<PAGE> 1
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:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] 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-2.
</TABLE>
General DataComm Industries, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(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):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-12.
(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> 2
GENERAL DATACOMM INDUSTRIES, INC.
MIDDLEBURY, CONNECTICUT 06762-1299
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 4, 1999
------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders of
GENERAL DATACOMM INDUSTRIES, INC. (the "Corporation") will be held at the
Corporate offices of The Chase Manhattan Bank, 11th Floor, 270 Park Avenue, New
York, New York, on Thursday, February 4, 1999 at 4:00 P.M. for the following
purposes:
1. To elect one director to serve for a term of three years and until
his successor is elected.
2. To consider and take action upon a proposal to adopt an amendment
to the 1979 Employee Stock Purchase Plan by which an additional 600,000
shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, $.10 par value, will be reserved
for issuance thereunder.
3. To consider and take action upon a stockholder proposal if
introduced at the meeting relating to a by-law addition to restrict option
repricing.
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The close of business on December 7, 1998 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to
vote at the Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
HOWARD S. MODLIN
Secretary
Dated: December 14, 1998
IMPORTANT: THE MANAGEMENT INVITES YOU TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, BUT IF
YOU ARE UNABLE TO BE PRESENT, PLEASE DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS
PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE. NO POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF THE PROXY IS RETURNED IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE AND IS MAILED WITHIN THE UNITED STATES.
<PAGE> 3
GENERAL DATACOMM INDUSTRIES, INC.
MIDDLEBURY, CONNECTICUT 06762-1299
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
This statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of General DataComm Industries, Inc. (the "Corporation") of
proxies in the accompanying form to be used at the Annual Meeting of the
Stockholders of the Corporation to be held on Thursday, February 4, 1999 and at
all adjournments thereof, for the purposes set forth in the accompanying notice
of the meeting. It is intended that this statement and the proxies solicited
hereby be mailed to stockholders on or before January 15, 1999. A stockholder
who shall sign and return a proxy in the form enclosed with this statement has
the power to revoke it any time before it is exercised by giving written notice
to the Corporation, Attention: Secretary, to such effect. A stockholder
attending the meeting in person may make his or her own nomination from the
floor when the election of directors is considered. Proxies properly executed
and received in time for the meeting will be voted.
The close of business on December 7, 1998 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to
vote at the meeting. There were outstanding as of the close of business on
December 7, 1998 and entitled to be voted at the meeting, 19,642,190 shares of
Common Stock and 2,093,083 shares of Class B Stock. All of said shares are
entitled to one (1) vote on all matters voted on at the Annual Meeting, voting
as a single class. The holders of Class B Stock are entitled to ten (10) votes
per share in any election of directors if more than 15% of the shares of Common
Stock outstanding on the record date are owned beneficially by a person or a
group of persons acting in concert, or if a nomination for the Board of
Directors is made by a person or group of persons acting in concert (other than
the Board) provided such nomination is not made by one (1) or more holders of
Class B Stock, acting in concert with each other, who beneficially own more than
15% of the shares of Class B Stock outstanding on such record date. The Board of
Directors is not presently aware of any circumstance that would give holders of
Class B Stock the right to ten (10) votes per share for the election of
directors at the Annual Meeting.
The affirmative vote, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock and Class B Stock voted, together as a single class, is required to
elect one (1) director and to approve the stockholder proposal. The affirmative
vote, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock and Class B Stock, together as a single class, is
required to authorize the amendment to the 1979 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
authorizing an additional 600,000 shares.
The proxies in the accompanying form will be voted "FOR" the first two
proposals set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting and "AGAINST" the
stockholder proposal. If any other specification is made by a stockholder in the
proxy, it will be voted as specified. In the discretion of the proxy-holders,
the proxies will also be voted for or against such other matters as may properly
come before the meeting. The Board of Directors is not aware that any other
matters are to be presented for action at the meeting.
<PAGE> 4
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth information as of November 24, 1998 with
respect to the beneficial ownership of the Corporation's Class B Stock and
Common Stock by all persons known by the Corporation to own more than 5% of the
Corporation's outstanding Class B Stock or Common Stock who are deemed to be
such beneficial owners of the Corporation's Class B Stock or Common Stock under
Rule 13d-3. Class B Stock is convertible into Common Stock at any time on a
share-for-share basis.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF PERCENT OF
TITLE OF CLASS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP CLASS ALL CLASSES
- -------------- ------------------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class B Stock Charles P. Johnson 1,513,677* 72.3%* 8.8%*
$.10 par value General DataComm Industries, Inc.
Middlebury, CT
06762-1299
James R. Arcara 351,420** 16.8%** 2.9%**
General DataComm Industries, Inc.
Middlebury, CT
06762-1299
Common Stock State of Wisconsin Investment Board 1,890,000*** 9.6% 8.7%
$.10 par value 121 East Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53702
</TABLE>
- ---------------
* The amount and percent of Class B Stock and percent of all classes do not
include 8,643 shares of Class B Stock or 10,857 shares of Common Stock owned
by trusts or in custody for the benefit of Mr. Johnson's daughter, the
beneficial ownership of which he disclaims. In addition, the percent of all
classes includes 33,379 shares of Common Stock, 26,614 shares of Common
Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Stock Fund as of November 24, 1998,
329,107 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Johnson could acquire by the
exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days, and 36,630 shares of
Common Stock issuable upon conversion of the Corporation's 9% Convertible
Exchangeable Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock").
** The amount and percent of Class B Stock includes 100,419 shares owned
directly by Mr. Arcara and 251,001 shares held by Mr. Arcara as trustee
under various trusts for the benefit of the family of Mr. Johnson (238,801
shares) and as trustee under an insurance trust for the benefit of Mr.
Johnson (12,200 shares). Mr. Arcara has the sole power to vote and/or
dispose of the shares held as trustee. He disclaims beneficial ownership of
these 251,001 shares. In addition, the percent of all classes includes
90,936 shares of Common Stock owned directly by Mr. Arcara with his wife,
25,568 shares of Common Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Stock Fund,
137,143 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Arcara as trustee under various
trusts for the benefit of Mr. Johnson's children for which he disclaims
beneficial ownership and 35,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Arcara
could acquire by the exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days.
*** The State of Wisconsin Investment Board is a state agency which invests
assets on behalf of state employees.
2
<PAGE> 5
ITEM 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The nominee, Mr. Frederick R. Cronin was elected director of the
Corporation at the 1996 meeting of stockholders for a three (3) year term. Set
forth opposite the name of the nominee and each director whose term continues
past the meeting is his principal occupation for the past five (5) years, the
name and principal business of any corporation or other organization in which
such employment is carried on, other business directorships held, his age and
the year in which the term of office for which he is a nominee or the term of
such office will expire.
Management has no reason to believe that the nominee is not available or
will not serve if elected, but if the nominee should become unavailable to serve
as a director, full discretion is reserved to the persons named as proxies to
vote for such other person as may be nominated. Proxies will be voted "FOR" the
nominee unless the stockholder specifies otherwise.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POSITION WITH THE CORPORATION, BECAME A TERM
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND AGE DIRECTOR EXPIRES
- ---- ------------------------------ -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Charles P. Johnson............. Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief 1969 2001
Executive Officer; 71
Howard S. Modlin............... Secretary of the Corporation and member of the 1969 2001
law firm of Weisman Celler Spett & Modlin,
P.C.; Director of Fedders Corporation and
Trans-Lux Corporation; 67
Frederick R. Cronin............ Vice President, Corporate Technology; 67 1981 2002
Lee M. Paschall................ Consultant; former Chairman, President of 1981 2000
American Satellite Company, 1981 to 1985;
Telecommunications Consultant between August
1978 and August 1981. Previous thereto, he was
a Lieutenant General, United States Air Force;
Director of Radiation Systems, Inc.; 76
John L. Segall................. Consultant; Vice Chairman of GTE 1991-1994; 1994 2000
Vice Chairman of Contel Corp. 1989-1991; 72
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 6
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Each nominee, each director whose term continues past the meeting and each
executive officer listed in the Summary Compensation Table (on page 6) have
advised the Corporation that, as of November 24, 1998, he owned beneficially,
directly or indirectly, securities of the Corporation in the amounts set forth
opposite his name.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF PERCENT
SHARES OF COMMON PERCENT CLASS B STOCK PERCENT OF ALL
NAME STOCK OWNED OF CLASS OWNED(1) OF CLASS CLASSES
- ---- ---------------- -------- ------------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles P. Johnson................ 425,730(2) 2.1% 1,513,677(2) 72.3% 8.8%
Howard S. Modlin.................. 95,535(3) 0.5% 6,750(3) 0.3% 0.5%
Frederick R. Cronin............... 133,699(4) 0.7% -- -- 0.6%
Lee M. Paschall................... 11,000(5) 0.1% 5,770 0.3% 0.1%
John L. Segall.................... 6,000(6) -- -- -- --
Ross A. Belson.................... 186,095(7) 0.9% -- -- 0.8%
William S. Lawrence............... 126,852(8) 0.6% 36,558 1.7% 0.7%
V. Jay Damiano.................... 53,803(9) 0.3% -- -- 0.2%
P. John Woods..................... 6,900(10) -- -- -- --
Directors and Officers as a group
(14 individuals including the
above).......................... 1,537,823(11) 7.5% 1,936,175(11) 92.5% 15.3%
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) The Class B Stock is convertible into Common Stock at any time on a
share-for-share basis.
(2) Includes 329,107 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Johnson could acquire by
the exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days, 26,614 shares of
Common Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Stock Fund and 36,630 shares
issuable on conversion of the Preferred Stock shares held by him. Does not
include 8,643 shares of Class B Stock or 10,857 shares of Common Stock
owned by trusts or in custody for the benefit of his daughter, the
beneficial ownership of which he disclaims.
(3) Includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Modlin could acquire by the
exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days and 90,535 shares held by
the law firm of which he is a member. Does not include 31,400 shares of
Class B Stock nor 112,000 shares of Common Stock owned directly by members
of his immediate family, the beneficial ownership of which Mr. Modlin
disclaims.
(4) Includes 90,254 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Cronin could acquire by
the exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days and 2,363 shares of
Common Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Stock Fund. Does not include
15,900 shares of Common Stock owned directly by members of his immediate
family, the beneficial ownership of which he disclaims.
(5) Includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Paschall could acquire by
the exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days.
(6) Includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Segall could acquire by the
exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days.
(7) Includes 166,477 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Belson could acquire by
the exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days.
(8) Includes 102,776 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Lawrence could acquire by
the exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days and 22,676 shares of
Common Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Stock Fund. Does not include
860 shares of Common Stock owned by his wife, the beneficial ownership of
which he disclaims.
(9) Includes 44,331 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Damiano could acquire by
the exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days and 391 shares of
Common Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Stock Fund.
4
<PAGE> 7
(10) Includes 6,700 shares of Common Stock which Mr. Woods could acquire by the
exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days and 200 shares of Common
Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Stock Fund.
(11) Includes 883,203 shares of Common Stock which persons in the group have the
right to acquire by the exercise of stock options within sixty (60) days,
94,577 shares of Common Stock held in the Corporation's 401(k) Stock Fund,
238,801 shares of Class B Stock and 137,143 shares of Common Stock held by
Mr. James R. Arcara, Vice President, Corporate Operations, as trustee under
various trusts for the benefit of Mr. Johnson's family, 12,200 shares of
Class B Stock held by Mr. Arcara as trustee under an insurance trust for
the benefit of Mr. Johnson, 36,630 shares of Common Stock issuable on
conversion of the Preferred Stock owned by Mr. Johnson and 90,535 shares of
Common Stock held by the law firm of which Mr. Modlin is a member. Does not
include 44,767 shares of Class B Stock and 140,617 shares of Common Stock
owned directly by members of the directors' and officers' immediate
families or related trusts, the beneficial ownership of which they
disclaim.
5
<PAGE> 8
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
WITH MANAGEMENT
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the compensation paid
or awarded for the fiscal years ended September 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 to the
Corporation's Chief Executive Officer and the four (4) next most highly
compensated executive officers whose compensation for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1998 exceeded $100,000:
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
ANNUAL COMPENSATION(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ALL OTHER
OPTIONS(#) COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS GRANTED OTHER($) ($)(2)
- --------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ---------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles P. Johnson................ 1998 $498,657 $100,000 150,000 $21,937 $59,470
Chairman of the Board 1997 498,657 100,000 -- 23,897 58,520
of Directors and Chief 1996 498,658 135,000 90,000 16,868 58,520
Executive Officer
Ross A. Belson.................... 1998 264,289 75,000 84,500 10,238 3,200
President and Chief 1997 264,289 75,000 -- 14,430 2,250
Operating Officer 1996 264,290 75,000 42,500 8,237 2,250
William S. Lawrence............... 1998 186,499 22,240 65,000 11,834 3,200
Senior Vice President, Finance 1997 186,497 20,000 15,000 11,900 2,250
and Chief Financial Officer 1996 186,498 25,800 25,000 9,501 2,250
V. Jay Damiano.................... 1998 149,598 54,769 27,000 5,815 3,200
Senior Vice President of Sales 1997 149,598 44,156 11,000 7,071 2,250
1996 149,596 55,737 20,000 6,767 2,250
P. John Woods(3).................. 1998 144,610 18,120 5,100 6,146 33,411
President, Vital Network 1997 141,855 13,650 10,800 10,749 27,749
Services, LLC
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) There are no restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights or deferred
long-term incentive payouts.
(2) The Corporation is paying the annual premium on a $1,000,000 life insurance
policy on Mr. Johnson's life at an approximate annual cost of $56,270,
included in all other compensation, so long as Mr. Johnson is an employee of
the Corporation. Mr. Johnson's designee is the owner of said policy. The
balance of Mr. Johnson's all other compensation and amounts reported for the
other executives reflects the Corporation's contributions under its 401(k)
plan.
(3) Mr. Woods became an executive officer on September 4, 1997. $30,299 and
$25,209 of all other compensation reflected relocation expenses for 1998 and
1997 respectively.
During the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, $764,000 in fees, an
amount which the Corporation believes is fair, were paid to the law firm of
which Howard S. Modlin is a member.
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
All matters concerning executive compensation for the Chief Executive
Officer and other executive officers are considered by the Corporation's entire
Board of Directors since there is no separate Compensation Committee. The salary
levels are intended to be consistent with competitive practice and level of
performance. In determining the total compensation to be paid to the Chief
Executive Officer and all other executive officers, the Board considers
management's recommendation based upon past salary levels, industry surveys,
experience, capability, normal salary increase levels in past years and the
Corporation's and respective individual's performances during the last fiscal
year. The Chief Executive Officer's compensation and bonus are based upon the
above factors and include three-quarters ( 3/4) of one-percent (1%) of the
Corporation's pretax earnings, but in no event shall the Chief Executive
Officer's annual bonus be less than $100,000.
6
<PAGE> 9
CHANGE IN CONTROL
Under a benefit arrangement for senior executive officers and other senior
key employees designated by the Board who are 55 or over who have been employed
by the Corporation for more than 20 years, in addition to certain medical and
long term care benefits, Messrs. Johnson and Lawrence (and each other designee)
are entitled to continuation of their then minimum compensation level for two
years and have all options vest which are outstanding for at least one year if
they retire within 90 days following a change-in-control. If such event occurred
as of December 7, 1998 and Messrs. Johnson and Lawrence retired, they would
currently be entitled to a minimum annual compensation of $598,657 and $208,739,
respectively, or a total of $1,197,314 and $417,478, respectively for two (2)
years. The benefit arrangement was not established in response to any threatened
change-in-control and is part of an overall plan to reward long-term senior
executives and employees.
LOANS
In October 1996, the Corporation granted an unsecured loan to Mr. Dennis J.
Nesler, Vice President and Treasurer of the Corporation, in the amount of
$68,200 at an 8.24% annual rate of interest for the personal needs of Mr.
Nesler. The loan is secured by shares of the Corporation's Common Stock, payable
on demand and remained outstanding at December 7, 1998 in the amount of $45,467.
Mr. Nesler's loan was amended in September 1997 and became payable in twelve
equal quarterly installments commencing January 1, 1998. If Mr. Nesler is in the
employ of GDC on the due date of an installment, such installment and accrued
interest will be forgiven. Should Mr. Nesler voluntarily resign, the balance
becomes immediately due and payable. Should his employment be terminated for any
reason other than voluntary resignation, the balance shall be forgiven in its
entirety.
STOCK OPTION PLANS
Under the terms of the Corporation's Stock Option Plans, the Corporation
has reserved a total of 4,436,014 shares of Common Stock as of November 24,
1998. Officers and key employees selected by the Chairman of the Board or the
Stock Option Committee, as the case may be, may be granted incentive stock
options at an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value per
share on the date of grant and non-incentive stock options at an exercise price
equal to, greater than or less than the fair market value per share on the date
of grant. While individual options can be issued under various provisions,
options cannot be exercised during the first year, generally vest in increments
of 25% per year over a four-year period and expire within ten (10) years. The
Chairman or the Stock Option Committee, as the case may be, determines the
number of stock options to be granted to any person, subject to the limitations
on incentive stock options in Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of l986,
as amended, ("Code"). There are no stock appreciation rights under the Stock
Option Plans.
7
<PAGE> 10
STOCK OPTIONS GRANTED IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
The following table is a summary of all stock options granted pursuant to
the Corporation's Stock Option Plans during the period October 1, 1997 through
September 30, 1998. There are no stock appreciation rights under the Plans. In
addition, the table shows the potential gain that could be realized if the fair
market value of the Corporation's Common Stock were to appreciate at a 5% or 10%
annual rate over the ten (10) year period of the option term.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
% OF TOTAL VALUE AT ASSUMED
OPTIONS ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
GRANTED TO EXERCISE APPRECIATION FOR
# EMPLOYEES OR BASE OPTION TERM
OPTIONS IN LAST PRICE PER EXPIRATION ---------------------
NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR SHARE DATE 5% 10%
- ---- ------- ----------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles P. Johnson.......... 53,338 3.4 $4.125 3/4/08 105,778 298,775
96,662 6.1 3.750 3/4/08 227,963 577,704
Ross A. Belson.............. 9,500 0.6 3.375 12/14/07 20,157 51,078
75,000 4.7 3.750 3/4/08 176,877 448,240
William S. Lawrence......... 20,000 1.3 3.375 12/14/07 42,435 107,531
45,000 2.8 3.750 3/4/08 106,126 268,944
V. Jay Damiano.............. 14,000 0.9 3.375 12/14/07 29,705 75,273
13,000 0.8 3.750 3/4/08 30,659 77,695
P. John Woods............... 5,100 0.3 4.00 6/10/08 12,829 32,512
</TABLE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The following table sets forth the number of shares acquired on exercise
during the fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the value realized upon
exercise, the number of unexercised options outstanding at September 30, 1998
and the value of unexercised in-the-money options at September 30, 1998 for the
persons named in the Summary Compensation Table. No options were exercised by
such persons during such fiscal year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT
NUMBER OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
SHARES --------------------- --------------------
ACQUIRED ON VALUE EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME EXERCISE REALIZED UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ----------- -------- --------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Charles P. Johnson............ None -- 322,657/180,000 $ 0/0
Ross A. Belson................ None 156,977/129,500 2003/0
William S. Lawrence........... None -- 82,776/ 90,000 7064/0
V. Jay Damiano................ None -- 26,331/ 49,600 0/0
P. John Woods................. None 6,700/ 14,000 0/0
</TABLE>
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT SAVINGS AND DEFERRED PROFIT SHARING PLAN
Under the retirement savings provisions of the Corporation's Employee
Retirement Savings and Deferred Profit Sharing Plan (the "Plan"), established
under Section 401(k) of the Code in fiscal 1987, U.S. employees are generally
eligible to contribute to the Plan after three (3) months of continuous service
in amounts determined by the Plan. The Corporation contributes an additional 50%
of the employee contribution up to certain limits, not to exceed 2% of total
eligible compensation. Employees become fully vested in the Corporation's
contributions after three (3) years of continuous service, death, disability or
upon reaching age 65. The Plan year for the Retirement Savings 401(k) portion of
the Plan coincides with the calendar year, and the Corporation's contribution is
paid in the following calendar year if the participant was employed on December
31 of the Plan year.
8
<PAGE> 11
The deferred profit sharing provisions of the Plan include retirement and
other related benefits for substantially all of the Corporation's eligible
employees. Contributions under the Plan are funded annually and are based, at a
minimum, upon a formula measuring profitability in relation to revenues.
Additional amounts may be contributed at the discretion of the Corporation.
Contributions to the Plan are allocated to each participant based upon
individual earnings in proportion to the earnings of all participants. There
were no contributions made for deferred profit sharing for fiscal 1998.
The Corporation's contributions to the Retirement Savings 401(k) portion of
the Plan for calendar 1997, paid in 1998, amounted to $1,155,964 for all
participants, including $3,200 on behalf of each of the named officers in the
Summary Compensation Table, with the exception of John Woods, who received
$3,112.
9
<PAGE> 12
FIVE YEAR CORPORATE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the Corporation's total stockholder return
over the five (5) fiscal years ended September 30, 1998 with the total return on
the Standard & Poor's 500 Index ("Standard & Poor's 500") and an industry peer
group based upon the Value Line Computers & Peripherals Industry ("Computer
Peripherals") in which the Corporation is included. The stockholder return shown
on the graph is not intended to be indicative of future performance of the
Corporation's Common Stock.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
GENERAL DATACOMM INDUSTRIES, INC., STANDARD & POORS 500 AND VALUE LINE
COMPUTER-PERIPHERALS INDEX
(Performance Results Through 9/30/98)
[CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE GRAPH]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
'General
DataComm Standard & Poors Computer-
Industries, Inc.' 500 Peripherals
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1993 100.00 100.00 100.00
1994 259.77 103.93 135.65
1995 135.63 134.92 251.53
1996 103.45 162.43 358.68
1997 55.17 228.48 664.67
1998 27.59 248.39 656.44
</TABLE>
* Assumes $100 invested at the close of trading on September 30, 1993 in General
DataComm Industries, Inc. Common Stock, Standard & Poor's 500 and the
Computer-Peripherals peer group. Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment
of dividends.
10
<PAGE> 13
ITEM 2. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CORPORATION'S 1979
EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
The Corporation's 1979 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan")
was adopted by the Board of Directors in May 1979 and approved by the
stockholders in February 1980. A total of 3,225,704 shares of common stock are
reserved for issuance under the Purchase Plan after giving effect to stock
splits in February and November 1980 and May 1984 and amendments to the Purchase
Plan by stockholders at previous meetings. The Purchase Plan currently expires
on October 31, 2001.
The Purchase Plan, which is amended to qualify under Section 423 of the
Code is implemented by having one offering during each six-month period
("Payment Period") which currently commences on March 1 and September 1 of each
year and is administered by a committee appointed by the Chairman of the
Corporation. Employees who have completed 91 consecutive days of employment are
eligible to participate if they are customarily employed by the Corporation for
more than twenty (20) hours per week and more than five (5) months per year. The
Purchase Plan permits eligible employees to purchase Common Stock through
payroll deductions (in an amount not less than 2% nor more than 10% of the
employee's regular base pay, bonuses and commissions) at the lower of 85% of the
average market price of the Common Stock at the beginning or the end of each
six-month offering period, provided, however (i) if 85% of the average market
price per share of the Common Stock is less than book value per share at the
beginning of a Payment Period, the Purchase Plan is suspended; (ii) if 85% of
the average market price per share at the end of a Payment Period is less than
the book value, the payroll deductions are refunded; and (iii) if 85% of the
average market price per share at the beginning of a Payment Period is less than
the book value per share at the end thereof, the purchase price is the book
value per share. The Board can reinstate the Purchase Plan at any time if 85% of
the average market price per share exceeds the book value per share, and the
Payment Period starting and ending dates would be adjusted accordingly.
Employees may end their participation in an offering at any time during such
offering Payment Period prior to two (2) business days from the end of the
Payment Period. Participation ends automatically upon termination of employment
with the Corporation. As of November 24, 1998, 308,407 shares remained available
for future issuance under the Purchase Plan.
Messrs. Weisman Celler Spett & Modlin, P.C., the Corporation's legal
counsel, have advised that under existing Treasury regulations: (i) taxable
income will not be realized by the employee either at the time options are
granted pursuant to the Purchase Plan or at the time of the purchase of shares
pursuant to the Purchase Plan; (ii) if the employee disposes of shares two (2)
years or more after the beginning of the Payment Period in which the shares were
acquired, then the employee at that time will (a) recognize as ordinary
compensation income an amount equal to the lesser of: (1) the excess of the fair
market value of the shares at the time of such disposition over the option
price, or (2) the excess of the fair market value of the shares at the beginning
of the Payment Period over the option price; and (b) recognize a long-term
capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount
realized upon the sale of the shares and his or her basis in the shares (i.e.,
purchase price plus amount, if any, taxed as compensation income); (iii) if the
employee disposes of the shares within two (2) years after the beginning of the
Payment Period in which the shares were acquired, the employee at that time
will: (a) recognize as ordinary compensation income an amount equal to the fair
market value of the shares at the time of purchase (the last business day of the
applicable Payment Period) less the amount paid for the shares; and (b)
recognize a capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between
the amount realized upon the sale of the shares and the basis in the shares
(i.e., the purchase price plus the amount taxed as compensation income); if the
employee holds the shares for more than one year such gain or loss will be
treated as a long term capital gain or loss with any gain taxed at a maximum
rate of 20%; and (iv) if the two-year holding period is satisfied, the
Corporation will not receive any deduction for Federal income tax purposes with
respect to the options or the shares issued pursuant thereto. If the two-year
holding period is not satisfied, the Corporation may be entitled to a deduction
in an amount equal to the amount which is considered ordinary compensation
income.
11
<PAGE> 14
The following table sets forth certain information as to all executive
officers as a group and all other employees who participated in the Purchase
Plan between October 1, 1997 and November 24, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF AGGREGATE AVERAGE
SHARES PURCHASE PRICE PER
NAME OF INDIVIDUAL OR IDENTITY OF GROUP PURCHASED PRICE SHARE
- --------------------------------------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
All executive officers (3 persons in the Purchase Plan)..... 13,116 38,080 $2.9033
All other employees (246 persons)........................... 330,007 961,046 $2.9122
</TABLE>
The preceding summary of certain provisions of the Purchase Plan is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of the Purchase Plan
as set forth as Exhibit A of this Proxy Statement. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares entitled to vote is required to approve the amendment to
the 1979 Employee Stock Purchase Plan providing for an additional 600,000
shares. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE
FOR THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO SUCH PLAN INCREASING THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED
SHARES. It is intended that proxies solicited hereby will be voted "FOR" such
amendment to the Purchase Plan unless the stockholder specifies otherwise.
12
<PAGE> 15
ITEM 3. STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL TO ADD BY-LAW
RESTRICTING OPTION REPRICING
Management has been advised that the State of Wisconsin Investment Board,
121 East Wilson Street, Madison Wisconsin 53702, the holder of 1,890,000 shares
of Common Stock intends to submit the following proposal at the meeting:
"WHEREAS, the General DataComm Industries, Inc. (GDC) board has supported
the adoption of numerous incentive compensation plans over the years, regardless
of company or stock performance; and
WHEREAS, during the previous several years, the company has granted options
for millions of GDC shares leading to an unacceptable level of potential
dilution; and
WHEREAS, notwithstanding high dilution and poor company performance over
the past 3 years, GDC continues to retain a policy that outstanding options can
be repriced to a lower exercise price at such time as the board shall determine;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF SHAREHOLDERS TO CHANGE BYLAWS, THE FOLLOWING
BYLAW SHALL BE ADDED TO THE BYLAWS OF GENERAL DATACOMM INDUSTRIES, INC.: OPTION
REPRICING. THE COMPANY SHALL NOT REPRICE ANY STOCK OPTIONS ALREADY ISSUED AND
OUTSTANDING TO A LOWER STRIKE PRICE AT ANY TIME DURING THE TERM OF SUCH OPTION,
WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF SHAREHOLDERS.
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
Stock option plans have been used for many years by corporate management as
incentives for attracting and retaining qualified employees. Shareholders
generally support the use of reasonable levels of incentive compensation to
provide a competitive employment environment. However, excessive reliance on
such plans is unfair to existing shareholders.
Certain companies have continued to expand the use of such plans to the
point where existing shareholders face serious potential dilution. As of July
31, 1998, GDC had options granted or available for grant to employees of over
4,936,688 shares, representing potential dilution of over 22%. This level of
potential dilution and the trend toward even higher grants should not be
supported.
GDC has a history of repricing "underwater-options". In May, June and July,
1997, the Company repriced 863,400 options with exercise prices as high as
$15.50 down to a low of $6.75. GDC again repriced another 93,900 options in
June, July and August, 1998 from as high as $15.88 to a low of $3.94 per share.
GDC feels it can restart the clock on any number of options at anytime without
regard for shareholder concerns. We are concerned about further repricings if
GDC stock price continues to drop and have asked that the Company disclose any
additional repricings it may engage in prior to the meeting. We urge management
to raise the stock price, not lower the exercise price.
We believe GDC has been irresponsible in its use of incentive compensation,
since options are authorized, issued and can be repriced without regard to
performance. While we support the concept of incentive compensation, the above
program is unjustified and inequitable to existing shareholders. Notwithstanding
repeated requests, the company has refused to adopt a policy against repricing
of "underwater-options". The above resolution will help ensure a measure of
fairness to the use of incentive compensation at GDC."
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE AGAINST THE ADOPTION OF THE
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSAL.
The Corporation believes the stockholder proposal is unduly restrictive and
would hamper the Corporation's ability to retain employees, especially in an
industry where its competition and recruiters have targeted the Corporation's
employees for recruitment. Stock options are an important means of motivating
employees to remain with the Corporation. If the exercise price of an option
exceeds the market price, i.e., is "under-water", the options may have little
incentive value to employees and may result in employee attrition.
13
<PAGE> 16
The Corporation believes its repricing of stock options in the past has
been both limited and responsible and has taken into consideration both the need
to attract and retain employees as well as avoid undue dilution to holdings of
stockholders. Prior to May, 1997, the last such repricing took place almost ten
years earlier in November, 1987 subsequent to the stock market crash in October,
1987. In May, June and July, 1997 the Corporation repriced 863,400 options which
only amounted to 30 percent of the total outstanding options. At the time of the
repricing, the new price of GDC's common stock was $6.75. However, the
Corporation did not allow any options below a price of $10.06 to be repriced. In
addition, the newly priced options (the old options were canceled) began with a
new vesting schedule with a minimum of one-year vesting, and as a condition of
receiving the repriced options, language was added to these newly repriced
options to protect the Corporation's intellectual property. The Corporation did
not allow the Chairman (CEO) and President (COO) to reprice any options. At the
same time, the other officers were only allowed to reprice certain options down
to a price of $8.00 per share. This repricing was effected to hold employees and
to be fair to our existing stockholders. In June, July and August, 1998, the
Corporation repriced an additional 93,900 options to some very key employees
(non-officers), of which 80 percent of the options went to engineers. Of the
total repricing, only 13 percent went to officers and did not include the CEO
and COO.
The Board of Directors needs to have the ability in its good faith judgment
to promptly replace underwater options especially where the potential loss of
employees may be more damaging to the Corporation and all its stockholders than
the subsequent dilutive effect which may result when such options are exercised.
If the repriced options are exercised, it means the stock price has increased as
urged by the proponent stockholder of the proposal, and such increase would
benefit all stockholders. Requiring the Corporation to submit option repricing
to stockholders at the next annual meeting or at a special meeting is both
cumbersome and untimely and would effectively eliminate the ability to reprice
options for employees who are otherwise leaving their employment. The
Corporation has also been advised by its Delaware counsel that in their opinion,
the proposal if implemented would violate Delaware law since such restrictions
are only permitted in the Certificate of Incorporation. Should the stockholders
approve the proposal, the Corporation reserves the right to challenge its
validity in appropriate Delaware court proceedings.
ACCORDINGLY, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT THE
STOCKHOLDERS VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSED BY-LAW ADDITION RESTRICTING OPTION
REPRICING. It is intended that proxies solicited hereby will be voted "AGAINST"
such proposal unless the stockholder specifies otherwise on the proxy card.
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP was selected by the Board of Directors as
auditors for the Corporation's fiscal year ended September 30, 1998, the twenty
third year such firm and its predecessor have been the auditors of the
Corporation.
Representatives of such auditors are expected to be at the Annual Meeting
of Stockholders and will be permitted to make a statement to the stockholders if
they desire and to respond to any appropriate questions addressed by
stockholders to such auditors. No decision has yet been made as to the selection
of the Corporation's auditors for the 1999 fiscal year.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
The Corporation's executive officers and directors are required under
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and New York Stock Exchange. Copies of those reports must also be furnished to
the Corporation.
Based solely on a review of the copies of reports furnished to the
Corporation and the Corporation's monthly reporting compliance program, the
Corporation believes that during the preceding year all filing requirements
applicable to executive officers and directors were met.
14
<PAGE> 17
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
During fiscal 1998, the Board of Directors had seven (7) meetings. All of
the Directors attended at least 75% of such meetings. Non-employee directors
currently receive a fee of $1,200 for each meeting which they attend and an
annual fee of $8,000. Under a plan adopted by the Board of Directors in 1982,
non-employee directors have the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of all or
a portion of their fees plus interest thereon. On October 10, 1995 the
non-employee directors were each granted a non-statutory stock option to
purchase 5,000 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock at $12.31 per share, the
fair market value on such date. On March 5, 1998 they were each granted a
non-statutory option to purchase 4,500 shares at $3.75 per share. All such
options become exercisable in three equal annual installments on the first,
second and third anniversaries of date of grant.
The Corporation has an Audit Committee consisting of Messrs. Lee Paschall,
Howard S. Modlin and John L. Segall. Members of the Audit Committee receive an
annual fee of $3,000. As part of its responsibilities, the Audit Committee
reviews the audit function with the Corporation's independent auditors. During
fiscal 1998 the Audit Committee had 3 meetings. The Corporation does not have a
nominating or compensation committee.
The Corporation has a Stock Option Committee consisting of Messrs. Lee
Paschall and Howard S. Modlin. Such Committee, which had 2 telephonic meetings
during fiscal 1998 followed up by written action, determines which executive
officers of the Corporation shall be granted stock options under its stock
option plans.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS -- 2000 ANNUAL MEETING
If any stockholder desires to submit a proposal for action at next year's
annual meeting, it must be received by the Corporation, Middlebury, Connecticut
06762-1299, on or before August 16, 1999.
COST OF SOLICITATION
The cost of preparing and mailing material in connection with the
solicitation of proxies is to be borne by the Corporation. To the extent
necessary in order to assure sufficient representation at the meeting, such
solicitation will be made by the Corporation's regular employees in the total
approximate number of three (3). Solicitation will be made by mail, telegram,
telephone and in person.
By Order of the Board of Directors
HOWARD S. MODLIN
Secretary
Dated: Middlebury, Connecticut
December 14, 1998
15
<PAGE> 18
EXHIBIT A
GENERAL DATACOMM INDUSTRIES, INC.
1979 EMPLOYEE STOCK PURCHASE PLAN
Article 1 -- Purpose
This Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") is intended as an incentive
and to encourage stock ownership by all eligible employees of General DataComm
Industries, Inc. (the "Corporation") and participating subsidiaries so that they
may obtain a more direct interest in the continuing welfare and development of
the Corporation. The Plan is designed to encourage eligible employees to remain
in the employ of the Corporation and to provide incentive for superior
performance. It is intended that options be issued pursuant to an "employee
stock purchase plan" within the meaning of Section 423 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended ("Code").
Article 2 -- Eligible Employees
All employees of the Corporation and participating subsidiaries who have
completed 91 consecutive days employment shall be eligible to receive options
under this Plan to purchase the Corporation's Common Stock, $.10 par value (the
"Common Stock"). There shall be no participation by subsidiaries which have
employees in countries whose laws make participation impractical. Persons who
have been so employed for 91 days or more on the first day of the Payment Period
shall receive their options as of such day. Persons who attain the status of
employment for 91 days or more after the date on which the initial options are
granted under this Plan shall be granted options on the next date on which
options are granted to all eligible employees. In no event may an employee be
granted an option if such employee, after the option is granted, owns stock
possessing five (5%) percent or more of the total combined voting power or value
of all classes of stock of the Corporation or of its parent corporation or
subsidiary corporation, as the terms "parent corporation" and "subsidiary
corporation" are defined in Section 424(e) and (f) of the Code. For purposes of
determining stock ownership under this paragraph, the rules of Section 424(d) of
the Code shall apply and stock which the employee may purchase under outstanding
options shall be treated as stock owned by the employee.
For purposes of this Article 2, the term employee shall not include an
employee whose customary employment is twenty (20) hours or less per week or is
for not more than five (5) months in any calendar year.
Article 3 -- Stock Subject To The Plan
The stock subject to the options shall be shares of the Corporation's
authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock or shares of Common Stock
reacquired by the Corporation including shares purchased in the open market. The
aggregate number of shares which may be issued pursuant to the Plan is
3,825,704*, subject to increase or decrease by reason of stock split-ups,
reclassifications, stock dividends, changes in par value and the like.
Article 4 -- Payment Periods And Stock Options
The original six-month periods, November 1 to April 30 and May 1 to October
31, were Payment Periods during which payroll deductions were accumulated under
the Plan. Each Payment Period includes only full pay periods falling within it.
The Board of Directors may change the starting and ending dates of six month
periods at any time while the Plan is suspended. No Payment Period will commence
if at such time 85% of the average market price per share is less than the
publicly reported book value per share. The current Payment Periods are
September 1 to February 28 or 29 and March 1 to August 31.
- ---------------
* Including 600,000 shares subject to authorization at the 1999 Annual Meeting
of Stockholders.
A-1
<PAGE> 19
Twice each year, on the first business day of each Payment Period, the
Corporation will grant to each eligible employee who is then a participant in
the Plan an option to purchase on the last day of such Payment Period, at the
Option Price hereinafter provided for, such number of shares of the Common Stock
of the Corporation reserved for the purpose of the Plan whose aggregate average
market price does not exceed 10% of the employee's regular base pay for the
Payment Period, on condition that such employee remains eligible to participate
in the Plan throughout such Payment Period. The foregoing limitation on the
number of shares which may be granted in any Payment Period is subject to
increase or decrease by reason of stock split-ups, reclassifications, stock
dividends, changes in par value and the like. The participant shall be entitled
to exercise such options so granted only to the extent of his or her accumulated
payroll deductions on the last day of such Payment Period. The Option Price for
each Payment Period shall be the lesser of (i) 85% of the average market price
per share of the Corporation's Common Stock on the first business day of the
Payment Period or (ii) 85% of the average market price per share of the
Corporation's Common Stock on the last business day of the Payment Period, but
in no event less than the publicly reported book value per share at the end of
the Payment Period. If 85% of the average market price per share at the end of
the Payment Period is less than such book value per share at the end of the
Payment Period, then the Corporation will refund the employees' withholdings
plus interest comparable to that offered on money market checking accounts. If
85% of the average market price per share at the end of the Payment Period
equals or exceeds book value per share, but 85% of the average market price per
share at the beginning of the Payment Period is less than such book value per
share at the end of the Payment Period, the purchase price will be such book
value per share at the end of the Payment Period. In the event of an increase or
decrease in the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Corporation
through stock split-ups, reclassifications, stock dividends, changes in par
value and the like, an appropriate adjustment shall be made in the number of
shares and Option Price per share provided for under the Plan, either by a
proportionate increase in the number of shares and a proportionate decrease in
the Option Price per share, or by a proportionate decrease in the number of
shares and a proportionate increase in the Option Price per share, as may be
required to enable an eligible employee who is then a participant in the Plan as
to whom an option is exercised on the last day of any then current Payment
Period to acquire such number of full shares as his or her accumulated payroll
deductions on such date will pay for at the adjusted Option Price.
For purposes of this Plan the term "average market price" means the average
of the high and low prices of the Common Stock of the Corporation on the New
York Stock Exchange, or if not listed on such Exchange on such other national
securities exchange as shall be designated by the Board of Directors or the
NASDAQ system.
For purposes of this Plan the term "business day" as used herein means a
day on which there is trading on the New York Stock Exchange or such national
securities exchange as shall be designated by the Board of Directors, or the
NASDAQ system.
No employee shall be granted an option which permits his or her rights to
purchase Common Stock under the Plan and any similar plans of the Corporation or
any parent or subsidiary corporations to accrue at a rate which exceeds $25,000
of fair market value of such stock (determined at the time such option is
granted) for each calendar year in which such option is outstanding at any time.
The purpose of the limitation in the preceding sentence is to comply with the
provisions of Section 423(b)(8) of the Code, which are incorporated herein by
reference.
Article 5 -- Exercise Of Option
Eligible employees who continue to be participants in the Plan on the last
business day of a Payment Period shall be deemed to have exercised their options
on such date and shall be deemed to have purchased from the Corporation such
number of full shares of Common Stock reserved for the purpose of the Plan as
accumulated payroll deductions on such date will pay for at such Option Price.
If a participant is not an employee on the last business day of a Payment
Period, he or she shall not be entitled to exercise the option.
A-2
<PAGE> 20
Article 6 -- Supplementary Deductions And Unused Payroll Deductions
(a) Only full shares of Common Stock may be purchased under the Plan.
Unused payroll deductions remaining in an employee's account at the end of a
Payment Period will be carried forward to the succeeding Payment Period.
(b) An employee shall have the right to authorize supplementary payroll
deductions based on any bonuses and commissions, if any, paid to the employee.
The election to authorize a supplementary deduction shall be made by written
notice received by Human Resources no later than ten (10) days prior to the
beginning of the Payment Period in which the supplementary contribution is to be
made and shall remain in effect through all succeeding Payment Periods until
revoked by written notice received by Human Resources.
(c) An employee may not make any cash payments into his or her account.
Article 7 -- Authorization For Entering Plan
An employee may enter the Plan by completing, signing and delivering to
Human Resources an Authorization Form:
(a) stating the percentage to be deducted regularly from his or her
pay;
(b) authorizing the purchase of stock on his or her behalf in each
Payment Period in accordance with the terms of the Plan; and
(c) specifying the exact name in which purchased stock is to be issued
as provided under Article 11 hereof.
Such Authorization must be received by Human Resources at least ten (10)
days before the beginning date of such next succeeding Payment Period.
Unless an employee files a new Authorization Form or withdraws from the
Plan, deductions and purchases under the Authorization Form on file under the
Plan will continue as long as the Plan remains in effect.
The Corporation will accumulate and hold for the employee's account the
amounts deducted from his or her pay. No interest will be paid on or credited to
the employee's account, except as specifically provided in Article 4 on refunds.
Article 8 -- Maximum Amount Of Payroll Deductions
An employee may authorize payroll deductions in an amount not less than 2%
but not more than 10% of his or her regular base pay. In addition, an employee
shall be entitled to authorize supplementary deductions of the same limitations
pursuant to Article 6 hereof.
Article 9 -- Change In Payroll Deductions
Deductions may only be increased or decreased once in a Payment Period and
shall become effective in the next payroll period commencing after receipt of
said authorized change. A new authorization will be required and must be
received by Human Resources.
Article 10 -- Withdrawal From The Plan
An employee may withdraw from the Plan in whole but not in part, at any
time prior to the next to the last business day of each Payment Period by
delivering a written withdrawal notice to Human Resources, in which event the
Corporation will refund the entire balance of his or her deductions within ten
(10) business days after receipt of said notice.
An employee who withdraws from the Plan is treated like an employee who has
never entered the Plan. To re-enter, a new Authorization Form must be filed at
least ten (10) days before the beginning date of the
A-3
<PAGE> 21
next Payment Period. This Form, however, cannot become effective before the
beginning of the next Payment Period following withdrawal.
Article 11 -- Issuance Of Stock
Certificates for Common Stock issued to participants will be delivered as
soon as practicable after each Payment Period.
Common Stock purchased under the Plan will be issued only in the name of
the employee, or if the Authorization Form so specifies, in the name of the
employee and another person of legal age as joint tenants with rights of
survivorship.
Article 12 -- No Transfer Or Assignment Of Employee's Rights
An employee's rights under the Plan are his or hers alone and may not be
transferred or assigned to or availed of by any other person. Any option granted
to an employee may only be exercised by that person.
Article 13 -- Termination Of Employee's Rights
An employee's rights under the Plan will terminate when he or she ceases to
be an employee because of retirement, resignation, lay-off, discharge, death,
change of status, or for any other reason. A withdrawal notice will be
considered as having been received from the employee on the day employment
ceases, and all payroll deductions not used to purchase Common Stock will be
refunded.
If an employee's payroll deductions are interrupted by any legal process, a
withdrawal notice will be considered as having been received on the day the
interruption occurs.
Article 14 -- Termination And Amendments To Plan
The Plan shall terminate on October 31, 2001.
The Plan may be terminated at any time by the Corporation's Board of
Directors. It will terminate in any case when all or substantially all of the
unissued shares of Common Stock reserved for the purpose of the Plan have been
purchased. If at any time shares of Common Stock reserved for the purpose of the
Plan remain available for purchase but not in sufficient number to satisfy all
then unfilled purchase requirements, the available shares shall be apportioned
among participants in proportion to their options and the Plan shall terminate.
Upon such termination or any other termination of the Plan, all payroll
deductions not used to purchase Common Stock will be refunded.
The Board of Directors also reserves the right to amend the Plan from time
to time in any respect provided, however, that no amendment shall be effective
without prior approval of the stockholders, which would (a) except as provided
in Articles 3 and 4, increase the number of shares of Common Stock to be offered
above or (b) change the class of employees eligible to receive options under the
Plan.
Article 15 -- Limitations On Sale Of Stock Purchased Under The Plan
The Plan is intended to provide Common Stock for investment and not for
resale. The Corporation does not, however, intend to restrict or influence any
employee in the conduct of personal financial affairs. An employee may,
therefore, sell Common Stock purchased under the Plan at any time so chosen.
Because of certain Federal tax requirements, each employee will agree, by
entering the Plan, to promptly give the Corporation notice of any such stock
disposed of within two (2) years after the date of grant of the applicable
option or within one (1) year after issuance of the shares showing the number of
such shares disposed. The employee assumes the risk of any market fluctuations
in the price of such Common Stock.
Article 16 -- Corporation's Payment Of Expenses Related To Plan
The Corporation will bear all costs of administering the Plan.
A-4
<PAGE> 22
Article 17 -- Participating Subsidiaries
The term "participating subsidiaries" shall mean any subsidiary of the
Corporation which is designated by the Board of Directors to participate in the
Plan. The Board of Directors shall have the power to make such designation
before or after the Plan is approved by the stockholders.
Article 18 -- Administration Of The Plan
The Plan shall be administered by a committee appointed by the Chairman of
the Board of the Corporation (the "Committee"). The Committee shall consist of
not less than three (3) employees of the Corporation and/or members of the
Corporation's Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board may from time to
time remove members from, or add members to, the Committee. Vacancies on the
Committee, howsoever caused, shall be filled by the Chairman of the Board. The
Committee shall select one (1) of its members as Chairman, and shall hold
meetings at such times and places as it may determine. Acts by a majority of the
Committee, or acts reduced to or approved in writing by a majority of the
members of the Committee, shall be the valid acts of the Committee.
The interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provisions of
the Plan or of any option granted under it shall be final unless otherwise
determined by the Board of Directors. The Committee may from time to time adopt
such rules and regulations for carrying out the Plan as it may deem best. No
member of the Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in
good faith with respect to the Plan or any option granted under it.
Article 19 -- Options Not Stockholders
Neither the granting of an option to an employee nor the payroll deductions
shall constitute such employee a stockholder of the shares covered by an option
until such shares have been purchased by and issued to the employee.
Article 20 -- Application Of Funds
The proceeds received by the Corporation from the sale of Common Stock
pursuant to options granted under the Plan will be used for general corporate
purposes.
Article 21 -- Governmental Regulation
The Corporation's obligation to sell and deliver shares of the
Corporation's Common Stock under this Plan is subject to the approval of any
governmental authority required in connection with the authorization, issuance
or sale of such Common Stock.
Article 22 -- Approval Of Stockholders
The Plan was approved by the stockholders at the 1980 Annual Meeting and
amended by the stockholders at the 1983, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1998 and
1999(1)** Annual Meetings.
- ---------------
(1)** If so approved.
A-5
<PAGE> 23
PROXY
GENERAL DATACOMM INDUSTRIES, INC.
---------------
PROXY - Annual Meeting of Stockholders -
February 4, 1999
---------------
(SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS)
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned stockholder of General
DataComm Industries, Inc., hereby constitutes and appoints CHARLES P. JOHNSON,
HOWARD S. MODLIN and GERALD GORDON, and each and any of them, the attorneys and
proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution to vote for and in
the name, place and stead of the undersigned, at the Annual Meeting of the
Stockholders of said Corporation, to be held at The Chase Manhattan Bank, 11th
Floor, 270 Park Avenue, New York, New York, on February 4, 1999 at 4:00 P.M.,
and at any adjournments thereof, the number of votes the undersigned would be
entitled to cast if present:
(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE.)
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<PAGE> 24
1) The election of Frederick R. Cronin to the
Board of Directors for a term of three (3) FOR NOT FOR
years and until his successor is elected. ----- -----
2) The proposal to add 600,000 shares to the FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
Corporation's 1979 Employee Stock [ ] [ ] [ ]
Purchase Plan.
The Board of Directors Recommends a Vote "AGAINST" Item 3.
3) The Stockholder proposal to add a by-law FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
restricting repricing of Stock options. [ ] [ ] [ ]
4) In their discretion, upon such other matters as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournments thereof.
Unless you specify otherwise, this Proxy will be voted "FOR" the election of the
nominee as director. "FOR" the amendment to the 1979 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan and "AGAINST" the Stockholder proposal.
A majority of said attorneys and proxies, or their substitute at said meeting,
or any adjournments thereof (or if only one (1), that one (1)) may exercise all
of the powers hereby given. Any proxy to vote any of the shares, with respect to
which the undersigned is or would be entitled to vote, heretofore given to any
person or persons other than the persons named above is hereby revoked.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has signed and sealed this proxy and hereby
acknowledges receipt of a copy of the notice of said meeting and proxy statement
in reference thereto both dated December 14, 1998.
Signature____________________ Signature_____________________ Date_____________
NOTE: This Proxy, properly completed, dated and signed, should be returned
immediately in the enclosed postage-paid envelope to GENERAL DATACOMM
INDUSTRIES, INC.
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