<PAGE>
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
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 240.14a-11(c) or 240.14a-12
NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ No fee required
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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/ / 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>
NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC CO., INC.
------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 26, 1998
------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of New
Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc., a New Jersey corporation (the "Corporation"),
will be held at the offices of the Corporation, 44 Talmadge Road, Edison, New
Jersey 08818, on Tuesday, May 26, 1998, at 10:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Savings
Time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect three Class II directors of the Corporation to terms of
three years.
2. To approve and adopt an amendment to the New Brunswick Scientific
Co., Inc. 1991 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan revising the provisions
that relate to vesting and payment.
3. To approve and adopt amendments to the New Brunswick Scientific Co.,
Inc. 1989 Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors increasing the
number of authorized shares by 100,000 and revising the provisions
that relate to vesting and payment.
4. To approve and adopt the New Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc. 1998
Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Ten Percent Shareholder -
Directors.
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting and any and all adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 9, 1998,
as the record date for the determination of shareholders who are entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. A copy of the Annual Report of the
Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1997, is being sent to you
herewith.
By Order of the Board of Directors
ADELE LAVENDER, Secretary
April 10, 1998
ALL SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE MEETING ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE,
DATE, SIGN AND PROMPTLY RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO
ATTEND THE MEETING. A RETURN ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE IF MAILED IN
THE UNITED STATES, IS ENCLOSED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
<PAGE>
NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC CO., INC.
44 Talmadge Road
Edison, New Jersey 08818
---------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
---------------------
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of
proxies by the Board of Directors to be used at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders of New Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc., a New Jersey corporation
(the "Corporation"), to be held at the offices of the Corporation, 44 Talmadge
Road, Edison, New Jersey 08818, on Tuesday, May 26, 1998 at 10:00 A.M., Eastern
Daylight Savings Time. This Proxy Statement and enclosed form of proxy are
being sent to shareholders commencing on or about April 10, 1998.
You are requested to complete, date and sign the accompanying proxy and
return it promptly in the enclosed envelope. Proxies duly executed and received
in time for the meeting will be voted in accordance with the directions thereon
at the meeting. Such proxies may, nevertheless, be revoked at any time prior to
the voting thereof by filing a written notice of revocation with the Secretary
of the Corporation. Please note that mere presence at the meeting will not be
effective to revoke a proxy. If you attend the meeting and wish to revoke your
proxy, you still must deliver written notice to the Secretary of the
Corporation before the voting thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 9, 1998,
as the record date for the determination of shareholders who are entitled to
notice of, and to vote at, the meeting. As of the record date, the Corporation
had outstanding 4,215,182 shares of Common stock, the holders of which are
entitled to one vote per share.
ITEM 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Corporation's Certificate of Incorporation provides for classification
of the Board of Directors into three classes with staggered terms of office. In
accordance with the Certificate of Incorporation, only the three directors
designated as Class II directors are to be elected at the 1998 Annual Meeting.
Those elected shall serve terms of three years.
Nominees for Directors
The persons named on the enclosed proxy will vote such proxy for the
nominees listed below and on the proxy except where authority has been withheld
as to a particular nominee or as to all such nominees. The Board of Directors
has no reason to believe that any of the nominees for the office of director
will not be available for election as a director. However, should any of them
become unwilling or unable to accept nomination for election, it is intended
that the individuals named in the enclosed proxy may vote for the election of
such other persons as the Board of Directors may nominate. A majority of the
votes cast by holders of Common stock is required for approval of these
proposals. Abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted as votes cast on
any matter to which they relate.
1
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The following table presents the name, age and principal occupation of each
nominee and present director.
NOMINEES FOR TERMS EXPIRING AT THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING (CLASS II)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
First
Became
Name Age Principal Occupation Director In
- ----------------------------- ----- ----------------------------------------------------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sigmund Freedman(1) ......... 81 Treasurer of the Corporation 1958
Martin Siegel ............... 70 Chairman of the Board of Valiant International Multimedia 1980
Corporation
Dr. David Pramer ............ 75 Executive Assistant for Research Policy and 1962(2)
Administration, Rutgers University
</TABLE>
PRESENT DIRECTORS
Terms Expiring at the 1999 Annual Meeting (Class III)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
David Freedman(1) ............ 77 Chairman of the Board of the Corporation 1958
Ezra Weisman ................. 57 President of the Corporation 1971
Dr. Marvin Weinstein ......... 81 President, Research Advisory Service 1981
</TABLE>
Terms Expiring at the 2000 Annual Meeting (Class I)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Bernard Leon ................. 70 Consultant, and Of Counsel to the law firm of 1996
Gibbons, Del Deo, Dolan, Griffinger & Vecchione
Kiyoshi Masuda ............... 73 President of American & Foreign Market Research, Inc.; 1980
President of FerriShield, Inc.
Ernest Gross ................. 79 Attorney in Private Practice 1984
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) David and Sigmund Freedman are brothers.
(2) Dr. Pramer was previously a director of the Corporation from 1962 to 1976.
He was appointed a director again on April 11, 1989.
Business Experience of Directors
Sigmund Freedman has been Treasurer and a Director of the Corporation
since its incorporation in 1958. Mr. Freedman also served as Secretary of the
Corporation from 1958 to 1985.
Martin Siegel was Chairman of the Board of Weldotron Corporation, a
packaging machinery manufacturing company, for approximately 33 years until
1994. He is currently Chairman of the Board of Valiant International Multimedia
Corporation.
David Pramer, Ph.D. has had a 46 year career at Rutgers University (the
"University"), New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dr. Pramer had served as a Professor
of Microbiology and until 1994 he also served as Associate Vice President of
the University responsible for corporate liaison activities and transfer of
University research technology to government and industrial users. From 1980 to
1988, he was the Director of the Waksman Institute of Microbiology, a research
and educational unit within the University. Dr. Pramer currently holds the
position of Executive Assistant for Research Policy and Administration at the
University.
David Freedman serves as Chairman of the Corporation's Board of Directors,
a position he has held since the Corporation was incorporated in 1958. Mr.
Freedman previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation until his resignation from that position on May 1, 1989.
Ezra Weisman has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation since May 1, 1989. Mr. Weisman previously served as Vice President,
Sales of the Corporation for more than five years prior to 1987, and as Vice
President, Corporate Development from April, 1987 through April, 1989.
Marvin Weinstein, Ph.D. is the owner of a consulting business, Research
Advisory Service, and was also a Director of Epitope, Inc. until his retirement
in 1994. Dr. Weinstein retired in 1981 as Vice President Microbiology and
Antibiotic Research of Schering Corp., a position he held since 1977.
2
<PAGE>
Mr. Leon is an attorney, has a consulting practice, and is Of Counsel to
the law firm of Gibbons, Del Deo, Dolan, Griffinger & Vecchione. Mr. Leon was
employed by Hoffmann-La Roche from 1961 until his retirement in 1994 at which
time he was Assistant Vice President, Patent Counsel and Director of Licensing,
Business Development and Acquisitions. Prior to 1961 he was a Patent Examiner
with the U.S. Patent Office.
Kiyoshi Masuda has been the owner and President of American & Foreign
Market Research, Inc. since 1958. From 1985 to 1994 he was President of Yano
Research Institute USA, Ltd. Since 1994 he has been President of FerriShield
Inc.
Ernest Gross is an attorney-at-law who retired in 1984 from Rutgers
University where he had been a Professor and Associate Director of the
Institute of Management and Labor Relations from 1971 to 1983.
Committees
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, consisting of Messrs.
Siegel, Weinstein and Gross, whose function is to meet with management and the
independent auditors on matters pertaining to the Company's financial
statements and internal accounting controls. This Committee met five times
during the year ended December 31, 1997. The Board has a Compensation Committee
which consists of Messrs. Masuda, Pramer, Leon and Gross which met six times
during the year ended December 31, 1997. This Committee reviews the
Corporation's policies with respect to employment, pension benefits and stock
option plans and recommends modifications to such policies. The Board has an
Executive Committee consisting of Messrs. David Freedman, Weisman, Gross and
Siegel. This Committee handles certain matters that do not require action by
the full Board and represents the interests of the Board in connection with
matters arising between Board meetings. This Committee met 15 times during the
year ended December 31, 1997. The Board also has a nominating committee
consisting of Messrs. David Freedman, Weinstein and Pramer which met one time
during the year ended December 31, 1997. This Committee acts as a screening
committee for candidates considered for election to the Board. In this capacity
it concerns itself with the composition of the Board with respect to depth of
experience, balance of professional interests, required expertise and other
factors and evaluates prospective nominees identified by the Committee on its
own initiative or referred to it by other Board members, management,
stockholders or external sources. Names of prospective candidates must be
submitted in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation by December 23, 1998
for referral to the Committee. Any stockholder who wishes to make a nomination
at an annual or special meeting for the election of directors must do so in
compliance with procedures set forth in the Corporation's By-Laws.
During the year ended December 31, 1997, there were six meetings of the
Board of Directors.
3
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information, as of April 9, 1998,
concerning the beneficial ownership of the Corporation's Common stock for (a)
each director (and nominee for director); (b) each of the named officers (the
"Named Executive Officers" as defined in the Executive Compensation section);
and (c) all directors and executive officers of the Corporation as a group.
Unless otherwise indicated, stock ownership includes sole voting power and sole
investment power.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and
Name of Nature of
Beneficial Beneficial Percent of
Owner Ownership Class
- --------------------------------------------------------- ---------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Sigmund Freedman (1) .................................... 611,663 (2) 14.5%
Martin Siegel ........................................... 17,957 (3) (4)
Dr. David Pramer ........................................ 7,980 (3)(5) (4)
David Freedman (1) ...................................... 628,430 (2)(6) 14.9%
Ezra Weisman ............................................ 58,789 (7) (4)
Dr. Marvin Weinstein .................................... 12,592 (3) (4)
Bernard Leon ............................................ 2,612 (3) (4)
Kiyoshi Masuda .......................................... 17,385 (3) (4)
Ernest Gross ............................................ 14,260 (3)(8) (4)
All directors and executive officers as a group ......... 1,388,184 (9) 32.9%
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Messrs. David and Sigmund Freedman are brothers. Although neither brother
is the beneficial owner of the stockholdings of the other, if David and
Sigmund Freedman choose to act in concert they would control 29.4% of the
Common stock of the Corporation.
(2) This figure includes 11,000 shares which may be acquired within 60 days
under a stock option agreement.
(3) This figure includes respective shares which may be acquired within 60 days
under a stock option plan for nonemployee directors as follows: Mr. Masuda
- 12,765; Mr. Gross - 11,085; Mr. Siegel - 15,647; Mr. Leon - 880; Dr.
Pramer - 2,948 and Dr. Weinstein - 11,899.
(4) Less than 1 percent.
(5) This figure includes 1,155 shares owned by Dr. Pramer's wife and 3,869
shares owned jointly by Dr. Pramer and his wife.
(6) This figure includes 18,230 shares owned by Mr. Freedman's wife directly
but does not include 54,263 shares owned by a trust for the benefit of Mr.
Freedman's wife. Mr. Freedman has neither voting nor investment control
over the shares held by the Trust.
(7) This figure includes 34,650 shares which may be acquired by Mr. Weisman
within 60 days under Nonqualified Stock Option Agreements and the 1991
Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Officers and Key Employees.
(8) This figure includes 1,155 shares owned by Mr. Gross' wife and 2,020 shares
owned jointly by Mr. Gross and his wife.
(9) This figure includes 125,734 shares which may be acquired by the officers
and directors as a group within 60 days under Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreements, the 1991 Stock Option Plan for Officers and Key Employees and
the 1989 Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors.
4
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth certain information, as of April 9, 1998,
concerning the only persons who, to the best of Management's knowledge, own
beneficially more than five percent (5%) of the Corporation's Common stock.
Unless otherwise indicated, stock ownership includes sole voting power and sole
investment power.
Name and Address of Amount and Nature of Percent of
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Ownership Class
- ------------------------------------ ---------------------- -----------
David Freedman (1) 628,430(2)(3) 14.9%
44 Talmadge Road
Edison, New Jersey 08818
Sigmund Freedman (1) 611,663(3) 14.5%
44 Talmadge Road
Edison, New Jersey 08818
The TCW Group, Inc. 369,637 8.8%
865 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, California 90017
Heartland Advisors, Inc. 254,215 6.0%
790 North Milwaukee Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. 235,453(4) 5.6%
1299 Ocean Avenue - 11th Floor
Santa Monica, California 90401
- ------------
(1) Messrs. David and Sigmund Freedman are brothers. By virtue of their
stockholdings, they may be deemed to be "control persons" of the
Corporation. Although neither brother is the beneficial owner of the
stockholdings of the other, if David and Sigmund Freedman choose to act in
concert they would control 29.4% of the Common stock of the Corporation.
(2) This figure includes 18,230 shares owned by Mr. Freedman's wife directly
but does not include 54,263 shares owned by a trust for the benefit of Mr.
Freedman's wife. Mr. Freedman has neither voting nor investment control
over the shares held by the trust.
(3) This figure includes 11,000 shares which may be acquired within 60 days
under a stock option agreement.
(4) According to a recently filed Schedule 13G, Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc.
has sole voting power over 152,941 shares and sole dispositive power over
all of the shares indicated above. 37,883 shares are owned by DFA
Investment Dimensions Group Inc. (the Fund) and 44,629 shares are owned by
The DFA Investment Trust Company (the Trust). Persons who are officers of
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. also serve as officers of the Fund and the
Trust and in such capacities vote the shares owned by the Fund and the
Trust.
5
<PAGE>
Executive Officers
The following table presents the name, age and present office or position
of each of the Corporation's executive officers:
Name Age Present Office or Position (1)
---- --- ------------------------------
David Freedman .............. 77 Chairman of the Board
Ezra Weisman ................ 57 President
Sigmund Freedman ............ 81 Treasurer
Adele Lavender (2) .......... 73 Secretary
Samuel Eichenbaum ........... 58 Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer
- ------------
(1) Mr. Ezra Weisman became President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation in May, 1989. Messrs. David and Sigmund Freedman and Mr.
Weisman are also directors of the Corporation (see "Election of Directors"
above). Adele Lavender, who had served as Administrative Assistant to Mr.
David Freedman from 1970 until June 30, 1990, was appointed Secretary of
the Corporation in 1985. Mr. Eichenbaum was appointed Chief Financial
Officer of the Corporation in February, 1985 and Vice President, Finance
in May 1990. Mr. Eichenbaum was Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation
from May, 1986 through April, 1990.
(2) Ms. Lavender retired from her position as Administrative Assistant to Mr.
David Freedman effective June 30, 1990. Ms. Lavender continues to serve on
a part-time basis and in an emeritus capacity as Secretary of the
Corporation.
The officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors, except for
Messrs. David Freedman and Ezra Weisman, who have employment agreements with
the Corporation. The officers are normally elected at the meeting of directors
immediately following the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders and serve until
their successors are elected and qualified.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Corporation's officers and directors, and persons who own more than ten percent
(10%) of a registered class of the Corporation's equity securities, to file
reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and the Nasdaq. Officers, directors and greater than ten
percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Corporation
with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it, or
written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5 were
required for those persons, the Corporation believes that, during the year
ended December 31, 1997, all filing requirements applicable to its officers,
directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with on
a timely basis.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth a summary for the last three fiscal years
of the compensation awarded to, earned by, or paid to, the Chief Executive
Officer of the Corporation and the most highly compensated executive officers
whose individual remuneration exceeded $100,000 for the last fiscal year (the
"Named Executive Officers").
6
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and
Principal
Position Year Salary ($) Bonus Options (#) (2)
- --------- ---- ---------- ----- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David Freedman 1997 $223,500 -- 50,000
Chairman of the Board 1996 212,901 -- --
1995 212,151 -- --
Ezra Weisman 1997 190,000 $34,236 50,000
President and Chief 1996 164,800 14,490 --
Executive Officer 1995 164,800 -- --
Samuel Eichenbaum 1997 101,120 35,000 3,500
Vice President, Finance 1996 94,372 25,080 --
and Chief Financial Officer 1995 92,359 21,000 10,500
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) While each of the Named Executive Officers received perquisites or other
personal benefits in the years set forth above, the value of these
benefits are not indicated since they did not exceed in the aggregate the
lesser of $50,000 or 10% of the Named Executive Officer's salary and bonus
in any year.
(2) Does not include options to purchase membership interests in DGI
BioTechnologies, L.L.C., the Corporation's majority-owned drug discovery
operation further described below.
The Directors of the Corporation who are not also full time employees of
the Corporation are paid $5,000 annually plus $600 for each Board meeting they
attend, $300 for each Committee meeting they attend and $300 per day for
special assignments. In addition, outside Directors of the Corporation (i.e.,
those who are not also officers of the Corporation) are eligible to be granted
options to purchase stock in the Corporation pursuant to the Corporation's 1989
Stock Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors. Option prices are set at not less
than 85% of the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. These
options are exercisable over a five year period in 20% annual installments
beginning one year after date of grant. David Freedman and Sigmund Freedman,
who are not eligible for grants of options under this plan, are the sole
members of the plan committee which determines option grants and exercise
prices. The following table indicates the number of options granted to eligible
Directors in 1997 and the exercise price thereof of the Corporation's Common
stock on the date of grant.
Number of Shares Number of Shares
Granted At Granted At
Name $6.09 Per Share (1) $7.00 Per Share (2)
---- ------------------- -------------------
Martin Siegel ................ 6,050 15,000
Dr. David Pramer ............. 5,500 15,000
Dr. Marvin Weinstein ......... 5,500 15,000
Bernard Leon ................. 4,400 15,000
Kiyoshi Masuda ............... 5,500 15,000
Ernest Gross ................. 6,050 15,000
- ------------
(1) 85% of fair market value on the date of grant.
(2) Fair market value on the date of grant.
Sigmund Freedman, who is employed by the Corporation as Treasurer and is
also a Director of the Corporation was paid $98,000 during 1997 as compensation
for his services as Treasurer.
Mr. Weisman's services as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Corporation are governed under the terms of an employment agreement with the
Corporation effective January 1, 1994. The agreement which was scheduled to
expire on December 31, 1996, and by its terms, was extended to December 31,
1998, provided for a salary of $160,000 with increases at the Board's
discretion, bonuses if certain criteria are met and a grant in
7
<PAGE>
1994 of options to purchase 5,775 shares of the Corporation's Common stock at
$4.42 per share. The Corporation loaned Ezra Weisman $62,500 in December 1996
for 10 years without interest; the proceeds of the loan were paid to the
Corporation by Mr. Weisman in order to exercise options for 11,550 shares of
the Corporation's Common stock. These shares of stock have been pledged to the
Corporation to secure the loan.
The Corporation entered into an Employment and Consulting Agreement (the
"Agreement") with Mr. David Freedman on January 1, 1996. The employment portion
of the Agreement (the "Employment Term") runs for a term of three years,
provided for payment of an annual salary of $212,901, with increases and
bonuses at the Board's discretion, business expenses and use of a company car.
Under the terms of his previous Employment Agreement, Mr. Freedman deferred
$18,750 of his 1992 and $25,000 of his 1993, 1994 and 1995 compensation, which
deferred amounts will be paid with interest at the prime rate on December 31,
1998, unless the Company elects to pay it sooner. If the Employment Term is
terminated because of death or disability, the Corporation shall pay within 45
days, a benefit equal to Mr. Freedman's annual salary. If it is terminated for
cause, the Corporation has no further obligations after the date of
termination. At the expiration of the Employment Term, Mr. Freedman will serve
as a consultant and independent contractor to the Corporation, pursuant to the
consulting portion of the Agreement (the "Consultant Term") for a three year
term at the rate of $100,000 per year with increases at the Board's discretion.
At any time during the Agreement, Mr. Freedman has the option to forego the
Consultant Term.
David Freedman, Ezra Weisman and Samuel Eichenbaum, in their capacity as
members of the Board of Managers of DGI BioTechnologies, L.L.C. (DGI), the
Corporation's majority-owned drug discovery operation, each received options to
purchase 50,000 membership interests in DGI. In addition, Bernard Leon, who is
a consultant to DGI, one of its founders and a minority shareholder in DGI,
holds options to purchase 50,000 membership interests in DGI which were granted
to him prior to his becoming a director of the Corporation.
The Corporation entered into termination agreements with each of the Named
Executive Officers. Those agreements provide for payments by the Corporation to
such individuals in the event that their employment relationship with the
Corporation is terminated as a result of a transaction, not approved by the
Corporation which effects a change in control of the Corporation, in an
aggregate amount equal to 125% of the total salary and bonuses paid to them
during the two years preceding their termination.
The estimated amounts of compensation that would have been owed to the
Named Executive Officers assuming that such terminations occurred as of March
31, 1998 are as follows: David Freedman - $549,046; Ezra Weisman - $469,488;
and Samuel Eichenbaum - $317,740.
In addition, the Corporation has entered into a termination agreement with
Samuel Eichenbaum which provides for a payment equal to 100% of his current
annual base salary at the time of such termination if he is involuntarily
terminated for any reason after the occurrence of a change in control of the
Corporation.
All Other Compensation
As a result of the interest-free loan to Mr. Weisman (the proceeds of
which were paid to the Corporation to exercise certain stock options) the
Corporation has foregone $4,013 in interest.
Pension Plan
The Named Executive Officers participate in the Corporation's Salaried
Employees' Retirement Plan (the "Pension Plan"), which provides pension
benefits to all salaried employees of the Corporation meeting certain age and
length of service requirements. The following table sets forth the estimated
annual pension benefits from the Pension Plan, based upon a maximum salary of
$160,000 per year payable upon retirement at Normal Retirement Date:
8
<PAGE>
Estimated Annual Benefits
Years of Continuous Service
Annual Salary 10 20 30 40 45
- --------------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
$ 60,000 $ 6,508 $13,240 $19,972 $25,738 $28,138
$ 80,000 $ 8,828 $17,960 $27,092 $34,858 $38,058
$100,000 $11,148 $22,680 $34,212 $43,978 $47,978
$120,000 $13,468 $27,400 $41,332 $53,098 $57,898
$140,000 $15,788 $32,120 $48,452 $62,218 $67,818
$160,000 $18,108 $36,840 $55,572 $71,338 $77,738
$180,000 $18,108 $36,840 $55,572 $71,338 $77,738
$200,000 $18,108 $36,840 $55,572 $71,338 $77,738
$220,000 $18,108 $36,840 $55,572 $71,338 $77,738
$240,000 $18,108 $36,840 $55,572 $71,338 $77,738
$260,000 $18,108 $36,840 $55,572 $71,338 $77,738
The normal retirement benefit formula for plan participants provides that
benefits are the sum of the following:
1. .5% of annual compensation up to $7,800 plus 1% of annual
compensation in excess of $7,800 multiplied by Credited Service prior to
January 1, 1983.
2. .6% of annual compensation up to $7,800 plus 1.2% of annual
compensation in excess of $7,800 for each year of Credited Service from
January 1, 1983 to Normal Retirement Date up to a maximum of 35 years
(maximum includes years of service prior to January 1, 1983) (as such terms
are defined in the Pension Plan).
3. .8% of annual compensation for each year of Credited Service in
excess of 35 years.
The benefit amounts listed in the above table are not subject to any
deduction for Social Security or other offset amounts. As of December 31, 1997,
the years of credited service under the Pension Plan for Messrs. David
Freedman; Ezra Weisman and Samuel Eichenbaum are 51 and 35 and 12,
respectively. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, benefits under
the Pension Plan were paid to David Freedman in the amount of $62,564.
Options Granted During 1997
The following table sets forth information for the Named Executive
Officers with respect to grants of options to purchase Common stock of the
Company made during the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
STOCK OPTION GRANTS IN FISCAL 1997
Individual Grants
---------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual Rates
% of of Stock Price
Total Options Exercise Appreciation for 5-Year
Granted Price Per Expira- Option Term ($)(4)
Options in Fiscal Share tion ---------------------------------
Grantee Name Granted (#) Year ($/Sh.) Date 5% 10%
- ------------ ----------- ---- ------- ---- -- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David Freedman (1) 55,000 23.3% $ 6.59 3/11/02 $ 102,718 $ 233,924
Ezra Weisman (2) 50,000 21.2% $ 10.00-$20.00 8/25/02 --(8) $ 45,172(8)
Samuel Eichenbaum (3) 3,500 1.5% $ 6.00 8/20/02 $ 5,951 $ 13,551
All Shareholders (5) -- -- -- -- $10,491,940 $23,893,895
All Optionees (6) 236,000 100.0% $ 6.00-$20.00 (7) $ 334,647(8) $ 826,641(8)
% of Total Shareholder
Value -- -- -- -- 3.2% 3.5%
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Consists of stock options granted pursuant to a stock option agreement at
fair market value on the date of grant, exercisable in five equal annual
installments commencing one year after date of grant, and expires five
years after date of grant.
9
<PAGE>
(2) Consists of stock options granted pursuant to a non-qualified stock option
plan at prices above fair market value on the date of grant, exercisable
in five equal annual installments commencing one year after date of grant,
and expires five years after date of grant.
(3) Consists of stock options granted pursuant to a non-qualified stock option
plan at fair market value on the date of grant, exercisable in five equal
annual installments commencing one year after date of grant, and expire
five years after date of grant.
(4) These amounts represent certain assumed rates of appreciation for a given
exercise price only. Actual gains, if any, on stock option exercises and
Common stock holdings are dependent on the future performance of the
Common stock. There is no assurance that the amounts reflected will be
realized.
(5) Based on an aggregate of 4,202,845 shares of Common stock outstanding as of
December 31, 1997, and a price per share of $8.81, the fair market value
of the Company's Common stock at the close of business on such date.
(6) Exclusive of stock options granted to nonemployee directors, see page 7.
(7) Represents the actual exercise price of options granted during 1997;
Options granted during 1997 will expire on the dates in 2002 equal to 5
years from the dates of grant.
(8) Excludes amounts attributable to stock options for 50,000 shares at 5%
appreciation and 40,000 shares at 10% appreciation which were issued with
exercise prices in excess of fair market value on date of grant and the
value of which, after five years at the respective assumed annual rates of
stock price appreciation is less than the exercise price thereof.
Options Exercised During 1997 and Fiscal Year End Option Values
The following table sets forth information concerning the 1997 fiscal
year-end value of unexercised options for each of the Named Executive Officers
based upon the closing price of $8.8125 per share on December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Unexercised Value of Unexercised in
Shares Options/SARs the Money Options/SARs ($)
Acquired Value ------------------------------- ------------------------------
Name on Exercise Realized($) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------------------------ ------------- ------------- ------------- --------------- ------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David Freedman ......... -- -- 11,000 44,000 $ 24,438 $97,750
Ezra Weisman ........... -- -- 34,650 57,775 $132,953 $25,292
Samuel Eichenbaum -- -- 13,860 12,740 $ 59,641 $48,771
</TABLE>
Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors establishes the
compensation for the Corporation's executive officers. The Compensation
Committee is composed of four non-employee directors, currently Mr. Ernest
Gross, Mr. Bernard Leon, Mr. Kiyoshi Masuda and Dr. David Pramer, who have no
interlocking relationships as to which applicable Securities and Exchange
Commission rules require disclosure.
The Corporation compensates its executive officers through a combination
of base salary, bonus, periodic grants of stock options, the use of Corporation
owned automobiles and split dollar life insurance. In addition, executive
officers participate in benefit plans, including medical, dental, life
insurance and 401(k) plans, that are generally available to all of the
Corporation's employees.
Base salary levels for the Corporation's executive officers, including the
Chief Executive Officer, are set generally to be competitive in relation to the
salary levels of executive officers within the industry and other companies of
comparable size and complexity. Base salary levels are also influenced by the
performance of the Corporation with respect to growth in sales and net income,
return on shareholders' equity, return on sales and assets, sales per employee
and market capitalization. In addition, compensation is measured against
published survey information. In reviewing the salary levels of the executive
officers and the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, the Compensation
Committee takes into account the problem-solving ability required to
satisfactorily fulfill the positions' assigned duties and responsibilities and
the impact the positions have on the operation and profitability of the
Corporation.
10
<PAGE>
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the compensation of Ezra Weisman,
the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, consisted of a
salary of $190,000. Under the terms of his Employment Agreement, Mr. Weisman is
entitled to receive a bonus if certain operating goals are exceeded. Mr.
Weisman will also receive an increase of two percent in his base salary for
each one-tenth of one percent increase in the Corporation's return on equity
over an established target. A bonus of $34,236 was paid to Mr. Weisman for the
year ended December 31, 1997. In addition, Mr. Weisman was granted nonqualified
stock options as follows: 10,000 shares @ $10.00; 15,000 shares @ $15.00; and
25,000 shares exercisable at $20.00 per share, prices which were in excess of
the fair market value of the Corporation's Common stock on the date of grant.
For the year ended December 31, 1997, the compensation of David Freedman,
the Chairman of the Board of the Corporation, consisted of a salary of
$223,500. In addition, Mr. Freedman received 55,000 nonqualified stock options
exercisable at $6.59 per share, the fair market value on the date of grant.
Mr. Weisman and Mr. Freedman did not participate in any decisions related
to their compensation.
Submitted by the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
Ernest Gross
Kiyoshi Masuda
Dr. David Pramer
Bernard Leon
Certain Relationships and Transactions
David Freedman is the owner of Bio-Instrument Ltd., a foreign firm that
acts as an agent for sales of the Corporation's products to customers in
Israel, and earns commissions on those sales. During the year ended December
31, 1997, this firm earned commissions in the amount of $238,600 on purchases
by customers in Israel of the Corporation's products. These commissions paid by
the Corporation to Bio-Instrument Ltd. were comparable to commissions paid to
unrelated distributors and sales representatives.
Bernard Leon holds a less than 1% interest in DGI BioTechnologies, L.L.C.
(DGI), the Corporation's majority-owned and fully funded entity seeking to
develop a novel, small molecule drug discovery platform. Mr. Leon also acts as
a consultant to DGI and in such capacity was paid $6,038 by DGI during the year
ended December 31, 1997. Mr. Leon had been a minority shareholder in the
corporation which sold the DGI technology to the Corporation.
The Corporation loaned Ezra Weisman $62,500 in December 1996 for 10 years
without interest; the proceeds of the loan were paid to the Corporation by Mr.
Weisman in order to exercise options for 11,550 shares of the Corporation's
Common stock. These shares of stock have been pledged to the Corporation to
secure the loan.
11
<PAGE>
STOCK PERFORMANCE CHART
The following chart compares the yearly change in the cumulative total
shareholder return on the Corporation's Common stock during the last five years
ended December 31, 1997, with the cumulative total return of the Media General
Composite Index and an index comprised of the Media General Industry Group 401
- - Scientific Instruments. The comparison assumes that $100 was invested on
December 31, 1992 in the Corporation's Common stock and in each of the other
two indices.
COMPARE 5-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC CO., INC.,
MEDIA GENERAL INDEX AND MG GROUP INDEX
275 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
250 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| @ |
225 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| # |
200 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
D | # |
| @ * |
O 175 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| # |
L | |
150 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
L | @ |
| * |
A 125 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| #@ *@ |
R | * # |
100 |*#@--------------------------------------*-----------------------------|
S | |
| |
75 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
50 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
25 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
| |
0 |-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
12/31/92 12/31/93 12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96 12/31/97
NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC * MG GROUP INDEX # MEDIA GENERAL INDEX @
ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON JAN. 01, 1993
ASSUMES DIVIDEND REINVESTED
FISCAL YEAR ENDING DEC. 31, 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
The Corporation 100 106.52 117.39 100.82 128.92 178.55
MG Industry Group 401 -- Scientific
Instruments Index 100 110.54 107.27 166.82 184.64 207.59
Media General Index 100 114.79 113.84 147.60 178.25 231.46
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
ITEM 2. PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 1991 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN TO REVISE
CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO VESTING AND PAYMENT
In 1992, the Corporation adopted, effective as of December 1991, the 1991
Nonqualified Stock Option Plan (the "1991 Plan"). The 1991 Plan provides for
the granting of options to purchase shares of the Corporation's Common stock,
par value $0.0625 per share, to be drawn from authorized but unissued stock.
The purpose of the 1991 Plan is to be able to attract and retain the services
of experienced and talented persons as executives, managers and supervisors of
the Corporation. The 1991 Plan limits the Committee's flexibility, consequently
changes are being sought to provide (i) the Committee with discretion in
setting a vesting schedule with respect to option grants, (ii) for accelerated
vesting at the discretion of the Committee and on a change in control, (iii) to
provide for payment on exercise by promissory note at the Committee's
discretion, and (iv) to increase the time within which to exercise options
after death or retirement to twelve (12) months.
The following is a brief summary of the 1991 Plan. The complete text is
attached as Appendix A hereto.
Description of the Stock Option Plan
The 1991 Plan is administered by a Committee appointed by the Board. The
Committee consists of at least two persons who are Directors of the Corporation
and who are not eligible to receive any options under the 1991 Plan and no
member of the Committee may have received any such options for the one (1) year
period prior to election to serve on the Committee. Participants are selected
by the Committee on the basis of the Committee's judgment as to each person's
overall contribution to the success of the Corporation. The Committee
determines both the number of optionees and the number of shares to be optioned
to any individual under the 1991 Plan. The Board of Directors is able to amend
the 1991 Plan without further approval by the shareholders, except insofar as
such approval is required by the 1991 Plan for amendments which materially
modify the eligibility requirements for the receiving of options, increase the
total number of shares covered by the Plan, or otherwise materially increase
the benefits accruing to optionees.
No options may be granted under the 1991 Plan after December 11, 2001.
Options granted under the 1991 Plan may have an exercise period of up to ten
years. The 1991 Plan provides that the Committee shall determine the time when
any such options shall be exercisable. Generally, twenty percent (20%) of the
options granted shall become exercisable one year after the grant date and
twenty percent (20%) shall become exercisable each year thereafter until all
options are exercisable at the end of five years, provided however, the
Committee shall have the full discretion at the time of granting each option to
make such options immediately exercisable on grant or subject to vesting over
one or more specified periods of time different from the general vesting
schedule.
In the sole discretion of the Committee, it may accelerate the vesting
schedule of any options issued under the 1991 Plan. In the event of a change in
control of the Corporation by a single person or group of affiliated persons or
entities, such options will vest immediately before the change in control.
The 1991 Plan provides that when an optionee ceases to be an employee of
the Corporation for any reason other than death, voluntary retirement after
attaining age 65 or disability, all rights to exercise unexercised options
cease, whether or not accrued at the date of termination. In the event of
termination of an optionee's employment due to death, voluntary retirement or
disability, all options which have become exercisable as of the date of the
optionee's death may be exercised by the executor, administrator or beneficiary
of the estate of such optionee, for a period of twelve (12) months or the
unexpired term of the option (whichever is less). In no event can a stock
option be exercised after 10 years from the date it is granted, or such earlier
date as may be specified in the option. The options are not transferable except
in the event of death.
The exercise price per share of each option must be at least the fair
market value on the date of grant which, generally, is the closing price for
the Corporation's Common stock as quoted on the Nasdaq. Payment for the full
number of shares covered by the portion of any option exercised will be made in
full at the time of exercise. Payment can be made by delivery of cash, check,
bank draft or postal or express money order. At the Committee's sole
discretion, payment can be made by delivery of shares of the Corporation's
Common stock having an aggregate fair market value equal to the portion of the
option price outstanding or at the discretion of the Committee, by delivery of
the Optionee's personal recourse note with such terms as the Committee may
approve.
13
<PAGE>
Options covering 313,825 shares remain available for grant under the 1991
Plan. No determination has been made with respect to future recipients of
options under the 1991 Plan, and it is not possible to specify to whom such
options may be granted, or the number of shares, within the limitations of the
1991 Plan, to be covered by such options.
Options granted under the 1991 Plan are intended to be non-statutory
options. Under current Federal income tax law, the grant of a non-transferable,
non-statutory option generally is not a taxable event for the grantee or for
the Corporation. Rather, the recipient of a non-statutory option generally
realizes ordinary income upon exercise of the option in an amount equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the stock acquired over the option price.
The Corporation is entitled to claim a corresponding tax deduction, subject to
the rules pertaining to the reasonableness of compensation and the withholding
of income taxes, in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by the
grantee.
The Corporation has filed the necessary registration statements under the
Securities Act of 1933 to cover the issuance of shares pursuant to exercise of
options granted under the 1991 Plan so that such registration statements are
effective prior to the exercise of options for those shares.
Management recommends a vote "FOR" the amendment.
ITEM 3. PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE 1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
TO RESERVE AN ADDITIONAL 100,000 SHARES FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER AND TO
REVISE CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO VESTING AND PAYMENT
In 1989, the Corporation adopted, effective April 11, 1989, the 1989 Stock
Option Plan for Nonemployee Directors (the "1989 Plan"). The 1989 Plan provides
for the granting of options to purchase shares of the Corporation's Common
Stock, par value $.0625 per share, to be drawn from authorized but unissued
stock. Two hundred fifteen thousand five hundred (215,500) shares are subject
to the 1989 Plan, including 100,000 shares approved by the Corporation's
shareholders in May 1997, but the number of shares would be appropriately
adjusted in the event of certain changes in the capital structure of the
Corporation. All amounts have been adjusted to reflect a 10% stock dividend
paid on May 15, 1997. Shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights with regard
to shares allotted to the 1989 Plan. The purpose of the 1989 Plan is to attract
and retain the services of experienced and talented persons as directors of the
Corporation. All of the above shares will be adjusted to give effect to a 10%
stock dividend payable May 15, 1998, on the Corporation's Common stock.
The Plan is administered by a Committee composed of at least two (2)
persons who are members of the Board of Directors. No member of the Committee
may receive any options under the Plan and no member may have received any such
options for a period of at least one year prior to having been elected to serve
on the Committee. The 1989 Plan limits the Committee's flexibility,
consequently changes are being sought to provide (i) the Committee with
discretion in setting a vesting schedule with respect to option grants, (ii)
for accelerated vesting at the discretion of the Committee and on a change in
control, (iii) to provide for payment on exercise by promissory note at the
Committee's discretion, and (iv) that options may be exercised both after
retirement and death and to increase the time in which to exercise options in
those cases to twelve (12) months.
The following is a brief summary of the 1989 Plan. The complete text is
attached as Appendix B hereto.
Description of the Stock Option Plan
The Committee consists of at least two (2) persons who are members of the
Board of Directors. No member of the Committee may receive any options under
the Plan, and no member may have received any such options for a period of at
least one (1) year prior to his or her election to serve on the Committee. The
Board may from time to time remove members from, or add members to, the
Committee. The Board may on its own motion, amend the requirements for
eligibility for service on the Committee as may be reasonably required, in the
judgment of the Board, in order to qualify each member of the Committee as a
"disinterested person," as defined in the regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission pertaining to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934.
14
<PAGE>
No options may be granted under the 1989 Plan after April 30, 1999.
Options granted under the 1989 Plan may have an exercise period of up to ten
years. The 1989 Plan provides that the Committee shall determine the time when
any such options shall be exercisable. Generally, twenty percent (20%) of the
options granted shall become exercisable one year after the grant date and
twenty percent (20%) shall become exercisable each year thereafter until all
options are exercisable at the end of five years, provided however, the
Committee shall have the full discretion at the time of granting each option to
make such options immediately exercisable on grant or subject to vesting over
one or more specified periods of time different from the general vesting
schedule. All options will immediately vest on the death of a director.
In the sole discretion of the Committee, it may accelerate the vesting
schedule of any options issued under the 1989 Plan. In the event of a change in
control of the Corporation by a single person or group of affiliated persons or
entities, such options will vest immediately before the change in control.
If an optionee dies while a director of the Corporation or retires after
completing at least three full terms, all unexercised options shall remain
exercisable for (i) a period of twelve (12) months from the date of death or
retirement, as the case may be or (ii) until the expiration date, whichever
occurs first. In the case of death, the option may be exercised by the executor
or administrator of the optionee's estate or by any person who acquires the
option from the optionee by bequest or inheritance. In no event can a stock
option be exercised after 10 years from the date it is granted, or such earlier
date as may be specified in the option. The options are not transferable except
in the event of death.
The exercise price per share of each option will not be less than
eighty-five percent (85%) of the fair market value on the date of grant which,
generally, is the closing price for the Corporation's Common stock as quoted on
the Nasdaq. Payment for the full number of shares covered by the portion of any
option exercised will be made in full at the time of exercise. Payment can be
made by delivery of cash, check, bank draft or postal or express money order or
at the discretion of the Committee (a) through delivery of shares of Common
stock having a fair market value equal to the cash exercise price of the option
or (b) by the delivery of the optionee's personal recourse note with such terms
as the Committee may approve.
Options covering 11,136 shares remain available for grant under the 1989
Plan. No determination has been made with respect to future recipients of
options under the 1989 Plan, and it is not possible to specify the directors to
whom such options may be granted, or the number of shares, within the
limitations of the 1989 Plan, to be covered by such options.
Options granted under the 1989 Plan are not intended to be stock options
of the various types specifically referred to in the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, but, instead, would be considered as non-statutory options
taxable under established general principles of tax law. Under current federal
income tax law, the grant of a non-transferable, non-statutory option generally
is not a taxable event for the grantee or for the Corporation. Rather, the
grantee of a non-qualified option generally realizes ordinary income upon
exercise of the option in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market
value of the stock acquired over the option price. The Corporation is entitled
to claim a corresponding tax deduction, subject to the rules pertaining to the
reasonableness of compensation, in an amount equal to the ordinary income
realized by the grantee.
The Corporation has filed the necessary registration statements under the
Securities Act of 1933 covering the issuance of shares pursuant to exercise of
options granted under the 1989 Plan so that such registration statements are
effective prior to the exercise of options for those shares. The Corporation
expects to amend those registration statements to extend coverage to the
100,000 additional shares to be added to the 1989 Plan.
The closing price of the Common Stock of the Corporation on March 19,
1998, as quoted on Nasdaq was $9.00 per share.
ITEM 4. PROPOSAL TO ADOPT THE 1998 STOCK OPTION PLAN FOR TEN PERCENT
SHAREHOLDER-DIRECTORS
On March 17, 1998, the Board of Directors adopted, subject to the approval
of the Shareholders, a 1998 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Ten Percent
Shareholder-Directors (the "1998 Plan") and directed that the Plan be submitted
to a vote of the Shareholders at the Annual Meeting. A majority of the shares
of Common stock voted at the meeting in person or by proxy must be voted in
favor of the Plan in order for it to be effective.
15
<PAGE>
The following is a brief summary of the proposed Plan. The complete text
is attached as Appendix C hereto.
Description of the Stock Option Plan
The 1998 Plan provides for the granting of options to purchase shares of
the Corporation's Common stock, par value $.0625 per share, to be drawn from
authorized but unissued stock. One hundred thousand (100,000) shares are
subject to the 1998 Plan, but the number of shares would be appropriately
adjusted in the event of certain changes in the capital structure of the
Corporation. Shareholders will have no pre-emptive rights with regard to shares
allotted to the 1998 Plan. The purpose of the 1998 Plan is to enable the
Corporation to retain the services of individuals with experience and
exceptional managerial and analytical talent. The above shares will be adjusted
to give effect to a 10% stock dividend payable May 15, 1998, on the
Corporation's Common stock.
The 1998 Plan is administered by a Committee composed of members of the
Board, who are not employees of the Corporation and who are not eligible to
participate in the 1998 Plan. The Committee determines both the number of
optionees and the number of shares to be optioned to any individual under the
1998 Plan. The Board of Directors may amend the 1998 Plan without further
approval by the Shareholders, except insofar as such approval is required by
the 1998 Plan for amendments which materially modify the eligibility
requirements for receiving options, increase the total number of shares covered
by the 1998 Plan, or otherwise materially increase the benefits accruing to
optionees.
No options may be granted under the 1998 Plan after March 17, 2008.
Options granted under the 1998 Plan may have an exercise period of up to ten
years. The 1998 Plan provides that the Committee shall determine the time when
any such options shall be exercisable. Generally, twenty percent (20%) of the
options granted shall become exercisable one year after the grant date and
twenty percent (20%) shall become exercisable each year thereafter until all
options are exercisable at the end of five years, provided however, the
Committee shall have the full discretion at the time of granting each option to
make such options immediately exercisable on grant or subject to vesting over
one or more specified periods of time different from the general vesting
schedule. All options will immediately vest on the death of an optionee.
In the sole discretion of the Committee, it may accelerate the vesting
schedule of any options issued under the 1998 Plan. In the event of a change in
control of the Corporation by a single person or group of affiliated persons or
entities, such options will vest immediately before the change in control.
The 1998 Plan provides that when an Optionee ceases to be a director or
ten percent owner of the Corporation for any reason other than death, voluntary
retirement after attaining age 65 or disability prior to the expiration date of
any options, such unexercised options shall terminate as of the date of such
termination of directorship or ten percent ownership whichever is later.
If an optionee dies while a director or ten percent owner of the
Corporation or retires, all unexercised options shall remain exercisable for
(i) a period of twelve (12) months from the date of death or retirement, as the
case may be or (ii) until the expiration date, whichever occurs first. In the
case of death, the option may be exercised by the executor or administrator of
the optionee's estate or by any person who acquires the option from the
optionee by bequest or inheritance. In no event can a stock option be exercised
after 10 years from the date it is granted, or such earlier date as may be
specified in the option. The options are not transferable except in the event
of death.
The exercise price per share of each option must be at least the fair
market value on the date of grant which, generally, is the closing price for
the Corporation's Common stock as quoted on the Nasdaq. Payment for the full
number of shares covered by the portion of any option exercised will be made in
full at the time of exercise. Payment can be made by delivery of cash, check,
bank draft or postal or express money order. At the Committee's sole
discretion, payment can be made by delivery of (a) shares of the Corporation's
Common stock having an aggregate fair market value equal to the portion of the
option price outstanding or (b) the optionees personal recourse note with such
terms as the Committee may approve.
Options granted under the 1998 Plan are intended to be non-statutory
options. Under current Federal income tax law, the grant of a non-transferable,
non-statutory option generally is not a taxable event for the optionee or
16
<PAGE>
for the Corporation. Rather, the recipient of a non-statutory option generally
realizes ordinary income upon exercise of the option in an amount equal to the
excess of the fair market value of the stock acquired over the option price.
The Corporation is entitled to claim a corresponding tax deduction, subject to
the rules pertaining to the reasonableness of compensation and the withholding
of income taxes, in an amount equal to the ordinary income realized by the
optionee.
The closing price of the Common stock of the Corporation on March 17,
1998, as quoted on the Nasdaq was $9.00 per share.
Management recommends a vote "FOR" the amendment.
AUDITORS
The Corporation has selected KPMG Peat Marwick LLP to be the independent
auditors for the Corporation for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998.
A representative of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP is expected to be present at the
meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and to
respond to appropriate questions.
OTHER MATTERS
Management does not know of any other matters which are likely to be
brought before the meeting. However, in the event that any other matters
properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the enclosed proxy will
vote said proxy in accordance with their judgment on such matters.
1999 SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholder proposals submitted for inclusion in the Proxy Statement of
the Board of Directors for the 1999 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, must be
received by the Corporation at 44 Talmadge Road, Edison, New Jersey 08818 on or
before December 23, 1998.
GENERAL
The cost of this solicitation will be borne by the Corporation. Brokers
will be asked to forward solicitation material to beneficial owners of stock
and will be reimbursed for their out-of-pocket expenses.
By Order of the Board of Directors
ADELE LAVENDER, Secretary
17
<PAGE>
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
The Corporation will provide without charge to each shareholder who
requests it in writing, a copy of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1997, including the financial statements and schedules
thereto (but without the exhibits thereto) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Corporation will furnish any exhibit to such Annual
Report to any shareholder requesting the same upon payment of a fee equal to
the Corporation's reasonable expenses in furnishing such exhibit. All requests
for the Annual Report on Form 10-K 405 or exhibits thereto should be addressed
to Samuel Eichenbaum, Vice President, Finance, New Brunswick Scientific Co.,
Inc. 44 Talmadge Road, Edison, New Jersey 08818-4005.
18
<PAGE>
Appendix "A"
NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC CO., INC.
1991 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN
ARTICLE 1
NAME AND PURPOSE
1.1 Name. The name of the stock option plan (the "Plan") shall be the New
Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc. 1991 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan.
1.2 Purpose. The Plan is intended to enable New Brunswick Scientific Co.,
Inc. (the "Company") to attract and retain experienced and exceptional
executive employees with managerial and analytical talent, upon whom, in large
measure, the sustained progress, growth and profitability of the Company
depends. Accordingly, the Plan is intended to provide them with favorable
opportunities to purchase equity in the Company through the grant of
nonqualified stock options (the "Options"), thereby encouraging them to
contribute to the Company's future success and prosperity, and enhancing the
value of the Company for the benefit of its other share owners.
ARTICLE 2
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
2.1 Number of Shares. The stock subject to options issued under this Plan
shall be shares of the Company's Common stock, par value $.0625 per share (the
"Shares"). The total amount of Shares with respect to which options may be
granted shall be 200,000 [662,000 after approval of the 1997 amendment] shares,
subject to adjustment in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.2. Shares
issuable under the Plan shall be authorized but unissued Shares of the Company,
including treasury shares. If any Option granted under the Plan expires or
otherwise terminates, in whole or in part, without having been exercised, the
Shares subject to the unexercised portion of such Option shall be available for
the granting of Options under the Plan as fully as if such Shares had never
been subject to an Option.
2.2 Adjustments. The number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan,
as stated in Section 2.1, and the number of Shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding Options under the Plan (as well as the exercise price per share
under such outstanding Options shall be equitably adjusted by the Committee
(referred to in Section 3.2) to reflect: (a) any stock dividend or stock split,
(b) any subdivision or combination of outstanding shares or (c) any other
reorganization or change in the stock or capital structure of the Company in
connection with which the Company issues additional shares of capital stock
without receiving any consideration therefor.
ARTICLE 3
ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN
3.1 Stock Options. As used in the Plan, the term "Options" or
"nonqualified stock options" means options that are not intended to qualify as
incentive stock options under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended from time to time (the "Code").
3.2 Committee Authority in General. Except as otherwise provided below,
the Plan shall be administered by a Stock Option Committee (the "Committee")
appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Committee
shall have full authority to establish, from time to time, such rules and
regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, for the proper
administration of the Plan, and to make such determinations and interpretations
under or in connection with the Plan and the Options granted hereunder, as it
deems necessary or advisable. All such rules, regulations, determinations and
interpretations shall be binding and conclusive upon the Company, its
stockholders, employees (including former employees), and directors, and any
related corporation, and upon their respective legal representatives,
beneficiaries, successors and assigns and upon all other persons claiming under
or through any of them.
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3.3 Committee Members. The Committee shall be composed of at least two (2)
persons who are members of the Board of Directors. No member of the Committee
may receive any options under the Plan, and no member may have received any
such options for a period of at least one (l) year prior to his or her election
to serve on the Committee. The Board may from time to time remove members from,
or add members to, the Committee. The Board may on its own motion, amend the
requirements, for eligibility for service on the Committee as may be reasonably
required, in the judgment of the Board, in order to qualify each member of the
Committee as a "disinterested person," as defined in the regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to Section 16(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
3.4 Actions of the Committee. The Committee shall hold meetings at such
times and places as it may determine. A majority of the members of the
Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a vote
of the majority of those members present at any meeting, or acts approved in
writing by a majority of the Committee, shall decide any question before the
Committee.
3.5 Exoneration. No member of the Board or 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 this Plan, except those resulting from such
member's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
3.6 Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification
as they may have as members of the Board or the Committee, the Company shall
defend, indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee against all
costs and expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action,
suit or proceeding to which they or any of them may be party by reason of any
action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any
Option granted hereunder, and against all amounts paid or payable by them in
settlement thereof provided such settlement is approved by independent legal
counsel selected by the Company or paid or payable by them in satisfaction of a
judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except a judgment based upon a
finding of bad faith on the part of the Board or Committee member seeking
indemnification hereunder, provided that upon the institution of any such
action, suit or proceeding a Committee member shall, in writing, give the
Company notice thereof and an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and
defend the same before such committee member undertakes to handle and defend it
on her or his own behalf.
ARTICLE 4
ELIGIBILITY
The persons eligible to participate in the Plan shall be executive,
managerial, or supervisory employees (except any employee who may be ineligible
as a result of his or her appointment to the Committee) of the Company and its
subsidiary companies who may be designated by the Committee. The persons
eligible to receive Options under the Plan are referred to in this Plan as
"Eligible Individuals." The Committee shall have the full discretion and
authority to determine the persons to whom Options shall be granted under the
Plan and to recommend the date of grant and the other conditions thereof,
subject to the express terms of this Plan.
ARTICLE 5
OPTION TERMS
5.1 Price of Options. The purchase price per Share (the "Option Price")
under each Option granted under the Plan shall be determined and fixed by the
Committee in its discretion, but shall not be less than the fair market value
of such Shares on the date of grant of such Option. The fair market value of a
Share on any day shall mean (a) the last reported closing price of a Share as
quoted by Nasdaq and reported in The Wall Street Journal (or other reputable
financial publication, in the event The Wall Street Journal is unavailable); or
(b) if at any time the Company's Common stock is not eligible for quotation on
Nasdaq, such other method of determining fair market value as shall be
permitted by the Code or the rules or regulations thereunder, and adopted by
the Committee from time to time.
5.2 Maximum Exercise Period. The Committee shall fix the term of all
Options, provided that such term shall not exceed ten years from the date of
grant of such Option (the "Expiration Date").
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5.3 Installment Exercise. On the grant of each Option under this Plan (the
"Grant Date"), the Committee shall determine the time when any of such Options
shall be exercisable. Generally, twenty percent (20%) of the Options granted
shall become exercisable one (1) year after the Grant Date and twenty percent
(20%) shall become exercisable each year thereafter until all Options are
exercisable at the end of five years, provided, however, the Committee shall
have the full discretion at the time of granting each Option to make such
Options immediately exercisable on grant or subject to vesting over one or more
specified periods of time different from the general vesting schedule. The time
at which such Options shall become exercisable, in whole or in part, shall be
set forth in the Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement described in Section 5.10
below. An Option may be exercised as to less than the full amount of Shares
then available for purchase under the Option, but must be exercised in
multiples of full shares of stock. An Option may not be exercised more than ten
times during the term of the Option.
5.4 Payment. The Option Price shall be payable: (a) in cash or by check,
bank draft, or postal or express money order, (b) at the discretion of the
Committee, through delivery of shares of Common stock having a fair market
value equal as of the date of the exercise to the cash exercise price of the
Option, or (c) at the discretion of the Committee, by delivery of the
optionee's personal recourse note with such terms as the Committee may approve,
or (d) at the discretion of the Committee, by any combination of (a), (b) and
(c) above. The Committee shall set forth in the Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement, the form of permitted payment of the exercise price. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may amend any outstanding
Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement to permit one or more of the additional
forms of payment set forth in (b), (c) or (d) above by providing written notice
of such amendment to the optionee.
5.5 Method of Exercise. An Option, or portion of an Option, shall be
exercised by delivery of a written notice of exercise to the Company,
accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price for the Shares with
respect to which the Option is exercised. Until such Shares are issued, the
holder of the Option shall have none of the rights of a share owner. In its
discretion, the Committee may require that the exercise of an Option be
conditioned upon the execution by the optionee of a written election under
Section 83(b) of the Code.
5.6 Transferability. No Option shall be assignable or transferable by an
optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and
during the lifetime of the optionee, the Option shall be exercisable only by
him, or in the event of his legal disability by his legal representative.
5.7 Termination of Employment. If an optionee ceases to be employed by the
Company for any reason other than death, voluntary retirement after attaining
age 65 or disability (as described in Section 5.9 below) prior to the
Expiration Date of any Options, such unexercised Option shall terminate as of
the date of such termination of employment.
5.8 Death of Optionee. If an optionee dies while an employee of the
Company and if on the date of death an optionee holds an Option that is not
fully exercised, then for a period of twelve (12) months after the optionee's
death or the unexpired term of the Option, whichever is less, the Option may be
exercised by the executor or administrator of the optionee or by any person who
acquires the Option from the optionee by bequest or inheritance, to the extent
that the optionee could have exercised such Option on the date of his or her
death.
5.9 Retirement or Disability of Optionee. If an optionee ceases to be
employed by the Company or its subsidiary corporations by reason of voluntary
retirement after attaining the age of 65 or by reason of disability and if on
the date of termination of employment the optionee holds an Option that is not
fully exercised, then for a period of twelve (12) months after the date of
termination of employment or the unexpired Option term, whichever is less, the
Option may be exercised to the extent that the optionee had the right to
exercise such Option as of the date of termination of employment. If such
optionee dies within twelve (12) months after the date of termination of
employment and if on the date of his death he held an Option that is not fully
exercised, then to the extent and for the period that the optionee could have
exercised the Option under this Section 5.9 had he survived, the Option may be
exercised by the executor or administrator of the optionee or by any person who
acquires the Option from the optionee by bequest or inheritance. A "disability"
shall, for all purposes under this plan, be defined as set forth in Section
105(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
5.10 Option Agreement and Further Conditions. As soon as practicable after
the grant of an Option, each optionee shall enter into, and be bound by the
terms of, a nonqualified stock option agreement (the "Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement") which shall state the number of Shares to which the Option
pertains. The Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement shall set forth such terms,
conditions and restrictions regarding the Option not
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inconsistent with the Plan as the Committee shall determine. Without limiting
the generality of the foregoing, the Committee, in its discretion, may impose
further conditions upon the exercisability of Options and restrictions on
transferability with respect to Shares issued upon exercise of Options.
5.11 Accelerated Vesting. (a) Notwithstanding and in addition to 5.11(b)
below, at any time, and from time to time, in the sole discretion of the
Committee, the Committee may accelerate the vesting schedule of any Options
issued under this Plan, whether such Options were issued prior or subsequent to
the adoption of the First Amendment. Where the Committee determines that it
shall accelerate the vesting of any option, it shall notify the affected
optionee in writing.
(b) In the event of a "Change in Control" of the Company, any Options not
yet exercisable shall immediately vest and become exercisable. For purposes of
this Agreement, "Change in Control" means the acquisition (after the Effective
Date of this First Amendment) of the beneficial ownership of a majority of the
voting securities of the Company and/or substantially all of the assets of the
Company by a single person or entity or a group of affiliated persons or
entities. Such Options shall vest immediately before the Change in Control.
ARTICLE 6
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
6.1 Registration of Shares. The Company may, but shall not be obligated
to, register the Options or the Shares received upon exercise of an Option, or
both, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state securities law
commission or agency. In the absence of such registration, both the Options and
the Shares:
(i) will be issued only pursuant to an exemption from registration;
(ii) cannot be sold, pledged, transferred or otherwise disposed of in
the absence of an effective registration statement or an opinion of
counsel satisfactory to the Company that such registration is not
required; and
(iii) will bear an appropriate restrictive legend setting forth the
statement contained in subparagraph (ii) above.
The Company shall not be required to sell or issue any Shares under any
Option if the issuance of such Shares would, in the judgment of the Company,
constitute or result in a violation by the Optionee or the Company of any
provision of law or regulation of any governmental agency. The Company at its
discretion, may require the optionee to sign, when exercising an Option, an
investment letter satisfactory to the Company.
6.2 Application of Funds. The funds received by the Company upon the
exercise of Options and otherwise under the Plan shall be used for general
corporate purposes as permitted by law.
6.3 Withholding of Taxes. The obligation of the Company to deliver Shares
upon the exercise of any Option shall be subject to any applicable Federal,
state and local tax withholding requirements.
6.4 Governing Law. This Plan shall, to the maximum extent possible, be
governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
6.5 Employment Rights. The grant of an Option under this Plan shall not
impose on the Company or its subsidiary corporations any obligation to continue
to employ any optionee, and the right of the Company or its subsidiary
corporations to terminate the employment of any person shall not be diminished
or affected by reason of such grant of an Option.
ARTICLE 7
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
7.1 Authority of Board of Directors. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 7.2, the Board at any time, and from time to time, may suspend or
discontinue the Plan or amend it in any respect as the Board may deem
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appropriate and in the best interests of the Company; provided, however, that
no such suspension, discontinuance or amendment shall materially impair the
rights of any holder of any Option granted under this Plan prior to such
amendment, suspension or termination, without the consent of such holder.
7.2 Shareholder Approval of Amendments. No amendment of this Plan shall be
made which would, without the approval of the shareholders holding at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of the Company voted at a meeting of such
shareholders: (a) materially increase the benefits accruing to participants
under the Plan; (b) increase the number of Shares that may be issued under the
Plan (except for adjustments permitted or required under Section 2.2 above);
materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the
Plan; or (d) extend the term during which Options may be granted or exercised.
7.3 Termination. No Options may be granted after ten years after the date
on which this Plan was approved by the Board, provided, however, that the Plan
and all outstanding Options shall remain in effect until such Options have
expired or vested, as the case may be, or are terminated in accordance with the
Plan.
ARTICLE 8
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE
This Plan is subject to the approval of the holders of at least a majority
of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon, which
approval shall be obtained at the annual shareholder's meeting following the
adoption of the Plan by the Board. If the shareholders shall not approve the
Plan as aforesaid, the Plan shall not be effective, and any and all actions
taken prior thereto shall be null and void or shall, if necessary, be deemed to
have been fully rescinded.
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Appendix "B"
NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC CO., INC.
1989 STOCK OPTION PLAN
FOR
NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
1. Purpose
The New Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc. 1989 Stock Option Plan for
Nonemployee Directors (the "Plan") is intended to enable New Brunswick
Scientific Co., Inc. (the "Company") to attract and retain experienced and
qualified independent directors and to provide them with incentives to promote
the best interests of the Company by enabling and encouraging them, through the
grant of nonqualified stock options (the "Options") to acquire Company stock.
As used in the Plan, the term "nonqualified stock options" means options
which are not intended to qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422A
of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. as amended from time to time (the
"Code"). The term "related corporation" means any corporation which is a
"subsidiary corporation" of the Company as defined in Section 425(f) of the
Code.
2. Administration
The Plan shall be administered by a Committee composed of at least two (2)
persons who are members of the Board of Directors. No member of the Committee
may receive any options under the Plan, and no member may have received any
such options for a period of at least one (1) year prior to his or her election
to serve on the Committee. The Board may from time to time remove members from,
or add members to, the Committee. The Board may on its own motion, amend the
requirements, for eligibility for service on the Committee as may be reasonably
required in the judgment of the Board, in order to qualify each member of the
Committee as a "disinterested person," as defined in the regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to Section 16(b) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority
to determine the persons to whom nonqualified stock options shall be granted
under the Plan and to recommend the date of grant and the other terms and
conditions thereof. The Committee shall have the authority to establish. from
time to time, such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions
of the Plan, for the proper administration of the Plan, and to make such
determinations and interpretations under or in connection with the Plan and the
Options granted hereunder, as it deems necessary or advisable. All such rules,
regulations, determinations and interpretations shall be binding and conclusive
upon the Company, its stockholders. employees (including former employees), and
directors. and any related corporation. and upon their respective legal
representatives. beneficiaries, successors and assigns and upon all other
persons claiming under or through any of them. No member of the Board or of the
Committee shall be liable for any action or determination made in good faith
with respect to the Plan or any Option granted hereunder, except those
resulting from such member's willful misconduct.
In addition to such other rights of indemnification as they may have as
members of the Board or the Committee. the Company shall defend. indemnify and
hold harmless the members of the Committee against all costs and expenses
reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action. suit or proceeding
to which they or any of them may be party by reason of any action taken or
failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any Option granted
hereunder, and against all amounts paid or payable by them in settlement
thereof (provided such settlement is approved by independent legal counsel
selected by the Company) or paid or payable by them in satisfaction of a
judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except a judgment based upon a
finding of bad faith on the part of the Board or Committee member seeking
indemnification hereunder, provided that upon the institution of any such
action, suit or proceeding a Committee member shall, in writing, give the
Company notice thereof and any opportunity. at its own expense. to handle and
defend the same before such committee member undertakes to handle and defend it
on her or his own behalf.
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3. Eligibility
The persons eligible to participate in the Plan shall be the nonemployee
directors (except any director who may be ineligible as a result of his
appointment to the Committee) of the Company who may be designated by the
Committee. The persons eligible to receive Options under the Plan are
hereinafter referred to as "Eligible Individuals".
4. Stock Subject to the Plan
Subject to adjustment in accordance with the provisions of Section 10
hereof, 100,000 shares (315,500 if the amendment is approved) of Common stock,
par value $.0625 per share of the Company ("Shares"), shall be available for
the grant of Options under the Plan. Shares issuable under the Plan shall be
authorized but unissued Shares of the Company, including treasury shares.
If any Option granted under the Plan expires or otherwise terminates, in
whole or in part. without having been exercised, the Shares subject to the
unexercised portion of such Option shall be available for the granting of
Options under the Plan as fully as if such Shares had never been subject to an
Option.
5. Grants and Price of Options
(a) Grants. From time to time until the expiration or earlier termination
of the Plan, the Committee may grant Options to Eligible Individuals (such
grantees are hereinafter referred to as "Optionees") under the Plan. Options
granted pursuant to the Plan to such Eligible Individuals shall be in such form
as the Committee shall from time to time approve, and shall be subject to the
terms and conditions of this Plan.
(b) Price of Options. The purchase price per share (the "Option Price")
under each Option granted under the Plan shall be determined and fixed by the
Committee in its discretion, but shall not be less than eighty-five percent
(85%) of the fair market value of such Shares on the date of grant of such
Option. The fair market value of a Share on any day shall mean (i) the last
reported closing price of a share as quoted by the Nasdaq and reported in The
Wall Street Journal (or other reputable financial publication in the event The
Wall Street Journal is unavailable); or if at any time the Company's Common
stock is not eligible for quotation on Nasdaq; (ii) such other method of
determining fair market value as shall be permitted by the Code or the rules or
regulations thereunder, and adopted by the Committee from time to time.
6. Term of Options
Unless earlier terminated pursuant to any provision hereof, all Options
granted under the Plan shall expire on a date which is no later than the date
that is ten (10) years after the date of grant of such Option (the "Expiration
Date").
7. Vesting, Exercise and Payment
(a) Vesting. On the grant of each Option under this Plan (the "Grant
Date"), the Committee shall determine the time when any of such Options shall
be exercisable. Generally, twenty percent (20%) of the Options granted shall
become exercisable one (1) year after the Grant Date and twenty percent (20%)
shall become exercisable each year thereafter until all Options are exercisable
at the end of five years, provided, however, the Committee shall have the full
discretion at the time of granting each Option to make such Options immediately
exercisable on grant or subject to vesting over one or more specified periods
of time different from the general vesting schedule. All Options shall
immediately vest on the death of a Director. The time at which such Options
shall become exercisable, in whole or in part, shall be set forth in the
Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement described in Section 16(b) below.
(b) Accelerated Vesting. (i) Notwithstanding and in addition to subsection
(ii) below, at any time, and from time to time, in the sole discretion of the
Committee, the Committee may accelerate the vesting schedule of any Options
issued under this Plan, whether such Options were issued prior or subsequent to
the adoption of the First Amendment. Where the Committee determines that it
shall accelerate the vesting of any option, it shall notify the affected
optionee in writing.
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(ii) In the event of a "Change in Control" of the Company,
any Options not yet exercisable shall immediately vest and become exercisable.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Change in Control" means the acquisition
(after the Effective Date of this First Amendment) of the beneficial ownership
of a majority of the voting securities of the Company and/or substantially all
of the assets of the Company by a single person or entity or a group of
affiliated persons or entities. Such Options shall vest immediately before the
change in Control.
(c) Method of Exercise. An Option may be exercised, in whole or in part,
but only in multiples of full shares, by giving notice to the Company at its
principal office, specifying the number of Shares to be purchased and
accompanied by payment in full of the aggregate purchase price for such Shares.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Option may not be exercised more than ten
times during the term of the Option. Except in the case of death or retirement,
as provided under Section 8(b), below, an Optionee may exercise an Option only
during the period such Optionee is a director of the Company. No Option may be
exercised after the Expiration Date.
(d) Payment. The Option Price shall be payable: (i) in cash or by check,
bank draft, or postal or express money order, (ii) at the discretion of the
Committee, through delivery of shares of Common Stock having a fair market
value equal as of the date of the exercise to the cash exercise price of the
Option, (iii) at the discretion of the Committee, by delivery of the optionee's
personal recourse note with such terms as the Committee may approve, or (iv) at
the discretion of the Committee, by any combination of (i), (ii) and (iii)
above. The Committee shall set forth in the Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement, the form of permitted payment of the exercise price. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may amend any outstanding
Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement to permit one or more of the additional
forms of payment set forth in (ii), (iii) or (iv) above by providing written
notice of such amendment to the Optionee.
8. Termination of Options and Transferability
(a) Termination of Optionee's Directorship. If an Optionee ceases to be a
director of the Company for any reason other than death (as described in
Subsection (b) below) prior to the Expiration Date of any Options, such Option
shall terminate immediately upon such cessation.
(b) Death or Retirement of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while a director
of the Company or "Retires", as defined below, all unexercised Options shall
remain exercisable for (i) a period of twelve (12) months from the date of
death or retirement, as the case may be or (ii) until the Expiration Date,
whichever occurs first. In the case of death, the Option may be exercised by
the executor or administrator of the Optionee's estate or by any person who
acquires the Option from the Optionee by bequest or inheritance. For purposes
of this Plan, Retirement shall mean, the date on which a director completes at
least three (3) full terms on the board of directors of the Company and where
such director has not been asked to resign or has not been otherwise removed
from office.
(c) Transferability. No Option shall be assignable or transferable by an
Optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and
during the lifetime of the Optionee. the Option shall be exercisable only by
him, or in the event of his legal disability, by his legal representative.
9. Registration of Shares
The Company may, but shall not be obligated to, register the Options or
the Shares received upon exercise of an Option, or both, with the Securities
and Exchange Commission and any state securities law commission or agency. In
the absence of such registration, both the Options and the Shares:
(i) will be issued only pursuant to an exemption from registration;
(ii) cannot be sold, pledged, transferred or otherwise disposed of in
the absence of an effective registration statement or an opinion of
counsel satisfactory to the Company that such registration is not
required; and
(iii) will bear an appropriate restrictive legend setting forth the
statement contained in subparagraph (ii) above.
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The Company shall not be required to sell or issue any Shares under any
Option if the issuance of such Shares would, in the judgment of the Company,
constitute or result in a violation by the Optionee or the Company of any
provision of law or regulation of any governmental agency. The Company, at its
discretion, may require the Optionee to sign, when exercising an Option. an
investment letter satisfactory to the Company.
10. Adjustments
(a) The number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan, as stated in
Section 4 hereof, and the number of Shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding Options under the Plan (as well as the exercise price per share
under such outstanding Options) shall be equitably adjusted by the Committee to
reflect: (i) any stock dividend or stock split, (ii) any subdivision or
combination of outstanding shares or (iii) any other reorganization or change
in the stock or capital structure of the Company in connection with which the
Company issues additional shares of capital stock without receiving any
consideration therefor.
(b) In the event the Company is liquidated or a corporate transaction
described in Section 425(a) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations issued
thereunder occurs (such as, for example, a merger, consolidation, acquisition
of property or stock, separation, or reorganization), each outstanding Option
shall be assumed by the surviving or successor corporation, if any.
11. Amendment or Discontinuance of the Plan
The Board at any time, and from time to time, may suspend or discontinue
the Plan or amend it in any respect whatsoever, provided, however, that,
without the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding
Shares, the Plan may not be amended so as to materially (a) increase the
benefits accruing to participants under the Plan; (b) increase the number of
Shares which may be issued under the Plan; (except for adjustments permitted or
required under Section 10 hereof): (c) modify the requirements as to
eligibility for participation in the Plan; or (d) materially increase the cost
of the Plan to the Company; and provided further, that no such suspension,
discontinuance or amendment shall materially impair the rights of any holder of
an outstanding Option without the consent of such holder.
12. Application of Funds
The funds received by the Company upon the exercise of Options and
otherwise under the Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes as
permitted by law.
13. Shareholder Approval
This Plan is subject to the approval of the holders of at least a majority
of the votes cast by the holders of Shares entitled to vote thereon; which
approval shall be obtained at the annual shareholder's meeting following the
adoption of the Plan by the Board. If the shareholders shall not approve the
Plan as aforesaid, the Plan shall not be effective, and any and all actions
taken prior thereto shall be null and void or shall, if necessary, be deemed to
have been fully rescinded.
14. No Obligation to Exercise Option
The granting of an Option shall impose no obligation upon an Optionee to
exercise such Option.
15. Termination of Plan
No Options may be granted after April 30, 1999, provided, however, that
the Plan and all outstanding Options shall remain in effect until such Options
have expired or vested, as the case may be, or are terminated in accordance
with the Plan.
16. Miscellaneous Provisions
(a) Rights as a Stockholder. An Optionee shall have no rights as a
stockholder with respect to any Shares covered by his Option until the issuance
of a stock certificate to him representing such Shares.
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(b) Option Agreement and Further Conditions. As soon as practicable after
the grant of an Option, each Optionee shall enter into, and be bound by the
terms of, a nonqualified stock option agreement (the "Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement") which shall state the number of Shares to which the Option
pertains. The Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement shall set forth such terms,
conditions and restrictions regarding the Option not inconsistent with the Plan
as the Committee s all determine. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Committee, in its discretion, may impose further conditions upon
the exercisability of Options and restrictions on transferability with respect
to Shares issued upon exercise of Options.
(c) Withholding of Taxes. The obligation of the Company to deliver Shares
upon the exercise of any Option shall be subject to any applicable Federal,
state and local tax withholding requirements.
(d) Governing Law. This Plan shall, to the maximum extent possible, be
construed in a manner consistent with the Code and shall otherwise be governed
by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
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Appendix "C"
NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC CO., INC.
1998 NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION PLAN
FOR
TEN PERCENT SHAREHOLDER - DIRECTORS
ARTICLE 1
NAME AND PURPOSE
1.1 Name. The name of the stock option plan (the "Plan") shall be the New
Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc. 1998 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Ten
Percent Shareholder-Directors.
1.2 Purpose. The Plan is intended to enable New Brunswick Scientific Co.,
Inc. (the "Company") to retain the services of directors with experience and
exceptional managerial and analytical talent, upon whom, in large measure, the
sustained progress, growth and profitability of the Company depends.
Accordingly, the Plan is intended to provide them with favorable opportunities
to purchase equity in the Company through the grant of nonqualified stock
options (the "Options"), thereby encouraging them to contribute to the
Company's future success and prosperity, and enhancing the value of the Company
for the benefit of its other share owners.
ARTICLE 2
SHARES SUBJECT TO THE PLAN
2.1 Number of Shares. The stock subject to options issued under this Plan
shall be shares of the Company's Common stock, par value $.0625 per share (the
"Shares"). The total amount of Shares with respect to which options may be
granted shall be 100,000 subject to adjustment in accordance with the
provisions of Section 2.2. Shares issuable under the Plan shall be authorized
but unissued Shares of the Company, including treasury shares. If any Option
granted under the Plan expires or otherwise terminates, in whole or in part,
without having been exercised, the Shares subject to the unexercised portion of
such Option shall be available for the granting of Options under the Plan as
fully as if such Shares had never been subject to an Option.
2.2 Adjustments. The number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan,
as stated in Section 1, and the number of Shares issuable upon exercise of
outstanding Options under the Plan (as well as the exercise price per share
under such outstanding Options shall be equitably adjusted by the Committee
(referred to in Section 3.2) to reflect: (a) any stock dividend or stock split,
(b) any subdivision or combination of outstanding shares or (c) any other
reorganization or change in the stock or capital structure of the Company in
connection with which the Company issues additional shares of capital stock
without receiving any consideration therefor.
2.3 Successor Corporation. In the event the Company is liquidated or a
corporate transaction described in Section 425(a) of the Code and the Treasury
Regulations issued thereunder occurs (such as, for example, a merger,
consolidation, acquisition of property or stock, separation, or
reorganization), each outstanding Option shall be assumed by the surviving or
successor corporation, if any.
ARTICLE 3
ADMINISTRATION OF PLAN
3.1 Stock Options. As used in the Plan, the term "Options" or
"nonqualified stock options" means options that are not intended to qualify as
incentive stock options under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended from time to time (the "Code").
3.2 Committee Authority in General. Except as otherwise provided below,
the Plan shall be administered by a Stock Option Committee (the "Committee")
appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board"). The Committee
shall have full authority to establish, from time to time, such rules and
regulations, not inconsistent with the provisions of the Plan, for the proper
administration of the Plan, and to make such determinations and interpretations
under or in connection with the Plan and the Options granted hereunder, as it
deems necessary or advisable. All such rules, regulations, determinations and
interpretations shall be binding and
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conclusive upon the Company, its stockholders, employees (including former
employees), and directors, and any related corporation, and upon their
respective legal representatives, beneficiaries, successors and assigns and
upon all other persons claiming under or through any of them.
3.3 Committee Members. The Committee shall be composed of all of the
members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company. No
member of the Committee may receive any options under the Plan, and no member
may have received any such options for a period of at least one (1) year prior
to his or her election to serve on the Committee. The Board may on its own
motion, amend the requirements, for eligibility for service on the Committee as
may be reasonably required, in the judgment of the Board in order to qualify
each member of the Committee as a "disinterested person," as defined in the
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission pertaining to Section
16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
3.4 Actions of the Committee. The Committee shall hold meetings at such
times and places as it may determine. A majority of the members of the
Committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and a vote
of the majority of those members present at any meeting, or acts approved in
writing by a majority of the Committee, shall decide any question before the
Committee.
3.5 Exoneration. No member of the Board or 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 this Plan, except those resulting from such
member's gross negligence or willful misconduct.
3.6 Indemnification. In addition to such other rights of indemnification
as they may have as members of the Board or the Committee, the Company shall
defend, indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee against all
costs and expenses reasonably incurred by them in connection with any action,
suit or proceeding to which they or any of them may be party by reason of any
action taken or failure to act under or in connection with the Plan or any
Option granted hereunder, and against all amounts paid or payable by them in
settlement thereof provided such settlement is approved by independent legal
counsel selected by the Company or paid or payable by them in satisfaction of a
judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding, except a judgment based upon a
finding of bad faith on the part of the Board or Committee member seeking
indemnification hereunder, provided that upon the institution of any such
action, suit or proceeding a Committee member shall, in writing, give the
Company notice thereof and an opportunity, at its own expense, to handle and
defend the same before such Committee member undertakes to handle and defend it
on her or his own behalf.
ARTICLE 4
ELIGIBILITY
The persons eligible to participate in the Plan shall be Eligible
Individual of the Company who own ten percent (10%) or more of the Company's
Common Stock (except any person who may be ineligible as a result of his or her
appointment to the Committee). The persons eligible to receive Options under
the Plan are referred to in this Plan as "Eligible Individuals." The Committee
shall have the full discretion and authority to recommend the date of grant and
the other conditions thereof, subject to the express terms of this Plan.
ARTICLE 5
OPTION TERMS
5.1 Price of Options. The purchase price per Share (the "Option Price")
under each Option granted under the Plan shall be determined and fixed by the
Committee in its discretion, but shall not be less than one hundred percent
(100%) of the fair market value of such Shares on the date of grant of such
Option. The fair market value of a Share on any day shall mean (a) the last
reported closing price of a Share as quoted by Nasdaq and reported in The Wall
Street Journal (or other reputable financial publication, in the event The Wall
Street Journal is unavailable); or (b) if at any time the Company's Common
stock is not eligible for quotation on Nasdaq, such other method of determining
fair market value as shall be permitted by the Code or the rules or regulations
thereunder, and adopted by the Committee from time to time.
5.2 Maximum Exercise Period. The Committee shall fix the term of all
Options, provided that such term shall not exceed ten years from the date of
grant of such Option (the "Expiration Date").
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5.3 Installment Exercise. On the grant of each Option under this Plan (the
"Grant Date"), the Committee shall determine the time when any of such Options
shall be exercisable. Generally twenty percent (20%) of the Options granted
shall become exercisable one (1) year after the Grant Date and twenty percent
(20%) shall become exercisable each year thereafter until all Options are
exercisable at the end of five years, provided, however, the Committee shall
have the full discretion at the time of granting each Option to make such
Options immediately exercisable on grant or subject to vesting over one or more
specified periods of time different from the general vesting schedule. The time
at which such Options shall become exercisable, in whole or in part, shall be
set forth in the Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement described in Section 5.10
below. An Option may be exercised as to less than the full amount of Shares
then available for purchase under the Option, but must be exercised in
multiples of full shares of stock. An Option may not be exercised more than ten
times during the term of the Option.
5.4 Payment. The Option Price shall be payable: (a) in cash or by check,
bank draft, or postal or express money order, b) at the discretion of the
Committee, through delivery of shares of Common Stock having a fair market
value equal as of the date of the exercise to the cash exercise price of the
Option, or (c) at the discretion of the Committee, by delivery of the
Optionee's personal recourse note with such terms as the Committee may approve,
or (d) at the discretion of the Committee, by any combination of (a), (b) and
(c) above. The Committee shall set forth in the Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement, the form of permitted payment of the exercise price. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Committee, in its sole discretion, may amend any outstanding
Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement to permit one or more of the additional
forms of payment set forth in (b), (c) or (d) above by providing written notice
of such amendment to the Optionee."
5.5 Method of Exercise. An Option, or portion of an Option, shall be
exercised by delivery of a written notice of exercise to the Company,
accompanied by payment in full of the purchase price for the Shares with
respect to which the Option is exercised. Until such Shares are issued, the
holder of the Option shall have none of the rights of a share owner. In its
discretion, the Committee may require that the exercise of an Option be
conditioned upon the execution by the Optionee of a written election under
Section 83(b) of the Code.
5.6 Transferability. No Option shall be assignable or transferable by an
Optionee otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and
during the lifetime of the Optionee, the Option shall be exercisable only by
him, or in the event of his legal disability by his legal representative.
5.7 Termination of Directorship or Ten Percent Shareholding. If an
Optionee ceases to be an Eligible Individual for any reason other than death,
voluntary retirement after attaining age 65 or disability (as described in
Section 5.9 below) prior to the Expiration Date of any Options, such
unexercised Option shall terminate as of the date of such termination of
directorship or cessation of ten percent (10%) ownership whichever is later.
5.8 Death of Optionee. If an Optionee dies while an Eligible Individual of
the Company and if on the date of death an Optionee holds an Option that is not
fully exercised, then for a period of twelve (12) months after the Optionee's
death or the unexpired term of the Option, whichever is less, the Option may be
exercised by the executor or administrator of the Optionee or by any person who
acquires the Option from the Optionee by bequest or inheritance, to the extent
that the Optionee could have exercised such Option on the date of his or her
death.
5.9 Retirement or Disability of Optionee. If an Optionee ceases to be an
Eligible Individual by reason of voluntary retirement after attaining the age
of 65 or by reason of disability and if on the date of termination of the
directorship or cessation of ten percent (10%) ownership whichever is later the
Optionee holds an Option that is not fully exercised, then for a period of
twelve months after the date of termination of the directorship or cessation of
ten percent (10%) ownership whichever is later or the unexpired Option term,
whichever is less, the Option may be exercised to the extent that the Optionee
had the right to exercise such Option as of the date of termination of the
directorship or cessation of ten percent (10%) ownership whichever is later. If
such Optionee dies within twelve months after the date of termination of the
directorship or cessation of ten percent (10%) ownership whichever is later and
if on the date of his death he held an Option that is not fully exercised, then
to the extent and for the period that the Optionee could have exercised the
Option under this Section 5.9 had he survived, the Option may be exercised by
the executor or administrator of the Optionee or by any person who acquires the
Option from the Optionee by bequest or inheritance. A "disability" shall, for
all purposes under this plan, be defined as set forth in Section 105(d)(4) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
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<PAGE>
5.10 Option Agreement and Further Conditions. As soon as practicable after
the grant of an Option each Optionee shall enter into, and be bound by the
terms of a nonqualified stock option agreement (the "Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement") which shall state the number of Shares to which the Option
pertains. The Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement shall set forth such terms,
conditions and restrictions regarding the Option not inconsistent with the Plan
as the Committee shall determine. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Committee, in its discretion, may impose further conditions upon
the exercisability of Options and restrictions on transferability with respect
to Shares issued upon exercise of Options.
5.11 Accelerated Vesting.
(a) Notwithstanding and in addition to 5.11(b) and (c) below, at any time,
and from time to time, in the sole discretion of the Committee, the Committee
may accelerate the vesting schedule of any Options issued under this Plan.
Where the Committee determines that it shall accelerate the vesting of any
option, it shall notify the affected Optionee in writing.
(b) In the event of a "Change in Control" of the Company, any Options not
yet exercisable shall immediately vest and become exercisable. For purposes of
this Agreement, "Change in Control" means the acquisition of the beneficial
ownership of a majority of the voting securities of the Company and/or
substantially all of the assets of the Company by a single person or entity or
a group of affiliated persons or entities. Such Options shall vest immediately
before the Change in Control."
(c) All options shall immediately rest on the death of any Eligible
Individual.
ARTICLE 6
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
6.1 Registration of Shares. The Company may, but shall not be obligated to
register the Options or the Shares received upon exercise of an Option, or
both, with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any state securities law
commission or agency. In the absence of such registration, both the Options and
the Shares:
(i) will be issued only pursuant to an exemption from registration;
(ii) cannot be sold, pledged, transferred or otherwise disposed of in
the absence of an effective registration statement or an opinion of
counsel satisfactory to the Company that such registration is not
required; and
(iii) will bear an appropriate restrictive legend setting forth the
statement contained in subparagraph (ii) above.
The Company shall not be required to sell or issue any Shares under any
Option if the issuance of such Shares would, in the judgment of the Company,
constitute or result in a violation by the Optionee or the Company of any
provision of law or regulation of any governmental agency. The Company at its
discretion, may require the Optionee to sign, when exercising an Option, an
investment letter satisfactory to the Company.
6.2 Application of Funds. The funds received by the Company upon the
exercise of Options and otherwise under the Plan shall be used for general
corporate purposes as permitted by law.
6.3 Withholding of Taxes. The obligation of the Company to deliver Shares
upon the exercise of any Option shall be subject to any applicable Federal,
state and local tax withholding requirements.
6.4 Governing Law. This Plan shall. to the maximum extent possible, be
governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
6.5 Employment Rights. The grant of an Option under this Plan shall not
impose on the Company or its subsidiary corporations any obligation to continue
to employ any Optionee or to retain him as a director, and the right of the
Company or its subsidiary corporations to terminate the directorship of any
person shall not be diminished or affected by reason of such grant of an
Option.
6.6 No Obligation to Exercise Option. The granting of an Option shall
impose no obligation upon an Optionee to exercise such Option.
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<PAGE>
6.7 Rights as a Stockholder. An Optionee shall have no rights as a
stockholder with respect to any Shares covered by his Option until the issuance
of a stock certificate to him representing such Shares.
6.8 Option Agreement and Further Conditions. As soon as practicable after
the grant of an Option, each Optionee shall enter into, and be bound by the
terms of, a nonqualified stock option agreement (the "Nonqualified Stock Option
Agreement") which shall state the number of Shares to which the Option
pertains. The Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement shall set forth such terms,
conditions and restrictions regarding the Option not inconsistent with the Plan
as the Committee shall determine. Without limiting the generality of the
foregoing, the Committee, in its discretion, may impose further conditions upon
the exercisability of Options and restrictions on transferability with respect
to Shares issued upon exercise of Options.
6.9 Withholding of Taxes. The obligation of the Company to deliver Shares
upon the exercise of any Option shall be subject to any applicable Federal,
state and local tax withholding requirements.
ARTICLE 7
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION
7.1 Authority of Board of Directors. Except as otherwise provided in
Section 7.2, the Board at any time, and from time to time, may suspend or
discontinue the Plan or amend it in any respect as the Board may deem
appropriate and in the best interests of the Company; provided, however, that
no such suspension, discontinuance or amendment shall materially impair the
rights of any holder of any Option granted under this Plan prior to such
amendment, suspension or termination, without the consent of such holder.
7.2 Shareholder Approval of Amendments. No amendment of this Plan shall be
made which would, without the approval of the shareholders holding at least a
majority of the outstanding shares of the Company voted at a meeting of such
shareholders: (a) materially increase the benefits accruing to participants
under the Plan; (b) increase the number of Shares that may be issued under the
Plan (except for adjustments permitted or required under Section 2.2 above);
materially modify the requirements as to eligibility for participation in the
Plan; or (d) extend the term during which Options may be granted or exercised.
7.3 Termination. No Options may be granted after ten years after the date
on which this Plan was approved by the Board, provided, however, that the Plan
and all outstanding Options shall remain in effect until such Options have
expired or vested, as the case may be, or are terminated in accordance with the
Plan.
ARTICLE 8
SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL AND EFFECTIVE DATE
This Plan is subject to the approval of the holders of at least a majority
of the votes cast by the holders of shares entitled to vote thereon, which
approval shall be obtained at the annual shareholder's meeting following the
adoption of the Plan by the Board. If the shareholders do not approve the Plan
as aforesaid, the Plan shall not be effective, and any and all actions taken
prior thereto shall be null and void or shall, if necessary, be deemed to have
been fully rescinded.
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This Proxy is Solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors
NEW BRUNSWICK SCIENTIFIC CO., INC.
PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
MAY 26, 1998
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints David Freedman, Sigmund
Freedman and Ezra Weisman, and each of them, proxies of the undersigned, with
full power of substitution to represent and vote, as designated on the reverse
side, all shares of the common stock of New Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc. (the
Corporation) which the undersigned could represent and vote if personally
present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Corporation to be held on
May 26, 1998, and at any adjournment thereof.
THIS PROXY IS CONTINUED ON THE REVERSE SIDE
<PAGE>
Please Detach and Mail in the Envelope Provided
Please mark your
A [X] votes as in this
example.
MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW
<TABLE>
FOR WITHHELD
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Class Nominees Term Expires
------- -------- ------------
1. Election of [ ] [ ] Class II Sigmund Freedman 2001 Annual Meeting
directors Class II Martin Siegel 2001 Annual Meeting
Class II Dr. David Pramer 2001 Annual Meeting
</TABLE>
For, except vote withheld from the following nominee(s)
- -------------------------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. The approval and adoption of an amendment to the New [ ] [ ] [ ]
Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc. 1991 Nonqualified Stock
Option Plan revising the provisions that relate to
vesting and payment.
3. The approval and adoption of an amendment to the New [ ] [ ] [ ]
Brunswick Scientific Co., Inc. 1989 Stock Option Plan
for Nonemployee Directors increasing the number of
authorized shares by 100,000 and revising the
provisions that relate to vesting and payment.
4. To approve and adopt the New Brunswick Scientific Co., [ ] [ ] [ ]
Inc. 1998 Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Ten
Percent Shareholder-Directors.
Management Recommends A Vote FOR Proposals 2, 3 and 4 Listed Above.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
SIGNATURE(S)___________________________________________ DATE ________________
Note: Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon. Executors,
administrators, trustees, etc., should so indicate when signing, giving
full title as such. If signer is a corporation, execute in full
corporate name by authorized officer. If shares held in the name of two
or more persons all should sign.
