SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to ss.240.14a-11(c) or ss.240.14a-12
BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.
------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.
------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the filing fee
is calculated and state how it was determined):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
<PAGE>
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2
<PAGE>
BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.
ONE JAKE BROWN ROAD
OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY 08857
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 4, 2000
---------------
To Our Stockholders:
The 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Blonder Tongue Laboratories,
Inc. (the "Company") will be held at the Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, 2 Albany
Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901, on May 4, 2000, beginning at 10:00
a.m., local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect three Directors constituting Class II of the Board of
Directors to serve until the 2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or
until their successors have been elected and qualified;
2. To consider and vote upon an amendment of the Company's 1995 Long Term
Incentive Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares which may be
issued pursuant to options or restricted stock awards granted
thereunder from 750,000 to 900,000;
3. To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP, certified public
accountants, as the Company's independent auditors for the year ending
December 31, 2000; and
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof. In their discretion, the Proxies
are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come
before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
A Proxy, if properly executed and received in time for the voting, will be
voted in the manner directed therein. If no direction is made, such Proxy will
be voted FOR all proposals therein.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 21, 2000,
as the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the
meeting and to vote at such meeting or any adjournments thereof, and only
stockholders of record at the close of business on March 21, 2000, are entitled
to notice of and to vote at such meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Your attention is directed to the attached Proxy Statement for further
information regarding each proposal to be made.
You are cordially invited to attend the meeting. Whether or not you plan to
attend, you are urged to complete, date and sign the enclosed proxy and return
it promptly. If you receive more than one form of proxy, it is an indication
that your shares are registered in more than one account, and each such proxy
must be completed and returned if you wish to vote all of your shares eligible
to be voted at the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Robert J. Palle, Jr., Executive Vice
President and Secretary
April 3, 2000
------------
PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THE PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO
POSTAGE IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES. IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING AND DESIRE TO
VOTE IN PERSON AT THE MEETING, YOUR PROXY WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU UPON WRITTEN
NOTICE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY REVOKING YOUR PROXY.
<PAGE>
BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.
ONE JAKE BROWN ROAD
OLD BRIDGE, NEW JERSEY 08857
PROXY STATEMENT FOR
THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON
MAY 4, 2000
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of Blonder Tongue Laboratories,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), to be voted at the 2000 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company (the "Annual Meeting") to be held at the
Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, 2 Albany Street, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08901 on
May 4, 2000, at 10:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournment or adjournments
thereof.
All proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation are revocable at any
time before they are exercised by written notice to the Secretary of the
Company, or by delivering a later dated proxy. Attendance at the Annual Meeting
will not, without delivery of the written notice described in the immediately
preceding sentence, constitute revocation of a proxy. The mailing address of the
principal executive offices of the Company is One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge,
New Jersey 08857. The Company's telephone number is (732) 679-4000. This Proxy
Statement and the enclosed form of proxy will be mailed to each stockholder on
or about April 3, 2000, together with the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1999.
All properly executed proxies delivered pursuant to this solicitation and
not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the
directions given. Regarding the election of Directors to serve until the 2003
Annual Meeting of Stockholders, in voting by proxy, stockholders may vote in
favor of all nominees or withhold their votes as to all nominees or withhold
their votes as to specific nominees. With respect to the other proposals to be
voted upon, stockholders may vote in favor of a proposal, against a proposal or
may abstain from voting. Stockholders should specify their choices on the
enclosed form of proxy. If no specific instructions are given with respect to
the matters to be acted upon, the shares represented by a signed proxy will be
voted FOR the election of all nominees, FOR the proposal to amend the 1995 Long
Term Incentive Plan by increasing the number of shares of Common Stock available
for awards thereunder, and FOR the proposal to ratify the appointment of BDO
Seidman, LLP as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2000. Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders
of the shares of Common Stock voting in person or by proxy at the Annual
Meeting. Thus, abstentions will have no effect on the vote for election of
Directors. Approval of any other matters to come before the Annual Meeting will
require the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock of the Company present in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
Broker non-votes, which occur when a broker or other nominee holding shares for
a beneficial owner does not vote on a proposal because the beneficial owner has
not checked one of the boxes on the proxy card, are not considered to be shares
"entitled to vote" (other than for quorum purposes), will not be included in
vote totals and will have no effect on the outcome of any matters to be voted
upon at the Annual Meeting.
Management is not aware at the date hereof of any matter to be presented at
the Annual Meeting other than the election of Directors and the other proposals
described in the attached Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. If any other
matter is properly presented, the persons named in the proxy will vote thereon
according to their best judgement.
The expense of soliciting proxies for the Annual Meeting, including the
cost of preparing, assembling and mailing the notice, proxy and Proxy Statement,
will be paid by the Company. The solicitation will be made by use of the mails,
through brokers and banking institutions, and by officers and regular employees
of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by personal interview, mail, telephone
or facsimile transmission.
Only owners of record of the common stock, $.001 par value per share, of
the Company ("Common Stock") at the close of business on March 21, 2000 (the
"Record Date"), are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or
any adjournments or postponements thereof. Each owner of record on the Record
<PAGE>
Date is entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock of the Company so
held. There is no cumulative voting. On the Record Date, there were 7,583,157
shares of Common Stock issued, outstanding and entitled to vote.
PROPOSAL NO. 1 - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, provides that the
Board shall consist of between five and eleven members, as determined from time
to time by the Board, divided into three classes as nearly equal in number as
possible. The size of the Board has currently been set at eight. The term of the
current Class I Directors expires at the 2002 Annual Meeting, the term of the
current Class II Directors expires at the 2000 Annual Meeting and the term of
the current Class III Directors expires at the 2001 Annual Meeting. The
successors to each class of Directors whose terms expire at an Annual Meeting
will be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders held in the third year following the year of their election.
The Directors whose terms will expire at the 2000 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders are Robert J. Palle, Jr., Gary P. Scharmett and James H. Williams,
all of whom have been nominated by the Board to stand for reelection as
Directors at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, to hold office until the
2003 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and
qualified. Messrs. Palle, Scharmett and Williams have consented to serve for the
new terms, if elected.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONCERNING THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ROBERT J.
PALLE, JR., GARY P. SCHARMETT AND JAMES H. WILLIAMS AS CLASS II DIRECTORS TO
HOLD OFFICE UNTIL THE 2003 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS AND UNTIL THEIR
SUCCESSORS ARE ELECTED AND QUALIFIED. PROXIES RECEIVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS STOCKHOLDERS SPECIFY IN THEIR PROXY A CONTRARY CHOICE.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
NOMINEE AND CONTINUING DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth the names and certain information about each
of the nominees for election as a Director of the Company and the continuing
Directors of the Company:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Director
Name Age Since
---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Directors not standing for election this year whose terms expire in 2002
(Class I Directors):
John E. Dwight(1)...................................................... 64 1995
Robert E. Heaton(2) ................................................... 70 1998
James A. Luksch........................................................ 69 1988
Nominees for three-year term expiring in 2003 (Class II Directors):
Robert J. Palle, Jr.................................................... 54 1993
Gary P. Scharmett...................................................... 44 1997
James H. Williams...................................................... 68 1988
</TABLE>
- -------------
(1) Since December, 1995, a member of the Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors.
(2) Since May, 1998, a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors.
-2-
<PAGE>
Directors not standing for election this year whose terms expire in 2001 (Class
III Directors):
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Robert B. Mayer(1)(2).............................................. 68 1995
James F. Williams(1)(3)............................................ 42 1993
</TABLE>
- -------------
(1) Since December, 1995, a member of the Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors.
(2) Since December, 1995, a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors.
(3) Since September, 1997, a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board
of Directors.
Set forth below is a brief summary of the recent business experience and
background of each nominee, continuing Director and executive officer:
JOHN E. DWIGHT, 64, became a Director of the Company on December 14, 1995,
immediately after the completion of the Company's initial public offering of
Common Stock. He became a Senior Vice President of the Company in September,
1997. From 1992 until September, 1997, Mr. Dwight served as President of Film
Microelectronics, Inc., a designer and manufacturer of microelectronic products.
From 1989 to 1992, he was employed by Wavetek, Inc., an electronic testing and
measurement company, as President of its Wavetek Communications Division.
ROBERT E. HEATON, 70, became a Director of the Company in March, 1998. He
also presently serves on the Boards of Directors of Calstrip Steel Corp. and
Precision Specialty Metals. From April, 1993 through April, 1995, Mr. Heaton
served as Vice Chairman of the Stainless Steel Group of Lukens, Inc. From April,
1981, through April, 1993, Mr. Heaton was President and Chief Executive Officer
of Washington Steel Corporation until it was acquired by Lukens, Inc. Mr. Heaton
is a past Chairman of the Specialty Steel Industry of North America.
JAMES A. LUKSCH, 69, has been the President and Chief Executive Officer and
a Director of the Company since November, 1988. He became Chairman of the Board
in November, 1994.
ROBERT B. MAYER, 68, became a Director of the Company on December 14, 1995,
immediately after the completion of the Company's initial public offering of
Common Stock. From 1966 to 1991, he served in various executive positions,
including Director and Regional President of Norstar Bank, N.A. (formerly known
as Liberty National Bank & Trust Co.), a member of Fleet Financial Group. Mr.
Mayer has from time to time served as a part-time instructor at State University
of New York at Buffalo and is currently a Director and Vice Chairman of People,
Inc. and a member of the Loan Committee, Erie County Regional Industrial
Development Corporation.
ROBERT J. PALLE, JR., 54, has been the Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer of the Company since April, 1989. He became a Director of the
Company in September, 1993.
GARY P. SCHARMETT, 44, became a Director of the Company in December, 1997.
Since January, 1989, Mr. Scharmett has been a partner in the law firm of
Stradley, Ronon, Stevens & Young, LLP, the Company's outside counsel.
JAMES F. WILLIAMS, 42, became a Director of the Company in September, 1993.
Since April, 1996, Mr. Williams has been the Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of Integrated Waste Services, Inc. ("IWSI"). From June, 1990
through April, 1996, Mr. Williams served as Vice President of IWSI. U.S.
Dismantlement Corporation ("USDC"), for which Mr. Williams serves as a Director,
is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of IWSI. In early 1997, USDC's Board
determined to cease operations and liquidate its business. Toward the end of
that process, an uncontested, involuntary bankruptcy petition was filed against
USDC on May 28, 1997. An order closing this proceeding was issued by the court
on December 31, 1997. Mr. Williams is the nephew of Mr. James H. Williams.
JAMES H. WILLIAMS, 68, has been a Director of the Company since November,
1988, and served as Chairman of the Board from the Company's inception until
November, 1994. He presently serves as a consultant
-3-
<PAGE>
to the Company under a written agreement. Mr. Williams served as Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Waste Services, Inc. from
September, 1989 until April, 1996.
OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
DANIEL J. ALTIERE, 61, has been a Senior Vice President of the Company
since April, 1989. Since 1989, he has been responsible for human resources,
quality control, manufacturing, warranty service and industrial engineering.
PETER PUGIELLI, 52, has served as Senior Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer of the Company since September, 1993. He was hired by
the Company in December, 1989, as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
NORMAN A. WESTCOTT, 59, became Senior Vice President - Operational Services
of the Company in October, 1999 and was a Vice President of the Company from
July, 1994 until October, 1999. He is responsible for material purchasing and
production.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS; COMMITTEES
During the year ended December 31, 1999, there were nine meetings of the
Company's Board of Directors and each Director attended (either in person or via
teleconference) at least 75% of the meetings held. The Board of Directors has
two standing committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is currently comprised of James F.
Williams, John E. Dwight and Robert B. Mayer, of whom Messrs. Williams and Mayer
are non-employee Directors. The Audit Committee is responsible to make
recommendations concerning the engagement of independent public accountants,
review the plans and results of the audit engagement with the independent public
accountants, approve professional services provided by the independent public
accountants, review the independence of the independent public accountants,
consider the range of audit and non-audit fees and review the adequacy of the
Company's internal accounting controls. This committee held two meetings during
1999, both of which were attended (either in person or via teleconference) by
each committee member.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee is currently comprised
of Robert B. Mayer, Robert E. Heaton and James F. Williams, all of whom are
non-employee Directors. The Compensation Committee is responsible to determine
compensation for the Company's executive officers and to administer the
Company's stock option plans, except for the 1996 Director Option Plan. This
committee held six meetings during 1999, all of which were attended (either in
person or via teleconference) by each committee member.
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
During calendar year 1999, each non-employee Director of the Company (other
than James H. Williams) received an annual retainer of $15,000, payable
quarterly, a fee of $1,000 for each Board meeting attended in person ($500 if
attendance was telephonic) and a fee of $600 for each committee meeting attended
in person ($300 if attendance was telephonic or if attending on the same date as
a Board meeting). Each Director was also reimbursed for certain travel, lodging
and related expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board and
committee meetings. During calendar year 1999, Messrs. Luksch, Palle and Dwight
did not receive any separate compensation for serving on the Board of Directors
or any committees thereof.
Effective January 1, 2000, the Company enacted a new policy requiring each
of the Company's Directors to maintain an investment in the Company's Common
Stock during his or her entire tenure as a Director equal to at least $25,000,
calculated by taking the greater of (i) the amount paid for such stock by the
Director and (ii) the current fair market value of such stock. Any non-employee
Director of the Company who has not met this requirement must apply at least
one-third of his or her annual retainer from the Company toward the purchase of
the Company's Common Stock until he or she meets this requirement.
-4-
<PAGE>
In May, 1998, the stockholders of the Company approved the adoption of the
Company's Amended and Restated 1996 Director Option Plan (the "1996 Plan").
Under the 1996 Plan, Directors who are not currently employed by the Company or
any subsidiary of the Company and who have not been so employed within the past
six months are eligible to receive options from time to time to purchase a
number of shares of Common Stock as determined by the Board; provided, however,
that no Director may be granted options to purchase more than 5,000 shares of
Common Stock in any one calendar year. The exercise price for such shares is the
fair market value thereof on the date of grant, and the options vest as
determined in each case by the Board of Directors. Options granted under the
1996 Plan must be exercised within ten years from the date of grant. A maximum
of 100,000 shares may be awarded under the 1996 Plan which expires January 2,
2006. The plan is administered by the Board of Directors.
On July 15, 1999, each of the Company's non-employee Directors other than
James H. Williams was granted an option under the 1996 Plan to purchase 2,000
shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $6.53 per share. The options vest
on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
In January, 1995, the Company entered into a consulting and non-competition
agreement with James H. Williams for the purpose of obtaining advice and
counseling concerning strategic planning and financial and business matters.
Under this agreement, Mr. Williams is obligated to make himself available to the
Company for up to 25 hours per month, in addition to time spent attending to his
duties as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Williams is
currently paid $136,000 per year for his services under this agreement, subject
to adjustment on a basis consistent with adjustments to compensation to the
Company's senior management. The agreement provides a cap of $150,000 on
payments to be made thereunder during any calendar year. The agreement
terminates on June 30, 2000. Payments to Mr. Williams under this consulting
agreement are in lieu of any other payments in connection with his services as a
Director or committee member, other than the reimbursement of certain travel,
lodging and related expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board and
committee meetings.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company's
Directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the American Stock Exchange, initial reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Stock and other equity
securities of the Company. Officers, Directors and greater than ten percent
stockholders (collectively, "Reporting Persons") are additionally required to
furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the Company's knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such
reports furnished to the Company and written representations of the Reporting
Persons that no other reports were required with respect to fiscal 1999, all
Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to the Reporting Persons were
complied with on a timely basis in fiscal 1999, except that (i) Form 4s for
James A. Luksch, Robert J. Palle, Jr. and James H. Williams with respect to
their sales of shares in the Company's self tender offer on June 28, 1999 were
filed on July 20, 1999 and (ii) a Form 4 for Robert J. Palle, Jr. with respect
to his transfer of shares for estate planning purposes on October 27, 1999 was
filed on November 11, 1999.
-5-
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial
ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of February 29, 2000 by (i) each
person who is known by the Company to beneficially own more than five percent of
the Company's Common Stock, (ii) each of the Company's Directors, including
nominee Directors, (iii) each of the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table and (iv) all executive officers and Directors as a group.
Except as otherwise indicated, the persons named in the table have sole voting
and investment power with respect to all shares beneficially owned, subject to
community property laws where applicable.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENT OF CLASS
NAME AND ADDRESS OF AMOUNT AND NATURE OF BENEFICIALLY
BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)(2) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP (1) OWNED
---------------------- ------------------------ ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
James A. Luksch............................................... 1,857,387 (3) 24.48%
Robert J. Palle, Jr........................................... 1,197,865 (4) 15.79%
John E. Dwight................................................ 40,338 (5) *
Daniel J. Altiere............................................. 37,859 (6) *
Peter Pugielli................................................ 34,552 (7) *
James H. Williams............................................. 1,528,854 (8) 20.22%
James F. Williams............................................. 64,673 (8) *
Gary P. Scharmett............................................. 18,800 (9) *
Robert B. Mayer............................................... 8,700 (10) *
Robert E. Heaton.............................................. 5,000 (11) *
All Directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons).. 4,774,656 61.51%
</TABLE>
- ----------------
* Less than 1%
(1) Beneficial ownership as of February 29, 2000 for each individual includes
shares subject to options held by such persons (but not held by any other
person) which are exercisable within 60 days after such date. Beneficial
ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the Commission and
generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities.
This table contains information furnished to the Company by the respective
stockholders or contained in filings made with the Commission.
(2) The address for each beneficial owner is c/o Blonder Tongue Laboratories,
Inc. One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, NJ 08857.
(3) Includes 25,000 shares of Common Stock underlying options granted by the
Company, 10,928 shares of Common Stock owned of record by two trusts of
which Mr. Luksch is the trustee and 9 shares of Common Stock owned of
record by an estate of which Mr. Luksch is the executor.
(4) Includes 23,500 shares of Common Stock underlying options granted by the
Company and 200,000 shares owned of record by a limited liability company
of which Mr. Palle and his wife are the sole members.
(5) Includes 24,050 shares of Common Stock underlying options granted by the
Company.
(6) Includes 37,607 shares of Common Stock underlying options granted by the
Company.
(7) Includes 34,273 shares of Common Stock underlying options granted by the
Company.
(8) James H. Williams has granted to James F. Williams the option to purchase
52,173 shares of Company Common Stock which he owns. These shares are
included in the beneficial ownership of both Directors. Beneficial
ownership for James F. Williams also includes 7,500 shares of Common Stock
underlying options granted by the Company.
(9) Includes 15,000 shares of Common Stock underlying options granted by the
Company and 1,500 shares of Common Stock held of record by a corporation
wholly-owned by Mr. Scharmett's spouse.
(10) Includes 7,500 shares of Common Stock underlying options granted by the
Company, 500 shares of Common Stock held of record by Mr. Mayer's adult
son, as to which Mr. Mayer expressly disclaims beneficial ownership and 200
shares of Common Stock held of record by Mr. Mayer's spouse.
(11) Includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock underlying options granted by the
Company.
-6-
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
SUMMARY
The following table sets forth certain summary information concerning
compensation paid or accrued for services rendered to the Company in all
capacities for the year ended December 31, 1999 and two prior fiscal years with
respect to the Chief Executive Officer and each of the four other most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company who served as executive officers
during 1999 and whose salary plus bonus during 1999 exceeded $100,000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
------------------------------- ------------
SECURITIES
NAME AND UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) BONUS($)(1) OPTIONS(#) COMPENSATION($)(2)
------------------ ---- ---------- ----------- ----------- ------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James A. Luksch........................ 1999 325,000 0 -- 7,126
President and Chief Executive 1998 311,724 103,079 -- 13,819
Officer 1997 311,454 264,364 -- 17,628
Robert J. Palle, Jr.................... 1999 253,000 0 -- 3,327
Executive Vice President and Chief 1998 242,063 80,209 3,894
Operating Officer 1997 242,063 205,921 -- 4,624
John E. Dwight......................... 1999 175,000 25,000 -- 5,567
Senior Vice President 1998 150,000 50,000 100,000(3) 5,713
1997 45,998 28,080 40,000 945
Peter Pugielli......................... 1999 130,098 0 -- 2,410
Senior Vice President and Chief 1998 123,616 25,853 36,666(3) 2,575
Financial Officer 1997 116,255 73,535 10,000 2,257
Daniel J. Altiere .................... 1999 143,688 0 -- 4,821
Senior Vice President 1998 134,231 28,946 40,000(3) 4,893
1997 125,808 80,342 10,000 3,774
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) Bonus amounts for each year include bonuses earned by each individual under
the Company's Executive Officer Bonus Plan based on the Company's financial
performance during such year, except that Mr. Dwight was entitled to a
minimum bonus of $50,000 for 1998 and $25,000 for 1999 notwithstanding the
amount he was otherwise entitled to under the Executive Officer Bonus Plan
pursuant to his employment arrangements made with the Company during 1997.
These amounts are paid to such individuals in the year after that in which
they accrue.
(2) Represents reimbursement of life insurance premiums, matching contributions
paid by the Company under its 401(k) plan and costs of preparation of
individual tax returns. Amounts paid in 1999 for life insurance were
$1,001, $202, $543, $210 and $543; for matching contributions under the
Company's 401(k) plan were $5,000, $2,000, $4,774, $2,000 and $4,278; and
amounts paid for preparation of tax returns were $1,125, $1,125, $250, $200
and $0 for Messrs. Luksch, Palle, Dwight, Pugielli and Altiere,
respectively. Amounts paid in 1998 for life insurance were $8,772, $1,607,
$2,376, $787 and $1,319; for matching contributions under the Company's
401(k) plan were $3,922, $1,162, $3,087, $1,588 and $3,574; and amounts
paid for preparation of tax returns were $1,125, $1,125, $250, $200 and $0
for Messrs. Luksch, Palle, Dwight, Pugielli and Altiere, respectively.
Amounts paid in 1997 for life insurance were $14,128, $2,549, $945, $1,107
and $1,849; for matching contributions under the Company's 401(k) plan were
$2,375, $950, $0, $950 and $1,925; and amounts paid for preparation of tax
returns were $1,125, $1,125, $0, $200 and $0 for Messrs. Luksch, Palle,
Dwight, Pugielli and Altiere, respectively.
(3) The amounts of Securities Underlying Options initially granted to Messrs.
Dwight, Pugielli and Altiere in 1998 were 20,000, 10,000 and 10,000 shares,
respectively. Securities Underlying Options granted in 1998 to these
individuals also include 80,000, 26,666 and 30,000 shares, respectively,
underlying options granted to such individuals in prior years which were
repriced during September, 1998.
-7-
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTIONS
No stock options were granted by the Company to the named executive
officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS
The following table provides information with respect to the named
executive officers concerning the exercise of options during fiscal year 1999
and unexercised options held as of December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN 1999
AND OPTION VALUES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1999
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
SHARES UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS A
ACQUIRED DECEMBER 31, 1999(#) DECEMBER 31, 1999($)(1)
ON VALUE ------------------------------- --------------------------
NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James A. Luksch......... -- -- 25,000 -- -- --
Robert J. Palle, Jr. ... -- -- 23,500 -- -- --
John E. Dwight.......... -- -- 24,050 56,450 -- --
Peter Pugielli.......... -- -- 34,273 10,232 32,814 --
Daniel J. Altiere....... -- -- 37,607 10,232 32,814 --
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1) These columns represent the difference on December 31, 1999 between the
closing market price of the Company's common stock and the option exercise
price.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors currently consists of
James F. Williams, Robert B. Mayer and Robert E. Heaton. No member of the
Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of the Company during fiscal
year 1999. None of the executive officers of the Company has served on the board
of directors, the compensation committee or any other board committee performing
equivalent functions of any other entity, any of whose officers served either on
the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Company.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
In August 1995, Mr. Altiere and the Company entered into an employment
agreement which provides that Mr. Altiere is entitled to receive his base salary
for one year following termination of his employment by the Company without
cause. Upon his disability, Mr. Altiere is also entitled to receive his base
annual salary for one year.
REPORT OF COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION POLICIES
GENERAL
The Company's executive compensation program is administered by the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The objective of the Company
in setting executive compensation has been to attract, retain and motivate
qualified executives to manage the Company's business and affairs so as to
foster sales and earnings growth, achieve significant current profits and
maximize stockholder value. Executive compensation in the aggregate is made up
principally of annual base salary, bonus, and awards of stock options under the
Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive Plan.
Generally, annual salary adjustments and bonuses for executive officers
other than Messrs. Luksch and Palle have been established by Mr. Luksch with the
concurrence of the Compensation Committee. The annual salary adjustments and
bonuses for Messrs. Luksch and Palle are determined by the Compensation
Committee,
-8-
<PAGE>
subject to Board approval. An annual performance evaluation of each executive
officer is conducted, upon which a salary adjustment is determined. The
performance evaluation focuses on the executive's performance during the past
year of the responsibilities of his position, the executive's improvement in
areas where any deficiencies may have been noted in the past, and the
executive's achievement of any specific goals and objectives which may have been
established for such executive, including achievement of budget objectives. The
Company's overall profit for the fiscal year and the executive's individual
contribution to that profit are also considered. As is typical for most
corporations, the assessment of individual performance contributions is in most
cases subjective and not conditioned upon the achievement of any specific,
pre-determined performance targets.
In February, 1997, the Compensation Committee implemented the Executive
Officer Bonus Plan ("Executive Bonus Plan"). The Compensation Committee believes
that a combination of base salary, cash bonus awards under the Executive Bonus
Plan and the award of stock options and/or restricted stock awards will support
the short-term and long-term strategic objectives of the Company and will reward
individual performance and the value created for stockholders. Cash bonus awards
under the Executive Bonus Plan are paid to officers during a particular fiscal
year based upon and relating to the financial performance of the Company during
the prior fiscal year. During the first quarter of each fiscal year of the
Company, the Compensation Committee designates which of the Company's executive
officers are to participate in the Executive Bonus Plan for that year. Also
during the first quarter, the Compensation Committee establishes one or more
objective performance goals for each participant, together with a maximum dollar
bonus opportunity for the participant and a formula to determine bonus payments
based on the achievement of the goal(s). In no event may the bonus for any
participant exceed 100% of such participant's base salary.
The performance goals are expressed in terms of (a) one or more corporate
or divisional earnings-based measures (which may be based on net income,
operating income, cash flows, or any combination thereof) and/or (b) one or more
corporate or divisional sales-based measures. Each such goal may be expressed on
an absolute and/or relative basis, may employ comparisons with past performance
of the Company (including one or more divisions) and/or the current or past
performance of other companies, and in the case of earnings-based measures, may
employ comparisons to capital, stockholders' equity and shares outstanding.
Performance goals need not be uniform among participants.
After the Company's financial results for a fiscal year have been
determined, the Compensation Committee certifies the level of performance goal
attainment and the potential bonus payment for each participant. The
Compensation Committee has full authority to reduce the amount that would
otherwise be payable to any participant for a fiscal year.
For 1999, bonuses under the Executive Bonus Plan were only to be awarded if
the Company's earnings from operations in 1999 were at least equal to 120% of
its earnings from operations in 1998. This threshold requirement for the payment
of bonuses was not met for fiscal 1999, therefore no bonuses were awarded under
the Executive Bonus Plan. Each of the named executive officers in the Summary
Compensation Table herein was eligible to participate in the Executive Bonus
Plan during 1999. If awarded, bonuses earned during the 1999 fiscal year under
the Executive Bonus Plan (included as bonuses earned during 1999 in the Summary
Compensation Table herein but payable in 2000) were to be based on a percentage
of each recipient's annual salary for 1999 equal to the percentage increase in
the Company's earnings from operations for fiscal 1999 over fiscal 1998
multiplied by a multiplier between 1.0 and 1.5 determined on an individual basis
by the Compensation Committee, subject to a maximum amount equal to 100% of such
recipient's 1999 base annual salary.
COMPENSATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Mr. Luksch has been President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since it commenced operations in 1988. His compensation includes the same
elements and performance measures as the compensation of the Company's other
executive officers.
-9-
<PAGE>
Mr. Luksch's annual salary was increased from $311,000 to $325,000
effective January 1, 1999. At Mr. Luksch's request, his salary will not be
increased during fiscal year 2000. Mr. Luksch received no bonus and no stock
options during fiscal year 1999. The Committee believes that Mr. Luksch's
overall compensation is fair and reasonable. This assessment is a subjective
determination and is not quantitatively related to the Company's performance.
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Robert B. Mayer, Chairman
Robert E. Heaton
James F. Williams
COMPARATIVE STOCK PERFORMANCE
The graph below compares the cumulative total return during the period from
December 14, 1995, the date of the Company's initial public offering, to
December 31, 1999, for the Company's Common Stock, the AMEX Market Value Index
and the Dow Jones Electrical Components & Equipment Industry Group Index. This
graph assumes the investment of $100 in the Company's Common Stock, the stock in
the companies presented in the AMEX Market Value Index and the stock in the
companies comprising the Dow Jones Electrical Components & Equipment Industry
Group Index on December 14, 1995 and the reinvestment of all dividends.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
12/14/95 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98 12/31/99
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
BDR 100.00 92.10 149.25 79.52 60.01
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMEX 100.00 108.45 127.28 128.09 163.03
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
DJEI 100.00 122.41 148.10 170.92 218.37
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-10-
<PAGE>
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
The President's daughter and son-in-law, Emily Nikoo and Nezam Nikoo, are a
marketing manager and senior engineer for the Company, respectively. In
addition, Ms. Nikoo heads the Company's Task Force for the promotion of its
interdiction product line. The annual compensation for Ms. Nikoo in 1999 was
$95,820. The annual compensation for Mr. Nikoo was $83,092. In 1999, Ms. Nikoo
was granted options under the 1995 Plan to purchase 3,000 shares of Common Stock
at a price of $6.34 per share, vesting over three years at one-third per year,
commencing on August 19, 2000. In 1999, Mr. Nikoo was granted options under the
1995 Plan to purchase 2,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $6.34 per
share, vesting over three years at one-third per year, commencing on August 19,
2000.
PROPOSAL NO. 2 - AMENDMENT OF 1995 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will be presented with a proposal to
increase the number of shares subject to the Company's 1995 Long Term Incentive
Plan, as heretofore amended (the "1995 Plan"), by 150,000 shares. Previously,
stockholders have approved a total of 750,000 shares of Common Stock for
issuance under the 1995 Plan. Options to purchase a total of 655,966 shares of
Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $5.88 to $10.59 per share have been
granted and remain outstanding under the 1995 Plan as of February 29, 2000. No
restricted shares have been awarded under the 1995 Plan. The full text of the
proposed amendment to the 1995 Plan is set forth in Appendix A to this Proxy
Statement. The foregoing description of such proposed amendment is qualified in
its entirety by reference to the text of Appendix A hereto.
The Board of Directors has historically sought to employ the 1995 Plan as a
long-term incentive for its management and employees to enhance stockholder
value. Because options granted under the 1995 Plan are generally granted at fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant, any value which
ultimately accrues to optionees from such options is based entirely on the
Company's performance following the date of grant, as perceived by stockholders
who establish the price for the Company's shares. The proposed amendment
increasing the number of shares subject to the 1995 Plan will permit further
grants under such plan, thereby allowing the Company to continue creating
incentives for its management and employees to enhance stockholder value.
Accordingly, the Board of Directors believes it is in the best interests of the
Company and its stockholders to amend the 1995 Plan as described above.
The shares of Common Stock which approval of this Proposal No. 2 would make
subject to the 1995 Plan will be used to make grants of stock options from time
to time to persons eligible to receive such options.
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE 1995 PLAN
The 1995 Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors and stockholders on
October 3, 1995. It provides for grants of "incentive stock options" or
nonqualified stock options, and awards of restricted stock, to executives and
key employees, including officers and employee Directors. The 1995 Plan is
administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which
determines the optionees and the terms of the options granted under the 1995
Plan, including the exercise price, number of shares subject to the option and
the exercisability thereof, as well as the recipients and number of shares
awarded for restricted stock awards; provided, however, that no employee may
receive stock options or restricted stock awards which would result, separately
or in combination, in the acquisition of more than 100,000 shares of Common
Stock of the Company under the 1995 Plan. The exercise price of incentive stock
options granted under the 1995 Plan must be equal to at least the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of grant. With respect to any optionee who
owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of the
Company's outstanding capital stock, the exercise price of any incentive stock
option must be equal to at least 110% of the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of grant, and the term of the option may not exceed five
years. The term of all other incentive stock options granted under the 1995 Plan
may not exceed ten years. The aggregate fair market value of Common Stock
(determined as of the date of the option grant) for which an incentive stock
option may for the first time become exercisable in any calendar year may not
exceed $100,000. The exercise price for nonqualified stock options is
established by the Compensation Committee, and may be more or less than the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant.
-11-
<PAGE>
Generally, options granted under the 1995 Plan are exercisable over the
term of the option, depending upon the optionee's years of service with the
Company at the time of grant, as provided by the Compensation Committee. Upon
any merger or consolidation, if the Company is not the surviving corporation,
all outstanding options granted shall terminate unless such options are assumed
or other options are substituted therefor by the successor corporation, or the
vesting of such shares is accelerated by the Compensation Committee.
Under the 1995 Plan awards may be made to key executive employees of
restricted stock which is forfeitable unless the employee remains in the employ
of the Company for five years and does not violate other terms of the award,
such as non-transferability. Exceptions to forfeiture are provided for the cases
of retirement at age 65 or death while in employment.
The Board of Directors may, upon recommendation of the Compensation
Committee and without stockholder approval, terminate the 1995 Plan at any time
or modify the 1995 Plan to make certain administrative changes, such as changes
imposed by changing tax laws. The Board of Directors may not, without
stockholder approval, increase the total number of shares of Common Stock
subject to the 1995 Plan, change the class of persons eligible to receive grants
under the 1995 Plan or increase the benefits accruing to persons granted options
or restricted stock awards under the 1995 Plan.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES RELATING TO THE 1995 PLAN
The federal income tax consequences of an employee's participation in the
1995 Plan are complex and subject to change. The following discussion is only a
summary of the general rules applicable to the 1995 Plan. All participants have
been and are encouraged to consult their own tax advisors since a taxpayer's
particular situation may be such that some variation of the rules described
below will apply.
Incentive Stock Options. If an option granted under the 1995 Plan is
treated as an incentive stock option, the optionee will not recognize any income
upon either the grant or the exercise of the option, and the Company will not be
allowed a deduction for federal tax purposes. Upon a sale of the shares, the tax
treatment to the optionee and the Company will depend primarily upon whether the
optionee has met certain holding period requirements at the time he or she sells
the shares. In addition, as discussed below, the exercise of an incentive stock
option may subject the optionee to alternative minimum tax liability.
If an optionee exercises an incentive stock option and does not dispose of
the shares received within two years after the date of such option or within one
year after the transfer of the shares to him or her, any gain realized upon the
disposition will be characterized as a long-term capital gain and, in such case,
the Company will not be entitled to a federal tax deduction.
If the optionee disposes of the shares either within two years after the
date the option is granted or within one year after the transfer of the shares
to him or her, such disposition will be treated as a disqualifying disposition
and an amount equal to the lesser of (1) the fair market value of the shares on
the date of exercise minus the purchase price, or (2) the amount realized on the
disposition minus the purchase price, will be taxed as ordinary income to the
optionee in the taxable year in which the disposition occurs. (However, in the
case of gifts, sales to related parties, and certain other transactions, the
full difference between the fair market value of the stock and the purchase
price will be treated as compensation income). The excess, if any, of the amount
realized upon disposition over the fair market value at the time of the exercise
of the option will be treated as a long-term capital gain if the shares have
been held for more than one year following the exercise of the option.
The exercise of an incentive stock option may subject an optionee to
alternative minimum tax liability because the excess of the fair market value of
the shares at the time an incentive stock option is exercised over the purchase
price of the shares is included in income for purposes of the alternative
minimum tax even though it is not included in taxable income for purposes of
determining the regular tax liability of an employee. Consequently, an optionee
may be obligated to pay alternative minimum tax in the year he or she exercises
an incentive stock option.
In general, there will be no federal income tax deductions allowed to the
Company upon the grant, exercise or termination of an incentive stock option.
However, in the event an optionee sells or disposes of stock
-12-
<PAGE>
received on the exercise of an incentive stock option in a disqualifying
disposition, the Company will be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax
purposes in an amount equal to the ordinary income, if any, recognized by the
optionee upon disposition of the shares, provided that the deduction is not
otherwise disallowed under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
("Code").
Nonqualified Stock Options. Nonqualified stock options granted under the
1995 Plan do not qualify as "incentive stock options" and will not qualify for
any special tax benefits to the optionee. An optionee generally will not
recognize any taxable income at the time he or she is granted a nonqualified
option. However, upon its exercise, the optionee will recognize ordinary income
for federal tax purposes measured by the excess of the then fair market value of
the shares over the exercise price. The income realized by the optionee will be
subject to income and other employee withholding taxes.
The optionee's basis for determination of gain or loss upon the subsequent
disposition of shares acquired upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option
will be the amount paid for such shares plus any ordinary income recognized as a
result of the exercise of such option. Upon disposition of any shares acquired
pursuant to the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the difference between
the sale price and the optionee's basis in the shares will be treated as a
capital gain or loss and generally will be characterized as a long-term capital
gain or loss if the shares have been held for more than one year at their
disposition.
In general, there will be no federal income tax deduction allowed to the
Company upon the grant or termination of a nonqualified stock option or a sale
or disposition of the shares acquired upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock
option. However, upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the Company
will be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax purposes equal to the
amount of ordinary income that an optionee is required to recognize as a result
of the exercise, provided that the deduction is not otherwise disallowed under
the Code.
Restricted Stock Awards. Generally, the grant of a restricted stock award
does not immediately produce taxable income to a recipient or a tax deduction to
the Company. At the time the restrictions and conditions expire, however, a
recipient will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the fair market
value of the shares on the date the restrictions and conditions expire and the
Company will be entitled to a corresponding income tax deduction. A recipient
who elects under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days after the date of the
grant, however, will have ordinary income on the date of the grant equal to the
fair market value on that date of the shares of restricted stock as if the
shares were unrestricted and could be sold immediately. With respect to the sale
or exchange of shares after the restrictions have expired, the holding period to
determine whether the recipient has a long-term or short-term capital gain or
loss will commence on the date the restrictions expire. If the recipient makes a
timely election pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code, to be taxed as of the
date of the grant, the holding period will commence on the date of the grant and
the tax basis will be equal to the fair market value of the shares on the date
of grant as if the shares were unrestricted and could be sold immediately. If no
election has been made under Section 83(b) of the Code, any dividends received
from the restricted stock while the restrictions are in effect will be taxed as
additional compensation, and the Company will be entitled to a corresponding
compensation deduction. Otherwise, dividends paid on restricted stock will be
taxed to the recipient at ordinary income rates and will not be deductible by
the Company.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONCERNING THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF
THE 1995 PLAN
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR
THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 1995 PLAN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SHARES AVAILABLE
FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER FROM 750,000 SHARES TO 900,000 SHARES. PROXIES RECEIVED
BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS STOCKHOLDERS SPECIFY IN THEIR
PROXIES A CONTRARY CHOICE.
-13-
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL NO. 3 - RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT
OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the Company, upon the recommendation of the Audit
Committee, has selected BDO Seidman, LLP to serve as independent auditors of the
Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. BDO Seidman, LLP was the
Company's independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 and
is considered by management of the Company to be well qualified. The Company has
been advised by that firm that neither it nor any member thereof has any
financial interest, direct or indirect in the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, in any capacity. One or more representatives of BDO Seidman, LLP
is expected to be present at this year's Annual Meeting of Stockholders with an
opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and to answer
appropriate questions with respect to that firm's examination of the Company's
financial statements and records for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999.
Although the submission of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP is not
required by law or the By-Laws of the Company, the Board is submitting it to the
stockholders to ascertain their views. If the stockholders do not ratify the
appointment, the Board will not be bound to seek other independent auditors for
2000, but the selection of other independent auditors will be considered in
future years.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD CONCERNING THE RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR
THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP AS THE COMPANY'S
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR THE 2000 FISCAL YEAR. PROXIES RECEIVED BY THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS WILL BE SO VOTED UNLESS STOCKHOLDERS SPECIFY IN THEIR PROXIES A
CONTRARY CHOICE.
OTHER BUSINESS
Management knows of no other matters that will be presented at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders. However, if any other matter properly comes before the
meeting, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, it is intended that proxies
in the accompanying form will be voted in accordance with the judgment of the
persons named therein.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals intended to be included in the Company's proxy
statement for presentation at the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant
to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, must be
received by the Company's Controller at One Jake Brown Road, Old Bridge, New
Jersey 08857 on or before December 6, 2000, to be eligible for inclusion in such
proxy statement.
If notice of a stockholder proposal intended to be presented at the 2001
Annual Meeting of Stockholders is not received by the Company on or before
February 19, 2001 (whether or not the stockholder wishes the proposal to be
included in the proxy statement for such annual meeting), the Company (through
management proxy holders) may exercise discretionary voting authority on such
proposal when and if the proposal is raised at the annual meeting without any
reference to the matter in the proxy statement.
-14-
<PAGE>
FORM 10-K
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 ACCOMPANIES THIS PROXY STATEMENT. THE COMPANY WILL
FURNISH TO EACH PERSON WHOSE PROXY IS BEING SOLICITED, UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, ANY
EXHIBIT DESCRIBED IN THE LIST ACCOMPANYING THE FORM 10-K, UPON THE PAYMENT, IN
ADVANCE, OF REASONABLE FEES RELATED TO THE COMPANY'S FURNISHING SUCH EXHIBIT(S).
REQUESTS FOR COPIES OF SUCH EXHIBIT(S) SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO GLENN ALEXANDER,
CONTROLLER, AT THE COMPANY'S PRINCIPAL ADDRESS AS SHOWN ON THE COVER PAGE OF
THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
By Order of the Board of Directors
James A. Luksch
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Date: April 3, 2000
Old Bridge, New Jersey
-15-
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO
1995 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
THIRD AMENDMENT TO
BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.
1995 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
The Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. 1995 Long Term Incentive Plan, as
heretofore amended (the "PLAN"), is hereby amended as follows:
1. The first sentence of Section 3.1 of the Plan is hereby amended and
restated in its entirety as follows:
"Subject to adjustment pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.2
hereof, the number of shares of Stock of the Company which may be
issued and sold or awarded under the Plan shall not exceed 900,000
shares, of which shares issued and sold pursuant to Incentive Stock
Options under the Plan shall not exceed 875,000 and shares subject to
restricted stock awards may not exceed 25,000."
2. Ratification. Except as expressly set forth in this Third Amendment to
the Plan, the Plan is hereby ratified and confirmed without modification.
3. Effective Date. The effective date of this Third Amendment to the Plan
shall be February 8, 2000.
<PAGE>
BLONDER TONGUE LABORATORIES, INC.
One Jake Brown Road
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
PROXY CARD FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 4, 2000
This Proxy is being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
The Undersigned hereby appoints James A. Luksch and Robert J. Palle, Jr., and
either of them (with full power to act alone), as Proxies of the undersigned,
each with the power to appoint his substitute and hereby authorizes them to
respresent and to vote, as designated on the Proxy Card all shares of Common
Stock of Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. (the "Company") held of record by the
undersigned on the record date of March 21, 2000 at the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders to be held on May 4, 2000 and at any postponements or adjournments
thereof, all as in accordance with the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders
and Proxy Statement furnished with this Proxy.
(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE)
<PAGE>
Please Detach and Mail in the Envelope Provided
A [X] Please mark your
votes as in this
example
1. Election of three FOR WITHHOLD
Class II Directors [ ] [ ] Nominees: Robert J. Palle, Jr.
to hold office until Gary P. Scharmett
the 2003 Annual James H. Williams
Meeting of Stockholders or until their
successors have been elected and
qualified
(To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee write that nominee's
name on the space provided below.)
- ----------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. Proposal to amend 1995 Long Term Incentive [ ] [ ] [ ]
Plan to increase shares issuable pursuant
to options or grants thereunder from
750,000 to 900,000
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
3. Proposal to ratify the appointment of [ ] [ ] [ ]
BDO Seidman, LLP as independent auditors
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000
In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other matters
as may properly come before the meeting and at any postponements or adjournments
thereof. If no direction is made on the Proxy Card, this Proxy will be voted FOR
the election of all nominees to serve as Class I Directors and FOR proposals
2 and 3.
Please mark, sign, date and return this Proxy Card promptly using the enclosed
envelope.
Signature _____________________________________________________________________
Signature if held jointly _____________________________________________________
Dated ____________________________________________________________________ 2000
NOTE: Please sign exactly as name appears above. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both stockholders should sign. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator or trustee or guardian, please give full title as
such. If a Corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President
or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership's name by authorized person.
