FORM DEF 14A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
DATATRAK International, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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July 28, 2009
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of
DATATRAK International, Inc., to be held at 12:00 p.m., local time, on Wednesday, August 26, 2009
at our offices located at 6150 Parkland Boulevard, Paragon II, Suite 100, Mayfield Heights, Ohio
44124.
At this years Annual Meeting, in addition to electing three Directors, shareholders
will be asked to approve and adopt the DATATRAK International, Inc. 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan and to
approve an option exchange program for the Companys outside Directors. Information relating to
these proposals is presented in the accompanying Proxy Statement, which shareholders are encouraged
to read carefully. Your Board of Directors has unanimously approved each of these proposals, and
urges you to vote in favor of these proposals.
Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, it is important that
your shares are represented. Therefore, please complete, sign, date and promptly return the
enclosed proxy card in the accompanying envelope. If you do attend the Annual Meeting, you may, of
course, withdraw your proxy should you wish to vote in person, even if you have previously returned
your proxy card.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and management of DATATRAK International, Inc.,
we would like to thank you for your continued support and confidence.
Sincerely yours,
Laurence P. Birch
Chairman of the Board of Directors
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
6150 Parkland Boulevard
Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AUGUST 26, 2009
The 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DATATRAK International, Inc., will be
held at 12:00 p.m., local time, on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at our offices located at 6150
Parkland Boulevard, Paragon II, Suite 100, Mayfield Heights, Ohio, for the following purposes:
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To nominate and elect three individuals as Directors for a two-year term ending at the
Annual Meeting in 2011; |
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To consider and act upon a proposal to authorize, approve and adopt the DATATRAK
International, Inc. 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan; |
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To consider and act upon a proposal to authorize, approve and adopt an option
exchange program for the Companys outside Directors; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and
any adjournments thereof. |
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on July 1, 2009 will be
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Varnesh Sritharan
Secretary
Mayfield Heights, Ohio
July 28, 2009
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
WE URGE YOU TO COMPLETE, DATE, AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT
IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. YOUR PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE
TIME IT IS VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Mailed on or about July 28, 2009
Why am I receiving these materials?
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
the Board of Directors of DATATRAK International, Inc. (the Company) for use at the 2009 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders (Annual Meeting) on Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 12:00 p.m., local time,
and any adjournments or postponements thereof. The time, place and purposes of the Annual Meeting
are stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders accompanying this proxy statement.
Why do the proxy materials contain information regarding the Internet availability of proxy
materials?
Pursuant to rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), the
Company will provide access to our proxy materials over the Internet. Proxy materials for the
Companys Annual Meeting, including the 2009 Annual Report and this proxy statement, are now
available over the Internet by accessing http://www.datatrak.net. While the Company elected to mail
complete sets of the proxy materials for this years Annual Meeting, in the future you may receive
only a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and you will have to request to receive a
printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to access the proxy materials over the
Internet or to request an additional printed copy are available at http://www.datatrak.net. You
also can obtain a printed copy of this proxy statement, free of charge, by writing to: Investor
Relations, c/o DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150 Parkland Boulevard, Paragon II, Suite 100,
Mayfield Heights, Ohio, 44124, or by submitting a request via email to company@datatrak.net or by
telephone at (440) 443-0082.
Who is paying for this proxy solicitation?
The expense of soliciting proxies, including the cost of preparing, assembling and
mailing the notice, proxy statement and proxy, will be borne by us. We may pay the expenses of
persons holding the Companys common shares for sending proxy materials to their principals. In
addition to solicitation of proxies by mail, our Directors, officers and employees, without
additional compensation, may solicit proxies by telephone, electronically via e-mail and personal
interview. We also anticipate retaining a third party to aid in the solicitation of proxies, and we
expect the fee for such proxy solicitor will not exceed $10,000, plus reimbursement of certain
expenses.
What voting rights do I have as a shareholder?
On each matter to be voted on, you have one vote for each outstanding common share
of the Company (each, a Common Share) you own as of July 1, 2009, the record date for the Annual
Meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on July 1, 2009 are entitled to
receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On this record date, there were 13,706,901
Common Shares outstanding and entitled to vote. Shareholders do not have the right to vote
cumulatively in the election of Directors.
How do I vote?
If you are a shareholder of record, you can vote (i) in person at the Annual Meeting
or (ii) by signing and mailing in your proxy card in the enclosed envelope.
If you are a shareholder of record, the proxy holders will vote your Common Shares
based on your directions. If you sign and return your proxy card, but do not properly direct how
your Common Shares should be voted, the proxy holders will vote FOR each of the three proposals
listed in this proxy statement and will use their discretion on any other proposals and other
matters that may be brought before the Annual Meeting.
If you hold Common Shares through a broker or nominee, you may vote in person at the
Annual Meeting only if you have obtained a signed proxy from your broker or nominee giving you the
right to vote your shares. Your broker or nominee may provide separate voting instructions, if any,
with the proxy statement. Your broker or nominee may provide proxy submission through the Internet
or by telephone.
Can I revoke or change my vote after I submit a proxy?
Yes. You can revoke your proxy or change your vote at any time before the proxy is
exercised at the Annual Meeting. This can be done by (i) submitting another properly completed
proxy card with a later date; (ii) sending a written notice to our Secretary prior to the
commencement of the Annual Meeting; or (iii) attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person. You
should be aware that simply attending the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke your
previously submitted proxy; rather you must notify a representative of the Company at the Annual
Meeting of your desire to revoke your proxy and vote in person.
What vote is required to approve the election of the three Directors for a two-year term ending at
the Annual Meeting in 2011?
The nominees receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. A proxy card
marked Withhold Authority with respect to the election of one or more Directors will not be voted
with respect to the Director or Directors indicated. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no
effect on the election of Directors.
What vote is required to approve the Companys 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan?
The affirmative vote of a majority of the Common Shares voted at the Annual Meeting
on this proposal is required for approval and adoption of the Companys 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan.
Shareholders present at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, will be eligible to vote
for or against adoption of the Companys 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan. Shareholders who abstain will in
effect be voting against the proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal.
What vote is required to approve the option exchange program for the Companys outside Directors?
The affirmative vote of a majority of the Common Shares voted at the Annual Meeting
on this proposal is required for approval and adoption of the option exchange program. Shareholders
present at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, will be eligible to vote for or
against adoption of the option exchange program. Shareholders who abstain will in effect be voting
against the proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal.
What constitutes a quorum?
A quorum of shareholders will be present at the Annual Meeting if at least a
majority of the aggregate voting power of Common Shares outstanding on the record date is
represented, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting. With 13,706,901 votes outstanding as of
the close of business on the record date, shareholders representing at least 6,853,451 votes will
be required to establish a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted towards the
quorum requirement.
2
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL HOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table and accompanying footnotes show information regarding the
beneficial ownership of our Common Shares as of July 1, 2009, unless otherwise indicated, with
respect to:
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each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding Common Shares; |
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each member of our Board of Directors and each of our Named Executive Officers (as hereinafter defined); and |
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all Directors and executive officers as a group. |
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Common Shares |
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Beneficially Owned (2) |
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner (1) |
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Percent |
Laurence P. Birch |
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81,954 |
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Timothy G. Biro (3) |
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163,790 |
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1.2 |
% |
Terry C. Black (4) |
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84,869 |
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G. Matthew Delaney (5) |
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Dr. Jeffrey A. Green (6) |
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414,235 |
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3.0 |
% |
Seth B. Harris (7) |
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503,340 |
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3.6 |
% |
Dr. Jerome H. Kaiser |
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175,153 |
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1.3 |
% |
Raymond J. Merk |
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17,972 |
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Dr. Robert M. Stote |
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204,658 |
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1.5 |
% |
Lucrum Capital LLC (8) |
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One Sansome Street, Suite 3908 |
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San Francisco, California 94104 |
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940,550 |
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6.9 |
% |
Potomac Capital Management LLC (9) |
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825 Third Avenue, 33rd Floor
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New York, New York 10022 |
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928,646 |
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6.7 |
% |
Diker Management LLC (10) |
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745 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1409
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New York, New York 10151 |
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985,474 |
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7.2 |
% |
All Directors and executive officers as a group (6 persons) |
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1,146,867 |
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8.0 |
% |
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Less than one percent |
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The address of the Directors and executive officers listed above is c/o DATATRAK
International, Inc., 6150 Parkland Boulevard, Suite 100, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124. |
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The number of Common Shares deemed beneficially owned is comprised of (i) 13,706,901
Common Shares outstanding as of July 1, 2009 and with respect to each of the following
individuals and groups, the following number of Common Shares which may be purchased pursuant
to option exercises within 60 days after July 1, 2009: Mr. Birch (72,318 Common Shares);
Mr. Biro (146,020 Common Shares); Mr. Harris (159,367 Common Shares); Dr. Kaiser (153,838
Common Shares); Mr. Merk (13,333 Common Shares); Dr. Stote (79,672 Common Shares); all
Directors and executive officers as a group (624,548 Common Shares); and with respect to each
of the following groups, the following number of Common Shares, which may be exercised
pursuant to warrant exercises within 60 days after July 1, 2009: Potomac Capital Management
LLC (63,750 Common Shares) and Diker Management LLC (67,501 Common Shares). |
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Includes 300 Common Shares held by Mr. Biros wife. Mr. Biro disclaims beneficial
ownership of these 300 Common Shares. |
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The information provided in the table above is based on the most recent information
available following Mr. Blacks separation from the Company on June 30, 2008. |
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All of Mr. Delaneys 45,000 restricted Common Shares were forfeited as a result of his
separation from the Company on April 12, 2009. |
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Includes 110,953 Common Shares held by Dr. Greens wife, 1,450 Common Shares held by
Dr. Greens son, 1,500 Common Shares held by Dr. Greens daughter, and 1,500 Common Shares
held by Dr. Greens other daughter. Dr. Green disclaims beneficial ownership of these 115,403
Common Shares. All of Dr. Greens options were forfeited as a result of the termination of
his employment on January 21, 2009. The information provided in the table above is based on
the most recent information available following Dr. Green separation from the Company. |
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Includes 44,634 Common Shares held in trust for Mr. Harris. |
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Based solely on information provided pursuant to Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on
January 26, 2009 by Lucrum Capital LLC. The aforementioned party indicated that as of
December 31, 2008, Lucrum Capital LLC was deemed to beneficially own 940,550 Common Shares. |
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Based solely on information provided pursuant to Schedule 13G filed jointly with the SEC
on February 27, 2009 by Potomac Capital Management LLC, Potomac Capital Management Inc. and
Mr. Paul J. Solit. The aforementioned parties indicated that as of November 10, 2008, Potomac
Capital Management LLC, Potomac Capital Management Inc. and Mr. Solit were deemed to
beneficially own 928,646 Common Shares consisting of 864,896 Common Shares and warrants to
purchase 63,750 Common Shares. |
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Based solely on information provided pursuant to Schedule 13G filed jointly with the SEC on
February 12, 2009 by (i) Diker GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (Diker GP), as
the general partner to the Delaware limited partnership the Diker Value Tech Fund, LP (VT),
Diker Value Tech QP Fund, LP (VTQP), Diker Micro-Value Fund, LP (MV), the Diker
Micro-Value QP Fund, LP (MVQP), Diker Micro & Small Cap Fund LP (MS) and Diker M&S Cap
Master Ltd (MSCM) with respect to the Common Shares directly owned by VT, VTQP, MV, MVQP,
MS and MSCM (collectively, the Diker Funds); (ii) Diker Management, LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company (Diker Management), as the investment manager of the Diker Funds, with
respect to the Common Shares held by the Diker Funds; (iii) Charles M. Diker, a citizen of
the United States, and the managing member of each the Diker GP and Diker Management with
respect to the Common Shares subject to the control of Diker GP and Diker Management and
(iv) Mark N. Diker, a citizen of the United States, and the managing member of each of Diker
GP and Diker Management, with respect to the Common Shares subject to the control of Diker GP
and Diker Management. As the sole general partner of the Diker Funds, Diker GP, has the power
to vote and dispose of the shares of the Common Shares owned by the Diker Funds and,
accordingly, may be deemed the beneficial owner of such shares. Charles M. Diker and Mark N.
Diker are the managing members of each of Diker GP and Diker Management, and in that capacity
direct their operations. Therefore, Charles M. Diker and Mark N. Diker may be deemed to be
beneficial owners of the Common Shares beneficially owned by Diker GP and Diker Management.
As of December 31, 2008, the aforementioned parties were deemed to beneficially own 985,474
Common Shares. |
4
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The authorized number of Directors is presently fixed at five with members of the
Board of Directors divided into two classes, Class I and Class II, and with the term of office of
one class expiring each year. As a result of Dr. Greens termination, the Board of Directors
reduced the authorized number of Directors from six to five. At the Annual Meeting, shareholders
will elect three individuals as Directors to serve in Class I until the Annual Meeting to be held
in fiscal year 2011 and until the successors of those Directors are duly elected and qualified.
Unless otherwise directed, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote for
the election of the three nominees shown below as Directors. Each of the nominees has indicated his
willingness to serve, if elected, but if any of the nominees should be unable or unwilling to
serve, the Board of Directors may designate a substitute nominee. If the Board of Directors
designates a substitute nominee, proxies that would have been cast for the original nominee will be
cast for the substitute nominee unless instructions are given to the contrary. The Board of
Directors has no reason, however, to anticipate that this will occur. In no event will the
accompanying proxy be voted for more than three nominees or for persons other than those persons
named below or any substitute nominees for any of them.
Included below is information concerning the nominees for election at the Annual
Meeting, as well as those Directors who will continue to serve in office after the Annual Meeting.
Nominees for Election at the 2009 Annual Meeting
Laurence P. Birch, 49, has been a Director since April 2007, the Chairman of the
Board of Directors since May 2008, and effective January 21, 2009, was appointed Interim Chief
Executive Officer. The Board of Directors also appointed Mr. Birch to the position of Interim
President effective March 13, 2009. Since March 2007, Mr. Birch has been serving as the President,
Chief Executive Officer and a director of NeoPharm, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to
the research, development and commercialization of new and innovative cancer drugs for therapeutic
applications, and was also appointed Acting Chief Financial Officer in April 2007. Prior to joining
NeoPharm, Mr. Birch served as Sr. Vice President and CFO, and Interim President and CEO, of AKSYS,
Ltd., a hemodialysis developer and manufacturer from 2005 to 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Birch served
as co-founder and managing director of Stratego Partners, a cost management consulting firm, from
2003 to 2005, Sr. Vice President Business Development and CFO of Technology Solutions, Inc., a
systems integration and consulting company, from 2000 to 2002, CFO of Brigade, Inc., an internet
support company, from 1999 to 2000, and five years with MCI Systemhouse where he held a variety of
senior finance and general management positions. Mr. Birch began his career with Baxter Healthcare,
a manufacturer and supplier of pharmaceuticals and medical devices, where, over the course of
13 years, he held a variety of positions. Mr. Birch holds a Bachelor of Science-Finance from the
University of Illinois and a MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate Business of
Management. Mr. Birch is also a Certified Public Accountant.
Timothy G. Biro, 55, has been a Director since 1992. Mr. Biro has been the Managing
Partner of Ohio Innovation Fund I, L.P., a venture capital firm which invests in early-stage
business, since 1997. From June 2008 to December 2008, Mr. Biro served as CEO of MORK Process, a
manufacturer of Clean-In-Place systems for the biopharmaceutical and food industries. Mr. Biro was
also a Partner with Reservoir Venture Partners, an early stage venture capital firm, from 2004 to
2009. Mr. Biro has been involved in venture capital financing since 1991. Prior to 1991, Mr. Biro
was Superintendent of Pharmaceutical Manufacturing at Merck & Co., Inc. Mr. Biro has a B.S. Degree
in Microbiology from Pennsylvania State University and in Pharmacy from Temple University and an
MBA from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.
Robert M. Stote, M.D. , 70, has been a Director since 1993. Dr. Stote, currently a
clinical consultant to CPEX Pharmaceuticals, Inc., was previously a Senior Vice President and Chief
Medical Officer at Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a pharmaceutical company, from 1992 to 2008.
Dr. Stote also served as a director of Bentley Pharmaceuticals, Inc. from 1992 until 2004. He also
serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of NuPathe, Inc. Prior to 1992, Dr. Stote was employed for
20 years by SmithKline Beecham Corporation, serving as Senior Vice President and Medical Director,
Worldwide Medical Affairs, from 1989 to 1992 and Vice President Clinical Pharmacology Worldwide
from 1987 to 1989.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the shareholders vote
FOR the three nominees whose two-year term will expire in 2011.
Directors Continuing in Office
Seth B. Harris, 69, has been a Director since 1992 and has been designated as our
Lead Independent Director. Mr. Harris is the Chairman of Brand Development Ventures Inc., a
consulting company that offers a wide range of services in new product development and marketing,
since 2002. During 2000 and 2001, Mr. Harris was the Chairman of Toy Craze, Inc., a Cleveland-based
toy company. Mr. Harris was the Chairman of Frieder Inc., a distributor of consumer products, from
1993 to 2000. Mr. Harris has
5
been an active business consultant since his retirement as Chairman of the Board of Directors and
President of Harris Wholesale, Inc., a wholesale pharmaceutical distribution company.
Jerome H. Kaiser, Ph.D. , 52, has been a Director since December 1999. Dr. Kaiser,
a consultant, served as the Senior Vice President and CIO for Tower Group, Inc., an insurance
company, from 2006 until 2008, and prior to his appointment to that position, was Head of
Information Systems for Rothschild Inc., a private investment bank from 1999 to 2006. From 1992 to
1999, Dr. Kaiser held various positions within the pharmaceutical industry. During 1998 and 1999,
he was the Director of Portfolio Management for Pfizer, Inc. From 1994 to 1998, Dr. Kaiser was
employed by Hoffman-LaRoche, Inc., first as Senior Projects Specialist and then as Director of
Information Management for Global Development. Dr. Kaiser worked in Project Management for Boots
Pharmaceuticals from 1992 to 1994. From 1986 to 1992, he served in the positions of Assistant
Professor and Associate Professor of Physics at the University of Texas at Arlington. Dr. Kaiser is
a graduate of the University of East Anglia, Norwich, England (B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Physics).
6
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
Director Independence
As required by SEC rules, the Board of Directors has determined that all Directors
except Mr. Birch, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim President, are independent. For
purposes of this determination, the Board of Directors used the definition of independent under
the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The independent Directors meet at least twice a year in executive sessions. The
sessions of independent Directors are presided over by the Lead Independent Director who is
identified in the table below. Any independent Director can request that an additional session be
scheduled.
Board of Directors and Committees
During the last fiscal year, the Board of Directors held four regular meetings and
eight special meetings. Each Director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total
number of meetings of the Board of Directors held during the period he served as a Director and
(2) the total number of meetings held by committees of the Board of Directors on which he served.
Members of the Board of Directors are expected to attend the Companys Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, and all attended our 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Board of Directors has
an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and
an Executive Committee. Set forth below is the current membership of each committee of the Board of
Directors:
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Nominating and |
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Audit
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Corporate Governance |
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Committee
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Compensation Committee
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Committee
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Executive Committee |
Mr. Biro (Chairman)
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Mr. Harris** (Chairman)
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Dr. Stote (Chairman)
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Mr. Birch* (Chairman) |
Mr. Harris**
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Dr. Kaiser
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Mr. Harris**
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Mr. Biro |
Dr. Kaiser
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Dr. Stote
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Dr. Kaiser
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Mr. Harris** |
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Not independent under Nasdaq listing standards. |
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Lead Independent Director. |
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
The Company has a separately-designated standing audit committee (the Audit
Committee) established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act. Our Audit
Committee met six times during the last fiscal year. The Audit Committee is governed by the Audit
Committee Charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is
available on the Companys website. A shareholder may also obtain a printed copy of this document,
free of charge, by writing to Investor Relations, c/o DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150 Parkland
Blvd., Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124.
The Audit Committee is responsible for the annual appointment of our auditors, with
whom the Audit Committee reviews the scope of audit and non-audit assignments and related fees, the
accounting principles we use in financial reporting, internal financial auditing procedures and the
adequacy of internal control procedures. Specific functions and responsibilities of the Audit
Committee are set forth in the Audit Committee Charter.
Our Board of Directors has determined that each of the members of the Audit
Committee satisfies the current independence standards of Section 10A(m)(3) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Board of Directors also has determined that the Audit
Committee Chairman, Mr. Biro, is an audit committee financial expert as that term is defined in
Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
Compensation Committee
Our Compensation Committee met three times during the last fiscal year. The
Compensation Committee is governed by the Compensation Committee Charter adopted by the Board of
Directors. A copy of the Compensation Committee Charter is available on the Companys website. A
shareholder may also obtain a printed copy of this document, free of charge, by writing to Investor
Relations, c/o DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150 Parkland Blvd., Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124.
7
The Compensation Committee has the authority to administer our stock option plans
and 2005 Omnibus Equity Plan, including the selection of grantees and the timing of grants, to
review and monitor key employee compensation and benefits policies and to review and make
recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding our senior management yearly compensation
levels. Specific functions and responsibilities of the Compensation Committee are set forth in the
Compensation Committee Charter.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
Our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met once during the last fiscal
year. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is governed by the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee Charter adopted by the Board of Directors. A copy of the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee Charter is available on the Companys website. A shareholder may
also obtain a printed copy of this document, free of charge, by writing to Investor Relations, c/o
DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150 Parkland Blvd., Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is responsible for
(1) identifying, selecting and recommending qualified individuals as nominees for the Board of
Directors at each Annual Meeting or when otherwise required to fill a vacancy or increase the size
of the Board of Directors and (2) assisting the Board of Directors in developing and implementing
the Companys corporate governance policies and guidelines.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will seek prospective Director
nominees for an open Director position by soliciting suggestions from Committee members, other
members of the Board of Directors, senior management or others. The Committee also may retain a
third-party executive search firm to identify prospective Director nominees from time to time.
Additionally, as discussed below, the Committee will accept shareholder recommendations regarding
potential candidates for the Board of Directors.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate Director nominees,
including nominees that are submitted to the Company by a shareholder. In selecting new Directors
of the Company, consideration is given to each individual Directors personal qualities and
abilities, the collective skills and aptitudes of the members of the Board of Directors for
conducting oversight of the Company and its management, and duties imposed by law, regulation and
the Companys contractual obligations. Important factors include the following minimum
qualifications:
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A desire to represent the best interests of the shareholders; |
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An express commitment to the mission and success of the Company as well as an ability to work
compatibly with the Board of Directors and senior management; |
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A history of outstanding achievements and the highest ethical standards, values and integrity; |
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Experience and knowledge that is relevant to the Company and which has been obtained as a
director or in a senior executive position or in an academic, scientific or government
position; |
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The ability and willingness to commit and devote the necessary time and energy to the
diligent performance of his or her duties, including preparing for, attending and
participating in meetings of the Board of Directors and one or more standing committees of
the Board of Directors; and |
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Basic knowledge of corporate governance matters and the role of boards of public companies. |
In determining whether to recommend a Director for re-election, the Nominating and
Corporate Governance Committee also considers the Directors past attendance at meetings, past
performance and contribution to the activities of the Board of Directors.
The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will use the above enumerated
factors to consider potential candidates regardless of the source of the recommendation.
Shareholder recommendations for Director nominations may be submitted to the Company at the
following address: Investor Relations, DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150 Parkland Boulevard,
Suite 100, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124.
Shareholder recommendations for Director nominations will be forwarded to the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for consideration, provided that such recommendations
are accompanied by sufficient information to permit the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee to evaluate the qualifications and experience of the nominees. Recommendations should
include, at a minimum, the following:
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The name and contact information for the candidate; |
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A brief biographical description of the candidate, including his or
her employment for at least the last five years, educational history,
and a statement that describes the candidates qualifications to serve
as a Director; |
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A statement describing any relationship between the candidate and the
nominating shareholder, and between the candidate and any employee,
Director, customer, supplier, vendor or competitor of the Company; and |
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The candidates signed consent to be a candidate and to serve as a
Director if nominated and elected, including being named in our proxy
statement. |
Once the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has identified a prospective
candidate, the Committee makes a determination whether to conduct a full evaluation of the
candidate. This initial determination is based primarily on the Board of Directors need to fill a
vacancy or desire to expand the size of the Board of Directors as well as the likelihood that the
candidate can meet the Committees evaluation criteria set out in the Committees charter as well
as compliance with all other legal and regulatory requirements. The Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee will rely on public information about a candidate, personal knowledge of any
Committee or member of the Board of Directors or member of management regarding the candidate, as
well as any information submitted to the Committee by the person recommending a candidate for
consideration. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, after consultation with other
members of the Board of Directors, will decide whether additional consideration of the candidate is
warranted.
If additional consideration is warranted, the Nominating and Corporate Governance
Committee may request the candidate to complete a questionnaire that seeks additional information
about the candidates independence, qualifications, experience and other information that may
assist the Committee in evaluating the candidate. The Committee may interview the candidate in
person or by telephone and also may ask the candidate to meet with senior management. The Committee
then evaluates the candidate against the standards and qualifications set out in the Committees
charter. Additionally, the Committee shall consider other relevant factors as it deems appropriate
(including independence issues and family or related party relationships).
Before nominating an existing Director for re-election at an Annual Meeting, the
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider the Directors past performance and
contribution to the Board of Directors and its committees. After completing the evaluation of new
candidates or existing Directors whose term is expiring, if the Committee believes the candidate
would be a valuable addition to the Board of Directors or the existing Director is a valued member
of the Board of Directors, then the Committee will make a recommendation to the full Board of
Directors that such candidate or existing Director should be nominated by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors will be responsible for making the final determination regarding prospective
nominees after considering the recommendation of the Committee.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee has the authority to exercise all powers of the Board of
Directors in the management of our business and affairs of at any time when the entire Board of
Directors cannot meet. The Executive Committee did not meet during our 2008 fiscal year.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Financial Code of Ethics
The Board of Directors has adopted both our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and
our Financial Code of Ethics, copies of which are available on the Companys website. You can also
obtain printed copies of these documents, free of charge, by writing to Investor Relations, c/o
DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150 Parkland Blvd., Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124.
Shareholder Communication with the Board of Directors
Shareholders may communicate their concerns directly to the entire Board of
Directors or specifically to non-management Directors of the Board of Directors by submitting in
writing to us at the following address: Investor Relations, DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150
Parkland Boulevard, Suite 100, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124. The status of all outstanding concerns
addressed to the entire Board of Directors or only non-management Directors will be reported to the
Lead Independent Director, on a quarterly basis. Mr. Harris has been designated as the Lead
Independent Director.
9
EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The table below sets forth information regarding the compensation earned during
fiscal years 2008 and 2007 by: (i) the Companys Chief Executive Officer as of December 31, 2008;
(ii) the two other most highly compensated executive officers of the Company who were serving as
executive officers at the end of fiscal 2008; and (iii) a former executive officer who would have
been included in (ii) had he been employed by the Company at the end of the fiscal year. These
persons are referred to herein as our Named Executive Officers.
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Stock |
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Option |
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All Other |
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Name and Principal |
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Salary |
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Bonus |
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Awards |
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Awards |
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Compensation |
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Position |
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Year |
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($) |
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($) |
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($) |
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($) (7)(8)(9) |
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($) |
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Total ($) (10) |
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Dr. Jeffrey A. Green |
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2008 |
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220,000 |
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33,060 |
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253,060 |
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President,
Chief Executive
Officer and
Director
(PEO)(1) |
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2007 |
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220,000 |
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46,635 |
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266,635 |
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G. Matthew Delaney |
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2008 |
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150,000 |
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39,984 |
(4) |
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35,265 |
(5) |
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565 |
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225,814 |
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Interim
President (2) |
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2007 |
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Raymond J. Merk |
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2008 |
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151,635 |
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1,504 |
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153,139 |
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Vice President
of Finance,
Chief Financial
Officer and
Treasurer (PFO) |
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2007 |
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130,961 |
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37,250 |
(6) |
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168,211 |
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Terry C. Black |
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2008 |
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90,000 |
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11,940 |
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130,519 |
(3) |
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232,459 |
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Former Chief
Operating
Officer and
Assistant
Secretary (3) |
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2007 |
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173,538 |
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20,083 |
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193,621 |
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(1) |
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Dr. Green retired from the Company on January 21, 2009. In connection with his retirement,
Dr. Green will receive two years of severance totaling $440,000 to be paid out evenly over a
two year period. |
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(2) |
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As of April 12, 2009, Mr. Delaney was no longer employed with the Company. In connection
with his separation from the Company Mr. Delaney was entitled to receive one year of
severance totaling $150,000 to be paid out evenly over 12 months. However, on May 29, 2009,
following notice by the Company to Mr. Delaney that he had violated certain covenants of his
employment agreement with the Company, all remaining payment obligations to Mr. Delaney were
terminated. |
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(3) |
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As of June 20, 2008, Mr. Black was no longer employed with the Company. In connection with
his separation from the Company, Mr. Black was entitled to one year of severance pay totaling
$180,000. Mr. Black received $90,000 in severance payments in 2008. In addition, Mr. Black
received $23,695 at the time of his departure representing compensation for unused vacation
time. As part of his separation agreement Mr. Black was entitled to reimbursement of health
insurance premiums during his one year severance period. Mr. Black received $6,153 in health
insurance reimbursements in 2008. The Company also provided outplacement services totaling
$10,000 for Mr. Black in 2008. Subsequent to his separation the Company entered into |
10
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a one year consulting agreement with Mr. Black providing compensation on an hourly basis. The
Company paid Mr. Black $671 for consulting services in 2008. |
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(4) |
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Mr. Delaney was responsible for the performance of the sales and marketing team and as
such participated in a bonus program based on the amount of revenue generated from the
DATATRAK eClinical platform. Mr. Delaney received $39,984 in bonuses related to this program
in 2008. |
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(5) |
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On August 13, 2007, Mr. Delaney was granted 10,000 restricted Common Shares with a grant
date fair value of $3.99 per share for which $19,950 of stock compensation expense was
recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008. On May 19, 2008, Mr. Delaney was granted
35,000 restricted Common Shares with a grant date fair value of $0.70 per share for which
$15,315 of stock compensation expense was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2008. Upon
Mr. Delaneys separation from the Company in 2009, all 45,000 restricted Common Shares were
forfeited back to the Company. |
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(6) |
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On November 10, 2006, Mr. Merk was granted 10,000 restricted Common Shares with a grant
date fair value of $4.47 per share for which $37,250 of stock compensation expenses was
recorded for the year ended December 31, 2007. |
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(7) |
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The dollar values described above are the aggregate dollar amounts recognized for
financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and
December 31, 2007, in accordance with SFAS 123(R), Share-Based Payment, and SEC rules for
executive compensation disclosure. |
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(8) |
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The option awards and the dollar values included in the option awards column for the year
ended December 31, 2008 are as follows: stock option compensation expense recorded for
Dr. Green for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $33,060 for stock options granted in 2004
with a grant date fair value of $7.35 per share; stock option compensation expense recorded
for Mr. Delaney for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $565 for stock options granted in
2008 with a grant date fair value of $0.29 per share; stock option compensation expense
recorded for Mr. Merk for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $1,504 for stock options
granted in 2008 with a grant date fair value of $0.29 per share; stock option compensation
expense recorded for Mr. Black for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $11,940 for stock
options granted in 2004 with a grant date fair value of $6.37 per share. |
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(9) |
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The grant date fair value of the options granted was determined by using the Black-Scholes
option valuation model. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the
options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model: |
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Year Ended December 31, |
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2008 |
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2004 |
Weighted average risk free interest rate |
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3.6 |
% |
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4.1 |
% |
Weighted average volatility of the expected market price of the common shares |
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0.85 |
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1.01 |
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Dividend yield |
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0.0 |
% |
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0.0 |
% |
Weighted-average expected life of option |
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7 |
years |
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8 |
years |
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(10) |
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No other compensation, perquisites or other personal benefits were received by the Named
Executive Officers. |
Narrative Disclosure To Summary Compensation Table and Grants
Employment Agreements
In 2008, we were a party to an employment agreement with each of our Named Executive
Officers. Each employment agreement sets forth the terms of that officers employment, including
among other things, salary, benefits, termination provisions, and certain restrictive covenants.
Certain material terms of each executive officers employment agreement are described below. As of
July 1, 2009, three of the four Named Executive Officers were no longer employed by the Company and
as such certain severance and other benefits and obligations under the employment agreements have
been triggered as a result of their separation. Those Named Executive Officers who are receiving
separation payments pursuant to their employment agreements are identified below.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Green. In February 2001, we entered into an employment agreement
with Dr. Green providing for an initial term of one year. The agreement automatically renewed for
successive one-year periods thereafter unless certain prior notice requirements were satisfied. The
base salary initially provided for in this agreement was $180,000 per year, and was to be reviewed
at least annually by the Compensation Committee. Subsequent reviews by the Compensation Committee
increased the base salary component of Dr. Greens agreement to $220,000 per year as of December
31, 2008. Effective January 21, 2009, Dr. Green stepped down from his position as the Chief
Executive Officer as well as a member of the Board of Directors in connection with a mutually
desired management transition, and in connection therewith, Dr. Green entered into a separation
agreement with the Company pursuant to which, among other things, Dr. Green will be entitled to the
rights, obligations, payments and benefits as provided by his employment
11
agreement in the event of a Termination by Employee for Good Reason as described in greater
detail below. Pursuant to the separation agreement, Dr. Green will also provide certain advisory
and consulting services to the Company in exchange for a one-time retainer fee of $1,000 and the
provision of certain health/medical insurance benefits during the three month period commencing
January 21, 2009. In addition, this separation agreement includes a mutual release of claims each
party may have against the other, and Dr. Green also agreed to certain noncompetition and
nondisclosure provisions for a period of up to twenty-four months following his separation from the
Company effective January 21, 2009.
Dr. Greens employment agreement provided for his employment to be terminated with
or without cause, upon his death or disability or with sufficient reason. Additionally, under the
agreement, Dr. Green was entitled to terminate his employment for good reason. Good reason for
such termination would exist if at any time, (1) there was a material breach of Dr. Greens
employment agreement by the Company, (2) shareholders failed to elect Dr. Green to the Board of
Directors or Dr. Green was otherwise removed from the Board of Directors, and (3) except in
connection with the termination of Dr. Greens employment in strict compliance with the terms of
the agreement, the Board of Directors (a) failed to elect Dr. Green to his executive position,
(b) failed to vest Dr. Green with the powers and authority customarily associated with his position
or (c) significantly diminished his responsibilities, duties, power or authority. If Dr. Green
terminated his employment for good reason, he would have been entitled to continue to receive his
base salary for two years following the date of such termination. If Dr. Greens employment was
terminated in connection with the sale of our business, he would have been entitled to continue to
receive his base salary for one year following the date of such termination. If his employment was
terminated without cause or without sufficient reason, he would have been entitled to continue to
receive his base salary for a period of two years subsequent to the date of termination. If
Dr. Green would have terminated his employment without good reason, or if he was terminated for
cause, then he would have been entitled to receive his base salary through the date of
termination. For purposes of Dr. Greens agreement, cause was defined as a determination by the
Board of Directors that the employee was (1) convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude or a
felony in connection with his employment, (2) engaged in fraud, embezzlement, material willful
destruction of property or material disruption of our operations, (3) used or was in possession of
illegal drugs and/or alcohol on our premises or reporting to work under the influence of same, or
(4) engaged in conduct, in or out of the workplace, which in our reasonable determination has an
adverse effect on our reputation or business. Sufficient reason meant a good faith determination
that the employee failed to adequately perform his duties as an officer or achieve the business
objectives mutually agreed upon by the parties.
Terry C. Black. In February 2001, we entered into an employment agreement with
Mr. Black providing for an initial term of one year. The agreement automatically renewed for
successive one-year periods thereafter unless certain prior notice requirements were satisfied. The
base salary initially provided for in this agreement was $125,000 per year, to be reviewed at least
annually by the Compensation Committee. Subsequent reviews by the Compensation Committee increased
the base salary component of Mr. Blacks agreement to $180,000 per year effective April 1, 2007. On
May 21, 2008, the Board of Directors eliminated Mr. Blacks position as Chief Operating Officer,
and effective June 20, 2008 (the Date of Separation), Mr. Black was no longer an employee of the
Company. On July 7, 2008, the Company and Mr. Black entered into a separation agreement pursuant to
which, among other things, Mr. Black will provide certain advisory and consulting services
regarding the business of the Company for no more than one hundred (100) hours per calendar quarter
during the twelve (12) month period commencing on the Date of Separation, which may be extended by
mutual agreement of both parties. The Company will compensate Mr. Black for his advisory and
consulting services at a rate of $120.00 per hour. In addition, the separation agreement provides
that pursuant to Mr. Blacks employment agreement, the Company will continue Mr. Blacks salary for
a period of twelve (12) months commencing on the first regular payday following the Date of
Separation through and including June 19, 2009, and also that the Company will pay for certain
outplacement services for Mr. Black in an amount not to exceed $10,000. The separation agreement
includes a mutual release of claims each party may have against the other, and also provides that
the Company will pay Mr. Black all earned but unused paid time off less applicable payroll taxes
and withholdings on the Companys first regular payday following the Date of Separation, and that
Mr. Black will be entitled to the same medical benefits as other active senior executives of the
Company until June 30, 2009.
Mr. Blacks employment agreement provided that his employment could have been
terminated with or without cause or upon his death or disability. Additionally, Mr. Black was
entitled to terminate his employment for good reason. If Mr. Black were to have terminated his
employment for good reason, he would have been entitled to receive his base salary for a period of
one year following the date of such termination. If Mr. Blacks employment were to have been
terminated in connection with a sale of our business, he would have been entitled to continue to
receive his base salary for one year following the date of such termination. If his employment was
terminated without cause, he would have been entitled to receive his base salary for a period of
one year subsequent to the date of termination. If Mr. Black terminated his employment without good
reason, or if he was terminated for cause, he would have been entitled to receive his base salary
through the date of termination. For purposes of Mr. Blacks agreement, cause was defined as a
determination by the Board of Directors that the employee was (1) convicted of a felony involving
moral turpitude or a felony in connection with his employment, (2) engaged in fraud, embezzlement,
material willful destruction of property or material disruption of our operations, (3) using or in
possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol on our premises or reporting to work under the influence
of same, or (4) engaged in conduct, in or out of the workplace, which in our reasonable
determination would have had an adverse effect
12
on our reputation or business. Mr. Blacks agreement also included certain noncompetition and
nondisclosure provisions, which continue for a period up to eighteen months from his Date of
Separation.
Raymond J. Merk. In April 2008, we entered into an employment agreement with
Mr. Merk providing for an initial term of one year. This agreement, which remains in effect,
automatically renews for successive one-year periods thereafter unless certain prior notice
requirements are satisfied. The base salary initially provided for in this agreement is $150,000
per year, to be reviewed at least annually by the Compensation Committee. No bonuses were paid for
fiscal 2008. Effective January 21, 2009, the base salary to be provided for Mr. Merk pursuant to
this agreement will be $175,000 per year. Bonuses may be paid to Mr. Merk at the discretion of the
Compensation Committee. The agreement also provides Mr. Merk with the right to participate in all
benefits plans made available to our executives and/or employees. Mr. Merks employment may be
terminated with or without cause or upon his death or disability. Additionally, Mr. Merk is
entitled to terminate his employment for good reason. If Mr. Merk terminates his employment for
good reason, he will be entitled to receive his base salary for a period of one year following the
date of such termination. If Mr. Merks employment is terminated in connection with a sale of our
business, he will be entitled to continue to receive his base salary for one year following the
date of such termination. If his employment is terminated without cause, he will be entitled to
receive his base salary for a period of one year subsequent to the date of termination. If Mr. Merk
terminates his employment without good reason, or if he is terminated for cause, he will be
entitled to receive his base salary through the date of termination. For purposes of Mr. Merks
agreement, cause is defined as a determination by the Board of Directors that the employee was
(1) convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude or a felony in connection with his employment,
(2) engaged in fraud, embezzlement, material willful destruction of property or material disruption
of our operations, (3) using or in possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol on our premises or
reporting to work under the influence of same, or (4) engaged in conduct, in or out of the
workplace, which in our reasonable determination has an adverse effect on our reputation or
business. Mr. Merk also agreed to certain noncompetition and nondisclosure provisions, which
continue under certain conditions for a period up to eighteen months following a termination of
Mr. Merks employment.
G. Matthew Delaney. Effective May 15, 2008, the Company entered into an employment
agreement with Mr. Delaney which provides for an initial term of one year, and automatically renews
for successive one year periods thereafter unless certain prior notice requirements are satisfied.
The base salary initially provided for in the employment agreement is $150,000 per year, to be
reviewed at least annually by the Compensation Committee. In addition, the agreement provides for a
grant of 35,000 restricted common shares of the Company pursuant to the Companys 2005 Omnibus
Equity Plan, and all such restricted common shares will become fully vested one year from the date
of grant. On March 13, 2009, the Board of Directors removed Mr. Delaney as the Companys Interim
President and his employment with the Company was terminated effective April 12, 2009. Pursuant to
the terms of his employment agreement, as described in greater detail below, Mr. Delaney was
originally entitled to receive one (1) year of salary continuation commencing on April 13, 2009 and
up to $10,000 in outplacement services from an agency to be selected by the Company.
Mr. Delaneys employment agreement provided that his employment could have been
terminated with or without cause or upon his death or disability. Additionally, Mr. Delaney was
entitled to terminate his employment for good reason. If Mr. Delaney had terminated his
employment for good reason, he would have been entitled to receive his base salary for a period of
one year following the date of such termination. If Mr. Delaneys employment was terminated in
connection with a sale of our business, he would have been entitled to continue to receive his base
salary for one year following the date of such termination. If his employment was terminated
without cause, he would have been entitled to receive his base salary for a period of one year
subsequent to the date of termination. If Mr. Delaney would have terminated his employment without
good reason, or if he was terminated for cause, he would have been entitled to receive his base
salary through the date of termination. For purposes of Mr. Delaneys agreement, cause was
defined as a determination by the Board of Directors that the employee was (1) convicted of a
felony involving moral turpitude or a felony in connection with his employment, (2) engaged in
fraud, embezzlement, material willful destruction of property or material disruption of our
operations, (3) using or in possession of illegal drugs and/or alcohol on our premises or reporting
to work under the influence of same, or (4) engaged in conduct, in or out of the workplace, which
in our reasonable determination would have had an adverse effect on our reputation or business. The
employment agreement allowed for the payment of bonuses to be paid Mr. Delaney at the discretion of
the Compensation Committee. The agreement also provided Mr. Delaney with the right to participate
in all benefits plans made available to our executives and/or employees. Mr. Delaney also agreed to
certain noncompetition and nondisclosure provisions which continue under certain conditions for a
period up to eighteen months following his termination from the Company effective April 12, 2009.
By letter dated May 29, 2009, the Company notified Mr. Delaney that it had become aware that
Mr. Delaney had violated certain covenants of his employment agreement, and accordingly, the
Company was terminating the remaining salary continuation payments described above. Mr. Delaney
remains subject to the confidentiality, non-competition, non-interference and similar provisions in
his employment agreement.
13
The following table and related notes and discussion summarize certain information with
respect to outstanding equity awards held by the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2008,
presented in accordance with SEC rules.
2008 Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End |
|
|
Option Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
Market |
|
|
Securities |
|
Underlying |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Value of |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Options |
|
Exercise |
|
|
|
|
|
That Have |
|
Shares That |
|
|
Options |
|
(#) |
|
Price |
|
Option Expiration |
|
Not |
|
Have |
Name |
|
(#) Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
Vested |
|
Not Vested |
|
Dr. Jeffrey A. Green |
|
|
130,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.42 |
|
|
|
12/9/2009 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.85 |
|
|
|
6/4/2012 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.05 |
|
|
|
12/23/2013 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.35 |
|
|
|
12/28/2014 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Terry C. Black |
|
|
46,875 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2.42 |
|
|
|
12/9/2009 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,720 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.85 |
|
|
|
6/4/2012 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.05 |
|
|
|
12/23/2013 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7.35 |
|
|
|
12/28/2014 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
G. Matthew Delaney |
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
(1) |
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
08/11/2018 |
|
|
|
45,000 |
(5) |
|
$ |
9,450 |
|
Raymond J. Merk |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
|
40,000 |
(2) |
|
|
0.37 |
|
|
|
08/11/2018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Delaneys unvested options vest as follows: (i) 5,000 on August 11, 2009, (ii) 5,000 on
August 11, 2010; and (iii) 5,000 on August 11, 2011. Upon Mr. Delaneys separation from the
Company in 2009, all 15,000 options were forfeited back to the Company. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Merks unvested options vest as follows: (i) 13,333 on August 11, 2009, (ii) 13,333 on
August 11, 2010; and (iii) 13,334 on August 11, 2011. |
|
(3) |
|
Pursuant to the terms of his separation agreement with the Company, Dr. Greens option
awards expired on April 21, 2009. |
|
(4) |
|
Pursuant to the terms of his separation agreement and stock option agreements with the
Company, Mr. Black shall only have the right to exercise stock options under such stock
option agreements for a period of 90 days following the expiration of Mr. Blacks advisory
and consulting services as set forth in his separation agreement. |
|
(5) |
|
Upon Mr. Delaneys separation from the Company in 2009, all 45,000 restricted Common Shares
were forfeited back to the Company. |
Additionally, with respect to our 2005 Omnibus Equity Plan (the 2005 Omnibus Plan), all
stock options to purchase Common Shares granted thereunder to a Named Executive Officer vest
immediately upon such Named Executive Officers termination by Death, Disability, or
Retirement, as such terms are defined in our 2005 Omnibus Plan. Under the 2005 Omnibus Plan, all
awards become vested upon a Change in Control, as such term is defined in our 2005 Omnibus Plan.
14
Director Compensation
On June 9, 2009, the Board of Directors approved certain amendments to the Director
compensation plan in place for 2008, which will take effect commencing in 2010. The Director
compensation plan currently in place will remain in effect through the completion of 2009.
Also effective June 9, 2009, Mr. Birch will no longer receive additional compensation for his
services as Chairman or as a member of the Board of Directors.
Under the current Director compensation program, each Director receives an annual retainer
payable solely in stock options with a value of $32,000. Each new non-management Director receives
an annual retainer payable in stock options with a value of between $32,000 and $48,000 for their
first year of service. There were no new non-management Directors appointed in 2008.
In addition, the current Director compensation plan provides for $5,000 per month in cash
compensation to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and an additional option grant in connection
with the fourth quarter grant equal to the difference between 50,000 options and the number of
options received during the year (including the normal fourth quarter grant). As indicated above,
Mr. Birch is no longer eligible to receive these payments for his service as Chairman of the Board
of Directors. The chair of our Audit Committee receives an additional annual payment of $4,000 in
stock options and the chairs of our Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees
receive an additional annual payment of $2,000 in stock options. All of the annual payments are
paid on a quarterly basis. The current Director compensation plan further provides that each
non-management Director will be paid a fee, payable quarterly in stock options, ranging from $500
to $1,000 per each attended meeting of our Board of Directors or a committee; provided that
Directors will not be paid for a committee meeting when that meeting coincides with a quarterly
meeting of the Board of Directors. Directors will also receive reimbursement for reasonable
expenses incurred in attending meetings of the Board of Directors.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that shareholders approve and adopt the 2009
Omnibus Plan, with the exception of the grants contemplated in connection with the approval of the
2009 Omnibus Equity Plan and the Director option exchange program (each as described in detail
hereinafter), no additional stock option grants will be made to Directors during 2009.
For purposes of Director payments, stock options are valued at the closing price on the third
business day following each quarterly earnings announcement. The aggregate number of stock options
granted to Directors in each quarter under the current Director compensation plan shall not exceed
42,000 shares. In the event that the aggregate value of Director compensation for the quarter
would, according to the above methodology, result in the issuance of greater than 42,000 options in
the aggregate, each Directors option shall be proportionately reduced (based on each Directors
compensation for the quarter as a percent of the whole) so that the total option shares granted
equals 42,000.
As a result of the deterioration in the Company stock price over the last twelve months, this
42,000 per quarter aggregate Director options limitation has substantially reduced the actual value
received by the Directors in 2008 to a level substantially below the target retainer, chair fees
and meeting fees described herein.
Commencing in 2010, pursuant to the terms of the amended Directors compensation plan, each
Director will receive an annual grant of a fixed number of stock options ranging from 10,000 to
15,000, as determined by the Compensation Committee. These grants will be fully vested on the date
of grant. In addition to stock option grants, beginning in the first quarter of 2010, each Director
will receive quarterly cash payments, consisting of a $1,000 payment in the first quarter, and
payments thereafter increasing in value by $1,000 each successive quarter until the quarterly cash
payment equals $4,000.
The following table and related notes and discussion summarize certain information concerning
the annual or long-term compensation for services in all capacities, for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008, to the Companys non-management Directors:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or |
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
Paid in Cash |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Total ($) (2) |
Name |
|
($) (1) |
|
($) |
|
($)(2)(3)(4) |
|
(11) |
Laurence P. Birch (5) |
|
|
37,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,427 |
|
|
|
59,927 |
|
Timothy G. Biro (6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,405 |
|
|
|
19,405 |
|
Seth B. Harris (7) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,102 |
|
|
|
17,102 |
|
Dr. Jerome H. Kaiser (8) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,371 |
|
|
|
15,371 |
|
Dr. Mark J. Ratain (9) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,834 |
|
|
|
12,834 |
|
Dr. Robert M. Stote (10) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,981 |
|
|
|
15,981 |
|
15
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Fees earned or paid in cash to Mr. Birch represent compensation for serving as the Chairman
of the Board of Directors since May 15, 2008. Prior to June 9, 2009, Mr. Birch earned a
monthly cash fee of $5,000. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes with
respect to fiscal year 2008 in accordance with FAS 123(R). |
|
(3) |
|
The grant date fair value of the options granted was determined by using the Black-Scholes
option valuation model. The following assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of the
options granted using the Black-Scholes option valuation model: (i) weighted-average risk
free interest rate ranging from 3.36% to 3.78%; (ii) weighted-average volatility of the
expected market price of the Common Shares ranging from 0.841 to 0.863; (iii) dividend yield,
0%; and (iv) weighted-average expected life of option, seven years. Stock option award
expense recorded for Mr. Birch for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $22,427 (8,400 shares
awarded with a grant date fair value of $1.37; 7,149 shares awarded with a grant date fair
value of $0.54; 8,129 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $0.29; and 26,120 shares
awarded with a grant date fair value of $0.18); stock option award expense recorded for Mr.
Biro for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $19,405 (7,754 shares awarded with a grant date
fair value of $1.37; 8,043 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $0.54; 9,484 shares
awarded with a grant date fair value of $0.29; and 9,379 shares awarded with a grant date
fair value of $0.18); stock option award expense recorded for Mr. Harris for the year ended
December 31, 2008 was $17,102 (7,108 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $1.37;
6,553 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $0.54; 8,129 shares awarded with a grant
date fair value of $0.29; and 8,155 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $0.18);
stock option award expense recorded for Dr. Kaiser for the year ended December 31, 2008 was
$15,371 (5,492 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $1.37; 7,447 shares awarded
with a grant date fair value of $0.54; 8,129 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of
$0.29; and 8,155 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $0.18); stock option award
expense recorded for Dr. Ratain for the year ended December 31, 2008 was $12,834 (6,785
shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $1.37 and 6,553 shares awarded with a grant
date fair value of $0.54); and stock option award expense recorded for Dr. Stote for the year
ended December 31, 2008 was $15,981 (6,461 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of
$1.37; 6,255 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of $0.54; 8,129 shares awarded with
a grant date fair value of $0.29; and 7,748 shares awarded with a grant date fair value of
$0.18). |
|
(4) |
|
All of our Directors option awards are fully vested and reflected in each Directors entry
contained in the Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Holders and Management table. |
|
(5) |
|
As of December 31, 2008, Mr. Birch had 57,928 exercisable stock options with various per
share exercise prices as follows: (i) 26,120 options at $0.24; (ii) 8,129 options at $0.37;
(iii) 7,149 options at $0.69; (iv) 8,400 options at $1.79; and (v) 8,130 options at $2.20. In
2008, Mr. Birch received 50,000 options as compensation for serving as the Companys Chairman
of the Board of Directors. |
|
(6) |
|
As of December 31, 2008, Mr. Biro had 128,122 exercisable stock options with various per
share exercise prices as follows: (i) 9,379 options at $0.24; (ii) 9,484 options at $0.37;
(iii) 8,043 options at $0.69; (iv) 7,754 options at $1.79; (v) 37,500 options at $1.97; (vi)
7,587 options at $2.20; (vii) 18,750 options at $2.50; (viii) 18,750 options at $3.46; and
(ix) 10,875 options at $7.56. |
|
(7) |
|
As of December 31, 2008, Mr. Harris had 141,344 exercisable stock options with various per
share exercise prices as follows: (i) 8,155 options at $0.24; (ii) 8,129 options at $0.37;
(iii) 6,553 options at $0.69; (iv) 18,750 options at $1.33; (v) 7,108 options at $1.79; (vi)
37,500 options at $1.97; (vii) 6,774 options at $2.20; (viii) 18,750 options at $2.50; (ix)
18,750 options at $3.46; and (x) 10,875 options at $7.56. |
|
(8) |
|
As of December 31, 2008, Dr. Kaiser had 136,601 exercisable stock options with various per
share exercise prices as follows: (i) 8,155 options at $0.24; (ii) 8,129 options at $0.37;
(iii) 7,447 options at $0.69; (iv) 18,750 options at $1.33; (v) 5,492 options at $1.79 (vi)
37,500 options at $1.97; (vii) 6,503 options at $2.20; (viii) 15,000 options at $2.42; (ix)
18,750 options at $3.46; and (x) 10,875 options at $7.56. |
|
(9) |
|
As of December 31, 2008, Dr. Ratain was no longer a member of the Board of Directors and had
122,966 exercisable stock options with various per share exercise prices as follows: (i)
6,553 options at $0.54; (ii) 18,750 options at $1.33; (iii) 6,785 options at $1.37; (iv) 6,503
options at $1.70; (v) 37,500 options at $1.97; (vi) 18,750 options at $2.50; (vii) 18,750
options at $3.46; and (viii) 9,375 options at $7.56. |
16
|
|
|
(10) |
|
As of December 31, 2008, Dr. Stote had 63,221 exercisable stock options with various per
share exercise prices as follows: (i) 7,748 options at $0.24; (ii) 8,129 options at $0.37;
(iii) 6,255 options at $0.69; (iv) 6,461 options at $1.79; (v) 6,503 options at $2.20; (vi)
18,750 options at $3.46; and (vii) 9,375 options at $7.56. |
|
(11) |
|
There were no outstanding unexercisable stock options for any member of the Board of
Directors as of December 31, 2008. |
17
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has reviewed the audit fees of the independent registered public
accounting firm. During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, Ernst &
Young LLP provided us with various audit and non-audit services. Set forth below are the aggregate
fees for services billed, on a consolidated basis, by Ernst & Young LLP for providing the services
indicated for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year End |
|
Year End |
|
|
December 31, |
|
December 31, |
|
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
Audit fees(1) |
|
$ |
335,300 |
|
|
$ |
369,350 |
|
Audit-Related fees(2)(5) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax fees(3)(5) |
|
|
3,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees(4)(5) |
|
|
1,625 |
|
|
|
1,625 |
|
Total |
|
$ |
340,525 |
|
|
$ |
370,975 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes fees and expenses related to the fiscal year audit, quarterly reviews, interim
review, consents in respect of SEC filings, and, as applicable, audit of internal controls
under Sarbanes-Oxley notwithstanding when the fees and expenses were billed or when the
services were rendered. |
|
(2) |
|
Assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit
or review of the financial statement and not reported under audit fees. |
|
(3) |
|
Tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning. |
|
(4) |
|
All other services not reported under (1) through (3) above. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes fees and expenses for services rendered from January through December of the fiscal
year, notwithstanding when the fees and expenses were billed. |
Prior to each fiscal year, the Audit Committee receives a written report from its outside
auditors describing the elements expected to be performed in the course of its audit of the
Companys financial statements for the coming year.
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy that requires advance approval of all audit and
non-audit services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm prior to the
engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm with respect to such services. The
Chairman of the Audit Committee has been delegated the authority by the Audit Committee to evaluate
and pre-approve the engagement of the independent registered public accounting firm when the entire
Audit Committee is unable to do so. The Chairman must report all such pre-approvals to the entire
Audit Committee at the next committee meeting. All of the services described above for our 2008
fiscal year were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.
A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. The
representative will have the opportunity to make a statement, and is expected to be available to
respond to appropriate questions.
18
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table sets forth information concerning Common Shares authorized or available
for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of the December 31, 2008.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remaining |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
for Future |
|
|
Number of |
|
Average |
|
Issuance |
|
|
Securities to be |
|
Exercise |
|
Under Equity |
|
|
Issued Upon |
|
Price of |
|
Compensation |
|
|
Exercise of |
|
Outstanding |
|
Plans |
|
|
Outstanding |
|
Options, |
|
(Excluding |
|
|
Options, |
|
Warrants |
|
Securities |
Plan |
|
Warrants |
|
and |
|
Reflected |
Category |
|
and Rights |
|
Rights |
|
in Column (a)) |
|
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) (2) |
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders |
|
|
1,433,640 |
|
|
$ |
2.22 |
|
|
|
346,535 |
|
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders(1) |
|
|
327,743 |
|
|
$ |
6.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
1,761,383 |
|
|
$ |
2.93 |
|
|
|
346,535 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The terms of our March 2007 private placement of 1,986,322 Common Shares required the
issuance of 297,948 warrants to purchase additional Common Shares to certain purchasers at
$6.00 per share. An additional 29,795 warrants were issued at $6.00 per share to the
placement agents who assisted the Company in the private placement. To date, none of these
warrants have been exercised. These warrants expire on March 19, 2012. |
|
(2) |
|
The table excludes 205,500 shares reserved for future grants under previously established
share option plans which are not expected to be granted. |
19
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
2009 OMNIBUS EQUITY PLAN
Introduction
Historically, stock options have been an essential part of the Companys compensation program
for executive officers, key employees and Directors. Stock options align executive compensation
with the amount of appreciation realized by the Companys shareholders over comparable periods.
Stock options also provide officers, employees and Directors with the opportunity to acquire and
build a meaningful ownership interest in the Company.
Recently, however, the price of our Common Shares has been significantly impacted by both the
worldwide economic downturn and Company-specific challenges. The Company believes that this decline
in share value, in combination with an insufficient pool of available options under our existing
equity plans, poses a significant impediment to the Companys overall goal of retaining and
motivating employees and Directors upon whom the Company and its shareholders rely to help execute
the Companys restructuring and continued improvement of operating results. On July 21, 2009, the
last reported bid price of our Common Shares was $0.35 per share.
As previously disclosed, in response to the economic downturn, the Company has made
substantial headcount reductions and taken other cost-cutting measures. Since June 2007, we have
eliminated approximately 70 positions, optimized our operational efficiencies and streamlined our
cost structure including the closure of the office of our German subsidiary and the
re-establishment of our global help desk and European client support operations to our Cleveland,
Ohio office. In January 2009, the Company announced the retirement of Dr. Jeffrey Green as Chief
Executive Officer and a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Laurence P. Birch, our Chairman, has
assumed the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim President. Also in January 2009,
Mr. Raymond J. Merk assumed the role and responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer in addition to
his Chief Financial Officer duties.
As a result of the Companys extensive management and operational restructuring, the Company
has begun experiencing significantly improved results, including improvements in gross profit
margin and reductions in losses from operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2009, the
Companys loss from operations was $(787,000) compared to $(2,225,000) for the same three month
period in 2008. The 2009 first quarter loss of $(787,000) includes $634,000 of severance charges
related primarily to the separation of two executive officers of the Company. Excluding severance
charges from both comparable periods, the Companys loss from operations would be $(153,000) in the
current year first quarter compared to $(2,199,000) during the same period in 2008. The Companys
operating loss in the fourth quarter of 2008 was $(109,000) compared to an operating loss of
$(2,632,000) in the fourth quarter of 2007. We believe that the Companys current executive
officers, employees and Directors are responsible for the positive trends in our results and are
vital to the continued success of the Company.
In order maintain the current management structure, the Company believes that it is critical
that the value of the Companys stock option program be restored and that the Companys officers,
employees and Directors be appropriately compensated. In addition, as a result of recent
modifications to the existing Director compensation plan, Directors will be receiving fewer option
grants commencing in fiscal 2010. For additional details regarding the new Director compensation
plan, see Director Compensation beginning on page 15 of this Proxy Statement. The imbalance
between the high level of commitment required of our officers, employees and Directors to achieve
the Companys goals and the low level of equity compensation received by such individuals must be
corrected because the loss of one or more of these individuals could result in significant setbacks
for the Company. If such a loss were to occur, it is unlikely that a suitable replacement would be
available given the current economic climate and the significant individual efforts that are
required to increase the Companys revenues and improve the Companys operating results.
Currently, there are 322,535 Common Shares available for issuance under the 2005 Omnibus Plan,
the Companys sole existing share-based award plan under which Common Shares are available for
future grants. Considering the current imbalance between the significant demands being placed on
the Companys management and Directors and the compensation received by such individuals, the
Common Shares currently available for issuance under the 2005 Omnibus Plan are insufficient to
address this imbalance as well as ensure the retention of the Companys current management team.
Therefore, the Board of Directors is requesting that shareholders approve the DATATRAK
International, Inc. 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan (the 2009 Omnibus Plan) under which a total of
2,100,000 Common Shares will be available for issuance. If the 2009 Omnibus Plan is approved, no
further grants will be made under the 2005 Omnibus Plan. Absent shareholder approval of the 2009
Omnibus Plan, the Companys Compensation Committee does not believe that it will have a sufficient
pool of share-based awards to maintain the Companys current management team and ensure continuity
on the Board of Directors, which could jeopardize the Companys continued progress.
As disclosed on June 15, 2009 in the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, in connection with
the Companys continued reorganization efforts and in recognition of the efforts of the Companys
management and Directors, the Board of Directors approved the DATATRAK International, Inc. 2009
Cash Incentive Plan (the 2009 Cash Incentive Plan) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009,
in which the Companys executive officers and certain key employees are eligible to earn cash bonus
payments
20
upon the
achievement of predetermined performance goals. The 2009 Cash Incentive Plan is structured to
enhance shareholder value through further alignment of the interests of shareholders and
management.
In addition, on June 9, 2009, in connection with the adoption of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, the
Board of Directors approved an aggregate of 1,165,500 additional equity grants to officers,
employees and Directors, subject to shareholder approval of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, aimed at
providing current management and Directors with appropriate equity compensation levels. These
equity grants remain subject only to the approval of the Companys shareholders. Shareholder
approval of the 2009 Omnibus Plan will constitute approval of these grants. Of the 1,165,500 total
options granted, 568,212 grants have been awarded to executive officers, 345,000 to key employees
and 252,288 to Directors. While these grants are sizeable, the Board of Directors believes that
they are not only appropriate, but critical to the Companys ability to retain its current
management and Directors, and a key element in the Companys continued success. For additional
information regarding these grants, see New Plan Benefits on page 25 of this Proxy Statement. The
Board of Directors believes that these grants are necessary for the Company to derive the benefits
of the restructuring process and achieve its goal of maximizing shareholder value.
Purpose of the 2009 Omnibus Plan
The Board of Directors believes that share-based awards are an important component of the
Companys overall compensation programs. As discussed above, the Board of Directors believes that
providing substantial new equity awards at the present time is critical to retaining the current
management team and maintaining continuity on the Board of Directors. Adoption of the 2009 Omnibus
Plan will provide the Compensation Committee with an increased pool of share-based awards, and the
flexibility to grant a wide variety of awards (including performance awards intended to comply with
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code)). The 2009 Omnibus Plan provides access to
a broad variety of share-based awards with the mix of awards determined taking into account such
factors as the type and level of employee, relevant business and performance goals and the
prevailing tax and accounting treatments. The goals of the 2009 Omnibus Plan are to: (i) attract
and retain skilled and qualified officers, employees, consultants and Directors who are expected to
contribute to the Companys success by providing long-term incentive compensation opportunities
competitive with those made available by other companies; (ii) motivate participants to achieve the
long-term success and growth of the Company; (iii) facilitate ownership of Common Shares; and (iv)
align the interests of the participants with those of the Companys shareholders.
Key Terms
The key terms of the 2009 Omnibus Plan are summarized below:
|
|
|
Shares Authorized:
|
|
2,100,000, which may be treasury shares or authorized but unissued Common Shares. |
|
|
|
Types of Awards:
|
|
Stock options (non-qualified and incentive), stock appreciation rights,
restricted shares, restricted share units, performance shares and Common Shares. |
|
|
|
Limitations on Awards:
|
|
The aggregate number of Common Shares underlying awards granted to any
participant in any plan year may not exceed 500,000. |
|
|
|
Award Terms:
|
|
Options and stock appreciation rights will have ten year maximum terms. For all
awards, vesting and performance vesting criteria, if applicable, will be
established in the award agreement. |
|
|
|
Eligible Participants:
|
|
Employees of the Company or any of its affiliates, executive officers,
non-employee Directors and consultants. |
|
|
|
Actions That are
Prohibited by the
Plan Include:
|
|
Reducing the exercise price of an award absent shareholder approval,
subject to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2009 Omnibus Plan. |
|
|
|
|
|
Increasing the aggregate number of Common Shares available for issuance
under the 2009 Omnibus Plan absent shareholder approval. |
|
|
|
|
|
Granting stock options (non-qualified and incentive) and stock
appreciation rights at a below fair market value price at the grant date,
subject to the anti-dilution provisions of the 2009 Omnibus Plan. |
21
Description of the 2009 Omnibus Plan
If approved, the 2009 Omnibus Plan will replace the 2005 Omnibus Plan as the Companys sole
share-based award program for covered employees, consultants and Directors. The terms of the 2009
Omnibus Plan are nearly identical to the terms of the 2005 Omnibus Plan previously approved by
shareholders. The 2009 Omnibus Plan will provide the Company with the same flexibility to grant a
variety of share-based awards. The 2009 Omnibus Plan is also designed to permit the Company to
grant performance-based awards that comply with Section 162(m) of the Code, as described below.
The following paragraphs provide a summary of the principal features of the 2009 Omnibus Plan
and its operation. The 2009 Omnibus Plan is set forth in its entirety as Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to Appendix A.
The 2009 Omnibus Plan provides for the grant of the following types of incentive awards: (i)
stock options (non-qualified and incentive), (ii) stock appreciation rights, (iii) restricted
shares, (iv) restricted share units, (v) performance shares and (vi) Common Shares. Those who will
be eligible for awards under the 2009 Omnibus Plan include employees who provide services to the
Company and its affiliates, executive officers, non-employee Directors and consultants designated
by the Compensation Committee. As of June 30, 2009, approximately 50 employees and non-employee
Directors would be eligible to participate in the 2009 Omnibus Plan.
Number of Common Shares Available Under the 2009 Omnibus Plan and Adjustments
The Board of Directors has reserved 2,100,000 Common Shares for issuance under the 2009
Omnibus Plan. The Common Shares may be either authorized, but unissued, Common Shares or treasury
shares. The 2005 Omnibus Plan is currently the Companys sole existing share-based awards plan with
Common Shares available for future grants, under which there are currently 322,535 Common Shares
remaining for issuance pursuant to new equity awards.
If any outstanding award expires or is terminated, canceled or forfeited, the Common Shares
that would otherwise be issuable with respect to the unexercised portion of the award will become
available for subsequent awards under the 2009 Omnibus Plan (unless the 2009 Omnibus Plan has
terminated). Awards paid out in cash rather than Common Shares will not reduce the number of Common
Shares available for issuance under the 2009 Omnibus Plan. If
|
|
|
the exercise price of a stock option is paid in Common Shares, |
|
|
|
|
Common Shares underlying the exercised portion of a stock appreciation right are not issued upon such exercise, |
|
|
|
|
Common Shares are withheld to satisfy an individual participants tax obligations, or |
|
|
|
|
Common Shares are repurchased by the Company on the open market with respect to awards under the 2009 Omnibus
Plan, |
then the Common Shares received, not issued, withheld or repurchased by the Company will not be
added to the maximum aggregate number of Common Shares which may be issued.
If the Company declares a dividend or other distribution or engages in a recapitalization,
stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, spin-off,
combination, repurchase, or exchange of Common Shares or other securities of the Company, or other
similar change in the corporate structure of the Company affecting the Common Shares, the Committee
may adjust the number and class of Common Shares that may be delivered under the 2009 Omnibus Plan,
the number, class, and price of Common Shares covered by each outstanding award, and the numerical
per-person limits on awards.
Potential Dilution (Overhang)
Overhang is an analysis of potential dilution to shareholders from the equity being
transferred to executive officers, employees and Directors under equity incentive plans. Overhang
is calculated by dividing (a) the sum of the Common Shares available for issuance and all
outstanding but unexercised options by (b) the number of Common Shares described in clause (a)
above plus the total number of Common Shares outstanding. As of July 1, 2009, the Companys
overhang on a fully diluted basis was 10.0%. If shareholders approve the 2009 Omnibus Plan,
including the new grants previously approved by the Board of Directors, the Company estimates that
its overhang on a fully diluted basis would be 17.3%.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior to |
|
Following |
|
|
Approval |
|
Approval |
Total Number of Common Shares Outstanding |
|
|
13,706,901 |
|
|
|
13,706,901 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Number of Common Shares Covered by
All Outstanding Options (including
options held by all employees, executive
officers and Directors) |
|
|
1,197,388 |
|
|
|
2,022,910 |
(1) |
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior to |
|
Following |
|
|
Approval |
|
Approval |
Total Number of Common Shares Available
for Future Grants Under the Companys
Equity Plan |
|
|
322,535 |
|
|
|
852,657 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Overhang from Companys Equity Plan |
|
|
10.0 |
% |
|
|
17.3 |
%(1) |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Assumes approval and adoption of the Option Exchange (as defined below). The proposed Option
Exchange would replace 401,980 outstanding but unexercised stock options that are currently
underwater with 81,843 replacement options having an exercise price of $0.23 per share. In the
event that the 2009 Omnibus Plan is approved and the Option Exchange is not approved, our Overhang
would be approximately 18.9% rather than 17.3% as reflected above. For additional information
regarding the Option Exchange, see Approval and Adoption of the Stock Option Exchange Program
beginning on page 28 of this Proxy Statement. |
Administration of the 2009 Omnibus Plan
The 2009 Omnibus Plan will be administered by the Compensation Committee on the basis of a
plan year ending on December 31. The Board of Directors has discretion and authority to appoint a
different committee to administer the 2009 Omnibus Plan. Each member of the Compensation Committee
is a non-employee director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, an outside director as set forth in Section 162(m) of the Code, and an
independent director, as such term is defined under The Nasdaq Stock Market Marketplace Rules.
The Compensation Committees authority under the 2009 Omnibus Plan includes, but is not limited to,
the authority to: (i) grant awards under the 2009 Omnibus Plan; (ii) select the officers,
employees, consultants and eligible Directors to whom awards are granted; (iii) determine the types
of awards granted and the timing of such awards; (iv) determine whether an award is, or is intended
to be, performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m); (v) determine or
modify the terms and conditions of any award, to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of the
2009 Omnibus Plan and any operative employment or other agreement; (vi) determine whether any
conditions or objectives relating to awards have been met; (vii) adopt, alter and repeal such
administrative rules, guidelines, practices and administrative forms governing the 2009 Omnibus
Plan as it deems advisable; (viii) construe, interpret, administer and implement the terms of the
2009 Omnibus Plan, any award and related agreements; (ix) correct any defect, supply any omission
and reconcile any inconsistency in or between the 2009 Omnibus Plan, any award and related
agreements; (x) prescribe any legends to be affixed to certificates representing Common Shares or
other interests granted or issued under the 2009 Omnibus Plan; (xi) promulgate such administrative
forms as they from time to time deem necessary or appropriate for administration of the 2009
Omnibus Plan; and (xii) otherwise supervise the administration of the 2009 Omnibus Plan.
Options
The Compensation Committee is able to grant non-qualifed stock options and incentive stock
options under the 2009 Omnibus Plan. The Committee determines the number of Common Shares subject
to each option. The Compensation Committee determines the exercise price of options granted under
the 2009 Omnibus Plan, provided the exercise price must be at least equal to 100% of the fair
market value of the Common Shares on the date of grant. In addition, the exercise price of an
incentive stock option granted to any participant who owns more than 10% of the total voting power
of all classes of the Companys outstanding stock must be at least 110% of the fair market value of
the Common Shares on the grant date.
The term of an option may not exceed ten years, except that, with respect to any participant
who owns 10% of the voting power of all classes of the Companys outstanding stock, the term of an
incentive stock option may not exceed five years.
If an optionees employment or directorship with the Company or its affiliates is terminated
for reasons other than his or her death, disability or retirement, all stock options (or portions
thereof) which have not been exercised, whether vested or not, are automatically forfeited
immediately upon termination, except as otherwise provided in the relevant agreement evidencing the
stock options. Upon a termination of service with the Company as a result of death, disability or
retirement, all stock options held by such participant become immediately vested and such
participant, or such participants estate as applicable, will be able to exercise the options for
the period of time stated in the 2009 Omnibus Plan or as otherwise stated in the agreement
governing his or her award. No incentive stock option may be exercised more than three months after
the participants termination of service for any reason (including retirement) other than
disability or death. No incentive stock option may be exercised more than one year after the
participants termination of service due to disability or death. In no event may an option be
exercised later than the expiration of its term.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Compensation Committee will be able to grant stock appreciation rights, which are the
rights to receive the appreciation in fair market value of Common Shares between the exercise date
and the date of grant. The Company shall pay the appreciation in Common Shares. Stock appreciation
rights will become exercisable at the times and on the terms established by the Compensation
23
Committee, subject to the terms of the 2009 Omnibus Plan. The Compensation
Committee, subject to
the terms of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, will have discretion to determine the terms and conditions of
stock appreciation rights granted under the 2009 Omnibus Plan; provided, however, that the exercise
price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a Common Share on the date of grant.
The term of a stock appreciation right may not exceed ten years.
Unless otherwise provided in an award, employment or other agreement entered into between the
holder of the stock appreciation right and the Company and approved by the Compensation Committee,
either before or after the date of grant, the early termination provisions set forth above with
respect to stock options will apply to stock appreciation rights.
Restricted Shares
Awards of restricted shares are Common Shares that are issued to a participant at no cost or
at a purchase price determined by the Compensation Committee and vest in accordance with the terms
and conditions established by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion. For example, the
Compensation Committee may set restrictions based upon continued employment or service with the
Company, the achievement of specific performance goals, or any other basis determined by the
Compensation Committee in its discretion. Subject to the provisions of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, after
the grant of restricted shares, the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may reduce or
waive any restrictions for such award and may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will
lapse at a rate determined by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee will determine the number of Common Shares granted pursuant to an
award of restricted shares. With respect to restricted shares intended to qualify as
performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Compensation Committee, in
its discretion, may set restrictions based upon the achievement of specific performance objectives,
subject to the provisions of the 2009 Omnibus Plan.
Restricted Share Units
Awards of restricted share units result in a distribution of Common Shares to a participant
only if the vesting criteria the Compensation Committee establishes are satisfied. For example, the
Compensation Committee may set restrictions based on the achievement of specific performance goals
or upon continued employment or service with the Company. Upon satisfying the applicable vesting
criteria, the participant will be entitled to the payout specified in the award agreement. Subject
to the provisions of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, after the grant of restricted share units, the
Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any performance objectives or
other vesting provisions for such award and may accelerate the time at which any restrictions will
lapse at a rate determined by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee will pay earned restricted stock units in Common Shares. On the
date set forth in the award agreement, all unearned restricted share units will be forfeited to the
Company. The Compensation Committee determines the number of restricted share units granted to any
participant. With respect to restricted share units intended to qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may
set restrictions based upon the achievement of specific performance objectives, subject to the
provisions of the 2009 Omnibus Plan.
Performance Shares
The Compensation Committee will be able to grant performance shares, which are awards that
will result in a distribution of Common Shares to a participant only if the performance goals or
other vesting criteria the Compensation Committee may establish are achieved or the awards
otherwise vest. Subject to the terms of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, the Compensation Committee will
establish performance or other vesting criteria in its discretion, which, depending on the extent
to which they are met, will determine the number and/or the value of performance shares to be paid
out to participants. Subject to the provisions of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, after the grant of
performance shares, the Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive any
performance objectives or other vesting provisions for such award and may accelerate the time at
which any restrictions will lapse at a rate determined by the Compensation Committee.
The Compensation Committee determines the number of performance shares granted to any
participant. With respect to performance shares intended to qualify as performance-based
compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Compensation Committee, in its discretion, may
determine that the performance objectives applicable to the performance shares will be based on the
achievement of performance objectives.
Performance Objectives
At the time of grant of a performance share award, the Compensation Committee will specify the
performance objectives which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will determine the
number of Common Shares that will be distributed to the participant. The Compensation Committee
will also specify the time period or periods during which the performance objectives must be met.
With respect to awards to Section 162(m) persons intended to be performance-based compensation,
the Compensation
24
Committee may use performance objectives based on one or more of the following:
stock price, market share, sales, earnings per share, return on equity, costs, earnings, capital
adjusted pre-tax earnings (economic profit), net income, operating income, performance profit
(operating income minus an allocated charge approximating the Companys cost of capital, before or
after tax), gross margin, revenue, working capital, total assets, net assets, shareholders equity
and cash flow. The Compensation Committee may designate a single goal criterion or multiple goal
criteria for performance measurement purposes. Performance measurement may be based on absolute
Company, business unit or divisional performance and/or on performance as compared with that of
other publicly-traded companies. The performance objectives and periods need not be the same for
each participant nor for each award.
Common Shares
The Compensation Committee may only grant Common Share awards to non-employee directors in
consideration of services rendered to the Company. Common Share awards will be fully vested on the
date of grant.
Transferability of Awards
Subject to the terms of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, all awards, other than Common Share awards, are
non-transferable and may be exercised only by the grantee and may not be transferred other than by
will or by the laws of descent and distribution. Non-transferable awards are exercisable during a
participants lifetime only by the participant or, as permitted by applicable law, the
participants guardian or other legal representative. Other than pursuant to a permitted transfer,
no such award may be assigned, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise alienated or encumbered (whether
by operation of law or otherwise) and any attempts to do so will be null and void.
Amendment and Termination of the 2009 Omnibus Plan
The Board of Directors has discretionary authority to amend the 2009 Omnibus Plan. However,
generally an amendment cannot materially and adversely affect the rights of grantees without their
written consent. The Companys shareholders must approve any amendment to increase the maximum
aggregate number of Common Shares that may be issued under the 2009 Omnibus Plan.
Change of Control
Except as otherwise provided in the 2009 Omnibus Plan or an award agreement, upon a change in
control (as defined in the 2009 Omnibus Plan) all awards generally become fully exercisable,
vested, earned and payable.
New Plan Benefits
The Board of Directors has approved an aggregate of 1,165,500 grants under the 2009 Omnibus
Plan, subject to shareholder approval of the 2009 Omnibus Plan. Shareholder approval of the 2009
Omnibus Plan will constitute approval of these grants. Of this amount, 568,212 grants have been
awarded to executive officers, 345,000 to key employees and 252,288 to Directors. Except as
otherwise set forth in the table below, the future benefits or specific amounts that would be
received by employees, consultants and Directors under the 2009 Omnibus Plan have not yet been
determined. In addition, the benefits or amounts which would have been received by or allocated to
such persons for the last completed fiscal year if the 2009 Omnibus Plan had been in effect cannot
be determined.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the stock option awards approved by
the Board of Directors under the 2009 Omnibus Plan as of June 9, 2009, which remain subject to
shareholder approval:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Options |
Name and Position |
|
Granted(1) |
Named Executive Officers |
|
|
|
|
Laurence P. Birch, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim President |
|
|
395,712 |
|
Raymond J. Merk, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer |
|
|
172,500 |
|
Directors (2)
|
|
|
|
|
Timothy G. Biro |
|
|
63,390 |
|
Seth B. Harris |
|
|
62,542 |
|
Jerome H. Kaiser |
|
|
62,966 |
|
Robert M. Stote |
|
|
63,390 |
|
All current executive officers, as a group |
|
|
568,212 |
|
All current Directors who are not executive officers, as a group |
|
|
252,288 |
|
All current employees who are not executive officers, as a group |
|
|
345,000 |
|
25
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The exercise price for each option is $0.23, which is equal to the closing price of the
Common Shares on June 9, 2009, as quoted on the Pink OTC Markets. The options will vest ratably
over a three-year period on each anniversary of the date of grant, subject to continued employment
with or service to the Company; provided, however, that upon a change of control (as defined in
the 2009 Omnibus Plan), all options will immediately become vested. |
|
(2) |
|
The number of stock options awarded to each Director equaled 71,875 minus the number of
options each Director received as their quarterly payment for service on the Board of Directors in
May 2009. |
In addition to the stock option grants described above, the Board of Directors has authorized
the issuance of 81,843 replacement options under the 2009 Omnibus Plan in connection with the
Companys proposed Option Exchange (as defined below), which remain subject to shareholder
approval. For further discussion regarding the Option Exchange, see Approval and Adoption of the
Stock Option Exchange Program below.
Commencing in fiscal 2010, the current Director compensation program will be modified to
provide each Director with an annual base compensation grant ranging from 10,000 to 15,000
fully-vested stock options, as determined in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, in
addition to a cash component; provided, however, that if the 2009 Omnibus Plan is approved, no
additional equity grants will be made to Directors in fiscal 2009. The new Director compensation
program, including a complete discussion of the amount of options that may be granted to Directors
and other payments to which the Directors are entitled, is described in full in the section
entitled Director Compensation beginning on page 15 of this Proxy Statement.
Federal Tax Aspects
The Company has been advised that under current law certain of the income tax consequences
under U.S. laws to participants and the Company should generally be as set forth in the following
summary. This summary only addresses income tax consequences for participants and the Company.
A grant of Common Shares will be taxable as ordinary income. Common Shares may only be awarded
to non-employee Directors as compensation for performing directorial duties.
There are no Federal income tax consequences to a participant or the Company upon the grant of
stock options and stock appreciation rights. When a non-qualified stock option or stock
appreciation right is exercised, the participant realizes taxable compensation (ordinary income) at
that time equal to, for a non-qualified stock option, the difference between the aggregate option
exercise price and the fair market value of the stock on the date of exercise and, for stock
appreciation rights, the aggregate fair market value of any Common Shares received upon exercise.
The Company is entitled to a tax deduction to the extent, and at the time, that the participant
realizes compensation income. The participants tax treatment upon a disposition of Common Shares
acquired through the exercise of a non-qualified stock option is dependent upon the length of time
the Common Shares have been held. Upon the exercise of an incentive stock option, a participant
recognizes no immediate taxable income, except that the excess of the fair market value of the
Common Shares acquired over the option exercise price will constitute a tax preference item for the
purpose of computing the participants alternative minimum tax liability. Income recognition is
deferred until the Common Shares acquired are disposed of. The gain realized upon the participants
disposition of Common Shares acquired under an incentive stock option will be treated as long-term
capital gain if the minimum holding period is met (two years from the date of grant and one year
from the date of exercise), but otherwise will be treated as ordinary income in an amount
determined under the applicable tax rules. There is no tax deduction for the Company when an
incentive stock option is exercised and the participant is eligible for capital gain tax treatment.
If the minimum holding period is not met for capital gain tax treatment, the participant will
realize ordinary income and the Company will be entitled to a deduction as described above for
non-qualified stock options.
Generally, no taxes are due upon a grant of restricted shares, restricted share units or
performance shares. An award of restricted shares or performance shares becomes taxable when it is
no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture ( i.e. , it becomes vested or
transferable). Income tax is paid at ordinary income rates on the value of the restricted shares or
performance shares when the restrictions lapse, and then at capital gain rates with respect to any
further gain (or loss) when the Common Shares are sold. In the case of restricted share units, the
participant has taxable ordinary income upon receipt of payment. In all cases, the Company has a
tax deduction when the participant recognizes ordinary income subject to other applicable
limitations and restrictions. The taxation of
restricted shares and performance shares may be accelerated by an 83(b) election under Section 83
of the Code, if permitted by the applicable agreement.
The 2009 Omnibus Plan is designed to permit compliance with Section 162(m) of the Code
relating to the deductibility of performance-based compensation. It is intended that stock options
and awards under the 2009 Omnibus Plan with a performance component generally will satisfy the
requirements for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) while providing the
Compensation Committee the authority to grant non-performance-based awards where it deems
appropriate. Section 162(m) generally places a $1,000,000 limit on the tax deduction allowable for
compensation paid (or accrued for tax purposes) with respect to each of
26
the Principal Executive
Officer and the three other highest-paid executives during a tax year (other than the Principal
Financial Officer) unless the compensation meets certain requirements. To qualify for favorable tax
treatment, grants must be made by a committee consisting solely of two or more outside directors
(as defined under Section 162 regulations) and satisfy the limit on the total number of Common
Shares that may be awarded to any one participant during any calendar year. In addition, for grants
other than options to qualify, the granting, issuance, vesting or retention of the grant must be
contingent upon satisfying one or more performance criteria, as established and certified by a
committee consisting solely of two or more outside directors.
Finally, the 2009 Omnibus Plan is designed to be compliant with, or meet requirements for
exemptions from, Section 409A of the Code governing nonqualified deferred compensation.
Required Vote
Provided that a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the Common Shares
voted at the Annual Meeting on this proposal is required for approval and adoption of the 2009
Omnibus Plan. Shareholders present at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, will be
eligible to vote for or against adoption of the 2009 Omnibus Plan. Shareholders who abstain will in
effect be voting against the proposal. Broker non-votes will have no effect on this proposal.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the shareholders vote FOR
the proposal to approve and adopt our 2009 Omnibus Plan.
27
APPROVAL AND ADOPTION OF THE STOCK OPTION EXCHANGE PROGRAM
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committees, is requesting that shareholders approve a stock option exchange program (the
Option Exchange) that would permit the Companys outside Directors to exchange their outstanding
stock options with an exercise price in excess of $0.68 (the stock options eligible for the Option
Exchange are referred to as Eligible Options), pursuant to privately negotiated transactions for
a lesser number of new stock options that have approximately the same fair-value as the options
surrendered. In total, 401,980 Eligible Options, with exercise prices ranging from $0.69 to $7.56
and an estimated June 9, 2009 aggregate fair-value of $16,372, would be exchanged for 81,843
replacement options (Replacement Options) at an exercise price of $0.23 and an estimated June 9,
2009 aggregate fair-value of $16,372. A total of 136,917 existing stock options held by outside
Directors with exercise prices ranging from $0.12 to $0.37 would not be exchanged and would
continue under the terms and conditions of the original grant agreements.
The Board of Directors believes that the Option Exchange is in the best interest of the
Companys shareholders, as new stock options received under the Option Exchange will help motivate
and retain the Companys Directors. The use of $0.68 as a threshold is intended to ensure that only
outstanding options that are substantially underwater are eligible for the Option Exchange.
Underwater options are those options with exercise prices which are greater than the current
market price of the Common Shares. If shareholders approve this proposal, the Board of Directors
intends to complete the Option Exchange consistent with the terms which will be documented in each
Directors respective option exchange agreement. If shareholders do not approve this proposal and
the 2009 Omnibus Plan proposal, the Option Exchange will not take place.
Background
Stock options are an important tool in promoting the growth and profitability of the Company.
The decline in the value of the Common Shares has posed a major challenge to the Companys overall
goal of retaining and motivating its Directors, upon whom the Company and its shareholders rely to
help execute the Companys restructuring and continued improvement of operating results. Many of
the stock options that were previously granted now have exercise prices that are much higher than
the market price of the Common Shares and, as such, are ineffective as retention or incentive tools
for future performance.
During the fourth quarter of 2007, the Board of Directors decided that it would be in the best
interests of the Company to conserve cash by modifying the then-existing Director compensation
program, which consisted of payments in the form of cash and vested stock to non-management
Directors, to instead provide for an annual retainer payable solely in stock options with a value
of $32,000 per year. Total cash compensation paid to Directors participating in the Option Exchange
was $0 in 2008, compared to $48,000 and $64,000 in 2007 and 2006, respectively. As implemented, the
amended Director compensation program limits the aggregate number of stock options that may be
granted to Directors in any fiscal quarter to 42,000 options, and further provides that in the
event that the aggregate value of the Director compensation program would result in an issuance of
greater than 42,000 options in any quarter, each Directors quarterly compensation is to be
proportionately reduced so that the total option shares granted equals 42,000.
At the time the amended Director compensation program was approved, the Company did not
anticipate the current economic crisis nor that the Common Shares would decline to historic lows.
As a result of this decrease in the value of the Common Shares, together with the limitation on the
aggregate number options which may be granted in any fiscal quarter, the Directors have received
minimal compensation for their services. At the same time, the Directors have been required to
deliver significantly greater services and devote greater time to the Company than required
previously. While new stock option grants provide appropriate compensation for future services, it
remains necessary to address the nominal consideration received by the Directors for their past
services.
As of June 9, 2009, the valuation date used for purposes of setting the exercise price for the
Eligible Options, the Companys current outside Directors held stock options to purchase
approximately 504,500 Common Shares with exercise prices above the fair-value of the Common Shares
on that date, which represents approximately 94% of all options held by such Directors.
Approximately 80% of the options currently held by outside Directors are Eligible Options.
The Option Exchange has been designed to reinstate, as of the June 9, 2009 grant date, the
retention and motivational value of the Companys stock option program and to properly compensate
the Directors for their extraordinary service to the Company during the Companys restructuring
process. The loss of one or more of the Directors could have detrimental effects on the Company.
Given current conditions, the Company may not be able to secure a suitable replacement. The Company
can no longer expect the Directors to remain with the Company without receiving market-competitive
compensation. If the Company is to derive the intended benefits of the restructuring process and
achieve its goal of maximizing shareholder value in spite of the current economic climate, it is
essential that the Option Exchange be approved to allow the Company to provide the compensation
necessary to retain its Directors. See Director Compensation beginning on page 15 for a
discussion of other recent changes to the Director compensation program.
As designed, the Option Exchange involves the exchange of a lesser number of replacement
options with an aggregate fair-value equal to a greater number of existing underwater options.
In addition to reducing the number of outstanding options held by
28
Directors, the Option Exchange restores incentive value in the replacement options, which provide
Directors with the opportunity to increase their compensation, while at the same time maximizing
shareholder value, through the future appreciation of the market price of the Common Shares.
Description of Option Exchange
Agreement to Exchange Options . Under the Option Exchange, the Companys outside
Directors have been given the opportunity to exchange Eligible Options through privately negotiated
transactions with the Company for Replacement Options to purchase fewer Common Shares with an
exercise price equal to the market price of the Common Shares as of June 9, 2009, as quoted on the
Pink OTC Markets. If shareholders approve the Option Exchange, the Board of Directors intends to
complete the exchange consistent with the terms described herein, which will also be set forth in
each Directors respective option exchange agreement. Provided that the 2009 Omnibus Plan is
approved, the Replacement Options will be granted pursuant to the 2009 Omnibus Plan. Execution of
the Option Exchange is contingent upon shareholder approval of the 2009 Omnibus Plan.
Eligible Participants . The Option Exchange is only open to the Companys current
outside Directors. None of the Companys executive officers or any other employees or former
officers are permitted to participate in the Option Exchange.
Eligible Options . The options eligible for exchange are the outstanding stock options
granted to outside Directors that have exercise prices of $0.69 or greater. Each Director has
previously agreed to exchange all Eligible Options pursuant to the terms described herein.
Value-for-Value Exchange . The Company engaged BBP Partners LLC, an independent
valuation firm, for assistance in designing exchange ratios using the Black-Scholes valuation model
that would result in a fair-value of the Replacement Options that is approximately equal to the
fair-value of the Eligible Options that are surrendered in the Option Exchange. This
value-for-value exchange will result in the Directors receiving a lesser number of Replacement
Options that have approximately the same fair-value as the Eligible Options surrendered. The Board
of Directors determined to use $0.23 per share as the basis for setting the exchange metrics, which
was the closing price of the Common Shares on June 9, 2009 (the date on which the Board approved
the Option Exchange). Accordingly, the fair value of the replacement options was $0.20 per share as
of June 9, 2009.
Exercise Price of Replacement Options . Each Replacement Option issued pursuant to the
Option Exchange will have an exercise price equal to $0.23, which is equivalent to the closing
price of the Common Shares on June 9, 2009, as quoted on the Pink OTC Markets.
Vesting of Replacement Options . All Eligible Options are vested and as such, each
Replacement Option will be fully vested and immediately exercisable as of the date of grant.
Term of Replacement Options . Each Replacement Option will expire on the tenth
anniversary of the grant date of the Replacement Option.
Other Terms and Conditions of Replacement Options . The other terms and conditions of
each Replacement Option will be substantially similar to those of the Eligible Option it replaces.
Assuming shareholder approval and adoption of the 2009 Omnibus Plan, each Replacement Option will
be granted pursuant to the 2009 Omnibus Plan, and accordingly, will be governed by its terms.
Cancellation of Eligible Options . The Eligible Options will be cancelled and will not
be available for future grant under any of the Companys then-existing equity plan(s).
Implementation of the Option Exchange . If shareholders approve the Option Exchange,
the Eligible Options will be cancelled immediately and Replacement Options will be granted
immediately thereafter consistent with the terms described herein and as set forth in each
Directors respective option exchange agreement.
Effect on Shareholders . If the Option Exchange is approved, the number of Common
Shares underlying the Eligible Options to be surrendered would be 401,980, and the number of Common
Shares underlying the Replacement Options would be 81,843, reducing the total number of Common
Shares underlying options held by the Directors by 320,137. For additional information regarding
the effect of approval of the Option Exchange on shareholders, see Potential Dilution
(Overhang), located on page 22 of this Proxy Statement.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences . The exchange of stock options pursuant to the
Option Exchange should be treated as a non-taxable exchange because the Replacement Options will
have an exercise price equal to the market price of the Common Shares on the grant date. The
Company and participating Directors should not recognize any income for U.S. federal income tax
purposes upon the grant of the Replacement Options. All Replacement Options granted under the
Option Exchange will be non-qualified stock options for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
29
Accounting Treatment . This Option Exchange is intended to provide the Directors with
Replacement Options having a fair-value that is approximately equal to the fair-value of the
Eligible Options being exchanged as of June 9, 2009. Note that the Option Exchange metrics were
established prior to commencement of the Exchange Offer. Therefore, some risk of incremental
compensation does exist if there are fluctuations in the fair-value of the Common Shares or other
key inputs to the Black-Scholes option valuation model between June 9, 2009, the date the Option
Exchange metrics were established, and the effective date of the Option Exchange. Incremental
compensation cost, if any, associated with the Replacement Options under the Option Exchange will
be recognized on the effective date of the Replacement Options.
Vote Required for Approval. Provided that a quorum is present, the affirmative vote
of a majority of the Common Shares voted at the Annual Meeting on this proposal is required for
approval and adoption of the Option Exchange. Shareholders present at the Annual Meeting, either in
person or by proxy, will be eligible to vote for or against adoption of the Option Exchange.
Shareholders who abstain will in effect be voting against the proposal. Broker non-votes will have
no effect on this proposal.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the shareholders vote FOR
the proposal to approve and adopt the Option Exchange.
30
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys Directors and
certain of its executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of its Common
Shares to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5 with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. These people are further required to furnish us with copies of
all such forms filed by them.
Based solely on our review of the copies of the forms that we received, we believe that all of
the Section 16(a) filing requirements were satisfied by our Directors, executive officers and
beneficial owners of more than 10% of our Common Shares, except for the Form 4 filed by Mr. Harris
on January 13, 2009, and such filing was delinquent because of an inadvertent administrative error.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
As described in greater detail in the Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 17, 2006
(the Merger 8-K), on February 13, 2006, the Company acquired ClickFind. Mr. Jim Bob Ward, who was
the founder and a significant shareholder of ClickFind, also served as its President and Chief
Executive Officer.
The negotiated terms of the acquisition were for an aggregate purchase price of $18,000,000,
less approximately $328,000 in certain transaction expenses and certain indebtedness of ClickFind.
The cash portion of the purchase price, less cash acquired of $87,000, was approximately
$4,669,000. The remainder of the purchase price consisted of $4,000,000 in notes payable (the
ClickFind Notes) and the issuance of approximately $7,863,000 in Common Shares (1,026,522 Common
Shares). The $3,000,000 balance of the ClickFind Notes had an interest rate of prime plus 1%. The
final principal payment was to be payable on February 1, 2009.
In conjunction with the acquisition of ClickFind, the Company appointed Mr. Ward as Vice
President of eClinical Development and entered into an employment agreement with him (Mr. Wards
official title was subsequently changed to Vice President of Research and Development, and
effective March 31, 2008, Mr. Ward was appointed Executive Vice President of Market and Client
Strategy). In connection with the acquisition of ClickFind, we entered into a Limited Software
License Agreement with Mr. Ward, granting Mr. Ward a limited, royalty-free, non-exclusive license
to use, make and create modifications of, sublicense and distribute copies of, and sublicense in
executable form the current version of the ClickFind software (as it existed at the time of the
closing of our acquisition of ClickFind) in different non-competitive commercial applications. A
copy of the License Agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.3 to the Merger 8-K.
In 2008, the Company and certain of the former shareholders of ClickFind, including Mr. Ward
(the Defendants), were involved in a legal dispute (the Lawsuit), regarding a number of
matters, including certain representations and warranties in the ClickFind merger agreement and the
Companys obligation to pay the remaining balance of the ClickFind Notes.
On December 18, 2008, the Company announced that it and the Defendants entered into a
settlement agreement (the Settlement Agreement) whereby the parties settled all claims against
each other relating to the Lawsuit. The Settlement Agreement provided, among other things, that the
Defendants discharge and release their rights to payment from the Company of both the remaining
$3,000,000 principal balance of the ClickFind Notes and accrued interest thereon of approximately
$180,000. Furthermore, the Company entered into an amendment to Mr. Wards employment agreement,
whereby the period during which Mr. Ward remains restricted from engaging in certain activities
pursuant to the provisions of his employment agreement, including but not limited to
non-competition and non-solicitation provisions, was reduced from thirty-six (36) months to
eighteen (18) months following November 1, 2008. The remaining obligations set forth in Mr. Wards
employment agreement, including but not limited to confidentiality and intellectual property
provisions, remain in full force and effect. Additionally, pursuant to the Settlement Agreement,
the Company agreed to make equal periodic payments to Mr. Ward totaling One Hundred Forty Thousand
Dollars ($140,000) in the aggregate, during the one-year period starting November 1, 2008 and
ending on October 31, 2009.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2010 ANNUAL MEETING
Any shareholder who meets the requirements of the proxy rules under the Exchange Act may
submit proposals to the Board of Directors to be considered for submission in our proxy materials
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2010. Proposals should be submitted in writing
by notice delivered or mailed by first-class United States mail, postage prepaid, to Investor
Relations, c/o DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150 Parkland Boulevard, Suite 100, Mayfield Heights,
Ohio 44124, and must be received no later than March 30, 2010. Any notice shall include: (a) the
name and address of the shareholder and the text of the proposal to be introduced, (b) the number
of Common Shares held of record, owned beneficially and represented by proxy by the shareholder as
of the date of the notice and (c) a representation that the shareholder intends to appear in person
or by proxy at the meeting to introduce the proposal specified in the notice.
31
Unless we receive notice of a shareholder proposal not included in our 2010 proxy statement to
be brought before the 2010 Annual Meeting by June 14, 2010, then we may use our discretion in
voting proxies with respect to any shareholder proposal properly brought before such Annual
Meeting. The chairman of the Annual Meeting may refuse to acknowledge the introduction of any
shareholder proposal not made in compliance with the foregoing procedures.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any matter to come before the Annual Meeting other than
those mentioned in the accompanying notice. However, if other matters shall properly come before
the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote in
accordance with their best judgment on those matters.
A copy of DATATRAKs Annual Report has been provided to shareholders with this proxy
statement. If a shareholder entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting did not receive a copy of the
Annual Report with this proxy statement, that shareholder may request a copy of the Annual Report
from us. Upon the receipt of a written request from any shareholder entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting, we will mail, at no charge to the shareholder, a copy of our Annual Report, including the
financial statements and schedules required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Rule 13a-1 under the Exchange Act, for our most recent fiscal year. Requests from
beneficial owners of Common Shares must include a good-faith representation that, as of the record
date of the Annual Meeting, the person making the request was the beneficial owner of securities
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Written requests for the Annual Report should be directed
to: Investor Relations, DATATRAK International, Inc., 6150 Parkland Boulevard, Suite 100, Mayfield
Heights, Ohio 44124.
You are urged to sign and return your proxy promptly in order to make certain your shares will
be voted at the Annual Meeting. For your convenience, a return envelope is enclosed requiring no
additional postage if mailed in the United States.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Varnesh Sritharan
Secretary
July 28, 2009
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DATATRAK INTERNATIONAL, INC.
2009 OMNIBUS EQUITY PLAN
ARTICLE 1
General Purpose of Plan; Definitions
1.1 Name and Purposes. The name of this plan is the DATATRAK International, Inc. 2009 Omnibus
Equity Plan. The purpose of this Plan is to enable DATATRAK International, Inc. and its Affiliates
to: (i) attract and retain skilled and qualified officers, employees, consultants and directors who
are expected to contribute to the Companys success by providing long-term incentive compensation
opportunities competitive with those made available by other companies; (ii) motivate participants
to achieve the long-term success and growth of the Company; (iii) facilitate ownership of shares of
the Company; and (iv) align the interests of the participants with those of the Companys
Shareholders.
1.2 Certain Definitions. Unless the context otherwise indicates, the following words used
herein shall have the following meanings whenever used in this instrument:
(a) Affiliate means, with respect to any entity, any entity directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such entity within the meaning of
Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code.
(b) Award means any grant under this Plan of a Common Share, Stock Option, Stock
Appreciation Right, Restricted Share, Restricted Share Unit or Performance Share to any Plan
participant.
(c) Board of Directors means the Board of Directors of the Company, as constituted
from time to time.
(d) Change in Control is defined in Section 12.1.
(e) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any lawful
regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder. Whenever reference is made to a specific
Internal Revenue Code section, such reference shall be deemed to be a reference to any
successor Internal Revenue Code section or sections with the same or similar purpose.
(f) Committee means the entity administering this Plan as provided in Section 2.1.
(g) Common Shares means the common shares, without par value, of the Company.
(h) Company means DATATRAK International, Inc., a corporation organized under the
laws of the State of Ohio and, except for purposes of determining whether a Change in
Control has occurred, any corporation or entity that is a successor to DATATRAK
International, Inc. or substantially all of the assets of DATATRAK
International, Inc. and that assumes the obligations of DATATRAK International, Inc.
under this Plan by operation of law or otherwise.
(i) Date of Grant means the date on which the Committee grants an Award.
(j) Director means a member of the Board of Directors.
(k) Disability means a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can
be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not
less than 12 months which: (i) renders a participant unable to engage in any substantial
gainful activity; or (ii) results in a participant receiving income replacement benefits for
at least 3 months under an accident and health plan sponsored by the Company or an
Affiliate.
(l) Early Retirement means a participants retirement from active employment or
active directorship with the Company or an Affiliate on and after the later of attainment of
age 62 or the completion of 20 years of service.
(m) Eligible Director is defined in Article 4.
(n) Employment as used herein (whether or not capitalized) shall be deemed to refer
to (i) a participants employment if the participant is an employee of the Company or any of
its Affiliates, (ii) a participants services as a consultant, if the participant as a
consultant to the Company or its Affiliates and (iii) a participants services as a
non-employee director, if the participant is a non-employee member of the Board of
Directors; provided that, for any Award that is or becomes subject to Section 409A of the
Code, termination of employment means a separation from service under Section 409A of the
Code.
(o) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any
lawful regulations or guidance promulgated thereunder.
(p) Exercise Price means the purchase price of a Share pursuant to a Stock Option or
the base value for measuring the appreciation of a Stock Appreciation Right.
(q) Fair Market Value means the last closing price of a Share as reported on The
Nasdaq Stock Market, or, if applicable, on another national securities exchange on which the
Common Shares are principally traded, on the date for which the determination of Fair Market
Value is made, or, if there are no sales of Common Shares on such date, then on the most
recent immediately preceding date on which there were any sales of Common Shares. If the
Common Shares are not, or cease to be, traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market or another national
securities exchange, Fair Market Value means the last reported bid price published in the
pink sheets or displayed on the OTC Bulletin Board, as the case may be. If the Common
Shares are not, or cease to be, traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market, or another national
securities exchange, or published in the pink sheets or authorized for quotation on the
OTC Bulletin Board, the Fair Market Value of Common Shares shall be determined pursuant to
a reasonable valuation method prescribed by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
as of any date, the Fair
Market Value of Common Shares shall be determined in a manner consistent with
Section 409A of the Code and the guidance thereunder. In addition, Fair Market Value with
respect to ISOs and related SARs shall be determined in accordance with Section 6.2(f).
(r) Incentive Stock Option and ISO mean a Stock Option that is identified as such
and which meets the requirements of Section 422 of the Code.
(s) Non-Qualified Stock Option and NQSO mean a Stock Option that: (i) is governed
by Section 83 of the Code; and (ii) does not meet the requirements of Section 422 of the
Code.
(t) Normal Retirement means retirement from active employment or active directorship
with the Company or an Affiliate on or after attainment of age 65.
(u) Outside Director means a Director who meets the definitions of the terms outside
director set forth in Section 162(m) of the Code, independent director set forth in The
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. rules, and non-employee director set forth in Rule 16b-3, or any
successor definitions adopted by the Internal Revenue Service, The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.
and Securities and Exchange Commission, respectively, and similar requirements under any
other applicable laws and regulations.
(v) Parent means any corporation which qualifies as a parent corporation of the
Company under Section 424(e) of the Code.
(w) Performance Shares is defined in Article 9.
(x) Plan means this DATATRAK International, Inc. 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan, as amended
from time to time.
(y) Plan Year means the calendar year.
(z) Restricted Share Units is defined in Article 8.
(aa) Restricted Shares is defined in Article 8.
(bb) Retirement means Normal Retirement or Early Retirement.
2
(cc) Rule 16b-3 is defined in Article 17.
(dd) Section 16 Person means a person subject to potential liability under
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act with respect to transactions involving equity securities
of the Company.
(ee) Section 162(m) Person means, for any taxable year, a person who is a covered
employee within the meaning of Section 162(m)(3) of the Code.
(ff) Share or Shares mean one or more of the Common Shares.
(gg) Shareholder means an individual or entity that owns one or more Shares.
(hh) Stock Appreciation Rights and SARs mean any right pursuant to an Award granted
under Article 7.
(ii) Stock Option means any right to purchase a specified number of Shares at a
specified price which is granted pursuant to Article 5 and may be an Incentive Stock Option
or a Non-Qualified Stock Option.
(jj) Stock Power means a power of attorney executed by a participant and delivered to
the Company which authorizes the Company to transfer ownership of Restricted Shares,
Performance Shares or Common Shares from the participant to the Company or a third party.
(kk) Subsidiary means any corporation which qualifies as a subsidiary corporation
of the Company under Section 424(f) of the Code.
(ll) Vested means, with respect to a Common Share, when the Common Share has been
awarded; with respect to a Stock Option, that the time has been reached when the option to
purchase Shares first becomes exercisable; with respect to a Stock Appreciation Right, when
the Stock Appreciation Right first becomes exercisable for payment; with respect to
Restricted Shares, when the Shares are no longer subject to forfeiture and restrictions on
transferability; with respect to Restricted Share Units and Performance Shares, when the
units or Shares are no longer subject to forfeiture and are convertible to Shares. The words
Vest and Vesting have meanings correlative to the foregoing.
ARTICLE 2
Administration
2.1 Authority and Duties of the Committee.
(a) The Plan shall be administered by a Committee of at least three Directors who are
appointed by the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors,
the Compensation Committee shall serve as the Committee, and all of the members of the
Committee shall be Outside Directors. Notwithstanding the requirement that the Committee
consist exclusively of Outside Directors, no action or determination by the Committee or an
individual then considered to be an Outside Director shall be deemed void because a member
of the Committee or such individual fails to satisfy the requirements for being an Outside
Director, except to the extent required by applicable law.
(b) The Committee has the power and authority to grant Awards pursuant to the terms of
this Plan to officers, employees, consultants and Eligible Directors.
(c) The Committee has the sole and exclusive authority, subject to any limitations
specifically set forth in this Plan, to:
(i) select the officers, employees, consultants and Eligible Directors to whom
Awards are granted;
(ii) determine the types of Awards granted and the timing of such Awards;
(iii) determine the number of Shares to be covered by each Award granted
hereunder;
3
(iv) determine whether an Award is, or is intended to be, performance-based
compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code;
(v) determine the other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms
of this Plan and any operative employment or other agreement, of any Award granted
hereunder; such terms and conditions include, but are not limited to, the Exercise
Price, the time or times when Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be exercised
(which may be based on performance objectives), any Vesting, acceleration or waiver
of forfeiture restrictions, any performance criteria (including any performance
criteria as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code) applicable to an Award,
and any restriction or limitation regarding any Option or Stock Appreciation Right
or the Common Shares relating thereto, based in each case on such factors as the
Committee, in its sole discretion, shall determine;
(vi) determine whether any conditions or objectives related to Awards have been
met, including any such determination required for compliance with Section 162(m) of
the Code;
(vii) subsequently modify or waive any terms and conditions of Awards, not
inconsistent with the terms of this Plan and any operative employment or other
agreement;
(viii) adopt, alter and repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and
practices governing this Plan as it deems advisable from time to time;
(ix) promulgate such administrative forms as they from time to time deem
necessary or appropriate for administration of the Plan;
(x) construe, interpret, administer and implement the terms and provisions of
this Plan, any Award and any related agreements;
(xi) correct any defect, supply any omission and reconcile any inconsistency in
or between the Plan, any Award and any related agreements;
(xii) prescribe any legends to be affixed to certificates representing Shares
or other interests granted or issued under the Plan; and
(xiii) otherwise supervise the administration of this Plan.
(d) The Committee shall confer with the Board of Directors regarding the Committees
intentions prior to making grants under this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, all
decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of this Plan are final and
binding on all persons, including the Company, its Shareholders and participants, but may be
made by their terms subject to ratification or approval by, the Board of Directors, another
committee of the Board of Directors or Shareholders.
(e) The Company shall furnish the Committee with such clerical and other assistance as
is necessary for the performance of the Committees duties under the Plan.
2.2 Delegation of Duties. The Committee may delegate ministerial duties to any other person or
persons, and it may employ attorneys, consultants, accountants or other professional advisers for
purposes of plan administration at the expense of the Company.
2.3 Limitation of Liability. Members of the Board of Directors, members of the Committee and
Company employees who are their designees acting under this Plan shall be fully protected in
relying in good faith upon the advice of counsel and shall incur no liability except for gross or
willful misconduct in the performance of their duties hereunder.
4
ARTICLE 3
Stock Subject to Plan
3.1 Total Shares Limitation. Subject to the provisions of this Article, the maximum number of
Shares that may be issued pursuant to Awards granted under this Plan is 2,100,000, which may be
treasury or authorized but unissued Shares.
3.2 Other Limitations.
(a) ISO Limitations. The maximum number of Shares available with respect to all Stock
Options granted under this Plan is 2,100,000 Shares. The maximum number of Shares available
with respect to Incentive Stock Options granted under this Plan is 2,100,000 Shares.
(b) Participant Limitation. The aggregate number of Shares underlying Awards granted
under this Plan to any participant in any Plan Year (including but not limited to Awards of
Options and SARs), regardless of whether such Awards are thereafter canceled, forfeited or
terminated, shall not exceed 500,000 Shares. The foregoing annual limitation is intended to
include the grant of all Awards, including but not limited to, Awards representing
performance-based compensation as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code.
3.3 Awards Not Exercised; Effect of Receipt of Shares. If any outstanding Award, or portion
thereof, expires, or is terminated, canceled or forfeited, the Shares that would otherwise be
issuable with respect to the unexercised portion of such expired, terminated, canceled or forfeited
Award shall be available for subsequent Awards under this Plan. If the Exercise Price of an Award
is paid in Shares, Shares underlying the exercised portion of an SAR are not issued upon exercise
of the SAR, Shares are withheld to satisfy an individual participants tax obligations or Shares
are repurchased by the Company on the open market with respect to Awards under this Plan, the
Shares received, not issued, withheld or repurchased by the Company in connection therewith shall
not be added to the maximum aggregate number of Shares which may be issued under Section 3.1.
3.4 Dilution and Other Adjustments. In the event that the Committee determines that any
dividend or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, Shares, other securities or other
property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, redesignation,
reclassification, merger, consolidation, liquidation, split-up, reverse split, spin-off,
combination, repurchase or exchange of Shares or other securities of the Company, issuance of
warrants or other rights to purchase Shares or other securities of the Company or other similar
corporate transaction or event affects the Shares such that an adjustment is determined by the
Committee to be appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the benefits or
potential benefits intended to be made available under this Plan, then the Committee may, in such
manner as it deems equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and type of Shares (or other
securities or other property) which thereafter may be made the subject of Awards, (ii) the number
and type of Shares (or other securities or other property) subject to outstanding Awards, (iii) the
limitations set forth above and (iv) the purchase or Exercise Price or any performance objective
with respect to any Award; provided, however, that the number of Shares or other securities covered
by any Award or to which such Award relates is always a whole number. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the foregoing adjustments shall be made in compliance with: (i) Sections 422 and 424 of
the Code with respect to ISOs; (ii) Treasury Department Regulation Section 1.424-1 (and any
successor) with respect to NQSOs, applied as if the NQSOs were ISOs; (iii) Section 409A of the
Code, to the extent necessary to avoid its application or avoid adverse tax consequences
thereunder; and (iv) Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to Awards granted to Section 162(m)
Persons that are intended to be performance-based compensation, unless specifically determined
otherwise by the Committee.
ARTICLE 4
Participants
4.1 Eligibility. Officers, all other active common law employees of the Company or any of its
Affiliates, consultants and Outside Directors (each an Eligible Director) who are selected by the
Committee in its sole discretion are eligible to participate in this Plan. (See Article 14 and
Article 18 with respect to the Shareholder approval requirement.)
4.2 Plan Agreements. Awards are contingent upon the participants execution of a written
agreement in a form prescribed by the Committee. Execution of a plan agreement shall constitute the
participants irrevocable agreement to, and
5
acceptance of, the terms and conditions
of the Award set forth in such agreement and of the terms and conditions of the Plan
applicable to such Award. Plan agreements may differ from time to time and from participant to
participant.
ARTICLE 5
Stock Option Awards
5.1 Option Grant. Each Stock Option granted under this Plan will be evidenced by minutes of a
meeting, or by a unanimous written consent without a meeting, of the Committee and by a written
agreement dated as of the Date of Grant and executed by the Company and by the appropriate
participant.
5.2 Terms and Conditions of Grants. Stock Options granted under this Plan are subject to the
following terms and conditions and may contain such additional terms, conditions, restrictions and
contingencies with respect to exercisability and/or with respect to the Shares acquired upon
exercise as may be provided in the relevant agreement evidencing the Stock Options, so long as such
terms and conditions are not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan and any operative employment
or other agreement, as the Committee deems desirable:
(a) Exercise Price. Subject to Section 3.4, the Exercise Price will never be less than
100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the Date of Grant. If a variable Exercise
Price is specified at the time of grant, the Exercise Price may vary pursuant to a formula
or other method established by the Committee; provided, however, that such formula or method
will provide for a minimum Exercise Price equal to the Fair Market Value of the Shares on
the Date of Grant. Except as otherwise provided in Section 3.4, no subsequent amendment of
an outstanding Stock Option may reduce the Exercise Price to less than 100% of the Fair
Market Value of the Shares on the Date of Grant. Nothing in this Section 5.2(a) shall be
construed as limiting the Committees authority to grant premium price Stock Options which
do not become exercisable until the Fair Market Value of the underlying Shares exceeds a
specified percentage (e.g., 110%) of the Exercise Price; provided, however, that such
percentage will never be less than 100%.
(b) Option Term. Any unexercised portion of a Stock Option granted hereunder shall
expire at the end of the stated term of the Stock Option. The Committee shall determine the
term of each Stock Option at the time of grant, which term shall not exceed 10 years from
the Date of Grant. The Committee may extend the term of a Stock Option, in its discretion,
but not beyond a date later than the earlier of (i) the latest date upon which the Stock
Option could have expired by its original terms under any circumstances or (ii) the date
immediately prior to the tenth anniversary of the original Date of Grant. If a definite term
is not specified by the Committee at the time of grant, then the term is deemed to be 10
years. Nothing in this Section 5.2(b) shall be construed as limiting the Committees
authority to grant Stock Options with a term shorter than 10 years.
(c) Vesting. Stock Options, or portions thereof, are exercisable at such time or times
as determined by the Committee in its discretion at or after grant. If the Committee
provides that any Stock Option becomes Vested over a period of time, in full or in
installments, the Committee may waive or accelerate such Vesting provisions at any time.
(d) Method of Exercise. Vested portions of any Stock Option may be exercised in whole
or in part at any time during the option term by giving written notice of exercise to the
Company specifying the number of Shares to be purchased. The notice must be given by or on
behalf of a person entitled to exercise the Stock Option, accompanied by payment in full of
the Exercise Price, along with any tax withholding pursuant to Article 16. Subject to the
approval of the Committee, the Exercise Price may be paid:
(i) in cash in any manner satisfactory to the Committee;
(ii) by tendering (by either actual delivery of Shares or by attestation)
unrestricted Shares that are owned on the date of exercise by the person entitled to
exercise the Stock Option having an aggregate Fair Market Value on the date of
exercise equal to the Exercise Price applicable to such Stock Option exercise;
(iii) by a combination of cash and unrestricted Shares that are owned on the
date of exercise by the person entitled to exercise the Stock Option; and
6
(iv) by another method permitted by law and affirmatively approved by the
Committee which assures full and immediate payment or satisfaction of the Exercise
Price.
The Committee may withhold its approval for any method of payment for any
reason, in its sole discretion, including but not limited to concerns that the
proposed method of payment will result in adverse financial accounting treatment,
adverse tax treatment for the Company or a participant or a violation of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended from time to time, and related regulations
and guidance.
(e) Issuance of Shares. The Company will issue or cause to be issued Shares as soon as
practicable upon exercise of the Option. No Shares will be issued until full payment has
been made. Until the issuance (as evidenced by the appropriate entry on the books of the
Company or of a duly authorized transfer agent of the Company) of the stock certificate
evidencing such Shares, no right to vote or receive dividends or any other rights as a
Shareholder will exist with respect to the Shares, notwithstanding the exercise of the
Option.
(f) Limitation on Gain. Nothing in this Article 5 shall be construed as prohibiting the
Committee from granting Stock Options subject to a limit on the gain that may be realized
upon exercise of such Stock Options. Any such limit shall be explicitly provided for in the
relevant plan agreement.
(g) Form. Unless the grant of a Stock Option is designated at the time of grant as an
ISO, it is deemed to be an NQSO. ISOs are subject to the additional terms and conditions in
Article 6.
(h) Special Limitations on Stock Option Awards. Unless an Award agreement approved by
the Committee provides otherwise, Stock Options awarded under this Plan are intended to meet
the requirements for exclusion from coverage under Section 409A of the Code and all Stock
Option Awards shall be construed and administered accordingly.
5.3 Termination of Grants Prior to Expiration. Unless otherwise provided in an Award,
employment or other agreement entered into between the optionee and the Company and approved by the
Committee, either before or after the Date of Grant, and subject to Article 6 with respect to ISOs,
the following early termination provisions apply to all Stock Options:
(a) Termination by Death. If an optionees employment or directorship with the Company
or its Affiliates terminates by reason of his or her death, all Stock Options held by such
optionee will immediately become Vested, but thereafter may only be exercised (by the legal
representative of the optionees estate, or by the legatee or heir of the optionee pursuant
to a will or the laws of descent and distribution) for a period of one year (or such other
period as the Committee may specify at or after the time of grant) from the date of such
death, or until the expiration of the original term of the Stock Option, whichever period is
shorter.
(b) Termination by Reason of Disability. If an optionees employment or directorship
with the Company or its Affiliates terminates by reason of his or her Disability, all Stock
Options held by such optionee will immediately become Vested, but thereafter may only be
exercised for a period of one year (or such other period as the Committee may specify at or
after the time of grant) from the date of such termination of employment, or until the
expiration of the original term of the Stock Option, whichever period is shorter. If the
optionee dies within such one year period (or such other period as applicable), any
unexercised Stock Option held by such optionee will thereafter be exercisable by the legal
representative of the optionees estate, or by the legatee or heir of the optionee pursuant
to a will or the laws of descent and distribution, for the greater of the remainder of the
one year period (or other period as applicable) or for a period of 12 months from the date
of such death, but in no event shall any portion of the Stock Option be exercisable after
its original stated expiration date.
(c) Termination by Reason of Retirement. If an optionees employment or directorship
with the Company or its Affiliates terminates by reason of his or her Retirement, all Stock
Options held by such optionee immediately become Vested but thereafter may only be exercised
for a period of two years (or such other period as the Committee may specify at or after the
time of grant) from the date of such Retirement, or until the expiration of the original
term of the Stock Option, whichever period is shorter. If the optionee dies within such two
year period (or such other period as applicable), any unexercised Stock Option held by such
optionee will thereafter be exercisable by the legal representative of the optionees
estate, or by the legatee or heir of the optionee pursuant to a will or the laws of descent
and distribution, for the greater of the remainder of the two year period (or such other
period as applicable) or for a period of 12 months from the date of such death, but in no
event shall any portion of the Stock Option be exercisable after its original stated
expiration date.
(d) Other Terminations. If an optionees employment or directorship with the Company or
its Affiliates is terminated for reasons other than his or her death, Disability or
Retirement, all Stock Options (or portions thereof) which
7
have not been exercised, whether
Vested or not, are automatically forfeited immediately upon termination, except as otherwise
provided in the relevant agreement evidencing the Stock Options.
ARTICLE 6
Special Rules Applicable to Incentive Stock Options
6.1 Eligibility. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, an ISO may
only be granted to full or part-time employees (including officers and Directors who are also
employees) of the Company or of an Affiliate, provided that the Affiliate is a Parent or
Subsidiary.
6.2 Special ISO Rules.
(a) Term. No ISO may be exercisable on or after the tenth anniversary of the Date of
Grant, and no ISO may be granted under this Plan on or after the tenth anniversary of the
effective date of this Plan. (See Article 18.)
(b) Ten Percent Shareholder. No grantee may receive an ISO under this Plan if such
grantee, at the time the Award is granted, owns (after application of the rules contained in
Section 424(d) of the Code) equity securities possessing more than 10% of the total combined
voting power of all classes of equity securities of the Company, its Parent or any
Subsidiary, unless (i) the Exercise Price for such ISO is at least 110% of the Fair Market
Value of the Shares as of the Date of Grant, and (ii) such ISO is not exercisable on or
after the fifth anniversary of the Date of Grant.
(c) Limitation on Grants. The aggregate Fair Market Value (determined with respect to
each ISO at the time of grant) of the Shares with respect to which ISOs are exercisable for
the first time by a grantee during any Plan Year (under this Plan or any other plan adopted
by the Company or its Parent or its Subsidiary) shall not exceed $100,000. If such aggregate
Fair Market Value shall exceed $100,000, such number of ISOs as shall have an aggregate Fair
Market Value equal to the amount in excess of $100,000 shall be treated as NQSOs.
(d) Non-Transferability. Notwithstanding any other provision herein to the contrary, no
ISO granted hereunder (and, if applicable, related Stock Appreciation Right) may be
transferred except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, nor may such ISO (or
related Stock Appreciation Right) be exercisable during a grantees lifetime other than by
him (or his guardian or legal representative to the extent permitted by applicable law).
(e) Termination of Employment. No ISO may be exercised more than three months following
termination of employment for any reason (including Retirement) other than death or
disability, nor more than one year following termination of employment for
the reason of death or disability (as defined in Section 422 of the Code), or such
option will no longer qualify as an ISO and shall thereafter be, and receive the tax
treatment applicable to, an NQSO. For this purpose, a termination of employment is cessation
of employment such that no employment relationship exists between the participant and the
Company, a Parent or a Subsidiary.
(f) Fair Market Value. For purposes of any ISO granted hereunder (or, if applicable,
related Stock Appreciation Right), the Fair Market Value of Shares shall be determined in
the manner required by Section 422 of the Code.
6.3 Subject to Code Amendments. The foregoing limitations are designed to comply with the
requirements of Section 422 of the Code and shall be automatically amended or modified to comply
with amendments or modifications to Section 422 of the Code. Any ISO which fails to comply with
Section 422 of the Code is automatically treated as an NQSO appropriately granted under this Plan
provided it otherwise meets the Plans requirements for NQSOs.
ARTICLE 7
Stock Appreciation Rights
7.1 SAR Grant and Agreement. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted under this Plan, either
independently or in conjunction with the grant of a Stock Option. Each SAR granted under this Plan
will be evidenced by minutes of a meeting, or by a
8
unanimous written consent without a meeting, of
the Committee and by a written agreement dated as of the Date of
Grant and executed by the Company
and by the appropriate participant. Subject to Section 3.4, the Exercise Price of an SAR will
never be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares on the Date of Grant.
7.2 SARs Granted in Conjunction with Option. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted in
conjunction with all or part of any Stock Option granted under this Plan at the same time, and
subject to the same terms and conditions, as the grant of the Stock Option, and will be subject to
the following terms and conditions:
(a) Term. Each Stock Appreciation Right, or applicable portion thereof, granted with
respect to a given Stock Option or portion thereof terminates and is no longer exercisable
upon the termination or exercise of the related Stock Option, or applicable portion thereof.
(b) Exercisability. A Stock Appreciation Right is exercisable only at such time or
times and to the extent that the Stock Option to which it relates is Vested and exercisable
in accordance with the provisions of Article 5 or otherwise as the Committee may determine
at or after the time of grant.
(c) Method of Exercise. A Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised by the surrender of
the applicable portion of the related Stock Option. Stock Options which have been so
surrendered, in whole or in part, are no longer exercisable to the extent the
related Stock Appreciation Rights have been exercised and are deemed to have been
exercised for the purpose of the limitation set forth in Article 3 on the number of Shares
to be issued under this Plan, but only to the extent of the number of Shares actually issued
under the Stock Appreciation Right at the time of exercise. Upon the exercise of a Stock
Appreciation Right, subject to satisfaction of tax withholding requirements pursuant to
Article 16, the holder of the Stock Appreciation Right is entitled to receive Shares equal
in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the exercise date over the
Exercise Price per Share specified in the related Stock Option, multiplied by the number of
Shares in respect of which the Stock Appreciation Right is exercised. At any time the
Exercise Price per Share of the related Stock Option exceeds the Fair Market Value of one
Share, the holder of the Stock Appreciation Right shall not be permitted to exercise such
right.
7.3 Independent SARs. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted without related Stock Options,
and independent Stock Appreciation Rights will be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(a) Term. Any unexercised portion of an independent Stock Appreciation Right granted
hereunder shall expire at the end of the stated term of the Stock Appreciation Right. The
Committee shall determine the term of each Stock Appreciation Right at the time of grant,
which term shall not exceed ten years from the Date of Grant. The Committee may extend the
term of a Stock Appreciation Right, in its discretion, but not beyond a date later than the
earlier of (i) the latest date upon which the Stock Appreciation Right could have expired by
its original terms under any circumstances or (ii) the date immediately prior to the tenth
anniversary of the original Date of Grant. If a definite term is not specified by the
Committee at the time of grant, then the term is deemed to be ten years.
(b) Exercisability. A Stock Appreciation Right is exercisable, in whole or in part, at
such time or times as determined by the Committee at or after the time of grant.
(c) Method of Exercise. A Stock Appreciation Right may be exercised in whole or in part
during the term by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying the number of
Shares in respect of which the Stock Appreciation Right is being exercised. The notice must
be given by or on behalf of a person entitled to exercise the Stock Appreciation Right. Upon
the exercise of a Stock Appreciation Right, subject to satisfaction of tax withholding
requirements pursuant to Article 16, the holder of the Stock Appreciation Right is entitled
to receive Shares equal in value to the excess of the Fair Market Value of a Share on the
exercise date over the Exercise Price multiplied by the number of Stock Appreciation Rights
being exercised. At any time the Fair Market Value of a Share on a proposed exercise date
does not exceed the Exercise Price, the holder of the Stock Appreciation Right shall not be
permitted to exercise such right.
(d) Early Termination Prior to Expiration. Unless otherwise provided in an Award,
employment or other agreement entered into between the holder of the Stock Appreciation
Right and the Company and approved by the Committee, either before or
after the Date of Grant, the early termination provisions set forth in Section 5.3 as
applied to Non-Qualified Stock Options will apply to independent Stock Appreciation Rights.
9
7.4 Other Terms and Conditions of SAR Grants. Stock Appreciation Rights are subject to such
other terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Plan and any operative
employment or other agreement, as are determined from time to time by the Committee.
7.5 Special Limitations on SAR Awards. Unless an Award agreement approved by the Committee
provides otherwise, Stock Appreciation Rights awarded under this Plan are intended to meet the
requirements for exclusion from coverage under Section 409A of the Code and all Stock Appreciation
Rights Awards shall be construed and administered accordingly.
ARTICLE 8
Restricted Share and Restricted Share Unit Awards
8.1 Restricted Share Grants and Agreements. Restricted Share Awards consist of Shares which
are issued by the Company to a participant at no cost or at a purchase price determined by the
Committee which may be below their Fair Market Value but which are subject to forfeiture and
restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant. Each Restricted Share Award
granted under this Plan will be evidenced by minutes of a meeting, or by a unanimous written
consent without a meeting, of the Committee and by a written agreement dated as of the Date of
Grant and executed by the Company and by the participant. The timing of Restricted Share Awards and
the number of Shares to be issued (subject to Section 3.2) are to be determined by the Committee in
its discretion. By accepting a grant of Restricted Shares, the participant consents to any tax
withholding as provided in Article 16.
8.2 Terms and Conditions of Restricted Share Grants. Restricted Shares granted under this Plan
are subject to the following terms and conditions, which, except as otherwise provided herein, need
not be the same for each participant, and may contain such additional terms, conditions,
restrictions and contingencies not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan and any operative
employment or other agreement, as the Committee deems desirable:
(a) Purchase Price. The Committee shall determine the prices, if any, at which
Restricted Shares are to be issued to a participant, which may vary from time to time and
from participant to participant and which may be below the Fair Market Value of such
Restricted Shares at the Date of Grant.
(b) Restrictions. All Restricted Shares issued under this Plan will be subject to such
restrictions as the Committee may determine, which may include, without limitation, the
following:
(i) a prohibition against the sale, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance of
the Restricted Shares, such prohibition to lapse at such time or times as the
Committee determines (whether in installments, at the time of the death, Disability or Retirement of the holder of such shares, or otherwise, but
subject to the Change in Control provisions in Article 12);
(ii) a requirement that the participant forfeit such Restricted Shares in the
event of termination of the participants employment or directorship with the
Company or its Affiliates prior to Vesting;
(iii) a prohibition against employment or retention of the participant by any
competitor of the Company or its Affiliates, or against dissemination by the
participant of any secret or confidential information belonging to the Company or an
Affiliate;
(iv) any applicable requirements arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, other securities laws, the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market
or any other stock exchange or transaction reporting system upon which such
Restricted Shares are then listed or quoted and any state laws, rules and
regulations, including blue sky laws; and
(v) such additional restrictions as are required to avoid adverse tax
consequences under Section 409A of the Code.
The Committee may at any time waive such restrictions or accelerate the date or dates on which the
restrictions will lapse. However, if the Committee determines that restrictions lapse upon the
attainment of specified performance objectives, then the provisions of
10
Sections 9.2 and 9.3 will
apply. If the written agreement governing an Award to a Section 162(m) Person provides that such
Award is intended to be performance-based compensation, the provisions of Section 9.4(d) will
also apply.
(c) Delivery of Shares. Restricted Shares will be registered in the name of the
participant and deposited, together with a Stock Power, with the Company. Each such
certificate will bear a legend in substantially the following form:
The transferability of this certificate and the Common Shares represented by it are subject
to the terms and conditions (including conditions of forfeiture) contained in the DATATRAK
International, Inc. 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan and an agreement entered into between the
registered owner and the Company. A copy of this Plan and agreement are on file in the
office of the Secretary of the Company.
At the end of any time period during which the Restricted Shares are subject to forfeiture
and restrictions on transfer, and after any tax withholding, such Shares will be delivered
free of all restrictions (except for any pursuant to Section 15.2) to the participant or
other appropriate person and with the foregoing legend removed.
(d) Forfeiture of Shares. If a participant who holds Restricted Shares fails to satisfy
the restrictions, Vesting requirements and other conditions relating to the Restricted
Shares prior to the lapse, satisfaction or waiver of such restrictions and conditions,
except as may otherwise be determined by the Committee, the participant shall forfeit the
Shares and transfer them back to the Company in exchange for a refund
of any consideration paid by the participant or such other amount which may be
specifically set forth in the Award agreement. A participant shall execute and deliver to
the Company one or more Stock Powers with respect to Restricted Shares granted to such
participant.
(e) Voting and Other Rights. Except as otherwise required for compliance with
Section 162(m) of the Code and the terms of the applicable Restricted Share Agreement,
during any period in which Restricted Shares are subject to forfeiture and restrictions on
transfer, the participant holding such Restricted Shares shall have all the rights of a
Shareholder with respect to such Shares, including, without limitation, the right to vote
such Shares and the right to receive any dividends paid with respect to such Shares.
8.3 Restricted Share Unit Awards and Agreements. Restricted Share Unit Awards consist of
Shares that will be issued to a participant at a future time or times at no cost or at a purchase
price determined by the Committee which may be below their Fair Market Value if continued
employment, continued directorship and/or other terms and conditions specified by the Committee are
satisfied. Each Restricted Share Unit Award granted under this Plan will be evidenced by minutes of
a meeting, or by a unanimous written consent without a meeting, of the Committee and by a written
agreement dated as of the Date of Grant and executed by the Company and the Plan participant. The
timing of Restricted Share Unit Awards and the number of Restricted Share Units to be awarded
(subject to Section 3.2) are to be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion. By accepting
a Restricted Share Unit Award, the participant agrees to remit to the Company when due any tax
withholding as provided in Article 16.
8.4 Terms and Conditions of Restricted Share Unit Awards. Restricted Share Unit Awards are
subject to the following terms and conditions, which, except as otherwise provided herein, need not
be the same for each participant, and may contain such additional terms, conditions, restrictions
and contingencies not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan and any operative employment or
other agreement, as the Committee deems desirable:
(a) Purchase Price. The Committee shall determine the prices, if any, at which Shares
are to be issued to a participant after Vesting of Restricted Share Units, which may vary
from time to time and among participants and which may be below the Fair Market Value of
Shares at the Date of Grant.
(b) Restrictions. All Restricted Share Units awarded under this Plan will be subject to
such restrictions as the Committee may determine, which may include, without limitation, the
following:
(i) a prohibition against the sale, transfer, pledge or other encumbrance of
the Restricted Share Unit;
(ii) a requirement that the participant forfeit such Restricted Share Unit in
the event of termination of the participants employment or directorship with the
Company or its Affiliates prior to Vesting;
(iii) a prohibition against employment of the participant by, or provision of
services by the participant to, any competitor of the Company or its Affiliates, or
against dissemination by the participant of any secret or confidential information
belonging to the Company or an Affiliate;
(iv) any applicable requirements arising under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, other securities laws, the rules and regulations of The Nasdaq Stock Market
or any other stock exchange or transaction reporting
11
system upon which the Common
Shares are then listed or quoted and any state laws, rules and interpretations,
including blue sky laws; and
(v) such additional restrictions as are required to avoid adverse tax
consequences under Section 409A of the Code.
The Committee may at any time waive such restrictions or accelerate the date or dates on
which the restrictions will lapse.
(c) Performance-Based Restrictions. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide
restrictions that lapse upon the attainment of specified performance objectives. In such
case, the provisions of Sections 9.2 and 9.3 will apply (including, but not limited to, the
enumerated performance objectives). If the written agreement governing an Award to a
Section 162(m) Person provides that such Award is intended to be performance-based
compensation, the provisions of Section 9.4(d) will also apply.
(d) Voting and Other Rights. A participant holding Restricted Share Units shall not be
deemed to be a Shareholder solely because of such units. Such participant shall have no
rights of a Shareholder with respect to such units; provided, however, that an Award
agreement may provide for payment of an amount of money (or Shares with a Fair Market Value
equivalent to such amount) equal to the dividends paid from time to time on the number of
Common Shares that would become payable upon vesting of a Restricted Share Unit Award.
(e) Lapse of Restrictions. If a participant who holds Restricted Share Units satisfies
the restrictions and other conditions relating to the Restricted Share Units prior to the
lapse or waiver of such restrictions and conditions, the Restricted Share Units shall be
converted to, or replaced with, Shares which are free of all restrictions except for any
restrictions pursuant to Section 15.2.
(f) Forfeiture of Restricted Share Units. If a participant who holds Restricted Share
Units fails to satisfy the restrictions, Vesting requirements and other conditions relating
to the Restricted Share Units prior to the lapse, satisfaction or waiver of such
restrictions and conditions, except as may otherwise be determined by the Committee, the
participant shall forfeit the Restricted Share Units.
(g) Termination. A Restricted Share Unit Award or unearned portion thereof will
terminate without the issuance of Shares on the termination date specified on the Date of
Grant or upon the termination of employment or directorship of the participant during the
time period or periods specified by the Committee during which any
performance objectives must be met (the Performance Period). If a participants
employment or directorship with the Company or its Affiliates terminates by reason of his or
her death, Disability or Retirement, the Committee in its discretion at or after the Date of
Grant may determine that the participant (or the heir, legatee or legal representative of
the participants estate) will receive a distribution of Shares in an amount which is not
more than the number of Shares which would have been earned by the participant if 100% of
the performance objectives for the current Performance Period had been achieved prorated
based on the ratio of the number of months of active employment in the Performance Period to
the total number of months in the Performance Period. However, with respect to Awards
intended to be performance-based compensation (as described in Section 9.4(d)), distribution
of the Shares shall be made only to the extent of, and after, attainment of the relevant
performance objectives.
8.5 Special Limitations on Restricted Share and Restricted Share Unit Awards. Unless an Award
agreement approved by the Committee provides otherwise, Restricted Share and Restricted Share Units
awarded under this Plan are intended to meet the requirements for exclusion from coverage under
Section 409A of the Code and all Restricted Share Unit Awards shall be construed and administered
accordingly.
8.6 Time Vesting of Restricted Share and Restricted Share Unit Awards. Restricted Shares or
Restricted Share Units, or portions thereof, are exercisable at such time or times as determined by
the Committee in its discretion at or after grant, subject to the restrictions on time Vesting set
forth in this Section. If the Committee provides that any Restricted Shares or Restricted Share
Unit Awards become Vested over time (with or without a performance component), the Committee may
waive or accelerate such Vesting provisions at any time, subject to the restrictions on time
Vesting set forth in this Section.
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ARTICLE 9
Performance Share Awards
9.1 Performance Share Awards and Agreements. A Performance Share Award is a right to receive
Shares in the future conditioned upon the attainment of specified performance objectives and such
other conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee may determine. Each Performance
Share Award granted under this Plan will be evidenced by minutes of a meeting, or by a unanimous
written consent without a meeting, of the Committee and by a written agreement dated as of the Date
of Grant and executed by the Company and by the Plan participant. The timing of Performance Share
Awards and the number of Shares covered by each Award (subject to Section 3.2) are to be determined
by the Committee in its discretion. By accepting a grant of Performance Shares, the participant
agrees to remit to the Company when due any tax withholding as provided in Article 16.
9.2 Performance Objectives. At the time of grant of a Performance Share Award, the Committee
will specify the performance objectives which, depending on the extent to which they are met, will
determine the number of Shares that will be distributed to the participant. The Committee will also
specify the time period or periods (the Performance Period) during which the performance
objectives must be met. With respect to awards to Section 162(m) Persons
intended to be performance-based compensation, the Committee may use performance objectives
based on one or more of the following: stock price, market share, sales, earnings per share, return
on equity, costs, earnings, capital adjusted pre-tax earnings (economic profit), net income,
operating income, performance profit (operating income minus an allocated charge approximating the
Companys cost of capital, before or after tax), gross margin, revenue, working capital, total
assets, net assets, stockholders equity and cash flow. The Committee may designate a single goal
criterion or multiple goal criteria for performance measurement purposes. Performance measurement
may be based on absolute Company, business unit or divisional performance and/or on performance as
compared with that of other publicly-traded companies. The performance objectives and periods need
not be the same for each participant nor for each Award.
9.3 Adjustment of Performance Objectives. The Committee may modify, amend or otherwise adjust
the performance objectives specified for outstanding Performance Share Awards if it determines that
an adjustment would be consistent with the objectives of this Plan and taking into account the
interests of the participants and the public Shareholders of the Company and such adjustment
complies with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code for Section 162(m) Persons, to the
extent applicable, unless the Committee indicates a contrary intention. The types of events which
could cause an adjustment in the performance objectives include, without limitation, accounting
changes which substantially affect the determination of performance objectives, changes in
applicable laws or regulations which affect the performance objectives, and divisive corporate
reorganizations, including spin-offs and other distributions of property or stock.
9.4 Other Terms and Conditions. Performance Share Awards granted under this Plan are subject
to the following terms and conditions and may contain such additional terms, conditions,
restrictions and contingencies not inconsistent with the terms of this Plan and any operative
employment or other agreement as the Committee deems desirable:
(a) Delivery of Shares. As soon as practicable after the applicable Performance Period
has ended, the participant will receive a distribution of the number of Shares earned during
the Performance Period, depending upon the extent to which the applicable performance
objectives were achieved. Such Shares will be registered in the name of the participant and
will be free of all restrictions except for any restrictions pursuant to Section 15.2.
(b) Termination. A Performance Share Award or unearned portion thereof will terminate
without the issuance of Shares on the termination date specified at the time of grant or
upon the termination of employment or directorship of the participant during the Performance
Period. If a participants employment or directorship with the Company or its Affiliates
terminates by reason of his or her death, Disability or Retirement (except with respect to
Section 162(m) Persons), the Committee in its discretion at or after the time of grant may
determine, notwithstanding any Vesting requirements under Section 9.4(a), that the
participant (or the heir, legatee or legal representative of the participants estate) will
receive a distribution of a portion of the participants then-outstanding Performance Share
Awards in an amount which is not more than the number of shares which would have been earned
by the participant if 100% of the performance
objectives for the current Performance Period had been achieved prorated based on the
ratio of the number of months of active employment in the Performance Period to the total
number of months in the Performance Period. However, with respect to Awards intended to be
performance-based compensation (as described in Section 9.4(e)), distribution of the
Shares shall be made only to the extent of, and after, attainment of the relevant
performance objective.
(c) Voting and Other Rights. Awards of Performance Shares do not provide the
participant with voting rights or rights to dividends prior to the participant becoming the
holder of record of Shares issued pursuant to an Award; provided,
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however, that an Award
agreement may provide for payment of an amount of money (or Shares with a Fair Market Value
equivalent to such amount) equal to the dividends paid from time to time on the number of
Common Shares that would become payable upon vesting of a Performance Share Award. Prior to
the issuance of Shares, Performance Share Awards may not be sold, transferred, pledged,
assigned or otherwise encumbered.
(d) Performance-Based Compensation. The Committee may designate Performance Share
Awards as being remuneration payable solely on account of the attainment of one or more
performance goals as described in Section 162(m)(4)(C) of the Code. Such Awards shall be
automatically amended or modified to comply with amendments to Section 162 of the Code to
the extent applicable, unless the Committee indicates a contrary intention.
9.5 Time Vesting of Performance Share Awards. Performance Share Awards, or portions thereof,
are exercisable at such time or times as determined by the Committee in its discretion at or after
grant, subject to the restrictions on time Vesting set forth in this Section. If the Committee
provides that any Performance Shares become Vested over time (accelerated by a performance
component), the Committee may waive or accelerate such Vesting provisions at any time, subject to
the restrictions on time Vesting set forth in this Section.
9.6 Special Limitations on Performance Share Awards. Unless an Award agreement approved by the
Committee provides otherwise, Performance Shares awarded under this Plan are intended to meet the
requirements for exclusion from coverage under Section 409A of the Code and all Performance Share
Awards shall be construed and administered accordingly.
ARTICLE 10
Common Share Awards
10.1 Eligibility. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, a Common
Share may only be granted to an Eligible Director.
10.2 Terms and Conditions of Common Share Awards.
(a) Purpose. Common Shares may be granted in consideration of services rendered to the
Company by Eligible Directors in their capacity as Directors.
(b) Vesting. Common Shares shall be fully vested.
ARTICLE 11
Transfers and Leaves of Absence
11.1 Transfer of Participant. For purposes of this Plan, the transfer of a participant among
the Company and its Affiliates is deemed not to be a termination of employment.
11.2 Effect of Leaves of Absence. For purposes of this Plan, the following leaves of absence
are deemed not to be a termination of employment:
(a) a leave of absence, approved in writing by the Company, for military service,
sickness or any other purpose approved by the Company, if the period of such leave does not
exceed 90 days;
(b) a leave of absence in excess of 90 days, approved in writing by the Company, but
only if the employees right to reemployment is guaranteed either by a statute or by
contract, and provided that, in the case of any such leave of absence, the employee returns
to work within 30 days after the end of such leave; and
(c) subject to Section 409A of the Code, any other absence determined by the Committee
in its discretion not to constitute a termination of employment.
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ARTICLE 12
Effect of Change in Control
12.1 Change in Control Defined. Change in Control means the occurrence of any of the
following: (i) the receipt by the Company of a Schedule 13D or other advice indicating that a
person, or any member of a group, is the beneficial owner (as those terms are defined in
Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act) of twenty percent (20%) or more of the voting power of the
Company; (ii) the first purchase of shares pursuant to a tender offer or exchange (other than a
tender offer of exchange by the Company or its Affiliates) for all or any amount of Common Shares
or any class or any securities convertible into such Common Shares, the results of which would make
the offeror and/or its affiliates the beneficial owners of twenty percent (20%) or more of the
voting power of the Company; (iii) the date of the approval by Shareholders of an agreement
providing for any consolidation or merger of the Company in which the Company will not be the
continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of capital stock of any class, or
any securities convertible into such capital stock, of the Company would be converted into cash,
securities, or other property, other than a merger or consolidation of the Company with an
Affiliate or in which the holders of all of the Shares of all classes of the
Companys capital stock immediately prior to the merger or consolidation would own at least a
majority of the voting power of the surviving corporation (or the direct or indirect parent company
of the surviving corporation) immediately after the merger or consolidation; (iv) the date of the
approval by Shareholders of any sale, lease, exchange, or other transfer (in one transaction or a
series of related transactions) of all or substantially all the assets of the Company; (v) the
adoption of any plan or proposal for the liquidation (but not a partial liquidation) or dissolution
of the Company; or (vi) such other event as the Committee shall, in its sole and absolute
discretion, deem to be a Change in Control.
12.2 Acceleration of Award. Except as otherwise provided in this Plan or an Award agreement
and to the extent it would not trigger adverse taxation under Section 409A of the Code, immediately
upon the occurrence of a Change in Control:
(a) all outstanding Stock Options automatically become fully exercisable;
(b) all Restricted Share Awards automatically become fully Vested;
(c) all Restricted Share Unit Awards automatically become fully Vested (or, if such
Restricted Share Unit Awards are subject to performance-based restrictions, shall become
Vested on a pro-rated basis as described in Section 12.2(d)) and, to the extent Vested,
convertible to Shares at the election of the holder;
(d) all participants holding Performance Share Awards become entitled to receive a
partial payout in an amount which is the number of Shares which would have been earned by
the participant if 100% of the performance objectives for the current Performance Period had
been achieved pro-rated based on the ratio of the number of months of active employment in
the Performance Period to the total number of months in the Performance Period; and
(e) Stock Appreciation Rights automatically become fully Vested and fully exercisable.
ARTICLE 13
Transferability of Awards
13.1 Awards Are Non-Transferable. Except as provided in Sections 13.2 and 13.3, Awards are
non-transferable and any attempts to assign, pledge, hypothecate or otherwise alienate or encumber
(whether by operation of law or otherwise) any Award shall be null and void.
13.2 Inter-Vivos Exercise of Awards. During a participants lifetime, Awards are exercisable
only by the participant or, as permitted by applicable law and notwithstanding Section 13.1 to the
contrary, the participants guardian or other legal representative.
13.3 Limited Transferability of Certain Awards. Notwithstanding Section 13.1 to the contrary,
Awards may be transferred by will and by the laws of descent and distribution.
Moreover, the Committee, in its discretion, may allow at or after the time of grant the
transferability of Awards which are Vested, provided that the permitted transfer is made (a) if the
Award is an Incentive Stock Option, the transfer is consistent with Section 422 of the Code; (b) to
the Company (for example in the case of forfeiture of Restricted Shares), an Affiliate or a person
acting as the agent of the foregoing or which is otherwise determined by the
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Committee to be in the
interests of the Company; or (c) by the participant for no consideration to Immediate Family
Members or to a bona fide trust, partnership or other entity controlled by and for the benefit of
one or more Immediate Family Members. Immediate Family Members means the participants spouse,
children, stepchildren, parents, stepparents, siblings (including half brothers and sisters),
in-laws and other individuals who have a relationship to the participant arising because of a legal
adoption. No transfer may be made to the extent that transferability would cause Form S-8 or any
successor form thereto not to be available to register Shares related to an Award. The Committee in
its discretion may impose additional terms and conditions upon transferability.
ARTICLE 14
Amendment and Discontinuation
14.1 Amendment or Discontinuation of this Plan. The Board of Directors may amend, alter, or
discontinue this Plan at any time, provided that no amendment, alteration, or discontinuance may be
made:
(a) which would materially and adversely affect the rights of a participant under any
Award granted prior to the date such action is adopted by the Board of Directors without the
participants written consent thereto; and
(b) without Shareholder approval, if Shareholder approval is required under applicable
laws, regulations or exchange requirements (including Section 422 of the Code with respect
to ISOs, and for the purpose of qualification as performance-based compensation under
Section 162(m) of the Code).
However, unless Shareholder approval is obtained, no amendment shall increase the aggregate number
of Shares which may be issued under the Plan, or shall permit the Exercise Price of outstanding
Stock Options or Stock Appreciation Rights to be reduced, except as permitted by Section 3.4.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Plan may be amended without affecting participants consent to:
(i) comply with any law; (ii) preserve any intended favorable tax effects for the Company, the Plan
or participants; or (iii) avoid any unintended unfavorable tax effects for the Company, the Plan or
participants.
14.2 Amendment of Grants. The Committee may amend, prospectively or retroactively, the terms
of any outstanding Award, provided that no such amendment may be inconsistent with the terms of
this Plan (specifically including the prohibition on granting Stock Options or Stock Appreciation
Rights with an Exercise Price less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the
Common Shares on the Date of Grant) or would materially and adversely affect the rights of any
holder without his or her written consent.
ARTICLE 15
Share Certificates
15.1 Delivery of Share Certificates. The Company is not required to issue or deliver any
certificates for Shares issuable with respect to Awards under this Plan prior to the fulfillment of
all of the following conditions:
(a) payment in full for the Shares and for any tax withholding (See Article 16);
(b) completion of any registration or other qualification of such Shares under any
Federal or state laws or under the rulings or regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission or any other regulating body which the Committee in its discretion deems
necessary or advisable;
(c) admission of such Shares to listing on The Nasdaq Stock Market or any stock
exchange on which the Shares are listed;
(d) in the event the Shares are not registered under the Securities Act of 1933,
qualification as a private placement under said Act;
(e) obtaining of any approval or other clearance from any Federal or state governmental
agency which the Committee in its discretion determines to be necessary or advisable; and
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(f) the Committee is fully satisfied that the issuance and delivery of Shares under
this Plan is in compliance with applicable Federal, state or local law, rule, regulation or
ordinance or any rule or regulation of any other regulating body, for which the Committee
may seek approval of counsel for the Company.
15.2 Applicable Restrictions on Shares. Shares issued with respect to Awards may be subject to
such stock transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may determine necessary or
advisable under any applicable Federal or state securities law rules, regulations and other
requirements, the rules, regulations and other requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market or any stock
exchange upon which the Shares are then-listed, and any other applicable Federal or state law and
will include any restrictive legends the Committee may deem appropriate to include.
15.3 Book Entry. In lieu of the issuance of stock certificates evidencing Shares, the Company
may use a book entry system in which a computerized or manual entry is made in the records of the
Company to evidence the issuance of such Shares. Such Company records are, absent manifest error,
binding on all parties.
ARTICLE 16
Tax Withholding
16.1 In General. The Committee shall cause the Company or Affiliate to withhold any taxes
which it determines it is required by law or required by the terms of this Plan to withhold in
connection with any payments incident to this Plan. The participant or other recipient shall
provide the Committee with such Stock Powers and additional information or documentation as may be
necessary for the Committee to discharge its obligations under this Section.
16.2 Delivery of Withholding Proceeds. The Committee shall cause the Company or Affiliate to
deliver withholding proceeds to the Internal Revenue Service and/or other taxing authority.
ARTICLE 17
General Provisions
17.1 No Implied Rights to Awards, Employment or Directorship. No potential participant has any
claim or right to be granted an Award under this Plan, and there is no obligation of uniformity of
treatment of participants under this Plan. Neither this Plan nor any Award thereunder shall be
construed as giving any individual any right to continued employment or continued directorship with
the Company or any Affiliate. The Plan does not constitute a contract of employment, and the
Company and each Affiliate expressly reserve the right at any time to terminate employees free from
liability, or any claim, under this Plan, except as may be specifically provided in this Plan or in
an Award agreement.
17.2 Other Compensation Plans. Nothing contained in this Plan prevents the Board of Directors
from adopting other or additional compensation arrangements, subject to Shareholder approval if
such approval is required, and such arrangements may be either generally applicable or applicable
only in specific cases.
17.3 Rule 16b-3 Compliance. The Plan is intended to comply with all applicable conditions of
Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time (Rule 16b-3). All
transactions involving any participant subject to Section 16(a) shall be subject to the conditions
set forth in Rule 16b-3, regardless of whether such conditions are expressly set forth in this
Plan. Any provision of this Plan that is contrary to Rule 16b-3 does not apply to such
participants.
17.4 Code Section 162(m) Compliance. The Plan is intended to comply with all applicable
requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code with respect to performance-based compensation for
Section 162(m) Persons. Unless the Committee expressly determines otherwise, any provision of this
Plan that is contrary to such requirements does not apply to such performance-based compensation.
17.5 Successors. All obligations of the Company with respect to Awards granted under this Plan
are binding on any successor to the Company, whether as a result of a direct or indirect
purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise of all or substantially all of the business
and/or assets of the Company.
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17.6 Severability. In the event any provision of this Plan, or the application thereof to any
person or circumstances, is held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity
shall not affect the remaining parts of this Plan, or other applications, and this Plan is to be
construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.
17.7 Governing Law. To the extent not preempted by Federal law, this Plan and all Award
agreements pursuant thereto are construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State
of Ohio. This Plan is not intended to be governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
and shall be so construed and administered.
17.8 Section 409A of the Code. The parties intend that this Plan be, at all relevant times,
in compliance with (or exempt from) Section 409A of the Code and all other applicable laws, and
this Plan shall be so interpreted and administered. In addition to the general amendment rights of
the Company with respect to the Plan, the Company specifically retains the unilateral right (but
not the obligation) to make, prospectively or retroactively, any amendment to this Plan or any
related document as it deems necessary or desirable to more fully address issues in connection with
compliance with (or exemption from) Section 409A of the Code and other laws. In no event, however,
shall this section or any other provisions of this Plan be construed to require the Company to
provide any gross-up for the tax consequences of any provisions of, or payments under, this Plan.
Except as may be expressly provided in another agreement to which the Company is bound, the Company
and its Affiliates shall have no responsibility for tax or legal consequences to any participant
(or beneficiary) resulting from the terms or operation of this Plan. Notwithstanding anything in
the Plan to the contrary, to the extent that an Award granted hereunder was intended to meet the
short-term deferral exception under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4) but is not
specified as such in the Award Agreement, the payment or delivery of any such Award shall be made
no later than the date that is the 15th day of the third month following the end of the Plan Year
in which the Award is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture for purposes of Section
409A of the Code.
ARTICLE 18
Effective Date
18.1 Effective Date. The effective date of this DATATRAK International, Inc. 2009 Omnibus
Equity Plan is the date on which the shareholders of the Company approve it at a duly held
stockholders meeting.
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c/o National City Bank
Shareholder Services Operations
Locator 5352
P. O. Box 94509
Cleveland, OH 44101-9509
Important
Notice Regarding Internet Availability of Proxy Materials for the
Annual Meeting to be held on
August 26, 2009:
The
Proxy Statement and Annual Report are
available at http://www.datatrak.net
ê Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing. ê
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PROXY FOR COMMON SHARES
Proxy Solicited on Behalf of the Board of Directors of
the Company for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on August 26, 2009.
The undersigned hereby (i) appoints Dr. Jerome H. Kaiser and Raymond J. Merk, and each of them,
his true and lawful agents and proxy holders with full power of substitution in each to appear
and vote all of the Common Shares of DATATRAK International, Inc. that the undersigned will be
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of DATATRAK International, Inc. to be
held at 6150 Parkland Boulevard, Paragon II, Suite 100, Mayfield Heights, Ohio on August 26,
2009, and at any adjournments thereof, hereby revoking any and all proxies heretofore given, and
(ii) authorizes and directs said proxy holders to vote all of the Common Shares of the Company
represented by this proxy.
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Please date, sign and return promptly in the accompanying envelope. |
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DATE: |
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SIGNATURE(S) |
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SIGNATURE(S) |
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NOTE: Please sign exactly as name
appears hereon. Joint owners should each
sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such. |
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
Regardless
of whether you plan to attend the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, you can be sure your shares are represented at the meeting
by promptly returning your proxy in the enclosed envelope.
ê Please fold and detach card at perforation before mailing. ê
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The shares represented by this proxy will be voted as indicated in the spaces below. To the extent
that no directions are given for Proposals 1, 2 and 3, the shares represented by this proxy will be
voted FOR Proposals 1, 2 and 3. The shares represented by this proxy will be voted in the
discretion of the proxy holders on all other matters properly brought before the Annual Meeting and
any adjournments thereof.
You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes below. The proxy
holders cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card.
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(1)
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Election of the following nominees to serve on the Board of Directors of the Company: |
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Mr. Laurence P. Birch
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o FOR
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o WITHHELD |
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Mr. Timothy G. Biro
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o FOR
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o WITHHELD |
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Dr. Robert M. Stote
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o FOR
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o WITHHELD |
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(2)
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Approval and adoption of the DATATRAK International, Inc. 2009 Omnibus Equity Plan. |
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o FOR
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o AGAINST
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o ABSTAIN |
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(3)
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Approval and adoption of an option exchange program for the Companys outside Directors. |
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o FOR
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o AGAINST
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o ABSTAIN |
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(4)
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In their discretion to act on any other matters that may properly come before the Annual Meeting. |