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<TITLE>Prepared by MerrillDirect</TITLE>
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<p align=center><a name=MergeParas><font size=3>As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 2, 2001</font></a></p>

<p align=right><font size=3>Registration
No. 333-_____</font></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION<br>
</font></b><font>Washington,
D.C. 20549</font></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>FORM S-8<br>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE<br>
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933</font></b></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>VERSANT CORPORATION<br>
</font></b><font>(Exact Name
of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)</font></p>

<p><font size=3>&nbsp;</font></p>

<dir><dir><dir>
<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="85%">
 <tr>
  <td  align=center width=346 valign=top>

<b><font   size=3>California</font></b>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=491 valign=top>

<b><font   size=3>94-3079392</font></b>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td  align=center width=346 valign=top>

<font size=3>(State or Other Jurisdiction<br>
  of Incorporation or Organization)</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=491 valign=top>

<font size=3>(I.R.S. Employer<br>
  Identification No.)</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
</TABLE>
</dir></dir></dir>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>Versant Corporation<br>
6539 Dumbarton Circle<br>
Fremont, CA&nbsp; 94555<br>
</font></b><font>(Address of
Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)</font></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>1996 Equity Incentive
Plan<br>
</font></b><font>(Full Titles
of the Plans)</font></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>Lee McGrath<br>
Vice President, Finance and Administration<br>
VERSANT CORPORATION<br>
6539 Dumbarton Circle<br>
Fremont, California 94555<br>
(510) 413-1200<br>
</font></b><font>(Name,
Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)</font></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>Copies to:</font></b></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>Barry J. Kramer, Esq.<br>
John M. Shields, Esq.<br>
Fenwick &amp; West LLP<br>
Two Palo Alto Square<br>
Palo Alto, California 94306</font></b></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>CALCULATION OF
REGISTRATION FEE</font></b></p>

<div align=center>

<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%">
 <tr>
  <td  align=center width=210 valign=top>

<b><font size=3><br>
  <br>
  Title of Securities To Be Registered<br>
  </font></b>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=right>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=98 valign=bottom>

<b><font size=3>Amount<br>
  To Be<br>
  Registered</font></b>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=right>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=125 valign=top>

<b><font size=3>Proposed Maximum Offering Price<br>
  Per Share</font></b>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=right>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=128 valign=top>

<b><font size=3>Proposed Maximum Aggregate <br>
  Offering Price </font></b>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=right>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=88 valign=bottom>

<b><font size=3>Amount of Registration Fee</font></b>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=right>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=210 valign=top>

<font size=3>Common Stock, no par value</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=98 valign=top>

<font   size=3>500,000 (1)</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=125 valign=top>

<font size=3>$ 1.83 (2)</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=128 valign=top>

<font size=3>$ 915,000</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=88 valign=top>

<font size=3>$ 250.00</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
</TABLE>

</div>

<dir>
<p><font size=3>&nbsp;</font></p>
</dir>

<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="97%">
 <tr>
  <td width=53 valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=48 valign=top>

<font   size=3>(1)</font>

  </td>

  <td width=858 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Represents shares registered pursuant to
  this Registration Statement that are available for issuance under the
  Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan.&nbsp;
  Pursuant to Rule 429 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as
  amended (the &quot;Securities Act&quot;), the prospectuses relating to this
  Registration Statement also relate to Form S-8 Registration Statements Nos.
  333-08537, 333-29947, 333-80827 and 333-43480.&nbsp; A total of 4,274,110 shares issuable under the Registrant's
  1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 1996 Directors
  Stock Option Plan have been previously registered under the Securities Act.<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=53 valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=48 valign=top>

<font   size=3>(2)</font>

  </td>

  <td width=858 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the
  Securities Act, based on the average of the high and low prices of the
  Registrant's Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market on March
  28, 2001, solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the
  registration fee.</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
</TABLE>

</div>

<PAGE>


<div>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>VERSANT CORPORATION<br>
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8<br>
PART II<br>
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</font></b></p>

<p><b><u><font size=3>Incorporation&nbsp;of&nbsp;Previous Registration Statement</font></u></b></p>

<p><font size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pursuant
to General Instruction E of Form S-8, this Registration Statement is filed
solely to register 500,000 additional shares under the 1996 Equity Incentive
Plan of Versant Corporation (the &quot;Registrant&quot;).&nbsp; The contents of the Registrant's Form S-8
Registration Statements Nos. 333-08537, 333-29947, 333-80827 and 333-43480 are
hereby incorporated by reference.</font></p>

<p><b><u><font size=3>Item 8.&nbsp; Exhibits<br><br></font></u></b></p>

<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%">
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Exhibit No.</font>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=left>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=792 valign=top>

<font size=3>Description</font>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=left>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.01</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles
  of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 24,
  1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Registrant&#146;s Form S-8, File No.
  333-43480, filed with the Commission on August 10, 2000).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top>

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.02</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of
  Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on
  July 14, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of
  Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June
  16, 1999).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.03</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Registrant's Certificate of Determination
  as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999
  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of Registrant's Form 8-K
  filed with the Commission on July 13, 1999).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top>

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.04</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws
  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Registrant's
  Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-4910-LA originally filed
  with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently amended on June 18, 1996
  and July 16, 1996).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.05</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as
  amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the
  related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of
  Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June
  16, 1999).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top>

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.01</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Opinion of Fenwick &amp; West LLP.<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23.01</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Consent of Fenwick &amp; West LLP (included
  in Exhibit 5.01).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top>

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23.02</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent
  Public Accountants.<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=131 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.01</font>

  </td>

  <td width=32 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width=792 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Power of Attorney (see signature page).</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
</TABLE>

</div>

<PAGE>


<div>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>POWER OF ATTORNEY</font></b></p>

<p><font size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Nick Ordon and Lee McGrath, and each of them, his or
her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of
substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same
with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or his or her or their substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.</font></p>

<p align=center><b><font size=3>SIGNATURES</font></b></p>

<p><font size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&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
for 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 Fremont, State of California, on this 30th day of March,&nbsp;2001.<br><br></font></p>

<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%">
 <tr height=41>
  <td width=371 height=41 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

  <td width=304 colspan=2 height=41 valign=top>
  <font size=3>VERSANT CORPORATION<br><br></font>
  </td>

  <td width=308 height=41 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr height=41>
  <td width=371 height=41 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

  <td width=61 height=41 valign=top>
  <font size=3>By:</font>
  </td>

  <td width=551 colspan=2 height=41 valign=top>
  <font size=3>/s/&nbsp;
  NICK ORDON</font>


  <hr size=2 width="55%" noshade color=black align=left>
  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr height=20>
  <td width=371 height=20 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

  <td width=61 height=20 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

  <td width=551 colspan=2 height=20 valign=top>
  <font size=3>Nick Ordon</font>
  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr height=20>
  <td width=371 height=20 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

  <td width=61 height=20 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

  <td width=551 colspan=2 height=20 valign=top>
  <i><font   size=3>President, Chief
  Executive Officer</font></i>
  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr height=20>
  <td width=371 height=20 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

  <td width=61 height=20 valign=top>&nbsp;
  </td>

  <td width=551 colspan=2 height=20 valign=top>
  <i><font   size=3>and a Director</font></i>
  </td>

 </tr>

<!-- DO NOT remove the following table row. It is needed for  .               the proper rendering of tables containing misaligned cells.-->
 <tr height=0>
  <td width=371></td>
  <td width=61></td>
  <td width=243></td>
  <td width=308></td>
 </tr>
</TABLE>

<p><font size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.</font></p>

<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%">
 <tr>
  <td  align=center width="37%" valign=top>

<a name=TableHead><font size=3>Signature</font></a>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=left>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>Title</font>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=left>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>Date </font>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=left>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<b><font size=3>Principal Executive Officer:<br><br></font></b>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>/s/ NICK
  ORDON</font>



  <hr size=2 width="100%" noshade color=black align=left>


<font   size=3>Nick Ordon<br><br></font>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>President, Chief Executive Officer and a
  Director</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>March 30, 2001</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<b><font size=3>Principal Financial Officer and Principal
  Accounting Officer:<br><br></font></b>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>/s/ LEE
  MCGRATH</font>



  <hr size=2 width="100%" noshade color=black align=left>


<font   size=3>Lee McGrath<br><br></font>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>Vice President Finance and Administration,
  Chief Financial Officer and Secretary</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>March 30, 2001</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<b><font size=3>Additional Directors:<br><br></font></b>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>&nbsp;

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>/s/ DAVID
  BANKS</font>



  <hr size=2 width="100%" noshade color=black align=left>


<font   size=3>David Banks<br><br></font>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>Director</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>March 30, 2001</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>/s/ WILLIAM
  HENRY DELEVATI</font>



  <hr size=2 width="100%" noshade color=black align=left>


<font   size=3>William Henry Delevati<br><br></font>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>Director</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>March 30, 2001</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>/s/ WILLIAM
  R. SHELLOOE</font>



  <hr size=2 width="100%" noshade color=black align=left>


<font   size=3>William R. Shellooe<br><br></font>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>Director</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>March 30, 2001</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>/s/ BERNHARD
  WOEBKER</font>



  <hr size=2 width="100%" noshade color=black align=left>


<font   size=3>Bernhard Woebker<br><br></font>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>Director</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>March 30, 2001</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="37%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>/s/ SHYAM
  RANGOLE</font>



  <hr size=2 width="100%" noshade color=black align=left>


<font   size=3>Shyam Rangole</font>

  </td>

  <td width="31%" valign=top>

<font   size=3>Director</font>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width="31%" valign=top>

<font size=3>March 30, 2001</font>

  </td>

 </tr>
</TABLE>

</div>

<PAGE>


<div>

<p align=center><b><u><font size=3>EXHIBIT&nbsp;INDEX</font></u></b></p>

<p><font size=3>&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width="100%">
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Exhibit No.<br></font>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=left>

  </td>

  <td  align=center width=810 valign=top>

<font size=3>Description</font>



  <hr size=2 width="95%" noshade color=black align=left>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.01</font>

  </td>

  <td width=810 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles
  of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 24,
  1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Registrant&#146;s Form S-8, File no.
  333-43480, filed with the Commission on August 10, 2000).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top>

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.02</font>

  </td>

  <td width=810 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of
  Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on
  July 14, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of
  Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June
  16, 1999).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.03</font>

  </td>

  <td width=810 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Registrant's Certificate of Determination
  as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999
  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of Registrant's Form 8-K
  filed with the Commission on July 13, 1999).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top>

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.04</font>

  </td>

  <td width=810 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws
  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Registrant's
  Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-4910-LA originally filed
  with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently amended on June 18, 1996
  and July 16, 1996).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.05</font>

  </td>

  <td width=810 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as
  amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the
  related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of
  Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June
  16, 1999).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top>

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.01</font>

  </td>

  <td width=810 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Opinion of Fenwick &amp; West LLP.<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23.01</font>

  </td>

  <td width=810 valign=top bgcolor="#99ccff">

<font   size=3>Consent of Fenwick &amp; West LLP (included
  in Exhibit 5.01).<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width=137 valign=top>

<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;23.02</font>

  </td>

  <td width=810 valign=top>

<font   size=3>Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent
  Public Accountants.<br><br></font>

  </td>

 </tr>
 <tr>
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<font   size=3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;24.01</font>

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<font   size=3>Power of Attorney (see signature page).</font>

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{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "VERSANT CORP", "cik": "0000865917", "assigned-sic": "7372", "irs-number": "943079392", "state-of-incorporation": "CA", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "file-number": "333-58152", "film-number": "1592191"}, "business-address": {"street1": "6539 DUMBARTON CIRCLE", "city": "FREMONT", "state": "CA", "zip": "94555", "phone": "5107891500"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "6539 DUMBARTON CIRCLE", "city": "FREMONT", "state": "CA", "zip": "94555"}, "former-company": {"former-conformed-name": "VERSANT OBJECT TECHNOLOGY CORP", "date-changed": "19960428"}}
Prepared by MerrillDirect
As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on April 2, 2001
Registration
No. 333-_____
SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
VERSANT CORPORATION
(Exact Name
of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
California
94-3079392
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
Versant Corporation
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, CA  94555
(Address of
Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)
1996 Equity Incentive
Plan
(Full Titles
of the Plans)
Lee McGrath
Vice President, Finance and Administration
VERSANT CORPORATION
6539 Dumbarton Circle
Fremont, California 94555
(510) 413-1200
(Name,
Address and Telephone Number of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
Barry J. Kramer, Esq.
John M. Shields, Esq.
Fenwick & West LLP
Two Palo Alto Square
Palo Alto, California 94306
CALCULATION OF
REGISTRATION FEE
Title of Securities To Be Registered
Amount
To Be
Registered
Proposed Maximum Offering Price
Per Share
Proposed Maximum Aggregate
Offering Price
Amount of Registration Fee
Common Stock, no par value
500,000 (1)
$ 1.83 (2)
$ 915,000
$ 250.00
(1)
Represents shares registered pursuant to
  this Registration Statement that are available for issuance under the
  Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan. 
  Pursuant to Rule 429 promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as
  amended (the "Securities Act"), the prospectuses relating to this
  Registration Statement also relate to Form S-8 Registration Statements Nos.
  333-08537, 333-29947, 333-80827 and 333-43480.  A total of 4,274,110 shares issuable under the Registrant's
  1996 Equity Incentive Plan, 1996 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and 1996 Directors
  Stock Option Plan have been previously registered under the Securities Act.
(2)
Estimated pursuant to Rule 457(c) under the
  Securities Act, based on the average of the high and low prices of the
  Registrant's Common Stock as reported by the Nasdaq National Market on March
  28, 2001, solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the
  registration fee.
VERSANT CORPORATION
REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-8
PART II
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Incorporation of Previous Registration Statement
Pursuant
to General Instruction E of Form S-8, this Registration Statement is filed
solely to register 500,000 additional shares under the 1996 Equity Incentive
Plan of Versant Corporation (the "Registrant").  The contents of the Registrant's Form S-8
Registration Statements Nos. 333-08537, 333-29947, 333-80827 and 333-43480 are
hereby incorporated by reference.
Item 8.  Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description
4.01
Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles
  of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 24,
  1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's Form S-8, File No.
  333-43480, filed with the Commission on August 10, 2000).
4.02
Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of
  Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on
  July 14, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of
  Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June
  16, 1999).
4.03
Registrant's Certificate of Determination
  as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999
  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of Registrant's Form 8-K
  filed with the Commission on July 13, 1999).
4.04
Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws
  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Registrant's
  Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-4910-LA originally filed
  with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently amended on June 18, 1996
  and July 16, 1996).
4.05
Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as
  amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the
  related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of
  Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June
  16, 1999).
5.01
Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP.
23.01
Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included
  in Exhibit 5.01).
23.02
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent
  Public Accountants.
24.01
Power of Attorney (see signature page).
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW
ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each individual whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints Nick Ordon and Lee McGrath, and each of them, his or
her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents with full power of
substitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including post-effective
amendments) to this Registration Statement on Form S-8, and to file the same
with all exhibits thereto and all documents in connection therewith, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and
every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the
premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or his or her or their substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
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
for 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 Fremont, State of California, on this 30th day of March, 2001.
VERSANT CORPORATION
By:
/s/ 
  NICK ORDON
Nick Ordon
President, Chief
  Executive Officer
and a Director
Pursuant
to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
Principal Executive Officer:
/s/ NICK
  ORDON
Nick Ordon
President, Chief Executive Officer and a
  Director
March 30, 2001
Principal Financial Officer and Principal
  Accounting Officer:
/s/ LEE
  MCGRATH
Lee McGrath
Vice President Finance and Administration,
  Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
March 30, 2001
Additional Directors:
/s/ DAVID
  BANKS
David Banks
Director
March 30, 2001
/s/ WILLIAM
  HENRY DELEVATI
William Henry Delevati
Director
March 30, 2001
/s/ WILLIAM
  R. SHELLOOE
William R. Shellooe
Director
March 30, 2001
/s/ BERNHARD
  WOEBKER
Bernhard Woebker
Director
March 30, 2001
/s/ SHYAM
  RANGOLE
Shyam Rangole
Director
March 30, 2001
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No.
Description
4.01
Registrant's Amended and Restated Articles
  of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 24,
  1996 (incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's Form S-8, File no.
  333-43480, filed with the Commission on August 10, 2000).
4.02
Registrant's Certificate of Amendment of
  Articles of Incorporation as filed with the California Secretary of State on
  July 14, 1998 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of
  Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June
  16, 1999).
4.03
Registrant's Certificate of Determination
  as filed with the California Secretary of State on July 13, 1999
  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.01 of Registrant's Form 8-K
  filed with the Commission on July 13, 1999).
4.04
Registrant's Amended and Restated Bylaws
  (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.05 of the Registrant's
  Registration Statement on Form SB-2, File No. 333-4910-LA originally filed
  with the Commission on May 24, 1996, as subsequently amended on June 18, 1996
  and July 16, 1996).
4.05
Registrant's 1996 Equity Incentive Plan, as
  amended, and related documents (the amended plan is filed herewith and the
  related documents are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.06 of
  Registrant's Form S-8, File No. 333-80827, filed with the Commission on June
  16, 1999).
5.01
Opinion of Fenwick & West LLP.
23.01
Consent of Fenwick & West LLP (included
  in Exhibit 5.01).
23.02
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP, Independent
  Public Accountants.
24.01
Power of Attorney (see signature page).