SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc. |
(Name of Registrant as Specified
In Its Charter) |
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Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc.
2014
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
AND
PROXY STATEMENT
September 22, 2014
at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time
One Market Plaza
Spear Tower, Suite 3300
San Francisco, CA 94105
Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
The 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(the “Annual Meeting”) of Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc. (“Amarantus” or the “Company”)
will be held at the offices of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati at One Market Plaza, Spear Tower, Suite 3300, San Francisco,
CA 94105, on Monday, September 22, 2014, at 10:00 am Pacific Time, to consider the following proposals:
| 1. | To elect the five director nominees named in the Proxy Statement to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders; |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2014; |
| 3. | To conduct an advisory vote on executive compensation; |
| 4. | To conduct an advisory vote on the frequency of future
advisory votes on executive compensation; |
| 5. | To approve an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the Company’s
authorized shares of common stock from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000; |
| 6. | To approve an amendment to the Company’s First Amended 2008 Stock Plan to increase the number
of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder from 28,242,127 to 46,119,832; |
| 7. | To approve the Company’s 2014 Stock Plan; and |
| 8. | To act on such other matters as may properly come before
the meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THESE PROPOSALS TO THE COMPANY
AND ITS STOCKHOLDERS, IT IS VITAL THAT EVERY STOCKHOLDER VOTES AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON OR BY PROXY.
These proposals are fully set forth in
the accompanying Proxy Statement, which you are urged to read thoroughly. For the reasons set forth in the Proxy Statement, your
Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" Proposals 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7, and recommends a vote of “3 Years”
on Proposal 4. The Company intends to mail the Annual Report, Proxy Statement and proxy card enclosed with this notice on
or about August 19, 2014 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Only stockholders of record at the close of
business on July 28, 2014 will be entitled to attend and vote at the meeting. A list of all stockholders entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting will be available at the principal office of the Company during usual business hours, for examination
by any stockholder for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting for 10 days prior to the date thereof. Stockholders are cordially
invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, whether or not you plan to attend the meeting in person, your shares should be represented
and voted. After reading the enclosed Proxy Statement, please sign, date, and return promptly the enclosed Proxy in the accompanying
postpaid envelope we have provided for your convenience to ensure that your shares will be represented. Alternatively, you may
wish to provide your response by telephone or electronically through the Internet by following the instructions set out on the
enclosed proxy card. If you do attend the meeting and wish to vote your shares personally, you may revoke your Proxy.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy
Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held September 22, 2014. The Proxy Statement and our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 are available at:
http://AmarantusBioScienceHoldingsInc.investorroom.com.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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/s/ Gerald E. Commissiong |
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Gerald E. Commissiong |
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President, CEO and Director |
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WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN ON ATTENDING THE
MEETING IN PERSON, PLEASE VOTE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE TO ENSURE THAT YOUR VOTE IS COUNTED.
Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc.
c/o Janssen Labs@QB3
953 Indiana Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection
with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc. (“Amarantus”, the
“Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) to be voted at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(“Annual Meeting”) which will be held at the offices of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati at One Market Plaza, Spear
Tower, Suite 3300, San Francisco, CA 94105, on Monday, September 22, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time, and at any postponements
or adjournments thereof. The proxy materials will be furnished to stockholders on or about August 19, 2014.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXY AND SOLICITATION
Any stockholder executing a proxy that
is solicited hereby has the power to revoke it prior to the voting of the proxy. Revocation may be made by attending the Annual
Meeting and voting the shares of stock in person, or by delivering to the Secretary of the Company at the principal office of the
Company prior to the Annual Meeting a written notice of revocation or a later-dated, properly executed proxy. Solicitation
of proxies may be made by directors, officers and other employees of the Company by personal interview, telephone, facsimile transmittal
or electronic communications. No additional compensation will be paid for any such services. This solicitation of proxies
is being made by the Company which will bear all costs associated with the mailing of this proxy statement and the solicitation
of proxies.
RECORD DATE
Stockholders of record
at the close of business on July 28, 2014, will be entitled to receive notice of, attend and vote at the meeting.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
AND VOTING
Why am I receiving these materials?
The Company has delivered printed versions
of these materials to you by mail, in connection with the Company’s solicitation of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting. These
materials describe the proposals on which the Company would like you to vote and also give you information on these proposals so
that you can make an informed decision.
What is included in these materials?
These materials include:
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this Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting; |
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the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013; and |
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the proxy card or vote instruction form for the Annual Meeting. |
What is the proxy card?
The proxy card enables you to appoint Gerald
E. Commissiong, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Robert Farrell, our Chief Financial Officer, as your representatives
at the Annual Meeting. By completing and returning a proxy card, you are authorizing these individuals to vote your shares
at the Annual Meeting in accordance with your instructions on the proxy card. This way, your shares will be voted whether
or not you attend the Annual Meeting.
What is the purpose of the Annual Meeting?
At our Annual Meeting, stockholders will
act upon the matters outlined in the Notice of Annual Meeting on the cover page of this Proxy Statement, including (i) the election
of five persons named herein as nominees for directors of the Company, to hold office subject to the provisions of the Bylaws of
the Company, until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified,
(ii) ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2014, (iii) to conduct an advisory vote on executive compensation, (iv) to conduct an advisory vote on
the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, (v) approval of an amendment to the Company’s Articles
of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized shares of common stock from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000, (vi) approval
of an amendment to the Company’s First Amended 2008 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized
for issuance thereunder from 28,242,127 to 46,119,832, and (vii) approval of the Company’s 2014 Stock Plan. In addition,
management will report on the performance of the Company during fiscal year 2013 and respond to questions from stockholders.
What constitutes a quorum?
The presence at the meeting, in person
or by proxy, of the majority of the total possible votes held by the holders of the common stock and Series C Convertible Preferred
Stock issued and outstanding on the record date will constitute a quorum permitting the meeting to conduct its business. As of
the record date, there are 753,980,394 shares of our common stock and 750,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock issued
and outstanding. Each share of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock entitles its holder to 300 votes and one share of common stock
entitles its holder to one vote. Thus, we anticipate that the presence of the holders of common stock and Series C Convertible
Preferred Stock representing at least 489,490,198 total votes will be required to establish a quorum.
What is the difference between a stockholder of record
and a beneficial owner of shares held in street name?
Most of our stockholders hold their shares
in an account at a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee holder, rather than holding share certificates in their own name. As
summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially in street name.
Stockholder of Record
If on July 28, 2014, your shares were registered
directly in your name with our transfer agent, VStock Transfer, you are considered a stockholder of record with respect to those
shares, and the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement was sent directly to you by the Company. As the stockholder
of record, you have the right to direct the voting of your shares by returning the proxy card to us. Whether or not you plan
to attend the Annual Meeting, if you do not vote over the Internet or telephonically, please complete, date, sign and return a
proxy card to ensure that your vote is counted.
Beneficial Owner of Shares Held in Street Name
If on July 28, 2014, your shares were held
in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other nominee holder, then you are considered the beneficial owner of
shares held in “street name,” and the Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement was forwarded to you by
that organization. The organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at
the Annual Meeting. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct that organization on how to vote the shares held
in your account. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual
Meeting unless you receive a valid proxy from the organization.
How do I vote?
Stockholders of Record. If
you are a stockholder of record, you may vote by any of the following methods:
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Via the Internet. You may vote by proxy via the Internet by following the instructions provided on the enclosed Proxy Card. |
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By Telephone. You may vote by calling the toll free number found on the proxy card. |
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By Mail. You may vote by completing, signing, dating and returning your proxy card in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided. |
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In Person. You may attend and vote at the Annual Meeting. The Company will give you a ballot when you arrive. |
Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in
Street Name. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name, you may vote by any of the following methods:
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Via the Internet. You may vote by proxy via the Internet by following the instructions provided on the enclosed proxy card. |
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By Telephone. You may vote by proxy by calling the toll free number found on the vote instruction form. |
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By Mail. You may vote by proxy by filling out the vote instruction form and returning it in the pre-addressed, postage-paid envelope provided. |
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In Person. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, you must obtain a legal proxy from the organization that holds your shares. |
Abstentions and broker non-votes
While the inspectors of election will treat
shares represented by Proxies that reflect abstentions or include "broker non-votes" as shares that are present and entitled
to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, abstentions or "broker non-votes" do not constitute a vote
"for" or "against" any matter and thus will be disregarded in any calculation of "votes cast." However,
abstentions and "broker non-votes" will have the effect of a negative vote if an item requires the approval of a majority
of a quorum or of a specified proportion of all issued and outstanding shares.
Brokers holding shares of record for customers
generally are not entitled to vote on “non-routine” matters, unless they receive voting instructions from their customers. As
used herein, “uninstructed shares” means shares held by a broker who has not received voting instructions from its
customers on a proposal. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a nominee holding uninstructed shares for a beneficial
owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that
non-routine matter. In connection with the treatment of abstentions and broker non-votes, the proposed ratification of Marcum LLP
as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014, and approval
of the amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized shares of common stock
from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000, are considered “routine” matters. Accordingly, brokers are entitled to vote
uninstructed shares with respect to this proposal.
What happens if I do not give specific voting instructions?
Shareholders of Record. If
you are a stockholder of record and you:
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indicate when voting on the Internet or by telephone that you wish to vote as recommended by the Board of Directors, or |
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sign and return a proxy card without giving specific voting instructions, |
then the proxy holders will vote your shares in the manner recommended
by the Board of Directors on all matters presented in this proxy statement and as the proxy holders may determine in their discretion
with respect to any other matters properly presented for a vote at the Annual Meeting.
Beneficial Owners of Shares Held in
Street Name. If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and do not provide the organization that
holds your shares with specific voting instructions, under the rules of various national and regional securities exchanges, the
organization that holds your shares may generally vote on routine matters, such as the ratification of Marcum LLP as the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2014, and the approval of the amendment to the Company’s
Articles of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized shares of common stock from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000,
but cannot vote on non-routine matters, such as the election of directors, the advisory vote on executive compensation, the advisory
vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, approval of the amendment to the Company’s First
Amended 2008 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder from 28,242,127 to
46,119,832, and approval of the Company’s 2014 Stock Plan.
What are the Board’s recommendations?
The Board’s recommendation is set
forth together with the description of each item in this Proxy Statement. In summary, the Board recommends a vote:
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for election of the five (5) directors nominated by the Company to hold office subject to the provisions of the Bylaws of the Company, until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; |
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for ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014; |
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for approval of executive compensation disclosed in this Proxy Statement of the Company’s executive officers who are named in this Proxy Statement’s Summary Compensation Table; |
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for “three years” with respect to the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation; |
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for approval of an amendment to the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized shares of common stock from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000; |
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for approval of an amendment to the Company’s First Amended 2008 Stock Plan to increase the
number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder from 28,242,127 to 46,119,832; and |
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for approval of the Company’s 2014 Stock Plan. |
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With respect to any other matter that properly
comes before the meeting, the proxy holders will vote as recommended by the Board of Directors or, if no recommendation is given,
in their own discretion.
Dissenters’ Right of Appraisal
Holders of shares of our common stock or
Series C Convertible Preferred Stock do not have appraisal rights under Nevada law or under the governing documents of the Company
in connection with this solicitation.
How are Proxy materials delivered to households?
Only one copy of the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 and this Proxy Statement will be delivered to an address where
two or more stockholders reside with the same last name or who otherwise reasonably appear to be members of the same family based
on the stockholders’ prior express or implied consent.
We will deliver promptly upon written or
oral request a separate copy of the Company's Annual Report on 10-K/A for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013 and this Proxy
Statement upon such request. If you share an address with at least one other stockholder, currently receive one copy of our
Annual Report and Proxy Statement at your residence, and would like to receive a separate copy of our Annual Report and Proxy Statement
for future stockholder meetings of the Company, please specify such request in writing and send such written request to Amarantus
BioScience Holdings, Inc., c/o Janssen Labs @QB3, 953 Indiana Street, San Francisco, CA; Attention: Corporate Secretary.
Interest of Officers and Directors in Matters to Be Acted
Upon
Except for the election to our Board
of the five nominees set forth herein, and except for approval of the amendment to the Company’s First Amended 2008
Stock Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance thereunder from 28,242,127 to 46,119,832
and approval of our 2014 Stock Plan, under which our directors and officers may receive grants, none of our officers or
directors has any interest in any of the matters to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors oversees our business
and affairs and monitors the performance of management. In accordance with corporate governance principles, the Board does not
involve itself in day-to-day operations. The directors keep themselves informed through discussions with the Chief Executive Officer
and other key executives, visits to the Company’s facilities, by reading the reports and other materials that we send them
and by participating in Board and committee meetings. Each director’s term will continue until the election and qualification
of his or her successor, or his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. Biographical information about our directors is provided
in “Proposal No. 1 - Proposal for the Election of Five Directors”. Except as set forth in this Proxy Statement,
none of our directors held directorships in other reporting companies and registered investment companies at any time during the
past five years.
Our Board currently consists of the
following six persons. Dr. Mark Benedyk is not running for re-election. The remaining five directors have been nominated by
the Company to stand for election.
Name |
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Age |
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Gerald E. Commissiong |
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32 |
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Dr. John W. Commissiong |
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70 |
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Robert L. Harris |
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70 |
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Dr. Mark Benedyk |
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50 |
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Dr. David A. Lowe |
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68 |
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Donald D. Huffman |
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67 |
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Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To our knowledge, our directors have not
been involved in any of the following events during the past ten years:
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any bankruptcy petition filed by or against such person or any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; |
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any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); |
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being subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities or to be associated with any person practicing in banking or securities activities; |
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being found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action, the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a Federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; |
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being subject of, or a party to, any Federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of any Federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or |
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being subject of or party to any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
There are no material
proceedings to which any director of the Company is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company.
How often did the Board meet during
fiscal 2013?
During 2013, the Board of Directors held
14 meetings. Each director attended no fewer than 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and the
total number of meetings held by all committees on which such director served. The Board also approved certain actions by unanimous
written consent.
What committees has the Board established?
The Board of Directors has
standing Compensation, Governance and Nominating, and Audit Committees. Robert Harris, Dr. Mark Benedyk and Donald D.
Huffman serve on the Compensation Committee of the Board, with Dr. Benedyk serving as the Chairman. Our Compensation
Committee assists the Board in discharging its responsibilities relating to executive compensation, succession planning for
the Company's executive team, and to review and make recommendations to the Board regarding employee benefit policies and
programs, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans.
Robert Harris and David Lowe serve on the
Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board, with Mr. Harris serving as the Chairman. The Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee is responsible for overseeing the appropriate and effective governance of the Company, including, among other things,
(a) nominations to the Board of Directors and making recommendations regarding the size and composition of the Board of Directors
and (b) the development and recommendation of appropriate corporate governance principles.
Our audit
committee consists of Donald D. Huffman and Robert Harris, each of whom is a non-employee director. Mr. Huffman is the
chairperson of our audit committee. Our board of directors has determined that each member designee of our audit committee is
an independent director as defined by Rule 10A-3 promulgated by the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended and meets the requirements of financial literacy under SEC rules and regulations. Mr. Huffman serves as our audit
committee financial expert, as defined under SEC rules.
Our audit committee
is responsible for, among other things:
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selecting and hiring our independent auditors, and approving the audit and non-audit services to be performed by our independent auditors; |
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evaluating the qualifications, performance and independence of our independent auditors; |
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monitoring the integrity of our financial statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as they relate to financial statements or accounting matters; |
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reviewing the adequacy and effectiveness of our internal control policies and procedures; |
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discussing the scope and results of the audit with the independent auditors and reviewing with management and the independent auditors our interim and year-end operating results; and |
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preparing the audit committee report that the SEC requires in our annual proxy statement. |
Our board of directors
has adopted a written charter for our audit committee, which is available on our website (www.amarantus.com).
Board Leadership Structure and Role
in Risk Oversight
We have not adopted
a formal policy on whether the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer positions should be separate or combined. The Board of Directors
does not currently have a Chairman.
Our Board of Directors is primarily responsible
for overseeing our risk management processes. The Board of Directors receives and reviews periodic reports from management, auditors,
legal counsel, and others, as considered appropriate regarding our Company’s assessment of risks. The Board of Directors
focuses on the most significant risks facing our company and our Company’s general risk management strategy, and also ensures
that risks undertaken by our Company are consistent with the Board’s appetite for risk. While the Board oversees our Company,
our Company’s management is responsible for day-to-day risk management processes. We believe this division of responsibilities
is the most effective approach for addressing the risks facing our Company and that our Board leadership structure supports this
approach.
Director Independence
The Company believes that Robert L. Harris,
Dr. Mark Benedyk and Donald D. Huffman are independent directors as defined under the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.
Stockholder Communications
Shareholders requesting communication with
directors can do so by writing to Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc., c/o Corporate Secretary, c/o Janssen Labs@QB3, 953 Indiana
Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. At this time we do not screen communications received and would forward any requests directly
to the named director. If no director was named in a general inquiry, the Secretary would contact each director. We do not provide
the physical address, email address, or phone numbers of directors to outside parties without a Director’s permission.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
We have adopted a written code of ethics,
the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all of our directors, officers (including our chief executive officer
and chief financial officer) and employees. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website (www.amarantus.com).
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
The following summary compensation table
sets forth all compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to our directors (excluding compensation paid to our executive officers
included in the summary compensation table below) by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2013.
Name | |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | |
Stock Awards ($) | | |
Option Awards ($) | | |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | |
Non- Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | | |
All Other Compensation ($) | | |
Total ($) | |
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Gerald E. Commissiong | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
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Dr. John W. Commissiong | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Robert L. Harris | |
| 30,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 30,000 | |
Dr. Mark Benedyk | |
| 15,250 | | |
| | | |
| 13,750 | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| 29,000 | |
Dr. David A. Lowe | |
| 3,000 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 3,000 | |
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors
monitors and provide general oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, our independent registered public accounting
firm’s qualifications and independence, the performance of our independent registered public accounting firm and our standards
of business conduct.
Our management
is responsible for preparing our financial statements and managing our financial reporting process. Our independent registered
public accounting firm is responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of our audited financial statements to generally
accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The Board of Directors met with our independent registered public
accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations and the overall quality of our
financial reporting.
In this context,
the Board of Directors reviewed and discussed our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 with
management and with our independent registered public accounting firm. The Board of Directors has discussed with our independent
registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (Communications
with Audit Committees), as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in Rule 3200T, which includes, among other
items, matters related to the conduct of the audit of our annual financial statements.
The Board of Directors
has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable
requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding such independent registered public accounting firm's communications
with the Board of Directors concerning independence, and has discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm its
independence from us and our management.
Based on its review
of the audited financial statements and the various discussions noted above, the Board of Directors recommended that our audited
financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
Respectfully submitted
by the Board of Directors,
Gerald E. Commissiong
Dr. John W. Commissiong
Robert L. Harris
Dr. Mark Benedyk
Dr. David A. Lowe
The foregoing Board
of Directors Report does not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any
other filing of our company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”), except to the extent we specifically incorporate this Board of Directors Report by reference therein.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers
are elected annually by our Board of Directors and hold office until their successors are elected and duly qualified. There are
no family relationships between any of our directors or executive officers, except that, Dr. John Commissiong and Gerald E. Commissiong,
are father and son. The current executive officers of the Company are as follows:
Name |
|
Age |
|
Office(s) held |
Gerald E. Commissiong |
|
32 |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer, Director |
Dr. John W. Commissiong |
|
70 |
|
Chief Scientific Officer, Director |
Robert Farrell |
|
64 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Marc E. Faerber |
|
59 |
|
Controller, Treasurer, Vice President of Financial Operations, and Secretary |
Set forth below is
a brief description of the background and business experience of each of our current executive officers and directors.
Gerald E. Commissiong, Chief Executive
Officer, President, Director
Mr. Commissiong has served as the Chief
Operating Officer and a Director of Amarantus since April of 2011. Since October 23, 2011, Mr. Commissiong has served as the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer and President. Mr. Commissiong was the co-founder and original President and Chief Executive Officer of
Amarantus, which was formerly known as CNS Protein Therapeutics, Inc. He played a significant role in sourcing the seed funding
for the Company in 2008, assisted in developing a strategic corporate development pathway that involved the recruitment of relevant
expertise, identification of appropriate development strategy, liaising with expertise to define development pathway, creation
of a technological mitigation strategy and the identification of appropriate funding partners with a strategic interest in the
Company’s technology. Mr. Commissiong also recruited senior executives to the Board to guide the Company’s growth and
generated its official marketing materials, including investor brochures, corporate handouts, email newsletters and other materials
necessary to raise awareness of the company. Prior to co-founding Amarantus, Mr. Commissiong played professional football for the
Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. Mr. Commissiong holds a B.S. degree in Management Science and Engineering with
a focus on Financial Decisions from Stanford University. Mr. Commissiong is qualified to serve as Director because of his history
with the Company and his management and leadership qualities. In addition, Mr. Commissiong’s skills and knowledge of the
financial markets makes him invaluable to the Company.
Dr. John W. Commissiong, Chief Scientific Officer, Director
Dr. Commissiong has served as the Chief
Scientific Officer and a Director of Amarantus since co-founding the Company in 2008. From 2000 through 2008 Dr. Commissiong served
as the CSO of Neurotrophics Inc & Prescient Neuropharma Inc. Dr. Commissiong has been focused on the discovery of novel neurotrophic
factors for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases as well as understanding the fundamental underlying biology of protoplasmic
type-1 astrocytes that secrete neurotrophic factors. He was Chief of the Neural Transplantation Unit, NINDS-NIH, from 1989-94 where
his research focused on identifying therapeutic approaches to spinal cord injury. Dr. Commissiong was Head of the Neurotrophic
Factors Group, NINDS-NIH, from 1994-97 where he focused on developing technologies to systematically identify novel neurotrophic
factors with applications for specific Central Nervous System disorders. He co-founded Prescient Neuropharma in 1999, and discovered
MANF in 2003. MANF is currently in preclinical development for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. The work pioneered by
Dr. Commissiong has led to significant advancements in the field of astrocyte-neuron biology. Dr. Commissiong believes that a fundamental
understanding of astrocyte-neuron interactions in the Central Nervous System will lead to a new generation of therapies to
treat brain-related disorders.
Dr. Commissiong did his Postdoctoral work
in the Lab Preclin Pharmac, NIMH-NIH, concentrating on the application of quadrupole mass spectrometry in the analysis of neurotransmitters.
He holds a Ph.D. in Neurophysiology from the University of Southampton, a M.Sc. in Biochemical Pharmacology from the University
of Southampton and a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry from the University of the West Indies.
Dr. Commissiong is qualified to serve as
a Director because of his extensive experience in drug discovery, and research and his work in the field of astrocyte-neuron biology.
Robert Farrell, Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Farrell has served as the Company’s
Chief Financial Officer since April 1, 2014. Mr. Farrell served as Chief Financial Officer of Titan Pharmaceuticals from 1996 to
2008, and as President and CEO from 2008 to 2010. During his tenure at Titan Mr. Farrell was responsible for all SEC filings, fund
raising, financial and tax planning strategies, mergers & acquisitions, corporate partnerships, licensing transactions and
financial operations. Mr. Farrell most recently served as CFO at Sanovas, Inc. Mr. Farrell previously served as CFO, Corporate
Group Vice President and General Counsel at Fresenius USA and Fresenius Medical Care. Mr. Farrell also previously served as the
CFO for the Institute for One World Health in San Francisco and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Prime Genomics, Inc.
Mr. Farrell holds a J.D. from the University of California's Hastings School of Law.
Marc E. Faerber, Controller, Treasurer, Vice President
of Financial Operations and Secretary
Mr. Faerber has served as the Company’s
Controller and Vice President of Financial Operations since April 2014, and previously served as the Company’s Chief Financial
Officer, from May 2009 to April 2014. In addition, Mr. Faerber has worked as an independent business and financial advisor since
2001. In that capacity, he provides financial, business and strategic advisory services to various startup entities, including
medical device, biotechnology, software and alternative energy related companies. His services and experience include facilitating
startups in establishing appropriate internal controls, developing administrative procedural processes, writing and critiquing
business plans and strategies, preparation of company presentations, short term financial operating plans, and long term strategic
financial planning, assisting organizations with seeking financing and rendering advice in various negotiations related to merger
and acquisitions, distribution rights, technology licensing and other business structural issues, and review and implementation
of internal control structures in support of Sarbanes Oxley compliance. Mr. Faerber is a licensed CPA (Inactive) in California
and was a Certified Valuation Analyst from 2004 through 2007. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Providence College
and has done course work towards a M.S. in Taxation at Golden Gate University.
Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings
To our knowledge, our executive officers
have not been involved in any of the following events during the past ten years:
|
· |
any bankruptcy petition filed by or against such person or any business of which such person was a general partner or executive officer either at the time of the bankruptcy or within two years prior to that time; |
|
· |
any conviction in a criminal proceeding or being subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses); |
|
· |
being subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction, permanently or temporarily enjoining him from or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities or banking activities or to be associated with any person practicing in banking or securities activities; |
|
· |
being found by a court of competent jurisdiction in a civil action, the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a Federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; |
|
· |
being subject of, or a party to, any Federal or state judicial or administrative order, judgment decree, or finding, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, relating to an alleged violation of any Federal or state securities or commodities law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or fraud in connection with any business entity; or |
|
· |
being subject of or party to any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended, or vacated, of any self-regulatory organization, any registered entity or any equivalent exchange, association, entity or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with a member. |
There are no material proceedings to which
any executive officer of the Company is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth
the number of shares of common stock known to be beneficially owned by all persons who own at least 5% of our outstanding common
stock, the Company's directors, the executive officers, and the directors and executive officers as a group as of July 28,
2014, unless otherwise noted. Unless otherwise indicated, the stockholders listed in the table have sole voting and investment
power with respect to the shares indicated.
Title of class | |
Name and address of beneficial Owner | |
Amount of beneficial ownership | | |
Percent of class(1) | |
Current Executive Officers & Directors: | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Common Stock | |
Gerald E. Commissiong | |
| 8,641,783 | (2) | |
| 1.15 | % |
Common Stock | |
Dr. John W. Commissiong | |
| 20,464,636 | (3) | |
| 2.59 | % |
Common Stock | |
Marc Faerber | |
| 2,286,625 | (4) | |
| ** | |
Common Stock | |
Robert L. Harris | |
| 10,614,391 | (5) | |
| 1.40 | % |
Common Stock | |
Dr. Mark Benedyk | |
| 898,003 | (6) | |
| ** | |
Common Stock | |
Dr. David A. Lowe | |
| 183,333 | (7) | |
| ** | |
Common Stock | |
Robert Farrell | |
| 1,500,000 | (8) | |
| ** | |
Common Stock | |
Donald D. Huffman | |
| 37,500 | (9) | |
| ** | |
Total of All Officers and Directors: | |
| |
| 44,626,270 | | |
| 5.84 | % |
| |
| |
| | | |
| | |
5% Beneficial Owners: None | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
*Less than 1%
(1) Based on 753,980,394 shares of our common stock outstanding
as of July 28 2014.
(2) Includes: (i) 263,329 shares of common stock underlying
an option to purchase shares at a price of $0.0237 per share which are exercisable within the next 60 days; (ii) 350,000 shares
of common stock which are issuable upon conversion of 350,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred stock; (and (iii) 138,889
shares of common stock which are issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants.
(3) Includes: (i) 131,557 shares underlying an option to purchase
shares at a price of $0.0237 which are exercisable within the next 60 days; (ii) 200,000 shares of common stock which are issuable
upon conversion of 200,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock;; and (iii) 138,889 shares of common stock which are
issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants..
(4) Includes (i) 1,000,000 shares of common
stock underlying an option to purchase shares at a price of $0.1235 per share which are exercisable within the next 60 days; and
(ii) 200,000 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of 200,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred stock.
(5) Includes: (i) 3,724,467 shares issuable upon conversion
of convertible notes; (ii) 138,889 shares of common stock which are issuable upon exercise of outstanding warrants; and (iii) 1,359,375
shares which are owned by Mr. Harris’ spouse.
|
(6) |
Includes 776,924 shares of common stock underlying an option to purchase shares at a price of $0.052 per share within the next 60 days. |
|
(7) |
Represents shares issuable upon exercise of options at a price of $0.05, which are exercisable within the next 60 days. |
|
|
(8) |
Represents shares issuable upon exercise of options at a price of $0.0775, which are exercisable within the next 60 days. |
|
|
(9) |
Represents shares issuable upon exercise of options at a price of $0.146, which are exercisable within the next 60 days. |
|
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The table below summarizes all compensation
awarded to, earned by, or paid to each named executive officer for the Company’s last two completed fiscal years for all
services rendered to the Company.
Name and principal Position | |
Year | | |
Salary
($) | | |
Bonus ($) | | |
Stock Awards
($) | | |
Option
Awards ($) | | |
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation ($) | | |
Nonqualified
Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) | | |
All Other
Compensation ($) | | |
Total ($) | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| |
Gerald E. | |
| 2013 | | |
| - | | |
| 230,111 | | |
| 18,250 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 248,361 | |
Commissiong, President, | |
| 2012 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 456,031 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 456,031 | |
Chief Executive Officer | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Dr. John W. | |
| 2013 | | |
| - | | |
| 213,763 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 213,763 | |
Commissiong, Chief | |
| 2012 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 10,480 | | |
| 299,438 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 309,918 | |
Scientific Officer | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Marc Faerber, Chief | |
| 2013 | | |
| 260,951 | | |
| - | | |
| 10,480 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 271,431 | |
Financial Officer, | |
| 2012 | | |
| 248,344 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 299,438 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 547,782 | |
Treasurer, Secretary (2) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Martin D. Cleary, | |
| 2013 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Former Chief | |
| 2012 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 12,375 | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| 12,375 | |
Executive Officer, President (1) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
(1) Mr. Cleary resigned from his position as President and Chief
Executive Officer on October 23, 2011. He remained on as Chairman of the Board until his resignation on July 31, 2012.
(2) Mr. Faerber has released the Company from obligations to
pay $276,000 of accrued compensation as of December 31, 2013.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal
Year-End
The table below summarizes
all unexercised options, stock that has not vested, and equity incentive plan awards for each named executive officer as of December
31, 2013.
OPTION AWARDS | |
STOCK AWARDS | |
| |
| |
Name | |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised
Options (#) Exercisable | | |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised
Options (#) Unexercisable | | |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number
of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) | | |
Option Exercise Price ($) | | |
Option Expiration Date | |
Number of Shares or Shares of
Stock That Have Not Vested (#) | | |
Market Value of Shares or Shares
of Stock That Have Not Vested ($) | | |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number
of Unearned Shares, Shares or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) | | |
Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market
or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Shares or Other Rights That Have Not
Vested (#) | |
Gerald E. Commissiong, | |
| 269,329 | (1) | |
| - | (1) | |
| - | | |
$ | 0.0237 | (1) | |
4/10/21(1) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
President and Chief | |
| 560,456 | (2) | |
| 410,794 | (2) | |
| - | | |
$ | 0.225 | (2) | |
7/15/22(2) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Executive Officer, Director | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
$ | 0.7000 | (2) | |
11/4/22(2) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Dr. John W. Commissiong, | |
| 131,557 | (1) | |
| - | (1) | |
| - | | |
$ | 0.0237 | (1) | |
4/10/21(1) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Chief Scientific | |
| 406,797 | (2) | |
| 290,703 | (2) | |
| | | |
$ | 0.225 | (2) | |
7/15/22(2) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Officer, Director | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
$ | 0.7000 | (2) | |
11/4/22(2) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Marc E. Faerber, | |
| - | (1) | |
| - | (1) | |
| - | | |
| - | (1) | |
-(1) | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Chief Financial | |
| 277,734 | (2) | |
| 209,766 | (2) | |
| | | |
$ | 0.225 | (2) | |
7/15/22(2) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Officer, Treasurer, Secretary | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
$ | 0.700 | (2) | |
11/4/22(2) | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
(1) Common stock shares
(2) Preferred stock shares
Transactions with Related Persons
Except as set forth below, since the beginning
of our last fiscal year, there have been no transactions, and there no currently proposed transactions, between us and any of our
officers, directors or their family members.
In connection with the Company’s March
5, 2008, acquisition of the intellectual property rights to the MANF protein compound, the Company issued a promissory note as
follows:
Dr. John Commissiong, the Company’s
Chief Scientific Officer and a Director, also founded Neurotrophics, Inc., a Canadian company, in 2003. Gerald E. Commissiong,
Dr. John Commissiong’s son, is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President and a Director. Further information
regarding these liabilities is contained in Note 12 to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K/A.
At a meeting held October 26, 2010, the
Board approved royalty rights for the Company’s founders, Gerald E. Commissiong and John Commissiong, under which they will
receive a 2.5% (1.25% each for Gerald E. Commissiong and John Commissiong) royalty from the gross commercial revenue
of patents derived from the Company’s proprietary PhenoGuard platform technology, including patents associated with the MANF
Protein and related gene.
On November 6, 2013, the Company announced
the appointment of David A. Lowe, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors. Dr. Lowe is President & CEO of NeuroAssets, Sarl, a Swiss-based
neuroscience-focused consulting firm, providing advisory services to pharmaceutical venture capital and biotechnology companies
throughout the world. NeuroAssets has been providing consulting services to the Company since April 2012.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors and executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of the issued and outstanding
shares of our common stock to file reports of initial ownership of common stock and other equity securities and subsequent changes
in that ownership with the SEC. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to
furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. To our knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such
reports furnished to us and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December
31, 2013 all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to our officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners were
complied with except that: Gerald Commissiong, Dr. John W. Commissiong, Marc E. Faerber, and Dr. Mark Benedyk, Robert L. Harris
each failed to file a Form 3. A form 3 for Dr. David A. Lowe was not timely filed.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING
PROPOSAL NO. 1
PROPOSAL FOR ELECTION OF FIVE DIRECTORS
At this year’s Annual Meeting, the
Board of Directors proposes that the nominees listed below be elected to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders
and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. All of the nominees are currently serving as directors. All nominees
have consented to being named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if elected.
Assuming a quorum is present, the five
nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of shares entitled to be voted for such persons will be elected as directors
of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
Unless marked otherwise, proxies received will be voted “FOR” the election of the nominees named below. In the event
that additional persons are nominated for election as directors, the proxy holders intend to vote all proxies received by them
in such a manner as will ensure the election of the nominees listed below, and, in such event, the specific nominees to be voted
for will be determined by the proxy holders.
Information With Respect to Director
Nominees
Listed below are the nominees for election
to our Board with certain biographical information regarding such nominees. Such information has been furnished to the Company
by the director nominees.
Name |
|
Age |
|
Gerald E. Commissiong |
|
32 |
|
Dr. John W. Commissiong |
|
70 |
|
Robert L. Harris |
|
70 |
|
Donald D. Huffman |
|
67 |
|
Dr. David A. Lowe |
|
68 |
|
For biographical information
regarding Gerald E. Commissiong and Dr. John W. Commissiong, see “Information About the Executive Officers” above
Robert L. Harris
Mr. Harris has served as a member of the
Board of Amarantus since December 2010. Mr. Harris is a retired Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, Technical and
Land Services at Pacific Gas and Electric Company, where he worked from September 1972 to January 2007. He graduated from San Francisco
State University in 1965 and received his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California School of Law at Berkeley (Boalt
Hall) in 1972. He was admitted to the California State Bar in December 1972 and argued and won a case in the United States Supreme
Court in 1985. Harris also completed the Harvard Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program and the Management Development
Program at Duke University’s School of Business. For five years, Harris was selected by Ebony magazine as one of the “100
Most Influential Blacks in America” (1980, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995). Mr. Harris is qualified to serve as a Director because
of his extensive experience as a business executive and his legal background.
Donald D. Huffman
Mr. Huffman has served as a director of
the Company since July 22, 2014. Mr. Huffman served as a consultant to Dance BioPharma, Inc., a company developing inhaled insulin,
from April 2012 to July 2013 and has served as a Director since July 2013. From September 2010 to March 2012, Mr. Huffman served
as the Chief Financial Officer of Wafergen Biosystems Inc., a publicly-held emerging genomic analysis company and was its Co-President
from September 2011 to March 2012. From October 2008 to September 2010, Mr. Huffman served as the Chief Financial Officer of Asante
Solutions, Inc., a medical device company with an approved wearable insulin pump. From July 2006 to October 2008, Mr. Huffman served
as Chief Financial Officer of Guava Technologies, Inc., a life science instrumentation company acquired by Millipore Corporation
and then Merck & Co., Inc. From October 2004 to July 2006, Mr. Huffman served as Chief Financial Officer and principal of Sanderling
Ventures, a biomedical venture capital firm. Mr. Huffman also has served as the Chief Financial Officer of three other public companies:
Volcano Corporation (formerly known as EndoSonics Corporation), a company that manufactures medical devices; Microcide Pharmaceuticals,
Inc., a biopharmaceutical company; and Celtrix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a company that developed novel therapeutics for the treatment
of debilitating, degenerative conditions, which was acquired by Insmed Incorporated in 2000. Mr. Huffman earned a B.S. in Mineral
Economics from Pennsylvania State University and an M.B.A. from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He completed the Financial
Management Program at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
We believe that Mr. Huffman possesses specific
attributes that qualify him to serve on our board of directors, including his experience as a Chief Financial Officer of several
public biopharmaceutical and medical device companies and his understanding of the operations and issues that affect similarly
situated companies.
Dr. David A. Lowe
Dr. Lowe joined the Board in November 2013.
Since January 2012, Dr. Lowe has been President & CEO of NeuroAssets, Sarl, a Swiss-based neuroscience-focused consulting firm,
providing advisory services to pharmaceutical, venture capital and biotechnology companies throughout the world. Dr. Lowe previously
served, from August 2009 to September 2011, as the Chief Scientific Officer of Psychogenics, Inc. and before that, from October
2004 to July 2009, as Director and Chief Scientific Officer of Memory Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company pursuing innovative
treatments for Alzheimer's and Schizophrenia. Prior to Memory Pharmaceuticals, from February 2002 to September 2004, Dr. Lowe served
as the Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer at Fidelity Biosciences Group, Fidelity Investments in Boston, MA,
an investment firm focused on the healthcare industry. He also served, from July 2002 to September, 2004, as President, CEO and
Director of Forum Pharmaceuticals f/k/a EnVivo Pharmaceuticals, a Fidelity-funded pharmaceutical company pursuing new treatments
for Alzheimer's disease and Schizophrenia now in Phase 3 development. Dr. Lowe also served as Vice-President and Therapeutic Area
Head, Central Nervous System, at Roche Pharmaceuticals, Vice President & Global Therapeutic Area Head of Central Nervous System
Research at Bayer AG., and Head of CNS Biology and Deputy Head of CNS Research at Sandoz Ltd (now Novartis). Dr. Lowe received
his PhD in neurobiology from the University of Leeds, UK. Dr. Lowe is qualified to serve as Director because of his experience
working in the pharmaceutical and drug industries and his scientific background.
Required Vote
The election of the
directors of the Company requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the votes cast by common stock and Series C Convertible
Preferred stockholders, who are entitled to vote, present in person or represented by Proxy at the Annual Meeting, which will be
the nominees receiving the largest number of votes, which may or may not constitute less than a majority.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL
NO. 1:
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION
OF ALL THE NOMINEES DESCRIBED ABOVE.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING (Continued)
PROPOSAL NO. 2:
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
AUDITORS
The Board of Directors
has selected Marcum LLP (“Marcum”) as the independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2014. Representatives of Marcum are expected to attend the 2014 Annual Meeting of stockholders.
Marcum served as the Company’s
independent auditors for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. The aggregate fees billed to us for professional services
rendered by Marcum for these fiscal periods were as follows:
SERVICES | |
2013 | | |
2012 | |
Audit fees | |
$ | 50,250 | | |
$ | 28,000 | |
Audit-related fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Tax fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
All other fees | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Total fees | |
$ | 50,250 | | |
$ | 28,000 | |
Audit fees. Audit
fees represent fees for professional services performed by Marcum for the audit of our annual financial statements and the review
of our quarterly financial statements, as well as services that are normally provided in connection with statutory and regulatory
filings or engagements.
Audit-related fees. Audit-related
fees represent fees for assurance and related services performed by Marcum that are reasonably related to the performance of the
audit or review of our financial statements. Marcum did not receive any audit-related fees from us for 2013 or 2012.
Tax Fees. Marcum did not receive
any tax fees from us for 2013 or 2012.
All other fees. Marcum did not
receive any other fees from us for 2013 or 2012.
Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Board of Directors
pre-approves all audit and non-audit services performed by the Company’s auditor and the fees to be paid in connection
with such services in order to assure that the provision of such services does not impair the auditor’s independence.
Required Vote
The ratification of
the appointment of the Company's independent auditors requires the receipt of the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes
represented by the Company's common stock and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock present in person or by proxy and voting at
the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL
NO. 2:
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION
OF APPOINTMENT OF MARCUM LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING (Continued)
PROPOSAL NO. 3
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer
Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) requires the Company’s stockholders to have the opportunity to cast a non-binding
advisory vote regarding the approval of the compensation disclosed in this Proxy Statement of the Company’s executive officers
who are named above in the Summary Compensation Table (the “named executive officers”). The Company has disclosed the
compensation of the named executive officers pursuant to rules adopted by the SEC.
We believe that our compensation policies
for the named executive officers are designed to attract, motivate and retain talented executive officers and are aligned with
the long-term interests of the Company’s stockholders. This advisory stockholder vote, commonly referred to as a “say-on-pay
vote,” gives you as a stockholder the opportunity to approve or not approve the compensation of the named executive officers
that is disclosed in this Proxy Statement by voting for or against the following resolution (or by abstaining with respect to the
resolution):
RESOLVED, that the stockholders of Amarantus BioScience Holdings,
Inc. approve all of the compensation of the Company’s executive officers who are named in the Summary Compensation Table
of the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement, as such compensation is disclosed in the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement pursuant
to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, which disclosure includes the Proxy Statement’s Summary Compensation Table and other executive
compensation tables and related narrative disclosures.
Because your vote is advisory, it will not
be binding on either the Board of Directors or the Company. However, the Board of Directors will take into account the outcome
of the stockholder vote on this proposal at the Annual Meeting when considering future executive compensation arrangements. In
addition, your non-binding advisory votes described in this Proposal 3 and below in Proposal 4 will not be construed: (1) as
overruling any decision by the Board of Directors, any Board committee or the Company relating to the compensation of the named
executive officers, or (2) as creating or changing any fiduciary duties or other duties on the part of the Board of Directors,
any Board committee or the Company.
Required Vote
Adoption of the resolution requires the
receipt of the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes represented by the Company's common stock and Series C Convertible
Preferred Stock present in person or by proxy and voting at the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL
NO. 3:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPENSATION DISCLOSED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT OF THE COMPANY’S EXECUTIVE OFFICERS WHO ARE
NAMED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT’S SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING (Continued)
PROPOSAL NO. 4
ADVISORY VOTE
ON THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE ADVISORY VOTES ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Dodd-Frank Act requires the Company’s
stockholders to have the opportunity to cast a non-binding advisory vote regarding how frequently the Company should seek from
its stockholders a non-binding advisory vote (similar to Proposal 3 above) on the compensation disclosed in the Company’s
proxy statement of its executive officers who are named in the proxy statement’s summary compensation table for the year
in question (the “named executive officers”). By voting on this frequency proposal, stockholders may indicate whether
they would prefer that the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers occur every one, two
or three years. Stockholders may also abstain from voting on the proposal.
The Board of Directors has determined that
an advisory vote by the Company’s stockholders on executive compensation that occurs every three years is the most appropriate
alternative for the Company. In formulating its conclusion, the Board of Directors considered that, because the Company’s
compensation program for executive officers is not complex, a stockholder advisory vote every three years should be sufficient
to permit our stockholders to express their views about our compensation program. Also, the Board of Directors believes that the
success of the Company’s executive compensation program should be judged over a period of time that is longer than one year.
You may cast your vote on your preferred
voting frequency by choosing the option of one year, two years or three years when you vote in response to this proposal, and you
may also abstain from voting on the proposal. Your vote on this proposal is not a vote to approve or disapprove of the Board’s
recommendation but rather is a vote to select one of the options described in the preceding sentence. The option of one year, two
years or three years that receives the highest number of votes cast by stockholders will be the frequency of the advisory vote
on executive compensation that has been recommended by the stockholders. However, because this vote is advisory and not binding
on either the Board of Directors or the Company, the Board of Directors may subsequently decide that it is in the best interests
of the Company and its stockholders to hold an advisory vote on executive compensation that differs in frequency from the option
that received the highest number of votes from the Company’s stockholders at the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL
NO. 4:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO CONDUCT AN ADVISORY STOCKHOLDER VOTE EVERY THREE YEARS ON THE COMPENSATION OF THE COMPANY’S EXECUTIVE
OFFICERS NAMED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT’S SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE FOR THAT YEAR.
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING (Continued)
PROPOSAL NO. 5
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION TO INCREASE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK FROM 1,000,000,000 TO 2,000,000,000
Our Board of Directors has approved, subject
to shareholder approval, an amendment to our Articles of Incorporation (the “Common Shares Increase Amendment”) to
increase the number of authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 1,000,000,000 to 2,000,000,000.
If the Common Shares Increase Amendment
is approved by our shareholders at the Annual Meeting, we intend to file the Common Shares Increase Amendment with the Secretary
of State of Nevada, substantially in the form of Appendix A hereto with the Secretary of State of Nevada as soon as practicable
following the Annual Meeting. The increase in authorized shares of common stock under the Common Shares Increase Amendment
will be effective upon filing with the Secretary of State of Nevada.
Outstanding Shares and Purpose of
the Proposal
Our Articles of
Incorporation currently authorizes us to issue a maximum of 1,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, and
10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share. Our issued and outstanding securities, as of July 28, 2014, on
a fully diluted basis, are as follows:
| · | 753,980,394 shares of common stock; |
| · | 1.299 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into 43,310,896 shares of common stock; |
| · | 750,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock convertible into 750,000 shares of common stock; |
| · | Warrants to purchase an aggregate of 66,775,532 shares of common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of $0.10 per
share; and |
| · | Convertible promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $85,000 convertible into 4,724,861 shares of common stock
at an average conversion price of $0.018 per share; and |
| · | Options to purchase 20,442,611 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $0.07per share. |
| · | Options to purchase 2,487,500 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock at a weighted average exercise price of $0.61
per share. |
The Board believes
that the increase in authorized shares of common stock will provide the Company greater flexibility with respect to the Company’s
capital structure for purposes including additional equity financings and stock-based acquisitions.
Effects of the Increase in Authorized
Common Stock
The additional
shares of common stock will have the same rights as the presently authorized shares, including the right to cast one vote per share
of common stock. Although the authorization of additional shares will not, in itself, have any effect on the rights of any holder
of our common stock, the future issuance of additional shares of common stock (other than by way of a stock split or dividend)
would have the effect of diluting the voting rights and could have the effect of diluting earnings per share and book value per
share of existing shareholders.
At present, other
than in connection with the possible conversion or exercise of securities convertible or exercisable into common stock, as set
forth above (each at the option of their respective holders), the Board of Directors has no other plans to issue the additional
shares of common stock to be authorized by the Common Shares Increase Amendment. However, it is possible that some of these additional
shares could be used in the future for various other purposes without further shareholder approval, except as such approval may
be required in particular cases by our charter documents, applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange or other market
on which our securities may then be listed. These purposes may include: raising capital, providing equity incentives to employees,
officers or directors, establishing strategic relationships with other companies, and expanding the Company’s business or
product lines through the acquisition of other businesses or products.
We could also use
the additional shares of common stock that will become available pursuant to the Common Shares Increase Amendment to oppose a hostile
takeover attempt or to delay or prevent changes in control or management of the Company. Although the proposal to increase the
authorized common stock has not been prompted by the threat of any hostile takeover attempt (nor is the Board currently aware of
any such attempts directed at the Company), nevertheless, shareholders should be aware that the Common Shares Increase Amendment
could facilitate future efforts by us to deter or prevent changes in control of the Company, including transactions in which shareholders
of the Company might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices. However, the Board of Directors
has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the Company's shareholders at all times.
Required Vote
Approval of the
Common Shares Increase Amendment requires the receipt of the affirmative vote of a majority of the total possible votes represented
by the Company's common stock and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock issued and outstanding as of the record date.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL
NO. 5:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED
SHARES OF THE COMPANY’S COMMON STOCK FROM 1,000,000,000 TO 2,000,000,000
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING (Continued)
PROPOSAL NO. 6
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO FIRST AMENDED
2008 STOCK PLAN TO INCREASE SHARES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER FROM 28,242,127 TO 46,119,832
Our original 2008
Stock Plan, which was approved by stockholders, provided for the issuance of up to 6,085,136 of incentive stock options, nonqualified
stock options, or stock purchase rights. Amendments to the 2008 Stock Plan approved by the board of directors increased the number
of shares issuable thereunder to 10,742,128 in September 2010, 18,242,128 in November 2011, 28,242,127 in March 2013 and 38,242,127
in January 2014 and 46,119,832 in July 2004.. Because the amendments approved by the Board of Directors in September 2010, November
2011 and March 2013 were not approved by stockholders within one year of their approval by the Board of Directors, any options
granted pursuant to such amendments will not be deemed incentive stock options. Only the amendments approved by the Board of Directors
in January 2014 and July 2014, in form of Appendices B and C, will be considered by stockholders at the Annual Meeting under Proposal
No. 6.
As of July 28,
2014, there was 46,119,832 shares of common stock granted under the 2008 Stock Plan.
Reasons for the Proposed Amendment
As described
above, we are seeking stockholder approval of an amendment to increase the number of shares issuable pursuant to the First
Amended 2008 Stock Plan (the “2008 Plan”) from 28,242,127 to 46,119,832.
The purpose of
this increase is to continue to be able to attract, retain and motivate executive officers and other employees and certain consultants.
Pursuant to this amendment, additional shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2008 Plan, which will enable
us to continue to grant equity awards to our officers, employees and consultants at levels determined by the Compensation Committee
to be necessary to attract, retain and motivate the individuals who will be critical to the Company's success in achieving its
business objectives and thereby creating greater value for all our stockholders.
Furthermore, we
believe that equity compensation aligns the interests of our management and other employees with the interests of our other stockholders.
Equity awards are a key component of our incentive compensation program. We believe that option grants have been critical in attracting
and retaining talented employees and officers, aligning their interests with those of stockholders, and focusing key employees
on the long-term growth of the Company.
The terms of the
2008 Plan are summarized below. It is intended that the 2008 Plan qualify as an incentive stock option plan meeting the requirements
of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).
Summary of the 2008 Plan
The purpose of
our 2008 Plan is to provide an incentive to attract and retain directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees whose services
are considered valuable, to encourage a sense of proprietorship and to stimulate an active interest of such persons into our development
and financial success. The 2008 Plan permits the grant of the following types of incentive awards:
· |
Incentive Stock Options |
· |
Non-qualified stock options |
· |
Stock Purchase Rights |
The 2008 Plan is
administered by our Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors.
Subject to the
terms of the 2008 Plan, the Board of Directors as administrator has the sole discretion to select the directors, officers, employees,
consultants and advisors who will receive awards, determine the terms and conditions of the awards, and interpret the provisions
of the 2008 Plan and outstanding awards. Our Board of Directors generally may amend or terminate the 2008 Plan at any time and
for any reason, except the Board shall obtain shareholder approval of any amendment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable
law.
The number of shares
of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2008 Plan is 46,119,832. If any award under the 2008 Plan is cancelled
prior to its exercise or vesting in full, or if the number of shares subject to an award is reduced for any reason, the shares
of our stock that are no longer subject to such award will be returned to the available pool of shares reserved for issuance under
the 2008 Plan.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is
a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences generally applicable to awards under the 2008 Plan. This summary
does not purport to consider all of the possible U.S. federal tax consequences of the awards and is not intended to reflect the
particular tax position of any award recipient. This summary is based upon the U.S. federal tax laws and regulations now in effect
and as currently interpreted and does not take into account possible changes in such tax laws or such interpretations, any of which
may be applied retroactively. Award recipients are strongly advised to consult their own tax advisors for additional information.
Grant of an Option. The
grant of an option is not expected to result in any taxable income for the recipient as of the date of the grant, except that in
the event non-statutory options are granted with an exercise price lower than the then-current fair market value of the common
stock, the difference between the exercise price and the then-current fair market value may be treated as deferred compensation
income recognized as of the date the non-statutory options are granted.
Exercise of Incentive Stock Option. The
holder of an incentive stock option generally will have no taxable income upon exercising the option (except that a tax liability
may arise pursuant to the alternative minimum tax), and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction.
Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. Generally,
subject to Code Section 409A, upon exercising a nonqualified stock option, the award recipient must recognize ordinary income
equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price.
The income will be treated as compensation income subject to payroll and withholding tax obligations. The Company would be entitled
to a compensation deduction in the amount of income recognized by the award recipient.
Disposition of Shares Acquired Through
an Option. The tax consequence to a holder of an option upon a disposition of shares acquired through the exercise
of an option will depend on how long the shares have been held and upon whether such shares were acquired by exercising an incentive
stock option or by exercising a nonqualified stock option.
Generally, the
disposition of shares which were acquired by exercise of an incentive stock option will be taxable as long-term capital gain or
loss if the award recipient disposes of the shares more than two years after the option was granted and at least one year after
exercising the option. If the award recipient fails to satisfy the holding period requirements for treatment as an incentive stock
option, a disposition will result in any gain being treated as compensation income subject to ordinary tax rates. If the award
recipient is still an employee of the Company at the time of the disposition, the amount of gain treated as compensation will also
be subject to payroll and withholding taxes.
If an award recipient
disposes of shares acquired through the exercise of a nonqualified option, any gain or loss will be treated as a capital gain or
loss. To the extent such shares have been held for at least one year after exercise of the nonqualified option, the gain or loss
will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss.
Generally, there
will be no tax consequence to the Company in connection with the disposition of shares acquired under an option, except that the
Company may be entitled to a tax deduction in the case of the disposition of shares acquired under an incentive stock option before
the applicable incentive stock option holding periods set forth in the Code have been satisfied.
The grant by the
Board of other stock-based awards may have varying tax consequences to award recipients. Grants made pursuant to the 2008 Plan
may be subject to Code Section 409A and plan administration may have to conform to Code Section 409A. Failure to comply
with Code Section 409A, if applicable, will result in acceleration of income and imposition of penalties and interest to award
recipients.
Application of Section 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Special rules may apply in the case of individuals subject to Section 16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, unless a special election is made pursuant to the Code, shares
received pursuant to the exercise of a stock option may be treated as restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial
risk of forfeiture for a period of up to six months after the date of exercise. Accordingly, the amount of any ordinary income
recognized, and the amount of the Company's tax deduction, are determined as of the end of such period.
Equity Compensation Plans
The following
table shows information with respect to our equity compensation plans, consisting of our 2008 Stock Plan and our Management,
Employee, Advisor and Director Preferred Stock Option Plan - 2012 Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Plan, as of the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2013.
Equity Compensation Plan Information (Common Stock) |
Plan category | |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | | |
Weighted-average Exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | | |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a) (c) | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | |
| 6,941,288 | | |
$ | 0.05 | | |
| 623,618 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total | |
| 6,941,288 | | |
$ | 0.05 | | |
| 623,618 | |
Equity Compensation Plan Information (Preferred Stock) |
Plan category | |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | | |
Weighted-average Exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | | |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | |
| 2,287,500 | | |
$ | 0.4500 | | |
| 552,500 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total | |
| 2,287,500 | | |
$ | 0.4500 | | |
| 552,500 | |
Required Vote
Approval of the amendment
to our First Amended 2008 Stock Plan to increase the number of shares authorized for issuance thereunder from 28,242,127 to 46,119,832
requires the receipt of the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes represented by the Company's common stock and Series
C Convertible Preferred Stock present in person or by proxy and voting at the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL
NO. 6:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY’S 2008 AMENDED STOCK PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES AUTHORIZED
FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER FROM 28,242,127 to 46,119,832
ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE MEETING (Continued)
PROPOSAL NO. 7
APPROVAL OF 2014 STOCK PLAN
The Company’s
Board of Directors has approved the 2014 Stock Plan (the “2014 Plan”), in the form of Appendix D hereto. Under the
2014 Plan, the Company may grant up to 153,880,168, of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, or stock purchase rights
to eligible persons, including employees, nonemployees, members of the Board of Directors, consultants, and other independent advisors
who provide services to the Company. The term of the 2014 Plan is ten years from the later of (i) the effective date of the
Plan (August 6, 2014), or (ii) the earlier of the most recent Board or stockholder approval of an increase in the number of shares
reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan. No grants have been made to date under the 2014 Plan.
Summary of the 2014 Plan
The purpose of
our 2014 Plan is to provide an incentive to attract and retain directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees whose services
are considered valuable, to encourage a sense of proprietorship and to stimulate an active interest of such persons into our development
and financial success. The 2014 Plan permits the grant of the following types of incentive awards:
· |
Incentive Stock Options |
· |
Non-qualified stock options |
· |
Stock Purchase Rights |
The 2014 Plan is
administered by our Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors.
Subject to the
terms of the 2014 Plan, the Board of Directors as administrator has the sole discretion to select the directors, officers, employees,
consultants and advisors who will receive awards, determine the terms and conditions of the awards, and interpret the provisions
of the 2014 Plan and outstanding awards. Our Board of Directors generally may amend or terminate the 2014 Plan at any time and
for any reason, except the Board shall obtain shareholder approval of any amendment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable
law.
The number of shares
of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan is 153,880,168. If any award under the 2014 Plan is cancelled
prior to its exercise or vesting in full, or if the number of shares subject to an award is reduced for any reason, the shares
of our stock that are no longer subject to such award will be returned to the available pool of shares reserved for issuance under
the 2014 Plan.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is
a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences generally applicable to awards under the 2014 Plan. This summary
does not purport to consider all of the possible U.S. federal tax consequences of the awards and is not intended to reflect the
particular tax position of any award recipient. This summary is based upon the U.S. federal tax laws and regulations now in effect
and as currently interpreted and does not take into account possible changes in such tax laws or such interpretations, any of which
may be applied retroactively. Award recipients are strongly advised to consult their own tax advisors for additional information.
Grant of an Option. The
grant of an option is not expected to result in any taxable income for the recipient as of the date of the grant, except that in
the event non-statutory options are granted with an exercise price lower than the then-current fair market value of the common
stock, the difference between the exercise price and the then-current fair market value may be treated as deferred compensation
income recognized as of the date the non-statutory options are granted.
Exercise of Incentive Stock Option. The
holder of an incentive stock option generally will have no taxable income upon exercising the option (except that a tax liability
may arise pursuant to the alternative minimum tax), and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction.
Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. Generally,
subject to Code Section 409A, upon exercising a nonqualified stock option, the award recipient must recognize ordinary income
equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price.
The income will be treated as compensation income subject to payroll and withholding tax obligations. The Company would be entitled
to a compensation deduction in the amount of income recognized by the award recipient.
Disposition of Shares Acquired Through
an Option. The tax consequence to a holder of an option upon a disposition of shares acquired through the exercise
of an option will depend on how long the shares have been held and upon whether such shares were acquired by exercising an incentive
stock option or by exercising a nonqualified stock option.
Generally, the
disposition of shares which were acquired by exercise of an incentive stock option will be taxable as long-term capital gain or
loss if the award recipient disposes of the shares more than two years after the option was granted and at least one year after
exercising the option. If the award recipient fails to satisfy the holding period requirements for treatment as an incentive stock
option, a disposition will result in any gain being treated as compensation income subject to ordinary tax rates. If the award
recipient is still an employee of the Company at the time of the disposition, the amount of gain treated as compensation will also
be subject to payroll and withholding taxes.
If an award recipient
disposes of shares acquired through the exercise of a nonqualified option, any gain or loss will be treated as a capital gain or
loss. To the extent such shares have been held for at least one year after exercise of the nonqualified option, the gain or loss
will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss.
Generally, there
will be no tax consequence to the Company in connection with the disposition of shares acquired under an option, except that the
Company may be entitled to a tax deduction in the case of the disposition of shares acquired under an incentive stock option before
the applicable incentive stock option holding periods set forth in the Code have been satisfied.
The grant by the
Board of other stock-based awards may have varying tax consequences to award recipients. Grants made pursuant to the 2014 Plan
may be subject to Code Section 409A and plan administration may have to conform to Code Section 409A. Failure to comply
with Code Section 409A, if applicable, will result in acceleration of income and imposition of penalties and interest to award
recipients.
Application of Section 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Special rules may apply in the case of individuals subject to Section 16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, unless a special election is made pursuant to the Code, shares
received pursuant to the exercise of a stock option may be treated as restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial
risk of forfeiture for a period of up to six months after the date of exercise. Accordingly, the amount of any ordinary income
recognized, and the amount of the Company's tax deduction, are determined as of the end of such period.
New Plan Benefits
Future awards
under the 2014 Stock Plan to our non-employee directors, executive officers and employees are made at the discretion of the Compensation
Committee. At this time, therefore, the benefits that may be received by our executive officers and other employees under the 2014
Stock Plan cannot be determined, and we have not included a table reflecting such benefits and awards.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL
NO. 7:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPANY’S 2014 STOCK PLAN
PROPOSAL NO. 7
APPROVAL OF 2014 STOCK PLAN
The Company’s
Board of Directors has approved the 2014 Stock Plan (the “2014 Plan”), in the form of Appendix D hereto. Under the
2014 Plan, the Company may grant up to 153,880,168, of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, or stock purchase rights
to eligible persons, including employees, nonemployees, members of the Board of Directors, consultants, and other independent advisors
who provide services to the Company. The term of the 2014 Plan is ten years from the later of (i) the effective date of the
Plan (July 31, 2014), or (ii) the earlier of the most recent Board or stockholder approval of an increase in the number of shares
reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan. No grants have been made to date under the 2014 Plan.
Summary of the 2014 Plan
The purpose of
our 2014 Plan is to provide an incentive to attract and retain directors, officers, consultants, advisors and employees whose services
are considered valuable, to encourage a sense of proprietorship and to stimulate an active interest of such persons into our development
and financial success. The 2014 Plan permits the grant of the following types of incentive awards:
· |
Incentive Stock Options |
· |
Non-qualified stock options |
·
|
Stock Purchase Rights |
The 2014 Plan is
administered by our Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors.
Subject to the
terms of the 2014 Plan, the Board of Directors as administrator has the sole discretion to select the directors, officers, employees,
consultants and advisors who will receive awards, determine the terms and conditions of the awards, and interpret the provisions
of the 2014 Plan and outstanding awards. Our Board of Directors generally may amend or terminate the 2014 Plan at any time and
for any reason, except the Board shall obtain shareholder approval of any amendment to the extent necessary to comply with applicable
law.
The number of shares
of our common stock reserved for issuance under the 2014 Plan is 153,880,168. If any award under the 2014 Plan is cancelled
prior to its exercise or vesting in full, or if the number of shares subject to an award is reduced for any reason, the shares
of our stock that are no longer subject to such award will be returned to the available pool of shares reserved for issuance under
the 2008 Plan.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is
a summary of the principal U.S. federal income tax consequences generally applicable to awards under the 2014 Plan. This summary
does not purport to consider all of the possible U.S. federal tax consequences of the awards and is not intended to reflect the
particular tax position of any award recipient. This summary is based upon the U.S. federal tax laws and regulations now in effect
and as currently interpreted and does not take into account possible changes in such tax laws or such interpretations, any of which
may be applied retroactively. Award recipients are strongly advised to consult their own tax advisors for additional information.
Grant of an Option. The
grant of an option is not expected to result in any taxable income for the recipient as of the date of the grant, except that in
the event non-statutory options are granted with an exercise price lower than the then-current fair market value of the common
stock, the difference between the exercise price and the then-current fair market value may be treated as deferred compensation
income recognized as of the date the non-statutory options are granted.
Exercise of Incentive Stock Option. The
holder of an incentive stock option generally will have no taxable income upon exercising the option (except that a tax liability
may arise pursuant to the alternative minimum tax), and the Company will not be entitled to a tax deduction.
Exercise of Nonqualified Stock Option. Generally,
subject to Code Section 409A, upon exercising a nonqualified stock option, the award recipient must recognize ordinary income
equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of common stock acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price.
The income will be treated as compensation income subject to payroll and withholding tax obligations. The Company would be entitled
to a compensation deduction in the amount of income recognized by the award recipient.
Disposition of Shares Acquired Through
an Option. The tax consequence to a holder of an option upon a disposition of shares acquired through the exercise
of an option will depend on how long the shares have been held and upon whether such shares were acquired by exercising an incentive
stock option or by exercising a nonqualified stock option.
Generally, the
disposition of shares which were acquired by exercise of an incentive stock option will be taxable as long-term capital gain or
loss if the award recipient disposes of the shares more than two years after the option was granted and at least one year after
exercising the option. If the award recipient fails to satisfy the holding period requirements for treatment as an incentive stock
option, a disposition will result in any gain being treated as compensation income subject to ordinary tax rates. If the award
recipient is still an employee of the Company at the time of the disposition, the amount of gain treated as compensation will also
be subject to payroll and withholding taxes.
If an award recipient
disposes of shares acquired through the exercise of a nonqualified option, any gain or loss will be treated as a capital gain or
loss. To the extent such shares have been held for at least one year after exercise of the nonqualified option, the gain or loss
will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss.
Generally, there
will be no tax consequence to the Company in connection with the disposition of shares acquired under an option, except that the
Company may be entitled to a tax deduction in the case of the disposition of shares acquired under an incentive stock option before
the applicable incentive stock option holding periods set forth in the Code have been satisfied.
The grant by the
Board of other stock-based awards may have varying tax consequences to award recipients. Grants made pursuant to the 2014 Plan
may be subject to Code Section 409A and plan administration may have to conform to Code Section 409A. Failure to comply
with Code Section 409A, if applicable, will result in acceleration of income and imposition of penalties and interest to award
recipients.
Application of Section 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Special rules may apply in the case of individuals subject to Section 16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In particular, unless a special election is made pursuant to the Code, shares
received pursuant to the exercise of a stock option may be treated as restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial
risk of forfeiture for a period of up to six months after the date of exercise. Accordingly, the amount of any ordinary income
recognized, and the amount of the Company's tax deduction, are determined as of the end of such period.
New Plan Benefits
Future awards
under the 2014 Stock Plan to our non-employee directors, executive officers and employees are made at the discretion of the Compensation
Committee. At this time, therefore, the benefits that may be received by our executive officers and other employees if our stockholders
approve the 2014 Stock Plan cannot be determined, and we have not included a table reflecting such benefits and awards.
The following table
shows information with respect our equity compensation plans, consisting of our 2008 Stock Plan and our Management, Employee, Advisor
and Director Preferred Stock Option Plan - 2012 Series B Convertible Preferred Stock Plan, as of the fiscal year ended December
31, 2013.
Equity Compensation Plan Information (Common Stock) |
Plan category | |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | | |
Weighted-average Exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) | | |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a) (c) | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | |
| 6,941,288 | | |
$ | 0.05 | | |
| 623,618 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total | |
| 6,941,288 | | |
$ | 0.05 | | |
| 623,618 | |
Equity Compensation Plan Information (Preferred Stock) |
Plan category | |
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) | | |
Weighted-average Exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants and
rights (b) | | |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) | |
| |
| | |
| | |
| |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | |
| - | | |
| - | | |
| - | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | |
| 2,287,500 | | |
$ | 0.4500 | | |
| 552,500 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Total | |
| 2,287,500 | | |
$ | 0.4500 | | |
| 552,500 | |
Required Vote
Approval of the 2014
Stock Plan requires the receipt of the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes represented by the Company's common stock
and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock present in person or by proxy and voting at the Annual Meeting.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD FOR PROPOSAL
NO. 7:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE TO APPROVE THE COMPANY’S 2014 STOCK PLAN
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other
business which will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named
in the enclosed Proxy, or their substitutes, will vote the shares represented thereby in accordance with their judgment on such
matters.
ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION
Annual Reports on Form 10-K/A
Additional copies of our Annual Report
on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 may be obtained without charge by writing to the Corporate Secretary,
Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc.,c/o Janssen Labs@QB3, 953 Indiana Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. Our Annual Report on
Form 10-K/A can also be found on our website: www.amarantus.com.
Stockholders Proposals For The 2015
Annual Meeting.
Proposals by any stockholder intended to
be presented at the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be received by the Company for inclusion in material relating to such
meeting not later than April 23, 2015.
Any stockholder who wishes to present
proposals for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders may do so by
following the procedures prescribed in Rule 14a-8 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. To be eligible,
the stockholder proposals must be received by our Corporate Secretary at our principal executive office on or before April 23,
2015. Such proposal must also meet the other requirements of the rules of the SEC relating to shareholders’
proposals.
Proxy Solicitation Costs
The proxies being solicited hereby are
being solicited by the Company. The Company will bear the entire cost of solicitation of proxies, including preparation, assembly,
printing and mailing of the Notice, the Proxy Statement, the Proxy card and establishment of the Internet site hosting the proxy
material. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding
in their names shares of common stock beneficially owned by others to forward to such beneficial owners. Officers and regular employees
of the Company may, but without compensation other than their regular compensation, solicit proxies by further mailing or personal
conversations, or by telephone, telex, facsimile or electronic means. We will, upon request, reimburse brokerage firms and others
for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation material to the beneficial owners of stock.
|
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Gerald E. Commissiong |
|
|
Gerald E. Commissiong |
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
|
Appendix A
Form of Common Shares Increase Amendment
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of
Incorporation
For Nevada Profit Corporations
1. Name of corporation:
Amarantus BioScience Holdings Inc.
2. The articles have been amended as follows (provide article
numbers, if available):
The first paragraph of Article IV is hereby amended in its entirety
to read as follows:
The total number of shares of capital stock that the Corporation
shall have the authority to issue is Two Billion Ten Million (2,010,000,000) shares consisting of Two Billion (2,000,000,000) shares
of common stock with a par value of $0.001 per share and Ten Million (10,000,000) shares of preferred stock having a stated value
of $0.001 per share.
3. The vote by which the stockholders holding shares in the
corporation entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power, or such greater proportion of the voting power
as may be required in the case of a vote by classes or series, or as may be required by the provisions of the articles of incorporation
have voted in favor of the amendment is: More than 50%
4. Effective date of filing (optional):
5. Signature:
Appendix B
AMENDMENT TO
AMARANTUS BIOSCIENCE HOLDINGS, INC. FIRST
AMENDED 2008 STOCK PLAN
The Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc.
First Amended 2008 Stock Plan (the “Plan”) is amended, effective January 17, 2014, in the following respects:
The first sentence of Section 3 is stricken
in its entirety and is amended to read as follows:
Subject to the provisions of Section 13
of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be subject to Options or Stock Purchase Rights and sold under the
Plan is 38,242,127 Shares.
Appendix C
AMENDMENT TO
AMARANTUS BIOSCIENCE HOLDINGS, INC. FIRST
AMENDED 2008 STOCK PLAN
The Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc.
First Amended 2008 Stock Plan (the “Plan”) is amended, effective July 3, 2014, in the following respects:
The first sentence of Section 3 is stricken
in its entirety and is amended to read as follows:
Subject to the provisions of Section 13
of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be subject to Options or Stock Purchase Rights and sold under the
Plan is 46,119,832 Shares.
Appendix D
AMARANTUS BIOSCIENCE HOLDINGS, INC.
2014 STOCK PLAN
1. Purposes of the Plan.
The purposes of this Plan are to attract and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial responsibility, to
provide additional incentive to Employees, Directors and Consultants and to promote the success of the Company’s business.
Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, as determined by the Administrator
at the time of grant. Stock Purchase Rights may also be granted under the Plan.
2. Definitions.
As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Administrator”
means the Board or any of its Committees as shall be administering the Plan in accordance with Section 4
hereof.
(b) “Applicable
Laws” means the requirements relating to the administration of stock option plans under U.S. state corporate laws, U.S.
federal and state securities laws, the Code, any stock exchange or quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted
and the applicable laws of any other country or jurisdiction where Options or Stock Purchase Rights are granted under the Plan.
(c) “Board”
means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) “Change
in Control” means the occurrence of any of the following events:
(i) Any
“person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act) becomes the “beneficial
owner” (as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing
fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power represented by the Company’s then outstanding voting securities, except
that any change in the beneficial ownership of the securities of the Company as a result of a private financing of the Company
that is approved by the Board, shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control; or
(ii) The
consummation of the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; or
(iii) The
consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation which
would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining
outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity or its parent) at least fifty percent (50%) of
the total voting power represented by the voting securities of the Company or such surviving entity or its parent outstanding immediately
after such merger or consolidation.
(e) “Code”
means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Any reference to a section of the Code herein will be a reference to
any successor or amended section of the Code.
(f) “Committee”
means a committee of Directors or of other individuals satisfying Applicable Laws appointed by the Board in accordance with Section 4
hereof.
(g) “Common
Stock” means the Common Stock of the Company.
(h) “Company”
means Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation.
(i) “Consultant”
means any person who is engaged by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary to render consulting or advisory services to such entity.
(j) “Director”
means a member of the Board.
(k) “Disability”
means total and permanent disability as defined in Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
(l) “Employee”
means any person, including officers and Directors, employed by the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary of the Company. Neither
service as a Director nor payment of a director’s fee by the Company shall be sufficient to constitute “employment”
by the Company.
(m) “Exchange
Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(n) “Exchange
Program” means a program under which (a) outstanding Options are surrendered or cancelled in exchange for Options of
the same type (which may have lower exercise prices and different terms), Options of a different type, and/or cash, and/or (b)
the exercise price of an outstanding Option is reduced. The terms and conditions of any Exchange Program will be determined by
the Administrator in its sole discretion.
(o) “Fair
Market Value” means, as of any date, the value of Common Stock determined as follows:
(i) If
the Common Stock is listed on any established stock exchange or a national market system, including without limitation the Nasdaq
National Market or The Nasdaq Capital Market of The Nasdaq Stock Market, its Fair Market Value shall be the closing sales price
for such stock (or the closing bid, if no sales were reported) as quoted on such exchange or system on the day of determination,
as reported in The Wall Street Journal or such other source as the Administrator deems reliable;
(ii) If
the Common Stock is regularly quoted by a recognized securities dealer but selling prices are not reported, its Fair Market Value
shall be the mean between the high bid and low asked prices for the Common Stock on the day of determination; or
(iii) In
the absence of an established market for the Common Stock, the Fair Market Value thereof shall be determined in good faith by the
Administrator.
(p) “Incentive
Stock Option” means an Option intended to qualify as an incentive stock option within the meaning of Section 422
of the Code.
(q) “Nonstatutory
Stock Option” means an Option not intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option.
(r) “Option”
means a stock option granted pursuant to the Plan.
(s) “Option
Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and an Optionee evidencing the terms and conditions
of an individual Option grant. The Option Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.
(t) “Optioned Stock”
means the Common Stock subject to an Option or a Stock Purchase Right.
(u) “Optionee”
means the holder of an outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right granted under the Plan.
(v) “Parent”
means a “parent corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(e) of the Code.
(w) “Plan”
means this 2014 Stock Plan.
(x) “Restricted
Stock” means Shares issued pursuant to a Stock Purchase Right or Shares of restricted stock issued pursuant to an
Option.
(y) “Restricted
Stock Purchase Agreement” means a written or electronic agreement between the Company and the Optionee evidencing the
terms and restrictions applying to Shares purchased under a Stock Purchase Right. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement is subject
to the terms and conditions of the Plan and the notice of grant.
(z) “Securities
Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(aa) “Service
Provider” means an Employee, Director or Consultant.
(bb) “Share”
means a share of the Common Stock, as adjusted in accordance with Section 13
below.
(cc) “Stock
Purchase Right” means a right to purchase Common Stock pursuant to Section 11
below.
(dd) “Subsidiary”
means a “subsidiary corporation,” whether now or hereafter existing, as defined in Section 424(f) of the Code.
3. Stock Subject to the Plan.
Subject to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan, the maximum aggregate number of Shares that may be subject to Options
or Stock Purchase Rights and sold under the Plan is 153,880,168 Shares. The Shares may be authorized but unissued, or reacquired
Common Stock.
If an Option or Stock
Purchase Right expires or becomes unexercisable without having been exercised in full, or is surrendered pursuant to an Exchange
Program, the unpurchased Shares that were subject thereto shall become available for future grant or sale under the Plan (unless
the Plan has terminated). However, Shares that have actually been issued under the Plan, upon exercise of either an Option or Stock
Purchase Right, shall not be returned to the Plan and shall not become available for future distribution under the Plan, except
that if unvested Shares of Restricted Stock are repurchased by the Company at their original purchase price, such Shares shall
become available for future grant under the Plan.
4. Administration of the Plan.
(a) Administrator.
The Plan shall be administered by the Board or a Committee appointed by the Board, which Committee shall be constituted to comply
with Applicable Laws.
(b) Powers of the Administrator.
Subject to the provisions of the Plan and, in the case of a Committee, the specific duties delegated by the Board to such Committee,
and subject to the approval of any relevant authorities, the Administrator shall have the authority in its discretion:
(i) to
determine the Fair Market Value;
(ii) to
select the Service Providers to whom Options and Stock Purchase Rights may from time to time be granted hereunder;
(iii) to
determine the number of Shares to be covered by each such award granted hereunder;
(iv) to
approve forms of agreement for use under the Plan;
(v) to
determine the terms and conditions of any Option or Stock Purchase Right granted hereunder. Such terms and conditions include,
but are not limited to, the exercise price, the time or times when Options or Stock Purchase Rights may be exercised (which may
be based on performance criteria), any vesting acceleration or waiver of forfeiture restrictions, and any restriction or limitation
regarding any Option or Stock Purchase Right or the Common Stock relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the Administrator,
in its sole discretion, shall determine;
(vi) to
institute an Exchange Program;
(vii) to
prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan, including rules and regulations relating to sub-plans
established for the purpose of satisfying applicable foreign laws;
(viii) to
allow Optionees to satisfy withholding tax obligations by electing to have the Company withhold from the Shares to be issued upon
exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right that number of Shares having a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount required
to be withheld. The Fair Market Value of the Shares to be withheld shall be determined on the date that the amount of tax to be
withheld is to be determined. All elections by Optionees to have Shares withheld for this purpose shall be made in such form and
under such conditions as the Administrator may deem necessary or advisable; and
(ix) to
construe and interpret the terms of the Plan and Options granted pursuant to the Plan.
(c) Effect of Administrator’s Decision.
All decisions, determinations and interpretations of the Administrator shall be final and binding on all Optionees.
5. Eligibility.
Nonstatutory Stock Options and Stock Purchase Rights may be granted to Service Providers. Incentive Stock Options may be granted
only to Employees.
6. Limitations.
(a) Incentive
Stock Option Limit. Each Option shall be designated in the Option Agreement as either an Incentive Stock Option or a Nonstatutory
Stock Option. However, notwithstanding such designation, to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Shares with
respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by the Optionee during any calendar year (under all
plans of the Company and any Parent or Subsidiary) exceeds $100,000, such Options shall be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options.
For purposes of this Section 6 (a), Incentive Stock Options shall be taken into account in the order in which they were granted.
The Fair Market Value of the Shares shall be determined as of the time the Option with respect to such Shares is granted.
(b) At-Will
Employment. Neither the Plan nor any Option or Stock Purchase Right shall confer upon any Optionee any right with respect to
continuing the Optionee’s relationship as a Service Provider with the Company, nor shall it interfere in any way with his
or her right or the Company’s right to terminate such relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without
notice.
7. Term of Plan.
Subject to stockholder approval in accordance with Section 19, the Plan shall become effective upon its adoption by the Board.
Unless sooner terminated under Section 15, it shall continue in effect for a term of ten (10) years from the later of
(i) the effective date of the Plan, or (ii) the earlier of the most recent Board or stockholder approval of an increase in the
number of Shares reserved for issuance under the Plan.
8. Term
of Option. The term of each Option shall be stated in the Option Agreement; provided, however, that the term shall be no more
than ten (10) years from the date of grant thereof. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an Optionee who, at
the time the Option is granted, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power of all classes of stock
of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the term of the Option shall be five (5) years from the date of grant or such
shorter term as may be provided in the Option Agreement.
9. Option
Exercise Price and Consideration.
(a) Exercise
Price. The per share exercise price for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option shall be such price as is determined
by the Administrator, but shall be subject to the following:
(i) In
the case of an Incentive Stock Option
(A) granted
to an Employee who, at the time of grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market
Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted
to any other Employee, the per Share exercise price shall be no less than 100% of the Fair Market Value per Share on the date of
grant.
(ii) In
the case of a Nonstatutory Stock Option
(A) granted
to a Service Provider who, at the time of grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than ten percent (10%) of the voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, the exercise price shall be no less than 110% of the
Fair Market Value per Share on the date of grant.
(B) granted
to any other Service Provider, the per Share exercise price shall beshall be such price as is determined by the Administrator.
(iii) Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Options may be granted with a per Share exercise price other than as required above in accordance with and pursuant
to a transaction described in Section 424 of the Code.
(b) Forms
of Consideration. The consideration to be paid for the Shares to be issued upon exercise of an Option, including the method
of payment, shall be determined by the Administrator (and, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, shall be determined at the
time of grant). Such consideration may consist of, without limitation, (1) cash, (2) check, (3) promissory note, (4) other
Shares, provided Shares acquired directly from the Company (x) have been owned by the Optionee, and not subject to a substantial
risk of forfeiture, for more than six months on the date of surrender, and (y) have a Fair Market Value on the date of surrender
equal to the aggregate exercise price of the Shares as to which such Option shall be exercised, (5) consideration received
by the Company under a cashless exercise program implemented by the Company in connection with the Plan, or (6) any combination
of the foregoing methods of payment. In making its determination as to the type of consideration to accept, the Administrator shall
consider if acceptance of such consideration may be reasonably expected to benefit the Company.
10. Exercise of Option.
(a) Procedure for Exercise;
Rights as a Stockholder. Any Option granted hereunder shall be exercisable according to the terms hereof at such times and
under such conditions as determined by the Administrator and set forth in the Option Agreement. An Option may not be exercised
for a fraction of a Share. Except in the case of Options granted to officers, Directors and Consultants, Options shall become exercisable
at a rate of no less than 20% per year over five (5) years from the date the Options are granted.
An Option shall be
deemed exercised when the Company receives (i) written or electronic notice of exercise (in accordance with the Option Agreement)
from the person entitled to exercise the Option, and (ii) full payment for the Shares with respect to which the Option is
exercised. Full payment may consist of any consideration and method of payment authorized by the Administrator and permitted by
the Option Agreement and the Plan. Shares issued upon exercise of an Option shall be issued in the name of the Optionee or, if
requested by the Optionee, in the name of the Optionee and his or her spouse. Until the Shares are issued (as evidenced by the
appropriate entry on the books of the Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company), no right to vote or receive
dividends or any other rights as a stockholder shall exist with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the Option.
The Company shall issue (or cause to be issued) such Shares promptly after the Option is exercised. No adjustment will be made
for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Shares are issued, except as provided in Section 13 of
the Plan.
Exercise of an Option
in any manner shall result in a decrease in the number of Shares thereafter available, both for purposes of the Plan and for sale
under the Option, by the number of Shares as to which the Option is exercised.
(b) Termination of
Relationship as a Service Provider. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider, such Optionee may exercise his or her Option
within thirty (30) days of termination, or such longer period of time as specified in the Option Agreement, to the extent that
the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of the Option as set forth
in the Option Agreement). Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, if on the date of termination the Optionee is not vested
as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan. If, after termination,
the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified by the Administrator, the Option shall terminate, and
the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(c) Disability
of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be a Service Provider as a result of the Optionee’s Disability, the Optionee may
exercise his or her Option within six (6) months of termination, or such longer period of time as specified in the Option Agreement,
to the extent the Option is vested on the date of termination (but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option
as set forth in the Option Agreement). Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, if on the date of termination the Optionee
is not vested as to his or her entire Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall revert to the Plan.
If, after termination, the Optionee does not exercise his or her Option within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate,
and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the Plan.
(d) Death of Optionee.
If an Optionee dies while a Service Provider, the Option may be exercised within six (6) months following Optionee’s death,
or such longer period of time as specified in the Option Agreement, to the extent that the Option is vested on the date of death
(but in no event later than the expiration of the term of such Option as set forth in the Option Agreement) by the Optionee’s
designated beneficiary, provided such beneficiary has been designated prior to Optionee’s death in a form acceptable to the
Administrator. If no such beneficiary has been designated by the Optionee, then such Option may be exercised by the personal representative
of the Optionee’s estate or by the person(s) to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the Optionee’s will or in
accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. If, at the time of death, the Optionee is not vested as to his or her entire
Option, the Shares covered by the unvested portion of the Option shall immediately revert to the Plan. If the Option is not so
exercised within the time specified herein, the Option shall terminate, and the Shares covered by such Option shall revert to the
Plan.
(e) Leaves
of Absence.
(i) Unless
the Administrator provides otherwise, vesting of Options granted hereunder to officers and Directors shall be suspended during
any unpaid leave of absence.
(ii) A
Service Provider shall not cease to be an Employee in the case of (A) any leave of absence approved by the Company or (B) transfers
between locations of the Company or between the Company, its Parent, any Subsidiary, or any successor.
(iii) For
purposes of Incentive Stock Options, no such leave may exceed ninety (90) days, unless reemployment upon expiration of such leave
is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed,
then three (3) months following the 91st day of such leave, any Incentive Stock Option held by the Optionee shall cease to be treated
as an Incentive Stock Option and shall be treated for tax purposes as a Nonstatutory Stock Option.
11. Stock
Purchase Rights.
(a) Rights
to Purchase. Stock Purchase Rights may be issued either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under
the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. After the Administrator determines that it will offer Stock Purchase Rights
under the Plan, it shall advise the offeree in writing or electronically of the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the
offer, including the number of Shares that such person shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the time within
which such person must accept such offer. The terms of the offer shall comply in all respects with Section 260.140.42 of Title
10 of the California Code of Regulations. The offer shall be accepted by execution of a Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement in
the form determined by the Administrator.
(b) Repurchase
Option. Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall grant the Company a repurchase
option exercisable within 90 days of the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser’s service with the Company
for any reason (including death or disability). Unless the Administrator provides otherwise, the purchase price for Shares repurchased
pursuant to the Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall be the original price paid by the purchaser and may be paid by cancellation
of any indebtedness of the purchaser to the Company. The repurchase option shall lapse at such rate as the Administrator may determine.
Except with respect to Shares purchased by officers, Directors and Consultants, the repurchase option shall in no case lapse at
a rate of less than 20% per year over five (5) years from the date of purchase.
(c) Other
Provisions. The Restricted Stock Purchase Agreement shall contain such other terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent
with the Plan as may be determined by the Administrator in its sole discretion.
(d) Rights
as a Stockholder. Once the Stock Purchase Right is exercised, the purchaser shall have rights equivalent to those of a stockholder
and shall be a stockholder when his or her purchase is entered upon the records of the duly authorized transfer agent of the Company.
No adjustment shall be made for a dividend or other right for which the record date is prior to the date the Stock Purchase Right
is exercised, except as provided in Section 13 of the Plan.
12. Limited
Transferability of Options and Stock Purchase Rights. Unless determined otherwise by the Administrator, Options and
Stock Purchase Rights may not be sold, pledged, assigned, hypothecated, transferred, or disposed of in any manner other than by
will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised during the lifetime of the Optionee, only by the Optionee. If
the Administrator in its sole discretion makes an Option or Stock Purchase Right transferable, such Option or Stock Purchase Right
may only be transferred (i) by will, (ii) by the laws of descent and distribution, or (iii) to family members (within the meaning
of Rule 701 of the Securities Act) through gifts or domestic relations orders, as permitted by Rule 701 of the Securities Act.
13. Adjustments;
Dissolution or Liquidation; Merger or Change in Control.
(a) Adjustments.
In the event that any dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities, or other property),
recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off, combination, repurchase,
or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, or other change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the
Shares occurs, the Administrator, in order to prevent diminution or enlargement of the benefits or potential benefits intended
to be made available under the Plan, may (in its sole discretion) adjust the number and class of Shares that may be delivered under
the Plan and/or the number, class, and price of Shares covered by each outstanding Option or Stock Purchase Right; provided, however,
that the Administrator shall make such adjustments to the extent required by Section 25102(o) of the California Corporations
Code.
(b) Dissolution
or Liquidation. In the event of the proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the Administrator shall notify each
Optionee as soon as practicable prior to the effective date of such proposed transaction. To the extent it has not been previously
exercised, an Option or Stock Purchase Right will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.
(c) Merger
or Change in Control. In the event of a merger of the Company with or into another corporation, or a Change in Control, each
outstanding Option and Stock Purchase Right shall be assumed or an equivalent option substituted by the successor corporation or
a Parent or Subsidiary of the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation in a merger or Change in Control
refuses to assume or substitute for the Option or Stock Purchase Right, then the Optionee shall fully vest in and have the right
to exercise the Option or Stock Purchase Right as to all of the Optioned Stock, including Shares as to which it would not otherwise
be vested or exercisable. If an Option or Stock Purchase Right becomes fully vested and exercisable in lieu of assumption or substitution
in the event of a merger or Change in Control, the Administrator shall notify the Optionee in writing or electronically that the
Option or Stock Purchase Right shall be fully exercisable for a period of time as determined by the Administrator, and the Option
or Stock Purchase Right shall terminate upon expiration of such period. For the purposes of this paragraph, the Option or Stock
Purchase Right shall be considered assumed if, following the merger or Change in Control, the option or right confers the right
to purchase or receive, for each Share subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right immediately prior to the merger or Change
in Control, the consideration (whether stock, cash, or other securities or property) received in the merger or Change in Control
by holders of Common Stock for each Share held on the effective date of the transaction (and if holders were offered a choice of
consideration, the type of consideration chosen by the holders of a majority of the outstanding Shares); provided, however, that
if such consideration received in the merger or Change in Control is not solely common stock of the successor corporation or its
Parent, the Administrator may, with the consent of the successor corporation, provide for the consideration to be received upon
the exercise of the Option or Stock Purchase Right, for each Share subject to the Option or Stock Purchase Right, to be solely
common stock of the successor corporation or its Parent equal in fair market value to the per share consideration received by holders
of common stock in the merger or Change in Control.
14. Time of Granting Options
and Stock Purchase Rights. The date of grant of an Option or Stock Purchase Right shall, for all purposes, be the date on which
the Administrator makes the determination granting such Option or Stock Purchase Right, or such later date as is determined by
the Administrator. Notice of the determination shall be given to each Service Provider to whom an Option or Stock Purchase Right
is so granted within a reasonable time after the date of such grant.
15. Amendment and Termination of the Plan.
(a) Amendment
and Termination. The Board may at any time amend, alter, suspend or terminate the Plan.
(b) Stockholder
Approval. The Board shall obtain stockholder approval of any Plan amendment to the extent necessary and desirable to comply
with Applicable Laws.
(c) Effect of Amendment or Termination.
No amendment, alteration, suspension or termination of the Plan shall impair the rights of any Optionee, unless mutually agreed
otherwise between the Optionee and the Administrator, which agreement must be in writing and signed by the Optionee and the Company.
Termination of the Plan shall not affect the Administrator’s ability to exercise the powers granted to it hereunder with
respect to Options granted under the Plan prior to the date of such termination.
16. Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.
(a) Legal
Compliance. Shares shall not be issued pursuant to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right unless the exercise of
such Option or Stock Purchase Right and the issuance and delivery of such Shares shall comply with Applicable Laws and shall be
further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance.
(b) Investment
Representations. As a condition to the exercise of an Option or Stock Purchase Right, the Administrator may require the person
exercising such Option or Stock Purchase Right to represent and warrant at the time of any such exercise that the Shares are being
purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or distribute such Shares if, in the opinion of counsel
for the Company, such a representation is required.
17. Inability
to Obtain Authority. The inability of the Company to obtain authority from any regulatory body having jurisdiction, which authority
is deemed by the Company’s counsel to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any Shares hereunder, shall relieve
the Company of any liability in respect of the failure to issue or sell such Shares as to which such requisite authority shall
not have been obtained.
18. Reservation of Shares.
The Company, during the term of this Plan, shall at all times reserve and keep available such number of Shares as shall be sufficient
to satisfy the requirements of the Plan.
19. Stockholder
Approval. The Plan shall be subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company within twelve (12) months after the
date the Plan is adopted. Such stockholder approval shall be obtained in the degree and manner required under Applicable Laws.
20. Information
to Optionees. The Company shall provide to each Optionee and to each individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, not
less frequently than annually during the period such Optionee has one or more Options or Stock Purchase Rights outstanding, and,
in the case of an individual who acquires Shares pursuant to the Plan, during the period such individual owns such Shares, copies
of annual financial statements. The Company shall not be required to provide such statements to key employees whose duties in connection
with the Company assure their access to equivalent information.
AMARANTUS BIOSCIENCE HOLDINGS, INC.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
SEPTEMBER 22, 2014
Important Notice Regarding the Availability
of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To Be Held on September 22, 2014
AMARANTUS BIOSCIENCE HOLDINGS, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned, revoking all
prior proxies, hereby appoints Gerald E. Commissiong and Robert Farrell, with full power of substitution, as proxy to
represent and vote all shares of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share and Series C Convertible Preferred Stock, par value
$0.001 per share of Amarantus BioScience Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), which the undersigned will be entitled
to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of the Company to be held on September 22, 2014, at
10:00 a.m. PT at the offices of Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati at One Market Plaza, Spear Tower, Suite 3300, San
Francisco, CA 94105, upon matters set forth in the Notice of 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement, a copy
of which has been received by the undersigned. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote. The proxies are further
authorized to vote, in their discretion, upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
This proxy, when properly executed, will
be voted as directed. If no direction is made, the proxy shall be voted FOR the election of the listed nominees as directors,
FOR the ratification of the appointment of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2014, FOR the approval of executive compensation disclosed in the proxy statement, FOR THREE YEARS with
respect to the frequency of future advisory votes on executive compensation, FOR the approval of an amendment to the Company’s
Articles of Incorporation to increase the Company’s authorized shares of common stock, FOR the approval of an amendment
to the Company’s First Amended 2008 Stock Plan, FOR the approval of the Company’s 2014 Stock Plan and, in the
case of other matters that legally come before the meeting, as said proxy(s) may deem advisable.
Please check here if you plan to attend
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on September 22, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. (PT).
(Continued and to be signed on Reverse
Side)
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