<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Section 240.14a-101 Schedule 14A.
Information required in proxy statement.
Schedule 14A Information
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
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
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
WITCO CORPORATION
.................................................................
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
.................................................................
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
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.
[ ] 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:
.......................................................
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
WITCO WORLD HEADQUARTERS
GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT
APRIL 28, 1999
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
(GRAPHIC)
[WITCO LOGO]
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[Logo] WITCO CORPORATION
One American Lane
Greenwich, CT 06831-2559
E. Gary Cook
Chairman of the Board
President
Chief Executive Officer
</TABLE>
March 25, 1999
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend Witco's 1999 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 1999 at
our corporate headquarters located at One American Lane, Greenwich,
CT. We have enclosed with this Proxy Statement, your proxy voting
card, including directions to the meeting, and the Company's 1998
Annual Report to Shareholders for your review.
At the meeting, we will review Witco's 1998 performance and
answer any of your questions about the Company. In addition,
shareholders will be voting on the election of directors and the
ratification of our independent auditors for 1999.
Please complete your proxy card and return it promptly in the
pre-paid, self-addressed envelope provided. This will enable us to
vote your shares according to your instructions whether or not you
plan to attend the meeting.
I look forward to seeing those of you who will be able to
join us on April 28.
Sincerely,
E. Gary Cook
E. Gary Cook
Chairman, President
and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
[Logo]
NOTICE OF 1999 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1999
10:30 A.M. EASTERN TIME
WITCO WORLD HEADQUARTERS
ONE AMERICAN LANE
GREENWICH, CT 06831-2559
AGENDA
1. To re-elect four directors, Messrs. Blankenship, Hohn, Samuel and Wesson each
for a term of three years (or until their earlier retirement) and until their
successors are elected and qualified;
2. To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent
auditors for 1999; and
3. To transact any other business properly brought before the Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote in favor of both proposals.
Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 1999 will be
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. Admission to
the meeting will be on a first-come, first-served basis and registration will
begin at 9:45 a.m. 'Street name' holders will need to bring a copy of a
brokerage statement reflecting stock ownership as of the record date.
This Proxy Statement, proxy card and 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders are
being distributed on or about March 25, 1999.
By order of the Board of Directors,
Edgar J. Smith, Jr.
Vice President, General Counsel
and Corporate Secretary
Greenwich, Connecticut
March 25, 1999
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Questions and Answers about the Meeting..................................................................... 1
Proposals to be Voted on.................................................................................... 3
Board of Directors.......................................................................................... 4
Composition........................................................................................... 4
Board Meetings Held................................................................................... 7
Board Committees...................................................................................... 7
Corporate Governance.................................................................................. 8
Outside Directors' Compensation....................................................................... 9
Outside Directors' Stock Ownership Requirements....................................................... 10
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation........................................... 10
Certain Business Relationships........................................................................ 10
Stock Ownership............................................................................................. 11
Principal Shareholders................................................................................ 11
Security Ownership of Directors and Officers.......................................................... 12
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership.................................................................... 13
Executive Compensation...................................................................................... 14
Report of the Organization and Compensation Committee................................................. 14
Summary Compensation Table............................................................................ 18
Option Grants Table................................................................................... 19
Option Exercises and Year-End Value Table............................................................. 19
Long-Term Incentive Plan Awards Table................................................................. 20
Certain Benefit Plans................................................................................. 20
Employment Agreements and Other Arrangements.......................................................... 22
Transactions with Management.......................................................................... 23
Indebtedness of Management............................................................................ 24
Performance Graph........................................................................................... 25
Additional Information...................................................................................... 25
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
ABOUT THE MEETING
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING?
A: At the Company's Annual Meeting, Witco's shareholders will vote on the
matters listed in the accompanying notice of meeting, namely the re-election of
four directors (Messrs. Blankenship, Hohn, Samuel and Wesson) and the
ratification of the Company's independent auditors (Ernst & Young LLP). The
Company's management will report on Witco's performance during 1998 and will
answer shareholders' questions.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE?
A: Shareholders as of the close of business on the record date (March 15, 1999)
are entitled to vote their shares of Witco Common Stock or $2.65 Cumulative
Convertible Preferred Stock held on that date. Each outstanding share of stock
is entitled to one vote. As of March 15, 1999, there were outstanding and
entitled to vote at the meeting 57,644,827 shares of Common Stock and 5,892
shares of $2.65 Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: HOW DO I VOTE?
A: If you complete, sign and date the accompanying proxy card and return it in
the prepaid envelope, your shares will be voted confidentially and according to
your instructions. If you do not mark any selections but return the signed card,
your shares will be voted by your proxy, in favor of the two proposals. If you
attend the meeting, you may deliver your completed proxy card and vote in
person.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT DOES IT MEAN IF I GET MORE THAN ONE PROXY CARD?
A: It indicates that your shares are registered differently and are held in
more than one account. You should complete, sign, date and return all proxy
cards so that all of your shares are voted. You may also own shares indirectly
through your broker or Witco's Employee Retirement Savings Plan (the '401(k)
Plan'). We encourage you to have as many accounts as possible registered in the
same name and address. You may do this by calling our transfer agent, First
Chicago Trust Company of New York c/o EquiServe at (201) 324-0313 or e-mailing
your request to [email protected].
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHO WILL COUNT THE VOTE?
A: Representatives at First Chicago Trust Company of New York, a division of
EquiServe, will tabulate the votes and act as inspector of election.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: CAN I REVOKE MY PROXY BEFORE IT IS EXERCISED?
A: Yes, you may revoke your proxy before the meeting by notifying Witco's
Corporate Secretary in writing that you would like to do so. The proxy holders'
powers may also be suspended if you attend the meeting and notify the Corporate
Secretary at the meeting that you would like to change your vote. Attendance at
the meeting will not automatically revoke a previously granted proxy.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Q: HOW DO I VOTE MY 401(k) SHARES?
A: The shares of Common Stock held by the trustee under the 401(k) Plan will be
voted according to your instructions on your proxy card. If no instructions are
received by the close of business on April 23, 1999, the shares will be voted in
the same proportion as shares for which instructions are received from other
participants in the 401(k) Plan.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT CONSTITUTES A QUORUM?
A: A quorum is the presence in person or by proxy of shareholders holding a
majority of the combined shares of Common Stock and $2.65 Cumulative Convertible
Preferred Stock. Abstentions and withhold-authority votes will be included for
purposes of determining a quorum and for purposes of calculating the vote, but
will not be considered to have been voted in favor of the item voted upon.
Broker non-votes will be included for purposes of determining a quorum, but will
not be considered to be represented at the meeting for purposes of calculating
the vote.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: HOW MANY VOTES DOES IT TAKE TO APPROVE THE ITEMS TO BE VOTED UPON?
A: Directors are elected by a plurality. This means that assuming a quorum is
present at the meeting, the four director nominees receiving the highest number
of all votes cast for directors will be elected. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares having voting power present in person or represented by
proxy at the meeting is needed to ratify the election of Ernst & Young LLP.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHO IS SOLICITING MY VOTE AND WHO PAYS THE COST?
A: The Company has retained Georgeson & Company Inc. to assist in the
distribution of proxy materials and the solicitation of votes at a fee estimated
to be $8,500, excluding out-of-pocket expenses. The Company will pay the entire
cost of the solicitation and will reimburse banks, brokerage firms, custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in sending proxy
materials to the beneficial owners of Witco stock. Proxies may also be solicited
personally, by mail, by telephone, by facsimile or by telegraph, by the
directors, officers or other employees of the Company, without remuneration
other than regular compensation.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHEN ARE THE YEAR 2000 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS DUE?
A: If a shareholder wants a proposal to be included in Witco's proxy statement
for the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, or wishes to recommend nominees to
the Board of Directors, the proposal, in writing and addressed to the Company's
Corporate Secretary, must be received by the Company no later than November 25,
1999. A shareholder may bring other business before an annual meeting by giving
written notice of the proposed business either by personal delivery or by United
States mail, either certified or registered, return receipt requested, to the
Corporate Secretary by January 29, 2000 or not later than ten days after notice
of public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is given or made to
shareholders, whichever date is earlier. The notice must be given in accordance
with the Company's by-laws otherwise the Chairman of the meeting may refuse to
permit the business at issue to be brought before the meeting.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: WHAT OTHER INFORMATION ABOUT WITCO IS AVAILABLE?
A: Witco shareholders can call, toll-free 1-888-665-9880 to request a copy of
our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our quarterly news releases by fax or through
the mail. Shareholders can use this toll-free number to request quarterly
information on the day results are released, at any time after release or to be
placed on a permanent mailing list for these releases. This and other important
information about Witco is also available on our web site which can be accessed
at www.witco.com. Press releases are posted on our web site within a few hours
of public release.
2
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON
1. RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The number of Directors is currently established at thirteen directors
divided into three classes. Each class is elected to serve a three year term and
classes are elected on a staggered basis. The Board of Directors proposes that
Don L. Blankenship, Harry G. Hohn, Dan J. Samuel and Bruce F. Wesson, all of
whom are currently serving as directors, be re-elected for a new term of three
years (or until their earlier retirement) and until their successors are duly
elected and qualified. Biographical information for each of the nominees is
provided on page 4.
Under the Board's retirement policy adopted in 1997, non-employee directors
cannot stand for election to a three year term at any annual meeting following
their 70th birthday; provided that sitting directors who attained the age of 70
before the adoption of the retirement policy retire at the annual meeting
following their 75th birthday. Messrs. Grant, Samuel and Wishnick will each
reach age 75 prior to the 2000 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
If any director is unable to serve his or her full term, the Board may, by
resolution, provide for a lesser number of directors (but not less than twelve)
or a majority vote of the directors then in office may designate a substitute.
The director chosen by the Board shall hold office for a term expiring at the
annual meeting of shareholders at which the term of the class to which the
director has been elected expires.
The affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares voting at the 1999 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders having voting power present in person or represented by
proxy at the meeting is required for the election of each nominee for director.
Unless otherwise specified, the proxies received will be voted for the election
of the listed nominees.
2. RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as the independent
auditors to examine the accounts of the Company for the 1999 fiscal year. Ernst
& Young LLP and its predecessors have been serving the Company in this capacity
for over fifty years. A member of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be in
attendance at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement and
respond to questions.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote for ratification
of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors
for fiscal 1999. In the event that ratification of the Board of Director's
selection of auditors is not approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of
the shares having voting power present in person or represented by proxy at the
meeting, the selection of independent auditors will be reconsidered by the Board
of Directors.
3
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION IN CLASS SERVING UNTIL THE 2002 ANNUAL MEETING
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
[PHOTO] DON L. BLANKENSHIP
Mr. Blankenship, 49, is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of A.T. Massey Coal Company, Inc., a subsidiary of Fluor
Corporation. He is a Director of Fluor Corporation. Director since 1997.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] HARRY G. HOHN
Mr. Hohn, 67, was Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of New
York Life Insurance Company from 1990 to 1997. He is a Director of New York
Life Insurance Company and The Mainstay Funds. Director since 1989.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] DAN J. SAMUEL
Mr. Samuel, 74, is a business consultant. Prior to his retirement, Mr.
Samuel was a senior executive of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group of Companies.
He is a director of Measurement Specialties Inc. and Canadian Overseas
Packaging Industries. Director since 1985.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] BRUCE F. WESSON
Mr. Wesson, 56, is President of Galen Associates, a health care venture
firm, and a General Partner of Galen Partners L.P. Prior to January 1991,
he was Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Smith Barney, Harris
Upham & Co. Incorporated, New York, New York, an investment banking firm.
He is a director of Halsey Drug Co., Inc. Director since 1980.
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINUING DIRECTORS IN CLASS SERVING UNTIL THE 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
[PHOTO] SIMEON BRINBERG
Mr. Brinberg, 65, is Senior Vice President of BRT Realty Trust, a real
estate investment trust. Director since 1987.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] WILLIAM R. GRANT
Mr. Grant, 74, is Chairman of Galen Associates, a health care venture firm
and a General Partner of Galen Partners L.P. He is a Director of Minimed
Inc., Allergan, Inc., Ocular Sciences Corp. and WBN.com. Director since
1970.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] RICHARD M. HAYDEN
Mr. Hayden, 53, is a Limited Partner of Goldman,
Sachs & Co., New York, N.Y., an investment banking firm.
Director since 1992.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] NICHOLAS PAPPAS
Mr. Pappas, 68, is President, Chief Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of
BioTraces, Inc. and Chairman of the Board of ChemFab Corporation. He is
also a Director of Nova Corporation and Yenkin Majestic Paint Corporation,
as well as a retired Executive Vice President of E.I. DuPont de Nemours and
Company and a past member of the Executive Committee of DuPont Corporation.
Director since 1997.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTINUING DIRECTORS IN CLASS SERVING UNTIL THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
[PHOTO] BRUCE R. BOND
Mr. Bond, 51, is Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
PictureTel Corporation. Before joining PictureTel in March 1998, he was
President and Chief Executive Officer of ANS Communications, a
data-networking unit of America Online Company. From April 1991 to July
1996, he was a Managing Director of British Telecom. Director since 1997.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] WILLIAM G. BURNS
Mr. Burns, 66, was Chief Executive Officer of Galen Associates, a health
care venture firm, and a General Partner of Galen Partners L.P. from March
1990 to December 1990. Prior to his retirement in May 1989, he was Vice
Chairman of NYNEX Corporation. He is a Director of New York Life Insurance
Company and J.P. Morgan Funds. Director since 1986.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] E. GARY COOK
Mr. Cook, 54, was elected Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company in June 1996. He was President and Chief
Operating Officer of Albemarle Corporation until he assumed his current
position with the Company. Director since 1996.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] LOUISE GOESER
Ms. Goeser, 45, is Vice President for Quality of Ford Motor Company. Before
joining Ford in March 1999, she was General Manager, Refrigeration Product
Team, of Whirlpool Corporation's North American Region. Director since
1997.
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[PHOTO] WILLIAM WISHNICK
Mr. Wishnick, 74, is a business consultant and the President of the Robert
I. Wishnick Foundation. He was elected Chairman of the Board of the Company
in 1964 and assumed the additional responsibility of Chief Executive
Officer in 1971. He held these positions until October 1990. Director since
1949.
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
BOARD MEETINGS HELD
The Board of Directors held eight meetings during 1998. Each director
attended 75% or more of the total meetings of the Board of Directors and
Committees of which he or she was a member.
BOARD COMMITTEES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP(1)
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORGANIZATION SAFETY, HEALTH
NAME AUDIT FINANCE GOVERNANCE & COMPENSATION PENSION & ENVIRONMENTAL
---- ----- ------- ---------- -------------- ------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
D. L. Blankenship x x
B. R. Bond x x
S. Brinberg * x
W. G. Burns * x
L. Goeser x x
W. R. Grant *
R. M. Hayden x x
H. G. Hohn * x
N. Pappas x *
D. J. Samuel x x
B. F. Wesson * x
W. Wishnick x x
Number of Meetings in 1998 4 3 5 4 5 5
</TABLE>
(1) Committee membership is as of March 15, 1999.
* Chairman
Note: E.G. Cook was an ex-officio, but non-voting member of each committee
except Audit.
Audit. The Audit Committee reviews or participates in reviews of matters
relating to audit, accounting and financial statements. The Committee reviews
the scope and results of the Company's internal audit procedures as well as the
adequacy of the Company's system of internal accounting controls. The Committee
recommends to the full Board of Directors an independent accounting firm to be
engaged and reviews with the independent auditors the plan and results of the
audit engagement, non-audit services performed by the independent auditors, the
independence of the auditors and proposed audit and related fees.
Finance. The Finance Committee is charged with monitoring the financial
affairs of the Company by providing guidance and counsel to management and
recommending to the Board of Directors financial actions and policies. The
Committee's responsibilities include reviewing and evaluating the adequacy and
efficacy of management's financial plans, strategies and performance, and making
recommendations to the Board of Directors in various areas including long and
short-term financial plans, programs and borrowings, short-term liquidity, cash
flow and balance sheet performance, dividend policies, capital structure,
investment of corporate funds, financial risk management, shareholder, financial
community and rating agency relations, compliance with debt covenants and tax
matters.
Governance. The Governance Committee was established to oversee the role
and effectiveness of the Board of Directors in the corporate governance process.
The
7
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Committee performs a number of functions including reviewing the skills of the
Board of Directors to determine whether the appropriate areas of expertise are
present, screening and interviewing new director candidates, fashioning new
director orientation and recommending committee assignments to the full Board of
Directors for approval. The Committee annually assesses the performance of the
Board of Directors as a whole as well as that of individual directors and
reviews non-employee directors' compensation and stock ownership levels.
Organization and Compensation. The Organization and Compensation Committee
reviews the Company's overall compensation philosophy and plans, its corporate
organizational structure, succession plans and the performance of its officers.
The Committee evaluates the CEO with the Chairman of the Governance Committee,
agrees to performance criteria for the CEO and makes CEO and senior officer
compensation recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Committee
determines, interprets and amends the terms of Company compensation plans and
establishes awards and targets under the plans.
Pension. The Pension Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling
its fiduciary responsibilities under various retirement plans sponsored by the
Company and its subsidiaries and advises the Board of Directors regarding
retirement plan matters that do not fall within the scope of any fiduciary
obligation. The Committee, among other functions, selects and dismisses the
actuary for the Company's defined benefit plans, adopts a funding policy and
determination of plan contributions for such plans, reviews and modifies
actuarial assumptions, selects trustees, investment managers and other entities
involved in the management of plan assets and recommends the adoption of
retirement or savings plan benefits. The Committee also selects and reviews the
performance of funds for the Company's 401(k) plans.
Safety, Health and Environmental. The Safety, Health and Environmental
Committee is charged with the responsibility of providing guidance and counsel
to management on safety, health and environmental matters. The Committee's
specific responsibilities include the review and evaluation of the Company's
safety, health and environmental performance, policies, standards, procedures,
management systems and strategic plans.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Board of Directors is responsible for the oversight and management of
the direction of the Company in order to enhance the long-term value of the
enterprise for its shareholders. In October 1997, the Board of Directors created
the Governance Committee which is charged with the responsibility of overseeing
the role and effectiveness of the Board of Directors in the corporate governance
process. The Committee is composed solely of non-employee directors. The CEO is
an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Committee.
In December 1997, the Board of Directors approved a set of core principles
and guidelines for corporate governance which were implemented during the course
of 1998. Copies of the Corporate Governance Guidelines (the 'Guidelines') were
distributed to the Company's shareholders in July 1998 and can be obtained upon
request by contacting the Office of the Corporate Secretary. The Guidelines
generally set out the principal functions of the Board of Directors and address
other matters relating to board
8
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
membership, board and committee meetings, officer and director evaluation
processes and items such as officer and director equity ownership requirements
and succession planning.
During 1998, the Governance Committee and the full Board of Directors made
complete or substantive progress in implementing the Guidelines. Among specific
actions, the Governance Committee of the Board of Directors initiated a Board
evaluation process at the end of 1998. The Governance Committee identified
twelve primary duties and responsibilities of board members and each board
member was asked to evaluate himself or herself and the Board of Directors as a
whole in each identified area. The Chairman of the Governance Committee shared
the results of the evaluation with the full Board for discussion.
In addition, at the first Board meeting of 1999, the Board completed a
process of review, redrafting and approval of its committees' charters in
addition to setting individual agendas of recurring items for 1999 for each of
the committees and the Board of Directors. The purpose of the efforts was to
clarify and, if necessary, redefine the roles of the committees of the Board.
Also early in 1999, the Board conducted its annual evaluation of the performance
of the Company's senior officers, including the CEO, as further described in the
Report of the Organization and Compensation Committee.
During the remainder of 1999, the Board of Directors will continue its
efforts to develop and refine processes called for by the Guidelines including
the further development of the board evaluation process.
OUTSIDE DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
Board annual retainer of $25,000
Board attendance fee of $1,000 per meeting (plus reimbursement of travel
expenses)
Committee annual retainer of $2,500
Committee Chairperson attendance fee of $1,000 per meeting
Committee member attendance fee of $750 per meeting
Deferred Fees Plan. Under the Amended and Restated Witco Corporation
Deferred Directors' Fees Plan (the 'Deferred Fees Plan') outside Directors have
the option to elect to defer payment of all or any part of their Board and
Committee retainers and meeting fees until their retirement or such other time
as they have elected under that plan. Amounts deferred can either earn interest
at an annual rate set forth in the plan or be converted to phantom shares of
Witco Common Stock which earn additional phantom shares on each day the Company
pays a dividend.
Other Arrangements. The Company provides non-employee Directors with
coverage under the Company's basic life and accidental death and dismemberment
policy with a death benefit of $50,000.
The Company has retained Mr. Wishnick as an independent consultant at an
annual retainer of $110,000. The consultancy agreement is automatically extended
for additional terms of one year each unless either party gives 90 days written
notice of its intention not to continue the agreement. In addition, the Company
makes office space and a part-time secretary available for use by Mr. Wishnick.
9
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
OUTSIDE DIRECTORS' STOCK OWNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
On March 4, 1997, the Board of Directors adopted the following stock
ownership guidelines for outside directors of the Company:
Each director must own Common Stock having a value equal to three times
total annual compensation received as a director of the Company.
Each director has until March 4, 2002 or five years from their initial
date of appointment to the Board of Directors, whichever is later, to
achieve the required level of ownership.
Each director acquiring phantom shares of Common Stock through
participation in the Deferred Fees Plan is credited with ownership of a
corresponding number of shares of Common Stock of the Company.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
None of the members of the Organization and Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors is or has been an officer or employee of the Company. All
members of the Committee participated in decisions related to compensation of
the Company's executive officers. No executive officer of the Company served as
a director or member of a compensation committee of another Company where an
executive officer of such company is a member of the Organization and
Compensation Committee.
CERTAIN BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
Mr. Hayden is a Limited Partner of Goldman, Sachs and Co. This firm
provided certain investment banking services to the Company during the year
ended December 31, 1998 and is expected to provide similar services to the
Company during 1999.
Mr. Blankenship is a Director of Fluor Corporation. The Company has entered
into one or more arms-length contracts with Fluor Daniel, Inc. a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Fluor Corporation, whereby Fluor Daniel, Inc. has provided certain
engineering, procurement, construction and project management services to the
Company during the year ended December 31, 1998 and is expected to provide
similar services to the Company during 1999. Mr. Blankenship is not and was not
involved with the management or administration of any of these services.
10
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
STOCK OWNERSHIP
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The table below indicates those persons whom management believes to be
beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Company's Common Stock. The information
is based on reports filed with the Company and the Securities Exchange
Commission as of February 15, 1999 in accordance with Section 13(g) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES
NAME AND BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF
ADDRESS OWNED CLASS
-------- ------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc. 7,152,200(1) 12.4%
3232 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204-2429
FMR Corp. 7,053,600(2) 12.2%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, MA 02109
Capital Research & Management 6,281,600(3) 10.9%
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. 4,711,305(4) 8.2%
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154-0010
Putnam Investments, Inc. 4,238,049(5) 7.4%
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109
Wellington Management Company, LLP 3,639,400(6) 6.3%
75 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. 3,594,300(7) 6.2%
100 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
</TABLE>
(1) Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney & Strauss, Inc. has advised that they have sole
voting power for 1,104,200 shares, shared voting power for 6,048,000 shares
and sole dispositive power for 7,152,200 shares. Barrow, Hanley, Mewhinney &
Strauss, Inc. acts as investment adviser for Vanguard Windsor
Funds -- Windsor II Fund with respect to 5,431,800 of the shares listed
above.
(2) FMR Corp. has advised that they have sole voting power for 1,329,000 shares
and sole dispositive power for 7,053,600 shares.
(3) Capital Research & Management has advised that they have sole dispositive
power for 6,281,600 shares. Capital Research & Management disclaims
beneficial ownership of all shares pursuant to Rule 13d-4.
(4) Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. has advised that they have sole voting
power for 1,094,005 shares; shared voting power for 3,357,800 shares and
sole dispositive power for 4,711,305 shares.
(5) Putnam Investments, Inc. has advised that they have shared voting power for
274,519 shares and shared dispositive power for 4,238,049 shares.
(6) Wellington Management Company, LLP has advised that they have shared voting
power for 300,500 shares and shared dispositive power for 3,639,400 shares.
(7) T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. has advised that they have sole voting power
for 631,100 shares and sole dispositive power for 3,594,300 shares.
11
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The following table shows the Common Stock ownership of the Company's
directors, the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table and
the directors and executive officers of the Company as a group as of March 1,
1999. The table also shows the number of phantom shares credited to the
individual's deferred compensation account under the Deferred Directors' Fees
Plan more fully described on page 9 and stock options exercisable as of March
25, 1999 and within 60 days of that date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMMON STOCK PHANTOM EXERCISABLE
NAME OWNED(1)(2) SHARES OPTIONS
---- ------------ ------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
D.L. Blankenship -- 2,031 --
B.R. Bond -- 1,194 --
S. Brinberg 3,200 5,449 --
W.G. Burns 2,001 1,652 --
E.G. Cook 116,382(3) -- 685,000
C.J. DiFrancesco 16,907(4) -- 12,010
L. Goeser -- 2,214 --
W.R. Grant 3,374 10,144 --
R.M. Hayden 3,001 9,460 --
H.G. Hohn 1,001 9,823 --
P. Mackey -- -- 12,500
D.E. McCoy 15,442(5) -- 84,890
N. Pappas 1,000 2,609 --
D.J. Samuel 2,501 1,664 --
R.L. Sharp 17,425(6) -- 105,000
B.F. Wesson 3,500 7,332 --
W. Wishnick 247,171(7) -- --
Directors and Officers as a Group (28 individuals) 557,488(8) 53,572 1,152,286
</TABLE>
(1) Includes shares held under the 401(k) Plan as of December 31, 1998 by Mr.
Cook (1,084 shares), Mr. Sharp (167 shares) and all directors and officers
as a group (4,776 shares) for which they have voting and investment power.
(2) Includes common stock and restricted stock granted on February 3, 1999 to
the named executive officer under the Witco Corporation Long-Term Incentive
Plan and to all officers totaling 21,650 shares. See table on page 18 for
individual amounts.
(3) Includes 27,145 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Cook pursuant to
the employment agreement, dated June 12, 1996, between Mr. Cook and the
Company and 1,500 shares of restricted stock granted pursuant to the
Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program. See 'Employment Agreements and Other
Arrangements' and 'Transactions with Management -- Enhanced Stock
Acquisition Program'.
(4) Includes 5,145 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. DiFrancesco
pursuant to the Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program. See 'Transactions with
Management -- Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program'.
(5) Includes 4,790 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. McCoy pursuant to
the Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program. See 'Transactions with
Management -- Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program'.
(6) Includes 6,666 shares of restricted stock granted to Mr. Sharp pursuant to
an agreement providing for certain employment incentives and 1,770 shares of
restricted stock granted to Mr. Sharp pursuant to the Enhanced Stock
Acquisition Program. See 'Transactions with Management -- Enhanced Stock
Acquisition Program'.
(7) Includes the following shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Wishnick
disclaims direct beneficial ownership: 33,964 shares owned by his daughter
and 113,388 shares owned by his wife.
(8) Includes 62,144 shares of restricted stock granted to directors and officers
as a group pursuant to the Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program and employment
agreements. See 'Employment Agreements and Other Arrangements' and
'Transactions with Management -- Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program'.
12
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Each of the individuals listed in the table above, beneficially owned less
than 1% of the Company's 57,644,827 outstanding shares of Common Stock on March
1, 1999, except Mr. Cook. As of March 15, 1999, Mr. Cook beneficially owned or
has the right to acquire within 60 days 1.4% of the Company's outstanding shares
of Common Stock. The Company's directors and officers, as a group, owned 3.1% of
the Company's outstanding shares.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires reporting by
directors and officers of the Company concerning their holdings and transactions
in Witco Common Stock. A review of the Company's records indicates that during
1998, all filing requirements pursuant to Section 16(a) were met.
13
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
REPORT OF THE ORGANIZATION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Role of Organization and Compensation Committee
The Organization and Compensation Committee is made up of four members of
the Board of Directors who are non-employee independent Directors. The Committee
reviews the Company's organizational structure, succession planning and the
ongoing functions of corporate officers and is responsible for the Company's
executive compensation policies and programs. The Committee reviews and
recommends to the Board all compensation payments to the CEO and senior
corporate officers and the aggregate incentive compensation payments of all
employees of the Company.
In reaching compensation decisions, the Committee reviews information from
various sources, including proxy statement surveys, industry surveys, and
external compensation consultants.
Objectives of the Executive Compensation Program
The Committee's leading objective in the establishment of compensation
opportunities for the Company's officers is to drive behavior at the officer
level which maximizes the Company's long-term shareholder value. Overall, the
Company's executive compensation program is designed with
performance-orientation, with a large portion of executive compensation 'at
risk.' In pursuing this objective, the Committee believes the Company's
executive compensation programs must:
Encourage, by rewarding decision making which emphasizes long-term
shareholder value;
Promote the achievement of common goals for all employees by aligning the
incentive pay opportunities of the officers with those of each employee of
the Company;
Pay for performance, motivating both long-term and short-term performance
for the benefit of the Company's shareholders;
Provide a total compensation program competitive with those of companies
with which the Company competes for top management talent on a global
basis;
Place greater emphasis on variable incentive compensation versus fixed or
base pay, particularly for the officers and to a lesser extent all of the
Company's employees; and
Require significant Common Stock ownership by the Company's executive
officers in order to align their interests with those of the Company's
shareholders.
The Committee sets total compensation opportunity levels, which are
competitive with a comparison group of chemical and petroleum product companies
and other major publicly traded companies of similar size and complexity (the
'Comparison Group'). For 1998 the Committee targeted base salary, averaged
across the officers as a group, to the median compensation levels of the
Comparison Group. Total compensation, including base salary, cash incentive
compensation, stock option grants and grants under the Company's Long Term
Incentive Plan were targeted to the top quartile of compensation levels of the
Comparison Group when the Company is operating at high performance levels set by
the Committee.
14
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Position on Deductibility of Compensation
It is the Committee's goal to have its compensation programs qualify as
performance based compensation deductible for federal income tax purposes under
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the 'Code').
The design and administration of the Company's Officers' Annual Incentive Plan,
the 1992 Stock Option Plan, the 1995 Stock Option Plan and the 1997 Stock
Incentive Plan, the Long Term Incentive Plan and the Shareholder Value Incentive
Plan qualify under Section 162(m) of the Code. However, the Committee reserves
the right, under appropriate circumstances or where merited by individual
performance, to authorize compensation payments which may not be fully tax
deductible by the Company.
Overview of Executive Compensation and 1998 Committee Actions
The Company's executive compensation program consists of five principal
components:
Base Salary
Officers' Annual Incentive Program
Stock Options under the Stock Plans
Long Term Incentive Plan
Shareholder Value Incentive Plan
The Base Salary Program
The base salary program is intended to provide base salary levels that are
externally competitive at the median level and internally equitable, and to
reflect each individual's sustained performance and cumulative contribution to
the Company.
The Officers' Annual Incentive Program
The OAIP provides for annual incentive compensation based on various
performance measures for corporate officer positions. Incentives are paid under
the OAIP only if corporate performance exceeds a predetermined performance
target reflecting minimally acceptable performance.
In 1998 the Committee established as OAIP targets the attainment of a
certain earnings per share and operating cash flow of a certain amount, in which
performance measurements were weighted 75% and 25%, respectively. The percentage
of the target bonus attributable to EPS ranged from 50% of the target bonus (for
attainment of 80% of the EPS target), to 250% of the target bonus (for
attainment of 140% of the EPS target). The percentage of target bonus
attributable to Cash Flow ranged from 50% of the target bonus (for attainment of
87% of the cash flow target), to 250% of the target bonus (for attainment of
126% of the cash flow target). The target bonus for Mr. Cook was 80% of base
salary.
The Committee retains the right to make additional incentive awards to the
executive officers, or to reduce payments under the OAIP, to reflect personal
performance factors and contributions. No additional award may exceed 50% of the
OAIP amount, and no OAIP amount will be reduced by more than 50%. No payments
were made under the OAIP for the year ended December 31, 1998.
15
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The Stock Plans
The Committee has based annual stock option grants at the 75th percentile
of expected value for long-term incentive grants among Comparison Group
companies. The Committee uses the Black-Scholes method of valuing stock option
grants. The stock plans enable the Committee to grant both incentive stock
options and non-qualified stock options. The Committee reserves the right to
adjust annual grants in light of unusually poor or exceptionally strong
corporate or individual performance.
The Committee established stock ownership guidelines in 1996 and monitors
the progress executives are making to achieve the guidelines on an annual basis.
Officers who have not met the guidelines must use 20% of their cash bonus for
the purchase of stock. The Company provides executives with two programs to
assist in meeting the guidelines. One is the Executive Loan Program which
provides officers unsecured loans to purchase Common Stock. The other program is
the Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program. This program provides officers who use
personal funds to purchase Common Stock with one share of restricted stock for
every two shares purchased. The restrictions lapse three years from the date of
grant.
The Long Term Incentive Plan
The LTIP is a long-term incentive plan tied to the Company's performance.
The LTIP compensates senior executives who participate in the plan for
performance over three year performance periods.
The Committee determines:
Senior executives' participation
Applicable performance measures for the performance period
Performance target for each performance measure
Number of shares of Common Stock to be awarded if the performance target
is achieved during the performance period
Range of percentage of the target award to be awarded upon the attainment
of various percentages of the performance target
Awards under the LTIP are made in Common Stock. Shares awarded under the
LTIP will consist of one-third unrestricted shares and two-thirds restricted
shares. If the performance period ends at the close of the Company's fiscal
year, the restrictions on one-half of the restricted shares will lapse on the
January 1 immediately following the date the shares are awarded, and the
restrictions on the remainder will lapse on the following January 1. The
Committee has the discretion to reduce any participant's award.
In the 1996-1998 LTIP performance period, the return on equity threshold
was met and resulted in an award. For the 1997-1999 performance period, the
Committee established a performance target of achieving a certain cash flow for
the performance period. For the 1998-2000 performance period, the Committee
established a performance target of achieving certain net revenue and operating
margin for the performance period.
The Shareholder Value Incentive Plan
The SVIP is designed to promote the interests of the Company and its
shareholders by providing selected officers and employees of the Company with a
strong incentive to increase dramatically the shareholder value of the Company.
The plan's goal is to increase the share price of the Company's Common Stock to
at least $75 5/8 for a period of ten consecutive trading days and/or increase
earnings per share to at least $4.50 per share.
16
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Participants in the SVIP are granted shares of the Company's Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock. Each share of Preferred Stock automatically
converts into ten shares of Common Stock if either Target is met by March 4,
2002.
Grants to the Company's officers and other key employees in March 1997
constituted one-time grants, which will not be repeated to those persons in
succeeding years; however, employees who are promoted to key employee positions
after that date may receive new or additional grants under the SVIP. Persons not
employed by the Company in March 1997 who are hired into key employee positions
may receive new grants under the SVIP. No grant of Preferred Stock under the
SVIP was made to the CEO in view of the other compensation incentives to
increase shareholder value applicable to him under his employment contract and
the Company's other incentive plans. In determining the size of each officer
grant the Committee considered each officer's present position and likely future
contribution to the Company. If the target is realized, the amounts payable to
the officers and other key employees would represent approximately 3% of the
amount that would be realized by the Company's shareholders in the aggregate.
Compensation of the Chief Executive Officer
The determination of the Chief Executive Officer's compensation program
follows all of the policies set forth above for those components of executive
compensation. In 1998 Mr. Cook received an increase in base salary to $810,000
based on 1997 performance. In 1998 the Company did not achieve the minimum
accepted performance to trigger a payout under OAIP. Therefore, Mr. Cook will
not receive a bonus for 1998. Additionally, because the Company did not achieve
minimally acceptable performance, Mr. Cook requested that no salary increase be
awarded for 1998 performance. A portion of Mr. Cook's compensation in 1998 will
not be deductible under Section 162(m) of the Code.
For the 1996-1998 LTIP performance period, the return on equity threshold
was met and resulted in an award for Mr. Cook.
The Committee sets Mr. Cook's total compensation in a manner to establish a
strong connection between his compensation and the success of the Company.
Approximately 80% of Mr. Cook's total compensation from salary, annual incentive
compensation payments, stock options, and grants under the LTIP is stock based
and tied to the success of the Company.
The Committee establishes the Chief Executive Officer's annual goals and
objectives and his performance against these goals and objectives is evaluated
annually by the entire Board of Directors in executive session. The Chairman of
the Committee and the Chairman of the Governance Committee of the Board
communicate the results of the evaluation process to the Chief Executive
Officer.
SUBMITTED BY THE ORGANIZATION AND COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
William R. Grant, Chairman Harry G. Hohn
Richard M. Hayden Nicholas Pappas
</TABLE>
17
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table shows cash and certain other compensation earned during
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 by each of the Company's five
most highly compensated executive officers for 1998.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
--------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
AWARDS
---------------------------- PAYOUTS
NAME AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES -------------
PRINCIPAL OTHER ANNUAL STOCK UNDERLYING LTIP
POSITION(1) YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($)(2) COMPENSATION(3)($) AWARDS($)(4) OPTIONS(#)(5) PAYOUTS($)(6)
----------- ---- -------- ----------- ------------------ ------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
E. Gary Cook ...... 1998 $ 810,000 $ -- $161,633 $ 162,238 100,000 $51,737
Chairman, 1997 750,000 1,029,375 526,838 1,040,459 170,000 --
President and 1996 441,070(9) 1,000,000 -- 1,588,210 800,000 --
Chief Executive
Officer
Roger L. Sharp .... 1998 475,000 -- -- 96,292 65,000 13,078
Former Executive 1997 395,517 544,425 -- 272,056 110,000 --
Vice President and 1996 102,596(10) 129,000 -- -- 50,000 --
Chief of Global
Operations
Patrick Mackey .... 1998 340,000 -- 221,138 -- 20,000 --
Executive Vice 1997 14,374(11) 90,900(12) -- -- 25,000 --
President 1996 -- -- -- -- -- --
Dustan E. McCoy ... 1998 296,400 -- -- 48,901 32,000 7,271
Executive Vice 1997 264,425 236,558 -- 179,400 22,500 --
President 1996 218,121 -- -- -- 14,000 --
Camillo J. DiFrancesco 1998 296,600 -- -- 46,390 26,000 9,887
Senior Vice 1997 270,400 222,674 -- 205,850 19,100 --
President 1996 231,665 -- -- -- 9,500 --
and Chief
Financial Officer
<CAPTION>
NAME AND
PRINCIPAL ALL OTHER
POSITION(1) COMPENSATION($)(7)
----------- ------------------
<S> <C>
E. Gary Cook ...... $667,407(8)
Chairman, 4,800
President and 4,500
Chief Executive
Officer
Roger L. Sharp .... 4,800
Former Executive 4,800
Vice President and 1,650
Chief of Global
Operations
Patrick Mackey .... 2,125
Executive Vice --
President --
Dustan E. McCoy ... 4,800
Executive Vice 4,800
President 4,500
Camillo J. DiFrancesco --
Senior Vice 5,092
President 6,281
and Chief
Financial Officer
</TABLE>
(1) Principal positions listed are as of March 15, 1999.
(2) Mr. Cook's 1996 bonus was a $1,000,000 sign on bonus paid in two equal
installments in 1996 and 1997. All other amounts were paid under the
Officers' Annual Incentive Plan in effect for the years ended December 31,
1996 and 1997 (the 'OAIP'). All bonus amounts were paid in cash for each
year.
(3) In accordance with SEC regulations, amounts totaling the lesser of $50,000
or 10% of the executive officer's aggregate salary and bonus have been
omitted. The portions of the amounts reported that exceed 25% of the totals
shown are: Mr. Cook: $120,473 (1998) and $135,225 (1997) for mortgage
interest differential (and related tax gross up) relating to his relocation
to Greenwich and $333,333 (1997) for prepayment by the Company of
indebtedness under the Executive Loan Program. See 'Transactions with
Management -- Executive Loan Program'. Mr. Mackey: $156,478 (1998) for
relocation expenses relating to his relocation to Greenwich.
(4) The dollar amount shown equals the total number of shares of restricted
stock granted multiplied by the stock price on the respective grant dates.
This valuation does not take into account the diminution in value
attributable to the restrictions applicable to the shares. Dividends are
paid on all shares of restricted stock at the same rate as on unrestricted
shares.
The value of the shares of restricted stock held on December 31, 1998
(closing price of $15.9375) by the named executive officers is as follows:
Mr. Cook - $456,530; Mr. Sharp - $134,449; Mr. McCoy - $76,341; and Mr.
DiFrancesco - $81,998. These numbers do not include grants of restricted
stock under the LTIP made on February 3, 1999, having the following values
on that date: Mr. Cook - $103,457; Mr. Sharp - $26,156; Mr.
McCoy - $14,525; and Mr. DiFrancesco - $19,757. These shares will vest in
two equal parts one and two years from the date of grant.
The remaining reported shares of restricted stock will vest as follows:
Mr. Cook - 5,667 shares vesting on April 24, 1999; 1,478 shares vesting on
June 10, 1999; 1,500 shares vesting on May 5, 2001 and 10,000 shares
vesting when the Common Stock reaches $53.125 and $66.00 respectively for
five (5) consecutive trading days.
Mr. Sharp - 1,770 shares vesting on retirement on November 30, 1999 and
3,333 shares vesting when the Common Stock reaches $50 and $60 respectively
for five (5) consecutive trading days.
Mr. McCoy - 2,500 shares vesting on December 16, 1999; 200 shares vesting
on March 4, 2000; 1,200 shares vesting on March 12, 2000; and 890 shares
vesting on March 25, 2001.
Mr. DiFrancesco - 2,448 shares vesting on December 19, 1999; 2,027 shares
vesting on May 28, 2000 and 670 shares vesting on March 12, 2001.
(5) The stock options granted during 1998, 1997 and 1996 were granted pursuant
to the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan and the 1995 Stock Option Plan.
(6) The dollar amount shown equals the number of shares of Common Stock
(unrestricted) granted outright to the executive officer under the LTIP
multiplied by the closing price of the Company's Common Stock on the grant
date February 3, 1999 ($17.4375). In order to satisfy tax withholding
requirements, portions of these shares were returned to the Company as
follows: Mr. Cook: 1,007 shares; Mr. Sharp: 302 shares; Mr. McCoy: 179
shares; and Mr. DiFrancesco: 228 shares. The remaining grants which were
made in restricted shares are shown in the column entitled 'Restricted
Stock Awards'.
(7) All amounts shown for Messrs. Sharp, Mackey and McCoy consist of the
Company's matching contribution under the 401(k) Plan. With regard to Mr.
DiFrancesco, the amounts include the Company's matching contribution under
the OSi Specialties, Inc. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan.
(8) Includes $662,607 paid to Mr. Cook relating to a business loss
reimbursement arrangement pursuant to his employment contract. The relevant
provision of the contract allowed for a payment not to exceed $750,000 on
the loss on sale of a family business owned prior to his employment with
the Company.
(9) The 1996 salary shown represents Mr. Cook's earned base salary from the
inception of his employment, June 12, 1996 through December 31, 1996. See
'Employment Agreements and Other Arrangements'.
(footnotes continued on next page)
18
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
(footnotes continued from previous page)
(10) The 1996 salary shown represents Mr. Sharp's earned base salary from the
inception of his employment, September 10, 1996, through December 31, 1996.
(11) The 1997 salary shown represents Mr. Mackey's earned base salary from the
inception of his employment on December 2, 1997 through December 31, 1997.
See 'Employment Agreements and Other Arrangements'.
(12) Mr. Mackey's 1997 bonus is a $50,000 sign on bonus and $40,900 payment
received under the OAIP.
OPTION GRANTS TABLE
The following table provides information concerning grants of Company stock
options during the year ended December 31, 1998 to the executive officers named
in the Summary Compensation Table. In addition, hypothetical gains or spreads,
calculated based on assumed rates of annually compounded stock price
appreciation of 5% and 10% over the term of the option, have been included in
the table.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL OPTIONS
SECURITIES GRANTED TO
UNDERLYING EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE PRICE EXPIRATION
NAME OPTIONS GRANTED(#)(1)(2) FISCAL YEAR ($/SHARE) DATE
---- ------------------------ ----------- -------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
E. Gary Cook 100,000 9.7% 23.8125 8/03/08
Roger L. Sharp 65,000 6.3% 23.8125 8/03/08
Dustan E. McCoy 32,000 3.1% 23.8125 8/03/08
Camillo J. DiFrancesco 26,000 2.5% 23.8125 8/03/08
Patrick Mackey 20,000 1.9% 23.8125 8/03/08
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE
AT ASSUMED ANNUAL RATES
OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
OPTION TERM
-------------------------------------------
NAME 5% 10%
---- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
E. Gary Cook 1,499,000 3,799,000
Roger L. Sharp 974,350 2,468,050
Dustan E. McCoy 479,680 1,215,040
Camillo J. DiFrancesco 389,740 987,220
Patrick Mackey 299,800 759,400
</TABLE>
(1) Each option was granted on August 3, 1998 pursuant to the 1997 Stock
Incentive Plan. Fifty percent of the options vest on August 3, 1999 and the
remaining fifty percent on August 3, 2000, provided the optionee continues
employment with the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
Only vested options may be exercised for a 90 day period following an
optionee's termination date; however, upon termination by (i) early or
normal retirement, (ii) death or (iii) disability, all options immediately
vest and are exercisable for a three year period following termination;
provided that no options shall be exercisable after August 3, 2008.
The actual value an optionee receives is dependent on future stock market
conditions and there can be no assurance that the amounts reflected in the
right hand columns of the table will actually be realized. No gain to the
optionee is possible without an appreciation in stock value which will
benefit all shareholders commensurately.
(2) Payment for shares of Common Stock upon exercise of a stock option may be
made in cash or in another form of consideration as determined to be
appropriate by the Committee (including cashless exercise procedures, shares
of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock).
OPTION EXERCISES AND YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
The following table provides certain information regarding stock option
activity by the named executive officers for the year ended December 31, 1998.
As of February 15, 1999, no unexercised stock options were in the money.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES DURING 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS
AT YEAR-END (#)
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE ----------------------------
NAME ON EXERCISE (#)(1) REALIZED ($) EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
---- ------------------ ------------ ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
E. Gary Cook 0 0 685,000 385,000
Roger L. Sharp 25,000 215,625 80,000 120,000
Dustan E. McCoy 0 0 84,890 84,830
Camillo J. DiFrancesco 0 0 12,010 41,250
Patrick Mackey 0 0 12,500 32,500
</TABLE>
(1) Includes 3,540 shares received on exercise and 21,460 shares with respect to
which options were exercised as a cashless exercise.
19
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS TABLE
The following table provides certain information concerning the grant of
target awards under the Witco Corporation Long Term Incentive Plan (the 'LTIP')
to the named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 1998. The
Board of Directors and the Company's shareholders adopted the LTIP in 1996 in
order to provide the Company a means to award participants in Common Stock for
their achievement of one or more objective performance targets over a three year
performance period. For the 1998-2000 LTIP performance period, the performance
target involves achieving certain net revenue and operating margin.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS DURING 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS UNDER
NON-STOCK PRICE-BASED PLANS(2)
NUMBER PERFORMANCE -------------------------------------------
NAME OF UNITS PERIOD(1) THRESHOLD (#) TARGET (#) MAXIMUM (#)
---- -------- ----------- ------------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
E. Gary Cook 20,000 3 years 10,000 20,000 50,000
Roger L. Sharp 12,000 3 years 6,000 12,000 30,000
Dustan E. McCoy 6,600 3 years 3,300 6,600 16,500
Camillo J. DiFrancesco 6,000 3 years 3,000 6,000 15,000
Patrick Mackey 3,300 3 years 1,650 3,300 8,250
</TABLE>
(1) The three year performance period until payout commenced on January 1, 1998.
(2) Actual awards of stock, if any, under the LTIP for the 1998-2000 performance
period will be based on annual net revenue and operating margin, as defined
in the LTIP. Actual awards, which will be made one-third in shares of Common
Stock and two-thirds in shares of restricted stock, will be made when annual
net revenue and operating margin are calculated and certified by the
Organization and Compensation Committee as having met the performance goals.
CERTAIN BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Benefit Pension Plan. The Company currently has a qualified, non-
contributory defined benefit plan, the Witco Corporation Retirement Plan (the
'Retirement Plan'), which covers executive officers and non-bargaining
employees. Because the Retirement Plan was sufficiently funded, no contributions
were made to it in 1998. The compensation covered by the Retirement Plan
represents base salary plus commissions.
To the extent that benefits under the qualified plan exceed limits
established by the Code, they are payable under the Excess Benefit Plan and
Compensation Cap Plan of Witco Corporation (the 'Excess Plan') which provides
for the payment of benefits in excess of certain limits imposed by the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ('ERISA'), or limitations on
compensation or benefits that may be imposed by the Code.
A normal retirement benefit (which will not be less than the amount accrued
as of December 31, 1993 under the pre-amended plan) is calculated as follows:
1.5% of the individual's final average earnings (average earnings for
60 months before retirement)
multiplied by years of credited service
less 1.5% of the individual's Social Security benefit
20
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The following table illustrates the estimated annual benefits payable to an
employee, including the named executive officers, under the qualified and excess
plans. These estimates assume continued employment until the normal date of
retirement at age 65, and are based on a straight-life annuity form of
retirement income. Amounts shown in the table will be reduced by the Social
Security offset.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SERVICE
FINAL --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AVERAGE PAY 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
- - ----------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 100,000 $ 15,000 $ 22,500 $ 30,000 $ 37,500 $ 45,000 $ 52,500 $ 60,000
150,000 22,500 33,750 45,000 56,250 67,500 78,750 90,000
200,000 30,000 45,000 60,000 75,000 90,000 105,000 120,000
250,000 37,500 56,250 75,000 93,750 112,500 131,250 150,000
300,000 45,000 67,500 90,000 112,500 135,000 157,500 180,000
350,000 52,500 78,750 105,000 131,250 157,500 183,750 210,000
400,000 60,000 90,000 120,000 150,000 180,000 210,000 240,000
500,000 75,000 112,500 150,000 187,500 225,000 262,500 300,000
600,000 90,000 135,000 180,000 225,000 270,000 315,000 360,000
700,000 105,000 157,500 210,000 262,500 315,000 367,500 420,000
800,000 120,000 180,000 240,000 300,000 360,000 420,000 480,000
900,000 135,000 202,500 270,000 337,500 405,000 472,500 540,000
1,000,000 150,000 225,000 300,000 375,000 450,000 525,000 600,000
</TABLE>
As of December 31, 1998, Mr. Cook had completed two years of service, Mr.
Sharp, two years of service, Mr. McCoy, five years of service and Mr. Mackey,
one year of service. During 1998, Mr. DiFrancesco participated in the Retirement
Program for Employees of OSi Specialties, Inc. and its Participating Subsidiary
Companies (the 'OSi Plan'). As of December 31, 1998, Mr. DiFrancesco had
completed five years of service under the OSi Plan. The table set forth above
illustrates the estimated annual benefits payable to Mr. DiFrancesco under the
OSi Plan, however, for purposes of the OSi Plan 'final average pay' is the
average salary plus bonus for the 36 months preceding retirement.
Deferred Compensation Plan. The Witco Corporation Deferred Compensation
Plan (the 'Deferred Plan') is intended to provide certain employees with the
opportunity to defer some or all of the bonus otherwise payable to them by the
Company. Amounts deferred for 1998 can either earn interest, compounded monthly,
at an annual rate equal to the yield quotation as of the end of the calendar
quarter for the U.S. Treasury 5-year note or be converted into phantom shares of
Common Stock which will earn additional phantom shares on each day the Company
pays a dividend. Deferred account balances are payable in cash and are
distributed at the election of the participant in a lump sum or in installment
payments on or about January 1 of each year for a period of years (not to exceed
ten years) specified by the participant or at retirement or termination. In the
event of a change in control, as defined in the Deferred Plan, deferred account
balances are paid in cash and are distributed not later than 30 days after the
date of the change in control.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. Certain current and former officers
selected by the Board of Directors are participants in the Company's
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the 'SERP'). The SERP supplements
coverage under the Company's pension plan and provides a participant retiring at
or after age 65 (or at or after 62 if approved by the Board of Directors), with
50% of his average base salary plus average bonus (both as defined in the SERP)
less amounts paid under the Retirement Plan (or other qualified plan), the
Excess Plan and 50% of the Social Security benefit.
21
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Estimated annual target retirement benefits under all retirement plans,
including the SERP, payable as a 50% joint and survivor annuity or 15 year
certain annuity (if unmarried) at age 65 are as follows, assuming future base
salaries increase by 4% January 1 each year and bonuses paid equal 80% of base
salary for Mr. Cook and 60% of base salary for Messrs. McCoy and DiFrancesco and
50% of base salary for Mr. Mackey: Mr. Cook $1,079,652, Mr. McCoy $416,817, Mr.
DiFrancesco $418,811 and Mr. Mackey $408,807.
In the event of a change in control (as defined in the SERP), each
participant will be fully vested in a monthly supplemental retirement benefit
commencing at age 60 equal to one-twelfth of the annual benefit which is equal
to 50% of the sum of the participant's base salary, bonus and LTIP amount,
reduced by amounts paid under the Retirement Plan (or other qualified defined
benefit plan), the Excess Plan and 50% of the Social Security benefit, as such
terms are defined in the SERP.
In the event of the actual or constructive termination of employment of a
participant within three years after a change in control or prior to a change in
control at the request of any person who effects a change in control, the
participant will be entitled to one lump sum in an amount equal to three times
the participant's base salary, bonus and LTIP amount. In addition, the
participant is entitled to amounts accrued under other programs, including a
pro-rated bonus under the OAIP, continuation of payments under any applicable
relocation policy and the gross up of payments that are subject to an excise tax
imposed by Code Section 4999 as a result of a change in control. In exchange for
these protections, the participants are bound under certain confidentiality and
non-competition provisions.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS
The Company is a party to employment agreements with Messrs. Cook and
Mackey. The Company is a party to a letter agreement, dated March 1, 1999, with
Mr. Sharp regarding his retirement arrangements.
Employment Agreement with E. Gary Cook. Mr. Cook and the Company are
parties to an employment agreement, dated June 12, 1996, which was described in
detail in the Company's Proxy Statements relating to its 1997 and 1998 Annual
Meetings of Shareholders. The agreement has a three-year initial term and
continues thereafter for annual periods unless earlier terminated on six months
written notice by either party.
In addition to information found elsewhere in this Proxy Statement, the
agreement provides for:
40% of the normal supplemental retirement benefit on retirement within
three years of commencement of employment
60% if such retirement occurs after three years but before five years
100% if such retirement occurs after five years
If Mr. Cook's employment arrangement is terminated during its term by the
Company other than by reason of death, disability or for cause, or if Mr. Cook
terminates the agreement for good reason, he is entitled to the aggregate of:
base salary through termination
a prorated portion of the bonus targeted for the fiscal year
any deferred compensation and
three times annual compensation based on his five year average total
compensation
22
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Letter Agreement with Roger L. Sharp. Mr. Sharp resigned as an executive
officer and director of the Company effective March 3, 1999. A letter agreement,
dated March 1, 1999, between Mr. Sharp and the Company provides for a
continuation of salary payments during a period of continued employment between
March 3, 1999 and Mr. Sharp's November 30, 1999 retirement date from the
Company. The agreement provides for a one time severance payment equal to one
year's base salary of $494,000 and certain relocation expenses. In exchange for
releasing Mr. Sharp from future obligations under the $535,509 mortgage note
with Witco on his local residence, Mr. Sharp agreed to convey title to the
property to the Company. The agreement also provides for vesting of 60% of Mr.
Sharp's SERP retirement benefit as of the retirement date. Normal provisions on
retirement will apply to Mr. Sharp under the OAIP, LTIP and stock option plans
as of his November 30, 1999 retirement date. The agreement also provides for
acceleration of vesting on November 30, 1999 of 1,770 shares of restricted stock
granted to Mr. Sharp under the Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program.
Employment Agreement with Patrick Mackey. The terms of Mr. Mackey's
employment with Witco Corporation are set forth in a letter agreement dated
March 1, 1998. From December 2, 1997 to March 1, 1998, Mr. Mackey was an
employee of Baxenden Chemicals Limited, a majority-owned indirect subsidiary of
Witco Corporation. In addition to the right to participate in the future
compensation, benefit and welfare plans available to other executive officers of
the Company, the agreement provides for the following: (a) annual base salary of
$340,000; (b) a one-time signing bonus of $50,000; (c) options to purchase
25,000 shares of Common Stock; and (d) 10,000 preferred shares under the
Shareholder Value Incentive Plan.
The agreement also provides, notwithstanding certain provisions contained
in the SERP, that if Mr. Mackey elects to retire at age 58 1/2, the Company
shall pay a lump sum of `L'283,096 grossed up for taxes as compensation for lost
early retirement benefits at his previous employer.
The agreement provides that if Mr. Mackey's employment is terminated
without cause, he will be entitled to a severance payment equal to two times his
base salary at termination plus relocation expenses as described in the
employment agreement.
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
In 1996, the Company adopted Stock Ownership Guidelines for the Company's
executive officers which must be achieved within five years. These require
officers to own Witco stock having the following values:
Chief Executive Officer: three times salary
Senior officers: two times salary
All other officers: one times salary
Any officer who fails to reach these ownership guidelines will be required
to apply twenty percent (before taxes) of the gross amount of any cash bonus
payable to such officer to the purchase of shares of Common Stock until
compliance with these guidelines is attained. In order to assist and encourage
executive officers to reach these ownership guidelines as soon as possible, the
Executive Loan Program and Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program, both described
below, were established.
23
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
Executive Loan Program. A loan facility (the 'Facility') has been
established with Fleet National Bank ('Fleet') under which Fleet will make
unsecured loans to executive officers of the Company and under the Facility and
the Company will guarantee repayment of the loans. Participating officers agree
with the Company that loan proceeds will be used to purchase Common Stock and
that they will indemnify the Company against any liability the Company may incur
under its guarantee. Loan amounts are limited to the multiple of executive
officer salary which equals the stock ownership multiple. Each loan has a five
year term. As additional compensation, the Company has established a program
under which executive loans are prepaid by the Company, but no more than
one-third of the loan amount will be prepaid by the Company in any one year. The
amount and the timing of the pre-payments are based on performance based
criteria which have been established by the Organization and Compensation
Committee. All amounts borrowed pursuant to the Facility and not prepaid by the
Company must be repaid by the executive officer. On December 30, 1996, Mr. Cook
entered into such a loan agreement with Fleet for an amount of $1,000,000, for
the purpose of purchasing shares of Common Stock. On January 28, 1997, Frederick
A. Shinners, a corporate officer, entered into such a loan agreement with Fleet
for an amount of $260,000, for the purpose of purchasing shares of Common Stock.
To date, the Company has prepaid $220,166 and $10,507 on behalf of Messrs. Cook
and Shinners, respectively, under the program. On September 18, 1998, Georg
Urban a corporate officer, also entered into a loan agreement with Fleet for an
amount of $250,000.
Enhanced Stock Acquisition Program. To the extent any executive officer
purchases Common Stock with funds from any source other than the Facility, the
Company will grant the executive officer one share of restricted stock for each
two shares so purchased. The restrictions on these restricted shares lapse three
years from the date of the purchase giving rise to the grant. To date, the
Company has purchased in the open market all shares of Common Stock required to
be issued as restricted shares under this program, but reserves the right to
issue restricted shares under the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan. To date, the
Company has granted 1,500, 5,145, 4,790 and 1,770 restricted shares of Common
Stock to Messrs. Cook, DiFrancesco, McCoy and Sharp, respectively, under this
program.
INDEBTEDNESS OF MANAGEMENT
In connection with the relocation of Roger Sharp to the Company's
headquarters area in 1996, the Company loaned Mr. Sharp $535,509 with recourse,
which loan was evidenced by a non-interest bearing note and secured by a first
mortgage on his residence. Pursuant to the letter agreement, dated March 1,
1999, between Mr. Sharp and the Company regarding Mr. Sharp's retirement
arrangements, the Company will release Mr. Sharp's mortgage note on his local
residence in exchange for Mr. Sharp conveying title to the property to the
Company.
In connection with the relocation of Georg Urban to the Company's
headquarters area in 1997, the Company loaned Mr. Urban $200,000 with recourse,
which loan is evidenced by a non-interest bearing note and secured by a second
mortgage on his residence. In addition, the Company provided Mr. Urban with a
$300,000 bridge loan evidenced by a non-interest bearing promissory note. The
bridge loan was repaid by Mr. Urban in its entirety in September 1998.
In connection with the relocation of Patrick Mackey to the Company's
headquarters area, the Company has loaned Mr. Mackey $112,000 with recourse,
which loan is evidenced by a non-interest bearing note and secured by a second
mortgage on his residence.
24
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 1993 in Witco
Common Stock, the S&P 500 Stock Index, the S&P Chemicals Index and the S&P
Specialty Chemicals Index. The cumulative total shareholder return is computed
assuming reinvestment of dividends.
[CHART-GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEC-93 DEC-94 DEC-95 DEC-96 DEC-97 DEC-98
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Witco Corp. $100 $ 80 $ 99 $106 $147 $ 60
S&P 500'r' $100 $101 $139 $171 $229 $294
S&P'r' Chemicals Index $100 $116 $151 $200 $246 $224
S&P'r' Chemicals
(Specialty) Index $100 $ 87 $115 $118 $146 $124
</TABLE>
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
As of the date of this proxy statement, the Company does not know of any
business that will be presented for consideration at the annual meeting other
than the items referred to on page 4. If any other matter is properly brought
before the meeting for action by stockholders, the holders of the proxies will
vote and act with respect to the business in accordance with their best
judgment. Discretionary authority to do so is conferred by the enclosed proxy.
25
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
APPENDIX 1
PROXY CARD
P
R
O
X
Y
WITCO CORPORATION
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD APRIL 28, 1999
The undersigned hereby appoints E. Gary Cook, Camillo J. DiFrancesco and Edgar
J. Smith, Jr. or any one of them, as Proxies, each with the power to appoint
his substitute, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote all the
shares of WITCO CORPORATION held of record by the undersigned on March 15, 1999,
with all powers the undersigned would possess if present upon the following
matters and upon any other business that may properly come before the ANNUAL
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 1999 at 10:30 A.M.,
at Witco Corporation, One American Lane, Third Floor, Greenwich, Connecticut,
and at any adjournments thereof.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted as specified herein. If no
specification is made, it is the intention of the proxies to vote FOR proposals
1 and 2.
Please indicate your vote for the election of Directors on the reverse. The
nominees are:
Don L. Blankenship, Harry G. Hohn, Dan J. Samuel and Bruce F. Wesson
Please sign the reverse side of this proxy and return it promptly whether or not
you expect to attend the meeting. You may nevertheless vote in person if you
do attend.
---------------
SEE REVERSE
SIDE
---------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
WITCO [LOGO] WITCO CORPORATION
One American Lane
Greenwich, CT 06831-2559
E. GARY COOK
Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
March 25, 1999
To the Shareholders of Witco Corporation:
The 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Witco Corporation will take place on
Wednesday, April 28, 1999, beginning at 10:30 a.m. local time at our corporate
headquarters at One American Lane, Greenwich, Connecticut on the 3rd floor. You
will find a map to Witco's World Headquarters in Greenwich, Connecticut on the
reverse side of this letter. The matters to be taken up at the meeting are
described in the enclosed proxy statement.
Your vote and participation in the Annual Meeting of Shareholders is important.
Whether you plan to attend the meeting or not, please review carefully the
enclosed proxy statement, complete the form of proxy on the reverse side, and
return the form promptly in the envelope provided.
If you do plan to attend the meeting, we look forward to seeing you at the
meeting.
Sincerely,
/s/ E. Gary Cook
Chairman
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
- - --- PLEASE MARK YOUR 0581
X VOTES AS IN THIS
- - --- EXAMPLE
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF
DIRECTORS AND FOR PROPOSAL 2.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FOR WITHHELD FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
1. Election of [ ] [ ] 2. To ratify the [ ] [ ] [ ]
Directors. appointment of
(see reverse) Ernst & Young LLP
as the Company's
independent auditors
For, except vote withheld from the following nominee(s): for 1999.
- - --------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SIGNATURE(S)___________________________________________ DATE_________________
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.
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
WITCO WORLD [MAP & DIRECTIONS]
HEADQUARTERS
STATEMENT OF DIFFERENCES
The registered trademark symbol shall be expressed as.......................'r'
