<PAGE>   1

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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                            ------------------------

                                   FORM 10-Q

(MARK ONE)

[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                  FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2001

                                       OR

[ ]   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
      EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

        FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM                TO

                       COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-25269

                               VERTICALNET, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

<Table>
<S>                                            <C>
                 PENNSYLVANIA                                    23-2815834
       (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF                        (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
        INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)                      IDENTIFICATION NO.)
</Table>

                              507 PRUDENTIAL ROAD
                               HORSHAM, PA 19044
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)

              REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE:

                                 (215) 328-6100

     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days:

                               Yes  [X]  No  [ ]

     Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the Registrant's
classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

     As of July 31, 2001, 98,109,565 shares of the Registrant's common stock
were outstanding.

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<PAGE>   2

                               VERTICALNET, INC.

                                   FORM 10-Q
                 (FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2001)

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                         PAGE
                                                                         ----
<S>        <C>                                                           <C>
Part I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
  Item 1.  Consolidated Financial Statements...........................    3
  Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
           and Results of Operations...................................   19
  Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
           Risk........................................................   42
Part II.  OTHER INFORMATION
  Item 1.  Legal Proceedings...........................................   43
  Item 2.  Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds...................   43
  Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.............................   43
  Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........   43
  Item 5.  Other Information...........................................   44
  Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K............................   44
</Table>

                                        2
<PAGE>   3

                               VERTICALNET, INC.

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
              (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                               JUNE 30,      DECEMBER 31,
                                                                 2001            2000
                                                              -----------    ------------
                                                              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>            <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents.................................  $   69,056      $  123,803
  Short-term investments....................................       4,208          21,349
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful
     accounts of $1,519 in 2001 and $2,072 in 2000..........       7,255          31,932
  Prepaid expenses and other assets.........................      16,847          37,264
                                                              ----------      ----------
     Total current assets...................................      97,366         214,348
                                                              ----------      ----------
Property and equipment, net.................................      29,803          32,398
Net assets of discontinued operations.......................          --         215,000
Goodwill and other intangibles, net of accumulated
  amortization of $393,849 in 2001 and $149,015 in 2000.....     118,408         388,341
Long-term investments.......................................       2,321          22,861
Other investments...........................................     222,105          17,543
Other assets................................................      19,029          32,793
                                                              ----------      ----------
     Total assets...........................................  $  489,032      $  923,284
                                                              ==========      ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable..........................................  $    8,890      $   10,821
  Accrued expenses..........................................      21,432          67,251
  Deferred revenues.........................................      65,447          57,323
  Other current liabilities.................................       1,763           1,597
                                                              ----------      ----------
     Total current liabilities..............................      97,532         136,992
                                                              ----------      ----------
Long-term debt..............................................         318             952
Other long-term liabilities.................................      15,363          22,630
Convertible notes...........................................      21,705          21,705
                                                              ----------      ----------
     Total liabilities......................................     134,918         182,279
                                                              ----------      ----------
Commitments and contingencies (see Notes 8 and 9)
Minority interest...........................................          --          40,843
                                                              ----------      ----------
Series A 6.00% convertible redeemable preferred stock, $.01
  par value 250,000 shares authorized, 106,084 shares issued
  in 2001 and 101,450 issued in 2000 plus accrued dividends
  of $1,591 in 2001 (liquidation value of $106,084).........      98,421          94,760
                                                              ----------      ----------

Shareholders' equity:
  Preferred stock $.01 par value, 9,750,000 shares
     authorized, none issued in 2001 and 2000...............          --              --
  Common stock $.01 par value, 1,000,000,000 shares
     authorized, 97,906,884 shares issued in 2001 and
     88,047,949 shares issued in 2000.......................         979             880
  Additional paid-in capital................................   1,037,585       1,004,149
  Deferred compensation.....................................        (165)           (363)
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss......................      (3,445)        (14,370)
  Accumulated deficit.......................................    (778,456)       (384,089)
                                                              ----------      ----------
                                                                 256,498         606,207
  Treasury stock at cost, 656,356 shares in 2001 and 2000...        (805)           (805)
                                                              ----------      ----------
     Total shareholders' equity.............................     255,693         605,402
                                                              ----------      ----------
     Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.............  $  489,032      $  923,284
                                                              ==========      ==========
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        3
<PAGE>   4

                               VERTICALNET, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                   (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT FOR PER SHARE DATA)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                THREE MONTHS ENDED         SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                     JUNE 30,                  JUNE 30,
                                               ---------------------    ----------------------
                                                 2001         2000        2001         2000
                                               ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
                                                    (UNAUDITED)              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Revenues.....................................  $  33,056    $ 24,445    $  69,743    $  37,309
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Editorial and operational....................     12,911       8,704       26,350       12,966
Product development..........................      7,381       8,640       16,600       13,175
Sales and marketing..........................     22,564      23,747       47,596       33,900
General and administrative...................     14,140      10,461       32,184       17,201
Amortization expense.........................     44,865      46,018       89,136       55,604
Restructuring and asset impairment charges
  (see Note 5)...............................    218,879          --      226,344           --
In-process research and development charge...         --          --           --       10,000
                                               ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
Operating loss...............................   (287,684)    (73,125)    (368,467)    (105,537)
                                               ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
Other income (expense).......................    (13,060)    (11,362)     (22,976)      68,513
Interest income (expense), net...............        105       1,720          979          956
                                               ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
Loss from continuing operations..............   (300,639)    (82,767)    (390,464)     (36,068)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
  Loss from operations of the VerticalNet
     Exchanges segment.......................         --      (2,931)          --       (7,537)
  Loss on disposal of the VerticalNet
     Exchanges segment.......................     (3,381)         --       (3,903)          --
                                               ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
Net loss.....................................   (304,020)    (85,698)    (394,367)     (43,605)
Preferred stock dividends and accretion......     (1,842)     (1,450)      (3,661)      (1,450)
                                               ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
Loss attributable to common shareholders.....  $(305,862)   $(87,148)   $(398,028)   $ (45,055)
                                               =========    ========    =========    =========
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE:
  Continuing operations......................  $   (3.10)   $  (1.01)   $   (4.14)   $   (0.48)
  Loss from discontinued operations..........         --       (0.04)          --        (0.09)
  Loss on disposal of discontinued
     operations..............................      (0.03)         --        (0.04)          --
                                               ---------    --------    ---------    ---------
  Loss per common share......................  $   (3.13)   $  (1.05)   $   (4.18)   $   (0.57)
                                               =========    ========    =========    =========
Weighted average common shares outstanding
  used in basic and diluted per share
  calculation................................     97,716      83,052       95,197       78,926
                                               =========    ========    =========    =========
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        4
<PAGE>   5

                               VERTICALNET, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                    JUNE 30,
                                                              ---------------------
                                                                2001         2000
                                                              ---------    --------
                                                                   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
Net loss....................................................  $(394,367)   $(43,605)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in
  operating activities:
  Depreciation, amortization and other noncash charges......     96,427      57,747
  Noncash restructuring charges.............................     10,492          --
  Goodwill and other intangible asset impairment charge.....    203,565          --
  Write-down related to cost method, equity method and
    available-for-sale investments..........................     20,784          --
  Loss from equity method investments.......................      1,808         155
  Loss on disposal of discontinued operations...............      3,903          --
  Net (gain) loss on investment.............................      2,188     (79,875)
  In-process research and development charge................         --      10,000
  Discontinued operations -- working capital changes and
    noncash charges.........................................         --      (2,616)
  Change in assets, net of effect of acquisitions:
    Accounts receivable.....................................     24,678     (12,026)
    Prepaid expenses and other assets.......................     10,530     (16,925)
  Change in liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
    Accounts payable........................................     (1,931)      7,948
    Accrued restructuring charge expenses...................      5,329          --
    Other accrued expenses..................................    (45,073)      4,686
    Deferred revenues.......................................      8,968      36,240
                                                              ---------    --------
  Net cash used in operating activities.....................    (52,699)    (38,271)
                                                              ---------    --------
Investing activities:
  Acquisitions, net of cash acquired........................    (24,601)     (6,560)
  Purchase of available-for-sale investments................         --     (69,666)
  Purchase of cost and equity method company investments,
    net of liquidation proceeds.............................     (2,959)    (17,071)
  Proceeds from sale and redemption of available-for-sale
    investments.............................................     17,200      85,794
  Restricted cash...........................................      7,094      (1,154)
  Discontinued operations -- investing activities...........         --     (24,789)
  Capital expenditures......................................    (13,523)    (13,635)
                                                              ---------    --------
  Net cash used in investing activities.....................    (16,789)    (47,081)
                                                              ---------    --------
Financing activities:
  Principal payments on long-term debt and obligations under
    capital leases..........................................     (1,235)       (971)
  Discontinued operations -- financing activities...........         --      22,327
  Proceeds from the issuance of common stock................     15,000          --
  Proceeds from subsidiary's sale of redeemable preferred
    stock...................................................         --       3,384
  Net proceeds from issuance of Series A convertible
    redeemable preferred stock..............................         --      99,900
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock
    purchase plan...........................................        976      13,820
                                                              ---------    --------
  Net cash provided by financing activities.................     14,741     138,460
                                                              ---------    --------
Net increase (decrease) in cash.............................    (54,747)     53,108
Cash and cash equivalents -- beginning of period............    123,803       7,636
                                                              ---------    --------
Cash and cash equivalents -- end of period..................  $  69,056    $ 60,744
                                                              =========    ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
  Cash paid during the period for interest..................  $     686    $ 15,714
                                                              =========    ========
Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing
  activities:
  Issuance of common stock as consideration for
    acquisitions............................................  $  21,290    $    561
  Warrant exercises.........................................         --         653
  Conversion of convertible subordinated debentures to
    common stock............................................         --      90,400
  Preferred dividends.......................................      3,661       1,450
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        5
<PAGE>   6

                               VERTICALNET, INC.

                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                            ACCUMULATED
                              COMMON STOCK     ADDITIONAL                      OTHER                                    TOTAL
                             ---------------    PAID-IN       DEFERRED     COMPREHENSIVE   ACCUMULATED   TREASURY   SHAREHOLDERS'
                             SHARES   AMOUNT    CAPITAL     COMPENSATION       LOSS          DEFICIT      STOCK        EQUITY
                             ------   ------   ----------   ------------   -------------   -----------   --------   -------------
<S>                          <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>            <C>             <C>           <C>        <C>
Balance, December 31,
  2000.....................  88,048    $880    $1,004,149      $(363)        $(14,370)      $(384,089)    $(805)      $ 605,402
Series A 6.00% convertible
  redeemable preferred
  stock dividends accrued
  and accretion............      --      --        (3,661)        --               --              --        --          (3,661)
Exercise and acceleration
  of options...............     808       8           722         --               --              --        --             730
Shares issued through
  employee stock purchase
  plan.....................     179       2           307         --               --              --        --             309
Shares issued pursuant to
  Sumitomo's investment....   2,763      28        14,972                                                                15,000
Shares issued as
  consideration for
  acquisitions.............   6,109      61        21,229         --               --              --        --          21,290
Unearned compensation......      --      --          (133)       133               --              --        --              --
Amortization of unearned
  compensation.............      --      --            --         65               --              --        --              65
Net loss...................      --      --            --         --               --        (394,367)       --        (394,367)
Other comprehensive income
  (loss)...................      --      --            --         --           10,925              --        --          10,925
                             ------    ----    ----------      -----         --------       ---------     -----       ---------
Balance, June 30, 2001
  (unaudited)..............  97,907    $979    $1,037,585      $(165)        $ (3,445)      $(778,456)    $(805)      $ 255,693
                             ======    ====    ==========      =====         ========       =========     =====       =========
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        6
<PAGE>   7

                               VERTICALNET, INC.

               CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                      JUNE 30,                 JUNE 30,
                                                ---------------------    ---------------------
                                                  2001         2000        2001         2000
                                                ---------    --------    ---------    --------
                                                     (UNAUDITED)              (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                             <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Net loss......................................  $(304,020)   $(85,698)   $(394,367)   $(43,605)
Unrealized gain on forward sale...............      1,015          --       20,308          --
Foreign currency translation adjustment.......       (350)         --       (1,517)         --
Unrealized loss on investments:
  Unrealized loss.............................     (1,134)     (6,167)     (18,411)    (22,775)
  Reclassification adjustment for loss
     included in net loss.....................     10,545          --       10,545          --
                                                ---------    --------    ---------    --------
Comprehensive loss............................  $(293,944)   $(91,865)   $(383,442)   $(66,380)
                                                =========    ========    =========    ========
</Table>

          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
                                        7
<PAGE>   8

                               VERTICALNET, INC.

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  (UNAUDITED)

(1) VERTICALNET, INC. AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

  Description of the Company

     VerticalNet, Inc. ("VerticalNet," "the Company," "we," "us" or other
similar expressions), through its subsidiaries, provides end-to-end e-commerce
solutions targeted at distinct business segments. We deploy and provide
enterprise software solutions that enable organizations to build stronger, more
dynamic relationships and achieve excellence in planning, decision-making, and
execution across their extended value chains. Additionally, through our
Small/Medium Business group (formerly referred to as VerticalNet Markets) we
operate 59 industry marketplaces that connect buyers and suppliers online by
providing industry-specific news and relevant product and service information.
Buyers are able to quickly locate, source and purchase products and services
online while suppliers are able to generate sales leads by showcasing their
products and services across multiple marketplaces to reach highly qualified
buyers and specifiers.

     On January 31, 2001, we completed the sale of our VerticalNet Exchanges
("NECX") business unit, which focused on trading electronic components and
hardware in open and spot markets. The operating results of this unit have been
reflected as a discontinued operation in our consolidated financial statements.
The net assets of this unit at December 31, 2000 were reflected as net assets of
discontinued operations on our consolidated balance sheet.

     Our consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and six
months ended June 30, 2001 and June 30, 2000 have been prepared without audit
pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission ("SEC"). In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim
consolidated financial statements that accompany these notes reflect all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to
present fairly our results of operations for the three and six months ended June
30, 2001 and June 30, 2000 and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2001
and June 30, 2000. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the SEC's rules
and regulations relating to interim financial statements. These consolidated
financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated
financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2000.

  Revenue Recognition

     We generate revenue from three primary sources: e-enablement and
e-commerce; advertising and services; and software licensing and related
services.

     E-enablement and e-commerce revenues include storefront and e-commerce
center fees, Web site development fees and e-commerce fees. Storefront and
e-commerce center fees are recognized ratably over the period of the contract.
Web site development fees are recognized as the services are performed.
E-commerce fees in the form of transaction fees, percentage of sale fees or
minimum guaranteed fees are recognized upon receipt of payment. E-commerce fees
from educational courses are recognized in the period in which the course is
completed. E-commerce fees from books and other product sales are recognized in
the period in which the products are shipped.

     Advertising and services revenues, including buttons and banners, are
recognized ratably over the period of the applicable contract. Newsletter
sponsorship revenues are recognized when the newsletters are e-mailed.
Advertising contracts generally do not extend beyond one year, although certain
contracts are for multiple years. We also enter into strategic co-marketing
agreements under which we develop co-branded Web sites. Revenues from hosting
and maintenance services under these co-marketing arrangements are recognized
ratably over the term of the contract. In the normal course of business, we
enter into "multiple-element" arrangements. We allocate revenue under such
arrangements based on the fair value of each element, to the

                                        8
<PAGE>   9
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

extent objectively determinable, and recognize revenue upon delivery or
consummation of the separable earnings process attributable to each element.

     Revenues from software licensing and related services are accounted for
under Statement of Position ("SOP") 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, and
related guidance in the form of technical questions and answers published by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' task force on software
revenue recognition. SOP 97-2 requires revenue earned on software arrangements
involving multiple elements to be allocated to each element based on vendor
specific objective evidence of fair values of the elements. License revenue
allocated to software products is recognized upon delivery of the software
products or ratably over a contractual period if unspecified software products
are to be delivered during that period. Revenue allocated to hosting and
maintenance services is recognized ratably over the contract term and revenue
allocated to professional services is recognized as the services are performed.
For certain agreements where the professional services provided are essential to
the functionality or are for significant production, modification or
customization of the software products, both the software product revenue and
service revenue are recognized on a straight-line basis or in accordance with
the provisions of SOP 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and
Certain Production-Type Contracts.

     At June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, approximately $1.6 million and $4.2
million included in the respective accounts receivable balance was unbilled due
to customer payment terms.

     Pursuant to the consensus reached by the Emerging Issues Task Force
("EITF") in Issue No. 99-17, Accounting for Advertising Barter Transactions,
barter transactions are recorded at the estimated fair value of the
advertisements or other services given, based on recent historical cash
transactions. Barter revenue is recognized when the advertising impressions or
other services are delivered to the customer and advertising expense is recorded
when the advertising impressions or other services are received from the
customer. If we receive the advertising impressions or other services from the
customer prior to our delivery of the advertising impressions, a liability is
recorded on the consolidated balance sheet. If we deliver the advertising
impressions to the customer prior to receiving the advertising impressions or
other services, a prepaid expense is recorded on the consolidated balance sheet.
For the three months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000 and for the six months ended
June 30, 2001 and 2000, we recognized approximately $2.2 million, $3.9 million,
$4.3 million and $5.8 million of advertising revenues, respectively, and $3.7
million, $3.6 million, $6.1 million and $4.3 million of advertising expenses,
respectively, from barter transactions. We have recorded approximately $0.5
million and $2.3 million in prepaid expenses related to barter transactions as
of June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, respectively.

  Adoption of New Pronouncement

     Effective January 1, 2001, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in
hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the consolidated
balance sheet at fair value. If the derivative is designated as a fair value
hedge, the changes in the fair value of the derivative and of the hedged item
attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in other income (expense). If the
derivative is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes
in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income
(loss) and are recognized in other income (expense) when the hedged item affects
earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges
are recognized in other income (expense).

     We use derivative instruments to manage exposures to foreign currency and
security prices. Our objectives for holding derivatives are to minimize the
risks using the most effective methods to eliminate or reduce the impacts of
these exposures.

                                        9
<PAGE>   10
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     In July 2000, we entered into forward sale contracts relating to a security
classified as an available-for-sale investment under SFAS No. 115, Accounting
for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. Under these contracts, we
pledged the securities to the counterparty for a three-year period in return for
approximately $47.4 million of cash, which was net of the initial cost of the
transaction of approximately $5.0 million. At the conclusion of the three-year
period, we have the option of delivering either cash or the pledged securities
to satisfy the forward sale. However, we will not be required to deliver shares
in excess of those we pledged. The forward sale has been designated as a cash
flow hedge with corresponding gains and losses recorded in other comprehensive
loss. The amounts recorded in other comprehensive loss will be recognized in
other income (expense) when the forward sale is settled in July 2003. The
unrealized gain on the forward sale as of December 31, 2000 of $29.8 million was
previously recorded in other comprehensive loss, and changed by $1.0 million and
$20.3 million during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2001,
respectively. The unrealized gain on the forward sale as of June 30, 2001 is
$50.1 million and is reflected as a reduction of other long-term liabilities.

     During the six months ended June 30, 2001, we also had fixed obligations
denominated in Euros that we had hedged with foreign currency forwards to reduce
the foreign currency fluctuation risk. These foreign currency forward
agreements, which were all settled prior to June 30, 2001, had been classified
as fair value hedges. The transition adjustment from adopting SFAS No. 133 for
these agreements was immaterial. During the three months and six months ended
June 30, 2001, we recorded approximately $0.1 million and $0.2 million,
respectively, in other income (expense) related to these foreign currency
forward contracts.

  Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     EITF Issue No. 00-21, Accounting for Multiple-Element Revenue Arrangements,
is currently being discussed by the EITF. Issues being addressed by an EITF
working group include determining when elements of multiple-element arrangements
should be evaluated separately and allocating consideration to the individual
elements. We are closely monitoring the EITF's discussions on this issue. We do
not anticipate changes in our historical accounting policies, however, there can
be no assurance that final consensuses and guidance ultimately issued by the
EITF on this issue will not impact us in the future.

     In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS
No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. SFAS No. 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for
all business combinations initiated or completed after June 30, 2001. SFAS No.
141 also specifies criteria that must be met for intangible assets acquired in a
purchase method business combination to be recognized and reported separately
from goodwill, noting that any purchase price allocable to an assembled
workforce may not be accounted for separately. SFAS No. 142, which will be
effective January 1, 2002, requires that goodwill and intangible assets with
indefinite useful lives no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for
impairment at least annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142.
SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with definite useful lives be
amortized over their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated
residual values, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 121,
Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to
Be Disposed Of.

     As of the January 1, 2002, the adoption date of SFAS No. 142, we expect to
have unamortized goodwill in the amount of $77.9 million and unamortized
identifiable intangible assets in the amount of $4.0 million, all of which will
be subject to the transition provisions of SFAS Nos. 141 and 142. Amortization
expense related to goodwill was $87.4 million and $55.2 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Because of the extensive
effort needed to comply with adopting SFAS Nos. 141 and 142, it is not
practicable to reasonably estimate the impact of adopting these Statements on
our financial statements at the date of this report.

                                        10
<PAGE>   11
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

(2) DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     On January 31, 2001, we completed the sale of our VerticalNet Exchanges
segment to Converge, Inc. ("Converge"), an independent marketplace that serves
the high-tech supply chain community. VerticalNet Exchanges was comprised of
NECX.com LLC, a business purchased in December 1999, and its subsequent
acquisitions of R.W. Electronics, Inc. and F&G Capital, Inc. d/b/a American IC
Exchange ("AICE"). In consideration for the transaction, we received 10,371,319
shares of Series B convertible preferred stock and 1,094,751 shares of
non-voting common stock, representing approximately 18.0% and 1.9%,
respectively, of Converge's equity at the closing of the transaction. We were
also entitled to receive $60.0 million of cash at closing, subject to adjustment
based on a comparison of NECX's net worth and working capital as of October 31,
2000 and as of the closing date. The final net worth and working capital
adjustment calculation performed in the second quarter of 2001 following a
post-closing audit resulted in us having to make an aggregate payment of $12.8
million to Converge. At the closing date, January 31, 2001, we made an estimated
payment of approximately $6.5 million; the remaining $6.3 million was paid in
two installments of $1.6 million in June 2001 and $4.7 million in July 2001, the
latter of which is included in accrued expenses as of June 30, 2001.

     The sale of NECX was treated as a nonmonetary exchange pursuant to the
guidance in Accounting Principles Board Opinion ("APB") No. 29, Accounting for
Nonmonetary Transactions, and EITF Issue No. 00-05, Determining Whether a
Nonmonetary Transaction is an Exchange of Similar Productive Assets.
Accordingly, we used the fair value of NECX of $215.0 million, as determined by
an independent appraisal, to value our investment in Converge, which is a
privately held company. We are accounting for our investment in Converge under
the cost method of accounting for investments. We recorded an estimated loss on
disposal of NECX of $82.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2000 which
included an estimated loss from operations of $9.0 million for the month of
January 2001. During the six months ended June 30, 2001, we recorded an
additional $3.9 million loss on disposal due to the final calculation of the net
worth and working capital adjustment payment. Also in January 2001, in
connection with the sale of NECX to Converge, we settled AICE's remaining
earnout provisions by issuing 1,101,549 shares of our common stock valued at
approximately $10.0 million, which amount had been considered in calculating our
original loss on disposal.

     The sale of NECX represents the disposal of a business segment.
Accordingly, the results of this segment have been shown separately as a
discontinued operation, and prior periods have been restated. The net assets of
the discontinued operation have been classified separately on the December 31,
2000 consolidated balance sheet.

     Revenues and losses from the discontinued operation are as follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                            THREE MONTHS ENDED      SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                 JUNE 30,               JUNE 30,
                                            -------------------    -------------------
                                             2001        2000       2001        2000
                                            -------    --------    -------    --------
                                                          (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Exchange transaction sales................  $    --    $168,224    $32,604    $267,267
Cost of exchange transaction sales........       --     139,111     27,173     223,567
                                            -------    --------    -------    --------
  Net exchange revenues...................  $          $ 29,113    $ 5,431    $ 43,700
                                            =======    ========    =======    ========
Loss from discontinued operations.........  $    --    $ (2,931)   $    --    $ (7,537)
Loss on disposal of discontinued
  operations..............................  $(3,381)   $     --    $(3,903)   $     --
</Table>

                                        11
<PAGE>   12
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     The assets and liabilities of the VerticalNet Exchanges segment as of
December 31, 2000 were as follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                           <C>
Current assets..............................................     $ 27,573
Property and equipment, net.................................       22,809
Intangible assets...........................................      155,680
Other non-current assets....................................        9,424
Current liabilities.........................................         (486)
                                                                 --------
Net assets of discontinued operations.......................     $215,000
                                                                 ========
</Table>

(3) INVESTMENTS

  Available-For-Sale

     As of June 30, 2001, our available-for-sale securities classified as
short-term include investments in corporate and government obligations with a
fair market value of $3.8 million and marketable equity securities of $0.4
million. Our marketable equity securities, which consist of investments in
publicly traded companies for which we do not have the ability to exercise
significant influence, are stated at fair market value based on quoted market
prices. Our investment in Ariba, Inc. ("Ariba") common stock of approximately
$2.3 million is classified as long-term due to a forward sale of the majority of
our shares. During the three months ended June 30, 2001, we recognized an
impairment charge, included in other income (expenses), of approximately $10.5
million on our Ariba investment for an other than temporary decline, based on
the difference between the original recorded cost of the investment and the fair
market value of the shares as of the forward sale contract date.

     In July 1999, we acquired 414,233 shares of the Series C preferred stock of
Tradex Technologies, Inc. ("Tradex") for $1.0 million. In December 1999, Tradex
entered into an Agreement and Plan of Reorganization with Ariba. On March 10,
2000, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization, our
investment in Tradex was exchanged for 566,306 shares of Ariba's common stock,
of which 64,310 shares were placed in escrow for one year subsequent to the
transaction's closing. Based on the fair market value of Ariba's common stock on
March 10, 2000, we recorded an $85.5 million gain on the disposition of the
Tradex investment. After selling 140,000 shares in March 2000 at a loss of $5.6
million, we recorded a net investment gain of $79.9 million for the three months
ended March 31, 2000. In March 2001, 49,982 of our escrowed Ariba shares were
released, with the remaining 14,328 shares being held in escrow pending the
resolution of a dispute under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between
Tradex and Ariba. In light of the continued uncertainty around whether the Ariba
shares remaining in escrow will eventually be released to us, we recorded a $2.2
million loss on investment during the three months ended March 31, 2001 to
adjust the original investment gain recorded when the transaction closed. To the
extent the pending dispute is resolved in whole or in part in Tradex's favor, we
will subsequently record an additional adjustment.

  Cost Method Investments

     At June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, investments held at cost were
approximately $220.4 million and $12.2 million, respectively. Our Converge
investment of approximately $215.0 million is approximately 44.0% of our total
assets as of June 30, 2001. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2001,
we recorded impairment charges of $1.9 million and $9.6 million, respectively,
which are included in other income (expense) for an other than temporary decline
in the fair value of several of these investments. During the three and six
months ended June 30, 2001, we recognized revenue of approximately $0.1 million
and $1.5 million, respectively, from commercial arrangements with cost method
investees, excluding revenue from Converge (see Note 4).

                                        12
<PAGE>   13
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

  Equity Method Investments

     At June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, our equity method investments were
approximately $1.7 million and $5.4 million, respectively. Our loss from equity
method investments, which is included in other income (expense), is
approximately $0.7 million and $1.8 million for the three and six months ended
June 30, 2001, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30,
2001, we recognized revenue, net of proportional eliminations of approximately
$0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, from our equity method investees.
During the three months ended June 30, 2001 we recorded an impairment charge of
approximately $0.7 million, which is included in other income (expense) as a
result of the pending dissolution of two of our investees.

(4) STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS

  Microsoft

     On April 26, 2001, we entered into a new agreement with Microsoft (the "New
Microsoft Agreement"), which terminated and replaced the original commercial
agreement we entered into with Microsoft on March 29, 2000 (the "Original
Microsoft Agreement"). Under the New Microsoft Agreement, Microsoft prepaid to
us $40.0 million for the upsell or deployment of enablement products on their
behalf through April 2002. The $40.0 million payment under the New Microsoft
Agreement replaces the net cash flows that we expected to receive under the
Original Microsoft Agreement of approximately $49.2 million in 2001 and $5.1
million in 2002, as previously reported in Note 9 to our consolidated financial
statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2000.

     Collectively under the Original and New Microsoft Agreements, during the
three and six months ended June 30, 2001, we recognized approximately $13.7
million and $28.5 million, respectively, in e-enablement and advertising revenue
and we expensed approximately $4.5 million and $8.9 million, respectively, for
advertising, software licensing and support.

  Converge

     In December 2000, we entered into three-year software licensing and
professional services contracts with Converge, valued at approximately $108.0
million. Performance under the contract began in 2001 following the closing of
the NECX sale. The contracts provide for aggregate cash payments to us of $43.0
million, $35.0 million and $30.0 million during the years ending December 31,
2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. As of June 30, 2001, we have received $20.5
million from Converge, of which $8.8 million and $14.7 million has been
recognized as revenue during the three and six months ended June 30, 2001,
respectively. The commercial agreement also includes a commitment to link
Converge with each of our 14 technology-focused industry marketplaces.

(5) RESTRUCTURING AND ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

  First Quarter 2001 Restructuring

     During the first quarter of 2001, we announced strategic and organizational
initiatives designed to realign business operations, eliminate acquisition
related redundancies, and reduce costs. As a result of these initiatives, we
recorded a restructuring charge of approximately $7.5 million. Of this amount,
approximately

                                        13
<PAGE>   14
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

$3.6 million was paid through June 30, 2001. The following table provides a
summary by category and a rollforward of the changes in this restructuring
accrual for the six months ended June 30, 2001:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                            ACCRUAL AT
                                          RESTRUCTURING      CASH      NON-CASH              JUNE 30,
                                             CHARGES       PAYMENTS    CHARGES     OTHER       2001
                                          -------------    --------    --------    -----    ----------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                       <C>              <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>
Lease termination costs.................     $1,593        $  (678)    $    --     $253       $1,168
Employee severance and related
  benefits..............................      2,883         (2,922)         --      147          108
Asset disposals, net of cash received...      1,496             --      (1,582)      86           --
Goodwill and other intangible assets....      1,493             --      (1,493)      --           --
                                             ------        -------     -------     ----       ------
                                             $7,465        $(3,600)    $(3,075)    $486       $1,276
                                             ======        =======     =======     ====       ======
</Table>

     The $1.3 million accrued at June 30, 2001 is reflected in accrued expenses
on the consolidated balance sheet.

     The amount accrued at June 30, 2001 for lease termination costs relates to
three remaining leases not yet terminated of the original twenty leases included
in the restructuring charge. The amount represents the net expense expected to
be incurred to sublet the facilities or the estimated amount to be paid to
terminate the lease contracts before the end of their terms.

     The amount accrued at June 30, 2001 for employee severance and related
benefits relates to severance payments which have not yet been made to employees
whose positions were eliminated as part of the reduction in workforce. The
reduction in workforce included approximately 240 people.

     During the second quarter of 2001, we recorded additional expenses of
approximately $0.3 million, $0.1 million and $0.1 million related to lease
termination costs, employee termination benefits and asset disposals,
respectively, due to changes in estimates for the actual charges. The additional
expenses recorded in the second quarter of 2001 are reflected in restructuring
charges in the consolidated statements of operations. The remaining
restructuring accrual at June 30, 2001 is expected to be adequate to cover
actual amounts to be paid. Differences, if any, between the estimated amounts
accrued and the actual amounts paid will be reflected in operating expenses in
future periods.

  Second Quarter 2001 Restructuring and Asset Impairment

     During the second quarter of 2001, we implemented a second restructuring
plan designed to further reduce our cost structure. As a result of this and an
assessment of our intangible assets, we recorded a restructuring and impairment
charge of approximately $218.4 million in the second quarter. The $218.4 million
charge is included in a separate line of operating expense in the consolidated
statements of operations. The following table provides a detail of the charges
and cash payments made by category as well as the amounts accrued as of June 30,
2001:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                          ACCRUAL AT
                                                RESTRUCTURING      CASH      NON-CASH      JUNE 30,
                                                   CHARGES       PAYMENTS     CHARGES        2001
                                                -------------    --------    ---------    ----------
                                                                   (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                             <C>              <C>         <C>          <C>
Lease termination costs.......................    $  3,244       $  (160)    $      --      $3,084
Employee severance and related benefits.......       4,230        (3,198)          (63)        969
Asset disposals, net of cash received.........       8,847            --        (8,847)         --
Goodwill and other intangible assets..........     202,072            --      (202,072)         --
                                                  --------       -------     ---------      ------
                                                  $218,393       $(3,358)    $(210,982)     $4,053
                                                  ========       =======     =========      ======
</Table>

                                        14
<PAGE>   15
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

     The $4.1 million accrued at June 30, 2001 is reflected in accrued expenses
on the consolidated balance sheet.

     Lease termination costs include the estimated cost to close office
facilities and represent the amount required to fulfill our obligation under
signed lease contracts, the net expense expected to be incurred to sublet the
facilities, or the estimated amount to be paid to terminate the lease contracts
before the end of their terms.

     The reduction in workforce included approximately 310 employees from the
following areas: editorial and operations, product development, sales and
marketing, and general and administrative.

     Asset disposals include software, leasehold improvements and furniture and
telephone equipment that will not be used in our ongoing operations due to the
restructuring.

     We also impaired $202.1 million of identifiable intangible assets and
goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of. The impairment
assessment was performed primarily due to the significant decline in our stock
price, the net book value of our assets significantly exceeding our market
capitalization and the overall decline in industry growth rates which indicate
that this trend may continue for an indefinite period. As a result, we recorded
a $155.0 million impairment charge in the second quarter of fiscal year 2001 to
reduce goodwill and other intangible assets associated with our Tradeum
acquisition to their estimated fair value. Tradeum was a development stage
software company purchased in March 2000. The acquisition was financed
principally with shares of our common stock and valued based on the price of our
stock at that time. The estimate of fair value was based upon the valuation of
comparable publicly held businesses. The remaining Tradeum goodwill and other
intangible assets of approximately $100.2 million will continue to be amortized
using the straight-line method over their remaining lives.

     We also recorded an additional $47.1 million impairment charge in the
second quarter of fiscal year 2001 to reduce goodwill and other intangible
assets associated with various acquisitions related to our Small/ Medium
Business group including approximately $20.6 million related to our acquisition
of VerticalNet Europe B.V. ("VerticalNet Europe"). In conjunction with our
second quarter and third quarter restructuring of the Small/Medium Business
group, we estimated the fair value of the continuing business based upon the
amounts we could reasonably expect to realize in the sale of those assets.

     VerticalNet Europe was originally a 56% owned joint venture formed in June
2000 with Internet Capital Group, Inc. and British Telecommunications, plc.
("BT"). VerticalNet Europe operated UK industry marketplaces through one of its
subsidiaries. By March 2001, we owned 90% of the entity through the purchase of
the other partners' shares and VerticalNet Europe's redemption of a portion of
its own shares. We also entered into a put and call agreement with BT whereby we
can buy their remaining 10% interest in VerticalNet Europe at any time after
March 13, 2001 and BT may sell its investment to us at any time after March 13,
2002. The fixed portion of the put and call price of approximately $13.0 million
is included in other long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet as
of June 30, 2001 based on our intent to issue common stock to settle the
liability. The amount is payable in Euros, therefore, we will mark the liability
to market quarterly. In June 2001 we recorded an impairment of goodwill related
to VerticalNet Europe when management decided to cease operations of the UK
industry marketplaces based on cost cutting initiatives and to migrate current
customers to the global sites operated in the US.

  Third Quarter 2001 Restructuring

     In July 2001, as part of our ongoing strategic and organizational
initiatives, we initiated a third workforce reduction. Employee termination and
related facility closing costs will result in a restructuring charge that is
expected to range from approximately $7.0 million to $9.0 million in the third
quarter of 2001.

                                        15
<PAGE>   16
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

(6) LOSS PER SHARE

     Basic loss per share is computed using the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed
using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent
shares outstanding during the period, including incremental common shares
issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants (using the treasury
stock method) and the conversion of our 5 1/4% convertible subordinated
debentures and our Series A 6.00% convertible redeemable preferred stock (using
the if-converted method). Common equivalent shares are excluded from the
calculation if their effect is anti-dilutive.

     The following table sets forth the computation of loss per common share:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED        SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                      JUNE 30,                 JUNE 30,
                                                ---------------------    ---------------------
                                                  2001         2000        2001         2000
                                                ---------    --------    ---------    --------
                                                    (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                             <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Loss from continuing operations...............  $(300,639)   $(82,767)   $(390,464)   $(36,068)
  Preferred stock dividends and accretion.....     (1,842)     (1,450)      (3,661)     (1,450)
                                                ---------    --------    ---------    --------
Loss from continuing operations attributable
  to common shareholders......................   (302,481)    (84,217)    (394,125)    (37,518)
Loss from discontinued operations.............         --      (2,931)          --      (7,537)
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations...     (3,381)         --       (3,903)         --
                                                ---------    --------    ---------    --------
  Loss attributable to common shareholders....  $(305,862)   $(87,148)   $(398,028)   $(45,055)
                                                =========    ========    =========    ========
Basic and diluted loss per share:
  Continuing operations.......................  $   (3.10)   $  (1.01)   $   (4.14)   $  (0.48)
  Loss from discontinued operations...........         --       (0.04)          --       (0.09)
  Loss on disposal of discontinued
     operations...............................      (0.03)         --        (0.04)         --
                                                ---------    --------    ---------    --------
Basic and diluted loss per common share.......  $   (3.13)   $  (1.05)   $   (4.18)   $  (0.57)
                                                =========    ========    =========    ========
</Table>

(7) SEGMENT INFORMATION

     During the first quarter of 2001, management began evaluating the financial
operating performance of the business as two distinct business units, the
Small/Medium Business group and the Enterprise group, formerly referred to as
VerticalNet Markets and VerticalNet Solutions, respectively. Comparative
information for the same quarter in the prior year is not readily available. All
prior segment information for VerticalNet Exchanges has been classified as a
discontinued operation.

     In April 2001, we announced our intention to consolidate our two business
units into a single operating segment in order to streamline operations and
reduce redundant positions and costs. Although management unified operations
during the second quarter in an effort to reduce costs, our chief operating
decision maker continues to evaluate the financial performance of the Company
based on our two segments. These segments include the Small/Medium Business
group, which consists of the operations of our 59 industry marketplaces,
including e-enablement and e-commerce revenues and advertising and services
revenues; and the Enterprise group, which consists of our enterprise software,
professional services and related services operations. With the exception of
goodwill and other intangible asset amortization and impairments, all non-cash
expenses, other nonrecurring items and preferred stock dividends are in the
corporate and reconciling items column since management does not currently
evaluate these items on a segment basis.

                                        16
<PAGE>   17
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------
                                            SMALL/MEDIUM    ENTERPRISE     CORPORATE AND
                                           BUSINESS GROUP     GROUP      RECONCILING ITEMS     TOTAL
                                           --------------   ----------   -----------------   ---------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>              <C>          <C>                 <C>
Revenues.................................     $ 23,617      $   9,439        $     --        $  33,056
Net loss, excluding non-cash expenses,
  other non recurring items and preferred
  stock dividends........................       (7,730)        (7,916)         (8,150)         (23,796)
Non-cash expenses, other non recurring
  items and preferred stock dividends....      (52,424)      (194,589)        (35,053)        (282,066)
Loss attributable to common
  shareholders...........................      (60,154)      (202,505)        (43,203)        (305,862)
Capital expenditures, including
  capitalized software costs.............        2,396            650             971            4,017
Segment assets...........................       77,213        122,077         289,742          489,032
</Table>

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001
                                           -----------------------------------------------------------
                                            SMALL/MEDIUM    ENTERPRISE     CORPORATE AND
                                           BUSINESS GROUP     GROUP      RECONCILING ITEMS     TOTAL
                                           --------------   ----------   -----------------   ---------
                                                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                        <C>              <C>          <C>                 <C>
Revenues................................      $ 51,374      $  18,369        $     --        $  69,743
Net loss, excluding non-cash expenses,
  other non recurring items and
  preferred stock dividends.............       (15,407)       (18,726)        (17,879)         (52,012)
Non-cash expenses, other non recurring
  items and preferred stock dividends...       (58,019)      (234,126)        (53,871)        (346,016)
Loss attributable to common
  shareholders..........................       (73,426)      (252,852)        (71,750)        (398,028)
Capital expenditures, including
  capitalized software costs............         8,943          1,650           2,930           13,523
Segment assets..........................        77,213        122,077         289,742          489,032
</Table>

(8) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

     In July 2000, we formed a Japanese joint venture, VerticalNet Japan, with
Softbank E-commerce Corp. Under the joint venture agreement, we have a maximum
obligation to contribute 800 million Yen to VerticalNet Japan, an equity method
investee. As of June 30, 2001, we had contributed approximately 400 million Yen
($3.6 million as of the dates of the contributions). As of June 30, 2001, our
remaining funding obligation to the joint venture through the first two years of
operations was approximately 400 million Yen (approximately $3.2 million as of
June 30, 2001).

(9) LITIGATION

     On June 12, 2001, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company and
several of its officers and directors in U.S. Federal Court for the Southern
District of New York in an action captioned CJA Acquisition, Inc. v.
VerticalNet, et al., C.A. No. 01-CV-5241 (the "CJA Action"). Also named as
defendants were four underwriters involved in the issuance and initial public
offering of 3.5 million shares of VerticalNet stock in February 1999 -- Lehman
Brothers Inc., Hambrecht & Quist LLC, Volpe Brown Whelan & Company LLC and WIT
Capital Corporation. The complaint in the CJA Action alleges violations of
Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 20(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, based on,
among other things, claims that the four underwriters awarded material portions
of the initial shares to certain favored customers in exchange for excessive
commissions. The plaintiff also asserts that the underwriters engaged in a
practice known as "laddering," whereby the clients or customers agreed that in
exchange for IPO shares they would purchase additional shares in the Company at

                                        17
<PAGE>   18
                               VERTICALNET, INC.

           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)

progressively higher prices after the IPO. With respect to the Company, the
complaint alleges that the Company and its officers and directors failed to
disclose in the Prospectus and the Registration Statement the existence of these
purported excessive commissions and laddering agreements.

     After the CJA Action was filed, several "copycat" complaints were filed in
U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of New York. Those complaints,
whose allegations mirror those found in the CJA Action, include Ezra Charitable
Trust v. VerticalNet, et al., C.A. No. 01-CV-5350; Kofsky v. VerticalNet, et
al., C.A. No. 01-CV-5628; and Reeberg v. VerticalNet, C.A. No. 01-CV-5730. None
of the complaints state the amount of any damages being sought, but do ask the
court to award "rescissory damages."

     VerticalNet has retained counsel and intends to vigorously defend itself in
connection with the allegations raised in the CJA Action and the other
complaints. In addition, VerticalNet intends to enforce its indemnity rights
with respect to the underwriters who are also named as defendants in the
complaints.

     We are also party to various litigations and claims that arise in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate
resolutions with respect to these actions will not have a materially adverse
effect on our financial position or results of operations.

                                        18
<PAGE>   19

ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

     The information in this report contains forward-looking statements within
the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any
statements contained in this report that are not statements of historical fact
may be deemed forward-looking statements. Words such as "may," "might," "will,"
"would," "should," "could," "project," "estimate," "pro forma," "predict,"
"potential," "strategy," "anticipate," "plan to," "believe," "continue,"
"intend," "expect" and words of similar expression (including the negative of
any of the foregoing) are intended to identify forward-looking statements.
Additionally, forward-looking statements in this report include statements
relating to trends in Internet usage, business-to-business e-commerce and
software and related services; the design, development and implementation of our
products; the strategies underlying our business objectives; the completion of
pending transactions; our anticipated performance of our obligations or the
anticipated performance of the obligations of those parties with which we have
contractual relationships; our sales and marketing strategies and efforts; the
value of our investments in other companies; our liquidity and capital
resources; and the impact of our acquisitions and investments on our business,
financial condition and operating results.

     Our forward-looking statements are not meant to predict future events or
circumstances and may not be realized because they are based upon current
expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results and the timing
of certain events may differ materially from those currently expected as a
result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause or contribute to
a difference between the expected or desired results and actual results include,
but are not limited to, changes in our evolving business strategies and model;
our ability to eliminate redundancies within our business and to control
expenses; the availability of and terms of equity and debt financing to fund our
business; competition in our target markets; changes in prevailing interest
rates; inflation; changes in costs of goods and services; economic conditions in
general and in our specific target markets; changes in preferences and tastes of
users, buyers and suppliers; demographic changes; changes in, or failure to
comply with, federal, state, local or foreign laws and regulations; our ability
to use and protect our intellectual property; and our ability to attract and
retain qualified personnel, as well as the risks discussed in the section of
this report entitled "Factors Affecting our Business Condition." Given these
uncertainties, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on our
forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update these factors
or to announce publicly the results of any revisions to any of the
forward-looking statements contained in this report to reflect future events or
developments.

     The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and
results of operations should be read together with the consolidated financial
statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.

OVERVIEW

     Upon the closing of the sale of VerticalNet Exchanges ("NECX") to Converge
in January 2001, we continued to operate our two remaining segments, the
Small/Medium Business group and the Enterprise group, formerly referred to as
VerticalNet Markets and VerticalNet Solutions, respectively. In April 2001, we
announced our intention to consolidate our two business units into a single
operating segment in order to streamline operations and reduce redundant
positions and costs. Although management unified operations during the second
quarter in an effort to reduce costs, our chief operating decision maker
continues to evaluate the financial performance of the Company based on our two
segments. These segments include the Small/ Medium Business group which consists
of the operations of our 59 industry marketplaces, including e-enablement and
e-commerce revenues and advertising and services revenues; and the Enterprise
group which consists of our enterprise software, professional services and
related services operations.

     VerticalNet, through its subsidiaries, provides end-to-end e-commerce
solutions targeted at distinct business segments. We deploy and provide
enterprise software solutions that enable organizations to build stronger, more
dynamic relationships and achieve excellence in planning, decision-making, and
execution across their extended value chains. Additionally, through our
Small/Medium Business group we operate 59 industry marketplaces that connect
buyers and suppliers online by providing industry-specific news and relevant
product and service information. Buyers are able to quickly locate, source and
purchase products and

                                        19
<PAGE>   20

services online while suppliers are able to generate sales leads by showcasing
their products and services across multiple marketplaces to reach highly
qualified buyers and specifiers.

     We generate revenue from three primary sources: e-enablement and
e-commerce; advertising and services; and software licensing and related
services. E-enablement and e-commerce, and advertising and services revenues are
generated by the Small/Medium Business group, whereas enterprise software
licensing and related services revenues are generated by the Enterprise group.
In future periods the Small/Medium Business group may also sell hosted software
products.

     E-enablement and e-commerce revenues include storefront and e-commerce
center fees, Web site development fees and e-commerce fees. Storefront and
e-commerce center fees are recognized ratably over the period of the contract.
Web site development fees are recognized as the services are performed.
E-commerce fees in the form of transaction fees, percentage of sale fees or
minimum guaranteed fees are recognized upon receipt of payment. E-commerce fees
from educational courses are recognized in the period in which the course is
completed. E-commerce fees from books and other product sales are recognized in
the period in which the products are shipped.

     Advertising and services revenues, including buttons and banners, are
recognized ratably over the period of the applicable contract. Newsletter
sponsorship revenues are recognized when the newsletters are e-mailed.
Advertising contracts generally do not extend beyond one year, although certain
contracts are for multiple years. We also enter into strategic co-marketing
agreements under which we develop co-branded Web sites. Revenues from hosting
and maintenance services under these co-marketing arrangements are recognized
ratably over the term of the contract. In the normal course of business, we
enter into "multiple-element" arrangements. We allocate revenue under such
arrangements based on the fair value of each element, to the extent objectively
determinable, and recognize revenue upon delivery or consummation of the
separable earnings process attributable to each element.

     Revenues from software licensing and related services are accounted for
under Statement of Position ("SOP") 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, and
related guidance in the form of technical questions and answers published by the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' task force on software
revenue recognition. SOP 97-2 requires revenue earned on software arrangements
involving multiple elements to be allocated to each element based on vendor
specific objective evidence of fair values of the elements. License revenue
allocated to software products is recognized upon delivery of the software
products or ratably over a contractual period if unspecified software products
are to be delivered during that period. Revenue allocated to hosting and
maintenance services is recognized ratably over the contract term and revenue
allocated to professional services is recognized as the services are performed.
For certain agreements where the professional services provided are essential to
the functionality or are for significant production, modification or
customization of the software products, both the software product revenue and
service revenue are recognized on a straight-line basis or in accordance with
the provisions of SOP 81-1, Accounting for Performance of Construction-Type and
Certain Production-Type Contracts.

     During the first six months of 2001 we announced and executed two major
restructuring efforts designed to reduce overall costs and streamline
operations. Our goals were to eliminate redundant positions and facilities
primarily related to previous acquisitions that had not been fully integrated,
to eliminate several unprofitable business initiatives and to improve our
operating efficiency and margins. Our cost cutting measures through the first
half of fiscal year 2001 included an aggregate work force reduction of
approximately 550 employees throughout the organization and various office
facilities.

     In July 2001 we announced a third workforce reduction focused primarily on
reducing costs associated with the operations of the industry marketplaces and
corporate overhead. We intend to continue to focus on balancing revenue growth
and achieving profitability and will continue to review our operations for
cost-cutting opportunities that will improve our operating margins. We expect to
continue to streamline our operations and/or reduce headcount if the revenues
expected from our product and service offerings do not materialize.

                                        20
<PAGE>   21

     At June 30, 2001 we had an accumulated deficit of $778.5 million. The table
below summarizes the loss from continuing operations attributable to common
shareholders (including preferred dividends) and the loss attributable to common
shareholders, which includes discontinued operations, during the specified
periods:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                        LOSS FROM
                                                  CONTINUING OPERATIONS
                                                     ATTRIBUTABLE TO       LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO
                                                         COMMON                   COMMON
PERIOD                                                SHAREHOLDERS             SHAREHOLDERS
------                                            ---------------------    --------------------
                                                                  (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                               <C>                      <C>
Three months ended June 30, 2001................         $302.5                   $305.9
Six months ended June 30, 2001..................          394.1                    398.0
Year ended December 31, 2000....................          207.6                    316.6
Year ended December 31, 1999....................           52.6                     53.5
Year ended December 31, 1998....................           13.6                     13.6
Year ended December 31, 1997....................            4.8                      4.8
</Table>

     The losses from continuing operations and accumulated deficit have resulted
primarily from our lack of revenues relative to the costs of our significant
infrastructure expansion, the costs related to acquisitions, including
amortization expense and in-process research and development charges,
restructuring and asset impairment charges and other costs incurred for the
development of our industry marketplaces and enterprise software products. We
expect to continue to incur significant operating losses for the foreseeable
future. Although we have experienced revenue growth in recent periods, such
growth may not be sustainable and should not be considered indicative of future
performance. We may never maintain or increase revenues or generate an operating
profit.

SALE OF VERTICALNET EXCHANGES (NECX)

     On January 31, 2001, we completed the sale of our VerticalNet Exchanges
segment to Converge. VerticalNet Exchanges was comprised of NECX.com LLC, a
business purchased in December 1999, and its subsequent acquisitions of R.W.
Electronics, Inc. and F&G Capital, Inc. d/b/a American IC Exchange. In
consideration for the transaction, we received 10,371,319 shares of Series B
convertible preferred stock and 1,094,751 shares of non-voting common stock,
representing approximately 18.0% and 1.9%, respectively, of Converge's equity at
the closing of the transaction. We were also entitled to receive $60.0 million
of cash at closing, subject to adjustment based on a comparison of NECX's net
worth and working capital as of October 31, 2000 and as of the closing date. The
final net worth and working capital adjustment calculation performed in the
second quarter of 2001 following a post-closing audit resulted in us having to
make an aggregate payment of $12.8 million to Converge. At the closing date,
January 31, 2001, we made an estimated payment of approximately $6.5 million;
the remaining $6.3 million was paid in two installments of $1.6 million in June
2001 and $4.7 million in July 2001, the later of which is included in accrued
expenses as of June 30, 2001.

     We used the fair value of NECX of $215.0 million, as determined by an
independent appraisal, to record our investment in Converge. The investment in
Converge is being accounted for under the cost method of accounting for
investments.

     The sale of the VerticalNet Exchanges segment represents the disposal of a
business segment under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30, Reporting the
Results of Operations -- Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a
Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and
Transactions. Accordingly, results of this segment have been shown separately as
a discontinued operation, and all prior periods have been restated.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 AND
JUNE 30, 2000

     The following discussion and comparison regarding results of continuing
operations do not reflect the results of NECX.

                                        21
<PAGE>   22

     Revenues.  Revenues were $33.1 million for the three months ended June 30,
2001, including approximately $23.6 million from the Small/Medium Business group
and approximately $9.5 million from the Enterprise group. Revenues were $24.4
million for the three months ended June 30, 2000, including approximately $23.5
million from the Small/Medium Business group and approximately $0.9 million from
the Enterprise group. The increase in revenues resulted primarily from an
increase in software licensing and related services revenue, primarily from our
Converge contracts.

     Our two largest sources of revenue during the three months ended June 30,
2001 were Microsoft and Converge. Revenues from Microsoft were approximately
$13.7 million, or 41.4% of total revenue for the three months ended June 30,
2001 and approximately $6.3 million, or 25.6% of total revenue for the three
months ended June 30, 2000. Revenues from Converge were approximately $8.8
million, or 26.6% of total revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2001.
There was no revenue from Converge during the three months ended June 30, 2000.

     At June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, we had deferred revenues of $65.4
million and $57.3 million, respectively. Our deferred revenue balance at June
30, 2001 is composed of approximately $57.5 million from the Small/Medium
Business group, of which approximately $46.4 million relates to our commercial
arrangements with Microsoft, and approximately $7.9 million from the Enterprise
group.

     Editorial and Operational Expenses.  Editorial and operational expenses
consist primarily of salaries and benefits of operating and editorial personnel,
product costs (including costs of professional services provided to customers),
depreciation, amortization of internally developed software and other related
operating costs. Editorial and operational expenses were $12.9 million for the
three months ended June 30, 2001 and $8.7 million for the three months ended
June 30, 2000. Expenses increased by:

     - $3.6 million for direct product costs, including costs of professional
       services provided to our customers; and

     - $0.6 million for other related operating costs.

     Increases were primarily attributable to direct product costs, which
increased due to our growth in the asset remarketing businesses in which, under
certain circumstances, we take title to the goods being sold as well as costs of
professional services for our software customers. We expect professional
services costs, including external consultant costs to increase as we continue
to grow our enterprise software business. However, due to the third quarter cost
reductions related primarily to our restructuring of the Small/Medium Business
group, aggregate costs are not expected to increase significantly.

     Product Development Expenses.  Product development expenses consist
primarily of salaries and benefits, consulting expenses and related
expenditures. Product development expenses were $7.4 million for the three
months ended June 30, 2001 and $8.6 million for the three months ended June 30,
2000. Expenses decreased by:

     - $1.1 million for consulting expenses; and

     - $0.1 million for other expenditures.

     This decrease in product development expenses resulted primarily from our
efforts to reduce the use of external consultants and third party software
providers in our development efforts. Product development is critical to
attaining our goals; however, we do not expect significant increases in costs.

     Sales and Marketing Expenses.  Sales and marketing expenses consist
primarily of salaries and commissions for sales and marketing personnel,
advertising and travel and entertainment, including the costs of attending trade
shows. Sales and marketing expenses were $22.6 million for the three months
ended June 30, 2001 and $23.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2000.
Expenses increased (decreased) by:

     - $(2.1) million for advertising, including barter expense;

     - $0.1 million for salaries, commissions and benefits; and

                                        22
<PAGE>   23

     - $0.9 million for travel and entertainment expenses (including trade show
       attendance) and other expenses.

     This net decrease resulted primarily from our efforts to focus advertising
and marketing campaigns on one VerticalNet brand, whereas in prior quarters we
had separate marketing efforts for VerticalNet Markets and VerticalNet
Solutions.

     General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses
consist primarily of salaries and related costs for our executive,
administrative, finance, legal, human resources and business and corporate
development personnel, as well as support services and professional service
fees. General and administrative expenses were $14.1 million for the three
months ended June 30, 2001 and $10.5 million for the three months ended June 30,
2000. Expenses increased (decreased) by:

     - $0.3 million for salaries and benefits;

     - $(0.9) million for professional fees;

     - $0.9 million for depreciation and internal software amortization;

     - $1.5 million for facility costs; and

     - $1.8 million for other general and administrative costs.

     This net increase resulted primarily from higher facility costs related to
our building leases and related building expenses.

     Amortization Expense.  Amortization expense primarily reflects the
amortization of goodwill from purchase business combinations. Also included in
amortization expense is the amortization of identified intangible assets
acquired in such acquisitions and the amortization of deferred costs related to
the warrants and Series A preferred stock issued to Microsoft. The amortization
period for goodwill is 36 months, while the amortization period for other
intangible assets ranges from 24 to 36 months. Amortization expense was $44.9
million and $46.0 million (including $1.1 million and $0.4 million of deferred
cost amortization related to Microsoft) for the three months ended June 30, 2001
and June 30, 2000, respectively. Amortization expense is expected to decrease
due to goodwill and other intangible asset impairments recorded in the second
quarter of 2001.

     Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges.  During the three months ended
June 30, 2001, we recorded a $218.9 million charge related to employee
terminations, facility closures and asset write-downs (see Note 5 to our
consolidated financial statements).

     Other Income and Expenses.  Other income (expense) includes the following:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                THREE MONTHS
                                                                   ENDED
                                                                  JUNE 30,
                                                              ----------------
                                                               2001      2000
                                                              ------    ------
                                                               (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Write-down related to cost method, equity method and
  available-for-sale investments............................  $(13.1)   $   --
Equity in loss of affiliates................................    (0.7)     (0.2)
Conversion payment to debtholders(1)........................      --     (11.2)
Other income and expense items..............................     0.7        --
                                                              ------    ------
                                                              $(13.1)   $(11.4)
                                                              ======    ======
</Table>

---------------
(1) In April 2000, approximately $93.3 million of our 5 1/4% convertible
    subordinated debentures were converted into 4,664,750 shares of our common
    stock. In connection with the conversion, we made an inducement payment of
    approximately $11.2 million to our debtholders.

                                        23
<PAGE>   24

     Interest Income (Expense), Net.  Interest income (expense), net includes
income from temporarily invested cash and cash equivalents and from investments
and expenses related to our financing obligations. Net interest income was $0.1
million and $1.7 million (net of $1.0 million and $0.4 million of expense),
respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000. Interest income
decreased as a result of a lower cash balance in 2001. We invest the majority of
our cash balances in debt instruments of the United States Government and its
agencies, and in high-quality corporate issuers. Interest expense increased
during the period due to the amortization of our Ariba forward sale transaction
cost and interest accrued on our put and call arrangement with BT (see Note 1
and 5 to our consolidated financial statements).

     Preferred Stock Dividends.  For the three months ended June 30, 2001,
preferred stock dividends and accretion were approximately $1.8 million. As of
June 30, 2001, cumulative dividends of $7.7 million have been earned by
Microsoft, the holder of our Series A preferred stock. Through June 30, 2001,
dividends of $6.1 million were paid to Microsoft through the issuance of
additional shares of our Series A preferred stock. The remaining $1.6 million
remains payable as of June 30, 2001. The dividends may be paid in cash,
additional shares of Series A preferred stock or common stock, at our option.

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 AND JUNE
30, 2000

     The following discussion and comparison regarding results of continuing
operations do not reflect the results of NECX.

     Revenues.  Revenues were $69.7 million for the six months ended June 30,
2001, including approximately $51.4 million from the Small/Medium Business group
and approximately $18.3 million from the Enterprise group. Revenues were $37.3
million for the six months ended June 30, 2000, including approximately $36.4
million from the Small/Medium Business group and approximately $0.9 million from
the Enterprise group. The increase in the Small/Medium Business group revenues
resulted primarily from our Original and New Microsoft Agreements, which were
primarily responsible for the increase in the number of storefronts on our
industry marketplaces from approximately 8,345 as of June 30, 2000 to
approximately 35,173 as of June 30, 2001. The increase in the Enterprise group
revenues resulted from an increase in software licensing and related services,
primarily from our Converge contracts.

     Our two largest sources of revenue during the six months ended June 30,
2001 were Microsoft and Converge. Revenues from Microsoft were approximately
$28.5 million, or 40.9% of total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2001
and approximately $8.5 million, or 22.7% of total revenue for the six months
ended June 30, 2000. Revenues from Converge were approximately $14.7 million, or
21.1% of total revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2001. There was no
revenue from Converge during the six months ended June 30, 2000.

     At June 30, 2001 and December 31, 2000, we had deferred revenues of $65.4
million and $57.3 million, respectively. Our deferred revenue balance at June
30, 2001 is composed of approximately $57.5 million from the Small/Medium
Business group, of which approximately $46.4 million relates to our Original and
New Microsoft Agreements, and approximately $7.9 million from the Enterprise
group.

     Editorial and Operational Expenses.  Editorial and operational expenses
were $26.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and $13.0 million for
the six months ended June 30, 2000. Expenses increased by:

     - $2.4 million for salaries and benefits of operating and editorial
       personnel;

     - $8.7 million for direct product costs, including costs of professional
       services provided to our Enterprise group customers; and

     - $2.3 million for other related operating costs.

     Increases were primarily attributable to additional personnel and direct
product costs. Additional personnel were required to provide services to an
increased number of customers as a result of our Original Microsoft arrangement.
Direct product costs increased due to our growth in the asset remarketing
businesses

                                        24
<PAGE>   25

in which, under certain circumstances, we take title to the goods being sold as
well as costs of professional services for our software customers.

     Product Development Expenses.  Product development expenses were $16.6
million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and $13.2 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2000. Expenses increased (decreased) by:

     - $3.4 million for salaries and benefits;

     - $0.3 million for consulting expenses; and

     - $(0.3) million for other expenditures.

     This net increase in product development expenses resulted primarily from
increased staffing during the first quarter of 2001. Staffing was subsequently
reduced in our second quarter restructuring in order to eliminate redundant
positions and streamline our development processes.

     Sales and Marketing Expenses.  Sales and marketing expenses were $47.6
million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and $33.9 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2000. Expenses increased by:

     - $4.5 million for advertising, including barter expense;

     - $5.8 million for salaries, commissions and benefits; and

     - $3.4 million for travel and entertainment expenses (including trade show
       attendance) and other expenses.

     These increases resulted primarily from an increased number of sales and
marketing personnel across our business units, increased expenses to market both
the VerticalNet Markets and VerticalNet Solutions brands and increased sales
commissions.

     General and Administrative Expenses.  General and administrative expenses
were $32.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and $17.2 million for
the six months ended June 30, 2000. Expenses increased (decreased) by:

     - $4.8 million for salaries and benefits;

     - $(0.2) million for professional fees;

     - $1.7 million for depreciation and internal software amortization;

     - $3.7 million for facility costs; and

     - $5.0 million for other general and administrative costs.

     These increases resulted primarily from increased staffing levels and
higher facility costs, including those incurred as a result of newly acquired
businesses.

     Amortization Expense.  Amortization expense was $89.1 million and $55.6
million (including $1.7 million and $0.4 million of deferred cost amortization
related to Microsoft) for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and June 30, 2000,
respectively. The increase in amortization expense is primarily attributable to
our acquisition of Tradeum in March 2000. Amortization expense is expected to
decrease due to goodwill and other intangible asset impairments recorded in the
second quarter of 2001.

     Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges.  During the six months ended
June 30, 2001, we recorded a $226.3 million charge related to employee
terminations, facility closures and asset write-downs (see Note 5 to our
consolidated financial statements).

                                        25
<PAGE>   26

     Other Income and Expenses.  Other income (expense) includes the following:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                 SIX MONTHS
                                                                   ENDED
                                                                  JUNE 30,
                                                              ----------------
                                                               2001      2000
                                                              ------    ------
                                                               (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Net gain (loss) on investments(1)...........................  $ (2.2)   $ 79.9
Write-down related to cost method, equity method and
  available-for-sale investments............................   (20.8)       --
Equity in loss of affiliates................................    (1.8)     (0.2)
Conversion payment to debtholders(2)........................      --     (11.2)
Other income and expense items..............................     1.8        --
                                                              ------    ------
                                                              $(23.0)   $ 68.5
                                                              ======    ======
</Table>

---------------
(1) We acquired $1.0 million of equity in Tradex Technologies Inc. ("Tradex") in
    July 1999. In March 2000, Tradex was acquired by Ariba, Inc. ("Ariba") and
    we received 566,306 shares of Ariba, of which 64,310 shares were placed in
    escrow for one year subsequent to the transaction closing, in exchange for
    our shares of Tradex. We recorded an $85.5 million gain upon the receipt of
    the Ariba common stock and subsequently sold 140,000 shares in March 2000 at
    a loss of $5.6 million, resulting in a net investment gain of $79.9 million.
    In March 2001, 49,982 of our escrowed Ariba shares were released, with the
    remaining 14,328 shares being held in escrow pending the resolution of a
    dispute under the Agreement and Plan of Reorganization between Tradex and
    Ariba. In light of the continued uncertainty around whether the Ariba shares
    remaining in escrow will eventually be released to us, we recorded a $2.2
    million loss on investment during the three months ended March 31, 2001 to
    adjust the original investment gain recorded when the transaction closed. To
    the extent the pending dispute is resolved in whole or in part in Tradex's
    favor, we will subsequently record an additional adjustment.

(2) In April 2000, approximately $93.3 million of our 5 1/4% convertible
    subordinated debentures were converted into 4,664,750 shares of our common
    stock. In connection with the conversion, we made an inducement payment of
    approximately $11.2 million to our debtholders.

     In-Process Research and Development Charge.  In March 2000, we incurred a
one-time in-process research and development charge of $10.0 million in
connection with our acquisition of Tradeum.

     Interest Income (Expense), Net.  Net interest income was $1.0 million and
$1.0 million (net of $1.9 million and $2.2 million of expense), respectively,
for the six months ended June 30, 2001 and 2000. Interest expense decreased
during the period due to the conversion of a portion of our outstanding
convertible debt during April 2000.

     Preferred Stock Dividends.  For the six months ended June 30, 2001,
preferred stock dividends and accretion were approximately $3.7 million. As of
June 30, 2001, cumulative dividends of $7.7 million have been earned by
Microsoft, the holder of our Series A preferred stock. Through June 30, 2001,
dividends of $6.1 million were paid to Microsoft through the issuance of
additional shares of our Series A preferred stock. The remaining $1.6 million
remains payable as of June 30, 2001. The dividends may be paid in cash,
additional shares of Series A preferred stock or common stock, at our option.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     As of June 30, 2001, our primary source of liquidity consisted of cash,
cash equivalents and highly liquid, high-quality debt instruments. We intend to
make the majority of such funds readily available for operating purposes. At
June 30, 2001, we had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments
totaling $73.3 million, compared to $145.2 million at December 31, 2000. At June
30, 2001 we have negative working capital of $0.2 million.

                                        26
<PAGE>   27

     Net cash used in operating activities was $52.7 million for the six months
ended June 30, 2001. Net cash used in operating activities consisted of net
operating losses and a decrease in accrued expenses and accounts payable, offset
by increases in deferred revenues and decreases in accounts receivable and
prepaid expenses and other assets.

     Net cash used in investing activities was $16.8 million for the six months
ended June 30, 2001. Cash from investing activities include $17.2 million for
the sale and maturities of available-for-sale securities and $7.1 million for
the release of previously restricted funds. Cash used in investing activities
included capital expenditures and capitalized software costs of $13.5 million,
acquisitions of $24.6 million, net of cash acquired, and investments made in
companies accounted for under the equity or cost method, net of cash received
from liquidation, of $3.0 million. The capital expenditures consisted primarily
of the purchase of office furniture, computer hardware, communications equipment
and costs capitalized in connection with the internal development of software.
We have generally funded our capital expenditures through funds generated from
operations and the use of capital leases and expect to continue to do so in the
foreseeable future.

     Net cash provided by financing activities was $14.7 million for the six
months ended June 30, 2001. Net cash provided by financing activities consists
of net proceeds from the issuance of common stock to Sumitomo of $15.0 million
and net proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options and stock purchase
plan transactions of $1.0 million. Cash used in financing activities includes
payments of $1.2 million made for capital leases. Due to current market
conditions, proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options and stock
purchase plan transactions are not expected to increase.

     In July 2000, we formed a Japanese joint venture, VerticalNet Japan, with
Softbank E-commerce Corp. As of June 30, 2001, we have made contributions of
approximately $3.6 million. Our remaining maximum funding obligation is
approximately 400 million Yen (approximately $3.2 million as of August 1, 2001)
to the joint venture through its first two years of operations.

     We operate in an industry that is rapidly evolving and extremely
competitive. Recently, many Internet based businesses, including some within the
business-to-business e-commerce industry, have experienced difficulty in raising
additional capital necessary to fund operating losses and ongoing investments in
strategic relationships. Valuations of public companies operating in the
Internet business-to-business e-commerce sector have declined significantly
since the first quarter of 2000. During the year ended December 31, 1999, and in
the first quarter of 2000, we announced several acquisitions, the most
significant of which was Tradeum, that were financed principally with shares of
our common stock and valued based on the price of our common stock at that time.
In the second quarter of fiscal 2001 we recorded a $155.0 million impairment
charge to reduce goodwill and other intangible assets associated with our
Tradeum acquisition to their estimated fair value. Additionally, we recorded an
additional $47.1 million impairment charge in the second quarter of fiscal 2001
to reduce goodwill and other intangible assets associated with various
acquisitions related to our Small/Medium Business group to their estimated fair
value, including approximately $20.6 million related to our acquisition of
VerticalNet Europe B.V. Although we have taken significant impairment charges in
the second quarter of 2001, it is reasonably possible that our accounting
estimates with respect to the useful life and ultimate recoverability of
goodwill and other intangible assets could change in the near term and that the
effect of such changes on the consolidated financial statements could be
material (see Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements).

     Although we have taken significant measures to reduce operating costs, we
expect to continue using cash resources to fund operating losses, acquisitions,
strategic investments, technologies and the infrastructure necessary to support
our business initiatives. Based on our most recent projections, we believe our
current level of liquid assets and the expected cash flows from contractual
arrangements will be sufficient to finance our capital requirements and
anticipated operating losses for at least the next 12 months. Any projection of
future long-term cash needs and cash flows are inherently subject to substantial
uncertainty. To the extent our current level of liquid assets proves to be
insufficient, we may need to obtain additional debt or equity financing or sell
or eliminate some of our product lines. In the event that we do seek to raise
additional capital from the sale of additional equity or convertible debt
securities, our shareholders would experience further dilution. Furthermore,
these new securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those
of our existing

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<PAGE>   28

common and preferred shareholders. In addition, we cannot be certain that
additional financing will be available to us on favorable terms when required or
if at all.

     Our contractual arrangements include three-year software licensing and
professional services agreements with Converge valued at approximately $108.0
million with remaining expected cash flows of $22.5 million, $35.0 million and
$30.0 million in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively (see Note 4 to our
consolidated financial statements). Currently, a significant portion of our cash
flow requirements are met through these payments to us from Converge. A failure
by Converge to make all or part of these payments on a timely basis, including
any restructuring of these payments (whether in terms of amount, timing or
otherwise) would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and operating results. Under the New Microsoft Agreement signed on
April 26, 2001, Microsoft prepaid to us $40.0 million for the upsell or
deployment of enablement products on their behalf through April 2002. The $40.0
million payment to us under the New Microsoft Agreement replaces the net cash
flows of approximately $49.2 million in 2001 and $5.1 million in 2002 that we
expected to receive under the Original Microsoft Agreement (net of cash payments
that we were required to make to Microsoft) as previously reported in Note 9 to
our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2000.

ACQUISITIONS

     We may continue to pursue acquisitions that complement our existing
products and services. We evaluate prospective acquisitions by assessing whether
the business or asset broadens the scope of services we offer, enhances our
presence in existing or new markets, offers technology that would allow us to
better serve our clients, or offers the opportunity to enhance profitability.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

     Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 00-21, Accounting for
Multiple-Element Revenue Arrangements, is currently being discussed by the EITF.
Issues being addressed by an EITF working group include determining when
elements of multiple-element arrangements should be evaluated separately and
allocating consideration to the individual elements. We are closely monitoring
the EITF's discussions on this issue. We do not anticipate changes in our
historical accounting policies, however, there can be no assurance that final
consensuses and guidance ultimately issued by the EITF on this issue will not
impact us in the future.

     In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 141, Business
Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS No.
141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business
combinations initiated or completed after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 141 also
specifies criteria that must be met for intangible assets acquired in a purchase
method business combination to be recognized and reported separately from
goodwill, noting that any purchase price allocable to an assembled workforce may
not be accounted for separately. SFAS No. 142, which will be effective January
1, 2002, requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful
lives no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least
annually in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 142. SFAS No. 142 also
requires that intangible assets with definite useful lives be amortized over
their respective estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values, and
reviewed for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of.

     As of January 1, 2001, the adoption date of SFAS No. 142, we expect to have
unamortized goodwill in the amount of $77.9 million and unamortized identifiable
intangible assets in the amount of $4.0 million, all of which will be subject to
the transition provisions of SFAS Nos. 141 and 142. Amortization expense related
to goodwill was $87.4 million and $55.2 million for the six months ended June
30, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Because of the extensive effort needed to
comply with adopting SFAS Nos. 141 and 142, it is not practicable to reasonably
estimate the impact of adopting these Statements on our financial statements at
the date of this report.

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<PAGE>   29

                    FACTORS AFFECTING OUR BUSINESS CONDITION

OUR LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY AND EVOLVING REVENUE MODEL MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO
PREDICT OUR FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS AND EVALUATE OUR FUTURE PROSPECTS.

     We launched our first industry marketplace in October 1995. Our relatively
limited operating history, together with our evolving revenue model and rapid
changes in our target markets, makes predicting our future operating results and
evaluating our future prospects very difficult. For the three months ended June
30, 2001, an overwhelming percentage of our overall revenues were generated
primarily from sales of storefronts, e-commerce centers and advertising on our
industry marketplaces. In the foreseeable future, we expect to continue
generating a significant percentage of our overall revenues from these sources
(which include our Marketplace Manager software product), while generating
additional revenues from enterprise software licensing and related services. We
may not be able to sustain our current revenues or generate additional revenues
as expected. If we do not sustain our current revenues or generate additional
revenues in each of our current revenue streams, our business, financial
condition and operating results will suffer.

WE MAY NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS TO SERVICE OUR DEBT.

     As of June 30, 2001, we had approximately $22.0 million in long-term debt
(including our outstanding 5 1/4% convertible subordinated debentures).
Currently, we are not generating sufficient cash flow from our operations to
satisfy our annual debt service payment obligations. If we are unable to satisfy
our debt service requirements, substantial liquidity problems could result,
which would negatively impact our future prospects.

WE MAY REQUIRE ADDITIONAL CAPITAL FOR OUR OPERATIONS, WHICH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE
TO RAISE OR, EVEN IF WE DO, COULD HAVE DILUTIVE AND OTHER NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON
OUR SHAREHOLDERS.

     We believe that, based on our most recent projections, our current level of
liquid assets and the expected cash flows from contractual arrangements will be
sufficient to finance our capital requirements and anticipated operating losses
for at least the next 12 months. There is no assurance however that these
resources will be sufficient for anticipated or unanticipated working capital
and capital expenditure requirements during this period. We may need, or find it
advantageous, to raise additional funds in the future to fund our growth, pursue
sales and licensing opportunities, develop new or enhanced products and
services, respond to competitive pressures or acquire complementary businesses,
technologies or services.

     If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible
debt securities, the percentage ownership of our shareholders will be reduced
and shareholders will experience additional dilution. These new securities may
also have powers, preferences and rights that are senior to those of the rights
of our common stock. We cannot be certain that additional financing will be
available on terms favorable to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not
available or not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund our
operations adequately, promote our brand identity, take advantage of acquisition
opportunities, develop or enhance products or services or respond to competitive
pressures. Any inability to do so could have a negative effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.

WE MAY NEVER GENERATE OPERATING PROFIT.

     As of June 30, 2001, our accumulated deficit was $778.5 million. For the
six months ended June 30, 2001, we sustained a $398.0 million loss attributable
to common shareholders (including preferred stock dividends). We expect to incur
operating losses for the foreseeable future. We may never generate an operating
profit or, even if we do become profitable from operations at some point, we may
be unable to sustain that profitability.

WE MAY NOT DEVELOP SIGNIFICANT REVENUES FROM ENTERPRISE SOFTWARE LICENSING AND
RELATED SERVICES, WHICH COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT OUR FUTURE REVENUE GROWTH AND
ABILITY TO ACHIEVE PROFITABILITY.

     One of the many challenges we face in growing future revenues and achieving
profitability is successfully refocusing our efforts on developing, enhancing
and promoting our software solutions and related services. If we do not generate
significant additional revenues from enterprise software licensing and related
services, our
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<PAGE>   30

business, financial condition and operating results will be impaired. Our
ability to generate additional revenues depends on the overall demand for
enterprise software solutions and related services, as well as general economic
and business conditions. Suppressed demand for software solutions and related
services caused by a weakening economy may result in less revenue growth than
expected or even a decline in revenues. We cannot assure you that we will be
able to develop, enhance or promote our enterprise software solutions and
related services effectively, whether as a result of general economic conditions
or otherwise.

IF WE CANNOT REDUCE OR CONTAIN OUR EXPENSES, OUR OPERATING RESULTS WILL SUFFER.

     Our limited operating history and our evolving revenue model make it
difficult to predict our future operating expenses. If we cannot reduce or
contain our expenses, our operating results will suffer. Some of our expenses
are fixed, including those related to non-cancelable agreements, equipment
leases and real estate leases. In addition, as we continually refine our
business strategies, we may find it necessary to increase operating expenses to
achieve our business goals. However, we may not be successful in identifying and
eliminating redundancies within our business, as well as in streamlining our
overall operations as necessary to reduce our expenses, so as to offset any such
increases in our operating expenses. We have undertaken restructuring
initiatives in the first, second and third quarters of 2001 in part to reduce
operating expenses. These reductions in force may not sufficiently reduce our
operating expenses to a level necessary to achieve an operating profit.

FLUCTUATIONS IN OUR QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS MAY CAUSE OUR STOCK PRICE TO
DECLINE.

     Our quarterly operating results are difficult to forecast and could vary
significantly. We believe that period-to-period comparisons of our operating
results are not meaningful and should not be relied on as indicators of future
performance. If our operating results in a future quarter or quarters do not
meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors, the price of our
common stock may fall.

     We expect that our quarterly operating results will fluctuate significantly
due to various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

     - anticipated lengthy sales cycles for our products;

     - the size and timing of individual license transactions;

     - intense and increased competition in our target markets;

     - our ability to develop, introduce and market new products and services,
       as well as enhancements to our existing products and services, on a
       timely basis;

     - the level of demand for our products and services;

     - risks associated with past and future acquisitions; and

     - the seasonality of our revenues and user traffic.

If we generate additional revenues from software licensing and related services
as intended, our quarterly operating results will be substantially dependent on
orders booked and shipped in that quarter. Any delay in the recognition of
revenue for any of our license transactions could likewise cause significant
variations in our quarterly operating results and could cause our revenues to
fall significantly short of anticipated levels.

     In the course of our business, we may acquire securities of privately-held
companies with whom we form strategic relationships. Our quarterly operating
results may also fluctuate significantly due to accounting rules governing the
treatment of these securities. Specifically, before the market value of these
securities becomes readily determinable as a result of being tradable in a
public market, they are carried on our consolidated balance sheet at cost.
However, if these non-public securities become salable in the public market as a
result of a transaction in which such securities are exchanged for public
securities, accounting rules require us to record a non-operating gain or loss
equal to the difference between our cost and the market value of the public
securities received, regardless of whether we sell or retain the securities. Our
holdings in public securities are then marked to market at the end of each
quarter. If the market value of an equity security we own becomes
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<PAGE>   31

readily determinable and we sell that security, we will realize a gain or loss
on the transaction. These non-recurring gains or losses may occur from time to
time and could cause significant fluctuations in our quarterly results.
Similarly, our quarterly results may also fluctuate if we determine that a
decline in the fair value of one of our equity positions is other than
temporary, which would require us to write down or write off the carrying value
of those securities. During the six months ended June 30, 2001, we recorded an
aggregate of $20.8 million in impairment charges for other than temporary
declines in the fair value of several of our cost method, equity method and
available-for-sale investments.

IF OUR STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS WITH MICROSOFT AND CONVERGE DO NOT PROVIDE THE
BENEFITS WE EXPECT, OUR BUSINESS WILL BE MATERIALLY AND ADVERSELY AFFECTED.

     If we are ultimately unable, for any reason, to realize the expected
benefits from our strategic relationships with Microsoft and Converge, our
business, financial condition and results of operations will be materially and
adversely affected. We believe these relationships offer validation of our
business strategy and opportunities to generate additional revenues in each of
our current revenue streams: software licensing and related services; e-commerce
and e-enablement; and advertising and services. In particular, we believe the
Microsoft relationship has provided validation of our industry marketplaces and
the Converge relationship provides a concrete and visible example of the value
of some of our software products. However, we may never generate any significant
additional revenues or realize any of the other benefits expected from these
relationships. If we fail to enter into additional material software licensing
transactions, our financial condition and operating results will be adversely
affected.

     To reap any such additional benefits, we must first satisfy our obligations
in these relationships. Meeting these obligations has required, and may continue
to require, substantial resources on our part, including retraining existing
employees and hiring additional personnel. It may also be necessary for our
management and other key personnel to divert their attention from other aspects
of our business in order to focus on our implementation of these relationships
and to ensure that our other strategic relationships do not create a conflict.
If we fail to meet the performance goals established under the Converge
relationship, Converge may avoid paying any further license and development fees
to us and we will need to pay additional material amounts to Converge.
Currently, a significant portion of our cash flow requirements are met through
payments made to us by Converge. A failure by Converge to make all or a part of
these payments on a timely basis, including any restructuring of these payments
(whether in terms of amount, timing or otherwise) would have a material negative
effect on our ability to meet our cash flow requirements. Accordingly, if we
fail to realize the anticipated benefits from these relationships, the resulting
material adverse effect on our business would be magnified by the fact that we
have dedicated significant resources to these relationships.

WE ANTICIPATE LENGTHY SALES AND IMPLEMENTATION CYCLES FOR OUR SOFTWARE
OFFERINGS.

     We anticipate our sales cycles for some of our non-hosted software
offerings to average approximately six to nine months. In selling our products,
we are asking potential customers in many cases to change their established
business practices and conduct business in new ways. In addition, potential
customers must generally consider additional issues, such as product benefits,
ease of installation, ability to work with existing computer systems,
functionality and reliability, before committing to purchase our products.
Additionally, we believe that the purchase of our products is often
discretionary and generally involves a significant commitment of capital and
other resources by a customer, which frequently requires approval at a number of
management levels within the customer organization. Likewise, the implementation
and deployment of our products requires a significant commitment of resources by
our customers and our professional services organization. The challenges we face
in attempting to obtain commitments and approvals from our customers may be
exacerbated by worsening economic conditions in general and in our target
markets, as well as by competition from other software solution providers whose
brands, products and services may be better known to, and more widely accepted
by, potential customers than ours.

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<PAGE>   32

WE EXPECT TO RELY ON THIRD PARTIES TO IMPLEMENT OUR PRODUCTS.

     We expect to rely increasingly on third parties to implement our products
at customer sites. If we are unable to establish and maintain effective,
long-term relationships with implementation providers, or if these providers do
not meet the needs or expectations of our customers, our business would be
seriously harmed. As a result of the limited resources and capacities of many
third-party implementation providers, we may be unable to establish or maintain
relationships with third parties having sufficient resources to provide the
necessary implementation services to support our needs. If these resources are
unavailable, we will be required to provide these services internally, which
would significantly limit our ability to meet our customers' implementation
needs. A number of our competitors have significantly more well-established
relationships with third parties that we may potentially partner with. As a
result, these third parties may be more likely to recommend competitors'
products and services rather than our own. In addition, we would not be able to
control the level and quality of service provided by our implementation
partners.

NEW VERSIONS AND RELEASES OF OUR PRODUCTS MAY CONTAIN ERRORS OR DEFECTS.

     Our products may contain undetected errors or failures when first
introduced or as new versions are released. This may result in loss of, or delay
in, market acceptance of our products. We have in the past discovered software
errors in new releases and new products after their introduction. We have
experienced delays in release, lost revenues and customer frustration during the
period required to correct these errors. We may in the future discover errors
and defects in new releases or new products after they are shipped or released.

OUR TARGET MARKETS ARE EVOLVING AND CHARACTERIZED BY RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE,
WHICH WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP PACE WITH.

     The markets for our products and services are evolving and characterized by
rapid technological change, changing customer needs, evolving industry standards
and frequent new product and service announcements. The introduction of products
employing new technologies and emerging industry standards could render our
existing products or services obsolete or unmarketable. If we are unable to
respond to these developments successfully or do not respond in a cost-effective
way, our business, financial condition and operating results will suffer. To be
successful, we must continually improve and enhance the responsiveness, services
and features of our industry marketplaces and enterprise software products and
introduce and deliver new product and service offerings and new releases of
existing products. We may fail to improve or enhance our industry marketplaces
and enterprise software products or introduce and deliver new releases or new
offerings on a timely and cost-effective basis or at all. In addition, we have
experienced delays in improving and enhancing our industry marketplaces and in
introducing and delivering new product offerings and releases in the past. If we
experience similar delays in the future with respect to our industry
marketplaces or enterprise software products, or if our improvements,
enhancements, offerings or releases to these products do not achieve market
acceptance, we could experience a delay or loss of revenues and customer
dissatisfaction. Our success will also depend in part on our ability to acquire
or license third party technologies useful in our business, which we may not be
able to do.

WE MAY ULTIMATELY BE UNABLE TO COMPETE IN THE MARKETS FOR THE PRODUCTS AND
SERVICES WE OFFER.

     The markets for our products and services are intensely competitive.
Increased competition may result in reduced margins and loss of market share,
either of which would seriously harm our business. We expect the intensity of
competition in our target markets to increase as the amount of e-commerce
transacted over the Internet grows, current competitors expand their product and
service offerings and new competitors enter the market.

     Examples of increased competition we expect to face include the following:

     - Several companies offer competitive industry marketplaces and supplier
       enablement applications. Additional companies may offer competing
       industry marketplaces on a standalone or portfolio basis because
       competitors can launch new Web sites at a relatively low cost. We also
       compete for a share of
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<PAGE>   33

       a customer's advertising budget with online services and traditional
       offline media, such as print publications and trade associations.

     - As we implement our strategy regarding licensing enterprise software and
       providing related services, we are facing competition from software
       companies whose products or services compete with a particular aspect of
       the solution we provide, as well as several major enterprise software
       developers.

     Many of our competitors have longer operating histories, greater brand
recognition and greater financial, technical, marketing and other resources than
we do, and may have well-established relationships with our existing and
prospective customers. This may place us at a disadvantage in responding to our
competitors' pricing strategies, technological advances, advertising campaigns,
strategic partnerships and other initiatives. For example, we have only recently
begun to devote a substantial amount of our resources to expanding our
enterprise software business in our target markets. Our competitors may also
develop products or services that are superior to, or have greater market
acceptance than, ours. If we are unable to compete successfully against our
competitors, our business, financial condition and operating results would be
negatively impacted.

WE MAY NOT REALIZE ANY RETURN ON, AND MAY EVEN SUFFER A COMPLETE LOSS OF, OUR
EQUITY INTERESTS IN CONVERGE AND OUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS.

     Our sale of NECX resulted in our becoming the largest stockholder in
Converge, which is a privately-held company. Our investment in Converge
represents approximately 44.0% of our total assets as of June 30, 2001.
Additionally, we are sometimes asked to acquire equity interests, generally
ranging from $0.5 million to $3.0 million in any given instance, in companies
with whom we form strategic relationships. We may never realize any return on
our equity interests in Converge or these other entities. In fact, we may suffer
a complete loss of these equity interests, which would materially and adversely
affect our business, financial condition and operating results. Our ability to
realize a return on any of these equity positions is far from certain, given
that these companies have limited financial and other resources, yet are subject
to many of the same risks and uncertainties that we face in our business,
including limited operating histories, evolving revenue models and uncertain
market acceptance of their products and services. Moreover, we are often unable
to require terms and conditions related to equity interests in our strategic
partners (e.g., board membership or observer rights) that are particularly
favorable to us vis-a-vis other investors. Allocating our financial resources to
these types of strategic relationships, rather than reinvesting those funds
directly in our own business, may ultimately cause our business to suffer.

ACQUISITIONS MAY NEGATIVELY IMPACT OUR BUSINESS.

     We have grown, and may continue to grow, our business through acquisitions
that complement our existing products and services. If we are unable to complete
future acquisitions, our business, financial condition and operating results
could be negatively impacted. We may not be able to identify additional suitable
businesses that are available for sale at reasonable prices or on reasonable
terms. Even if we are able to identify appropriate acquisition candidates, we
may not be able to negotiate the terms of any acquisition successfully, finance
the acquisition or integrate the acquired business (including its products,
services, technologies or personnel) into our existing business operations.

     Our acquisition strategy is also subject to numerous other risks including,
without limitation, the following:

     - acquisitions may cause a disruption in our ongoing business, distract our
       management and other resources and make it difficult to maintain our
       standards, controls and procedures;

     - we may acquire companies in markets in which we have little experience;

     - we may not be able to retain key employees from acquired companies, and
       may face competition from employees that leave before or after an
       acquisition is complete;

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<PAGE>   34

     - to pay for acquisitions, we may be required to incur debt, issue equity
       securities, which may be dilutive to existing shareholders, or spend
       cash, which would negatively impact our liquidity and could impair our
       ability to fund our operations;

     - we may not realize any return on our investment in the acquired companies
       and may even lose our entire investment and incur significant additional
       losses;

     - our share price could decline following the market's reaction to our
       acquisitions;

     - our amortization expense may increase as a result of acquisitions; and

     - our interest deductions may be disallowed for federal income tax
       purposes.

IF OUR ADVERTISING REVENUES DECLINE, OUR BUSINESS WOULD SUFFER.

     We currently rely on revenues generated from the sale of advertising on our
industry marketplaces for a material portion of our revenues. If we are not able
to increase or even maintain our current level of advertising revenues, our
business may suffer. Our ability to increase or maintain our advertising
revenues depends on many factors, including, without limitation:

     - general economic conditions and their impact on demand for online
       advertising;

     - acceptance of the Internet as a legitimate, effective and measurable
       medium for advertising and e-commerce;

     - the development of a large base of users on our industry marketplaces who
       possess demographic characteristics attractive to advertisers;

     - changes in industry pricing practices for advertising;

     - the evolving focus of our sales and marketing efforts; and

     - our ability to build and maintain relationships with third-party
       advertisement delivery services and technology providers.

     Other factors could also adversely affect our advertising revenues and,
thus, impair our business, financial condition and operating results. For
example, widespread use of "filter" software programs that limit access to our
storefronts and other hosted solutions from the Internet user's browser could
deter companies from advertising on the Internet. Additionally, no standards
have been widely accepted to measure the effectiveness of Internet advertising.
If such standards do not develop, companies may not continue their current
levels of Internet advertising, or if they are not currently advertising on the
Internet, they may be reluctant to do so.

     For some of our customers, we provide extended payment terms over the
length of the contract, rather than collecting the entire payment up front. To
the extent that these amounts are not collected, our advertising revenues, bad
debt expense and cash flows may be negatively impacted. We also have barter
arrangements where we provide banner advertisements, storefronts and newsletter
sponsorships to some of our customers in exchange for advertising on their Web
sites or in their publications. If our barter arrangements do not continue, our
advertising revenues may decline. For the six months ended June 30, 2001,
approximately $4.3 million, or 6.2%, of our reported revenue, was generated by
barter advertising arrangements.

THE CONTENT ON OUR INDUSTRY MARKETPLACES MAY NOT ATTRACT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF
USERS WITH DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS VALUABLE TO ADVERTISERS.

     Our future success depends in part upon our ability to deliver compelling
Internet content that will attract a significant number of users with
demographic characteristics valuable to advertisers. Our inability to deliver
Internet content that attracts a loyal user base with demographic
characteristics attractive to advertisers could impair our business, financial
condition and operating results. We face the challenge of delivering content
that is attractive to users in an environment characterized by rapidly changing
user preferences, as well as the ease with which users can freely navigate and
instantly switch among a large number of Web sites, many of which offer content
that may be more attractive than ours. If we cannot consistently anticipate or
respond quickly to
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<PAGE>   35

changes in user preferences or distinguish our content from that offered on
other Web sites, we may never attract a significant number of users with
demographic characteristics that advertisers are seeking.

OUR FAILURE TO BUILD AND MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIPS WITH THIRD-PARTY CONTENT
PROVIDERS MAY IMPAIR OUR OPERATING RESULTS.

     We have relied on, and expect to rely increasingly on, third parties such
as freelance authors, trade publications and news wires to provide content for
our industry marketplaces. It is critical to our business that we maintain and
build existing and new relationships with content providers. However, we may not
be able to do so, which could result in decreased traffic on our industry
marketplaces and decreased advertising revenues. Many of our agreements with
content providers are for initial terms of one to two years. Content providers
may choose not to renew the agreements or terminate the agreements early if we
do not fulfill our contractual obligations. Moreover, like our existing
agreements with some of our content providers, our new and renewal agreements
for third-party content may be non-exclusive, which means that competitors may
offer the same content we offer or similar content. Additionally, the terms of
any new or renewal agreements we enter into may be less favorable to us than our
existing agreements. In particular, as competition for content increases, the
licensing fees we pay to our content providers may correspondingly increase,
which would negatively impact our operating results.

IF WE DO NOT DEVELOP THE "VERTICALNET" BRAND AND OUR OTHER BRANDS, OUR REVENUES
COULD DECREASE.

     To be successful, we must establish and strengthen the awareness of the
"VerticalNet" brand and our other brands. If our brand awareness is weakened, it
could decrease the attractiveness of our products and services to our suppliers,
buyers and users, which could result in decreased revenues. We believe that
brand recognition will become increasingly important in the future with
increasing competition between Internet sites and e-commerce solution providers.
If customers do not begin to associate secondary meaning with our brands, then
our ability to gain market share will be diminished, which could impair our
business, financial condition and operating results.

IF WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE OUR SUPPLIERS, BUYERS AND USERS WITH ACCURATE
PRODUCT INFORMATION, OUR INDUSTRY MARKETPLACE STRATEGY WILL NOT SUCCEED.

     To enable suppliers to conduct e-commerce through our industry
marketplaces, we currently are responsible for loading suppliers' product
information into our database and categorizing the information for search
purposes. This process entails a number of risks, including dependence on our
suppliers to provide us in a timely manner with accurate, complete and current
information about their products and to update this information promptly when it
changes. The actual loading of this product information in our database may be
delayed, depending upon a number of factors, including the formatting of the
data provided to us and our ability to further automate and expand our
operations to load these data accurately in our product database.

     We are generally obligated under our supplier agreements to load and update
product data into our database within a specified period of time following its
delivery. While we intend to further automate the loading and updating of
supplier data on our system, we may not be able to do so in a timely manner, in
part because achieving the highest level of this automation is dependent upon
our suppliers automating their delivery of product data to us. If our suppliers
do not provide us in a timely manner with accurate, complete and current
information about the products we offer, our database may not be useful to our
customers and users and may even expose us to liability. Although we screen our
suppliers' information before we make it available to our customers and users,
we cannot guarantee that the product information available in our database will
always be accurate, complete and current, or comply with governmental
regulations. Any resulting exposure to liability or decreased adoption and use
of our industry marketplaces could reduce our revenues and therefore have a
negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

                                        35
<PAGE>   36

IF OUR SUPPLIERS DO NOT PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL, SAFE AND TIMELY DELIVERY OF
PRODUCTS TO CUSTOMERS, OUR BUSINESS WILL BE HARMED.

     We rely on our suppliers to deliver products to customers in a
professional, safe and timely manner. If our suppliers do not deliver products
to customers in this manner, then our service will not meet user expectations
and our reputation and brand will be damaged. In addition, deliveries that are
nonconforming, late or are not accompanied by information required by applicable
law or regulations could expose us to liability or result in decreased adoption
and use of our industry marketplaces, which could have a negative effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition. In some instances, we
bear the responsibility for product refunds and returns and the risk of
non-collectibility of accounts receivable from our customers.

WE MAY HAVE REDUCED STAFFING LEVELS TO LEVELS THAT ARE NOT ADEQUATE TO CONDUCT
OUR BUSINESS.

     The number of our employees has declined significantly from December 31,
2000 to July 31, 2001, primarily as a result of reductions in force instituted
to reduce operating expenses and to implement strategic changes in our business.
Current staffing levels may not be sufficient to adequately meet our business
requirements. We may incur additional expenses to increase staffing levels in
the future. Fluctuations in staffing levels may have a negative effect on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.

OUR BUSINESS IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO NUMEROUS RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNATIONAL
OPERATIONS.

     We are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties associated with our
international business activities. These risks and uncertainties generally
include:

     - difficulties in the enforcement of contractual obligations and
       intellectual property rights, including licensing rights, against foreign
       entities or in foreign jurisdictions;

     - currency exchange rate fluctuations and higher duty rates;

     - unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;

     - tariffs, import and export controls and regulations and other trade
       barriers;

     - longer accounts receivable payment cycles and difficulties in collecting
       accounts receivable;

     - increased costs and difficulties in managing and staffing international
       operations;

     - compliance with applicable United States and foreign laws, especially
       import/export requirements;

     - potentially adverse tax consequences, including restrictions on the
       repatriation of earnings;

     - the costs and burdens of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws
       and differing trade customs and practices;

     - political instability; and

     - potential transportation delays.

     These factors may have a negative effect on current and future
international operations and, consequently, on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.

OUR INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS ARE DIFFICULT TO MANAGE AND MAY NOT SUCCEED.

     We have undertaken several international initiatives, including VerticalNet
Europe, VerticalNet Africa and our VerticalNet Japan joint venture with Softbank
E-commerce Corp., and have hired senior management to oversee our international
operations. Our international strategy may fail if we cannot create or sustain
international demand for our evolving business model and the products and
services we offer. Further, the cost of maintaining our international business
may prove to be greater than the anticipated benefits. For example, we recently
discontinued the industry marketplaces operated by VerticalNet Europe as we
determined costs exceeded any foreseeable benefits from continuing this
operation. Moreover, in entering into our target international markets, we have
partnered with companies who have experience and relationships in those
                                        36
<PAGE>   37

markets. However, in some cases, we have increased our control over the
initiatives we have undertaken. In these cases, we have become less dependent on
our joint venture partners that have more experience and relationships than we
do in these markets. Our relative lack of experience and relationships could
adversely affect our international operations, which would in turn negatively
impact our overall business, financial condition and operations. Pursuing this
strategy will likewise continue to require significant management attention and
financial resources and could have a similar negative effect.

RISK OF FAILURE OF OUR COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATIONS HARDWARE SYSTEMS INCREASES
WITHOUT BACK-UP FACILITIES.

     The performance of our computer and communications hardware systems is
critical to our business and reputation, as well as our ability to process
transactions, provide high quality customer service and attract and retain
customers, suppliers, users and strategic partners. Any system interruptions
that cause our industry marketplaces and other hosted applications to be
unavailable may reduce their attractiveness to users, buyers and suppliers and
could impair our business, financial condition and operating results. We do not
currently have back-up or redundant facilities for our computer or
communications hardware systems.

OUR INTERESTS MAY CONFLICT WITH THOSE OF INTERNET CAPITAL GROUP, OUR LARGEST
SHAREHOLDER, WHICH MAY AFFECT OUR BUSINESS STRATEGY AND OPERATIONS NEGATIVELY.

     As a result of its stock ownership and board representation, Internet
Capital Group is in a position to affect our business strategy and operations,
including corporate actions such as mergers or takeover attempts, in a manner
that could conflict with the interests of our public shareholders. At August 1,
2001, Internet Capital Group beneficially owned 25,318,644 shares, or
approximately 25.6%, of our common stock, which includes 250,000 shares of our
common stock underlying $5.0 million of our 5 1/4% convertible subordinated
debt, and 478,624 shares of our common stock underlying warrants issued to
Internet Capital Group prior to our initial public offering. Two representatives
of Internet Capital Group are members of our board of directors. We may compete
with Internet Capital Group for Internet-related opportunities as it seeks to
expand its number of business-to-business assets, in part through acquisitions
and investments. Internet Capital Group, therefore, may seek to acquire or
invest in companies that we would find attractive. While we may partner with
Internet Capital Group on future acquisitions or investments, we have no current
contractual obligations to do so. We do not have any contracts or other
understandings that would govern resolution of this potential conflict. This
competition, and the potential conflict posed by the designated directors, may
deter companies from partnering with us and may limit our business
opportunities.

     Additionally, in order to avoid registration under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, Internet Capital Group may need to own more than 25% of our voting
securities. If its ownership interest falls below 25%, Internet Capital Group
may need to purchase additional voting securities to return to an ownership
interest of at least 25% in order to avoid having to register as an investment
company. The possible need of Internet Capital Group to maintain a 25% ownership
position could adversely influence its decisions regarding actions that may
otherwise be in the best interests of our public shareholders.

     Additionally, significant changes in Internet Capital Group's ownership of
our common stock could adversely affect our common stock's market price. For
example, rather than purchase additional voting securities as described in the
preceding paragraph, Internet Capital Group may choose to liquidate its position
entirely to avoid having to register as an investment company. If Internet
Capital Group sells all or part of its investment in us, whether to comply with
the Investment Company Act of 1940, to raise additional capital or otherwise,
then the market price of our common stock could fall.

OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON OUR KEY PERSONNEL WHOM WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO RETAIN, AND
WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO HIRE ENOUGH ADDITIONAL PERSONNEL TO MEET OUR NEEDS.

     We believe that our success depends on continued employment of our senior
management team. If one or more members of our senior management team were
unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, our business,
financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely
affected. As of August 1, 2001, only one member of our executive management team
has an employment agreement.

                                        37
<PAGE>   38

     Our success also depends on having a highly trained technical staff, sales
force and customer service organization. We will need to continue to hire
personnel with the skill sets necessary to operate our business as we refine our
business strategies and as our business grows. Competition for personnel,
particularly for employees with technical expertise, is intense. A shortage in
the number of trained technical personnel, salespeople and customer service
professionals could limit our ability to design, develop and implement our
products, increase sales of our existing products and services and make new
sales as we offer new products and services. Ultimately, our business, financial
condition and operating results will be impaired if we cannot hire and retain
suitable personnel.

OUR SUCCESS DEPENDS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE E-COMMERCE MARKET, WHICH IS
UNCERTAIN.

     Business-to-business e-commerce is a new and emerging business practice
that remains largely untested in the marketplace and depends on the increased
acceptance and use of the Internet as a medium of commerce. If e-commerce does
not grow or grows more slowly than expected, our business will suffer. Our
long-term success depends on widespread market acceptance of e-commerce.

     A number of factors could prevent such acceptance, including the following:

     - buyers may be unwilling to shift their purchasing from traditional
       vendors to online vendors;

     - the necessary network infrastructure for substantial growth in usage of
       the Internet may not be adequately developed;

     - buyers and suppliers may be unwilling to use online vendors due to
       security and confidentiality concerns;

     - increased government regulation or taxation may adversely affect the
       viability of e-commerce;

     - insufficient availability of, or changes in, telecommunication services
       could result in slower response times or inconsistent service quality;

     - online transactions generally lack the human contact that offline
       transactions offer; and

     - lack of availability of cost-effective, high-speed Internet service.

SECURITY RISKS AND CONCERNS MAY DETER THE USE OF THE INTERNET FOR CONDUCTING
E-COMMERCE.

     The secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet is
essential to maintaining customer and supplier confidence. Concerns regarding
security of transactions and transmitting confidential information over the
Internet may negatively impact our business. We believe that concerns regarding
the security of confidential information transmitted over the Internet, such as
credit card numbers, prevent many potential customers from engaging in online
transactions. If we do not add sufficient security features to future product
releases, our products may not gain market acceptance or we may incur additional
legal exposure. We have included basic security features in some of our products
to protect the privacy and integrity of customer data, such as password
requirements for access to portions of our industry marketplaces. We currently
use authentication technology, which requires passwords and other information to
prevent unauthorized persons from accessing a supplier's information. We also
use encryption technology, which transforms information into a "code" designed
to be unreadable by third parties, to protect confidential information such as
credit card numbers in commerce transactions.

     Despite the measures we have taken, our infrastructure is potentially
vulnerable to physical or electronic break-ins, viruses or similar problems. If
a person circumvents our security measures, he or she could misappropriate
proprietary information or cause interruptions in our operations. Security
breaches that result in access to confidential information could damage our
reputation and expose us to a risk of loss or liability. We may be required to
make significant investments and efforts to protect against or remedy security
breaches. Additionally, as e-commerce becomes more prevalent, our suppliers will
become more concerned about security. Our failure to address these concerns
adequately could impair our business, financial condition and operating results.

                                        38
<PAGE>   39

LIMITED INTERNET INFRASTRUCTURE MAY HARM OUR BUSINESS.

     The significant growth of Internet traffic over a relatively short period
of time has caused frequent periods of decreased Internet performance, delays
and, in some cases, system outages. These problems are caused by limitations
inherent in the technology infrastructure supporting the Internet and the
internal networks of Internet users. If our existing or potential suppliers and
users experience frequent outages or delays on the Internet, our business may
grow more slowly than we expect or even decline. Our ability to grow our
business is limited by and depends upon the reliability of both the Internet and
the internal networks of our existing and potential suppliers, buyers and users.
If improvements in the infrastructure supporting both the Internet and the
internal networks of our users, buyers and suppliers are not made timely, we may
have difficulty obtaining new customers or maintaining our existing ones, either
of which could reduce our potential revenues and have a negative impact on our
business, results of operations and financial condition.

WE MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROTECT OUR PROPRIETARY RIGHTS AND MAY INFRINGE THE
PROPRIETARY RIGHTS OF OTHERS.

     Proprietary rights are important to our success and our competitive
position. We may be unable to register, maintain and protect our proprietary
rights adequately or to prevent others from claiming violations of their
proprietary rights. As of July 31, 2001, we own and use 18 trademarks registered
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("PTO"). Additionally, we
have 28 applications for registration of various trademarks pending with the
PTO. Outside of the United States, as of July 31, 2001, we own and use 5
trademarks registered with various foreign patent and trademark offices and have
1 application pending with foreign patent and trademark offices. Likewise, as of
July 31, 2001, we have 11 patent applications pending with the PTO and we own
2,325 domain names. Lastly, as of July 31, 2001, we have 6 copyrights registered
with the Library of Congress ("LOC") and 61 applications for registration of
various copyrights pending with the LOC.

     Certain proprietary technology underlying our software is the subject of
pending patent applications. Our ability to fully protect this technology is
contingent upon the ultimate issuance of the corresponding patents. In addition,
effective patent, copyright and trade secret protection of our software may be
unavailable or limited in certain countries.

     Generally, our domain names for our industry marketplaces cannot be
protected as trademarks because they are considered "generic" under applicable
law. In addition, effective copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret
protection may be unavailable or limited in certain countries, and the global
nature of the Internet makes it impossible to control the ultimate destination
of our work. We also license content from third parties, which makes it possible
that we could become subject to infringement actions based upon the content
licensed from those third parties. We generally obtain representations as to the
origin and ownership of such licensed content and indemnification from those
third parties; however, this may not adequately protect us. Any of these claims,
regardless of their merit, could subject us to costly litigation and divert the
attention of our technical and management personnel.

WE MAY BE SUBJECT TO LEGAL LIABILITY FOR PUBLISHING OR DISTRIBUTING CONTENT OVER
THE INTERNET.

     Providers of Internet products and services have been sued in the past,
sometimes successfully, based on the content they offer. We may be subject to
legal claims relating to the content on our industry marketplaces, or the
downloading and distribution of such content. Claims could also involve matters
such as defamation, invasion of privacy and copyright infringement. In addition,
some of the content provided on our industry marketplaces is drawn from data
compiled by other parties, including governmental and commercial sources, and we
re-key the data. This data may have errors. If our content is improperly used or
if we supply incorrect information, it could result in unexpected liability. Our
insurance may not cover claims of this type, or may not provide sufficient
coverage. Our business, financial condition and operating results could suffer
materially if costs resulting from these claims are not covered by our insurance
or exceed our coverage.

                                        39
<PAGE>   40

WE MAY BE EXPOSED TO PRODUCT LIABILITY AND OTHER COMMERCIAL CLAIMS.

     We face potential liability for claims based on the nature of the products
that we sell and distribute, including claims for breach of warranty, product
liability, misrepresentation, violation of governmental regulations and other
commercial claims. Most of the manufacturers whose products we distribute have
warranties on those products. We pass that warranty through to our customers
whenever possible. However, in some instances we bear the risk of loss of
revenue from the product sale if a purchaser does not pay for a defective
product. Although we maintain general liability insurance, our insurance may not
cover some claims or penalties, is subject to policy limits and exclusions and
may not adequately indemnify us or our employees from any civil, governmental or
criminal liability. Furthermore, this insurance may not be available at
commercially reasonable rates in the future. Any liability not covered by our
insurance or in excess of our insurance coverage could have a negative effect on
our business, financial condition and operating results.

SEVERAL LAWSUITS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT AGAINST US AND THE OUTCOME OF THESE LAWSUITS
IS UNCERTAIN.

     Several lawsuits have been brought against us and the underwriters of our
initial public offering. These lawsuits allege, among other things, that the
underwriters engaged in sales practices that had the effect of inflating our
stock price, and that our prospectus for this offering was materially misleading
because it did not disclose these sales practices. We intend to vigorously
defend against these lawsuits. No assurance can be given as to the outcome of
these lawsuits.

WE ARE SUBJECT TO GOVERNMENT REGULATION THAT EXPOSES US TO POTENTIAL LIABILITY
AND NEGATIVE PUBLICITY.

     We currently rely upon our suppliers to meet all packaging, distribution,
labeling, hazard and health information notices to purchasers, record keeping
and licensing requirements applicable to our business during the entire
transaction. However, our reliance on our suppliers may not be sufficient to
protect our legal interests. For example, if we are held to be a seller or a
distributor of regulated products because we took legal title, we may have
inadvertently violated some governmental regulations by not having the
appropriate license or permit. We are unable to verify that our suppliers have
in the past complied, or will in the future comply, with all governmental or
other legal requirements that may be applicable to our sales. We could be fined
or exposed to potentially severe civil or criminal liability, including monetary
fines and injunctions, and we could receive potential negative publicity, if the
applicable governmental regulatory requirements have not been, or are not being,
fully met by our suppliers or by us directly. Negative publicity, fines and
liabilities could also occur if an unqualified person, or even a qualified
supplier, lacks the appropriate license or permits to sell, use or ship, or
improperly receives a dangerous or unlicensed product through us. We do not
maintain any reserve for potential liabilities resulting from government
regulation.

     It is also possible that a number of laws and regulations may be adopted or
interpreted in the United States and abroad with particular applicability to the
Internet. These laws and regulations may, for example, cover issues such as user
privacy, freedom of expression, pricing, content and quality of products and
services, taxation, advertising, intellectual property rights, access charges
and information security. The enactment of such laws could have a negative
effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

     We post our privacy policy and practices concerning the use and disclosure
of user data on our industry marketplaces. Any failure by us to comply with our
posted privacy policy, Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") requirements or other
privacy-related laws and regulations could result in proceedings by the FTC or
others which could potentially have an adverse effect on our business, results
of operations and financial condition.

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE BY OUR CURRENT OR FUTURE SHAREHOLDERS MAY CAUSE
OUR STOCK PRICE TO DECLINE.

     If our shareholders or optionholders sell substantial amounts of our common
stock in the public market, including shares issued in connection with completed
or future acquisitions or upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants,
then the market price of our common stock could fall.

                                        40
<PAGE>   41

     As of August 1, 2001, the holders of up to approximately 27,353,408 shares
of common stock, warrants to purchase 2,127,038 shares of common stock and
106,084 shares of Series A preferred stock, which are convertible into
approximately 1,221,112 shares of common stock, have demand and/or piggyback
registration rights. Under the terms of the Series A preferred stock, we may
elect to pay the dividends payable thereunder by issuing shares of Series A
preferred stock or shares of common stock, rather than paying cash dividends. As
of June 30, 2001, cumulative dividends of $7.7 million had been earned by the
holder of our Series A preferred stock, of which $6.1 million were paid in the
form of additional shares of Series A preferred stock and the remainder of which
are accrued and remain payable. The shares of common stock underlying any
dividended shares of Series A preferred stock and any dividended shares of
common stock are also subject to demand and piggyback registration rights. The
exercise of such rights could adversely affect the market price of our common
stock.

     We have filed a shelf registration statement to facilitate our acquisition
strategy, as well as registration statements to register shares of common stock
under our stock option and employee stock purchase plans. Shares issued pursuant
to existing or future shelf registration statements, upon exercise of stock
options and in connection with our employee stock purchase plan will be eligible
for resale in the public market without restriction.

ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS AND OUR RIGHT TO ISSUE PREFERRED STOCK COULD MAKE A
THIRD-PARTY ACQUISITION OF US DIFFICULT.

     VerticalNet is a Pennsylvania corporation. Anti-takeover provisions of
Pennsylvania law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire
control of us, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our
shareholders. Our articles of incorporation provide that our board of directors
may issue preferred stock without shareholder approval. In addition, our bylaws
provide for a classified board, with each board member serving a staggered
three-year term. The issuance of preferred stock and the existence of a
classified board could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us.

OUR COMMON STOCK PRICE IS LIKELY TO REMAIN HIGHLY VOLATILE.

     The stock market in general, and the market for stocks of Internet-related
and technology companies in particular, have been highly volatile. The market
price of our common stock and our daily trading volume have been, and will
likely continue to be, similarly volatile. Investors may not be able to resell
their shares of our common stock following periods of volatility because of the
market's adverse reaction to such volatility. The trading prices of many
technology and Internet-related companies' stocks reached historical highs in
early 2000 and reflected relative valuations substantially above historical
levels. Since that time, many of these companies' stocks have also recorded lows
well below their historical highs. Our stock may not trade at the same levels as
other Internet-related or technology stocks.

     Factors that could cause such volatility may include, among other things:

     - general economic conditions, including suppressed demand for technology
       and related services;

     - actual or anticipated variations in quarterly operating results;

     - announcements of technological innovations;

     - new products or services;

     - changes in financial estimates by securities analysts;

     - conditions or trends in business-to-business usage of the Internet or the
       software and related services industry;

     - changes in the market valuations of other Internet, software or
       technology companies;

     - failure to meet analysts' or investors' expectations;

                                        41
<PAGE>   42

     - announcements by us or our competitors of significant acquisitions,
       strategic partnerships or joint ventures;

     - capital commitments;

     - additions or departures of key personnel; and

     - sales of common stock or instruments convertible into common stock.

     Many of these factors are beyond our control. These factors may cause the
market price of our common stock to fall, regardless of our operating
performance.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     We are exposed to risks associated with interest rate changes and changes
in the market value of our investments.

     Interest Rate Risk.  Our exposure to market risk related changes in
interest rates relates primarily to our investment portfolio. We invest in
instruments that meet high quality credit standards, as specified in our
investment policy. The policy also limits the amount of credit exposure we may
have to any one issue, issuer or type of investment. As of June 30, 2001, our
portfolio of investments included $69.1 million in cash and cash equivalents and
$3.8 million in available-for-sale debt instruments included in short-term
investments. Due to the conservative nature of our investment portfolio, we
believe that a sudden change in interest rates would not have a material effect
on the value of the portfolio. We estimate that if the average yield of our
investments had decreased by 100 basis points, our interest income for the three
months ended June 30, 2001 would have decreased by less than $0.1 million. This
estimate assumes that the decrease occurred on the first day of the year and
reduced the yield of each investment instrument by 100 basis points. The impact
on our future interest income and future changes in investment yields will
depend largely on the gross amount of our investment portfolio.

     Investment Risk.  We invest in equity instruments of privately-held
companies for business and strategic purposes. These investments are included in
other investments and are accounted for under the cost method when ownership is
less than 20% and we do not have the ability to exercise significant influence
over operations. As of June 30, 2001 we hold cost method investments of
approximately $220.4 million, of which our Converge investment is $215.0 million
or 44.0% of our total assets. For these investments in privately-held companies,
our policy is to regularly review the assumptions underlying the operating
performance and cash flow forecasts in assessing the recoverability of the
carrying values. We identify and record impairment losses on long-lived assets
when events and circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired.
During the six months ended June 30, 2001, we recorded a $9.6 million impairment
charge for other than temporary declines in the fair value of several of our
cost method investments. Since our initial investment, certain of these
investments in privately-held companies have become marketable equity securities
upon the investees' completion of initial public offerings or the acquisition of
the investee by a public company. Such investments, most of which are in the
Internet industry, are subject to significant fluctuations in fair market value
due to the volatility of the stock market. As of June 30, 2001, the fair market
value of these investments included in short-term and long-term investments was
$2.7 million.

     In connection with Ariba's acquisition of Tradex Technologies, Inc., we
received Ariba common stock. In July 2000, we entered into forward sale
contracts relating to our investment in Ariba. Under these contracts, we pledged
our shares of Ariba's common stock to the counterparty for a three-year period
in return for approximately $47.4 million of cash. At the conclusion of the
three-year period, we have the option of delivering either cash or the pledged
Ariba shares to satisfy the forward sale. However, we will not be required to
deliver shares in excess of those we pledged. If we choose to deliver Ariba
shares to satisfy the forward sale, the number of Ariba shares to be delivered
at maturity may vary depending on the then market price of Ariba's common stock.
We have only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and do
not use them for trading purposes. Our risk of loss in the event of
nonperformance by the counterparty under the forward sales contract is not
considered to be significant. Although the forward sales contract exposes us to
market risk, fluctuations in the fair value of these contracts are mitigated by
expected offsetting fluctuations in the value of the pledged securities.
                                        42
<PAGE>   43

                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     On June 12, 2001, a class action lawsuit was filed against the Company and
several of its officers and directors in U.S. Federal Court for the Southern
District of New York in an action captioned CJA Acquisition, Inc. v.
VerticalNet, et al., C.A. No. 01-CV-5241 (the "CJA Action"). Also named as
defendants were four underwriters involved in the issuance and initial public
offering of 3.5 million shares of VerticalNet stock in February 1999 -- Lehman
Brothers Inc., Hambrecht & Quist LLC, Volpe Brown Whelan & Company LLC and WIT
Capital Corporation. The complaint in the CJA Action alleges violations of
Sections 11 and 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 20(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder, based on,
among other things, claims that the four underwriters awarded material portions
of the initial shares to certain favored customers in exchange for excessive
commissions. The plaintiff also asserts that the underwriters engaged in a
practice known as "laddering," whereby the clients or customers agreed that in
exchange for IPO shares they would purchase additional shares in the Company at
progressively higher prices after the IPO. With respect to the Company, the
complaint alleges that the Company and its officers and directors failed to
disclose in the Prospectus and the Registration Statement the existence of these
purported excessive commissions and laddering agreements.

     After the CJA Action was filed, several "copycat" complaints were filed in
U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of New York. Those complaints,
whose allegations mirror those found in the CJA Action, include Ezra Charitable
Trust v. VerticalNet, et al., C.A. No. 01-CV-5350; Kofsky v. VerticalNet, et
al., C.A. No. 01-CV-5628; and Reeberg v. VerticalNet, C.A. No. 01-CV-5730. None
of the complaints state the amount of any damages being sought, but do ask the
court to award "rescissory damages."

     VerticalNet has retained counsel and intends to vigorously defend itself in
connection with the allegations raised in the CJA Action and the other
complaints. In addition, VerticalNet intends to enforce its indemnity rights
with respect to the underwriters who are also named as defendants in the
complaints.

ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     (a) None.

     (b) None.

     (c) During the quarter ended June 30, 2001, we issued the following
unregistered securities pursuant to the following transaction:

          (i) On May 25, 2001 we paid three quarterly dividend payments totaling
     $4.6 million to the holder of our Series A preferred stock in the form of
     4,634 shares of our Series A preferred stock.

This transaction was exempt from registration under Section 4(2) of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The transaction was privately negotiated and
did not include any general solicitation or advertising. The purchaser
represented that it was acquiring the shares without a view to distribution and
was afforded an opportunity to review all publicly filed documents and to ask
questions and receive answers from our officers.

     (d) Not applicable.

ITEM 3.  DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

     (a) None.

     (b) As of June 30, 2001, cumulative dividends of $1.6 million had been
earned by, but not yet paid to, the holder of our Series A preferred stock.

ITEM 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

     (a) We held our 2001 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 15, 2001.

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<PAGE>   44

     (b) Per Instruction 3 to Item 4 of Form 10-Q, no response is required.

     (c) The matters voted upon at the annual meeting, and the result of the
vote on each such matter, are set forth below:

          1. Election of Directors.  The results of the vote tabulated at the
     meeting for the following two director nominees is set forth as follows,
     opposite their respective names:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                              NUMBER OF SHARES    NUMBER OF SHARES
NAME                                           VOTED IN FAVOR         WITHHELD
----                                          ----------------    ----------------
<S>                                           <C>                 <C>
Jeffrey C. Ballowe..........................     82,937,317           313,685
Michael J. Hagan............................     82,580,105           670,897
</Table>

     (d) Not applicable.

ITEM 5.  OTHER INFORMATION

     None.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits.

     None.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K.

     - On April 30, 2001 we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 26,
       2001, regarding (a) our execution of a definitive agreement with
       Microsoft Corporation which replaced the existing co-marketing agreement
       dated as of March 29, 2000, as amended, between the Registrant and
       Microsoft; and (b) the announcement of our corporate restructuring in
       which we consolidated our two operating divisions into a single operating
       unit, made several key management appointments and implemented reductions
       in force (Items 5 and 7).

                                        44
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                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Horsham,
Pennsylvania, on August 14, 2001.

                                          VERTICALNET, INC.

                                          By: /s/   MICHAEL J. HAGAN
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      Michael J. Hagan
                                               President and Chief Executive
                                                           Officer

                                          By: /s/    GENE S. GODICK
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                       Gene S. Godick
                                                Executive Vice President and
                                                  Chief Financial Officer

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