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 Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule
14a-12
RICHARDSON ELECTRONICS, LTD.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than
Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ ] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or
14a-6(i)(2) or item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
[ ]$500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange
Act Rule 14a-6(i)(3).
[ ]Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules
14a-6(i)(4) 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:
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RICHARDSON ELECTRONICS, LTD.
40W267 Keslinger Road
LaFox, Illinois 60147
_____________________________
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 7, 1997
To the Stockholders of Richardson Electronics, Ltd.
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Richardson Electronics,
Ltd., a Delaware corporation, will be held on Tuesday, October 7, 1997
at 3:15 P.M., Chicago time, at the offices of the Corporation,
40W267 Keslinger Road, LaFox, Illinois, for the following purposes:
1. To elect ten directors;
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before
the meeting.
All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the meeting,
although only stockholders of record at the close of business as
of August 20, 1997 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Annual Meeting and at any adjournment thereof. If you would
like directions to the location of the Annual Meeting, please
contact the company at (630) 208-2371.
By order of the Board of Directors
EDWARD J. RICHARDSON
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer
LaFox, Illinois
September 3, 1997
RICHARDSON ELECTRONICS, LTD.
PROXY STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE SOLICITATION
The enclosed proxy is solicited by Richardson Electronics, Ltd.
(the "Company") whose principal executive offices are located at
40W267 Keslinger Road, LaFox, Illinois 60147, for use at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company, to be held Tuesday,
October 7, 1997 at 3:15 P.M., Chicago Time, at the offices of the
Company, 40W267 Keslinger Road, LaFox, Illinois. In addition to
solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may be solicited by the Company's
directors, officers and regular employees by personal interview
or telephone, telegram or similar means, and the Company will
request brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward
proxy soliciting material to the beneficial owners of shares
which are held of record by them. The expense of all such
solicitation, including printing and mailing, will be paid by the Company.
Any proxy may be revoked at any time before its exercise, by written
notice to the Secretary of the Company, by executing a subsequent
proxy or by attending the meeting and electing to vote in person.
This Proxy Statement and accompanying proxy were first sent or
given to stockholders on or about September 3, 1997.
Only stockholders of the Company of record at the close of
business on August 20, 1997 are entitled to vote at the meeting or any
adjournment thereof. As of that date there were outstanding
8,756,550 shares of Common Stock, par value $.05 per share, and
3,243,081 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $.05 per
share. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to one (1) vote per share
and holders of Class B Common Stock are entitled to ten (10) votes
per share on all matters voted upon at the meeting. The Common Stock
and the Class B Common Stock will vote together as a single class
on all proposals presented in this Proxy Statement. Outstanding
shares of the Company, represented in person or by proxy, having
a majority of the voting power shall constitute a quorum at the
meeting and the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting
power of the shares represented at the meeting is required to elect
directors. With respect to the proposal to elect directors,
stockholders may vote in favor of all nominees or withhold their
votes as to all or specified nominees. If no direction is given
on a proxy, the proxy will be voted FOR the election of all nominees
listed. An abstention and broker non-vote will have the same
effect as a negative vote. However, if a stockholder specifies
that a proxy is being voted for less than all shares registered
in the stockholder's name it will be counted as present for quorum
purposes and voted only for the number of shares specified.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
A Board of ten directors will be elected to serve until the next
annual meeting, or until their successors are elected and shall
have qualified subject to their earlier resignation or removal as
permitted by law. The proxies returned pursuant to this
solicitation will be voted by the persons named therein for the election as
directors of the persons named below under "Information Relating
to Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers" as nominees for
election as directors unless specifically directed to withhold
authority in the proxy. Should any nominee be unable to accept
the office of director (which is not presently anticipated), the
persons named in the proxies will vote for the election of such
other persons as they shall determine.
Information Relating to Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the name, principal occupation and
position and offices with the Company, age, and length of
service of each of the directors, nominees for director and executive
officers of the Company and ownership of Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock of the Company (by number of shares and as a
percentage of the total outstanding shares of each class and as a
percentage of the total voting power of all outstanding voting
shares combined) of each director and nominee and each executive
officer named in the "Summary Compensation Table" below and of
all executive officers and directors as a group. Because Class B
Common Stock is convertible into Common Stock the number of
shares listed as owned under the Common Stock column in the table also
includes the number of shares listed under the Class B Common
Stock column. The information in the table has been furnished to the
Company by the persons listed.
<TABLE>
Name, Principal Common Stock and Class B Common Stock
Occupation and Director Beneficially Owned
Company Position Age Since As of August 20, 1997
<CAPTION> Percent of
Number of Total Voting
Number of Shares of if Class
Shares of Percent Class B Percent voting not
Common (1)(2) of Class Common (2) of Class applicable (3)
Directors and Nominees for
Election as Director
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward J. Richardson (4)(26) 55 1965 5,963,066(9) 49.89% 3,190,421 98.38% 84.18%
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company
Scott Hodes (5)(6)(7) 60 1983 43,424(10) * 3,712 * *
Partner, Ross & Hardies,
Attorneys at Law, which firm provides
legal services to the Company
Samuel Rubinovitz (4)(5)(7)(8) 67 1984 40,431(11) * 825 * *
Management Consultant
Arnold R. Allen 65 1986 76,223 (12) * 37,393 (13) 1.14%
Management Consultant
Kenneth J. Douglas (5)(6) 74 1987 46,344 (14) * 1,347 * *
Chairman of the Board, West
Suburban Hospital Medical Center
Jacques Bouyer (8) 69 1990 37,000 (15) * 0 * *
Management Consultant
William J. Garry (27) 49 1994 34,512 (16) * 0 * *
Vice President of Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
of the Company
Harold L. Purkey (6) 53 1994 17,000 (17) * 0 * *
President
Forum Capital Markets
Ad Ketelaars (8) 40 1996 57,000 (18) * 0 * *
Chief Executive Officer
EnerTel
Bruce W. Johnson(28) 56 1996
President and Chief Operating Officer
of the Company
Non-Director Executive Officers of
Company
Charles J. Acurio (29) 38 N.A. 65,828 (19) * * *
Vice President-Display Products Group
William G. Seils (30) 62 N.A. 70,276 (20) * 247 * *
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary
Joseph C. Grill (31) 53 N.A.
Vice President-Human
Resources
Bart F. Petrini (32) 58 N.A.
Vice President-Electron Device Group
Flint Cooper (33) 35 N.A.
Executive Vice President-
Security Systems Division
Robert Prince (34) 35 N.A.
Vice President of Worldwide Sales
Administration
Former Directors and Executive
Officers
Dennis R. Gandy (35) 54 N.A. 135,647(21) 1.53% 4,394(22) * *
Joel Levine (36) 44 N.A. 9,785(23) * 0 * *
Executive Officers and Directors
as a group (18 persons) 6,725,654(24) 53.40% 3,238,339(25) 98.72% 87.07%
</TABLE>
(*) Less than 1%.
(1) Includes the number of shares listed under the column
"Number of Shares of Class B Common."
(2) Except as noted, beneficial ownership of each of the shares
listed is comprised of either sole investment and sole voting power,
or investment power and voting power that is shared with the spouse of
the Director or officer, or voting power that is shared with the
Trustees of the Company's Employees Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") with
respect to shares identified as allocated to the individual's ESOP
account.
(3) Common Stock is entitled to one vote per share and Class B
Common Stock is entitled to ten votes per share. Computation assumes
that Class B Common Stock held or subject to acquisition pursuant to
stock option is not converted.
(4) Member of Executive Committee.
(5) Member of Compensation/Stock Option Committee.
(6) Member of Audit Committee.
(7) Member of Directors' Executive Oversight Committee.
(8) Member of Strategic Planning Committee.
(9) Includes 3,190,421 shares of Common Stock which would be
issued upon conversion of Mr. Richardson's Class B Common Stock, 23,006
shares of Common Stock allocated to the account of Mr. Richardson
under the ESOP and 804 shares of Common Stock which would be issued upon
conversion of $17,000 principal amount of the Corporation's 7-1/4%
Convertible Subordinated Debentures, and 4,611 shares of Common Stock
which would be issued upon conversion of $83,000 principal amount of the
Corporation's 8-1/4% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures owned by a
Trust of which Mr. Richardson is a Co-Trustee and as such shares investment
and voting power. Does not include 9,900 shares of Common Stock held
by William G. Seils as custodian for Mr. Richardson's sons, Alexander
and Nicholas, as to which Mr. Richardson disclaims beneficial ownership.
(10) Includes 3,712 shares of Common Stock which would be issued
upon conversion of Mr. Hodes' Class B Common Stock. Also
includes 35,000 shares of Common Stock to which Mr. Hodes holds stock
options exercisable within 60 days.
(11) Includes 825 shares of Common Stock which would be issued
upon conversion of Mr. Rubinovitz' Class B Common Stock. Also includes
35,000 shares of Common Stock to which Mr. Rubinovitz holds stock options
exercisable within 60 days.
(12) Includes 37,393 shares of Common Stock to which Mr. Allen
holds stock options exercisable within 60 days and an additional 37,393
shares of Common Stock which would be issued upon conversion of 37,393
shares of Class B Common Stock as to which he also holds stock options
exercisable within 60 days.
(13) Includes 37,393 shares of Class B Common Stock as to which
Mr. Allen holds stock options exercisable within 60 days.
(14) Includes 1,347 shares of Common Stock which would be issued
upon conversion of Mr. Douglas' Class B Common Stock. Also
includes 35,000 shares of Common Stock to which Mr. Douglas holds stock
options exercisable within 60 days.
(15) Includes 35,000 shares of Common Stock to which Mr. Bouyer
holds stock options exercisable within 60 days.
(16) Includes 22,000 shares of Common Stock to which Mr. Garry
holds stock options exercisable within 60 days. Also includes 1,485
shares of Common Stock allocated to the account of Mr. Garry under
the ESOP.
(17) Includes 15,000 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr.
Purkey holds stock options exercisable within 60 days.
(18) Includes 57,000 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr.
Ketelaars holds stock options exercisable within 60 days, provided
however that 10,000 shares are subject to forfeiture should he leave
prior to May 17, 1998, 2,400 shares are subject to forfeiture should
he leave prior to August 23, 1997, 2,400 shares are subject to
forfeiture if leaves prior to August 23, 1998, 2,400 shares are subject
to forfeiture if he leaves prior to August 23, 1999 and 2,400 shares
are subject to forfeiture if he leaves prior to August 23, 2000.
(19) Includes 60,500 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr.
Acurio holds stock options exercisable within 60 days and 5,228 shares
of Common Stock allocated to the account of Mr. Acurio under the ESOP.
(20) Includes 50,970 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Seils
holds stock options exercisable within 60 days and 247 shares of Common
Stock which would be issued on conversion of Mr. Seils' Class B Common
Stock. Also includes 8,123 shares of Common Stock allocated to the
account of Mr. Seils under the ESOP. Does not include shares held as
custodian - see (9).
(21) Includes 4,394 shares of Common Stock which would be issued
on conversion of Mr. Gandy's Class B Common Stock, 12,898 shares of
Common Stock allocated to the account of Mr. Gandy under the ESOP and
402 shares of Common Stock which would be issued upon conversion of
$8,500 principal amount of the Corporation's 7-1/4% Convertible
Subordinated Debentures and 2,305 shares of Common Stock which would
be issued upon conversion of $41,500 principal amount of the
Corporation's 8-1/4% Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures. Also
includes 99,650 shares of Common Stock as to which Mr. Gandy holds
stock options exercisable within 60 days. Does not include 742 shares
of Common Stock held by Mr. Gandy as custodian for his sons, Jason and
Scott Gandy, and 1,485 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Gandy's wife,
as to which Mr. Gandy disclaims beneficial ownership.
(22) Does not include 740 shares of Class B Common Stock held by
Mr. Gandy as custodian for his sons, Jason and Scott, and 1,485 shares
of Class B Common Stock held by Mr. Gandy's wife, as to which Mr. Gandy
disclaims beneficial ownership.
(23) Includes 9,188 shares of Common Stock allocated to the
account of Mr. Levine under the ESOP. Does not include 468 shares of
Common Stock held by Mr. Levine's wife and 1,000 shares of Common Stock
held by Mr. Levine as custodian for his son, Heath Levine, as to which
Mr. Levine disclaims beneficial ownership.
(24) Does not include 11,642 shares of Common Stock held by
certain members of such group as custodians under Uniform Gift to
Minors Acts and 1,953 shares of Common Stock held by spouses of members
of such group. Includes 3,200,946 shares of Common Stock which would be
issuable on conversion of Class B Common Stock, 535,863 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon options exercisable within 60 days, 37,393
shares of Common Stock which would be issuable on conversion of Class B
Common Stock issuable upon options exercisable within 60 days, 1,206
shares of Common Stock which would be issued upon conversion of $25,500
principal amount of the Corporation's 7-1/4% Convertible Subordinated
Debentures, and 6,916 shares of Common Stock which would be issued upon
conversion of $124,500 principal amount of the Corporation's 8-1/4%
Convertible Senior Subordinated Debentures. Includes 72,864 shares of
Common Stock held in trust for the benefit of the Company's profit
sharing trust and ESOP allocated to the accounts of all
executive officers and directors as a group; such shares are
ratably forfeitable in the event the officer leaves the employ of
the Company prior to completing six years of service.
(25) Does not include 740 shares of Class B Common Stock held by
certain members of such group as custodians under Uniform Gift to
Minors Act or 1,485 shares of Class B Common Stock held by the spouse of a
member of such group. Includes 37,393 shares of Class B Common Stock
issuable upon exercise of options exercisable within 60 days.
(26) Mr. Richardson has been employed by the Company or its
predecessor since 1961, holding several positions. He was Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company for more than the
last five years until November, 1996 when Mr. Johnson became President,
and Mr. Richardson continued to hold the offices of Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer thereafter.
(27) Mr. Garry was Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial
Officer and a director of GEO International Corporation of Chicago,
Illinois for more than five years before he joined the Company in his
present position in June, 1994. GEO International Corporation filed a
Voluntary Petition for Bankruptcy Protection October 25, 1993 in the
United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois,
Eastern Division, Chapter 11, No. 93 B 22353 and emerged from bankruptcy
under a plan of reorganization effective May 12, 1995.
(28) Before joining the Company in his present position in
November 1996, Mr. Johnson was President of Premier Industrial
Corporation, a New York Stock Exchange listed company which was acquired
by Farnell Ltd. in April 1996. From January 1992 through January 1996,
and for more than five years prior thereto he was Executive Vice
President of Premier. Premier is a full service business to business
supplier of electronic components for industrial and consumer products,
essential maintenance and repair products for industrial, commercial
and institutional applications, and manufacturer of high-performance
fire-fighting equipment.
(29) Mr. Acurio has been employed by the Company since 1988
holding the titles of CRT Division Manager and Display Products Group
Strategic Business Unit Manager and has held the executive officer
position of Vice President-Display Products Group since April, 1993.
(30) Mr. Seils has served in the executive officer position of
Senior Vice President since January, 1992 and General Counsel and
Secretary since May, 1986.
(31) Mr. Grill has served as an officer of the Company since 1987
and became an executive officer in the position of Vice
President-Corporate Administration in 1992. In 1994 his title was
changed to Vice President, Human Resources.
(32) Mr. Petrini joined the Company in his present executive
officer position in April, 1994. Prior thereto he was a consultant with
Petrini, Frank & Co. since June, 1989.
(33) Mr. Cooper joined the Company in November, 1994 in his
present executive officer position. Prior thereto he was Director of CCTV
Sales with Arius, Inc. since 1991 and Purchasing Agent at ADT Security
Systems, a distributor of electronic security equipment, from 1988 to
1991.
(34) Mr. Prince has served in the executive officer position of
Vice President of Worldwide Sales Administration since November 1996 and
was Vice President of Sales since October, 1992.
(35) Mr. Gandy had been employed by the Company or its
predecessor since 1972 holding several positions. He had held the
position of Executive Vice President since 1981. In May 1994 his title
was changed to Executive Vice President of Corporate Development. Mr.
Gandy terminated his position as an executive officer as of February 28,
1997.
(36) Mr. Levine had served as an officer of the Company or its
predecessor or subsidiary since 1983. He held the position of Senior
Vice President since 1992. Mr. Levine terminated his employment with
the Company in June 1997.
Each nominee's and executive officer's principal occupation and
employment for the last five years has been as listed in the table or
footnotes thereto, except as follows:
Mr. Allen retired as President of the Company effective
September 1, 1989. Since his retirement Mr. Allen has been a
management consultant and has been a consultant to the Company.
He served as Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee of the
Company's Board of Directors from April, 1991
until April, 1992. He is now serving as a consultant to the
Company.
Mr. Hodes is a partner at the law firm of Ross & Hardies,
which firm provides legal services to the Company.
Mr. Rubinovitz was Executive Vice President of EG&G, Inc., a
diversified manufacturer of instruments and components, from April,
1989 until his retirement in January, 1994. He now serves the Company
as a consultant.
Mr. Douglas was Vice Chairman of Dean Foods Company for the
period from December, 1988 to September, 1992, when he retired. Prior
to becoming Vice Chairman, he served as Chairman of Dean Foods for many
years. He is now the Chairman of the Board of West Suburban Hospital
Medical Center.
Mr. Bouyer served as Chairman of the Board of Philips
Composants of Paris, France, engaged in the manufacture and sale of
electronic components and a subsidiary of N.V. Philips of The
Netherlands, from April 1, 1990 until January 1, 1994 when he became
Honorary Chairman of the Board and a director until December 31, 1995.
Mr. Bouyer is also currently Vice Chairman of the BIPE Institute for
Economic and Market Research and a consultant in business strategies
and management. Mr. Bouyer is serving the Company as an independent
management consultant principally with respect to European matters.
Mr. Purkey became President of Forum Capital Markets in May,
1997 and was Senior Managing Director of such company from May, 1994.
For more than five years prior thereto he was employed by Smith Barney
Shearson, holding the position of Senior Managing Director and Manager
of the Convertible Bond Department from July, 1990 to February, 1994.
Mr. Ketelaars was General Manager of Philips Printed Circuit
Boards since 1988 and Product Group Manager Professional Tubes Philips
Components since 1987. He joined the Company in the executive officer
position of Vice President and Managing Director of Europe in May, 1993
and resigned from that position effective May 31, 1996 to become Chief
Executive Officer of EnerTel, a new telecommunications company
established by Dutch Electric Utility Companies and CATV Companies.
He was elected to the Board of Directors on April 10, 1996 and
continues to serve the Company as an employee of certain foreign
subsidiaries.
Executive officers serve for a term until their respective
resignation, death or removal.
Board and Committee meetings
During the last fiscal year, the Company's Board of Directors
held 6 meetings. Each Director attended at least 75% of the aggregate number
of such meetings, and meetings of the Committee(s) on which he served.
The Board's Executive Committee did not meet during the last
fiscal year, but acted on 1 occasion by unanimous written consent. The
Executive Committee, during the interval between meetings of the Board of
Directors, may exercise all authority of the Board in the management of the
Company, except as otherwise provided in the Company's By-laws or by
applicable law.
The Board's Audit Committee held 4 meetings in the last fiscal
year. It meets for the purpose of reviewing and making recommendations
regarding the engagement of an independent accounting firm for the Company;
the scope of the independent accountants' audit procedures; the adequacy and
implementation of internal controls; and such other matters relating to the
Company's financial affairs and accounts as it deems desirable or in the
best interest of the Company.
The Board's Directors' Executive Oversight Committee held 4
meetings in the last fiscal year. It is charged with monitoring the Company's
Government contracting activities and compliance with its Code of Conduct,
and policies on ethical business practices and reporting on the same.
The Board's Compensation/Stock Option Committee held 4 meetings
in the last fiscal year. It is responsible for reviewing and establishing
the compensation policy and guidelines for executive officers and the
compensation of the chief executive officer and administers the Company's
Incentive Stock Option Plan, Incentive Compensation Plan, 1994 Incentive
Compensation Plan, 1996 Incentive Compensation Plan, Stock Purchase Plan
and 1996 Stock Purchase Plan, including determining the employees to whom
stock options, awards or cash bonuses are granted, the number of shares
subject to each option or award, and the date or dates upon which each
option or award may be exercised.
The Board's Strategic Planning Committee which is responsible for
developing and reviewing long term strategic plans for the Company met 3
times in the last fiscal year.
The Company has no standing Nominating Committee or committee
performing a similar function.
Directors Compensation
Directors who are not Company employees receive a quarterly fee
of $3,000 and a fee of $500 for each Board or Committee meeting attended,
plus travel expenses. In addition each current "Non-Employee Director" has
received a grant of options to acquire 25,000 shares of the Company's Common
Stock at exercise prices ranging from $5.25 to $12.875 per share (the fair
market value on the date of grant) under the Company's Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors ("Directors' Plan"). In addition, each current
Non-Employee Director, in April 1996, other than Mr. Purkey, received a
grant of an option to acquire an additional 5,000 shares of the Company's
Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.8125 per share (the fair market
value on the date of grant) and, in April 1997, an additional 5,000 shares
of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise price of $7.375 per share (the
fair market value on the date of grant) under the Company's 1996 Stock
Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors ("1996 Directors' Plan"). Under the
Directors' Plan and the 1996 Directors' Plan, options are granted to any
director of the Company who is not an officer or employee of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates and who has not been such for a
period of one year prior to his first being elected to the Board ("Non-
Employee Director"). Options issued under the Directors' Plan and 1996
Directors' Plan are intended to be non-qualified stock options, not entitled
to special tax treatment under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, from time to time. The Directors' Plan and the 1996
Directors' Plan are administered by the Board of Directors of the Company
which has the sole responsibility for construing and interpreting said
Plans. Each option granted is evidenced by an option agreement
between the optionee and the Company and, subject to the provisions of the
Directors' Plan or the 1996 Directors' Plan, contains such terms and
conditions as may be approved by the Board. The purchase price of each
share that may be purchased upon exercise of an option is the fair market
value of the share on the date the option is granted. These options are
exercisable for a period of approximately ten years. Under the Directors'
Plan, any new "Non-Employee Director" elected or appointed was granted an
option to purchase 25,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock on the date
such director took office. All options granted under the Directors' Plan
vest over a five-year period from the date of grant with 20% of the option
shares becoming first exercisable on each anniversary of the grant date.
The Directors' Plan was terminated with respect to future grants on April
10, 1996. Under the 1996 Directors' Plan, any new non-employee
director elected or appointed after April 30, 1996 is granted an
option to purchase 25,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock on the
date such director takes office. All such options granted to new
non-employee directors vest over a five-year period from the date of grant
with 20% of the option shares becoming first exercisable on the anniversary
of the grant date. On each April 30 (after April 30, 1996) which is on or
after the fifth anniversary of a non-employee director's initial election
as a director, such director is granted an additional option for 5,000
shares (subject to adjustment). Unless earlier terminated by
the Board, the 1996 Directors' Plan shall terminate on June 1,
2006. The Directors' Plan and the 1996 Directors' Plan provide, among other
things, that the option of any optionee, whose status as a director
terminates because of retirement, or removal from the Board within one year
after a change of control (as defined in the Directors' Plan and 1996
Directors' Plan), shall become fully exercisable with respect to all shares
covered thereby and not previously purchased upon exercise of the option and
shall remain fully exercisable until the option expires by its terms.
Messrs. Allen, Bouyer and Rubinovitz are serving as consultants to the
Company and received $14,000, $40,000 and $40,000, respectively, for such
services in fiscal 1997. Mr. Allen also has non-qualified stock options
for 37,393 shares of Common Stock and 37,393 shares of Class B
Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $8 per share to
$12.95 per share. Mr. Purkey is President and a principal of Forum Capital
Markets, which firm acted as financial advisor to the Company in connection
with the Company's Offer to Exchange $40,000,000 of its 8-1/4% Convertible
Senior Subordinated Debentures due June 15, 2006 for a like amount of its
outstanding 7-1/4% Convertible Subordinated Debentures due December 15, 2006
effected as of February 18, 1997. Forum Capital received a fee of $200,000
and expenses for its services as such financial advisor.
Affiliations
There is no family relationship between any director and any
other director or nominee for director or executive officer of the Company.
No nominee or director is a director of any other public company, except Mr.
Rubinovitz is a director of KLA Instruments, Inc., Kronos, Inc., and LTX
Corporation, Mr. Douglas is a director of Andrew Corporation, and Mr. Bouyer
is a director of LTX Corporation.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially
own more than ten percent of the Company's stock to file initial reports of
ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and NASDAQ. Executive officers, directors and greater than ten
percent beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish the
Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a
review of the copies of such forms furnished to the Company and written
representations from the Company's executive officers and directors, the
Company believes that during fiscal 1997 all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to its executive officers,directors and
greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with on
a timely basis.
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
As of August 20, 1997, no person or firm owned of record, and, so
far as it is known to the Company, no person or firm owned beneficially 5% or
more of the outstanding Common Stock or Class B Common Stock of the Company,
except for:
(i) Edward J. Richardson whose ownership of Common Stock
and Class B Common Stock is set forth above in the table under
the caption "Election of Directors - Information Relating to
Directors, Nominees and Executive Officers"; and
(ii) Royce & Associates, Inc., Royce Management Company and
Charles M. Royce, controlling person of Royce & Associates, Inc.
and Royce Management are deemed the beneficial owners of 1,004,278
shares held by Royce & Associates, Inc. and Royce Management
Company (11.47%). Royce & Associates, Inc. and Royce Management
Company are registered investment advisers.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the annual and long-term
compensation for the Company's chief executive officer and the four highest
paid executive officers and one additional individual who would have
otherwise been included except for the fact that he was not serving as an
executive officer at the end of fiscal 1997 (named executives), as well as
the total compensation paid to each such individual for the Company's two
prior fiscal years:
<TABLE>
Summary Compensation Table
<CAPTION>
Long-Term Compensation
-----------------------------------
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
--------------------------------- ---------------------- ---------
Other Long- All
Annual Restricted Stock Term Other
Name and Compen- Stock Options/ Incentive Compen-
Principal Position Year Salary Bonus sation <F1> Awards SARs Payouts sation <F2>
- --------------------------- ---- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward J. Richardson 1997 $374,783 $- $- - - $- $7,263
Chairman and CEO 1996 361,783 162,220 - - - - 7,998
1995 362,461 95,620 - - - - 6,238
Joel Levine <F3> 1997 202,220 73,232 - 10,000 - - 7,263
Senior Vice President 1996 196,419 117,375 - - 15,000 - 7,998
1995 196,076 95,705 - - 15,000 - 6,238
Dennis R. Gandy <F4> 1997 206,173 43,359 - - - - 7,263
Executive Vice President 1996 224,825 122,322 - - 10,000 - 7,998
and Assistant Secretary 1995 224,699 116,282 - - 10,000 - 6,238
William G. Seils 1997 172,056 75,950 - - 10,000 - 7,263
Senior Vice President, 1996 172,056 98,873 - - 10,000 - 7,998
General Counsel and 1995 171,960 88,990 - - 10,000 - 6,238
Secretary
William J. Garry 1997 169,855 58,226 - - 10,000 - 7,263
Vice President, Finance 1996 168,173 84,226 - - 10,000 - 7,998
and Chief Financial Officer 1995 161,192 60,447 - - 15,000 - 6,238
Charles J. Acurio 1997 154,067 54,860 - - 15,000 - 7,263
Vice President, 1996 150,000 182,302 - - 15,000 - 7,998
Display Product Group 1995 146,683 126,596 - - 15,000 - 6,238
<FN>
<F1> While officers enjoy certain perquisites, such perquisites do not exceed
the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of such officer's salary and bonus.
<F2> These amounts represent the Company's discretionary and 401(k)
matching contributions to the Company's Profit Sharing Plan.
<F3> Terminated his employment with the Company in June 1997. The restricted
stock award issued to Mr. Levine in fiscal 1997 was subsequently
cancelled when he terminated his employment with the Company.
<F4> Terminated his position as an executive officer as of February 28, 1997.
In January 1997 Mr. Gandy entered into an employment agreement with the
Company which provided that effective as of February 28, 1997, Mr. Gandy's
position with the Company as an executive officer would terminate and he
would continue as an employee of the Company with limited duties and
responsibilities for a period of 5 years for total payments of $144,000
per year.
</FN>
</TABLE>
The following table sets forth certain information concerning
Options granted during fiscal 1997 to the named executives:
<TABLE>
OPTION / SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<CAPTION>
% of Total
Options Exercise Fair
Options Granted to or Base Value
Granted Employees Price Expiration at Grant
Name <F1> <F2> in FY97 ($/sh) Date Date
- ----------------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward J. Richardson - - $ - - $ -
Joel Levine - - - - -
Dennis R. Gandy 10,000 3.5% 8.000 10/02/06 31,700
William G. Seils 10,000 3.5% 8.000 10/02/06 31,700
William J. Garry 10,000 3.5% 8.000 10/02/06 31,700
Charles J. Acurio 15,000 5.2% 8.000 10/02/06 47,550
<FN>
<F1> Options granted become exercisable in annual increments of 20%,
beginning October 2, 1997.
<F2> Options granted under the option plan are exercisable for a period of up
to ten years from the date of grant. Options terminate upon the
optionee's termination of employment with the Company, except under
certain circumstances.
<F3> The fair value of the option at the grant date was calculated using the
Black-Scholes option-pricing model, using the following assumptions:
$.16 annual dividend per share, expected annual standard deviation of
stock price of 40%, and a risk-free rate of 5.2%.
</FN>
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes options exercised during fiscal
year 1997 and presents the value of the unexercised options held by the named
executives at fiscal year end:
<TABLE>
AGGREGATED OPTION / SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR END
AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION / SAR VALUES
At May 31, 1997
<CAPTION>
Number of Unexercised Value of Unexercised,
Options Exercised Options held at In-the-money options
--------------------- Fiscal Year end at Fiscal Year end <F1>
Shares Value ----------------------- -----------------------
Name Acquired Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------------------------ --------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Edward J. Richardson - - $ - $ - $ - $ -
Joel Levine - - 62,379 12,000 77,493 13,500
Dennis R. Gandy - - 95,650 18,000 102,913 11,500
William G. Seils - - 46,970 18,000 52,243 11,500
William J. Garry 5,000 29,063 17,000 33,000 69,750 79,000
Charles J. Acurio - - 54,500 27,000 118,750 17,250
<FN>
<F1> Represents the difference between $8.25 per share (the closing price of
the Company's common stock on May 30, 1997) and the exercise price of the
options.
</FN>
</TABLE>
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Edward J. Richardson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company,
served on the Stock Option Committee until it was combined with the
Compensation Committee on July 14, 1993 and participated in determining
the compensation of other executive officers for fiscal 1997. The Company
leases warehouse facilities in Franklin Park, Illinois from a trust, of
which Edward J. Richardson is the principal beneficiary, for a term expiring
in 1999. Under the terms of this net lease, the Company is obligated to
make rental payments of $68,705 per year during the term of the lease.
In the opinion of management, the lease is on terms no less favorable to
the Company than similar leases which would be available from unrelated
third parties.
Report on Executive Compensation
Traditionally, the Company's executive officers' compensation has
been determined by the Company's Chief Executive Officer due to the
relatively small number of other executive officers and the Chief Executive
Officer's personal knowledge of the relative performance and
responsibilities of each executive officer. Compensation for the Company's
executive officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer, for the fiscal
year ended May 31, 1997 was established in this manner, except for long-term
incentive compensation in the form of stock option grants which was
established by the Compensation/Stock Option Committee. The compensation
for the Company's Chief Executive Officer for fiscal 1997
was determined pursuant to a formula set by the Board of Directors in 1983,
prior to the effective date of the Securities and Exchange Commission rules
mandating disclosure of bases for such compensation, at a fixed base salary
of $250,000, adjusted annually on each June 1 for changes in the cost of
living, and a bonus equal to 2% of the Company's after tax profits. Because
of the special charge and reserves taken in the 3rd quarter of fiscal 1997,
Mr. Richardson received no bonus for the year. The Company expects that the
Chief Executive Officer will continue to set compensation for the Company's
other executive officers with the advice and guidance of the Compensation/
Stock Option Committee of the Board of Directors and the Company's President,
Bruce W. Johnson, with respect to other executive officers, that the
Compensation/Stock Option Committee will determine the granting of options,
and that the Chief Executive Officer's compensation will be set by the
Compensation/Stock Option Committee.
Bruce W. Johnson became the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer
on November 12, 1997 pursuant to an agreement dated as of November
7, 1997, which provides for an annual base salary of $300,000, subject to
adjustment in certain circumstances, and a bonus if the Company's earnings
per share for the year exceeds its earnings per share for the prior fiscal
year with the amount of such bonus, if any, determined by the Company's
actual earnings per share performance in relation to the Company's budgeted
earnings per share for the year. Mr. Johnson also received an option under
the Company's Employee's 1996 Incentive Compensation Plan for 50,000 shares
at an exercise price of $7 per share (the fair market value on the grant
date) vesting at the rate of 10,000 shares per year on each anniversary
date of the grant. The agreement also provides for payments to Mr. Johnson
for one year equal to his salary and bonus and other employee benefits if
his employment is terminated under certain circumstances, including,
without cause or from a change-in-control, or a breach by the Company.
Individual compensation has been established to maintain
equitable internal relationships taking into account the responsibilities,
experience, seniority, and work performance of the individual executive,
the overall performance of the Company and the unit or area of
responsibility of the executive, and the strategic objectives and budget
considerations of the Company. The relative weight given to each of these
factors varies from individual to individual and from year to year.
Increases in executive officers' base salaries for the year
ended May 31, 1997 ranged from 0% to 3%, and increases ranging
from 0% to 8.29% in base salaries of executive officers are being made
for the year ending May 31, 1998.
A significant portion of each executive officer's compensation is
in the form of a bonus (in fiscal 1997 it was budgeted to be from 50 to 60%
of base compensation depending on the executive) which is performance-related.
Bonuses are designed to reward executives for achieving and exceeding Company
performance goals and/or individual performance goals. Bonuses or portions
thereof, in fiscal 1997, were based upon targeted levels of the Company's
earnings and were paid at 65% of the target bonus adjusted for unusual
events such as the 3rd quarter special charge and reserve. For bonuses or
portions thereof based upon individual performance, the performance criteria
or goals varied with each executive as set by the chief executive officer in
his annual review with the executive. For example, an executive responsible
for a business unit may receive a bonus or a portion thereof based upon the
business unit meeting its financial goals while an executive in charge of
other functions may receive a bonus or portion thereof based upon his
achieving individual performance objectives which are generally
subjective, established specifically for him by the Chief Executive Officer.
For the fiscal year ended May 31, 1997 such individual performance
bonuses or portions thereof were paid at percentages of target, ranging from
25% to 90%. Financial measures (e.g. earnings per share, return on invested
capital, gross margin) and targets for each executive officer are set at the
beginning of the fiscal year by the Chief Executive Officer, or of the Chief
Operating Officer and reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer, although
discretionary adjustments are possible should unforeseen events occur.
Salary levels, bonus criteria and performance objectives for the
Company's executive officers are examined each year to take into account
factors discussed above and other additional factors believed appropriate at
the time. Executive compensation structures and levels for each year's
targeted overall Company and individual performance goals are determined
following regular structured annual reviews of each executive officer
conducted by the Chief Executive Officer and/or Chief Operating Officer.
Target performance levels take into account historic patterns of Company
performance and strategic objectives.
Individual stock option grants in fiscal 1997 were determined
giving consideration to the factors discussed above and previous option
grants and to give the executive officers additional incentive to improve the
overall performance of the Company. This resulted in total options
granted to executive officers in fiscal 1997 being increased 33,000 shares
from the prior year grant of 102,000. Such grants included first-time
options awarded to one new executive officer hired in fiscal 1997. Options
granted in fiscal 1997 to two continuing executive officers were increased a
total of 10,000 shares, and the rest remained the same. The Chief Executive
Officer is not eligible for option grants.
In addition all executive officers, including the Chief Executive
Officer, participate in broad based benefits generally available to all
U.S. employees of the Company, such as medical, dental, disability, life
insurance, profit sharing (which includes a 401(k) feature), employees stock
ownership and employees stock purchase plans.
The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 (the "Act") amended
the Internal Revenue Code, section 162(m), to limit deductibility for the
Company for income tax purposes of compensation paid to the Chief Executive
Officer and the 4 other highest paid executive officers to $1 million per
year, per person, subject to certain exceptions. The Company does not
currently have any executive exceeding that limitation. If at a future date
it appears likely that such limitation may be exceeded, the Committee will
consider recommending restructuring of executive compensation programs in
light of the requirements of the Act and the regulations that may be
promulgated thereunder to permit them to meet the exceptions to the
limitation so such compensation may continue to be deductible.
Kenneth J. Douglas Edward J. Richardson
Scott Hodes
Samuel Rubinovitz
The following graph sets forth the cumulative total stockholder
return (assuming reinvestment of dividends) to the Company's stockholders
during the five-year period ended May 31, 1997, as well as an broad equity
market index (NASDAQ Stock Market (US & Foreign) Index) and a published
industry index (NASDAQ Electronic Component Stock Index). All three indices
reflect the value of an investment of $100 made on June 1, 1992.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Comparison of Five Year Cumulative Total return among Richardson
Electronics Stock Index, NASDAQ Composite Index, and NASDAQ Electronic
Components Index
Measurement Period REL NASDAQ Elec Comp
(Fiscal Year Covered)
Measurement Pt 6/1/92 100 100 100
FYE 5/31/93 111 121 180
FYE 5/31/94 60 127 211
FYE 5/31/95 99 150 361
FYE 5/31/96 137 217 473
FYE 5/31/97 111 243 746
RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Company's independent public accountants for the current year
are Ernst & Young LLP who have been the Company's independent accountants
since December, 1981. A representative of Ernst & Young LLP is expected to be
present at the meeting, with the opportunity to make a statement if such
representative desires to do so, and such representative is expected to be
available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.
ANNUAL REPORT
The Company's Annual Report to Stockholders for the year ended
May 31, 1997, including financial statements accompanies this Proxy Statement.
However, no action is proposed to be taken at the meeting with respect to the
Annual Report, and it is not to be considered as constituting any part of the
proxy soliciting material.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
From time to time stockholders present proposals which may be
proper subjects for inclusion in the proxy statement and for consideration
at a meeting. To be considered, proposals must be submitted on a timely
basis. Proposals for the 1998 stockholders' meeting must be received by
the Company no later than May 6, 1998. Any such proposals, as well as any
questions related thereto, should be directed to the Secretary of the Company.
OTHER MATTERS
The management knows of no other business likely to be brought
before the meeting. If other matters do come before the meeting, the
persons named in the form of proxy or their substitute will vote said
proxy according to their best judgment.
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S 1997 10-K REPORT IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT
CHARGE TO STOCKHOLDERS UPON WRITTEN REQUEST TO INVESTOR RELATIONS
DEPARTMENT, RICHARDSON ELECTRONICS, LTD., 40W267 KESLINGER ROAD,
LAFOX, IL 60147.
By order of the Board of Directors
EDWARD J. RICHARDSON
September 3, 1997 Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer
RICHARDSON ELECTRONICS, LTD. PROXY
40W267 Keslinger Road
LaFox, Illinois 60147
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
The undersigned hereby appoints Edward J. Richardson and William
G. Seils as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his substitute,
and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as
designated below, all the shares of Common Stock of Richardson Electronics,
Ltd. held of record by the undersigned on August 20, 1997 at the
Annual Meeting of stockholders to be held on October 7, 1997 or
any adjournment thereof.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
[__] FOR ALL nominees listed below [__] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
(except as marked to the
contrary below)
to vote for all nominees listed below
Edward J. Richardson, Scott Hodes, Samuel Rubinovitz,
Arnold R. Allen, Kenneth J. Douglas, Jacques Bouyer,
William J. Garry, Harold L. Purkey, Ad Ketelaars,
Bruce W. Johnson
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee write that nominee's name in the space provided
below:
2. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon
such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner
directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction
is made, this proxy will be voted for Proposal 1.
Please sign exactly as name appears below. For joint tenants,
all tenants should sign. If signing for an estate, trust,
corporation, partnership or other entity, title or capacity should be stated.
If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by President
or other authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in
partnership name by authorized person.
DATED: 1997
Signature
_______________________________________
Signature if held jointly
