UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE
COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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DERMA SCIENCES, INC.
214 Carnegie Center, Suite 300
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 514-4744
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
May 20, 2009
To the Shareholders:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual meeting of shareholders of Derma Sciences, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (the Company), will be held on May 20, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., at the offices of the Company, 214 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, Princeton, New Jersey, for the following purposes:
1. | To elect eight directors for the year following the annual meeting or until their successors are elected; |
2. | To consider and vote upon ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009; and |
3. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and all adjournments thereof. |
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 30, 2009, the record date and time fixed by our Board of Directors, are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting.
Important Notice
Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders | |||
• | This communication presents only an overview of the more complete proxy materials that are available to you on the Internet. We encourage you to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. | ||||
• | The proxy statement, 2008 annual report to shareholders and proxy card are available at http://www.stocktrans.com/eproxy/dermasciencesinc2009. | ||||
• | If you want to receive a paper or e-mail copy of these documents, you must request one. There is no charge to you for requesting a copy. Please make your request for a copy as instructed below on or before May 1, 2009 to facilitate timely delivery. | ||||
To request a paper copy of these items or directions to the offices of Derma Sciences, Inc. should you choose to attend the annual meeting of shareholders and vote in person, either: | |||||
Call our toll-free number (866) 360-7311; or Visit our website at http://www.stocktrans.com/eproxy/dermasciencesinc2009; or Send us an e-mail at proxynotice@stocktrans.com | |||||
Please clearly identify our company name, the items you are requesting and your name along with the Shareholder Control Number located in the lower right hand corner of this notice and the name and address to which the materials should be mailed. | |||||
Derma Sciences, Inc.
Notice of
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Page 2
You may vote online, by mail or in person. If you wish to vote online, go to http://www.stocktrans.com/eproxy/dermasciencesinc2009 and utilize your Shareholder Control Number to access your proxy materials and online voting directions.
If you wish to view your proxy materials online and vote by mail, follow the above directions to access your proxy materials, print and fill out the proxy card, sign the card and mail it to us at the address specified on the card.
If you wish to receive paper copies of proxy materials and vote by mail, follow the directions set forth opposite the third bullet point under the heading Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting to be Held on May 20, 2009, fill out the proxy card, sign the card and mail it to us at the address specified on the card.
If you wish to vote in person at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, use any of the above described methods to obtain the proxy materials, mark on the proxy card that you plan to attend the meeting and mail the card to us at the address specified on the card.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR (i) the election as directors of the nominees named in the Proxy Statement, and (ii) the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2009.
You are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend personally, and regardless of the number of shares you own, it is important that your shares be represented. Accordingly, WE URGE YOU TO REVIEW THE PROXY MATERIALS CONCERNING THE MEETING AND PROMPTLY VOTE YOUR SHARES. If you attend the annual meeting and wish to vote in person, you may withdraw a previously submitted proxy at that time.
By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
Edward J. Quilty, Chairman of the Board |
DERMA SCIENCES, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
for
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
214 Carnegie Center
Suite 300
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
May 20, 2009
DERMA SCIENCES, INC.
214 Carnegie Center, Suite 300
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 514-4744
____________________________________________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
____________________________________________________________
This statement is furnished by the Board of Directors of Derma Sciences, Inc. (the Company) in connection with the Boards solicitation of proxies for use at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Meeting) to be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at the offices of the Company, 214 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, and at any adjournments thereof. The purpose of the Meeting and the matters to be acted upon are set forth under the headings Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 hereinbelow and in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders previously mailed to shareholders.
If the on-line or paper form of Proxy is executed properly and submitted, shares represented by it will be voted at the Meeting in accordance with the instructions on the Proxy. However, if no instructions are specified, shares will be voted for the election as directors of those nominees named in the Proxy and for ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2009. The Board knows of no matters which are to be presented for consideration at the Meeting other than those specifically described herein and in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, but if other matters are properly presented, it is the intention of the persons designated as proxies to vote on them in accordance with their judgment.
A Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the time it is voted by written notice to the Secretary of the Company at the above address or by submission of a proxy bearing a later date. Any shareholder may attend the Meeting and vote in person whether or not a Proxy was previously submitted.
The close of business on March 30, 2009, has been fixed as the record date (the Record Date) for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Meeting. On the Record Date, the Company had 40,140,743 shares of Common Stock, 150,003 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, 440,003 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock, 619,055 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock and 1,071,346 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock outstanding and entitled to vote. The foregoing shares of Common and Preferred Stock (collectively, Shares) are the only voting securities of the Company.
The presence at the Meeting, in person or by proxy, of the holders of 21,210,576 Shares (a majority of the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock and Preferred Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote as of the Record Date) is necessary to constitute a quorum to transact business. Proxies marked Abstain and broker proxies that have not voted on a particular proposal (Broker Non-Votes), if any, will be counted in determining the presence of a quorum. Other than for election of directors (discussed below), each holder of Common Stock and Preferred Stock as of the Record Date is entitled to one vote per Share.
Election of the director nominees named in Proposal No. 1 requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the total number of votes cast for the election of directors at the Meeting by the holders of Common Stock and Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class. Votes may be cast in favor of or withheld with respect to all of the director nominees, or any of them. Abstentions and Broker Non-Votes, if any, will not be counted as having been voted and will have no effect on the election of directors except to the extent the failure to vote for a nominee results in another nominee receiving a larger number of votes. Shareholders may cumulate their votes in the election of directors. That is, shareholders may multiply the number of Shares owned and entitled to vote at the Meeting by the number of directors (8) to be elected and cast the resulting number of votes for any one or more candidates.
Adoption of Proposal No. 2 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the total number of shares of the Common Stock and Preferred Stock represented and entitled to vote at the Meeting, voting together as a single class. In determining whether Proposal No. 2 has received the requisite number of affirmative votes, abstentions will be counted and
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will have the same effect as votes against the proposal, and broker non-votes, if any, will have no effect on the votes for the proposal.
The expense of solicitation will be borne by the Company. The solicitation of Proxies will be largely by mail, but may include telephonic, telegraphic or oral communications by officers or other representatives of the Company. The Company will also reimburse brokers or other persons holding shares in their names or in the names of their nominees for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with forwarding Proxies and proxy materials to the beneficial owners of such shares.
It is expected that the Notice of Annual Meeting, Proxy Statement and form of Proxy will first be made available on-line and, upon request, mailed to shareholders on or about April 6, 2009.
PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
A board of eight directors, constituting the entire Board of Directors specified by the bylaws of the Company, will be elected at the Meeting by the shareholders of the Company to hold office until their successors have been elected and qualify. It is intended that, unless authorization to do so is withheld, the proxies will be voted FOR the election of the director nominees named below. Each nominee has consented to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve as a director if elected. However, if any nominee becomes unable to stand for election as a director at the Meeting, an event not now anticipated by the Board, the Proxy will be voted for a substitute designated by the Board.
The nominees are listed below with brief statements of their principal occupation and other information:
Name of Nominee | Age | Director Since | Principal Occupation | ||||
Edward J. Quilty | 58 | March, 1996 | Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company |
||||
Srini Conjeevaram | 50 | May, 1998 | Managing Director of SC Capital Management, LLC | ||||
Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST | 52 | May, 2000 | Executive Vice President - Operations and Chief Financial Officer of Palatin Technologies, Inc. |
||||
James T. O'Brien | 70 | May, 2001 | Consultant to the pharmaceutical industry | ||||
C. Richard Stafford, Esq | 73 | May, 2002 | Consultant to the pharmaceutical industry | ||||
Richard J. Keim | 73 | May, 2002 | Managing Director of Kensington Management Group, LLC |
||||
Robert G. Moussa | 62 | May, 2005 | President and Chief Executive Officer of Dilon Technologies, Inc. |
||||
Bruce F. Wesson | 66 | May, 2006 | President of Galen Associates |
All director nominees, with the exception of Edward J. Quilty, are independent as defined in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4200. The term of office of each person elected as director will continue until the Companys next Annual Meeting of Shareholders or until his successor has been elected and qualifies.
During 2008, there were five formal meetings of the Board of Directors, together with monthly telephonic conferences involving directors and management. All members of the Board of Directors attended the Companys previous annual meeting of shareholders held on May 22, 2008.
Information Relative to Directors and Nominees
Edward J. Quilty has served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November, 1996, Chairman of the Board since May, 1996 and as a director of the Company since March, 1996. Mr. Quilty was the Chairman of the Board of Palatin Technologies, Inc., a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company specializing in peptide drug design for diagnostic and therapeutic agents, from November, 1995 until May, 2000. During the period November, 1996 through May, 2000 Mr. Quilty held the Chief Executive Officer positions at both the Company and Palatin Technologies, Inc. From July, 1994 through November, 1995, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of MedChem Products, Inc., a publicly traded developer and manufacturer of specialty medical products which was acquired by C. R. Bard in November, 1995. From March, 1992 through July, 1994 Mr. Quilty served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Life Medical Sciences, Inc., a publicly traded developer and manufacturer of specialty medical products including wound healing agents. The assets of Life Medical Sciences were purchased by MedChem Products, Inc. During the period January, 1987 through September, 1991 Mr. Quilty served as Vice President Sales and Marketing and later as Executive Vice President (in which capacity
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he shared the office of the President) with McGaw Laboratories, a pharmaceutical and medical device company. Previously, he served from 1974 in a variety of sales, marketing and management positions with Baxter/American Hospital Supply Corporation. Mr. Quilty has over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry primarily in strategic planning, management and sales and marketing. Mr. Quilty is director of the MedTech Group, a privately held medical products company. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri in 1973 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Ohio University, Athens, Ohio in 1987.
Srini Conjeevaram has served as director of the Company since May, 1998. Mr. Conjeevaram is Managing Director of SC Capital Management, LLC pursuing venture capital opportunities in healthcare. Mr. Conjeevaram is also the general partner of venture capital funds with investments in several privately-held medical device companies. From 1991 through March 2006, he was with Galen Associates, a healthcare venture capital firm, becoming a General Partner in 1996. Prior to his affiliation with Galen Associates, he was an Associate in Corporate Finance at Smith Barney from 1989 to 1990 and a Senior Project Engineer for General Motors Corporation from 1982 to 1987. Mr. Conjeevaram serves as a director of Acumen Medical, Inc., a firm engaged in providing novel mechanisms for the delivery of therapy to the heart. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Madras University, Madras, India, a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University, Stanford, California, and a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST has served as lead director and a director of the Company since July, 2008 and May, 2000, respectively. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company from July, 1997 and Vice President from November, 1997 until his resignation from these positions in July, 2000. Mr. Wills currently serves as Executive Vice President Operations and Chief Financial Officer of Palatin Technologies, Inc., a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company. Mr. Wills serves on the board of directors of U.S. Helicopter, Inc. as chairman of the audit committee and a member of the compensation committee. Mr. Wills is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from West Chester University, West Chester, Pennsylvania in 1979 and a Master of Science in Taxation from Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1994.
James T. OBrien has served as a director of the Company since May, 2001. He currently serves as a consultant to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. Most recently, he served as President of OBrien Marketing & Communications. Previously, Mr. OBrien served from 1989 to 1991 as President and Chief Operating Officer for Elan Corporation (NYSE: ELN), a multi-national medical products and pharmaceutical company. In 1986, Mr. OBrien founded OBrien Pharmaceuticals and served as its President and Chief Executive Officer until the acquisition of this company by Elan Corporation. During the period 1980 to 1986, Mr. OBrien held several division presidencies with the Revlon Health Care Group. Prior to his association with Revlon, he served for seventeen years with Sandoz Pharmaceuticals, Inc., most recently as Vice President of U.S. Marketing and Sales. Mr. OBrien serves as chairman of the board of directors of Benedictine College. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas, in 1960 and attended the Harvard University Advanced Management Program in 1974.
C. Richard Stafford, Esq. has served as a director of the Company since May, 2002. Mr. Stafford is a consultant to the pharmaceutical industry. Previously, he was Vice President for Corporate Development and a member of the operating committee of Carter-Wallace, Inc., a multinational manufacturer of pharmaceutical, toiletry and diagnostic products. Prior to joining Carter-Wallace, Inc. in 1977, Mr. Stafford was President of Caithness Corporation, a natural resources development firm, and an adjunct professor of law at New York Law School. Mr. Stafford earned his Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Harvard College, his Bachelor of Laws from Harvard Law School and his Master of Laws from New York University Law School.
Richard J. Keim has served as a director of the Company since May, 2002 and serves as a consultant to various industries. He is a founder and Managing Director of Kensington Management Group, LLC, a portfolio manager with assets in excess of $70 million. Prior to organizing Kensington in 1986, Mr. Keim founded and served as Executive Vice President of the Buckingham Research Group Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer, from 1982 through 1993 and Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of Buckingham Capital Management from 1985 until 1993. Mr. Keim received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin and his Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. He is a Senior Security Analyst, a Chartered Financial Analyst and a member of the New York Society of Security Analysts and the Financial Analyst Federation.
Robert G. Moussa has served as a director of the Company since May, 2005. Mr. Moussa is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dilon Technologies, Inc., makers of a gamma imaging system for early breast cancer detection, a position he has held since February, 2008. Before joining Dilon Technologies, Inc., Mr. Moussa served
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as President and Chief Executive Officer of Robert Moussa & Associates, a consulting firm serving the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries. Prior to founding this firm, he served in a variety of executive positions with Mallinckrodt, Inc., St. Louis, Missouri, a $2.4 billion healthcare and chemical company. Mr. Moussas most recent assignment at Mallinckrodt was President International, a position he held from 1995 through 1997. Previously he served from 1992 to 1996 as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc., Mallinckrodts largest business unit with over one billion dollars in revenues. Before joining Mallinckrodt Medical, Mr. Moussa served during the period 1978 through 1992 as Mallinckrodt, Inc.s Group Vice President International Medical Products, Vice President and General Manager Medical Products Europe, General Manager Critical Care, Director of Business Operations and General Sales Manager. Prior to joining Mallinckrodt, Mr. Moussa held a number of positions during the period 1969 through 1976 with Sherwood Medical, United Kingdom, most recently as Director of Marketing. Mr. Moussa received his Baccalaureate from the Collège du Sacre-Cur, Beirut, Lebanon, in 1966 and his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Ealing University, London, England, in 1969. He has also completed executive seminars at the University of California at Berkley, the Aspen Institute, the Wharton Executive School and the Center for Creative Leadership.
Bruce F. Wesson has served as vice lead director and a director of the Company since July, 2008 and May, 2006, respectively. He presently serves as President of Galen Associates, a health care venture capital firm with which he has been associated since 1991. Prior to joining Galen, Mr. Wesson served for over twenty three years with the Corporate Finance Division of Smith Barney, most recently as Senior Vice President and Managing Director. During his tenure at Smith Barney, Mr. Wesson chaired Smith Barneys Valuation and Opinion Committee in which capacity he maintained responsibility for the firms valuations and fairness opinions. Mr. Wesson serves as a director of Chemtura Corporation, QMED, Acura Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and several of Galen Associates portfolio companies. Mr. Wesson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University, Hamilton, New York, in 1964 and a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University, New York, New York, in 1967.
Compensation of Directors
Current and Historical Compensation Programs
Upon election or appointment, outside directors receive options to purchase 20,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock at a price per share equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the option grant. These options vest at the rate of 5,000 on the date of grant and 5,000 per year thereafter. Effective April 1, 2007, for each year of service outside directors receive options to purchase 35,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock at a price per share equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the option grant. These options vest at the rate of 8,750 on the date of grant and 8,750 per year thereafter. Effective April 1, 2007, for each year of service each outside Director receives a $25,000 cash payment, payable quarterly. In addition, the lead director and the chairmen of the audit and compensation committees receive $20,000, $5,000 and $3,000 cash payments, respectively, payable quarterly. The lead director also receives options to purchase 20,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock at a price per share equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of the option grant. These options vest at the rate of 5,000 on the date of grant and 5,000 per year thereafter. All directors are reimbursed for expenses incurred in connection with each board and committee meeting attended. Inside directors receive no compensation for their services as directors.
During the period May 12, 2006 through March 31, 2007, for each year of service outside directors received options to purchase 25,000 shares of Common Stock, 25,000 shares of restricted Common Stock and a cash payment of $12,000, payable quarterly.
During the period May 12, 2005 through May 11, 2006, for each year of service outside directors received options to purchase 70,000 shares of Common Stock and a cash payment of $12,000, payable quarterly.
Director Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding all forms of compensation received by directors of the Company during the year ended December 31, 2008:
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Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash |
Option Awards | Total | ||||
Edward J. Quilty | - | - | - | ||||
Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST | $40,000 | $41,250 (1) | $86,250 | ||||
Srini Conjeevaram | $25,000 | $26,250 (2) | $51,250 | ||||
James T. O'Brien | $25,000 | $26,250 (2) | $51,250 | ||||
Richard J. Keim | $25,000 | $26,250 (2) | $51,250 | ||||
C. Richard Stafford, Esq. | $25,000 | $26,250 (2) | $51,250 | ||||
Robert G. Moussa | $28,000 | $26,250 (2) | $54,250 | ||||
Bruce F. Wesson | $25,000 | $26,250 (2) | $51,250 | ||||
(1) | Reflects the award of options to purchase 55,000 shares of Common Stock. |
(2) | Reflects the award of options to purchase 35,000 shares of Common Stock. |
Board Committees
Audit Committee
The Company maintains an Audit Committee that is currently composed of Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST, Chairman, Srini Conjeevaram, Bruce F. Wesson and Richard J. Keim. Messrs. Wills, Conjeevaram, Wesson and Keim are considered to be independent as defined in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4200. The Audit Committee reviews the results and scope of the audit and the financial recommendations provided by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter a copy of which may be viewed on the Companys website at http://www.ir.dermasciences.com/governance. The Audit Committee held five meetings in 2008. Details relative to the Audit Committees financial expert, together with the Audit Committee Report, are set forth below under the heading Additional Information.
Compensation Committee
The Company maintains a Compensation Committee that is currently composed of Robert G. Moussa, Chairman, Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST, C. Richard Stafford, Esq. and James T. OBrien. Messrs. Moussa, Wills, Stafford and OBrien are considered to be independent as defined in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4200. The Compensation Committee reviews the compensation of management and recommends to the Board of Directors the amounts and types of cash and equity incentives to be offered to management. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter a copy of which may be viewed on the Companys website at http://www.ir.dermasciences.com/governance. The Compensation Committee held four meetings in 2008. The Compensation Committee Report is set forth below under the heading Additional Information.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Company maintains a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that is currently composed of James T. OBrien, Chairman, C. Richard Stafford, Esq., Robert G. Moussa and Richard J. Keim. Messrs. Stafford, OBrien, Moussa and Keim are considered to be independent as defined in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4200. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee reviews the qualifications of prospective directors for consideration by the Board of Directors as managements nominees for directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not operate under a written charter. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held one meeting in 2008.
The Company will consider nominations for directors submitted by shareholders. Shareholder nominations for election to the Board of Directors must be made by written notification received by the Company not later than sixty days prior to the next annual meeting of shareholders. Such notification shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:
1. | The name and residential address of the proposed nominee and of each notifying shareholder; |
2. | The principal occupation of the proposed nominee; |
3. | A representation that the notifying shareholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person specified in the notice; |
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4. | The total number of shares of the Company owned by the notifying shareholder; |
5. | A description of all arrangements or understandings between the notifying shareholder and the proposed nominee and any other person or persons pursuant to which the nomination is to be made by the notifying shareholder; |
6. | Any other information regarding the nominee that would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed with the SEC; and |
7. | The consent of the nominee to serve as director of the Company, if elected. |
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will return, without consideration, any notice of proposed nomination which does not contain the foregoing information.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not established specific criteria or minimum qualifications that must be met by committee-nominated or shareholder-nominated nominees for director. Regardless of the source of a given nominees nomination, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee evaluates each nominee based solely upon his/her educational attainments, relevant experience and professional stature. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee primarily seeks nominations for director from institutional security holders, members of the investment banking community and current directors.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the election as directors of the nominees listed above.
PROPOSAL 2 -
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC
ACCOUNTING FIRM
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees
Fees for professional services provided by the Companys Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows:
2008 | 2007 | |||||
Audit fees | $415,000 | $385,000 | ||||
Audit related fees | 17,500 | 60,850 | ||||
Totals | $432,500 | $445,850 |
The foregoing fees were, in each case, pre-approved by the Companys Audit Committee.
Fee Analysis and Pre-Approval Policy
Audit Fees
Audit fees consist of fees relative to the audit of the Companys year-end financial statements and review of the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Audit Related Fees
The 2008 audit related fees principally involve services relative to securities registration statements and a line of credit.
The 2007 audit related fees principally involve services relative to acquisitions, a securities registration statement and an executive compensation market data analysis.
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Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy
It is the policy of the Companys audit committee to approve all engagements of the Companys independent auditors to render audit or non-audit services prior to the initiation of such services.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms Presence at Annual Meeting
Representatives of the firm of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that shareholders vote FOR the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2009.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers of the Company are:
Name |
Age |
Position with the Company |
Executive
Officer of the Company Since | |
Edward J. Quilty | 58 | Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer |
May, 1996 | |
John E. Yetter, CPA | 56 | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer | August, 2000 | |
Robert C. Cole | 56 | Executive Vice President Sales | January, 2003 | |
Frederic Eigner | 59 | Executive Vice President of Operations and General Manager, Derma Sciences Canada Inc. |
March, 2005 | |
Barry J. Wolfenson | 42 | Vice President Marketing and Business Development |
March, 2006 | |
Daniel Rivest | 42 | Executive Vice President First Aid Products and President, Derma First Aid Products, Inc. |
November, 2007 |
John E. Yetter, CPA has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since August, 2000. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Yetter held a variety of senior financial positions with Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Before his association with Bristol-Myers Squibb, he held several supervisory financial positions with Cooper Industries, Inc., Price Waterhouse and Hulse Manufacturing Company. Mr. Yetter is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York Society of Certified Public Accountants. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, magna cum laude, from Boston College School of Management, Boston, Massachusetts in 1975.
Robert C. Cole has served as Executive Vice President for Sales of the Company since May, 2006. Previously, he served as the Companys Vice President Sales and Marketing since January, 2003. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Cole held a variety of executive sales positions with B. Braun Medical and predecessor firms beginning in 1974, most recently as Vice President, Sales, Eastern Zone. Mr. Cole earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, cum laude, from St. Vincents College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, in 1974.
Frederic Eigner has served as Executive Vice President for Operations of the Company and General Manager of the Companys Canadian subsidiary, Derma Sciences Canada Inc., since March, 2005. Previously he served as Vice President for Operations of Derma Sciences Canada Inc. since August, 2002. Prior to its acquisition by the Company, he held several positions with Dumex Medical Inc. during the period 1992 until August of 2002, most recently as Executive Vice President. Prior to his association with Dumex Medical, Mr. Eigner held a variety of executive manufacturing positions with The Kendall Company during the period 1980 through 1992, most recently as Director of Manufacturing. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering from the High Technical school of Kranj, Slovenia, in 1975, a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maribor, Slovenia, in 1980, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in 2000.
Barry J. Wolfenson currently serves as Vice President for Marketing and Business Development of the Company. Previously, he served as the Companys Director of Marketing during the period February 2004 through February 2006. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Wolfenson held a variety of sales and marketing positions with Bristol-Myers Squibb beginning in 2001, most recently as Marketing Manager with the Bristol-Myers Squibb Conva-Tec division. Before his
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association with Bristol-Myers Squibb, he operated a successful entrepreneurial venture and served as an account executive with Anderson Consulting. Mr. Wolfenson earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1989 and a Master of Business Administration, cum laude (Phi Beta Kappa) from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 2001.
Daniel Rivest has served as Executive Vice President for First Aid Products of the Company and President of the Companys subsidiary, Derma First Aid Products, Inc., since November 2007. Prior to his association with the Company, Mr. Rivest served since January 2007 as the President of the first aid division of NutraMax Products, Inc., a position he held until the acquisition of NutraMax by the Company. During the period August 2004 through December 2006, he held high level executive positions, most recently President and Chief Operating Officer, at SM Medical, a privately held manufacturer of wound care products. Mr. Rivest owned and served as the chief executive of several private manufacturing operations from 1993 to 2004. During the period 1990 to 1993, he served as general manager of Trexar Financial Corp.
Executive officers are elected by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board of Directors.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executives and Employment Arrangements
The following discussion and table relates to compensation arrangements on behalf of, and compensation paid by the Company to, Edward J. Quilty, the Companys Chief Executive Officer, John E. Yetter, CPA, the Companys Chief Financial Officer, Robert C. Cole, the Companys Executive Vice President for Sales, Frederic Eigner, the Companys Executive Vice President for Operations and General Manager of Derma Sciences Canada Inc., Barry J. Wolfenson, the Companys Vice President for Marketing and Business Development, and Daniel Rivest, the Companys Executive Vice President for First Aid Products and President of its first aid division:
Edward J. Quilty
The Company employs Edward J. Quilty, its Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to a one-year employment agreement, renewed effective March 1, 2009, providing for base compensation in the amount of $357,000 per year, effective January 1, 2008, and incentive compensation in the discretion of the Companys Board of Directors. The agreement further provides for the payment of severance compensation in the amount of one-years base salary ($357,000) upon failure of the Company to renew the agreement for successive one-year terms or for termination of Mr. Quiltys employment other than for cause. In addition, upon a change in control of the Company, Mr. Quilty may, within six-months of the change in control, tender his resignation and receive severance compensation equal to one years base salary. For this purpose, change of control is defined as a greater than 50% change in ownership of the voting securities of the Company in a single transaction or series of related transactions.
John E. Yetter, CPA
The Company employs John E. Yetter, CPA, its Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to a one-year employment agreement, renewed effective March 1, 2009, providing for base compensation in the amount of $225,750 per year, effective January 1, 2008, and incentive compensation in the discretion of the Companys Board of Directors. The agreement further provides for the payment of severance compensation in the amount of six months base salary ($112,875) upon failure of the Company to renew the agreement for successive one-year terms or for termination of Mr. Yetters employment other than for cause. In addition, upon a change in control of the Company, Mr. Yetter may, within six months of the change in control, tender his resignation and receive severance compensation equal to six months base salary. For this purpose, change of control is defined as a greater than 50% change in ownership of the voting securities of the Company in a single transaction or series of related transactions.
Robert C. Cole
The Company employs Robert C. Cole, its Executive Vice President for Sales, pursuant to a one-year employment agreement, renewed effective March 1, 2009, providing for base compensation in the amount of $204,750 per year, effective January 1, 2008, and incentive compensation in the discretion of the Companys Board of Directors. The agreement further provides for the payment of severance compensation in the amount of six months base salary ($102,375) upon failure of the Company to renew the agreement for successive one-year terms or for termination of Mr. Coles employment other than for cause. In addition, upon a change in control of the Company, Mr. Cole may, within six months of the change in control, tender his resignation and receive severance compensation equal to six months
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base salary. For this purpose, change of control is defined as a greater than 50% change in ownership of the voting securities of the Company in a single transaction or series of related transactions.
Frederic Eigner
The Company employs Frederic Eigner, its Vice President and Executive Vice President Operations and General Manager of Derma Sciences Canada Inc., pursuant to a one-year employment agreement, renewed effective March 1, 2009, providing for base compensation in the amount of C$229,215 per year, effective January 1, 2008, and incentive compensation in the discretion of the Companys Board of Directors. The agreement further provides for the payment of severance compensation in the amount of the greater of six months base salary (C$114,607.50) or the amount specified by the laws of Ontario, Canada, upon failure of the Company to renew the agreement for successive one-year terms or for termination of Mr. Eigners employment other than for cause. The Company estimates that severance compensation required to be paid under the laws of Ontario, Canada, would be in the range of six to eighteen months base salary (C$114,607.50 C$343,822.50). In addition, upon a change in control of the Company, Mr. Eigner may, within six months of the change in control, tender his resignation and receive severance compensation equal to six months base salary. For this purpose, change of control is defined as a greater than 50% change in ownership of the voting securities of the Company in a single transaction or series of related transactions.
Barry J. Wolfenson
The Company employs Barry J. Wolfenson, its Vice President for Marketing and Business Development, pursuant to a one-year employment agreement, renewed effective March 1, 2009, providing for base compensation in the amount of $178,000 per year, effective January 1, 2008, and incentive compensation in the discretion of the Companys Board of Directors. The agreement further provides for the payment of severance compensation in the amount of six months base salary ($89,000) upon failure of the Company to renew the agreement for successive one-year terms or for termination of Mr. Wolfensons employment other than for cause. In addition, upon a change in control of the Company, Mr. Wolfenson may, within six months of the change in control, tender his resignation and receive severance compensation equal to six months base salary. For this purpose, change of control is defined as a greater than 50% change in ownership of the voting securities of the Company in a single transaction or series of related transactions.
Daniel Rivest
The Company employs Daniel Rivest, its Executive Vice President for First Aid Products and President of its first aid division, pursuant to a one-year employment agreement, renewed effective March 1, 2009, providing for base compensation in the amount of $196,000 per year, effective January 1, 2008, and incentive compensation in the discretion of the Companys Board of Directors. The agreement further provides for the payment of severance compensation in the amount of six months base salary ($98,000) upon failure of the Company to renew the agreement for successive one-year terms or for termination of Mr. Rivests employment other than for cause. In addition, upon a change in control of the Company, Mr. Rivest may, within six months of the change in control, tender his resignation and receive severance compensation equal to six months base salary. For this purpose, change of control is defined as a greater than 50% change in ownership of the voting securities of the Company in a single transaction or series of related transactions.
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Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth information regarding all forms of compensation received by the named executive officers during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:
Name and Principal Position |
Year | Salary | Bonus | Option Awards |
All Other Compensation |
Total | |||||||
Edward J. Quilty | 2008 | $357,000 | $ - | $ - | $8,705 (1) | $365,705 | |||||||
Chairman and | 2007 | $340,000 | $120,000 | $291,000 | $11,495 (2) | $762,495 | |||||||
Chief Executive Officer | 2006 | $315,000 | $120,000 | $105,000 | $11,495 (2) | $551,495 | |||||||
John E. Yetter, CPA | 2008 | $225,750 | $ - | $ - | $2,312 (3) | $228,062 | |||||||
Vice President and | 2007 | $215,000 | $ 40,000 | $145,500 | $6,450 (3) | $406,950 | |||||||
Chief Financial Officer | 2006 | $204,750 | $ 50,000 | $ 52,500 | $6,143 (3) | $313,393 | |||||||
Robert C. Cole | 2008 | $204,750 | $ - | $ - | $9,555 (4) | $214,305 | |||||||
Executive Vice President - | 2007 | $195,000 | $ 35,000 | $145,500 | $12,331 (5) | $387,831 | |||||||
Sales | 2006 | $180,000 | $ 50,000 | $ 52,500 | $12,735 (6) | $295,235 | |||||||
Frederic Eigner | 2008 | $214,802 | $ - | $ - | $7,459 (7) | $222,261 | |||||||
Executive Vice President - | 2007 | $203,221 | $ 40,000 | $145,500 | $7,010 (8) | $395,731 | |||||||
Operations and General | 2006 | $154,231 | $ 50,000 | $ 52,500 | $5,557 (9) | $262,288 | |||||||
Manager, Derma Sciences | |||||||||||||
Canada Inc. | |||||||||||||
Barry J. Wolfenson | 2008 | $178,500 | $ - | $ - | $3,300 (3) | $181,800 | |||||||
Vice President - | 2007 | $170,000 | $ 45,000 | $145,500 | $4,463 (3) | $364,963 | |||||||
Marketing and Business | 2006 | $141,917 | $ 50,000 | $ 52,500 | $4,257 (3) | $248,674 | |||||||
Development | |||||||||||||
Daniel Rivest | 2008 | $190,506 | $ - | $ - | $ - | $190,506 | |||||||
President - First Aid | 2007 | $ 26,227 | $ - | $145,500 | $ - | $171,727 | |||||||
Division |
2006 | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ - |
(1) | Consists of 401(k) matching contribution of $3,960 and disability insurance of $4,745. |
(2) | Consists of 401(k) matching contribution of $6,750 and disability insurance of $4,745. |
(3) | Consists of 401(k) matching contribution. |
(4) | Consists of 401(k) matching contribution of $2,355 and car allowance of $7,200. |
(5) | Consists of 401(k) matching contribution of $5,131 and car allowance of $7,200. |
(6) | Consists of 401(k) matching contribution of $5,535 and car allowance of $7,200. |
(7) | Consists of salary deferral plan matching contribution of $6,247 and disability insurance of $1,212. |
(8) | Consists of salary deferral plan matching contribution of $5,896 and disability insurance of $868. |
(9) | Consists of salary deferral plan matching contribution of $5,896 and disability insurance of $1,114. |
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Outstanding Equity Awards at Year-End
The following table sets forth information regarding the aggregate number of options to purchase Common Stock held by the named executive officers as of December 31, 2008:
Option Awards | |||||||||
Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (Exercisable) |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (Unexercisable) |
Option Exercise Price |
Option Expiration Date |
|||||
Edward J. Quilty | 100,000 | 300,000 | $0.60 | 11/29/2017 | |||||
112,500 | 37,500 | $0.80 | 02/22/2017 | ||||||
193,750 | - | $0.50 | 03/01/2015 | ||||||
50,000 | - | $1.55 | 02/24/2014 | ||||||
75,000 | - | $0.37 | 03/25/2013 | ||||||
30,000 | - | $0.61 | 02/26/2012 | ||||||
225,000 | - | $0.40 | 08/24/2011 | ||||||
John E.Yetter, CPA | 50,000 | 150,000 | $0.60 | 11/29/2017 | |||||
56,250 | 18,750 | $0.80 | 02/22/2017 | ||||||
116,250 | - | $0.50 | 03/01/2015 | ||||||
25,000 | - | $1.55 | 02/24/2014 | ||||||
40,000 | - | $0.37 | 03/25/2013 | ||||||
20,000 | - | $0.61 | 02/26/2012 | ||||||
100,000 | - | $0.40 | 08/24/2011 | ||||||
60,000 | - | $0.75 | 08/28/2010 | ||||||
Robert C. Cole | 50,000 | 150,000 | $0.60 | 11/29/2017 | |||||
56,250 | 18,750 | $0.80 | 02/22/2017 | ||||||
116,250 | - | $0.50 | 03/01/2015 | ||||||
25,000 | - | $1.55 | 02/24/2014 | ||||||
175,000 | - | $0.50 | 11/26/2012 | ||||||
Frederic Eigner | 50,000 | 150,000 | $0.60 | 11/29/2017 | |||||
56,250 | 18,750 | $0.80 | 02/22/2017 | ||||||
121,875 | - | $0.50 | 03/01/2015 | ||||||
30,000 | - | $1.55 | 02/24/2014 | ||||||
20,000 | - | $1.70 | 07/07/2013 | ||||||
50,000 | - | $0.57 | 09/15/2012 | ||||||
Barry J. Wolfenson | 50,000 | 150,000 | $0.60 | 11/29/2017 | |||||
56,250 | 18,750 | $0.80 | 02/22/2017 | ||||||
70,000 | - | $1.20 | 01/14/2012 | ||||||
50,000 | - | $0.50 | 03/01/2015 | ||||||
Daniel Rivest | 50,000 | 150,000 | $0.60 | 11/29/2017 |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
Stock Option Plan
The Company adopted the Derma Sciences, Inc. Stock Option Plan (the Plan) July 18, 1991 and amended the Plan upon several occasions, the latest being November 29, 2007. The number of shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan is 10,000,000 shares. The Plan authorizes the Company to grant two types of equity incentives: (i) options intended to qualify as incentive stock options (ISOs) as defined in Section 422 of the Internal
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Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and (ii) nonqualified stock options (NQSOs). The Plan authorizes options to be granted to directors, officers, key employees and consultants of the Company, except that ISOs may be granted only to employees. The Plan is administered by a committee of directors designated by the Board of Directors (the Compensation Committee). Subject to the provisions of the Plan, the Compensation Committee determines who is eligible to receive stock options, together with the nature, amount, timing, exercise price, vesting schedule and all other terms and conditions of the options to be granted.
Under the Plan, ISOs and NQSOs may have a term of up to ten years. Stock options are not assignable or transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution. Stock options granted under the Plan which have lapsed or terminated revert to the status of unissued and become available for reissuance.
As of December 31, 2008 options to purchase 6,129,625 shares of the Companys Common Stock at prices in the range of $0.37 to $1.70 per share were issued and outstanding under the Plan.
Shareholder Approval
The following table provides information concerning the Companys equity compensation plans or individual arrangements that were approved by shareholders and those that were not approved by shareholders as of December 31, 2008
Plan Category |
Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |
Weighted-Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights |
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column 1) |
|||||||||||||
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by | ||||||||||||||||
Shareholders | 6,129,625 | (1) | $0.73 | 3,870,375 | ||||||||||||
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by |
||||||||||||||||
Shareholders | 1,893,000 | (2) | $0.58 | 0 | ||||||||||||
Total | 8,022,625 | $0.69 | 3,870,375 | |||||||||||||
(1) | The securities consist of Incentive Stock Options and Nonqualified Stock Options granted to officers, directors, employees and consultants in 1997, 1998, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008 pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plan. The per share exercise price of the options is in the range of $0.37 to $1.70. The shares of Common Stock underlying the options have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. |
(2) | The securities consist of Nonqualified Stock Options granted to officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company during the period 1995 through 2002 and 2007. These options were effected pursuant to employment agreements or stock option agreements recommended by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and approved by its Board of Directors. The per share exercise price of the options is in the range of $0.40 to $6.00. The shares of Common Stock underlying the options have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933. |
CODE OF ETHICS
The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer (controller) and persons performing similar functions. The Company has filed a copy of its code of ethics as Exhibit 10.42 to its Form 10-KSB filed on March 31, 2003 and has posted its code of ethics on the Companys website at http://www.ir.dermasciences.com/governance.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act) requires the Companys directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Companys equity securities, to
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file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers, directors and greater than ten percent shareholders are required by Commission regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the Companys knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company, all reports under Section 16(a) required to be filed by its officers, directors and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners were timely filed with the exception of Form 4 Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities by Barry J. Wolfenson, the filing of which was untimely.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of March 31, 2009 certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of the Companys Common Stock by: (i) each person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii) each director of the Company, (iii) each officer of the Company, and (iv) all directors and officers of the Company as a group:
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) |
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned (20) |
Percent Beneficially Owned (20) |
LB I Group Inc. (2) | 11,035,700 | 25.82% |
William Harris Investors, Inc. (3) | 4,553,575 | 11.03% |
Galen III Partnerships (4) | 4,558,997 | 10.74% |
Comvita New Zealand Limited (5) | 4,083,330 | 10.07% |
1837 Partners (6) | 2,250,000 | 5.50% |
Kensington Management Group, LLC (7) | 1,569,250 | 3.87% |
Edward J. Quilty (8) | 1,227,934 | 3.00% |
Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST (9) | 583,418 | 1.44% |
James T. O'Brien (10) | 520,350 | 1.28% |
John E. Yetter, CPA (11) | 520,000 | 1.28% |
Robert C. Cole (12) | 485,000 | 1.20% |
Srini Conjeevaram (13) | 463,750 | 1.14% |
C. Richard Stafford, Esq. (14) | 453,750 | 1.12% |
Frederic Eigner (15) | 340,625 | 0.84% |
Barry J. Wolfenson (16) | 315,850 | 0.78% |
Robert G. Moussa (17) | 238,750 | 0.59% |
Daniel Rivest (18) | 107,400 | 0.27% |
All directors and officers as a group (13 persons) (19) |
11,385,074 |
27.55% |
(1) | Except as otherwise noted, the address of each of the persons listed is: 214 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. |
(2) | LB I Group Inc. can be reached at: 399 Park Avenue, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10022. Ownership consists of: 8,428,560 shares of Common Stock, 1,607,140 Class J Warrants and 1,000,000 Class K Warrants. |
(3) | William Harris Investors, Inc. can be reached at: 191 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Includes shares owned by William Harris Investors, Inc. and Panacea Fund, LLC. Ownership consists of: 3,392,860 shares of Common Stock, 535,715 Class J Warrants and 625,000 Class K Warrants. |
(4) | The Galen III Partnerships can be reached at: 680 Washington Boulevard, 11th Floor, Stamford, Connecticut 06901. Includes shares owned by Galen Partners III, L.P., Galen Partners International III, L.P. and Galen Employee Fund III, L.P. Ownership consists of: 2,238,175 shares of Common Stock, 125,003 shares of Class A Convertible Preferred Stock ("Class A Preferred"), 416,668 shares of Class B Convertible Preferred Stock ("Class B Preferred"), 619,055 shares of Class C Convertible Preferred Stock ("Class C Preferred"), 1,071,346 shares of Class D Convertible Preferred Stock ("Class D Preferred") and exercisable options to purchase 88,750 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. Bruce F. Wesson, a director of the Company, is a General Partner of the Galen III Partnerships. |
(5) | Comvita New Zealand Limited can be reached at: Wilson Road South, Paengaroa, Private Bag 1, Te Puke, New Zealand. Ownership consists of: 3,666,664 shares of Common Stock and 416,666 Class H Warrants. |
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(6) | 1837 Partners can be reached at: 115 South LaSalle Street, 34th Floor, Chicago, IL 60603. Ownership consists of: 1,500,000 shares of Common Stock and 750,000 Class K Warrants. |
(7) | Kensington Management Group, LLC can be reached at: 666 Third Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Includes shares owned by Kensington Partners L.P., Kensington Partners II L.P. and Bald Eagle Fund Ltd. Ownership consists of: 1,200,500 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 368,750 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. Richard J. Keim, a director of the Company, is a Managing Director of Kensington Management Group, LLC. |
(8) | Edward J. Quilty's ownership consists of: 416,684 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 811,250 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(9) | Stephen T. Wills' ownership consists of: 144,668 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 438,750 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(10) | James T. O'Brien's ownership consists of: 126,600 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 393,750 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(11) | John E. Yetter's ownership consists of: 40,000 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 480,000 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(12) | Robert C. Cole's ownership consists of: 50,000 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 435,000 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(13) | Srini Conjeevaram can be reached at: SC Capital Management, LLC, P.O. Box 323, Bronxville, New York 10708. Ownership consists of: 25,000 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 438,750 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(14) | C. Richard Stafford's ownership consists of: 85,000 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 368,750 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(15) | Frederic Eigner's ownership consists of: exercisable options to purchase 340,625 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(16) | Barry J. Wolfenson's ownership consists of: 77,100 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 238,750 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(17) | Robert G. Moussa can be reached at: 2115 Imperial G.C. Boulevard, Naples, Florida 34110. Ownership consists of: 80,000 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 158,750 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(18) | Daniel Rivest's ownership consists of: 44,900 shares of Common Stock and exercisable options to purchase 62,500 shares of Common Stock. No additional options to purchase Common Stock will become exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009. |
(19) | Ownership consists of: Common Stock, Class A Preferred, Class B Preferred, Class C Preferred, Class D Preferred and options currently exercisable and exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009 to purchase shares of Common Stock. |
(20) | The number of shares beneficially owned and the percent beneficially owned by each entity or individual assume the exercise of all exercisable options (including those that would be exercisable within 60 days of March 31, 2009), the exercise of all warrants and the conversion into Common Stock of all Convertible Preferred Stock owned by such entity or individual. The percent beneficially owned is a fraction the numerator of which is the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each entity or individual and the denominator of which is the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock plus the number of shares of Common Stock which would be issued upon exercise by the subject entity or individual of its/his/her own options and warrants and the conversion into Common Stock of its/his/her own Convertible Preferred Stock. This method of computing the percent beneficially owned results in the aggregate ownership percentages of all owners exceeding 100%. |
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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company has an exclusive licensing, manufacturing and sales agreement with Comvita New Zealand Limited, a major shareholder. In 2008, the Company sold products to Comvita in the amount of $84,406 and made purchases from Comvita in the amount of $347, 935. In 2007, the foregoing amounts were zero and $51,436, respectively. In 2008 and 2007, the Company incurred royalty expense to Comvita of $113,203 and $8,472, respectively.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Audit Committee
Information Relative to Audit Committee
The Company has established an audit committee in accordance with section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Members of the audit committee are designated in the table under the heading Directors and Executive Officers above. Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST, chairman of the audit committee, is the audit committee financial expert and is independent as that term is used in Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4200.
Audit Committee Charter
The Companys Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. The Charter of the Audit Committee may be viewed on the Companys website at http://www.ir.dermasciences.com/governance.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST has been determined by the Companys Board of Directors to be its Audit Committee Financial Expert. In making this determination, the Board relied on Mr. Wills extensive education and experience in financial matters as set forth in his biographical sketch appearing elsewhere in this Proxy Statement. Among his qualifications, the Board considers that Mr. Wills possesses the following financial capabilities:
1. | An understanding of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and financial statements; |
2. | The ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves; |
3. | Experience preparing, auditing, analyzing and evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Companys financial statements, together with experience actively supervising persons engaged in the foregoing activities; |
4. | An understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and |
5. | An understanding of audit committee functions. |
Audit Committee Members
The following individuals are members of the Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors:
Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST, Chairman Srini Conjeevaram Richard J. Keim Bruce F. Wesson |
Audit Committee Report
THE FOLLOWING REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO BE SOLICITING MATERIAL OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN ANY DOCUMENT SO FILED.
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The Audit Committee met privately with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and Company financial personnel, each of whom has unrestricted access to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee met with management periodically during the year to consider the adequacy of the Companys internal controls and the objectivity of its financial reporting. The Audit Committee discussed these matters with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm and with appropriate Company financial personnel.
The Audit Committee also discussed with the Companys senior management and independent registered public accounting firm the process used for certifications by the Companys chief executive officer and chief financial officer which are required by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for certain of the Companys filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Management has primary responsibility for the implementation of the system of internal controls and for the preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Companys independent registered public accounting firm audited the financial statements prepared by management for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, expressed an opinion as to whether those financial statements fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and discussed with the Audit Committee any issues it believed should be raised with the Audit Committee.
The Audit Committee reviewed with management and with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm the Companys financial statements and met separately with both management and the independent registered public accounting firm to discuss and review those financial statements and reports prior to their issuance. Management has represented to the Audit Committee, and the independent registered public accounting firm has confirmed, that the financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
The Audit Committee obtained from and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm a formal written statement describing all relationships between the accounting firm and the Company that might bear on the firms independence under Independence Standards Board No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, discussed with the accounting firm any relationships that may impact its objectivity and independence and satisfied itself as to the firms independence. The Audit Committee continued to monitor auditor independence and reviewed non-audit services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent registered public accounting firm all communications required by standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), including those described in Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, Communication with Audit Committees and, with and without management present, discussed and reviewed the results of the independent registered public accounting firms examination of the financial statements.
Based on the above-mentioned reviews and discussions with management and the independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the Companys audited consolidated financial statements be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.
For the Audit Committee: Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST, Chairman Srini Conjeevaram, Member Richard J. Keim, Member Bruce F. Wesson, Member |
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Compensation Committee
Compensation Committee Charter
The Companys Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee. The Charter of the Compensation Committee may be viewed on the Companys website at http://www.ir.dermasciences.com/governance.
Compensation Committee Members
The following individuals are members of the Compensation Committee of the Companys Board of Directors:
Robert G. Moussa, Chairman Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST C. Richard Stafford, Esq. James T. OBrien |
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee is charged with the following responsibilities: (i) recommendations to the Board of Directors relative to the compensation of executive officers, (ii) administration of the 1994 stock option plan and recommendations to the Board relative to the grant of options to employees, directors and consultants of the Company, (iii) review of, and recommendations to the Board concerning, proposed employment agreements with executive officers, and (iv) evaluation of the performance of, and determination of compensation policies for, executive officers.
Competition for qualified senior management personnel in the Companys industry is intense. In order to attract and retain qualified personnel, the Company must offer compensation which is comparable to similarly situated companies and which provides the potential for substantial rewards if the Company is successful over the long-term. The objectives of the Companys executive compensation policy are to attract, retain and reward executive officers and other key employees who contribute to its success and to motivate these individuals to enhance stockholder value. The Company seeks to pay base, bonus and long-term incentive compensation at levels competitive with other medical device companies.
The Compensation Committee meets several times per year in order to: (i) review the effectiveness of the Companys executive compensation policy in advancing the Companys objectives, (ii) make recommendations to the Board for any adjustments, and (iii) recommend annual compensation for the coming year. The Companys Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman of the Audit Committee gather and report on information about compensation levels in comparable companies.
The Compensation Committee, in 2007, independently retained a compensation advisor, Ernst & Young LLP, to assist the Committee in its deliberations regarding executive compensation. The mandate of the advisor was to assist the Committee in its development of competitive market data in connection with its assessment of the Companys executive compensation program, including the competitiveness of the Companys base, bonus and long-term compensation levels, program design and market trends.
The Compensation Committee reviews the performance of each executive officer and the financial condition of the Company in relation to the following major components of executive compensation:
1. Base Salary. The employment agreement with each executive sets an initial base salary in accordance with industry norms and the subject executives experience and qualifications. The Compensation Committee annually reviews each executive officers base salary. Among the factors taken into consideration are: (i) individual and corporate performance, (ii) levels of responsibility, (iii) prior experience, (iv) breadth of knowledge of the industry, and (v) competitive pay practices. If salaries at comparable companies have increased, the Compensation Committee normally recommends similar increases. Provided, however, increases will be recommended only if the subject executives historical performance warrants an increase and if the increase is prudent in view of the Companys financial condition.
2. Annual Bonus. In addition to base salary, the Company seeks to reward executives each year for the achievement of specific goals which may be financial, operational or technological. In this regard, the Compensation Committee considers objectively measurable goals such as obtaining new investment capital, negotiating valuable contracts
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or meeting sales objectives, together with subjective goals such as quality of management performance and consistency of effort.
3. Long-Term Incentives. Historically, the Companys long-term incentives for executive officers have consisted exclusively of stock options awarded both pursuant to, and outside, the Companys 1991 stock option plan (the Plan). Effective February 6, 2003, the Company undertook to issue options exclusively under the Plan. The exercise price of both plan and non-plan options is at least 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
The Compensation Committee has considered utilizing restricted stock and stock appreciation rights as components of the Companys long-term incentives. However, for the present, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Companys long-term incentive compensation consist exclusively of stock options awarded under the Plan. The Board of Directors has assented to this recommendation.
The Compensation Committee determines the number and terms of recommended option grants to the Companys executive officers based on practices at comparable companies in the medical device industry and the Companys policy of linking long-term incentives to performance.
Pursuant to its mandate, and in accordance with the foregoing criteria, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors of the Company that: (i) no bonuses be paid to the Companys executive officers relative to 2008, (ii) no increases in base compensation be awarded to the Companys executive officers relative to 2009, (iii) options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Companys common stock be granted to the Companys president and chief executive officer and options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Companys common stock be granted to each of the Companys five additional executive officers in recognition of the foregoing officers efforts during 2008, such options to be exercisable at $0.39 per share (the closing price of the Companys common stock on the date immediately preceding the grant) and to vest 25% upon grant and 25% annually thereafter, (iv) options to purchase 150,000 shares of the Companys common stock be granted to the Companys president and chief executive officer and options to purchase 75,000 shares of the Companys common stock be granted to each of the Companys five additional executive officers, such options to be exercisable at $0.39 per share and to vest, if at all, in accordance with the Companys performance in 2009 and each officers contribution thereto as determined by the Board of Directors, and (v) the executive employment agreement of the Companys president and chief executive officer be renewed for one year, effective March 1, 2009, with the proviso that the severance payment provisions thereof be reduced from two years base compensation to one years base compensation and the executive employment agreements of each of the Companys five additional executive officers be renewed for one year, effective March 1, 2009, with the proviso that the severance payment provisions thereof be reduced from one years base compensation to six months base compensation. The Board of Directors acquiesced in the foregoing recommendations.
For the Compensation Committee: Robert G. Moussa, Chairman Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST, Member C. Richard Stafford, Esq., Member James T. O'Brien, Member |
OTHER BUSINESS
Management of the Company knows of no other business which will be presented for consideration at the Meeting, but should any other matters be brought before the Meeting it is intended that the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote at their discretion.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Any shareholder desiring to present a proposal to other shareholders at the next Annual Meeting must transmit such proposal to the Company so that it is received by the Company on or before January 15, 2010. All such proposals should be in compliance with applicable regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Shareholders may communicate directly with members of the Companys Board of Directors by addressing communications for the subject director to: Derma Sciences, Inc., 214 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, Princeton, New Jersey 08540. Alternatively, shareholders may communicate with directors at the address set forth under the heading Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
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ANNUAL REPORT
THE COMPANY WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH BENEFICIAL HOLDER OF COMMON STOCK ON THE RECORD DATE, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST OF ANY SUCH PERSON, A COPY OF THE COMPANYS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2008 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. ANY SUCH REQUEST SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE CORPORATE SECRETARY, DERMA SCIENCES, INC., 214 CARNEGIE CENTER, SUITE 300, PRINCETON, NEW JERSEY 08540.
By Order of the Board of Directors, | |
April 6, 2009 | Edward J. Quilty, Chairman |
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DERMA SCIENCES, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 20, 2009
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints Edward J. Quilty, with full power of substitution, as proxy of the undersigned to vote all of the shares of Derma Sciences, Inc. that the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Derma Sciences, Inc. to be held at the offices of the Company, 214 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, Princeton, New Jersey on May 20, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., and any adjournments thereof. This proxy shall be voted on the proposals described in the Proxy Statement as specified below.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the following:
1. | ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: |
Nominees: | 01. Edward J. Quilty 04. James T. O'Brien 07. Robert G. Moussa |
02. Srini Conjeevaram 05. C. Richard Stafford, Esq. 08. Bruce F. Wesson |
03. Stephen T. Wills, CPA, MST 06. Richard J. Keim |
To withhold authority to vote for an individual nominee, place a line through such nominees name. To cumulate votes, indicate the votes allocated to each nominee above such nominees name.
FOR all nominees | WITHHOLD AUTHORITY for all nominees |
2. | RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2009: |
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN |
3. | DISCRETIONARY AUTHORITY: |
In his discretion, the proxy is authorized to vote upon such other matters as may come before the meeting and any adjournments thereof.
FOR | AGAINST | ABSTAIN |
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER(S). IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES AND FOR PROPOSALS 2 AND 3.
THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE OF THE MEETING AND THE PROXY STATEMENT. The undersigned also hereby ratifies all that the proxy named herein may do by virtue hereof and hereby confirms that this proxy shall be valid and may be voted regardless of whether the undersigneds name is signed as set forth below or a seal is affixed or the description, authority or capacity of the person signing is given or other defect of signature exists.
________________________________ | _____________________ | |
Signature of Shareholder | Date | |
________________________________ | _____________________ | |
Signature of Co-Owner | Date | |
PLEASE MARK, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. Please sign this proxy exactly as your name appears in the address at the left. If shares are registered in more than one name, all owners should sign. If you are signing in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such as attorney-in-fact, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title and attach evidence of authority. Corporations, please sign with full corporate name by a duly authorized officer or officers. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by an authorized person. | ||
I/WE PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING |