<PAGE>
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
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or
Section 240.14a-12
CENTRAL SPRINKLER CORPORATION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
CENTRAL SPRINKLER CORPORATION
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/X/ $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(j)(2).
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11:*
----------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
----------------------------------------------------------------------
*Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined.
/ / 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>
CENTRAL GRAPHIC
CENTRAL SPRINKLER CORPORATION
------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MARCH 15, 1996
------
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS:
You are invited to be present either in person or by proxy at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders of Central Sprinkler Corporation (the "Company") to
be held at the Company's executive offices, 451 North Cannon Avenue,
Lansdale, Pennsylvania on Friday, March 15, 1996 at 11:00 a.m. for the
following purposes:
1. To elect nine directors to serve for one-year terms and until their
successors are elected and qualified;
2. To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the selection by the
Board of Directors of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent public
accountants for the Company for fiscal year 1996; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on February 2, 1996
as the record date for determining the shareholders entitled to notice of,
and to vote at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The Directors hope that you will find it convenient to attend the Meeting
in person, but whether or not you plan to attend, please sign, date and
return the enclosed proxy to assure that your shares are represented at the
Meeting. Returning your proxy does not deprive you of your right to attend
the Meeting and vote your shares in person.
/s/ George G. Meyer
--------------------------------
George G. Meyer, Secretary
February 7, 1996
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
This Proxy Statement is furnished to the shareholders of Central Sprinkler
Corporation (the "Company") in connection with the solicitation by the Board
of Directors of proxies to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Meeting") to be held on Friday, March 15, 1996, at the time and place and
for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of
Shareholders.
The approximate date upon which this Proxy Statement and the form of proxy
are to be mailed to shareholders is February 7, 1996.
If the enclosed proxy is executed and returned, it may nevertheless be
revoked at any time before it is exercised by giving written notice to the
Secretary of the Company, but mere attendance at the Meeting, without such
notice, will not revoke the proxy. Shares represented by a valid proxy that
is received pursuant to this solicitation and not revoked before it is
exercised will be voted as provided on the proxy at the Meeting or any
adjournments thereof.
The Company's executive offices are located at 451 North Cannon Avenue,
Lansdale, Pennsylvania 19446.
VOTING AT THE MEETING
Only holders of shares of Common Stock of the Company (the "Common Stock")
of record at the close of business on February 2, 1996 will be entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting. On February 2, 1996, 3,793,197 shares of Common
Stock, the only outstanding voting securities of the Company, were issued and
outstanding. Each share of Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all
matters.
The holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, present in
person or represented by proxy, constitute a quorum. Except for the election
of directors, for which a plurality is required, the affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at the
Meeting and entitled to vote is required for the adoption of the proposal to
ratify the selection of the independent accountants or to take action with
respect to any other matter as may properly be brought before the Meeting.
Shares cannot be voted at the Meeting unless the holder of record is present
in person or by proxy. The enclosed proxy is a means by which a shareholder
may authorize the voting of his or her shares at the Meeting. The shares of
Common Stock represented by each properly executed proxy card will be voted
at the Meeting in accordance with each shareholder's directions. Shareholders
are urged to specify their choices by marking the appropriate boxes on the
enclosed proxy; if no choice has been specified, the shares will be voted as
recommended by the Board of Directors. If any other matters are properly
presented to the Meeting for action, the proxy holders will vote the proxies
(which confer discretionary authority to vote on such matters) in accordance
with their judgment.
With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast in favor or
withheld; votes that are withheld will be excluded entirely from the vote and
will have no effect, other than for purposes of determining the presence of a
quorum. Abstentions may be specified on the proposal to ratify the selection
of the independent accountants (but not for the election of directors).
Abstentions will be considered present and entitled to vote at the Meeting,
but will not be counted as votes cast in the affirmative. Abstentions on the
proposal to ratify the selection of the independent accountants will have the
effect of a negative vote because this proposal requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of the shares present at the Meeting in person or represented
by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote.
1
<PAGE>
Brokers that are member firms of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and
who hold shares in street name for customers have the authority under the
rules of the NYSE to vote those shares with respect to the election of
directors and the proposal to ratify the selection of the independent
accountants if they have not received instructions from a beneficial owner. A
failure by brokers to vote those shares will have no effect in the outcome of
the election of directors and the adoption of the proposal to ratify the
selection of the independent accountants because such shares will not be
considered shares present and entitled to vote with respect to such matters.
Your proxy vote is important. Accordingly, you are asked to complete, sign
and return the accompanying proxy whether or not you plan to attend the
Meeting. If you plan to attend the Meeting to vote in person and your shares
are registered with the Company's transfer agent (StockTrans, Inc.) in the
name of a broker, bank or other custodian, nominee or fiduciary, you must
secure a proxy from such person assigning you the right to vote your shares.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of the Common Stock as of January 1, 1996 by (1) each
person known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the
outstanding Common Stock, (2) each director of the Company, (3) each
executive officer named in the summary compensation table included elsewhere
herein and (4) all executive officers and directors as a group. Percentages
of less than one percent have been omitted. Unless otherwise indicated, the
shares listed in the table are owned directly by the individual or entity, or
by both the individual and the individual's spouse, and the individual or
entity has sole voting and investment power as to shares shown or, in the
case of the individual, such power is shared with the individual's spouse.
2
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amount and Nature Percent
of Beneficial of
Ownership Class
----------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Over 5% Shareholders
Central Sprinkler Corporation Employee Stock(1) ............. 657,000 17.3%
Ownership Plan (the "Central ESOP")
451 North Cannon Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446
Delaware Management Company(2) .............................. 414,600 10.9%
One Commerce Square, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Wellington Management Company(2) ............................ 233,023 6.1%
75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.(2) ........................... 219,800 5.8%
1299 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Bentley Capital Management, Inc.(2) ......................... 207,900 5.5%
520 Madison Avenue, 34th Floor, New York, NY 10022
William J. Meyer(3)(4) ...................................... 241,378 6.2%
George G. Meyer(3)(5) ....................................... 222,535 5.7%
Stephen J. Meyer(3)(5) ...................................... 222,500 5.7%
451 North Cannon Avenue, Lansdale, PA 19446
Directors
Winston J. Churchill(6) ..................................... 2,000 --
Barbara M. Henagan(6) ....................................... 2,508 --
Joseph L. Jackson(6) ........................................ 2,325 --
Richard P. O'Leary(6) ....................................... 5,000 --
Thomas J. Sharbaugh(6)(8) ................................... 2,498 --
Timothy J. Wagg(7)(9) ....................................... 5,250 --
Executive Officers
James R. Buchanan(3)(10) .................................... 77,807 2.0%
Albert T. Sabol(3)(11) ...................................... 27,051 --
All executive officers and directors as a group (18
persons)(3)(12) ........................................... 924,221 21.7%
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) The amount shown excludes 123,000 shares that have been allocated to
Central ESOP participants and will be voted by such participants pursuant
to the Central ESOP provisions. Shares that are not voted by such
participants, along with the remaining unallocated shares, will be voted by
the Central ESOP trustees pursuant to the provisions of the Central ESOP,
which provides that such shares shall be voted in accordance with the
directions received with respect to the plurality of the allocated shares.
(2) Each of these shareholders holds all of its shares for the beneficial
interest of various clients or open-end investment companies for which it
acts as investment advisor. The amount shown for Delaware Management
3
<PAGE>
Company includes 344,900 shares (or 9.1%) owned by Delaware Group Trend
Fund, Inc. Based on the information contained in a Schedule 13G dated
January 4, 1995, Wellington Management Company had shared dispositive power
over all shares held as of that date, had no voting power with respect to
81,513 such shares (or 2.2%), and had shared voting power with respect to
the remaining shares held as of that date. Of the shares held by
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. ("DFAI"), DFAI has sole dispositive power
with respect to such shares and sole voting power with respect to 158,500
shares (or 4.2%). Certain officers of DFAI, who also act as officers of two
open-end investment companies that hold shares, may vote the remaining
61,300 shares held by DFAI. The number of shares listed for DFAI represents
the shares held as of September 30, 1995 and DFAI disclaims beneficial
ownership of all such shares. Of the shares held by Bentley Capital
Management, Inc., such holder has sole dispositive and voting power with
respect to such shares.
(3) The amount shown includes shares held for such officer's account in the
Central ESOP. Mr. George Meyer and Mr. Sabol are two of three trustees
of the Central ESOP and each of them disclaims beneficial ownership of
the shares owned of record by the Central ESOP.
(4) The amount shown includes 118,125 shares that may be acquired under
options that are currently exercisable.
(5) The amount shown includes 113,125 shares that may be acquired under
options that are currently exercisable.
(6) The amount shown includes 2,000 shares that may be acquired under
options that are currently exercisable.
(7) The amount shown includes 4,000 shares that may be acquired under
options that are currently exercisable.
(8) The amount shown includes 125 shares that are owned by Mr. Sharbaugh's
minor daughter.
(9) Mr. Wagg disclaims beneficial ownership of an additional 625 shares
owned by his wife.
(10) The amount shown includes 31,875 shares that may be acquired under
options that are currently exercisable.
(11) The amount shown includes 24,375 shares that may be acquired under
options that are currently exercisable.
(12) The amount shown includes 466,500 shares that may be acquired under
options that are currently exercisable.
4
<PAGE>
NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Bylaws of the Company provide that the Board of Directors will consist
of three to eleven directors, as determined from time to time by resolution
of the Board. The Board has fixed the number of directors at nine, all of
whom are to be elected at the 1996 Annual Meeting. Each such director will
serve until the 1997 Annual Meeting and until a successor has been elected
and qualified or until the director's earlier resignation or removal. Each
nominee has consented to be named in this Proxy Statement and to serve if
elected.
If any nominee becomes unavailable for any reason or if a vacancy occurs
for any other reason before the election (which events are not anticipated),
the shares represented by the enclosed proxy may be voted for such other
person as may be determined by the holders of such proxies.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the nominees for
director.
NOMINEES
The persons nominated to be directors of the Company are listed below. All
of the nominees listed below are currently directors of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position(s) with the Company and, where indicated, with
the Company's primary operating subsidiary, Central Sprinkler
Name Age Company ("Central Sprinkler")
-------------------- ----- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Winston J. Churchill 55 Chairman of the Board and Director
William J. Meyer 75 President and Director; Chairman of the Board and Treasurer of
Central Sprinkler
George G. Meyer 46 Chief Executive Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and Director;
President and Chief Executive Officer of Central Sprinkler
Stephen J. Meyer 44 Director; Executive Vice President of Central Sprinkler
Barbara M. Henagan 36 Director
Joseph L. Jackson 68 Director
Richard P. O'Leary 57 Director
Thomas J. Sharbaugh 44 Director
Timothy J. Wagg 61 Director
</TABLE>
WINSTON J. CHURCHILL -- Mr. Churchill has been Chairman of the Board and a
director of the Company and a director of Central Sprinkler since 1984. Mr.
Churchill has been the President of Churchill Investment Partners, Inc., a
private investment firm, since 1989. He was a partner of Bradford Associates,
a private investment firm, from 1984 to 1989. Mr. Churchill is also Chairman
of the Board of IBAH, Inc., Geotek Industries, Inc. and Tescorp, Inc.
WILLIAM J. MEYER -- Mr. Meyer has been President and a director of the
Company and Chairman of the Board of Central Sprinkler since 1984. He has
also served Central Sprinkler as a director and Treasurer since 1975 and as
President from 1975 to 1984.
GEORGE G. MEYER -- Mr. Meyer has been Chief Executive Officer since 1987
and Secretary and Treasurer of the Company since 1985, and a director of the
Company and President and a director of Central Sprinkler since 1984. He was
Executive Vice President of the Company from 1985 to 1987.
5
<PAGE>
STEPHEN J. MEYER -- Mr. Meyer has been a director of the Company and
Executive Vice President of Central Sprinkler since 1986. He has been a
director of Central Sprinkler since 1983.
BARBARA M. HENAGAN -- Ms. Henagan has been a director of the Company since
1986. She has been a Senior Managing Director (since 1992) and a Managing
Director (since 1990) of Bradford Ventures Ltd., a private investment firm.
Ms. Henagan has been a general partner of Bradford Associates since 1986.
JOSEPH L. JACKSON -- Mr. Jackson has been a director of the Company since
1986. He has been the Executive Vice President of Churchill Investment
Partners, Inc., a private investment firm, since 1990. Mr. Jackson was also
Secretary and Treasurer (from 1990 to 1993) and Chief Financial Officer (from
1992 to 1993) of IBAH, Inc. He was Executive Director-Corporate Treasury of
Bell Atlantic Corporation from December 1987 until his retirement in December
1989.
RICHARD P. O'LEARY -- Mr. O'Leary has been a director of the Company since
1990. He is a Consultant, and he was former Vice President of Betz
Laboratories, Inc. from January 1990 until his retirement in March 1991. He
was President and Chief Operating Officer of Betz Equipment Systems, a
division of Betz Laboratories, Inc., from 1987 and Vice President & General
Manager of Betz Genesis Division of Betz Laboratories, Inc. prior to that
time.
THOMAS J. SHARBAUGH -- Mr. Sharbaugh has been a director of the Company
since 1986. He has been a partner in the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
LLP since 1988.
TIMOTHY J. WAGG -- Mr. Wagg has been a director of the Company since 1984.
He is a Financial Consultant and he was Vice President, Administration of
Stone-Consolidated Inc. (forest products and packaging, formerly
Consolidated-Bathurst Inc.) from March 1989 until his retirement in July
1991. He served as Vice President, Planning and Administration from November
1988 to March 1989, and as Vice President, Finance prior to that time.
George G. Meyer and Stephen J. Meyer are brothers and are sons of William
J. Meyer.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
There were four regular meetings and one special meeting of the Board of
Directors in the 1995 fiscal year. During this period, each incumbent
director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (1) the total number of
meetings of the Board held during the period for which such incumbent was a
director, and (2) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the
Board on which such incumbent served.
Director Compensation
Directors of the Company who are not full time employees of the Company or
its operating subsidiaries receive $2,000 for each meeting attended, as well
as an annual retainer of $8,000. In addition, upon the date that directors
are elected or reelected, each non-employee director shall receive options to
acquire 2,000 shares of Common Stock under the Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan. The price per share shall be equal to the fair market value of
the Common Stock as determined in accordance with the terms of the plan. The
options are exercisable immediately and for ten years from the date of grant.
With each option grant, the director shall also receive option surrender
rights ("OSRs"). A participant may exercise an OSR only during the 60-day period
following a Change of Control (as defined in the plan). Upon exercise of an OSR
6
<PAGE>
and the surrender of the related option, the participant has the right to
receive an amount in cash equal to the difference between the exercise price of
the related option and the higher of (i) the highest price paid for a share of
Common Stock in a Change of Control transaction or transactions or (ii) the
highest price paid for the Common Stock during the 60-day period immediately
preceding the Change of Control. When an OSR is exercised, a corresponding
amount of the related option is canceled, and conversely when an Option is
exercised, a corresponding amount of the related OSR is canceled.
Board Committees
The Board of Directors has several committees, including an Audit
Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Stock Option Committee, but it does
not have a Nominating Committee. Non-employee directors are paid $750 for
each Audit Committee meeting or other committee meeting that is held
independently of a meeting of the full Board, and $500 for each other
committee meeting held in connection with a meeting of the full Board.
The Audit Committee consists of two non-employee directors, Messrs. Wagg
and Jackson. The Audit Committee meets with the Company's independent
auditors and with the appropriate corporate officers for the purposes of
reviewing matters relating to the corporate financial reporting and
accounting procedures and policies of the Company and its subsidiaries and
reporting thereon to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee also
recommends to the Board the appointment of the Company's independent
auditors, subject to ratification by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting.
The Audit Committee held three meetings during the 1995 fiscal year.
The Compensation Committee consists of five directors, Ms. Henagan and
Messrs. Churchill, William J. Meyer, O'Leary and Sharbaugh. The Compensation
Committee reviews with the principal executive officers of the Company the
compensation of all officers of the Company and its subsidiaries. It also
negotiates the terms of employment of the principal executive officers of the
Company and its subsidiaries and negotiates such employment contracts as may
be necessary in connection therewith. The Compensation Committee held two
meetings during the 1995 fiscal year.
The Stock Option Committee consists of four directors, Ms. Henagan and
Messrs. Churchill, O'Leary and Sharbaugh. The Stock Option Committee
administers the Company's stock option plans. The Stock Option Committee held
no meetings during the 1995 fiscal year.
7
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes the compensation of the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the four other most highly compensated executive
officers of the Company or its operating subsidiary, Central Sprinkler, for
the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term
Annual Compensation Compensation
--------------------------------- --------------
Name and Principal Other
Position Year Salary Bonus Payout(1) Compensation(2)
-------------------------- ------ ---------- ---------- --------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
George G. Meyer 1995 $332,692 $401,700 -- $ 10,587
Chief Executive Officer 1994 250,962 137,386 -- 16,318
1993 231,315 55,452 -- 16,658
William J. Meyer 1995 220,000 418,180 $120,000 24,104
President 1994 217,629 172,290 120,000 26,778
1993 201,484 71,811 30,000 28,088
Stephen J. Meyer 1995 240,481 305,890 -- 9,964
Executive Vice President, 1994 190,915 80,093 -- 15,241
Central Sprinkler 1993 167,387 55,841 -- 16,174
James R. Buchanan 1995 165,923 88,065 -- 9,778
Vice President of Sales, 1994 155,918 36,385 -- 13,356
Central Sprinkler 1993 151,887 19,809 -- 12,607
Albert T. Sabol 1995 162,807 88,065 -- 10,537
Vice President, Finance 1994 133,726 36,385 -- 12,624
of the Company and 1993 110,661 8,180 -- 10,166
Central Sprinkler
</TABLE>
- ------------
(1) Amount represents payments under a deferred compensation arrangement,
pursuant to such executive officer's employment agreement, which pays the
executive officer $10,000 per month from August 1993 through July 1998.
(2) (a) Includes the following amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the
executive officer for the year indicated to his respective account under
the Company's 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust: 1995 -- George G.
Meyer, William J. Meyer, Stephen J. Meyer, James R. Buchanan, and Albert T.
Sabol, $3,000; 1994 -- George G. Meyer and William J. Meyer, $4,716;
Stephen J. Meyer, $4,282; James R. Buchanan, $3,989; and Albert T. Sabol,
$3,435; and 1993 -- George G. Meyer, William J. Meyer and Stephen J. Meyer,
$4,576; James R. Buchanan, $3,240; and Albert T. Sabol, $2,288.
(b) Includes the following amounts paid by the Company on behalf of the
executive officer for the year indicated to his respective account under the
Central ESOP: 1995 -- George G. Meyer, William J. Meyer, Stephen J. Meyer,
James R. Buchanan, and Albert T. Sabol, $4,962; 1994 -- George G. Meyer,
William J. Meyer and Stephen J. Meyer, $9,331; James R. Buchanan, $8,022;
and Albert T. Sabol, $6,916; and 1993 -- George G. Meyer and
8
<PAGE>
William J. Meyer, $10,909; Stephen J. Meyer, $10,710; James R. Buchanan,
$8,449; and Albert T. Sabol, $6,011.
(c) Includes premiums for term life insurance paid by the Company on behalf
of the executive officer for the year indicated: 1995 -- George G. Meyer,
$2,625; William J. Meyer, $16,142; Stephen J. Meyer, $2,002; James R.
Buchanan, $1,816; and Albert T. Sabol, $2,575; 1994 -- George G. Meyer,
$2,271; William J. Meyer, $12,731; Stephen J. Meyer, $1,628; James R.
Buchanan, $1,345; and Albert T. Sabol, $2,273; and 1993 -- George G. Meyer,
$1,173; William J. Meyer, $12,603; Stephen J. Meyer, $888; James R.
Buchanan, $918; and Albert T. Sabol, $1,867. The death benefit under such
life insurance is three times the executive officer's annual salary.
The following table summarizes certain information regarding the number
and value of stock options for the persons named in the Summary Compensation
Table at October 31, 1995. Year end values are based upon the closing price
of a share of the Company's Common Stock on October 31, 1995 of $33.00. No
stock options were granted to the executive officers of the Company during
fiscal 1995.
AGGREGATED STOCK OPTION EXERCISES IN FISCAL 1995
AND FISCAL YEAR-END STOCK OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Value of
Securities Unexercised
Shares Underlying In-the-Money
Acquired Unexercised Options Options at
on Exercise at October 31, 1995 October 31,
(Number Value (Number of Shares; 1995 (All
Name of Shares) Realized All Exercisable) Exercisable)
------ ------------- ---------- ------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
George G. Meyer .. -- -- 113,125 $2,465,700
William J. Meyer . -- -- 118,125 2,561,700
Stephen J. Meyer . -- -- 113,125 2,465,700
James R. Buchanan 20,000 $449,850 31,875 620,200
Albert T. Sabol .. 15,000 333,925 24,375 468,000
</TABLE>
Incentive Compensation Plan
The Company has an Incentive Compensation Plan, administered by the
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which provides awards to
designated officers and other employees. The plan provides for aggregate
awards in an amount equal to 8.0% of consolidated monthly operating income,
as defined in the plan, to be credited to the incentive compensation fund
each year. In fiscal 1995, this total was allocated to executive officers and
key employees, based on specified percentage participations in the Plan. The
awards made to the persons named in the Summary Compensation Table are
included in the amounts listed in the table.
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust
All non-union Central Sprinkler employees who have attained age 21 and
completed one year of service are eligible to participate in Central Sprinkler's
401(k) Profit Sharing Plan and Trust. Under the terms of the plan, the Company
has agreed to match 100% of each participant's basic contributions ("Basic
Contributions"). The Basic Contribution is limited to 2% of the participant's
total compensation. A participant may also make supplemental contributions of up
to the maximum permissible amount allowed by law ("Supplemental Contributions").
9
<PAGE>
Basic and Supplemental Contributions are made on a pre-tax basis. In addition, a
participant may contribute up to 10% of compensation as an after-tax
contribution ("Voluntary Contribution"). The Company may also, in its
discretion, make an additional contribution to the Plan out of its current or
accumulated net profits. Any additional Company contribution would be allocated
to the accounts of all participants in the proportion that each participant's
Basic Contributions for the year bear to the total Basic Contributions of all
participants for the year. All such contributions are subject to applicable
contribution and annual addition limitations imposed by the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended.
Company contributions vest at the rate of 25% after three years of service
and an additional 25% for each succeeding year of service. A participant is
fully vested in his Basic, Supplemental and Voluntary Contributions at all
times and in his Company contributions upon the earliest of completion of six
years of service, attainment of age 55, death or disability. A participant
may withdraw his Voluntary Contributions once a year. Basic Contributions and
earnings on both Basic and Supplemental Contributions may be withdrawn by a
participant upon attainment of age 59 1/2 or for financial hardship. At
termination of employment for any reason, a participant receives his vested
benefits in the form of a lump sum cash payment or annuity, or a combination
of both.
A participant may borrow up to the amount of the sum of his Basic,
Supplemental and Voluntary Contributions and the vested balance of his
Company contributions, except that if the loan amount exceeds $10,000, the
limitation is 50% of such sum, and in no event may the loan exceed $50,000.
Loans must be repaid within a period and at an interest rate determined by
the plan committee.
For the past three years, the Company has made no discretionary
contributions. The Company's matching contributions that were credited to the
accounts of the named persons listed in the Summary Compensation Table above
are included in such table.
Deferred Compensation Plan
In August 1978, Central Sprinkler established a Deferred Compensation Plan
for selected officers, at the level of Vice President and above of Central
Sprinkler, who have been employees for at least three years. There is
presently only one officer (Albert H. Schoenberger, Jr.) in the plan. The
plan provides retirement benefits based on individually established
percentages of average annual pretax earnings for the three years prior to
leaving Central Sprinkler. Vesting is based on age and the number of years of
service with Central Sprinkler. Vested amounts are payable to the participant
or a surviving spouse over a ten-year period commencing the later of the date
the selected officer leaves Central Sprinkler or age 60. The plan also
provides for forfeiture of all rights to benefits under certain
circumstances.
Inasmuch as the payments to be made under the plan are tied to earnings,
Central Sprinkler has guaranteed minimum retirement payments to those
officers selected to participate in the plan. These guaranteed payments equal
$20,000 per year for Mr. Schoenberger. To be eligible for the minimum
payments, the participant must remain in the employ of Central Sprinkler
until age 62 and, thereafter, not engage in any activities which compete with
Central Sprinkler. These minimum payments are to be reduced by amounts earned
under the formula described above. Currently, the minimum payments exceed the
amount provided under the average earnings formula.
Employment Contracts
In March 1990, William J. Meyer, George G. Meyer and Stephen J. Meyer,
entered into employment agreements with Central Sprinkler, under which their
employment could not be terminated without five years' prior notice by either
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party. The employment agreements of William J. Meyer and George G. Meyer provide
for a minimum annual salary of not less than $220,000 and $350,000,
respectively, and entitle the executive to an annual bonus for each fiscal year
in an amount equal to a specified dollar payment for each $1,000 increase over
the Company's consolidated net profits for the 1985 fiscal year (the
"Income-Based Bonus"). For the 1993 and 1994 fiscal years, William J. Meyer and
George G. Meyer were each entitled to receive an Income-Based Bonus equal to
$12.50 for each $1,000 increase over the Company's consolidated net profits for
the 1985 fiscal year. The Income-Based Bonus paid to each officer for the 1993
and 1994 fiscal years was $6,375 and $27,000, respectively. On January 5, 1996,
the employment agreements of William J. Meyer and George G. Meyer were amended
to reduce their Income-Based Bonus payments, thereby permitting Stephen J. Meyer
to participate in the Income-Based Bonus plan without increasing the aggregate
bonus percentage paid by the Company. Commencing with the 1995 fiscal year,
William J. Meyer and George G. Meyer are entitled to an Income-Based Bonus equal
to $10.00 and $7.50, respectively, for each $1,000 increase over the Company's
consolidated net profits for the 1985 fiscal year. The Income-Based Bonus paid
to William J. Meyer and George G. Meyer for the 1995 fiscal year was $65,920 and
$49,440, respectively. Each agreement also guarantees a minimum participation
interest in the Company's Incentive Compensation Plan. Stephen J. Meyer's
employment agreement provides for a minimum annual salary of not less than
$250,000 and entitles him to a minimum participation interest in the Company's
Incentive Compensation Plan. Effective June 1992, the Company established a
monthly commission program for Stephen J. Meyer under which commissions were
paid on sales of certain Company products. The program was terminated in January
1993. The commissions of $19,851 earned in the two-month period of fiscal 1993
are included in the Summary Compensation Table above. In connection with the
aforementioned amendments to the employment agreements of William J. Meyer and
George G. Meyer, Stephen J. Meyer's employment agreement was amended on January
5, 1996 to provide him with an Income-Based Bonus for each fiscal year,
commencing with the 1995 fiscal year, in an amount equal to $7.50 for each
$1,000 increase over the Company's consolidated net profits for the 1985 fiscal
year. The Income-Based Bonus paid to Stephen J. Meyer for the 1995 fiscal year
was $49,440.
In September 1992, James R. Buchanan, William J. Pardue and Albert T.
Sabol each entered into an amended employment agreement with Central
Sprinkler, which provides for a minimum annual salary of $168,000, $142,000
and $168,000, respectively, for an additional five-year term effective August
1993 through August 1998, and successive one-year renewals, unless notice of
termination is given by either the employee or Central Sprinkler at least
ninety days prior to the end of the initial or a renewal term. The agreement
also guarantees a minimum participation interest in the Company's Incentive
Compensation Plan.
George S. Polan entered into a five-year employment agreement with Central
Sprinkler in October 1992. The agreement provides for an annual salary of not
less than $92,500. The agreement automatically renews for additional one-year
terms unless either party terminates the agreement at the end of a term.
Albert H. Schoenberger, Jr. entered into a five-year employment agreement
with Central Sprinkler in February 1986. The agreement provides for an annual
salary of not less than $92,500. The agreement automatically renews for
additional one-year terms unless either party terminates the agreement at the
end of a term. The agreement has been renewed for a one-year term through
February 1997.
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James E. Golinveaux entered into a three-year employment agreement with
Central Sprinkler on November 30, 1995. The agreement provides for an annual
salary of not less than $120,000. The agreement automatically renews for
additional one-year terms unless notice of termination is given by either the
employee or Central Sprinkler at least ninety days prior to the end of the
initial or a renewal term.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND
INSIDER PARTICIPATION
William J. Meyer, the President of the Company, served on the Compensation
Committee during fiscal 1995.
Barbara M. Henagan and Winston J. Churchill served on the Compensation
Committee during fiscal 1995. Ms. Henagan is a partner in Bradford
Associates. The Company has agreements with Bradford Ventures Ltd., an
affiliate of Bradford Associates, and Churchill Investment Partners, Inc., a
company of which Mr. Churchill is the President, under which each entity has
agreed to provide various financial consulting services to the Company until
October 1996 for an annual fee of $87,500, plus out-of-pocket expenses. The
agreements automatically renew for successive one-year terms unless notice of
termination is given by either party at least 90 days prior to the end of any
term. During the 1995 fiscal year, the Company paid each entity $87,500 for
services rendered and expenses incurred under such agreements.
Mr. Sharbaugh served on the Compensation Committee during fiscal 1995. He
is a partner in the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. The Company
retained this firm for various matters during the 1995 fiscal year and
expects to do so again during the 1996 fiscal year.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the following report of the
Compensation Committee and the performance graph on page 15 shall not be
deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by
reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, or under the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall
not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Company's Compensation Committee consists of five directors: Winston
J. Churchill, Barbara M. Henagan, William J. Meyer, Richard P. O'Leary and
Thomas J. Sharbaugh.
The Company's compensation policies, plans and programs, as developed and
implemented by the Compensation Committee, seek to maintain the high level of
technical expertise necessary to ensure profitability, to attract and retain
professional management and to motivate the Company's executive officers to
perform to the full extent of their capabilities.
The Company has entered into employment agreements with George G. Meyer,
the Company's chief executive officer, and eight other current executive
officers of the Company. The agreements set the base salary of these
officers. These agreements expire at various dates from 1996 to 2001, but
have renewal terms.
During fiscal 1995, the Committee approved an increase in the base salary for
Mr. George Meyer from $250,000 to $350,000. The increase was the result of the
Committee's review of Mr. Meyer's performance relating to the Company's
improving market share in the sprinkler industry, the results of the Company's
investment in research and development, the performance of the Company's stock
on the NASDAQ/NMS stock market, the results of operations of the Company during
12
<PAGE>
the past two years and Mr. Meyer's achievement of the Committee's specific goal
that he guide the Company with a view toward its long-term competitive position.
There was no change to Mr. Meyer's base salary during fiscal 1994. During fiscal
1993, the Committee approved an increase in the base salary for Mr. Meyer from
$201,000 to $250,000.
In adjusting an executive officer's base salary and in determining the
salary of new executive officers, the Committee sets salaries to be
competitive with other comparable companies, taking into consideration the
results of the Company, if applicable, the position's complexity and
responsibility and the need for special expertise. In addition, the Committee
also uses the performance criteria that were used in determining Mr. George
Meyer's base salary discussed above. The Company has enjoyed a long-standing
relationship with its executive officers, most of whom have worked for the
Company for many years. The Committee will continue to match the Company's
goals of increased profitability and shareholder return with executive
performance.
The Stock Option Committee, as Plan Administrator of the Company's
Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plans, and the Compensation
Committee, as Plan Administrator of the Company's Employee Stock Ownership
Plan, use stock options and grants of stock as an additional incentive to
employees. The objective of these plans is to align employee interests,
including senior management, with shareholder long-term interests. Individual
grants under the plans are based on individual performance or, with respect
to the Central ESOP, annual compensation.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, limits
the deduction that may be claimed by a "public company" for total
compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the chief executive officer or
to any of the other four most highly compensated officers except to the
extent that any compensation in excess of $1 million is paid pursuant to a
performance-based plan. This provision became effective November 1, 1994 with
respect to the Company. After considering the application of Section 162(m)
to its compensation policies, the Committee has determined that the
provisions of that Section would not affect the compensation of any of the
executive officers of the Company. To the extent that this might not continue
to be the case, the Committee would consider any changes necessary to conform
to the provisions of Section 162(m).
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
Winston J. Churchill Barbara M. Henagan William J. Meyer
Richard P. O'Leary Thomas J. Sharbaugh
Certain Transactions
The Company leases an aircraft from a business in which Stephen J. Meyer,
a director and executive officer of the Company, is the sole proprietor.
During fiscal 1995, the Company paid such business $322,000 for the use of
such aircraft.
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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors has selected the firm of Arthur Andersen LLP as
independent public accountants to audit the books, records and accounts of
the Company for fiscal year 1996. This firm audited the Company's books for
fiscal year 1995, has no ownership interest in the Company and is considered
to be well qualified.
A representative of Arthur Andersen LLP is expected to be present at the
Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if he desires to
do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions at the
Meeting. If the shareholders do not ratify the selection of this firm, the
selection of another firm of independent public accountants will be
considered by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the proposal to ratify the
selection of Arthur Andersen LLP as independent public accountants.
14
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the cumulative total shareholder return on the
Common Stock with the cumulative total shareholder return of (i) the Standard
& Poors Building Material Index (the "S&P Index") and (ii) the NASDAQ Stock
Market (U.S.) Index (the "NASDAQ Index"), assuming an investment of $100 on
October 31, 1990 in each of the Common Stock of the Company, the NASDAQ Index
stocks and the S&P Index stocks. The graph assumes dividend reinvestment.
COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMONG CENTRAL SPRINKLER CORPORATION, THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET-US INDEX
AND THE S & P BUILDING MATERIALS INDEX
350 |---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
- * -
| # |
300 |---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
- -
D | |
250 |----------------------------------*+--------*------------------------|
O | + |
- -
L | |
200 |------------------------*--------------------------------------------|
L | * + + |
- -
A | + |
150 |---------------------------------------------------------------------|
R | |
- -
S | # |
100 |---#*+--------#-----------------------------#------------------------|
| |
- # -
| |
50 |---------------------------------------------------------------------|
| |
- -
| |
0 |----|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|---------|----|
10/90 10/91 10/92 10/93 10/94 10/95
---------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTRAL SPRINKLER CORPORATION NASDAQ STOCK MARKET-US
--#-- --*--
S & P BUILDING MATERIALS
--+--
---------------------------------------------------------------------
* $100 INVESTED ON 10/31/90 IN STOCK OR INDEX -
INCLUDING REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS.
FISCAL YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 31.
15
<PAGE>
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matter which will be presented at
the Meeting for action by the shareholders. However, if other matters
properly come before the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, it is intended
that the proxies will be voted according to the judgment of the person
authorized to act by the proxies. If the enclosed proxy is properly executed
and returned prior to voting at the Meeting, the shares represented thereby
will be voted in accordance with the instructions marked thereon. In the
absence of such instructions, the shares will be voted for the nominees of
the Company in the election of directors and for the other proposals
specified in the Notice.
The expense of this solicitation will be paid by the Company. If
necessary, some of the officers of the Company and regular employees of
Central Sprinkler may solicit proxies personally or by telephone.
Further information regarding the Company is set forth in the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995 which
has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Form 10-K
(including financial statements and schedules, but without exhibits) may be
obtained free of charge by writing to: Central Sprinkler Corporation, 451
North Cannon Avenue, Lansdale, Pennsylvania 19446. Copies of exhibits to the
Form 10-K will be furnished upon request and the payment of a reasonable fee.
A copy of the Company's 1995 Annual Report to Shareholders, which includes
financial statements, is being transmitted herewith, but does not form a part
of the proxy solicitation materials.
Shareholders are reminded that proposals of shareholders intended to be
presented at the Company's next Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 1997 must
be received by the Company for inclusion in its Proxy Statement and form of
proxy relating to that Meeting by October 8, 1996.
The Board of Directors will appreciate the prompt return of the enclosed
proxy, dated and signed. You may revoke your proxy before it is exercised by
giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, and you may vote in
person if you attend the Meeting.
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<PAGE>
PROXY CENTRAL SPRINKLER CORPORATION PROXY
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, MARCH 15, 1996
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints WILLIAM J. MEYER and GEORGE G. MEYER, and
each of them, jointly and severally, proxies, with full power of
substitution, to vote, as designated below and on the reverse side hereof,
all shares of Common Stock which the undersigned is entitled to vote on the
election of directors, the proposals on the reverse side hereof and on all
other matters which may come before the 1996 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of Central Sprinkler Corporation or any adjournment thereof.
The shares represented by this Proxy, duly executed, will be voted. If
instructions are given in the spaces below and on the reverse side hereof,
the shares will be voted in accordance therewith; if instructions are not
given, the shares will be voted for the election of the directors named in
Proposal 1 below and in favor of Proposal 2 set forth on the reverse side
hereof.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.
FOR all nominees listed [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for [ ]
(except as marked to all nominees listed below
the contrary)
(Winston J. Churchill, William J. Meyer, George G. Meyer, Stephen J. Meyer,
Barbara M. Henagan, Joseph L. Jackson, Richard P. O'Leary, Thomas J. Sharbaugh
and Timothy J. Wagg)
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee,
strike a line through that nominee's name in the list above.)
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side)
2. PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS INDEPENDENT
PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS.
FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN [ ]
3. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Dated: , 1996
---------------------------
[SEAL]
---------------------------------
Signature
---------------------------------------
Signature if held jointly
