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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May&nbsp;18, 2000</B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Registration No.&nbsp;333-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</B></FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR></B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549</B></FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>FORM S-8<BR></B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
UNDER<BR>
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</B></FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>MERRILL CORPORATION<BR></B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)</FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Minnesota</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>41-0946258</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>One Merrill Circle<BR>
St. Paul, Minnesota</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>&nbsp;<BR>
55108</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(Address of principal executive offices)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>(Zip code)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=5><B>1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN<BR></B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Full title of the plan)</FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Steven J. Machov,<BR>
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel<BR>
Merrill Corporation<BR>
One Merrill Circle<BR>
St. Paul, Minnesota 55108<BR>
(651) 646-4501<BR></B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>(Name, address and telephone number,<BR>
including area code, of agent for service)</FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:<BR>
Immediately upon the filing of this registration statement</B></FONT></P>

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<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B></FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="100%" COLSPAN=9><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR></FONT>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B><BR>
&nbsp;<BR>
&nbsp;<BR>
Title of securities to be registered</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>&nbsp;<BR>
&nbsp;<BR>
Amount to be registered(1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum offering price per unit(2)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum aggregate offering price</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>&nbsp;<BR>
&nbsp;<BR>
Amount of registration fee</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="100%" COLSPAN=9><HR NOSHADE></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="49%"><FONT SIZE=2>Class B common stock, $.01 par value per share</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>825,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$22.00</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$18,150,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="1%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="12%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>$4,791.60</FONT></TD>
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<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>In
addition, pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416 under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement includes an indeterminate number of additional shares which may be offered and
sold as a result of anti-dilution provisions described in the 1999 Stock Option Plan.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee and calculated pursuant to Rule&nbsp;457(h) under the Securities Act as follows: (i)&nbsp;with
respect to options to purchase shares previously granted under the 1999 Stock Option Plan, on the basis of the weighted average exercise price of these option grants, and (ii)&nbsp;with respect to
options to be granted under the 1999 Stock Option Plan, on the basis of the good faith estimate by the registrant's board of directors of the fair market value of the registrant's class&nbsp;B
common stock on May&nbsp;17, 2000.</FONT></DD></DL>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><HR
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<H2><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT></H2>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2227_part_i"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>PART I  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="de2227_information_required_in_the_section_10(a)_prospectus"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED<BR> IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The documents containing the information specified in Part&nbsp;I of Form&nbsp;S-8 have been or will be sent or given to participants as
specified by Rule&nbsp;428(b)(1) under the Securities Act.</FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>1</FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><HR
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<H2><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT></H2>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_part_ii"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>PART II  </B></FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_information_required_in_the_registration_statement"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>INFORMATION REQUIRED<BR> IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference."> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;Incorporation of Documents by Reference.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following document filed by Merrill Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission is incorporated by reference in this registration statement:</FONT></P>

<UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)&nbsp;Merrill's
prospectus filed on May&nbsp;18, 2000 pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(b) under the Securities Act that contains Merrill's audited financial statements for
the fiscal year ended January&nbsp;31, 2000.</FONT></P>

</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this registration statement and prior
to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered pursuant to this registration statement have been sold or that deregisters all securities then
remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.</FONT></P>

<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_item_4._description_of_securities."> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;Description of Securities.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merrill's class&nbsp;B common stock is not registered under Section&nbsp;12 of the Exchange Act.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
authorized capital stock consists of 25,000,000 shares of voting common stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares of voting class&nbsp;B common stock, par value $.01
per share, and 500,000 shares of 14.5% senior preferred stock due 2011. The following is a summary of the material rights and privileges pertaining to our class&nbsp;B common stock.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
shares of our shares of class&nbsp;B common stock have equal rights and preferences. There are no redemption, sinking fund, conversion or preemptive rights with respect to the
shares of our class&nbsp;B common stock. The holders of our class&nbsp;B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters voted upon by shareholders and may not
cumulate votes for the election of directors. Our class&nbsp;B common stock is identical in all respects to our voting common stock and has equal rights and privileges, except that the
class&nbsp;B common stock, with respect to rights on liquidation, winding up or dissolution of our company, ranks prior to the voting common stock. Subject to the preferential rights of our
preferred stock, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the holders of outstanding shares of our class&nbsp;B common stock are entitled
to receive out of our assets available for distribution to shareholders, before any distribution of assets will be made to the holders of shares of common stock, an amount equal to $1.00 per
outstanding share of class&nbsp;B common stock. After amounts payable with respect to the holders of our class&nbsp;B common stock of the full preferential amount in connection with any
liquidation, winding up or dissolution of our company, the holders of the our class&nbsp;B common stock and voting common stock will share on a pro rata basis in any distribution of our assets,
subject to the preferential rights of the preferred stock.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel."> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The validity of the shares of our class&nbsp;B common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Oppenheimer Wolff&nbsp;&amp; Donnelly LLP,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.</FONT></P>

<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers."> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6.&nbsp;&nbsp;Indemnification of Directors and Officers.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Minnesota Business Corporation Act requires us to indemnify any director, officer or employee made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding, by
reason of the former or present official capacity of the person, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses</FONT></P>

<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>2</FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><HR
NOSHADE></FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>incurred
in connection with the proceeding if certain statutory standards are met. "Proceeding" means a threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration or investigative
proceeding, including a derivative action in the name of the company. Reference is made to the detailed terms of Section&nbsp;302A.521 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act for a complete
statement of these indemnification rights.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our
articles of incorporation provide that each director, officer, employee and agent, past or present of our company, and persons serving as such of another corporation or entity at
our request, shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable state law.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We
maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance, including a reimbursement policy in favor of our company.</FONT></P>

<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_item_7._exemptions_from_registration_claimed."> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;Exemptions from Registration Claimed.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. No securities are to be re-offered or resold pursuant to this registration statement.</FONT></P>

<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_item_8._exhibits."> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits.  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit No.</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="92%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT><BR></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>Opinion of Oppenheimer Wolff&nbsp;&amp; Donnelly LLP (filed herewith).</FONT></TD>
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<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (filed herewith).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>Consent of Oppenheimer Wolff&nbsp;&amp; Donnelly LLP (included in Exhibit&nbsp;5.1).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="7%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2>24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="92%"><FONT SIZE=2>Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this registration statement).</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="ja2227_item_9._undertakings."> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;Undertakings.  </B></FONT></P>

<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
<BR><BR></FONT>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(i)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
include any prospectus required by Section&nbsp;10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(ii)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment hereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high
end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule&nbsp;424(b) under the Securities Act if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(iii)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any
material change to such information in this registration statement.</FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<UL>
<UL>
<BR>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>Provided,
however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i)&nbsp;and (a)(1)(ii)&nbsp;above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section&nbsp;13 or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this
registration statement.</FONT></P>

</UL>
</UL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><HR
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<UL>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.</FONT></DD></DL>
<BR>
</UL>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(b)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section&nbsp;13(a) or Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act (and where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section&nbsp;15(d) of the Exchange Act)
that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(c)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification
by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.</FONT></DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>4</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><HR
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<H2><FONT SIZE=2> </FONT></H2>
<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc2227_signatures"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements of filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of St. Paul,
State of Minnesota, on May&nbsp;17, 2000.</FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="48%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%" COLSPAN=2><FONT SIZE=2>MERRILL CORPORATION</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="48%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="4%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2>By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="46%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHN W. CASTRO</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> John W. Castro<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>President and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</I></FONT></TD>
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<BR>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><A
NAME="jc2227_power_of_attorney"> </A></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints John W. Castro and Steven J. Machov, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.</FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed on May&nbsp;17, 2000 by the following persons in the capacities indicated.</FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Signature</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="50%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>&nbsp;<BR></B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>JOHN W. CASTRO</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> John W. Castro</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%"><FONT SIZE=2>President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>RICK R. ATTERBURY</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Rick R. Atterbury</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ROBERT H. NAZARIAN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Robert H. Nazarian</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>LAWRENCE M. SCHLOSS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Lawrence M. Schloss</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="48%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WILLIAM F. DAWSON, JR.</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> William F. Dawson, Jr.</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="50%"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;<BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<H2><FONT SIZE=2><A NAME="00STP2227_1">QuickLinks</A></FONT></H2>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#de2227_part_i">PART I</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#de2227_information_required_in_the_section_10(a)_prospectus">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS</A></FONT><BR>
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<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_part_ii">PART II</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_information_required_in_the_registration_statement">INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<UL>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_item_3._incorporation_of_documents_by_reference.">Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_item_4._description_of_securities.">Item 4. Description of Securities.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_item_5._interests_of_named_experts_and_counsel.">Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_item_6._indemnification_of_directors_and_officers.">Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_item_7._exemptions_from_registration_claimed.">Item 7. Exemptions from Registration Claimed.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_item_8._exhibits.">Item 8. Exhibits.</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#ja2227_item_9._undertakings.">Item 9. Undertakings.</A></FONT><BR>
</UL>

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<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#jc2227_signatures">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#jc2227_power_of_attorney">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "description": "S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 27685}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "MERRILL CORP", "cik": "0000790406", "assigned-sic": "2750", "irs-number": "410946258", "state-of-incorporation": "MN", "fiscal-year-end": "0131"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-37340", "film-number": "639680"}, "business-address": {"street1": "ONE MERRILL CIRCLE", "street2": "ENERGY PARK", "city": "ST PAUL", "state": "MN", "zip": "55108", "phone": "6516464501"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "MERRILL CORP/FA", "date-changed": "19930915"}}
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION www.edgaradvantage.com
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 18, 2000
Registration No. 333-
U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
MERRILL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota
41-0946258
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
One Merrill Circle
St. Paul, Minnesota
55108
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip code)
1999 STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
Steven J. Machov,
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel
Merrill Corporation
One Merrill Circle
St. Paul, Minnesota 55108
(651) 646-4501
(Name, address and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
Immediately upon the filing of this registration statement
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of securities to be registered
Amount to be registered(1)
Proposed maximum offering price per unit(2)
Proposed maximum aggregate offering price
Amount of registration fee
Class B common stock, $.01 par value per share
825,000
$22.00
$18,150,000
$4,791.60
(1)
In
addition, pursuant to Rule 416 under the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement includes an indeterminate number of additional shares which may be offered and
sold as a result of anti-dilution provisions described in the 1999 Stock Option Plan.
(2)
Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee and calculated pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act as follows: (i) with
respect to options to purchase shares previously granted under the 1999 Stock Option Plan, on the basis of the weighted average exercise price of these option grants, and (ii) with respect to
options to be granted under the 1999 Stock Option Plan, on the basis of the good faith estimate by the registrant's board of directors of the fair market value of the registrant's class B
common stock on May 17, 2000.
PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED
IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS
The documents containing the information specified in Part I of Form S-8 have been or will be sent or given to participants as
specified by Rule 428(b)(1) under the Securities Act.
1
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED
IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3.  Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following document filed by Merrill Corporation with the Securities and Exchange Commission is incorporated by reference in this registration statement:
(1) Merrill's
prospectus filed on May 18, 2000 pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act that contains Merrill's audited financial statements for
the fiscal year ended January 31, 2000.
All
documents filed by us with the SEC pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 after the date of this registration statement and prior
to the filing of a post-effective amendment which indicates that all securities offered pursuant to this registration statement have been sold or that deregisters all securities then
remaining unsold, shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference in this registration statement and to be a part hereof from the date of filing of such documents.
Item 4.  Description of Securities.
Merrill's class B common stock is not registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act.
Our
authorized capital stock consists of 25,000,000 shares of voting common stock, par value $.01 per share, 10,000,000 shares of voting class B common stock, par value $.01
per share, and 500,000 shares of 14.5% senior preferred stock due 2011. The following is a summary of the material rights and privileges pertaining to our class B common stock.
All
shares of our shares of class B common stock have equal rights and preferences. There are no redemption, sinking fund, conversion or preemptive rights with respect to the
shares of our class B common stock. The holders of our class B common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters voted upon by shareholders and may not
cumulate votes for the election of directors. Our class B common stock is identical in all respects to our voting common stock and has equal rights and privileges, except that the
class B common stock, with respect to rights on liquidation, winding up or dissolution of our company, ranks prior to the voting common stock. Subject to the preferential rights of our
preferred stock, in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our company, the holders of outstanding shares of our class B common stock are entitled
to receive out of our assets available for distribution to shareholders, before any distribution of assets will be made to the holders of shares of common stock, an amount equal to $1.00 per
outstanding share of class B common stock. After amounts payable with respect to the holders of our class B common stock of the full preferential amount in connection with any
liquidation, winding up or dissolution of our company, the holders of the our class B common stock and voting common stock will share on a pro rata basis in any distribution of our assets,
subject to the preferential rights of the preferred stock.
Item 5.  Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
The validity of the shares of our class B common stock offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Item 6.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
The Minnesota Business Corporation Act requires us to indemnify any director, officer or employee made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding, by
reason of the former or present official capacity of the person, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses
2
incurred
in connection with the proceeding if certain statutory standards are met. "Proceeding" means a threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration or investigative
proceeding, including a derivative action in the name of the company. Reference is made to the detailed terms of Section 302A.521 of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act for a complete
statement of these indemnification rights.
Our
articles of incorporation provide that each director, officer, employee and agent, past or present of our company, and persons serving as such of another corporation or entity at
our request, shall be indemnified to the fullest extent permitted by applicable state law.
We
maintain directors' and officers' liability insurance, including a reimbursement policy in favor of our company.
Item 7.  Exemptions from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable. No securities are to be re-offered or resold pursuant to this registration statement.
Item 8.  Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
5.1
Opinion of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP (filed herewith).
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (filed herewith).
23.2
Consent of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on the signature page to this registration statement).
Item 9.  Undertakings.
(a)
The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1)
To
file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i)
To
include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii)
To
reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of this registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment hereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this registration statement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high
end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) under the Securities Act if, in the aggregate, the changes in
volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the effective registration statement;
(iii)
To
include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any
material change to such information in this registration statement.
Provided,
however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) above do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is
contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this
registration statement.
3
(2)
That,
for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3)
To
remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(b)
The
undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant's annual report pursuant to
Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act (and where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act)
that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at
that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c)
Insofar
as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and is therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification
by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
4
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements of filing on Form S-8 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of St. Paul,
State of Minnesota, on May 17, 2000.
MERRILL CORPORATION
By:
/s/
JOHN W. CASTRO
John W. Castro
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints John W. Castro and Steven J. Machov, and each of them, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this registration statement, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorney-in-fact and agent full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite or necessary to be done in
and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his
substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed on May 17, 2000 by the following persons in the capacities indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/
JOHN W. CASTRO
John W. Castro
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/
RICK R. ATTERBURY
Rick R. Atterbury
Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Director
/s/
ROBERT H. NAZARIAN
Robert H. Nazarian
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/
LAWRENCE M. SCHLOSS
Lawrence M. Schloss
Director
/s/
WILLIAM F. DAWSON, JR.
William F. Dawson, Jr.
Director
5
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PART I
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE SECTION 10(A) PROSPECTUS
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Item 7. Exemptions from Registration Claimed.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Item 9. Undertakings.
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY