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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January&nbsp;9, 2001  </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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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>UNITED STATES<BR>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Washington, D.C. 20549  </B></FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><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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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>FARGO ELECTRONICS,&nbsp;INC.<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1>(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Delaware<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1>(State or other jurisdiction of<BR>
incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>41-1959505<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1>(I.R.S. Employer<BR>
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><BR><FONT SIZE=2><B>6533 Flying Cloud Drive<BR>
Eden Prairie, Minnesota<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1>(Address of Principal Executive Offices)</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=1><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="TOP"><FONT SIZE=1><BR>
<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><B>55344<BR> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1>(Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=4><B>FARGO ELECTRONICS,&nbsp;INC.<BR>
2001 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1>(Full title of the plan) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Gary R. Holland<BR>
Chief Executive Officer<BR>
FARGO ELECTRONICS,&nbsp;INC.<BR>
6533 Flying Cloud Drive<BR>
Eden Prairie, MN 55344<BR>
(952)&nbsp;941-9470<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=1>(Name, address and telephone number,<BR>
including area code, of agent for service) </FONT></P>

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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><B>Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:<BR>  </B></FONT><FONT SIZE=2>As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective </FONT></P>

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

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<TD WIDTH="27%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title of securities to be registered(1)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount to be registered(2)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum offering price per unit(3)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Proposed maximum aggregate offering price(3)</B></FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Amount of registration fee</B></FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="27%"><FONT SIZE=1>Common Stock par value $.01 per&nbsp;share</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>250,000</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$2.81</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$703,125</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="16%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1>$175.79</FONT></TD>
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<DT><FONT SIZE=1>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>Each
share of Common Stock includes one Series&nbsp;C Preferred Stock purchase right pursuant to the terms of the Registrant's Stockholder Rights Agreement dated
February&nbsp;9, 2000. </FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=1>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>In
addition, pursuant to Rule&nbsp;416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") this Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate number of
additional shares as may be issuable as a result of anti-dilution provisions contained in the plan. </FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=1>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=1>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 on the basis of the average
between the high and low sales prices of the Registrant's Common Stock on January&nbsp;4, 2001 as reported by the Nasdaq National Market. </FONT></DD></DL>
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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>Part&nbsp;II<BR>  <BR>    INFORMATION REQUIRED<BR>  IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>


<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The following documents filed by Fargo Electronics,&nbsp;Inc. (the "Registrant" or the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement: </FONT></P>

<UL>
<DL compact>
<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(1)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
Company's Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 1999;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(2)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>All
other reports filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act") since December&nbsp;31, 1999;
<BR><BR></FONT></DD><DT><FONT SIZE=2>(3)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
descriptions of the Company's Common Stock and Series&nbsp;C Preferred Stock Purchase Rights contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;8-A
filed with the Commission on January&nbsp;20, 2000 pursuant to Section&nbsp;12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description. </FONT></DD></DL>
</UL>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All
documents subsequently filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 shares of
Common Stock 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>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company's December&nbsp;31 1999, 1998 and 1997 financial statements and related financial statement schedule incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement have been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent accountants, for the periods indicated in their respective reports which are incorporated by reference in the Company's
Annual Report on Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 1999. The financial statements and financial statement schedule have been incorporated herein by reference
in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP, given on the authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing. To the extent that PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP audits and reports on the financial statements of the Company issued at future dates, and consents to the use of their reports thereon, such financial statements also will be incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement in reliance upon their report and said authority as experts. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 4. Description of Securities.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Company's Common Stock to be offered pursuant to this Registration Statement has been registered under Section&nbsp;12 of the Exchange Act as described
in Item 3 of this Part&nbsp;II. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware Law and the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provide that the Company shall, under certain circumstances and subject to
certain limitations, indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding, by reason of the former or present official capacity (as
defined) of the person, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses incurred by the person in connection </FONT></P>

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

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>
with the proceeding if certain statutory standards are met. Any such person is also entitled, subject to certain limitations, to payment or reimbursement of reasonable expenses in advance of the final
disposition of the proceeding. "Proceeding" means a threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration or investigative proceeding, including one by or in the right of the
corporation. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with all of the directors and executive officers of the Company whereby the Company has agreed to indemnify and hold
harmless the directors and executive officers from and against any claims, liability, damages or expenses incurred by them in or arising out of their status, capacities and activities with respect to
the Company to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. The Company believes that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and executive officers. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The
Company also maintains a directors and officers insurance policy pursuant to which directors and officers of the Company are insured against liability for certain actions in their
capacity as directors and officers. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 7. Exemptions from Registration Claimed.  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Not applicable. </FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 8. Exhibits.  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="9%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Exhibit No.<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
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4.1</FONT></TD>
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Stockholder Rights Agreement, dated February 9, 2000, between the Company and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999
(File No.&nbsp;333-90937)).</FONT></TD>
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5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Oppenheimer Wolff &amp; Donnelly LLP (filed herewith electronically).</FONT></TD>
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23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (filed herewith electronically).</FONT></TD>
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23.2</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (filed herewith electronically).</FONT></TD>
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23.3</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Oppenheimer Wolff &amp; Donnelly LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).</FONT></TD>
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24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="89%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney (included on page 6 to this Registration Statement).</FONT></TD>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2><B>Item 9. Undertakings.  </B></FONT></P>

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<DT><FONT SIZE=2>(a)</FONT></DT><DD><FONT SIZE=2>The
undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
<BR><BR></FONT>
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<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>
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<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 </FONT></DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
</DD></DL>
<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>3</FONT></P>

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<P><FONT SIZE=2>with
the Commission 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; </FONT></P>

</UL>
<DL compact>
<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>
</UL>
<UL>

<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 Commission 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>
<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>
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<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 Commission 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>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>SIGNATURES    <BR>  </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 Eden
Prairie, State of Minnesota, on January&nbsp;9, 2001. </FONT></P>

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<TD WIDTH="52%" COLSPAN=3><FONT SIZE=2>FARGO ELECTRONICS,&nbsp;INC.</FONT></TD>
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&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="5%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
By:</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GARY R. HOLLAND</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Gary R. Holland<BR>
<BR></FONT> <FONT SIZE=2><I>President and Chief Executive Officer<BR> </I></FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><I> <A NAME="dg1023_power_of_attorney"> </A>
<A NAME="toc_dg1023_2"> </A>
<BR>    </I></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>POWER OF ATTORNEY    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

<P><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Gary R. Holland and Jeffrey&nbsp;D. Upin, and each of them, his or her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his or her 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 or she 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 January&nbsp;9, 2001 by the following persons in the capacities indicated. </FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Title</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><BR><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>GARY R. HOLLAND</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Gary R. Holland</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>TONY J. DICK</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Tony J. Dick</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director of Finance (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>MICHAEL C. CHILD</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Michael C. Child</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
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<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>EVERETT V. COX</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Everett V. Cox</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="BOTTOM">
<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>ELAINE A. PULLEN</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Elaine A. Pullen</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><BR></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>5</FONT></P>

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/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>WILLIAM H. GIBBS</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> William H. Gibbs</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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Director</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="49%" ALIGN="CENTER" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
/s/&nbsp;</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>KENT O. LILLEMOE</FONT><FONT SIZE=2>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT><HR NOSHADE><FONT SIZE=2> Kent O. Lillemoe</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="49%" VALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Director</FONT></TD>
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<P ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=2>6</FONT></P>

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<BR></FONT><FONT SIZE=2><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS    <BR>  </B></FONT></P>

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<TH WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="LEFT"><FONT SIZE=1><B>No.<BR> </B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Item</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
<TH WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=1>&nbsp;</FONT></TH>
<TH WIDTH="45%" ALIGN="CENTER"><FONT SIZE=1><B>Method of Filing</B></FONT><HR NOSHADE></TH>
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<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
4.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Stockholder Rights Agreement, dated February&nbsp;9, 2000, between the Company and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 24, 2000 for the year ended December 31, 1999 (File No. 333-90937).</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
5.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Opinion of Oppenheimer Wolff &amp; Donnelly LLP</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Filed herewith.</FONT></TD>
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<TR BGCOLOR="#CCEEFF" VALIGN="TOP">
<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Filed herewith.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.2</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Filed herewith.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
23.3</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Consent of Oppenheimer Wolff &amp; Donnelly LLP</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Included in Exhibit 5.1.</FONT></TD>
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<TD WIDTH="6%" ALIGN="RIGHT"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
24.1</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Power of Attorney</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="2%"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
<TD WIDTH="45%" VALIGN="BOTTOM"><FONT SIZE=2><BR>
Included on page 6 of this Registration Statement.</FONT></TD>
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<P><br><A NAME="01STP1023_1">QuickLinks</A><br></P><!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_de1023_1">Part II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT</A></FONT><BR>
<!-- TOC_BEGIN -->
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dg1023_1">SIGNATURES</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dg1023_2">POWER OF ATTORNEY</A></FONT><BR>
<FONT SIZE=2><A HREF="#toc_dg1023_3">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</A></FONT><BR>
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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "a2034693zs-8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 30842}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "FARGO ELECTRONICS INC", "cik": "0001098834", "assigned-sic": "7371", "irs-number": "450353190", "fiscal-year-end": "1231"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-53448", "film-number": "1504917"}, "business-address": {"street1": "6533 FLYING CLOUD DRIVE", "city": "EDEN PRAIRIE", "state": "MN", "zip": "55344", "phone": "6129419470"}, "mail-address": {"street1": "6533 FLYING CLOUD DRIVE", "city": "EDEN PRARIE", "state": "MN", "zip": "55344"}}
Prepared by MERRILL CORPORATION www.edgaradvantage.com
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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 9, 2001
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FARGO ELECTRONICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
41-1959505
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
6533 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, Minnesota
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
55344
(Zip Code)
FARGO ELECTRONICS, INC.
2001 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
Gary R. Holland
Chief Executive Officer
FARGO ELECTRONICS, INC.
6533 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344
(952) 941-9470
(Name, address and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Title of securities to be registered(1)
Amount to be registered(2)
Proposed maximum offering price per unit(3)
Proposed maximum aggregate offering price(3)
Amount of registration fee
Common Stock par value $.01 per share
250,000
$2.81
$703,125
$175.79
(1)
Each
share of Common Stock includes one Series C Preferred Stock purchase right pursuant to the terms of the Registrant's Stockholder Rights Agreement dated
February 9, 2000.
(2)
In
addition, pursuant to Rule 416(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") this Registration Statement also covers an indeterminate number of
additional shares as may be issuable as a result of anti-dilution provisions contained in the plan.
(3)
Estimated
solely for the purpose of calculating the amount of the registration fee and calculated pursuant to Rule 457(h) under the Securities Act on the basis of the average
between the high and low sales prices of the Registrant's Common Stock on January 4, 2001 as reported by the Nasdaq National Market.
Part II
INFORMATION REQUIRED
IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Item 3. Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
The following documents filed by Fargo Electronics, Inc. (the "Registrant" or the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement:
(1)
The
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999;
(2)
All
other reports filed by the Company pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act") since December 31, 1999;
(3)
The
descriptions of the Company's Common Stock and Series C Preferred Stock Purchase Rights contained in the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A
filed with the Commission on January 20, 2000 pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, including any amendments or reports filed for the purpose of updating such description.
All
documents subsequently filed by the Company with the Commission pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act 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 shares of
Common Stock 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.
The
Company's December 31 1999, 1998 and 1997 financial statements and related financial statement schedule incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement have been
audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP or by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent accountants, for the periods indicated in their respective reports which are incorporated by reference in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. The financial statements and financial statement schedule have been incorporated herein by reference
in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Arthur Andersen LLP, given on the authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing. To the extent that PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP audits and reports on the financial statements of the Company issued at future dates, and consents to the use of their reports thereon, such financial statements also will be incorporated by
reference in the Registration Statement in reliance upon their report and said authority as experts.
Item 4. Description of Securities.
The Company's Common Stock to be offered pursuant to this Registration Statement has been registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act as described
in Item 3 of this Part II.
Item 5. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.
Not applicable.
Item 6. Indemnification of Directors and Officers.
Delaware Law and the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provide that the Company shall, under certain circumstances and subject to
certain limitations, indemnify any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company made or threatened to be made a party to a proceeding, by reason of the former or present official capacity (as
defined) of the person, against judgments, penalties, fines, settlements and reasonable expenses incurred by the person in connection
2
with the proceeding if certain statutory standards are met. Any such person is also entitled, subject to certain limitations, to payment or reimbursement of reasonable expenses in advance of the final
disposition of the proceeding. "Proceeding" means a threatened, pending or completed civil, criminal, administrative, arbitration or investigative proceeding, including one by or in the right of the
corporation.
The
Company has also entered into indemnification agreements with all of the directors and executive officers of the Company whereby the Company has agreed to indemnify and hold
harmless the directors and executive officers from and against any claims, liability, damages or expenses incurred by them in or arising out of their status, capacities and activities with respect to
the Company to the maximum extent permitted by Delaware law. The Company believes that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified persons as directors and executive officers.
The
Company also maintains a directors and officers insurance policy pursuant to which directors and officers of the Company are insured against liability for certain actions in their
capacity as directors and officers.
Item 7. Exemptions from Registration Claimed.
Not applicable.
Item 8. Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
4.1
Stockholder Rights Agreement, dated February 9, 2000, between the Company and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999
(File No. 333-90937)).
5.1
Opinion of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP (filed herewith electronically).
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (filed herewith electronically).
23.2
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP (filed herewith electronically).
23.3
Consent of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1).
24.1
Power of Attorney (included on page 6 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
3
with
the Commission 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 Commission by the Registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference
in this Registration Statement.
(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 Commission 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 Eden
Prairie, State of Minnesota, on January 9, 2001.
FARGO ELECTRONICS, INC.
By:
/s/
GARY R. HOLLAND
Gary R. Holland
President and Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Gary R. Holland and Jeffrey D. Upin, and each of them, his or her true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, for and in his or her 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 or she 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 January 9, 2001 by the following persons in the capacities indicated.
Signature
Title
/s/
GARY R. HOLLAND
Gary R. Holland
President and Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/
TONY J. DICK
Tony J. Dick
Director of Finance (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/
MICHAEL C. CHILD
Michael C. Child
Director
/s/
EVERETT V. COX
Everett V. Cox
Director
/s/
ELAINE A. PULLEN
Elaine A. Pullen
Director
5
/s/
WILLIAM H. GIBBS
William H. Gibbs
Director
/s/
KENT O. LILLEMOE
Kent O. Lillemoe
Director
6
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
No.
Item
Method of Filing
4.1
Stockholder Rights Agreement, dated February 9, 2000, between the Company and Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated March 24, 2000 for the year ended December 31, 1999 (File No. 333-90937).
5.1
Opinion of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP
Filed herewith.
23.1
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Filed herewith.
23.2
Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP
Filed herewith.
23.3
Consent of Oppenheimer Wolff & Donnelly LLP
Included in Exhibit 5.1.
24.1
Power of Attorney
Included on page 6 of this Registration Statement.
7
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Part II INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SIGNATURES
POWER OF ATTORNEY
INDEX TO EXHIBITS