the acquisition of all of the issued and
outstanding shares of Data Fortress Technology Group (2002) Inc. (as defined in
"Glossary of Terms" on page one of the Information Circular) in consideration of
the issuance by the Company of 30,000,000 common shares (the "Acquisition") at a
deemed value of $0.10 per common share (the "iaNett Shares"), all as more fully
described in the Information Circular accompanying this Notice;
7.
Conditional upon the passage of the Ordinary Resolution approving the
Acquisition, to consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without
variation, a Special Resolution to (a) change the name of the Company from
"iaNett International Systems Ltd." to "Data Fortress Group Ltd.", or such other
name as may be approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and the
Canadian Venture Exchange; and (b) alter the Company's Memorandum to reflect the
name change;
8.
To consider and, if thought advisable, to pass, with or without variation, an
Ordinary Resolution approving an amendment to the performance escrow agreement
dated June 23, 1999 between Computershare Trust Company of Canada
(Computershare) and iaNett and Theo Sanidas under the old terms of the Vancouver
Stock Exchange Policies to a surplus escrow agreement between Computershare and
iaNett and Theo Sanidas under the terms of the CDNX's current policies.
1.
To consider and if thought fit, to pass, with or without variation, an Ordinary
Resolution to approve the adoption of the Company's 2002 Stock Option Plan,
subject to regulatory acceptances, and to ratify previous existing stock options
granted to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company, all as
more fully set forth in the Information Circular accompanying this Notice.
1.
To transact such other business as may properly be transacted at such meeting or
at any adjournment thereof.
Accompanying this Notice of Meeting is an Information Circular, Form of Proxy,
Proxy Notes, Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2001 and
Supplemental Mailing List Return Card. The Information Circular provides
additional information relating to the matters to be dealt with at the Meeting
and is deemed to form part of this Notice.
A Shareholder unable to attend the Meeting in person is entitled to appoint a
proxy to attend and vote in his stead. If you are unable to attend the Meeting
in person, please complete, sign and date the enclosed Form of Proxy and return
it within the time and to the location in accordance with the instructions set
out in the Form of Proxy and Information Circular accompanying this Notice. The
Proxy will not be used at the Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof unless the
same is deposited at the office of the Registrar and Transfer Agent,
Computershare Trust Company of Canada of 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C
3B9 at least 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, before the
holding of the Meeting. The enclosed Proxy Form is solicited by Management and
you may amend it, if you so desire, by striking out the names listed therein and
inserting in the space provided the name of the person you wish to represent you
at the Meeting.
DATED at Vancouver, British Columbia, on the 20th day of February, 2002.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD
IANETT INTERNATIONAL SYSTEMS LTD.
"Gordon A. Samson"
President and Director
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INFORMATION FOR UNITED STATES SHAREHOLDERS OF IANETT
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
PART I - GENERAL PROXY INFORMATION
Solicitation of Proxies
Appointment and Revocation of Proxies
Voting of Shares and Exercise of Discretion of Proxies
Advice to Beneficial Shareholders
Voting Securities And Principal Holders of Voting Securities
Annual Financial Statements
PART II - MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AT THE MEETING
Number of Directors
Election of Directors
Appointment and Remuneration of Auditor
Acquisition of DFTG
Share Exchange Agreement
Shareholder and Regulatory Approval
Sponsorship Agreement
Finder's Fee
Resale Restrictions on iaNett Shares
Closing Date
DFTG Value Information and Discussion
Corporate Structure
Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Position
Accounting Treatment
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
Name Change
AMENDMENT OF ESCROW SHARES
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO STOCK OPTION PLAN
Interest of Certain Persons in Matters to be Acted Upon
PART III - Data Fortress Technologies Group (2002) Inc. ("DFTG")
Incorporation and Corporate History
Pacific Ram Distributors Ltd.
Data Fortress Technologies Ltd.
Connect West Networks Ltd.
Description and General Development of the Business of DFTG
Pacific Ram Distribution Corp.
Data Fortress Technologies Ltd.
Connect West Networks Inc.
Accomplishments to Date
Summary and Analysis of Financial Operations
Summary of Financial Information
Current Operations
Year Ended March 31, 2001 Compared to Year Ended March 31, 2000 for Pacific Ram
Distribution Corp.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Year Ended March 31, 2001 for Data Fortress Technologies Ltd.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Products and Services
Overview
Managed Services
Collocation Services
Market
Overview
Competition
Local Competitors
Marketing Plans and Strategies
Facilities
Acquisitions and Dispositions
Stated Business Objectives
Administration
Management of DFTG
Background and Principal Occupations of Key Management of DFTG
Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
Penalties or Sanctions
Individual Bankruptcies
Conflicts of Interest
Organizational Structure
Executive Compensation
Definitions
Compensation of Named Executive Officers
Stock/SAR Grants During the Most Recently Completed Financial Year and Stub
Period
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises During the Most Recently Completed Financial
Year and Stub Period
Option and SAR Repricings
Defined Benefit or Actuarial Plan
Termination of Employment, Change of Responsibilities and Employment Contracts
Compensation of Directors
Indebtedness of Directors, Senior Officers, Executive Officers and Other
Management
Related Party Transactions
Proposed Compensation
Existing Share Capital and Prior Sales
Description of Share and Loan Capital
Principal Shareholders of DFTG
Legal Proceedings
Auditor
Material Contracts
Risk Factors
Lack of Marketable Service
Absence of Business History and Profitability
Insufficient Financing
Dependence on Management
Industry Risk
Competitive Risk
Economic Risk
Strain on DFTG Resources During Growth
Fluctuation in Operating Results
PART IV - THE COMPANY
Name and Incorporation
Subsidiaries of iaNett
Business of the Company
Existing Share Capital and Prior Sales
Consolidated Share and Loan Capital
Fully Diluted Share Capital
Amendment to Escrow Shares
Prior Sales
Stock Exchange Listing
Price Range and Trading Volume
Management of the Company
Current Management
Proposed Management
Corporate Cease Trade Orders or Bankruptcies
Penalties or Sanctions
Individual Bankruptcies
Executive Compensation
Definitions
Compensation of Named Executive Officer
Option/SAR Grants During the Most Recently Completed Financial Year
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises During the Most Recently Completed Financial
Year
Option and SAR Repricings
Defined Benefit or Actuarial Plan Disclosure
Termination of Employment, Changes in Responsibility and Employment Contracts
Compensation of Directors
Options Outstanding in Favour of Directors and Officers who are not Named
Executive Officers
Options Exercised by Directors and Officers who are not Named Executive Officers
Management Contracts
Related Party Transactions
Indebtedness of Directors and Senior Officers
Interest of Management and Others in Material Transactions
Principal Holders of iaNett Shares
Aggregate Ownership of Securities
Public and Insider Ownership
Rights to Purchase Securities
iaNett Options
Common Shares
Dividend Record
Sponsorship
Investor Relations Arrangements
Relationship Between ianett, DFTG and the Sponsor
Relationship Between ianett, DFTG and Professional Persons
Legal Proceedings
Auditor
Registrar and Transfer Agent
Material Contracts
Risk Factors
Requirements for and Uncertainty of Access to Additional Capital
Operating Losses
Early Stage
Competition
Dependence on Key Personnel
Strain on Managerial and Financial Resources from Growth
Need to Develop and Maintain Positive Brand Name Awareness
Security Risks
Economic Factors
Currency Translation
Rapid Technological Change and Risk of Technological Obsolescence
Conflicts of Interest
The Company Does Not Intend to Declare Dividends
OTHER MATERIAL FACTS
DIRECTORS' APPROVAL
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, REPORTS AND OTHER EXHIBITS
CERTIFICATE OF IANETT INTERNATIONAL SYSTEMS LTD.
CERTIFICATE OF DATA FORTRESS TECHNOLOGIES GROUP (2002) INC.
SCHEDULE "A" - Financials iaNett International Systems Ltd.
SCHEDULE "B" - Financials Pacific Ram Distribution Ltd.
SCHEDULE "C" - Financials Data Fortress Technologies Ltd.
SCHEDULE "D" - Pro Forma Resultant Consolidation
SCHEDULE "E" - ALTERED MEMORANDUM
SCHEDULE F INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
IANETT INTERNATIONAL SYSTEMS LTD.
Suite 500 - 750 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2T7
Telephone: (604) 681-4911
Facsimile: (604) 687-4990
INFORMATION CIRCULAR
(containing information as at February 20, 2002
unless otherwise specifically stated herein)
INTRODUCTION
Shareholders are urged to read this Circular and the appendices hereto in their
entirety. Certain capitalized terms used in this Circular without definition
are defined in the "Glossary of Terms" located below.
Unless otherwise indicated, the information concerning the Data Fortress
Technologies Group (2002) Inc. (DFTG) contained in this Circular is based on
information provided by DFTG. Although the Company has no knowledge which would
indicate that any of the statements contained herein and taken from or based on
such information are untrue or incomplete, it does not assume any responsibility
for the accuracy or completeness of such information, or for any failure by DFTG
to disclose to the Company or publicly, events or facts which may have occurred
or which may affect the significance or accuracy of any such information and
which are unknown to the Company.
Unless otherwise indicated, information concerning the Company is given as at
February 20, 2002.
INFORMATION FOR UNITED STATES SHAREHOLDERS OF IANETT
The iaNett Shares to be issued in connection with the Acquisition have not been
registered under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1933, as amended
(the 1933 Act). The iaNett Shares will not be listed for trading on any US
stock exchange. Accordingly, this Circular has been prepared in accordance with
disclosure requirements in Canada. Shareholders in the United States should be
aware that such requirements are different than those of the 1933 Act applicable
to registration statements under the 1933 Act and proxy statements under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The consolidated financial statements of
iaNett, the consolidated financial statements of DFTG, and the pro forma
consolidated financial statements of iaNett and DFTG included in the Circular
have been prepared in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles and are subject to Canadian auditing and auditor independence
standards, and thus are not comparable in all respects to financial statements
of United States companies.
The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the United States
securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that iaNett is organized
under the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States, that the majority of
the officers and directors of DFTG and iaNett will be residents of countries
other than the United States, that the experts named in this Circular are
residents of countries other than the United States, and that a substantial
portion of the assets of DFTG and iaNett may be located outside the United
States.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms will have the
meanings set out below when used in this Circular. Words importing the singular
may include the plural and vice versa and words importing any gender include all
gender.
"Acquisition" means the proposed acquisition of all the issued and outstanding
shares of DFTG by the Company as described by this Circular and all matters
relating thereto.
"Acquisition Resolution" means the Ordinary Resolution approving the Acquisition
to be considered and, if thought fit, passed, with or without variation, by a
Majority of the Minority of the Shareholders.
"Act" means the Securities Act (British Columbia).
"Affiliate," means any company that is a subsidiary of another company or each
of them is controlled by the same Person.
"Associate" means, if used to indicate a relationship with a Person:
(a)
a partner of that Person;
(b)
a trust or estate in which that Person has a substantial beneficial interest or
for which that Person serves as trustee or in a similar capacity;
(c)
a company of which that Person beneficially owns or controls, directly or
indirectly, voting shares carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached
to all outstanding voting shares of the company, or
(d)
in the case of an individual:
(i)
that individual's spouse or child, or
(ii)
a relative of that individual or that individual's spouse if that relative has
the same home as the individual, and for the purpose of this definition,
"spouse" includes an individual who is living with another individual in a
marriage-like relationship.
"Board of Directors" or "Board" means the board of directors of iaNett.
"Business Day" means a day, other than a Saturday, Sunday or statutory holiday,
when banks are generally open in the City of Vancouver for the transaction of
banking business.
"CDNX" means the Canadian Venture Exchange Inc., the stock exchange upon which
iaNett's common shares are listed.
"Circular" means this Information Circular of the Company dated February 20,
2002, together with all Schedules hereto, to be sent to the Shareholders in
connection with the Meeting.
"Closing" means the completion of the purchase and sale of the DFTG Shares on
the Closing Date and occurring at the offices of Fraser & Company, Barristers
and Solicitors, 1200 - 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia. __
"Computershare" means Computershare Trust Company of Canada, the Company's
registrar and transfer agent.
"Connect West Networks Ltd." ("Connect West") means a private British Columbia
company that organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Data Fortress
Technologies Group (2002) Inc. in March 2002.
"Data Fortress Technologies Ltd." ("Data Fortress") means a private British
Columbia company that organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Data Fortress
Technologies Group (2002) Inc. in January 2002.
"Data Fortress Technologies Group (2002) Inc." or DFTG means a private British
Columbia company organized in January 2002 as the holding company for Pacific
Ram Distributors Ltd., Data Fortress Technology Ltd., and Connect West Networks
ltd.
"DFTG Shareholders" means the holders of DFTG Shares.
"DFTG Shares" means common shares of DFTG.
"Exchange" means the Canadian Venture Exchange Inc.
"iaNett" or the "Company" means iaNett International Systems Ltd., a company
incorporated in British Columbia pursuant to the Company Act (BC).
"iaNett Shares" means the common shares in the capital of iaNett International
Systems Ltd.
"Insider" means an insider as defined in the Securities Act (British Columbia)
including the directors and senior officers of iaNett, or subsidiaries of
iaNett, and any Person that has direct or indirect ownership of, or control or
direction over, securities of iaNett carrying more than 10% of the voting rights
attaching to the outstanding voting securities of iaNett.
"Majority of the Minority Approval" means a vote at the Meeting of the
Shareholders, which vote must be passed by an Ordinary Resolution by parties
other than Related Parties to the "Acquisition" as described herein, the full
text of which is set forth on page 12 of this Circular.
"Management" means the directors and officers of iaNett.
"Meeting" means the Annual and Special General Meeting of the Shareholders of
iaNett to be held on April 19, 2002, at 10:00 a.m. at the offices of Fraser and
Co, Barristers and Solicitors at 1200 - 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia, together with all adjournments thereof, for the purposes set
forth in the accompanying Notice of Meeting.
"Ordinary Resolution" means a resolution passed by a simple majority (50% + 1)
of the votes cast by the Shareholders who vote in respect of such resolution at
the Meeting either in person or by proxy.
"Pacific Ram Distribution Ltd." ("Pacific Ram") means a private British Columbia
company that organized as a wholly owned subsidiary of Data Fortress
Technologies Group (2002) Inc. in January 2002.
"Person" means an individual, corporation, incorporated association or
organization, body corporate, partnership, trust association or other entity.
"Principal Shareholders of "DFTG" means Michael Chong, CK Chong, Andy Chong,
Jordan Krushen and Rick Thomas.
"Record Date" means the close of business on February 20, 2002.
"Related Parties" means the promoters, officers, directors, other insiders or
control Persons of a company and any Associates and Affiliates of such Persons.
"Reverse Take-Over Transaction" has the meaning defined in Policy 5.2 of the
Exchange.
"Share Exchange Agreement" means the share purchase agreement dated March 1,
2002 and any further amendment thereto, among iaNett, DFTG, and the DFTG
Shareholders, which provides for, among other things, the acquisition by iaNett
of the DFTG Shares.
"Shareholders" means holders of iaNett Shares.
"Special Resolution" means under the Company Act (British Columbia), a
resolution passed by a majority of not less than three-quarters (3/4) of the
votes cast by the Shareholders who voted in respect of such resolution at the
Meeting either in Person or by proxy.
"Sponsor's Shares" means 200,000 common shares of iaNett to be issued to
Canaccord as part of the sponsorship fee, pursuant to the sponsorship agreement
dated November 21, 2001.
"Surplus Share Escrow Agreement" means the escrow agreement in respect of
30,000,000 iaNett Shares to be issued to certain DFTG Shareholders under the
Acquisition that must be escrowed pursuant to CDNX Policy 5.4.
GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS
The following is a glossary of certain technical terms related to DFTG's
business and used in this Circular.
"Border Gateway Protocol" means BGP is often the protocol used between gateway
hosts on the Internet. A gateway is a network point that acts as an entrance to
another network.
"CLEC" means Central Local Exchange Carrier
"Colocation" means (sometimes spelled co-location) is the provision of space for
a customer's telecommunications equipment on the service provider's premises.
For example, a Web site owner could place the site's own computer servers on the
premises of the Internet service provider. Or an ISP could place its network
routers on the premises of the company offering switching services with other
ISPs.
"Dedicated Servers" means in the Web hosting business, a dedicated server refers
to the rental and exclusive use of a computer that includes a Web server,
related software, and connection to the Internet, housed in the Web hosting
company's premises. A dedicated server is usually needed for a Web site (or set
of related company sites) that may develop a considerable amount of traffic.
"ILEC" means Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier
"Internet Backbone" means Internet backbone is a set of paths that local or
regional networks connect to for long-distance interconnection.
"Managed Server Hosting" means Managed services are dedicated servers equipped
with extended support. This support comes in the form of proprietary control
panel technology that enables the inexperienced administrator to easily set-up
and maintain sites on a server. This is achieved through an intuitive and user
friendly point and click interface rather than by typing complicated commands at
a prompt line. Managed services cater to organizations that don't want to invest
time or capital in server administration.
"NAS" means Network Attached Storage provides direct Ethernet attachment of RAID
storage without any disruption or downtime to existing servers
"Network Bandwidth" means the speed at which data flows on a given transmission
path.
"SAN" means Storage Area Networks enable multiple servers to share central Fiber
Channel RAID storage for higher performance, lower management cost and provide
unlimited capacity growth.
PART I - GENERAL PROXY INFORMATION
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
This Circular is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the
Management of iaNett International Systems Ltd. (the "Company" or "iaNett") for
use at the Annual and Special General Meeting (the "Meeting") to be held on
April 19, 2002 at the time and place and for the purposes set forth in the
accompanying Notice of Meeting and at any adjournment thereof. The solicitation
will be primarily by mail, however, proxies may be solicited personally or by
telephone by the regular officers and employees of the Company. The cost of
solicitation will be borne by the Company.
APPOINTMENT AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
The Persons named in the accompanying form of proxy (the "Proxy") are directors
and/or officers of the Company. A SHAREHOLDER HAS THE RIGHT TO APPOINT A PERSON
(WHO NEED NOT BE A SHAREHOLDER) TO ATTEND AND ACT FOR HIM ON HIS BEHALF AT THE
MEETING OTHER THAN THE PERSONS NAMED IN THE ENCLOSED INSTRUMENT OF PROXY. TO
EXERCISE THIS RIGHT, A SHAREHOLDER SHALL STRIKE OUT THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS
NAMED IN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND INSERT THE NAME OF HIS NOMINEE IN THE BLANK
SPACE PROVIDED, OR COMPLETE ANOTHER INSTRUMENT OF PROXY. A PROXY WILL NOT BE
VALID UNLESS IT IS DEPOSITED WITH THE COMPANY'S REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT,
COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY OF CANADA, 510 BURRARD STREET, VANCOUVER, BRITISH
COLUMBIA V6C 3B9, NOT LESS THAN 48 HOURS (EXCLUDING SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND
HOLIDAYS) BEFORE THE TIME OF THE MEETING OR ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
A proxy must be signed by the Shareholder or by his attorney in writing, or, if
the Shareholder is a corporation, it must either be under its common seal or
signed by a duly authorized officer.
A Shareholder who has given a proxy in the enclosed form or otherwise may revoke
it at any time before it is exercised. In addition to revocation in any other
manner permitted by law, a proxy may be revoked by instrument in writing
executed by the Shareholder or by his attorney authorized in writing, or, if the
Shareholder is a corporation, it must either be under its common seal, or signed
by a duly authorized officer and deposited at the Company's registered and
records office, 1200 - 999 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, at
any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day of the
Meeting, or any adjournment of it, at which the proxy is to be used, or to the
Chairman of the Meeting on the day of the Meeting or any adjournment of it. A
revocation of a proxy does not affect any matter on which a vote has been taken
prior to the revocation.
VOTING OF SHARES AND EXERCISE OF DISCRETION OF PROXIES
On any poll, the Persons named in the enclosed Proxy will vote the shares in
respect of which they are appointed. Where directions are given by the
Shareholder in respect of voting for or against any resolution, the proxyholders
will do so in accordance with such direction.
IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY INSTRUCTION IN THE PROXY, IT IS INTENDED THAT SUCH SHARES
WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOUR OF THE MOTIONS PROPOSED TO BE MADE AT THE MEETING AS
STATED UNDER THE HEADINGS IN THIS CIRCULAR. The Proxy enclosed, when properly
signed, confers discretionary authority with respect to amendments or variations
to the matters which may properly be brought before the Meeting. At the time of
printing this Circular, the Management of the Company is not aware that any such
amendments, variations or other matters are to be presented for action at the
Meeting. However, if any other matters which are not now known to the
Management should properly come before the Meeting, the Proxies hereby solicited
will be exercised on such matters in accordance with the best judgment of the
nominee.
In order to approve a motion proposed at the Meeting, a majority of greater than
50% of the votes cast, either in Person or represented by proxy, by Shareholders
will be required (an "Ordinary Resolution") unless the motion requires a Special
Resolution, in which case a majority of not less than two-thirds of the votes
cast will be required. In the event a motion proposed at the Meeting requires
disinterested Shareholder approval, Shares held by Shareholders of the Company
who are also "insiders", as such term is defined under applicable securities
laws, will be excluded from the count of votes cast on such motion.
ADVICE TO BENEFICIAL SHAREHOLDERS
The information set forth in this section is of significant importance to many
Shareholders as a substantial number of Shareholders do not hold their iaNett
Shares in their own name. Shareholders who do not hold their iaNett Shares in
their own name (referred to in this Circular as "Beneficial Shareholders")
should note that only proxies deposited by Shareholders whose names appear on
the records of iaNett as the registered holders of iaNett Shares can be
recognized and acted upon at the Meeting. If the iaNett Shares are listed in an
account provided to a Shareholder by a broker, then in almost all cases those
shares will not be registered in the Shareholder's name on the records of
iaNett. Such shares will more likely be registered under the names of the
Shareholder's broker or an agent of that broker. In Canada, the vast majority
of such shares are registered under the name of CDS & Co. (the registration name
for The Canadian Depository for Securities, which acts as nominee for many
Canadian brokerage firms). iaNett Shares held by brokers or their agents or
nominees can only be voted (for or against resolutions) upon the instructions of
the Beneficial Shareholder. Without specific instructions, brokers and their
agents and nominees are prohibited from voting shares for the broker's clients.
Therefore, Beneficial Shareholders should ensure that instructions respecting
the voting of their iaNett Shares are communicated to the appropriate person.
Applicable regulatory policy requires intermediaries/brokers to seek voting
instructions from Beneficial Shareholders in advance of shareholders' meetings.
Every intermediary/broker has its own mailing procedures and provides its own
return instructions to clients, which should be carefully followed by Beneficial
Shareholders in order to ensure that their iaNett Shares are voted at the
Meeting. The purpose of the form of proxy supplied to a Beneficial Shareholder
by its broker (or the agent of the broker) is limited to instructing the
registered Shareholder (the broker or agent of the broker) how to vote on behalf
of the Beneficial Shareholder. The majority of brokers now delegate
responsibility for obtaining instructions from clients to Independent Investor
Communications Corporation ("IICC"). IICC typically mails a special proxy form
to the Beneficial Shareholders and asks Beneficial Shareholders to return the
proxy forms to IICC. IICC then tabulates the results of all instructions
received and provides appropriate instructions respecting the voting of iaNett
Shares to be represented at the Meeting. A Beneficial Shareholder receiving a
proxy form from IICC cannot use that proxy to vote shares directly at the
Meeting - the proxy must be returned to IICC well in advance of the Meeting in
order to have the iaNett Shares voted.
Although a Beneficial Shareholder may not be recognized directly at the Meeting
for the purposes of voting iaNett Shares registered in the name of his or her
broker (or agent of the broker), a Beneficial Shareholder may attend at the
Meeting as proxyholder for the registered Shareholder and vote the iaNett Shares
in that capacity. Beneficial Shareholders who wish to attend at the Meeting and
indirectly vote their iaNett Shares as proxyholder for the registered
Shareholder should enter their own names in the blank space on the Instrument of
Proxy provided to them and return the Proxy to their broker (or the broker's
agent) in accordance with the instructions provided by such broker (or agent),
well in advance of the Meeting.
VOTING SECURITIES AND PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES
The authorized capital of the Company consists of 120,000,000 shares consisting
of 100,000,000 common shares without par value and 20,000,000 preferred shares
with a par value of $0.01 per share. On February 20, 2002 16,371,328 common
shares were issued and outstanding. Only Shareholders of record at the close of
business on February 20, 2002 who either personally attend the Meeting or who
have completed and delivered an Instrument of Proxy in the manner and subject to
the provisions described above will be entitled to vote or to have their common
shares voted at the Meeting.
Each Shareholder is entitled to one vote for each common share registered in his
name in the Company's register of Shareholders.
To the knowledge of the Directors and Senior Officers of the Company, the
following are Shareholders who beneficially own directly or indirectly shares
carrying more than 10% of the voting rights attached to all shares of the
Company:
Name and Address Approximate No. of Shares Percentage
614351 BC Ltd.(1) 2,733,270 16.70%
(1)
614351 BC Ltd. is a former creditor of the Company that settled debt on October
18, 2001 under the proposal to creditors pursuant to the provisions of the
Bankruptcy and Solvency Act, RSC 1985, C. B-3, as amended.
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended June 30, 2001
and the Auditor's Report thereon (the "iaNett Financial Statements") are
included with the Circular and will be presented to Shareholders at the Meeting.
Copies of the iaNett Financial Statements, together with the Management's
Report to Shareholders, Notice of Meeting, Information Circular and Proxy will
be available from the Company's registrar and transfer agent, Computershare, 4th
Floor, 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3B9, or the
Company's registered and records office, Fraser & Co.1200 - 999 West Hastings
Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.
PART II - MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON AT THE MEETING
NUMBER OF DIRECTORS
The Shareholders of the Company will be asked to pass an Ordinary Resolution
resolving that the number of Directors of the Company be increased from three to
six (6). The Management of the Company recommends to the Shareholders that the
resolution be passed.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Shareholders at the Meeting have the right to elect six (6) Directors of the
Company and determine their number for the ensuing year.
The persons named in the enclosed form of Proxy intend to vote in favour of
fixing the number of directors at six (6). At the Meeting, Shareholders will
therefore be asked to pass an Ordinary Resolution to set the number of directors
of the Company at six (6) for the next year.
The Directors of the Company are elected annually and hold office until the next
Annual General Meeting of the Shareholders or until their successors are
appointed. In the absence of instructions to the contrary the enclosed proxy
will be voted for the nominees herein listed.
Management does not contemplate that any of the nominees will be unable to serve
as a Director. In the event that prior to the Meeting any vacancies occur in the
slate of nominees herein listed, it is intended that discretionary authority
shall be exercised by Management to vote the proxy for the election of any other
person or persons as Directors.
The following table sets out the name of each of the persons proposed by
Management to be nominated for election as Director, any position with the
Company now held by him, his past and present principal occupation(s), the date
on which he became a Director of the Company and the approximate number of
shares of the Company beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, and is based
on information furnished to the Company by the nominees as at the record date:
Name, Principal Number of iaNett shares Percentage of iaNett
Position and Occupation, and beneficially owned, shares beneficially
Municipality if not at directly or indirectly, owned, directly or
of Residence present an or over which control or indirectly, or over
elected direction is exercised which control or
director, direction is exercised
occupation As at After Giving Prior to After
during the last Date of Jan 31, Effect to the Giving Giving
five years Appointment 2002 Acquisition Effect to Effect to
as a the the
Director Acquisition Acquisition
(1) (2)
Gordon A. President, CEO July 26, 100,000 100,000 .6% .2%
Samson and Director of 2001
President, the Company
CEO/CFO & November 21,
Director 2001 to
Vancouver, BC present;
Contract CFO
projects 1999
to November
21, 2001;
Global
Securities 1997
to 1999; Bank
Manager 1988 to
1996 Financial
Officer, CCRA
1984 to 1988
Marcus New President, CEO Aug. 30, 52,778 52,778 .3% .1%
Coquitlam, BC and Director of 2000
Secretary & Stockgroup.com
Director from 1995 to
present
CK Chong Chief Financial proposed 150,000 8,716,667(3) .9% 18.9%
Nominee Officer and
Vancouver, BC Director of
Pacific Ram
Distributors
ltd., from 1992
to present.
Michael Chong President, CEO proposed 80,000 8,646,667(3) .5% 18.7%
Nominee and founder of
Vancouver, BC Pacific Ram
Distributors
Ltd. and Data
Fortress
Technologies
Ltd., from 1991
to present
Jordan CTO Data proposed NIL 5,533,333(3) NIL 12.0%
Krushen Fortress
Nominee Technologies
Vancouver, BC Ltd. October
2000 to
present; CTO
Purple Media,
Gatecash,
ecMarket from
1996 to 2000
Rick Thomas Senior proposed 5,000 4,305,000(3) .03% 9.3%
Nominee Executive, Big
Vancouver, BC Pipe Inc.
("Shaw
Communication
Company") from
January 2001 to
present; Vice
President
Computer Pro
Inc. from 1995
to 2001; Tier1
Consultant to
IBM, Intiut,
Microsoft and
CitiBank
(1)
Percentages assume no outstanding options or Warrants are exercised
(2)
Percentages assume an aggregate of 30,000,000 iaNett Shares, 1,500,000 finder's
fee shares and 200,000 sponsor shares will be issued in consideration of the
Acquisition and that no outstanding options or Warrants have been exercised.
(3)
These shares will be held in escrow pursuant to the Surplus Share Escrow
Agreement.
The above information has been furnished by the proposed directors individually.
See "Management of the Company" in Part IV - The Company for more particulars
of the principal occupations of the proposed directors. All of the proposed
nominees are ordinarily resident in Canada.
Gordon A. Samson, Marcus New and Shone Anstey, who are the Company's current
directors, are also members of the Company's current Audit Committee. Shone
Anstey has agreed to step down as a director effective with ratification of the
nominees. The Company does not have an Executive Committee of its Board of
Directors.
For particulars regarding the compensation received by executive officers of the
Company during the past three financial years, see "The Company - Executive
Compensation" in Part IV of this Circular.
APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF AUDITOR
Bedford Curry & Co., Chartered Accountants is currently the auditor of the
Company. Management intends to appoint Bedford Curry & Co., as auditor for
DFTG. At the Meeting, Shareholders will be asked to pass an Ordinary Resolution
appointing Bedford Curry & Co, Chartered Accountants as auditor of the Company
until the next annual general meeting of the Company at a remuneration to be
fixed by the directors of the Company.
Management is in favour of the appointment of Bedford Curry & Co., Chartered
Accountants as auditor for the Company and the persons named in the enclosed
instrument of proxy intend to vote in favour of the appointment of Bedford Curry
& Co., Chartered Accountants.
ACQUISITION OF DFTG
The principal purpose of the Meeting is to consider and, if thought appropriate,
to pass an Ordinary Resolution approving the Acquisition by iaNett of all of the
issued and outstanding DFTG Shares which will result in a Reverse Take-Over
(RTO) under the policies of the CDNX. In accordance with the requirements of
CDNX, the Board of Directors of iaNett is requesting that the Acquisition be
approved by iaNett's Shareholders.
Share Exchange Agreement
The Share Exchange Agreement was entered into by iaNett, DFTG, Data Fortress,
Pacific Ram, Connect West and the DFTG Shareholders on March 1, 2002. Pursuant
to the Share Purchase Agreement, the DFTG Shareholders have agreed to transfer
all of the issued and outstanding DFTG Shares, being 30,000,000 DFTG Shares in
exchange for 30,000,000 iaNett Shares at a price of $0.10 per share, on the
basis of one exchanged iaNett Share for each one DFTG Share, as follows:
Name of DFTG Shareholder Number of DFTG Shares iaNett Shares to be
Held acquired on Closing
CK Chong 8,566,667 8,566,667(1)
Michael Chong 8,566,667 8,566,6671)
Andy Chong 3,033,333 3,033,333(1)
Jordan Krushen 5,533,333 5,533,333(1)
Rick Thomas 4,300,000 4,300,000(1)
TOTAL 30,000,000 30,000,000
(1)
These iaNett Shares will be subject to the Surplus Share Escrow Agreement
described below under "Resale Restrictions on iaNett Shares".
Detailed disclosure regarding DFTG, its business and results of operations and
the Company after completion of the Acquisition is provided under "Part III -
Data Fortress Technologies Group 2002 Inc." of this Circular.
Closing Conditions of iaNett
The obligation of iaNett to complete the Purchase of the DFTG shares pursuant to
the RTO is subject to certain conditions, including the following:
(a)
all covenants and agreements of the DFTG Shareholders and DFTG to be performed
on or before the Closing Date pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Share
Exchange Agreement have been duly performed;
(b)
on or before the Closing Date, no injunction or restraining order of a court or
administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction shall be in effect which
prohibits the transactions contemplated hereunder and no action or proceeding
shall have been instituted and remain pending before any such court or
administrative tribunal to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated
hereby;
(c)
iaNett has obtained Exchange and shareholder approvals of this Agreement;
(d)
the Management Agreements described in Schedules 13.1(d) to the Share Exchange
Agreement have been duly executed and delivered;
(e)
the representations and warranties of the DFTG Shareholders contained in the
Share Purchase Agreement shall be true on and as of the Closing Date with the
same effect as though such representations and warranties had been made on and
as of the Closing Date;
(f)
the representations and warranties of the DFTG contained in the Share Purchase
Agreement shall be true on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as
though such representations and warranties had been made on and as of the
Closing Date; and
(g)
since the date hereof and prior to the Closing Date, no loss or damage by fire,
negligence or otherwise shall occur to the Business or Premises.
The preceding conditions are for the exclusive benefit of iaNett and such
conditions must be fulfilled as described above or may be waived in whole or in
part by iaNett on or prior to the date referred to therein by delivery to DFTG
and DFTG Shareholders of a written waiver to that effect, signed by iaNett.
iaNett agrees that in the event that the sale of the DFTG Shares shall not be
completed and the Share Exchange Agreement is consequently terminated, by either
party, DFTG shall not be obligated to repay iaNett the loan of $25,000 which
iaNett advanced to DFTG. This advanced loan is being used to fund related
regulatory expenses on behalf of DFTG relating to the RTO.
Closing Conditions of DFTG and the DFTG Shareholders
The obligations of DFTG and DFTG Shareholders to complete the sale of the DFTG
Shares to iaNett is subject to certain conditions, including the following:
(a)
all covenants and agreements of iaNett to be performed on or before the Closing
Date pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Share Exchange Agreement have
been duly performed;
(a)
on or before the Closing Date, no injunction or restraining order of a court or
administrative tribunal of competent jurisdiction shall be in effect which
prohibits the transactions contemplated hereunder and no action or proceeding
shall have been instituted and remain pending before any such court or
administrative tribunal to restrain or prohibit the transactions contemplated
hereby; and
(b)
the representations and warranties of iaNett contained in the Agreement shall be
true on and as of the Closing Date with the same effect as though such
representations and warranties had been made on and as of the Closing Date.
The conditions described above are for the exclusive benefit of DFTG and DFTG
Shareholders and such conditions may be waived in whole or in part by DFTG and
DFTG Shareholders on or prior to the Closing Date by delivery to iaNett of a
written waiver to that effect, signed by DFTG and DFTG Shareholders.
Shareholder and Regulatory Approval
Majority of Minority Shareholder Approval
As the Acquisition is a Reverse Takeover under CDNX policies, in order to
complete the Acquisition, iaNett must obtain "Majority of the Minority Approval"
from the Shareholders. "Majority of the Minority Approval" means that the
Acquisition must be approved by more than 50% of the votes cast at the Meeting
by Shareholders who are not DFTG Shareholders, not Related Parties to DFTG
and/or DFTG Shareholders.
Related Parties to DFTG include any promoter, officer, director, other insider
or control person of DFTG and any Associates or Affiliates of such Persons.
Related parties to DFTG Shareholders include any associate to DFTG
Shareholders.
The complete text of the ordinary resolution which management intends to place
before the Meeting for approval, confirmation and adoption, with or without
modification, is as follows:
"BE IT RESOLVED, as an Ordinary Resolution, that:
1.
The acquisition of all of the issued shares of Data Fortress Technologies Group
Inc. ("DFTG") pursuant to a share exchange agreement dated March 1, 2002 in
consideration of the issuance to the shareholders of DFTG of 30,000,000 common
shares of the Company, at a deemed value of $0.10 per share, as more fully
described in the Information Circular in respect of this Meeting, is authorized
and approved as a Reverse Takeover as that term is defined in Policy 5.2 of the
Canadian Venture Exchange.
2.
The Board of Directors is hereby authorized, at its discretion, to revoke this
resolution before it is acted upon and terminate the acquisition of DFTG
without further approval of the Shareholders;
3.
Any director or officer of the Company is authorized to execute such documents
and to take such actions on behalf of the Company as he considers necessary or
desirable to carry out the intent of the foregoing resolutions."
If the resolution is not passed by a "Majority of the Minority", the Company may
not receive the approval of the Exchange necessary to complete the Acquisition.
Regulatory Approval
The Acquisition and the issuance of the iaNett Shares to the DFTG Shareholders
are subject to the approval of CDNX. As of the date of the Circular, final CDNX
approval has not been obtained.
Sponsorship Agreement
Pursuant to a Sponsorship Agreement dated for reference November 21, 2001,
Canaccord has agreed to act as sponsor in connection with the Reverse Takeover,
subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence. As compensation, Canaccord
will receive a sponsorship fee in the amount of $30,000 plus GST, and 200,000
common shares of iaNett. The issuance of common shares of iaNett and the balance
of the fee is due upon submission of the sponsorship report to the Exchange.
iaNett has also agreed to pay all expenses incurred by Canaccord relating to
its involvement as sponsor. Canaccord's agreement to act as iaNett's sponsor
pursuant to the Sponsorship Agreement should not be construed as any assurance
as to the merits of the Acquisition or the likelihood of its completion.
Finder's Fee
Calderan Ventures Ltd. (the Finder), a private company incorporated under the
laws of the Province of British Columbia having a head office located at 5719
Cranley Drive, West Vancouver BC, V7W 1S7, which is 100% beneficially owned by
Jim Romano, will receive a finder's fee for the Acquisition. The Finder
introduced DFTG to iaNett and also established the ground work for iaNett and
DFGT to negotiate the RTO. The finder will also assist with the process of
completing the Acquisition through participation in iaNett meetings and
providing guidance on the process.
In consideration of the Finder introducing DFTG to iaNett, iaNett agrees to pay
the Finder a commission equal to 5% of the value of the Acquisition (the Fee),
by allotting and delivering to the Finder 1,500,000 common shares (at a deemed
price of $0.10 per common share), being fully paid and non-assessable common
shares of the Company not subject to any liens, charges or encumbrances
whatsoever. These shares will be delivered immediately upon issuance.
The payment of the Fee is subject to the following terms and conditions:
1.
iaNett receiving shareholder and Exchange approval to the Acquisition; and
2.
iaNett and DFTG completing the Acquisition;
3.
iaNett receiving Exchange approval to the payment of the Fee.
The shares issued to the Finder will be subject to the following hold periods:
(a)
a fourth month hold period under the provisions of the British Columbia
Securities Act;
(b)
a concurrent four month hold period under the provisions of the Canadian Venture
Exchange policies and may not be traded on or through the facilities of the
Canadian Venture Exchange or otherwise in Canada or to or for the benefit of a
Canadian resident during the hold period; and
(c)
the finder, iaNett and Computershare, by verbal agreement, are entering into a
Voluntary Pooling Agreement whereby 33% of the Finder's shares will be released
on the closing of the Acquisition and the remaining 66% in 33% increments on the
dates which fall 8 and 12 months from the date of the Acquisition.
Resale Restrictions on iaNett Shares
Statutory Hold Periods
The iaNett Shares to be issued to the DFTG Shareholders will be subject to a
hold period under applicable securities laws which will expire four months after
the Closing Date as iaNett has filed, with the British Columbia and Alberta
Securities Commission, a recent Annual Information Form ("AIF") and all
supporting documents required thereof.
Surplus Share Escrow Agreement
Resale of the iaNett Shares to be issued to the following DFTG Shareholders will
also be restricted pursuant to a Surplus Share Escrow Agreement to be entered
into by the Company, the DFTG Shareholders, and Computershare prior to the
Closing:
Name of DFTG Shareholder Number of iaNett
CK Chong 8,566,667
Michael Chong 8,556,667
Andy Chong 3,033,333
Jordan Krushen 5,533,333
Rick Thomas 4,300,000
TOTAL 30,000,000
All shares of the Company issued contemporaneously or in conjunction with the
Acquisition to a Principal of DFTG" as defined in Policy 5.4 of the CDNX
Corporate Finance Manual, will be escrowed pursuant to Policy 5.4 of the CDNX
Corporate Finance Manual. Therefore, 30,000,000 iaNett Shares, to be issued to
the above DFTG Shareholders, are subject to escrow restrictions and the escrowed
shares shall be released as follows:
Release Dates Percentage of Total Escrow Total Number of iaNett Shares
Shares to be Released to be Released
6 months following date of 5% 1,500,000
Exchange Notice of approval
of the Acquisition
12 months following 5% 1,500,000
Exchange Notice
18 months following 5% 1,500,000
Exchange Notice
24 months following 5% 1,500,000
Exchange Notice
30 months following 10% 3,000,000
Exchange Notice
36 months following 10% 3,000,000
Exchange Notice
42 months following 10% 3,000,000
Exchange Notice
48 months following 10% 3,000,000
Exchange Notice
54 months following 10% 3,000,000
Exchange Notice
60 months following 10% 3,000,000
Exchange Notice
66 months following 10% 3,000,000
Exchange Notice
72 months following 10% 3,000,000
Exchange Notice
TOTAL 100% 30,000,000
Closing Date
If the Meeting is held as scheduled and is not adjourned and the other closing
conditions are satisfied or waived, iaNett will issue the iaNett Shares to the
DFTG Shareholders on the Closing Date. It is the objective of iaNett to have
the Closing Date occur as soon as practicable after the Meeting. Management
expects that the Closing Date will occur in April, 2002.
On or before the Closing Date, iaNett intends to file an amendment to its
Memorandum with the British Columbia Registrar of Companies to change its name
from "iaNett International System Ltd." to "Data Fortress Group Limited" (see
Name Change below).
DFTG Value Information and Discussion
No independent report of fair market value of Data Fortress Technologies Group
(2002) Inc. (described herein as DFTG) was commissioned as the holding company
for the three subsidiary companies, Data Fortress Technologies Ltd., Pacific Ram
Distributors Ltd., and Connect West Networks Ltd. The wholly owned subsidiary,
Connect West Networks Ltd., was incorporated in January 2002 in order to
separate business operations and execute a contract with Simon Fraser University
("SFU") for the provisions of network services. Data Fortress Technologies
Ltd., was incorporated September 7, 2000 and began operations in January 2001 to
provide colocation and managed services as well as operate a proprietary
redundant 3.2 kilometer fiber optic ring ("data loop") in downtown Vancouver,
connecting the Data Fortress data center to the Internet backbone at Harbour
Centre. Pacific Ram Distribution Ltd., was incorporated March 1991 and provides
wholesale manufacturing and equipment sales.
DFTG Value Approach
Pacific Ram Distributors Ltd., did provide a third party report authored by The
Geneva Companies Inc. ("Geneva") with offices in Toronto, Ontario, as at October
29, 2001. The Geneva Evaluation Report ("Report") was furnished for the
exclusive use of Pacific Ram Corporation and is a firm that relies on its
extensive mergers and acquisitions experience to determine the appropriate use
and weight of valuation approaches. With more than two decades of experience
valuing and, most importantly, selling businesses helps them assess value of
companies in the M&A market.
The Geneva report was limited in scope to Pacific Ram Distribution as a
stand-alone operation and the authors were not made aware of the associated
companies or of the intended integration or organization as wholly owned
subsidiaries of the holding company Data Fortress Technologies Group (2002) Inc.
(described herein as DFTG). Within this limitation Geneva provided a notional
value of Pacific Ram Distribution Ltd at $878,000 as value to owner, and, as a
stand-alone operation. A copy of this report will be available at the Meeting or
upon request to the Company.
The holding company Data Fortress Technology Group (2002) Inc. (DFTG) and
Connect West Networks Ltd., had not yet been formed at the time the November 21,
2001 Agreement in Principle was entered into, iaNett management deemed it
appropriate to accept the Geneva report as an indication of value for Pacific
Ram and negotiated the Agreement in Principle as follows per item 3 of the
November 21, 2001 Agreement in Principle;
1.
"Purchase and Sale Of the Data Fortress Group Shares: INE will purchase all of
the common shares in the capital of the Data Fortress Group, the holding company
which are outstanding as at the Closing (previously defined as the Data Fortress
Acquisition) based on the following deemed values;
1.
Pacific Ram Distribution Corp. $1,000,000
2.
Data Fortress Technologies Ltd. $1,000,000
3.
Connect West Networks Ltd. $1,000,000
The above values were negotiated as to amount with the subject that Connect West
Networks Ltd. before Closing signs an agreement with Simon Fraser University
("SFU") that provides for $10,000 per month cash flow after direct costs per the
pending 10-year contract proposal made to SFU. There can be no assurance Connect
West will successfully negotiate a Final agreement with SFU. While no agreement
has been signed at the current date a Letter of Intent has been entered into.
The contemplation of the November 21, 2001 Agreement in Principle was for the
SFU contract as described or another contract of like value executed with
Connect West Networks Ltd., in order to have value attributed to this company.
As at December 31, 2002 Connect West Networks Ltd. entered into a two year
renewable contract with HealthNet Networks Ltd. which provided for a one-time
$14,438 set up fee and monthly recurring revenue to Connect West Networks Ltd of
$10,538.00. Management considered this monthly revenue as cash flow as there is
no attached direct costs to the revenue and marginal overhead obligations in
terms of providing space to the equipment provided by HealthNet Networks Ltd..
As contemplated, Connect West Networks Ltd., at the time of the Agreement did
not actively engage in any business, however as at February 14, 2002 a letter of
intent with SFU has been executed. Management anticipates that, if a final
agreement with SFU is ultimately signed, it will provide for $10,000 per month
cash flow on an EBITDA basis into Connect West Networks Ltd. Accordingly, as at
November 21, 2001, iaNett management examined the "potential" value of Connect
West and compared it to its determination of value established using a cash flow
basis. On the single SFU contract using a multiple of 5X cash flow there is
potential market value of $600,000.
The subsidiary Data Fortress was also still in start up stages as at November
21, 2001 with gross revenues of only $17,000 from April 2001 to September 2001.
In arriving at the negotiated value for Data Fortress iaNett management
considered using actual historical share transactions primarily the $210,000
convertible debenture. Data Fortress contemplated the issue of up to $400,000
principal amount 20% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures (the
Debentures) as at September 2001 at a rate of 10% with semi-annual installments.
Accordingly Data Fortress reserved an allotment of 20% of the Common Shares in
its unissued capital stock upon conversion if the Debentures. The conversion
feature implied a value of Data Fortress of $2,000,000 based on this potential
issuance of shares to non-arm's length parties. As at September 30, 2001
$210,000 of the Debenture had been issued to the following family and friends;
Name of Debenture Holder Amount of Debenture Date of Execution
Ryan Kenny 10,000 September 6, 2001
Eric Ooi Chang Joo 20,000 September 8, 2001
Felix Michael Terry 20,000 September 5, 2001
Ernest & Molly Cheah 20,000 September 5, 2001
Lam Tak Wong 40,000 September 11, 2001
John Cheah and Lynn Lim 20,000 September 5, 2001
Janet Cheng/Kwok Ki Yeung 20,000 September 6, 2001
Leigh & Anita Saari 20,000 September 4, 2001
Teresa Englmann 20,000 September 7, 2001
Susan W.C. Wong & Wen Mei Wong 20,000 September 3,2001
$210,000
The conversion feature of the Data Fortress debenture has at the date of this
disclosure been removed and iaNett management is of the view that such
historical share transactions are not indicative of fair market value given that
investors were made up of family and friends and were fully aware that Data
Fortress planned to seek a listing on a public stock exchange in Canada.
DFTG Negotiation Approach
Given the nature and status of overall business operations of the holding
company DFTG and its subsidiaries, Pacific Ram, Connect West and Data Fortress
as well as the approaches to value outlined above, iaNett management determined
that the most appropriate method for negotiating value for the DFTG holding
company was to accept the Geneva Report for Pacific Ram and as an indication of
value, but, as a method for determining a range of value for Pacific Ram, Data
Fortress and Connect West, was to use an income-based approach, namely a
capitalized earnings before interest taxes and depreciation and amortization
("EBITDA") approach. Such an approach was arrived at through examination of
Data Fortress results, the income prospects of both Data Fortress and Connect
West and the significant levels of capital expenditures required in the
industry, feedback from industry participants and available industry analyst
information.
As the means for negotiating value of the three subsidiaries, Pacific Ram, Data
Fortress and Connect West, iaNett management utilized a projected cash flow
approach, with a 25% discount to projections provided by management of Data
Fortress.
iaNett management's assessment, involved among other things, interviews with the
principals of Pacific Ram, Data Fortress and Connect West, a review of the
business plans, site visits, a review of financial information, material
agreements, marketing plan, customer lists, staffing plan, and other information
and general research in the market for the demand of colocation services,
managed services, bandwidth services and IT contracting services. iaNett
management also relied upon the accuracy of the provided information and has
made certain assumptions, including among other things that key management of
Data Fortress and Connect West would continue in employment for at least 24
months, Data Fortress and Connect West would have adequate financial resources
to implement its business plan, the book value of Data Fortress assets is equal
to the market value, and Data Fortress has title to its assets free of liens and
claims.
Using these approaches iaNett management examined Data Fortress's and Connect
West's and Pacific Ram's potential market value. Potential market value is not
equal to fair market value. Potential market value refers principally to future
cash flows. (with adjustment for risk). Such values are based on many factors,
including market conditions, as well as specific past, current and projected
organizational performance.
Accordingly, iaNett management examined the "potential" value of DFTG (the
potential market valuation can be a more aggressive view of the prospects, i.e.,
assuming needed funding is secured, the closing of the Acquisition, and more
positive developments with respect to larger revenue generating contracts).
The current potential value estimate for DFTG of $2.3 million (i.e., five-year,
April 02 - March 07) was arrived at by using a projected discounted cash flow
and (discount rate of 25% and an annual growth of 10%) indicated that a notional
purchaser would likely see that the current potential value of DFTG as
significant, confirmed somewhat by the independent report by Geneva Corp., but -
as would be expected - fair market value before acquiring stronger revenue
generating contracts, and generating such expected revenues, would be less.
Corporate Structure
Upon completion of the Acquisition, the anticipated corporate structure of the
Company will be as follows:
*Management anticipates these companies will be wound up in due course after
closing of the transaction.
Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Position
The pro forma consolidated financial statements attached as Schedule "D" to this
Circular reflect the effect of the proposed Acquisition and related assumptions.
The assumptions applied in the compilation of the pro forma consolidated
financial statements are disclosed in the notes thereto. The pro forma
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited
June 30, 2001 and unaudited September 30, 2001, iaNett Financial Statements,
attached as Schedule "A" to this Circular, and the audited and unaudited
financial statements of Pacific Ram Distributors Ltd. and Data Fortress
Technologies Ltd. for the periods ended March 31, 2001 and September 30, 2001
attached as Schedules "B" and "C" to this Circular. Respective auditors have
reviewed the unaudited stub periods and a comfort letter is attached in each
case.
Accounting Treatment
The Acquisition will be treated for accounting purposes as a reverse take-over.
See "Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Statements" in Schedule "D" to this
Circular.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The DFTG Shareholders have agreed to escrow their iaNett Shares over a six-year
period and accordingly the directors of the Company are satisfied that the
significant risk of having their iaNett Shares escrowed for such a long period
of time warrants the 20% discount to the trading value of the iaNett Shares
being issued. As at November 21, 2001 the trading range of the common shares of
iaNett was $0.12 - $0.13. Accordingly, after due consideration to all the
factors the trading price of the Company's stock at the Agreement in Principle
date, November 21, 2001 and with a view to the escrow terms applicable to the
DFTG Shareholders and a recognition of the value of the DFTG's business, the
Board has concluded the DFTG Acquisition is in the best interests of the
Company.
The Board has authorized the submission of the Acquisition Resolution to the
Shareholders for approval. Accordingly, the Shareholders will be asked to
consider and, if thought fit, pass an Ordinary Resolution to approve the
Acquisition as set out on page .
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the Shareholders vote "For"
the Acquisition Resolution.
The discretionary authority granted by the enclosed Proxy will be used by
Management to approve any amendments to the Acquisition Resolution acceptable to
Management.
Unless otherwise directed, it is the intention of Management designees to vote
Proxies in the accompanying form "FOR" the Ordinary Resolution approving the
Acquisition.
In conjunction with the Acquisition, and in order for iaNett and DFTG to have
the same financial year end, iaNett intends to change is financial year end
from June 30 to March 31. No approvals are required to effect this change.
NAME CHANGE
At the Meeting, the Shareholders will be asked to consider and, if thought fit,
to pass, with or without variation, the following Special Resolution:
(a)
The Company's name be changed from "iaNett International Systems Ltd." to "Data
Fortress Group Inc." or such other name as the Board of Directors may, in its
discretion, approve and as may be acceptable to the Registrar of Companies
(British Columbia) and the Canadian Venture Exchange;
(b)
The Company's Memorandum be altered so that it will be in the form set out in
"E" to this Information Circular to reflect the name change;
(c)
Any one officer or director of the Company be and is hereby authorized to do all
such things and execute all such instruments as may be necessary to give effect
to this Special Resolution, including delivering a certified copy of this
Special Resolution and altered Memorandum to the Registrar of Companies (British
Columbia); and
(d)
Notwithstanding approval of the Shareholders of iaNett as herein provided, the
Board of Directors of iaNett may, in its sole discretion, revoke the Special
Resolution before it is acted upon, without further approval of the Shareholders
of iaNett.
The name change must be approved by Special Resolution in order to become
effective. To be passed, a Special Resolution requires the affirmative vote of
at least three-quarters (3/4) of the votes cast by the Shareholders present at
the Meeting in person or represented by Proxy. If the Special Resolution is not
approved, or in the event that the Company does not complete the Acquisition,
the Board of Directors of the Company will not proceed with the change of name.
If Shareholders pass the Special Resolution authorizing the name change, the
Company must file a certified copy of the resolution with the Registrar of
Companies for British Columbia, and the resolution will take effect on the date
of filing. Even if Shareholders pass the resolution, the Company's directors
may decide not to implement the name change at their sole discretion. The
Company cannot make the proposed changes without the approval of the Exchange.
The discretionary authority granted by the enclosed Proxy will be used by
Management to approve any amendments to the above resolution acceptable to it.
Unless otherwise directed, it is the intention of the Management designees to
vote Proxies in the accompanying form "FOR" the Special Resolution approving the
name change.
AMENDMENT OF ESCROW SHARES
Under the policies of CDNX, and in particular pursuant to CSA Notice 46-302
governing amendments of Escrow Agreements and in particular the guidelines under
which it will permit existing escrow Agreements to be amended to reflect the
release terms included in the proposed uniform escrow regime outlined in the CSA
Notice 46-302, the Company must obtain the approval of its Shareholders to an
amendment.
As the amendment to the Escrow Agreement is within the guidelines of CSA Notice
46-302 under CDNX policies, in order to amend the Escrow Agreement, iaNett must
obtain "Majority of the Minority Approval" from the Shareholders, ie. approved
by a majority vote of the Shareholders excluding escrow shareholders and their
affiliates and associates.
The complete text of the ordinary resolution which management intends to place
before the Meeting for approval, confirmation and adoption, with or without
modification, is as follows:
"BE IT RESOLVED, as a Special Resolution, that:
(a)
Subject to Regulatory Approval, the Company's Escrow Agreement dated June 23,
1999 (the Escrow Agreement), between the Company, Mr. Sanidas and Montreal Trust
Company of Canada (now Computershare Trust Company of Canada) be amended
pursuant to CSA Notice 46-302.
(a)
Notwithstanding approval of the Shareholders of iaNett as herein provided, the
Board of Directors of iaNett may, in its sole discretion, revoke the Ordinary
Resolution before it is acted upon, without further approval of the Shareholders
of iaNett.
The amendment to the Escrow Agreement must be approved by Ordinary Resolution in
order to become effective. To be passed, an Ordinary Resolution requires the
affirmative vote of at least three-quarters (3/4) of the votes cast by the
Shareholders present at the Meeting in person or represented by Proxy.
Unless otherwise directed, it is the intention of the Management designees to
vote Proxies in the accompanying form "FOR" the Ordinary Resolution approving
the amendment to the Escrow Agreement.
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO STOCK OPTION PLAN
Incentive stock options are granted at the discretion of the directors to
insiders of the Company pursuant to an incentive stock option plan (the 1999
Plan) dated May 18, 1999, as amended June 25, 1999 (the 1999 Plan) which
amendment was approved by the shareholders at an Annual General Meeting held on
June 29, 1999. The Company implemented a new Plan dated July 14, 2000 (the 2000
Plan), as the number of options available under the 1999 Plan was limited.
Therefore, the Company had two option plans in existence, as there were still
options available under the 1999 Plan. At the 2002 Meeting, Shareholders will
be asked to consider and if thought fit, to approve, with our without amendment,
an amendment to the Company's 1999 and 2000 Plan to increase the maximum number
of common shares reserved by the Company for issuance and which may be purchased
upon the exercise of all options under the Plan to 3,274,266 (equal to 20% of
the Issued and Outstanding Share Capital of the Company); The Plan, attached to
this circular as Schedule "F", requires approval from the Canadian Venture
Exchange.
All incentive stock options issued are subject to a vesting period, whereby 25%
of the number of options issued may be exercised on the date of grant, and a
further 25% at intervals of 6, 12 and 18 months from the date of grant.
The Company may grant stock options to its directors, senior officers and
employees or to employees of a company providing management services to the
Company or to consultants engaged by the Company in consideration of them
providing their services to the Company. The number of shares subject to each
option is determined by the Company's Board of Directors within the guidelines
established by such regulatory authority. The options enable such persons to
purchase shares of the Company at a price fixed pursuant to the rules of such
regulatory body. The option agreements provide that, subject to the vesting
schedule, the option can only be exercised by the optionee and only so long as
the optionee shall continue in the capacity as a director, senior officer or
employee of the Company or within a period of not more than 30 days after
ceasing to be a director, officer or employee or, if the optionee dies, within
one year from the date of the optionee's death. The options are exercisable by
the optionee giving the Company notice and payment of the exercise price for the
number of shares to be acquired.
Specific disinterested shareholder approval is required to any plan where
options may exceed 5% of the issued shares to any one individual during a fiscal
year, or where the overall number of options to be issued during a fiscal year,
including outstanding stock options issued prior to the implementation of a
Plan, exceed 20%. During 2001, no individual grants were made exceeding 5% of
the Company's issued and outstanding shares, nor did the overall number of
options granted during 2000 exceed 20% of the Company's issued and outstanding
shares.
The Company granted a total of 789,250 stock options under the Plan during
fiscal 2001, and an aggregate of 1,410,000 incentive stock options are currently
outstanding. All current outstanding stock options that are under the Plan are
as follows:
Name of Optionee No. of Option Exercise Expiry
Shares Price Date
Gordon Samson 100,000 $0.20 Jan. 4, 2007
Gordon Samson 100,000 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Theo Sanidas 190,000 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Theo Sanidas 55,000 $0.10 Nov 23, 2005
Marcus New 50,000 $0.20 Jan. 4, 2007
Marcus New 305,000 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Marcus New 20,000 $0.10 Sept 5, 2005
Marcus New 10,000 $0.10 Nov 23, 2005
Marty Anstey 24,000 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Marty Anstey 1,000 $0.10 Sept 5, 2005
Marty Anstey 5,000 $0.10 Nov 23, 2005
Shone Anstey 50,000 $0.20 Jan. 4, 2007
Shone Anstey 94,000 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Shone Anstey 1,000 $0.10 Sept 5, 2005
Shone Anstey 5,000 $0.10 Nov 23, 2005
Richard Cushing 50,000 $0.20 Jan. 4, 2007
Richard Cushing 24,000 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Richard Cushing 1,000 $0.10 July 12, 2004
Richard Cushing 5,000 $0.10 Dec 21, 2004
Richard Cushing 5,000 $0.10 Nov 23, 2005
Ron Goyette 28,500 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Ron Goyette 1,500 $0.10 Dec 21, 2004
Ron Goyette 5,000 $0.10 Nov 23, 2005
Tina Miller 8,750 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Tina Miller 1,250 $0.10 Nov 8, 2004
Kathy Stahr 15,000 $0.10 Oct. 5, 2006
Kathy Stahr 5,000 $0.10 Nov 23, 2005
Jim Romano 100,000 $0.20 Jan 4, 2007
Scott Young 100,000 $0.20 Jan. 4, 2007
Marie Shields 50,000 $0.20 Jan. 4, 2007
Total
Accordingly, the shareholders will be asked at the Meeting to pass an Ordinary
Resolution, the text of which is substantially in the form as follows. In
accordance with CDNX policy, Insiders of the Company and their associates will
abstain from voting on the following resolutions. The Company will consider the
term "insiders" to include persons nominated for election as directors at the
Meeting.
"BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
(a)
the Amendment to the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan dated for reference
February 20, 2002, subject to Regulatory Approval, authorizing the Company to
grant to eligible officers, directors, employees and qualified consultants of
the Company options to purchase an aggregate of 3,274,266 common shares (or 20%
of the issued and outstanding common shares) of the Company, be and is hereby
approved;
(b)
the granting and exercise of incentive stock options previously granted to
certain officers, directors, employees and qualified consultants of the Company
in accordance with the terms of the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan, and
any amendments to such options granted, are hereby approved; and
(c)
the directors of the Company be authorized to grant additional options to
officers, directors, employees and qualified consultants of the Company, and to
amend such options granted, pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Stock Option
Plan and subject to regulatory approvals, and that no further approval from the
shareholders shall be required prior to the exercise of all or part of any such
options granted."
INTEREST OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN MATTERS TO BE ACTED UPON
To the best of the knowledge of the Company and its Management, no insider of
the Company, no proposed nominee for election as a director or any Associate or
Affiliate of such Persons or companies, has any material interest, direct or
indirect, in any transaction during the past year or any proposed transaction
which has materially affected or will materially affect the Company, other than
as disclosed herein or in the iaNett Financial Statements.
PART III - Data Fortress Technologies Group (2002) Inc. ("DFTG")
INCORPORATION AND CORPORATE HISTORY
Data Fortress Technologies Group (2002) Inc. or DFTG is a private British
Columbia company that was formed on March, 2002 as a holding company for the
three related private companies, namely Pacific Ram Distributors Ltd., Data
Fortress Technologies Ltd., and Connect West Networks Ltd. (collectively the
Subsidiaries).
DFTG has entered into a Share Exchange Agreement dated March 1, 2002 with the
Subsidiaries whereby DFTG has acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares
of the Subsidiaries. Details of the Subsidiaries are set out below.
Pacific % Data % Connect % Exchange to %
Ram Fortress West Data
Fortress
Group (2002)
Andy 3,033,333 30.33% 3,033,333 10.11%
Chong
CK 3,033,334 30.33% 3,033,333 30.33% 2,500,000 25.00% 8,566,667 28.56%
Chong
Michael 3,033,333 30.33% 3,033,334 30.33% 2,500,000 25.00% 8,566,667 28.56%
Chong
Jordan 3,033,333 30.33% 2,500,000 25.00% 5,533,333 18.44%
Krushen
Rick 900,000 9.00% 900,000 9.00% 2,500,000 25.00% 4,300,000 14.33%
Thomas
Totals 10,000,000 100.00% 10,000,000 100.00% 10,000,000 100.00% 30,000,000 100.00%
The head office of DFTG is located at LM - 1281 West Georgia Street, Vancouver,
British Columbia. The registered and records office of DFTG is located at Pyke,
Lambert, Leathley, Russell, 500 Cooney Road, Richmond, B.C. V6X 3M1.
Pacific Ram Distributors Ltd.
Pacific Ram Distributors ("Pacific Ram") was incorporated in March 1991, in
British Columbia.
Prior to the organization as a wholly owned subsidiary of DFTG, Pacific Ram was
owned as to 30.33% by Michael Chong and as to 30.33% by CK Chong and as to
30.33% Andy Chong and as to 9.% Rick Thomas. At the time of being organized as
a wholly owned subsidiary, the directors and officers of Pacific Ram were as
follows:
Name Position
Michael Chong President and Director
CK Chong Treasurer and Director
Andy Chong Director
Data Fortress Technologies Ltd.
Data Fortress Technologies Ltd. was incorporated on September 7, 2000 in British
Columbia. ("Data Fortress")
Prior to the organization as a wholly owned subsidiary of DFTG, Data Fortress
was owned as to 30.33% by CK Chong and as to 30.33% by Michael Chong and as to
30.33% by Jordan Krushen and as to 9.0% as to Rick Thomas. At the time of being
organized as a wholly owned subsidiary, the directors and officers of Data
Fortress were as follows.
Name Position
Michael Chong President and Director
CK Chong Treasurer and Director
Jordan Krushen CTO, Director
Rick Thomas Director
Connect West Networks Ltd.
Connect West Networks Ltd. was incorporated on January 8, 2002 in British
Columbia. ("Connect West")
Prior to the organization as a wholly owned subsidiary of DFTG, Connect West was
owned as to 25.0% by CK Chong and as to 25.0% by Michael Chong and as to 25.0%
by Jordan Krushen and as to 25.0% as to Rick Thomas. At the time of being
organized as a wholly owned subsidiary, the directors and officers of Data
Fortress were as follows.
Name Position
Michael Chong President and Director
CK Chong Treasurer and Director
Jordan Krushen CTO, Director
Rick Thomas Director
DESCRIPTION AND GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUSINESS OF DFTG
In this Circular, the business of DFTG is described on an "as consolidated"
basis. In other words, while the following sections describe each wholly owned
subsidiary separately DFTG operates as a singular enterprise achieving synergies
both internally, organizationally, and externally through cross selling
services. The businesses which they carry out and which continue to carry out
through the amalgamated entity DFTG are described as the business of DFTG unless
there is some reason to distinguish between the three subsidiary companies.
The companies collectively provide wholesale manufacturing of equipment ranging
from PC's to high-end Servers, data center equipment, high-speed networking,
data warehousing, data security, metropolitan area networks, Internet
connectivity, data storage services, co-location and managed services.
This full service ability permits the Company to alter perceptions of
traditional methods for enterprises frustrated with managing internal
Information Technology ("IT") functions from capital expenditures to payroll and
other overhead-related costs associated with network management and data
communication.
Since 1991, DFTG has operated a computer manufacturing and systems integration
facility under the brand name "Logic Computers" and is located in Richmond,
B.C., Canada. This location continues to offer access to the markets of the Far
East, Europe and North America, where the Company's clients operate. The
facilities are held under a three year lease with Bee Keok Chong, the spouse of
CK Chong, a proposed director of the Company, at $1,600.00 per month plus
applicable property taxes.
In January 2001, the Company became one of the first companies of its kind in
the Vancouver market to operate a collocation data center and data storage
facility to provide its customers with a secure environment.
In October 2001, the Company completed the installation of a redundant
3.2-kilometer fiber optic cable ring within the downtown core of Vancouver.
This fiber optic ring connects DFTG's data centre to the Internet backbone at
Harbour Centre.
PACIFIC RAM DISTRIBUTION CORP.
Pacific Ram Distribution Corp. ("Pacific Ram") was established in April of 1991
to become a computer manufacturer and systems integrator using the brand name
"Logic Computers". The Company's operations are located in Richmond, British
Columbia, Canada.
Pacific Ram produces a full line of the latest Personal Computers and Business
Workstations, as well as Servers to meet the ever-growing needs of its
customers. The Company has suppliers including Panasonic, U.S. Robotics,
Yamaha, Pioneer, Toshiba, Memorex, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, Fujitsu, Palm, Acer,
Borderware and Canon, just to name a few.
Over the past 11 years, Pacific Ram has successfully strengthened these
strategic relationships with its suppliers. This has enabled the Company to
provide its clients with service and commitment. As the computer industry
expands, the growth of Pacific Rim and European markets gives Canadian companies
a larger role as computer manufacturers and system integrators. Pacific Ram has
successfully established itself in both of these arenas with strong strategic
partnerships and client service.
DATA FORTRESS TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
Data Fortress Technologies Ltd. ("Data Fortress") was founded in January of 2001
to provide customers with a secure environment and access to a fiber optic
network. Data Fortress is one of the first companies of its kind in the
Vancouver market to operate a co-location data center and data storage facility.
In October 2001, Data Fortress completed the installation of a redundant
3.2-kilometer fiber optic cable ring within the downtown core of Vancouver.
This fiber optic ring connects the Data Fortress data centre to the Internet
backbone at Harbour Centre. Having its own downtown fiber optic data loop is a
competitive advantage and creates business opportunities for Data Fortress.
CONNECT WEST NETWORKS INC.
Connect West Networks Inc. ("Connect West") was established in May 2001 to
respond to a 'Request for Proposals' from Simon Fraser University. In its
response, Connect West presented the University with a unique and innovative
solution, which incorporated many of its strategic partners. SFU has indicated
its intention to accept the proposal by Letter of Intent, dated February 14,
2002. The Letter of Intent is subject to final approval by SFU's Board of
Governors. If that approval is received, Connect West must then successfully
negotiate a binding agreement with SFU. There can be no assurance that the
approval of the Board of Governors will in fact be received, or if it is
received, that the Company will be able to successfully negotiate a final
agreement with SFU.
The ever-expanding need for broadband connectivity is especially apparent in
residential and commercial settings, university campuses, as well as numerous
other applications. Connect West specializes in support, design and
implementation of local and wide area network solutions. It provides
connectivity from start to finish, designing solutions that completely meet the
needs of its customer. Connect West's management team has over 45 years of
project management and consulting experience.
Accomplishments to Date
Since its launch in January 2001, Data Fortress as a wholly owned subsidiary of
DFTG has been successful in attracting a wide range of customers to its
facility:
1.
Application Service Providers (ASPs)
2.
Web Hosting Companies
3.
Software Developers
4.
Movie Production Companies - streaming video
5.
Web-based entertainment providers
To date, the Company has achieved a number of important milestones and
objectives including:
1.
Completed Fibre Ring including lighting of first four strands on diverse routes.
2.
Completed transition of placing BIG PIPE as the primary Internet provider with
Group Telecom as the secondary provider.
3.
Installed (3) Different VOIP companies into DFTG facilities, making it the
largest provider of services in the British Columbia market.
4.
Completed the first stage of the fully managed services for Skinny Scrip
including three on ramps to the fibre ring.
5.
Implemented the first and second fully managed outsource infrastructure
contracts.
6.
Re-organized sales team and management to increase their effectiveness while
reducing the over-all cost of sales.
7.
Completed installation fully managed services of "Healthnet" and its related
companies.
SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS
Attached to this Circular are:
(a)
audited and unaudited financial statements of Pacific Ram Distribution Ltd. for
the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001 and the auditor's report thereon and the
six months ending September 30, 2001 (unaudited with letter of comfort); and
(b)
audited and unaudited financial statements of Data Fortress Technologies Ltd.
for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2001 and the auditor's report thereon and
the six months ending September 30, 2001 (unaudited with letter of comfort).
(c )
financial statements of Connect West Networks Ltd. are not provided as company
formed on January 2002
Selected financial information for the last two financial years ending March 31,
2000 and 2001 and the six-month period ending September 31, 2001 on a
consolidated basis is noted in the table below.
Summary of Financial Information
Data Fortress Technologies Ltd.
Pacific Ram Distributors Ltd.
Six Months Year Ending Year Ending Six Months Year Ending Year Ending
Ending March 31, March 31, Ending March 31, March 31,
September 2001 2000 September 2001 2000
30, 2001 Audited Unaudited 30, 2001 Audited Unaudited
Unaudited Unaudited
Sales 17,307 14,920 N/A 2,081,2069 5,866,285 4,588,732
Gross profit 17,307 14,920 N/A 205,566 597,233 518,942
Advertising and 650 6,734 N/A 4,097 21,697 17,522
Promotion
Accounting and 41,384 11,980 N/A 54,872 8,371 8,941
Legal
Amortization 31,262 13,621 N/A 2,373 5,395 9,066
Bank Charges and 1,747 9,242 N/A 17,771 24,103 18,866
Interest
General and 32,959 44,741 N/A 18,968 118,685 99,467
Administrative(1)
Rent and Utilities 22,416 31,350 N/A 10,949 22,999 23,997
Wages and Benefits 91,003 44,850 N/A 168,761 348,303 324,720
Net Income (Loss) (204,114) (147,598) N/A (72,225) 47,680 16,363
from Operations
Working Capital 70,020 (9,795) N/A 51,988 120,526 136,693
Fixed Assets 254,114 44,505 N/A 17,964 17,310 23,725
Inventory N/A N/A N/A 263,603 338,077 229,064
Long Term 286,703 92,965 N/A 282,711 271,048 24,702
Liabilities
Retained Earnings (251,493) (147,379) N/A 105,843 178,068 130,388
(1)
These expenses include legal, accounting and consulting fees paid in addition to
the administrative fees relating to operations.
Current Operations
Data Fortress occupies 3,600 square feet in the basement of 1281 West Georgia
Street with 1,200 square feet currently dedicated to collocation with a capacity
of 48 rack spaces. The existing collocation space can be scaled to 2,800 square
feet and 116 rack spaces and can also be expanded to other buildings using a LAN
extension technology. The current location was identified as ideal for a
collocation facility for the following reasons:
1.
the relatively cool temperatures below ground level
2.
the building maintains a high level of security, requiring card access after
hours
3.
there are only 2 points of entry to Data Fortress' suite
4.
the concrete walls are 8" thick (location used to be the TD Bank's document
vault)
Data Fortress infrastructure offers several peering connections to the Internet
backbone and is directly connected to broadband communications service providers
Group Telecom and Big Pipe Inc. (a Shaw Subsidiary). These networks are fully
redundant (meaning bi-directional data flow capabilities even if the fiber line
is broken), running Border Gateway Protocol (BGP4) and utilizing Extreme
Networks equipment. The Company also provides:
1.
A separate electrical circuit for the data centre
2.
Fully redundant fiber optic broadband connectivity
3.
Secure space for servers and other network equipment
4.
Seismic Zone 4 rated and mounted racks
5.
Clean, redundant Liebert uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
6.
Raised floors for clean, efficient air flow and cable management
7.
State-of-the-art climate controlled environment
8.
Fire suppression, alarm, and video monitoring systems
9.
Network operations centre to monitor networks and equipment
10.
Network support services - managed networks
Revenues are generated from a number of diverse areas:
Offline post-production
Hi-speed connectivity
Collocation
Internal managed services
External managed services
Hardware sales and services
Year Ended March 31, 2001 Compared to Year Ended March 31, 2000 for Pacific Ram
Distribution Corp.
Pacific Ram generated revenues of $5.8 million in fiscal 2001 compared to $4.5
million in 2000, representing am increase of 34%. This was increase was a result
of a number of corporate clients of the company fulfilling large orders.
Gross margins remained the approximately the same at about 11% with gross profit
being posted at $597,233 and $518,942 for the two fiscal periods respectively.
Marketing and general administration costs increase marginally over the year and
as a percentage of gross sales dropped marginally.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Bank indebtedness as at March 31, 2001 was approximately $271,000. Cash reserves
for the period remained flat, however the referred to bank loan increased from
$24,000. Working capital decrease from $136,000 to $120,000, however total
assets in the company increased from $639,997 to $1,074,268 reflecting
significant increases in accounts receivable from increased sales volume and
significant increases in inventory balances.
Year Ended March 31, 2001 for Data Fortress Technologies Ltd.
Data Fortress Technologies Ltd., generated revenues of $14,920 for operations
September 7, 2000 (inception) to March 31, with limited operations for the
period. As such no comparatives are available for the period with no material
operations until December 2001.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Bank indebtedness at March 31, 2001 was approximately 70,000 which combined with
intercompany loans of approximately $100,000 has financed the company from start
up with some increase in accounts payable and an increase in accounts
receivable.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
Overview
Managed Services
DFTG is one of a few Canadian companies providing data storage and collocation
as a service. This service allows customers to connect their computer systems,
or plug in, to the DFTG network to store and access their data in much the same
way they obtain and use electricity or a telephone service. Managed storage
services include storage and management of customers' primary data, tape back-up
of data for archival and restoration purposes, and real time copies of customer
data at remote sites. DFTG also assesses, designs and implements customers' data
storage environments, addressing customers' primary data needs as well as
disaster recovery and business continuity plans. Customers include organizations
that require large and rapidly growing volumes of data storage capacity and
include established enterprises and Internet-based businesses in a wide range of
industries, such as application service providers ("ASP"), communications,
media, retail, wholesale distribution, health and education.
To deliver managed storage services, a dedicated fiber optic network that
connects the data center or storage point of presence, has been laid within the
downtown core of Vancouver. This fiber optic ring connects DFTG's data centre
to the Internet backbone at Harbour Centre.
DFTG have entered into an agreement with TeraSpan Networks Inc. ("TeraSpan"),
who has installed a 24 strand, fully redundant ring of "Surface Inlaid Fiber"
exclusively for the Company. TeraSpan were selected as the vendor because they
offered the fastest, most economical fiber deployment technology and techniques
available. The fiber is laid approximately six inches under ground by creating
a thin cut in the sidewalks and roadways in the downtown area. This deployment
method is fast1
, economical, and provides a fiber optic data network with a useful life of 20
to 30 years.
The TeraSpan Agreement obligates TeraSpan to provide all design, implementation,
labour, equipment and city access agreements necessary to install the complete
fiber ring. They also provide a 24/7 Service and Licensing Agreement to cover
all maintenance and service on the fiber ring, including a 4-hour response time
to service issues and a 96-hour window to restore redundancy. The costs of
building this ring employing the TeraSpan method was approximately half the cost
of traditional methods and are significantly lower than all competing bids which
were in excess of $300,000.
Ownership of the fiber ring remains with TeraSpan, however DFTG holds a 20 year
Irrevocable Right of Use ("IRU"). The only on-going requirement for the fiber
ring is maintenance. In the event that TeraSpan were no longer in business,
other vendors could be used. Maintenance is in the form of repairs to any line
damage. Because the ring is fully redundant, a break in the line does not
interrupt the flow of data. Data can be transferred in both directions in a
redundant ring allowing the data to simply flow in the opposite direction
through the ring until the break is repaired.
The fiber used is crush resistant, loose tube micro cable, designed specifically
for surface inlaid fiber deployment. This deployment method is a new,
patent-pending technique that eliminates the need to excavate streets. The cost
savings under TeraSpan's deployment technique is substantial and allows a fiber
network to be established in a fraction of the time previously required.
Collocation Services
Any business that depends on technology and server based systems is a potential
collocation customer for DFTG. From the simplest single server application to
multi-site with high bandwidth requirement, DFTG can provide a variety of
solutions to meet the client's specific needs.
Collocation is the renting of data facility space for the purpose of housing
server/telecommunications equipment and accessing bandwidth connections to the
Internet or a private data network. The customer "collocates" its servers along
with other customers in an environment in which they can take advantage of the
provider's secured floor space and access to high network bandwidth. The
collocation facility provides racking space, power and network connectivity
(referred to as Power, Ping and POP) to servers that are provided by the
customers.
Collocation allows the Company's customers to gain access to reliability and
scalability they could not otherwise obtain on their own. DFTG offers access to
external technical expertise and eliminates the high up-front cost of
establishing infrastructure, network bandwidth, and hiring trained personnel.
The external factors creating a demand for collocation include:
1.
Need for bandwidth and secure, high-performance Web technology
2.
Need for scalability and rapid time to market
3.
Complexity of sophisticated Web-site architectures
4.
Benefits of service providers' economies of scale
5.
Benefits of service providers' "economies of skill" as a solution to the
shortage of high-quality IT personnel
6.
Investment required for infrastructure
7.
The risk of catastrophic loss associated with one physical location
MARKET
Overview
In July 2001, the Convergence Consulting Group Ltd., released the first report2
ever conducted on the state of the Canadian hosting market. According to that
report, hosting revenue reached an estimated $287 million at the end of 2000,
should reach $501 million by year-end 2001, and $875 million by the end of 2002.
The Convergence report concluded that the Canadian hosting market is
experiencing annual revenue growth in the range of 100% for the collocation,
dedicated and application segments.
Forrester Research has projected that the North American collocation hosting
market will grow from US $152 million at the end of 1998 to more than US $5.3
billion by 2003. This growth is expected to continue since the Canadian market
is still largely untapped and is experiencing robust growth rates itself.
According to Forrester, new management service providers (MSPs) are flooding
the Web monitoring market. These management application service providers
(ASPs) are expected to gain customers who buy collocation hosting, but managed
Web hosters with infrastructure and architecture acumen, like the Data Fortress
Group, will prevail in the long run.
Using the U.S. market as an industry indicator, IDC reports that demand for web
hosting reached US $1.8 billion in 1999. This market is estimated to reach US
$18.9 billion by year-end 2003, representing an overall compound annual growth
rate of 87%. It is reasonable to expect that the smaller Canadian market will
equal or exceed these growth rates. Therefore, any business that depends on
technology and server based systems is a potential collocation customer. From
the simplest single server application up to the multi-site, high bandwidth
requirement, collocation can provide a variety of options and benefits.
Studies show that despite the downturn in the dot-com economy, eBusiness
outsourcing services continue to surge in popularity. Research conducted by the
Hurwitz Group, Inc.3
indicates that customers are still very concerned with achieving time-to-market
as a way to address traditional business priorities. These priorities includes
being ready for periods of peak demand, as well as to counter eBusiness
initiatives by their traditional rivals. The research also shows that customers
are willing to pay a premium to suppliers who help them achieve time-to-market
advantages.
The information technology industry, and particularly Internet e-Commerce, is
driving growth in the Web hosting market. Whether companies are engaging in
business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C), they are rapidly
adopting e-Commerce. This adoption of eBusiness has allowed the Internet to
become a mission critical business tool and has created a huge demand for
underlying Internet infrastructure. Organizations are now faced with the need to
integrate the Internet into their business processes and are realizing that they
lack the know-how and physical space necessary to install and manage their own
servers. In addition, monitoring the systems and providing technical personnel
on a 24x7 basis is a daunting challenge. For these reasons, many companies are
increasingly opting for third party providers for their eBusiness
infrastructure. The added benefits of system security and the ability to create
geographically distributed backup systems make collocation an attractive option.
At a purely financial level, companies outsourcing their server hosting
requirements can realize significant returns on their investments. To
demonstrate this, technology intelligence provider IDC4
surveyed 12 companies that were either B2C dot-coms, eBusiness divisions of
large enterprises, or Application Service Providers. From the data collected,
the survey concluded that these companies save an average of US $52,000 per
server annually as a result of outsourcing their Internet data centres.
To effectively manage their data, companies require storage flexibility and
functionality that is typically unavailable through a traditional data storage
configuration that links a single computer to a single storage device. New
technologies and the increasing availability of fiber optic bandwidth are making
possible the creation of storage area networks that can link multiple servers to
multiple storage resources through a dedicated high-speed network.
These new technologies have created the opportunity to establish a storage area
network that can free businesses from the need to build and operate their own
internal data storage infrastructures. By storing and accessing their data
through a global storage network established and managed by a third-party
provider, businesses can cost-effectively satisfy their data storage
requirements and thus focus on their core competencies.
Competition
First mover status is a major competitive advantage in the collocation and data
storage business. DFTG has already established a strong foothold in the
Vancouver market, and will need to continue to build up its data systems to
firmly establish itself as a tier one facility. Expansion plans required that
DFTG lay its own dark fiber loop between its Vancouver office and the Harbour
Centre, which has been completed. This has allowed DFTG to secure its routing
with Canada wide Internet backbone provider, Big Pipe Inc., making DFTG
peer-neutral. By being peer-neutral, the Company is able open its networks to
all Network Access Providers, ILECs and CLECs, as well as local exchange
carriers such as BCNet. The Vancouver dark fiber loop will also add a level of
redundancy to DFTG's network, further increasing their value as a colocation
facility to their customers. The data redundancy exists due to the
bi-directional capabilities inherent in the fiber loop.
While there are substantial financial barriers to entry in the storage services
provider market, DFTG expects to continue to face competition from traditional
storage alternatives and will face additional competition from new market
entrants. DFTG believes that the principal competitive factors affecting the
market include:
1.
engineering and technical expertise and development of proprietary software;
2.
brand recognition;
3.
quality and variety of services offered;
4.
security, reliability, ease of use and rapid deployment of services;
5.
relationships with web hosting providers, equipment vendors, and communication
services providers;
6.
ability to attract and retain skilled professionals;
7.
quality of customer service and support;
8.
financial resources; and
9.
price.
Competition may in the future come from storage hardware, software and service
vendors who may elect to establish competitive service offerings or
organizations, including:
1.
telecommunications companies;
2.
web hosting and internet service providers; and
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