Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-59324
PROSPECTUS
664,359 Shares
AMERIPATH, INC.
Common Stock
The stockholders named in the table included in the "Selling Stockholders"
section of this prospectus, which begins on page 13 are offering and selling up
to 664,359 shares of our common stock under this prospectus.
Of the 664,359 shares covered by this prospectus, 659,274 shares are
presently issued and outstanding and 5,085 shares have been reserved for
issuance pursuant to the exercise of warrants held by some of the selling
stockholders. Those selling stockholders must first exercise the warrants and
acquire the underlying shares from us before they can resell those shares under
this prospectus.
Our common stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market under the
symbol "PATH". On August 6, 2001, the last sale price of our common stock as
reported by Nasdaq was $32.20 per share.
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This investment involves risks. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 3.
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Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state commission has
approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is
truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is August 10, 2001
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY.................................................... 3
RISK FACTORS.......................................................... 3
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS............ 11
USE OF PROCEEDS....................................................... 12
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS.................................................. 13
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.................................................. 17
LEGAL MATTERS......................................................... 18
EXPERTS............................................................... 18
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION................................... 18
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE....................... 19
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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
We are the largest physician and laboratory company focused on providing
anatomic pathology, cancer diagnostics, genomics, and healthcare information
services. Since the first quarter of 1996, we have completed the acquisition of
49 physician practices located in 21 states. These practices are either directly
owned or managed by us through one of our subsidiaries. Our 419 pathologists
provide medical diagnostic services in outpatient laboratories owned, operated
and managed by us, and in hospitals and outpatient ambulatory surgery centers.
Of these pathologists, 413 are board certified in anatomic and clinical
pathology, and 190 are also board certified in a subspecialty of anatomic
pathology, including dermatopathology (study of diseases of the skin),
hematopathology (study of diseases of the blood) and cytopathology (study of
abnormalities of the cells).
On November 30, 2000, we consummated a merger with Inform DX in which we
(1) issued an aggregate of approximately 2.6 million shares of our common stock
in exchange for all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Inform DX and
(2) assumed certain outstanding stock options and warrants of Inform DX. We also
granted the former stockholders and warrant holders of Inform DX rights to
register for resale up to one-third of the shares of our common stock they
received in the merger or have the right to receive pursuant to the warrants we
assumed. We have prepared this prospectus and registered the shares offered by
the selling stockholders in order to comply with these registration rights. The
selling stockholders acquired all of the shares of our common stock that they
are offering under this prospectus or warrants to purchase such shares in
connection with the Inform DX merger.
Our principal executive offices are located at 7289 Garden Road, Suite 200,
Riviera Beach, Florida 33404. Our telephone number is (561) 845-1850. Our
Internet address is www.ameripath.com. The information contained on our web site
is not part of this prospectus.
RISK FACTORS
Any investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You
should carefully consider each of the following risks and all of the other
information set forth in this prospectus before purchasing our common stock. If
any of the following risks actually occur, our business prospects, financial
condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected and
the trading price of our common stock could decline. In any such case, you
could lose all or part of your investment in our company.
Our business could be harmed by future interpretation or implementation of state
laws regarding prohibitions on the corporate practice of medicine.
We acquire or affiliate with physician practices located in many states
across the country. However, the laws of many states prohibit business
corporations, including AmeriPath and its subsidiaries, from owning corporations
that employ physicians, or from exercising control over the medical judgments or
decisions of physicians. These laws and their interpretations vary from state to
state and are enforced by both the courts and regulatory authorities, each with
broad discretion. The manner in which we operate each practice is determined
primarily by the corporate practice of medicine restrictions of the state in
which the practice is located and other applicable regulations.
We believe that we are currently in material compliance with the corporate
practice of medicine laws in each of the states in which we operate.
Nevertheless, it is possible that regulatory authorities or other parties may
assert that we are engaged in the unauthorized corporate practice of medicine.
If such a claim were successfully asserted in any jurisdiction, we could be
subject to civil and criminal penalties and could be required to restructure our
contractual and other arrangements. Any restructuring of our
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contractual and other arrangements with physician practices could result in
lower revenues from such practices, increased expenses in the operation of such
practices and reduced influence over the business decisions of such practices.
Alternatively, some of our existing contracts could be found to be illegal and
unenforceable, which could result in the termination of those contracts and an
associated loss of revenue. In addition, expansion of our operations to other
"corporate practice" states may require structural and organizational
modification to the form of relationship that we currently have with physicians,
affiliated practices and hospitals. Such modifications could result in less
profitable relationships with physicians, affiliated practices and hospitals,
less influence over the business decisions of physicians and affiliated
practices and failure to achieve our growth objectives.
We could be hurt by future interpretation or implementation of federal anti-
kickback laws.
Federal anti-kickback laws and regulations prohibit the offer, payment,
solicitation and receipt of any form of remuneration in exchange for referrals
of products or services for which payment may be made by Medicare, Medicaid or
other federal health care programs. Violations of federal anti-kickback laws are
punishable by monetary fines, civil and criminal penalties and exclusion from
participation in Medicare, Medicaid and other federal health care programs.
Several states have similar laws. While we believe our operations are in
material compliance with applicable Medicare and fraud and abuse laws, including
the anti-kickback law, there is a risk that the federal government might
investigate our arrangements with physicians and third parties. Such
investigations, regardless of their outcome, could damage our reputation and
adversely affect important business relationships that we have with third
parties, including physicians, hospitals and private payors. If our
arrangements with physicians and third parties were found to be illegal, we
could be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including fines and possible
exclusion from participation in government payor programs. Significant fines
could cause liquidity problems and adversely affect our results of operations.
Exclusion from participation in government payor programs would eliminate an
important source of revenue and adversely affect our business.
Our business could be harmed by future interpretation or implementation of the
federal Stark Law and other state and federal anti-referral laws.
We are also subject to federal and state statutes and regulations banning
payments for referrals of patients and referrals by physicians to health care
providers with whom the physicians have a financial relationship. The federal
Stark Law applies to Medicare and Medicaid and prohibits a physician from
referring patients for certain services, including laboratory services, to an
entity with which the physician has a financial relationship. Financial
relationship includes both investment interests in an entity and compensation
arrangements with an entity. Many states have similar laws. These state laws
generally apply to services reimbursed by both governmental and private payors.
Violations of these federal and state laws may result in prohibition of payment
for services rendered, loss of licenses, fines, criminal penalties and exclusion
from governmental and private payor programs. We have financial relationships
with our physicians, as defined by the federal Stark Law, in the form of
compensation arrangements, ownership of our common stock and contingent
promissory notes issued by us in connection with acquisitions. While we believe
that our financial relationships with physicians are in material compliance with
applicable laws and regulations, government authorities might take a contrary
position. If our financial relationships with physicians were found to be
illegal, we could be subject to civil and criminal penalties, including fines,
exclusion from participation in government and private payor programs and
requirements to refund amounts previously received from government and private
payors. In addition, expansion of our operations to new jurisdictions, or new
interpretations of laws in our existing jurisdictions, could require structural
and organizational modifications of our relationships with physicians to comply
with that jurisdiction's laws. Such structural and organizational modifications
could result in lower profitability and failure to achieve our growth
objectives.
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We could be hurt by future interpretation or implementation of state and federal
anti-trust laws.
In connection with the corporate practice of medicine laws, the physician
practices with which we are affiliated in some states are organized as separate
legal entities. As such, the physician practice entities may be deemed to be
persons separate both from us and from each other under the antitrust laws and,
accordingly, subject to a wide range of laws that prohibit anti-competitive
conduct among separate legal entities. In addition, we are seeking to acquire or
affiliate with established and reputable practices in our target geographic
markets. While we believe that we are in compliance with these laws and intend
to comply with any laws that may apply to our development of integrated health
care delivery networks, courts or regulatory authorities could nevertheless
investigate our business practices. If our business practices were found to
violate these laws, we could be required to pay fines, penalties and damage
awards and we could be required to restructure our business in a manner that
would reduce our profitability or impede our growth.
Our business could be harmed by future interpretation or implementation of the
Health Care Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
The Health Care Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA,
created provisions that impose criminal penalties for fraud against any health
care benefit program, for theft or embezzlement involving health care and for
false statements in connection with the payment of any health benefits. The
HIPAA provisions apply not only to federal programs, but also to private health
benefit programs. HIPAA also broadened the authority of the OIG to exclude
participants from federal health care programs. Because of the uncertainties as
to how the HIPAA provisions will be enforced, we are currently unable to predict
their ultimate impact on us. Compliance with HIPAA could cause us to modify our
business operations in a manner that would increase our operating costs or
impede our growth. In addition, although we are unaware of any current
violations of HIPAA, if we were found to be in violation of HIPPAA, the
government could seek penalties against us or seek to exclude us from
participation in government payor programs.
We charge our clients on a fee-for-service basis, so we incur financial risk
related to collections as well as potentially long collection cycles when
seeking reimbursement from third party payors.
Substantially all of our net revenues are derived from our practices'
charging for services on a fee-for-service basis. Accordingly, we assume the
financial risk related to collection, including the potential uncollectability
of accounts, long collection cycles for accounts receivable and delays attendant
to reimbursement by third party payors, such as governmental programs, private
insurance plans and managed care organizations. Increases in write-offs of
doubtful accounts, delays in receiving payments or potential retroactive
adjustments and penalties resulting from audits by payors may adversely affect
our operating cash flow and liquidity, require us to borrow funds to meet our
current obligations, reduce our profitability, impede our growth or otherwise
adversely affect our business.
We rely upon reimbursement from government programs for a significant portion of
our revenues, and therefore our business would be harmed if reimbursement rates
from government programs decline.
We derive approximately 20% of our collections from payments made by
government sponsored health care programs (principally Medicare and Medicaid).
These programs are subject to substantial regulation by federal and state
governments. Any changes in reimbursement regulations, policies, practices,
interpretations or statutes that place limitations on reimbursement amounts, or
changes in reimbursement coding practices, could adversely affect our business
by reducing revenues and lowering profitability. Increasing budgetary pressures
at both the federal and state level and concerns over escalating costs of health
care have led, and may continue to lead, to significant reductions in health
care
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reimbursements. State concerns over the growth in Medicaid expenditures also
could result in payment reductions. In addition, Medicare, Medicaid and other
government sponsored health care programs are increasingly shifting to forms of
managed care, which generally offer lower reimbursement rates. Some states have
enacted legislation to require that all Medicaid patients be transitioned to
managed care organizations, which could result in reduced payments to us for
such patients. Similar legislation may be enacted in other states. In addition,
a state-legislated shift of Medicaid patients to a managed care organization
could cause us to lose some or all Medicaid business in that state if we were
not selected by the managed care organization as a participating provider.
Additionally, funds received under all health care reimbursement programs are
subject to audit with respect to the proper billing for physician services and,
accordingly, retroactive adjustments of revenue from these programs could occur.
We expect that there will continue to be proposals to reduce or limit Medicare
and Medicaid reimbursements.
There has been an increasing number of state and federal investigations of
hospitals and hospital laboratories, which may increase the likelihood of
investigations of our business practices.
Significant media and public attention has been focused on the health care
industry due to ongoing federal and state investigations reportedly related to
referral and billing practices, laboratory and home health care services and
physician ownership and joint ventures involving hospitals. Most notably, HCA is
reportedly under investigation with respect to such practices. We operate
laboratories on behalf of numerous hospitals and have numerous contractual
agreements with hospitals, including 28 HCA hospitals as of June 30, 2001.
Therefore, the government's ongoing investigation of HCA or other hospital
operators could result in governmental investigations of one or more of our
operations. In addition, the OIG and the Department of Justice have initiated
hospital laboratory billing review projects in certain states and are expected
to extend such projects to additional states, including states in which we
operate hospital laboratories. These projects further increase the likelihood of
governmental investigations of laboratories that we own or operate. Although we
monitor our billing practices and hospital arrangements for compliance with
prevailing industry practices under applicable laws, such laws are complex and
constantly evolving and it is possible that governmental investigators may take
positions that are inconsistent with our practices or industry practices. The
government's investigations of entities with which we contract may have other
adverse effects on us, including termination or amendment of one or more of our
contracts or the sale of hospitals potentially disrupting the performance of
services under our contracts. In addition, some indemnity insurers and other
non-governmental payors have sought repayment from providers, including
laboratories, for alleged overpayments.
The heightened scrutiny of Medicare and Medicaid billing practices in recent
years may increase the possibility that we will become subject to costly and
time consuming investigations.
Payors periodically reevaluate the services for which they provide
reimbursement. In some cases, government payors such as Medicare also may seek
to recoup payments previously made for services determined not to be
reimbursable. Any such action by payors would adversely affect our revenues and
earnings. Moreover, the federal government has become more aggressive in
examining laboratory billing practices and seeking repayments and penalties
allegedly resulting from improper billing for services (e.g., the billing codes
used). While the primary focus of this initiative has been on hospital
laboratories and on routine clinical chemistry tests, which comprise only a
portion of our revenues, the scope of this initiative could expand and it is
not possible to predict whether or in what direction the expansion might occur.
While we believe that our practices are proper and do not include any allegedly
improper practices now being examined, the government could broaden its
initiative to focus on the type of services we furnish. If this were to happen,
we might be required to repay money. Furthermore, HIPAA and Operation Restore
Trust have strengthened the powers of the OIG and increased the funding for
Medicare and Medicaid audits and investigations. As a result, the OIG is
currently expanding the scope of its health care audits and investigations.
Federal and state audits and inspections, whether on a scheduled or
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unannounced basis, are conducted from time to time at our facilities. If a
negative finding is made as a result of such an investigation, we could be
required to change coding practices or repay amounts paid for incorrect
practices.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from short-term hospital
contracts and hospital relationships that can easily be terminated.
Our hospital contracts typically have terms of one to five years and
automatically renew for additional one-year terms unless otherwise terminated by
either party. The contracts generally provide that the hospital may terminate
the agreement prior to the expiration of the initial or any renewal term. We
also have business relationships with hospitals that are not reduced to written
contracts and that may be terminated by the hospitals at any time. Loss of any
particular hospital contract or relationship would not only result in a loss of
net revenue to us under that contract or relationship, but may also result in a
loss of outpatient net revenue that may be derived from our association with the
hospital and its medical staff. Continuing consolidation in the hospital
industry may result in fewer hospitals or fewer laboratories as hospitals move
to combine their operations. Our contracts and relationships with hospitals may
be terminated or, in the case of contracts, may not be renewed as their current
terms expire.
If we are unable to make acquisitions in the future, our rate of growth will
slow.
Much of our historical growth has come from acquisitions, and we expect to
continue to pursue growth through the acquisition and development of
laboratories and physician practices. However, we may be unable to continue to
identify and complete suitable acquisitions at prices we are willing to pay or
to obtain the necessary financing on acceptable terms. In addition, as we
become a bigger company, the amount that acquired businesses contribute to our
revenue and profits will likely be smaller on a percentage basis. We compete
with other companies to identify and complete suitable acquisitions. We expect
this competition to intensify, making it more difficult to acquire suitable
companies on favorable terms. Further, the businesses we acquire may not
perform well enough to justify our investment. If we are unable to make
additional acquisitions on suitable terms, we may not meet our growth
expectations.
We intend to raise additional capital, which may be difficult to obtain at
attractive prices and which may cause us to engage in financing transactions
that adversely affect our stock price.
We need capital for both internal growth and the acquisition and
integration of new practices, products and services. Therefore, we intend to
raise additional capital through public or private offerings of equity
securities and/or debt financings. Our issuance of additional equity securities
could cause dilution to holders of our common stock and may adversely affect the
market price of our common stock. The incurrence of additional debt could
increase our interest expense and other debt service obligations and could
result in the imposition of covenants that restrict our operational and
financial flexibility. Additional capital may not be available to us on
commercially reasonable terms or at all. The failure to raise additional needed
capital could impede the implementation of our operating and growth strategies.
The success of our growth strategy depends on our ability to adapt to new
markets and to effectively integrate newly acquired practices.
Our expansion into new markets will require us to maintain and establish
payor and customer relationships and to convert the patient tracking and
financial reporting systems of new practices to our systems. Significant delays
or expenses with regard to this process could adversely affect the integration
of additional practices and our profitability. The integration of additional
practices also requires the implementation and centralization of purchasing,
accounting, human resources, management information systems, cash management and
other systems, which may be difficult, costly and time-consuming.
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Accordingly, our operating results in fiscal quarters immediately following a
new practice affiliation may be adversely affected while we attempt to complete
the integration process. We may encounter significant unanticipated costs or
other problems associated with the future integration of practices into our
combined network of affiliated practices. Our expansion into new markets may
require us to comply with present or future laws and regulations that may differ
from those to which we are currently subject. Failure to meet these requirements
could impede our growth objectives or adversely affect our profitability.
We may inherit significant liabilities from practices that we acquire.
We perform due diligence investigations with respect to potential
liabilities of acquired and affiliated practices and obtain indemnification with
respect to liabilities from the sellers of such practices. Nevertheless,
undiscovered claims may arise and liabilities for which we become responsible
may be material and may exceed either the limitations of any applicable
indemnification provisions or the financial resources of the indemnifying
parties. While we believe, based on our due diligence investigations, that the
operations of our practices prior to their acquisition were generally in
compliance with applicable health care laws, it is nevertheless possible that
such practices were not in full compliance with such laws and that we will
become accountable for their non-compliance. A violation of such laws by a
practice could result in civil and criminal penalties, exclusion of the
physician, the practice or us from participation in Medicare and Medicaid
programs and loss of a physician's license to practice medicine.
We have significant contingent liabilities payable to many of the sellers of
practices that we have acquired.
In connection with our practice acquisitions, we typically agree to pay the
sellers additional consideration in the form of contingent debt obligations,
payment of which depends upon the practice achieving specified profitability
criteria over periods ranging from three to five years after the acquisition.
The amount of these contingent payments cannot be determined until the
contingency periods terminate and achievement of the profitability criteria is
determined. As of December 31, 2000, if the maximum criteria for the contingency
payments with respect to all prior acquisitions were achieved, we would be
obligated to make payments, including principal and interest, of approximately
$198.4 million over the next three to five years. Lesser amounts would be paid
if the maximum criteria are not met. Although we believe we will be able to make
such payments from internally generated funds or proceeds of future borrowings,
it is possible that such payments could cause significant liquidity problems for
us. Payments of these contingent amounts will adversely affect our earnings per
share and may cause volatility in the market price of our common stock. We
expect to continue to use contingent notes as partial consideration for
acquisitions and affiliations.
We have recorded a significant amount of intangible assets, which may never be
realized.
Our acquisitions have resulted in significant increases in net identifiable
intangible assets and goodwill. Net identifiable intangible assets, which
include hospital contracts, physician client lists, management service
agreements and laboratory contracts acquired in acquisitions were approximately
$263.2 million at June 30, 2001, representing approximately 44.8% of our total
assets. Net identifiable intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the
date of acquisition and are being amortized over periods ranging from 10 to 40
years. Goodwill, which relates to the excess of cost over the fair value of net
assets of businesses acquired, was approximately $196.7 million at June 30,
2001, representing approximately 34.6% of our total assets. We amortize goodwill
on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 15 to 35 years. On an ongoing
basis, we make an evaluation to determine whether events and circumstances
indicate that all or a portion of the carrying value of intangible assets may no
longer be recoverable, in which case an additional charge to earnings may be
necessary. We may not ever realize the full value of
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our intangible assets. Any future determination requiring the write-off of a
significant portion of unamortized intangible assets could adversely affect our
results of operations for the period in which the write-off occurs, which could
adversely affect our stock price.
Our business is highly dependent on the recruitment and retention of qualified
pathologists.
Our business is dependent upon recruiting and retaining pathologists,
particularly those with subspecialties, such as dermatopathology. While our
practices have been able to recruit (principally through practice acquisitions)
and retain pathologists, we may be unable to continue to do so in the future as
competition for the services of pathologists increases. In addition, we may have
to modify the economic terms of our relationships with pathologists in order
enhance our recruitment and retention efforts, which could adversely affect our
profitability. The relationship between the pathologists and their respective
local medical communities is important to the operation and continued
profitability of each practice. Loss of one of our pathologists could lead to
the loss of hospital contracts or other sources of revenue that depend on our
continuing relationship with that pathologist. Our revenues and earnings could
be adversely affected if a significant number of pathologists terminate their
relationships with our practices or become unable or unwilling to continue their
employment, or if a number of our non-competition agreements with physicians
were terminated or determined to be invalid or unenforceable. The two
pathologists in our Birmingham, Alabama practice recently terminated their
employment with us and opened their own pathology lab. As a result, we no
longer have an operating lab in Alabama. We have implemented a strategy to
retain our Alabama customers and service them through other AmeriPath
facilities. If we are unable to retain these customers we could incur a non-
cash asset impairment charge which would not exceed, in the aggregate, $3.9
million. If an impairment charge is necessary, depending upon the magnitude of
the charge, we may have to seek a waiver from our lenders to avoid violating a
covenant under our credit facility.
Proposals to reform the health care industry may restrict our existing
operations, impose additional requirements on us, limit our expansion or
increase our costs of regulatory compliance.
Federal and state governments have recently focused significant attention
on health care reform. It is not possible to predict which, if any, proposal
will be adopted. It is possible that the health care regulatory environment will
change so as to restrict our existing operations, impose additional requirements
on us or limit our expansion. Costs of compliance with changes in government
regulations may not be subject to recovery through price increases.
Competition from other providers of pathology services may adversely affect our
business.
Our services include the provision of physician practice management
services to pathology practices and the provision of pathology and cytology
diagnostic services. Companies in other health care segments, such as
hospitals, national clinical laboratories, third party payors and health
maintenance organizations may compete with us in the employment of pathologists
and the management of pathology practices. We also expect to experience
increasing competition in the provision of pathology and cytology diagnostic
services from other anatomic pathology practices, companies in other health
care industry segments (such as other hospital-based specialties), national
clinical laboratories, large physician group practices or other pathology
physician practice management companies. Some of our competitors may have
greater financial and other resources than us, which could further intensify
competition. Increasing competition may erode our customer base and reduce our
sources of revenue and may increase our marketing and other costs of doing
business. Increasing competition may also impede our growth objectives by making
it more difficult or more expensive for us to acquire or affiliate with
additional pathology practices.
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We may be subject to significant professional liability claims and we cannot
assure you that our insurance coverage limits will be sufficient to cover such
claims.
Our business entails an inherent risk of claims of physician professional
liability for acts or omissions of our physicians and laboratory personnel. We
and our physicians periodically become involved as defendants in medical
malpractice lawsuits, some of which are currently ongoing, and are subject to
the attendant risk of substantial damage awards. While we believe that we have
an adequate risk management program, including professional liability insurance
coverage, it is possible that future claims will exceed the limits of our risk
management program, including the limits of our insurance coverage. It is also
possible that the costs of our insurance coverage will rise causing us to either
incur additional costs or further limit the amount of coverage we have. In
addition, our insurance does not cover all potential liabilities arising from
governmental fines and penalties, indemnification agreements and certain other
uninsurable losses.
The continued growth of managed care may have a material adverse effect on our
business.
The number of individuals covered under managed care contracts or other
similar arrangements has grown over the past several years and may continue to
grow in the future. Entities providing managed care coverage have been
successful in reducing payments for medical services in numerous ways, including
entering into arrangements under which payments to a service provider are
capitated, limiting testing to specified procedures, denying payment for
services performed without prior authorization and refusing to increase fees for
specified services. These trends reduce revenues, increase the cost of doing
business and limit the ability to pass cost increases on to customers.
Therefore, the continued growth of the managed care industry could adversely
affect our business.
Our business strategy emphasizes growth, which places significant demands on our
financial, operational and management resources and creates the risk of failing
to meet the growth expectations of investors.
Our growth strategy includes efforts to acquire and develop new practices,
develop and expand managed care and national clinical lab contracts and develop
new products, services, technologies and related alliances with third parties.
The pursuit of this growth strategy consumes capital resources, thereby creating
the financial risk that we will not realize an adequate return on this
investment. In addition, our growth may involve the acquisition of companies,
the development of products or services or the creation of strategic alliances
in areas in which we do not currently operate. This would require our
management to develop expertise in new areas, manage new business relationships
and attract new types of customers. The success of our growth strategy also
depends on our ability to expand our physician and employee base and to train,
motivate and manage employees. The success or failure of our growth strategy is
difficult to predict. The failure to achieve our stated growth objectives or
the growth expectations of investors could disappoint investors and harm our
stock price. We may not be able to implement our growth strategy successfully
or to manage our expanded operations effectively and profitably.
We are pursuing a strategy of becoming a fully integrated healthcare diagnostic
information provider, which adds uncertainty to our future results of operations
and could divert financial and management resources away from our core business.
As we pursue our transition into becoming a fully integrated healthcare
diagnostic information provider, we anticipate that significant amounts of
future revenue may be derived from products, services and alliances that do not
exist today or have not been marketed in sufficient quantities to measure
accurately market acceptance. Similarly, post-transition operating costs are
difficult to predict with accuracy, thereby adding further uncertainty to our
future results of operations. We may experience
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difficulties that could delay or prevent the successful development and
introduction of new healthcare diagnostic information products and services and
such products and services may not achieve market acceptance. Any failure by us
to complete this transition in a timely and cost-efficient manner could result
in financial losses and could inhibit our anticipated growth. In addition, the
pursuit of this transition could divert financial and management resources away
from our core business.
We depend on certain key executives, the loss of whom could disrupt our
operations, cause us to incur additional expenses and impede our ability to
expand our operations.
Our success is dependent upon the efforts and abilities of our key
management personnel, particularly James C. New, our Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Brian C. Carr, our President, Gregory A. Marsh, our Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer, Alan Levin, M.D., our Chief Operating
Officer and Dennis M. Smith, Jr., M.D., our Senior Vice President and Medical
Director. The services of these individuals would be very difficult to replace.
Therefore, it would be costly and time consuming to find suitable replacements
for these individuals. The need to find replacements combined with the temporary
loss of these key services could also disrupt our operations and impede our
growth by diverting management attention away from our core business and growth
strategies.
Because of the complex nature of our billing and reimbursement arrangements, we
may be at a greater risk of Internal Revenue Service Examinations.
The Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, conducted an examination of our
federal income tax returns for the tax years ended December 31, 1996 and 1997
and concluded that no changes to the tax reported needed to be made. Although we
believe that we are in compliance with all applicable IRS rules and regulations,
if the IRS should determine that we are not in compliance in any other years, we
could be required to pay additional taxes, including penalties and interest. In
addition, IRS examinations are costly in that they can consume a great deal of
management time and attention that would otherwise be spent pursuing operational
improvements and growth strategies.
Our stock price is volatile and the value of your investment may decrease for
various reasons, including reasons that are unrelated to the performance of our
business.
There has been significant volatility in the market price of securities of
health care companies that often has been unrelated to the operating performance
of such companies. In fact, our common stock, which trades on the Nasdaq
National Market, has traded from a low of $8 per share to a high of $26 15/16
per share for the year ended December 31, 2000. We believe that various factors,
such as legislative and regulatory developments, quarterly variations in our
actual or anticipated results of operations, lower revenues or earnings than
those anticipated by securities analysts, the overall economy and the financial
markets could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the
safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Statements contained anywhere in this prospectus that are not limited to
historical information are considered forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding our
expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans or strategies regarding the future.
These forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and are
subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties discussed in
this prospectus and in other documents we file with the Securities and Exchange
Commission that may cause actual results to be materially different from those
anticipated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. All
11
forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are based on information
available to us on the date hereof, and, except as required by law, we assume no
obligation to update any such forward-looking statements to reflect future
events or circumstances. Forward-looking statements are sometimes indicated by
words such as "may," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate" and similar
expressions.
USE OF PROCEEDS
The shares of our common stock offered under this prospectus are for the
account of the selling stockholders. We will not receive any proceeds from the
sale of common stock by the selling stockholders. However, 5,085 of the shares
covered by this prospectus are subject to issuance by us pursuant to the
exercise of warrants held by some of the selling stockholders, 3,746 of which
have an exercise price of $0.12 per share and 1,339 of which have an exercise
price of $3.73 per share. We may receive cash proceeds from the exercise of
these warrants if the warrant holders elect not to make "cashless" exercises as
permitted under the terms of the warrants. Any cash proceeds that we receive
from the exercise of these warrants would be used for general corporate
purposes.
12
SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
The following table provides:
. The name of each of the selling stockholders;
. The number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each
selling stockholder before this offering;
. The number of shares of common stock being offered by each selling
stockholder under this prospectus; and
. The number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by each
selling stockholder after completion of the offering.
The table assumes that the selling stockholders will sell all shares they
are offering under this prospectus, that the selling stockholders will not
acquire additional shares of our common stock prior to completion of this
offering, and that the selling stockholders will not dispose of any shares of
our common stock not covered by this prospectus. Each selling stockholder
beneficially owns less than 1% of the total number of shares of common stock
outstanding based on 25,274,105 shares of common stock outstanding as of
August 2, 2001.
Shares Beneficially Shares Beneficially
Owned Before Shares Owned After
Name Offering Offered Offering
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Haywood D. Cochrane, Jr. 8,113 2,704 5,409
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian C. Carr(1) 40,486 13,495 26,991
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James E. Billington 8,676 2,892 5,784
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William H. Brownie 4,498 1,499 2,999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Norman O. Hill 1,446 482 964
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Douglas A. Olson 2,678 893 1,785
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richland Ventures, L.P. 29,607 9,869 9,738
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richland Ventures II, L.P. 11,805 3,935 7,870
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DFW Capital Partners, L.P. 27,692 9,231 18,461
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Calver Fund, Inc. 17,282 5,761 11,521
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Noro - Moseley Partners III, L.P. 17,193 6,731 11,462
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.G. Partnership, LTD. 15,189 5,063 10,126
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HLM Partners VII, L.P. 13,905 4,635 9,270
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HLM Partners V, L.P. 12,516 4,172 8,344
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chrysalis Ventures I, Ltd. 11,522 3,841 7,681
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SSM Venture Partners, L.P. 11,462 3,821 7,641
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. David Grissom 11,143 3,714 7,429
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas McColl Chesney, M.D. 12,378 4,126 8,252
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allen D. Berry III, M.D. (2) 12,940 4,313 8,627
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carolyn McIntyre Chesney, M.D. 12,378 4,126 8,252
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William A. Wesche, M.D. 3,615 1,205 2,410
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A. Weldon Schott, D.O. 1,232 411 821
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheng C. Tsai, M.D. 1,003 334 669
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Daniel J. Santa Cruz, M.D. 2,276 759 1,517
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eugene C. Wienke, M.D. 1,232 411 821
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kathryn DeSchryver, M.D. 546 182 364
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark A. Hurt, M.D. 636 212 424
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Oscar Lazcano, M.D. 546 182 364
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert W. Brangle, M.D. 1,232 411 821
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paul D. Cook, D.O. 318 106 212
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Charles B. Bramlett Jr., M.D. 803 268 535
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack Teryle Pearson, M.D. 803 268 535
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Joseph C. Moore, M.D. 2,142 714 1,428
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.W. Ferrell, M.D. 2,401 800 1,601
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John R. Olson, M.D. 2,401 800 1,601
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carlene Ann Hawksley, 100% Trustee of
the Hawksley Trust 1997 Created by
Declaration of Trust, February 12,
1997 4,670 1,557 3,113
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kelly R. O'Keefe and Patricia O'Keefe,
Trustee of the O'Keefe Family Trust
dated December 20, 1995 3,866 1,289 2,577
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert M. Rinehart and Julie M.
Rinehart as Trustee of the Rinehart
Living Trust Dated November 2, 1989 4,670 1,557 3,113
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Simon S. Chan and Julia S. Chan 1993
Intervivos Trust 4,670 1,557 3,113
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Winterling Martin 1997 Revocable Trust 4,670 1,557 3,113
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth W. Westphal, M.D. 803 268 535
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William R. Beach, III 377 126 251
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William H. West, M.D. 1,915 638 1,277
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William H. Lomicka 1,391 464 927
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wachovia Bank of Georgia, N.A. -
Custodian for Alan I. Jacobson IRA 377 126 251
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMB Bank, N.A., Trustee Melissa S.
Elliot 98 33 65
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UMB Bank, N.A., Trustee Max L. Elliot,
M.D. 75 25 50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas W. Beasley 377 126 251
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas L. West, M.D. Profit Sharing
Trust 1,842 614 1,228
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven F. Drake 20,083 6,694 13,389
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steffanie N. Drake Heritage Trust 161 54 107
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Samuel W. Bartholomew 461 154 307
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rose Marie Anderson Trust 4,500 1,500 3,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert R. West 37,861 12,620 25,241
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert LaFollette West 444 148 296
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert E. Brierty & Joan C. Brierty 151 50 101
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert Armistead First IRA Rollover 3,954 1,318 2,636
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Frist 965 322 643
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nickel Medical Laboratory, Inc. 342 114 228
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael W. Blackburn 38 13 25
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Melissa D. Springer 117 39 78
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
McKenzie Investment Company 2,167 722 1,445
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark T. Springer 117 39 78
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marianna L. Dennison 1,712 571 1,141
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kristine Margaret West 444 148 296
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trico & Co. 1,285 428 857
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jackson W. and Elizabeth W. Moore 4,788 1,596 3,192
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack Roy Anderson Trust Fund 4,500 1,500 3,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jack R. Anderson 4,356 1,452 2,904
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerald M. Bordin & Sheila W. Bordin 188 63 125
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Frederick C. Glavin & Martha G. Glavin 377 126 251
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ernest S. Tucker, III 151 50 101
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Douglas Crawford Huber 226 75 151
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware Charter Guarantee & Trust -
FBO Robert Nakamura IRA 151 50 101
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dawn Dixie Drake Heritage Trust 161 54 107
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cora S. Humberson & Michael Whittaker 90 30 60
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brian Datnow, M.D. 377 126 251
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bobbye Williams 151 50 101
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arthur S. Demoss Foundation 7,141 2,380 4,761
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Andres Aquino 151 50 101
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James R. Miller Lifetime Trust 471 157 314
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vincent H. Stack Living Trust 188 63 125
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stephen M. Russell, M.D. 161 54 107
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rodgers Business Interests 461 154 307
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James M. Shapiro and Sarah B. Shapiro
Trustee FBO James M. Shapiro and
Sarah B. Shapiro Trust 1,004 335 669
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Union Street Partners, L.P. 40,165 13,388 26,776
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questor Partners Fund, L.P. 701,166 233,722 467,444
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Questor Side-by-Side Partners, L.P. 50,328 16,776 33,552
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert J. Friedman, M.D. 113,625 37,875 75,750
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward Heilman, M.D. 113,625 37,875 75,750
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard Jacoby, M.D. 70,644 20,252 50,392
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mario DiLeonardo, M.D. 70,644 20,252 50,392
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waine C. Johnson, M.D. 29,664 9,888 19,776
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas D. Griffin, M.D. 29,664 9,888 19,776
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gary R. Kantor, M.D. 29,664 9,888 19,776
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard L. Spielvogel, M.D. 29,664 9,888 19,776
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Finova Mezzanine Capital Inc. 21,034 7,011 14,023
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ben F. Martin, M.D. 20,113 6,704 13,409
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John H. Parker, M.D. 20,113 6,704 13,409
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roxanne Perryman, M.D. 1,607 536 1,071
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
George F. Bale, M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert M. Bradley, M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael F. Bugg, M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thomas R. Callihan, M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kenneth D. Groshart, M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Johnnie Cameron Hall, M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shamim M. Moinuddin, M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gene D. Spencer, Jr., M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce L. Webber, M.D. 12,137 4,046 8,091
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Richard C. Olshock, M.D. 12,353 4,118 8,235
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
James A. Hopfenbeck, M.D. 12,353 4,118 8,235
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cathy Van Blerkom, M.D. 3,088 1,029 2,059
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John E. Boline, M.D. 6,176 2,059 4,117
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mary E. Corkhill, M.D. 12,353 4,118 8,235
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William F. Cox, Jr., M.D. 12,353 4,118 8,235
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Donald K. McClure, M.D. 8,235 2,745 5,490
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timothy W. Morgan, M.D. 12,353 4,118 8,235
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Steven J. Temple, M.D. 12,353 4,118 8,235
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carlton L. Wallis, Jr., M.D. 6,176 2,059 4,117
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael J. Pushchak, M.D. 12,353 4,118 8,235
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Craig MacNab(3) 1,606 535 1,071
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Robert A. Reeves(3) 803 268 535
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H. Richard Pascoe, M.D.(3) 321 107 214
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Russell T. Ray(3) 803 268 535
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gerardo Rosencranz(3) 481 160 321
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stuart F. Smith(3) 321 107 214
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
R. Riley Sweat(3) 321 107 214
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Wilson(3) 481 160 321
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantee and Trust F/B/O. Edward S.
Brokaw(3) 1,606 535 1,071
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SunTrust Equitable Securities
Corporation(3) 8,032 2,678 5,354
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mark R. Klausner(3) 160 53 107
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
___________________
(1) Shareholdings include 321 shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of
warrants, 107 of which are being offered pursuant to this prospectus.
(2) Shareholdings include 803 shares owned jointly with Dr. Berry's spouse,
Dianne J. Berry.
(3) Shareholdings represent shares issuable pursuant to the exercise of
warrants.
Certain Relationships among the Selling Stockholders and AmeriPath
We acquired Inform DX on November 30, 2000 in a stock-for-stock merger
transaction. Each of the selling stockholders was a stockholder or warrant
holder of Inform DX at the time of the merger. The shares covered by this
prospectus were issued pursuant to the merger or are issuable pursuant to
warrants assumed by us in connection with the merger.
In connection with the Inform DX merger, AmeriPath agreed to take certain
actions necessary to register the resale of the shares covered by this
prospectus, including the preparation and filing of the registration statement
of which this prospectus forms a part and the payment of expenses associated
with the registration statement and this prospectus.
16
Some of the selling stockholders were employees, officers or directors of
Inform DX prior to the merger.
Some of the selling stockholders currently are employees of AmeriPath or of
medical practices managed by AmeriPath. Some of the Selling Stockholders are
officers, directors or owners of medical practices managed by AmeriPath.
Brian C. Carr is the President of AmeriPath and James E. Billington is the
Senior Vice President, Operations of AmeriPath.
Brian C. Carr is also a director of AmeriPath.
Haywood D. Cochrane, Jr. is a director of AmeriPath.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol
"PATH". This prospectus is intended to be used to comply with the prospectus
delivery requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 in connection with any
offers or resales. Any or all of the shares of our common stock offered under
this prospectus may be sold from time to time by the selling stockholders, or by
pledgees, donees, transferees, or other successors in interest. These sales may
be made:
. to or through underwriters, agents, brokers or dealers;
. directly to one or more purchasers;
. through agents on a best efforts basis; or
. through a combination of any such methods of sale.
In addition, such sales may be made in the over-the-counter market, or
otherwise at prices and at terms then prevailing or at prices related to the
then current market price or in negotiated transactions. Any or all of the
shares of common stock may be sold by one or more of the following:
. a block trade in which the broker or dealer so engaged will attempt to
sell the shares as agent but may position and resell a portion of the
block as principal to facilitate the transaction;
. purchases by a broker or dealer as principal and resale by such broker
or dealer for its account pursuant to this prospectus;
. an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the exchange or
any automated interdealer quotation system on which the common stock is
then listed;
. ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker
solicits purchasers; and
. writing options on the shares.
Any underwriters, agents or broker-dealers involved in the distribution of
the shares may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the selling stockholders and/or the purchasers of the shares
for which such underwriters, agents or broker-dealers may act as agents or to
whom they sell as principals, or both (which compensation as to an underwriter,
agent or particular broker-dealer will be negotiated prior to the sale and may
be in excess of customary compensation). If required by applicable law at the
time a particular offer of shares is made, the terms and conditions of that
transaction will be set forth in a supplement to this prospectus.
The selling stockholders and any underwriters, agents or broker-dealers
who act in connection with the sale of the shares under this prospectus may be
deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning
17
of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act, and any compensation received by them
might be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act.
The selling stockholders will pay all applicable stock transfer taxes,
transfer fees and brokerage commissions or underwriting or other discounts. We
will bear all expenses in connection with the registration of the shares being
offered by the selling stockholders. We have agreed to indemnify the selling
stockholders against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act.
LEGAL MATTERS
Alston & Bird LLP, Atlanta, Georgia, will pass upon the status of the
shares offered under this prospectus as legally and validly issued, fully paid
and nonassessable.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of AmeriPath, Inc. and its consolidated
subsidiaries, as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2000, except Pathology Consultants of America,
Inc. (d/b/a "InformDX") as of December 31, 1999 and for the years ended December
31, 1999 and 1998, incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP as stated in their reports incorporated by
reference herein. The financial statements of InformDX, consolidated with those
of AmeriPath, Inc. and not presented separately herein, have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP as stated in their reports incorporated by reference herein.
Such financial statements of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries are
incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the respective reports of such
firms given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. All of
the foregoing firms are independent auditors.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other
information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports, proxy
statements and other information may be obtained:
. At the public reference room of the Commission, Room 1024 -- Judiciary
Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549;
. At the public reference facilities at the Commission's regional offices
located at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York
10048 or Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661;
. From the Commission, Public Reference Room, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549;
. At the offices of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc., Reports Section, 1735 K
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006; or
. From the internet site maintained by the Commission at
http://www.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information
------------------
statements and other information regarding issuers that file
electronically with the Commission.
Some locations may charge prescribed rates or modest fees for copies. For
more information on the public reference room, call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-
0330.
We filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a registration
statement on Form S-3 (which contains this prospectus) under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, to register with the
18
Securities and Exchange Commission the resale by the selling stockholders of our
common stock. This prospectus does not contain all the information you can find
in the registration statement or the exhibits and schedules to the registration
statement. For further information with respect to us, and our common stock,
please refer to the registration statement, including the exhibits and
schedules. You may inspect and copy the registration statement, including the
exhibits and schedules, as described above.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The Securities and Exchange Commission allows us to "incorporate by
reference" the information that we file with them in other documents, which
means that we can disclose important information to you by referring to those
documents. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of
this prospectus, and later information that we file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission will automatically update and supersede this information. We
incorporate by reference the documents listed below and all future documents
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c),
14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 until the termination of the
offering to which this prospectus relates:
. Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 6, 2001;
. Current Report on Form 8-K, filed April 6, 2001;
. Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 8, 2001;
. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed
April 2, 2001, including those portions of our proxy statement for our
2001 annual meeting of stockholders that are incorporated into the Form
10-K by reference;
. Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2000, filed August 8, 2001;
. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001,
filed May 15, 2001;
. The description of common stock set forth in our registration statement
filed pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and any amendment or
report filed for the purpose of updating such description; and
. The description of rights to purchase Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock set forth in our registration statement filed pursuant
to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and any amendment or report filed for
the purpose of updating such description.
On written or oral request, we will provide at no cost to each person who
receives a copy of this prospectus, a copy of any or all of the documents
incorporated in this prospectus by reference. We will not provide exhibits to
any of the documents listed above, however, unless those exhibits are
specifically incorporated by reference into those documents. You should direct
your request to the Secretary of AmeriPath, 7289 Garden Road, Suite 200, Riviera
Beach, Florida 33404, telephone number (561) 845-1850.
You should rely only on the information that we incorporate by reference
or provide in this prospectus or any supplement. We have not authorized anyone
else to provide you with different information. Neither we nor the selling
stockholders will make an offer of these shares in any state where
19
the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this
prospectus or any supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on
the front of those documents.
20