<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant / /
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant /X/
Check the appropriate box:
/ / Preliminary Proxy Statement
/ / Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
/X/ Definitive Proxy Statement
/ / Definitive Additional Materials
/ / Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section
240.14a-12
AMERICAN COLLOID COMPANY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
MERRILL CORPORATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
/ / $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(i)(2) or
Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
/ / $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule
14a-6(i)(3).
/ / Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
/X/ 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>
AMERICAN COLLOID COMPANY
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 9, 1995
To the Stockholders of
American Colloid Company:
Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting of stockholders of American
Colloid Company, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be held at the
offices of Keck, Mahin & Cate, Suite 4900, 77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago,
Illinois 60601-1693 on Tuesday, May 9, 1995, at 11:00 A.M., Central Daylight
Savings Time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect nine (9) directors for the ensuing year or until their
successors are elected and qualified;
2. To consider and act upon a proposal to amend the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the classification of the
Board of Directors into three classes, with one class being elected each
year;
3. To consider and act upon a proposal to amend the Company's Restated
Certificate of Incorporation to change the Company's name to AMCOL
International Corporation;
4. To ratify the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent
accountants for 1995; and
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
Stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 31, 1995 will be
entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Shares should be represented as fully as
possible, since a majority is required to constitute a quorum.
Please mark, sign, date and mail the accompanying proxy in the enclosed
self-addressed, postage paid envelope, whether or not you expect to attend the
meeting in person. You may revoke your proxy at the meeting should you be
present and desire to vote your shares in person, and you may revoke your proxy
for any reason at any time prior to the voting thereof, either by written
revocation prior to the meeting or by appearing at the meeting and voting in
person. Your cooperation is respectfully solicited.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Clarence O. Redman
SECRETARY
Arlington Heights, Illinois
April 7, 1995
<PAGE>
AMERICAN COLLOID COMPANY
ONE NORTH ARLINGTON
1500 WEST SHURE DRIVE, SUITE 500
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, ILLINOIS 60004-7803
(708) 392-4600
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 9, 1995
INTRODUCTION
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of
American Colloid Company (the "Company") in connection with the annual meeting
of stockholders to be held on Tuesday, May 9, 1995, at 11:00 A.M., Central
Daylight Savings Time, and any adjournment thereof ("Annual Meeting"), at the
offices of Keck, Mahin & Cate, Suite 4900, 77 West Wacker Drive, Chicago,
Illinois 60601-1693.
The cost of proxy solicitation will be borne by the Company. In addition to
the solicitation of proxies by the use of the mails, certain officers and other
regular employees of the Company may devote part of their time (but will not be
specifically compensated therefor) to solicitation by facsimile, telephone or in
person. Proxies may be revoked at any time prior to voting. Revocation may be
done prior to the meeting by written revocation sent to the Secretary of the
Company, American Colloid Company, One North Arlington, 1500 West Shure Drive,
Suite 500, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004-7803; or it may be done personally
upon oral or written request at the Annual Meeting.
This proxy statement was first mailed or delivered to stockholders on or
about April 7, 1995.
RECORD DATE; VOTING SECURITIES OUTSTANDING
The close of business on March 31, 1995 is the record date for determining
the holders of Common Stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock"), of the Company
entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
As of March 31, 1995, the Company had outstanding voting securities
consisting of 19,128,048 shares of Common Stock. Each holder of record of
outstanding Common Stock at the close of business on March 31, 1995 will be
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Presence in person or by proxy of
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Common Stock will constitute
a quorum at the Annual Meeting. A broker non-vote is not counted in determining
voting results. If a stockholder, present in person or by proxy, abstains on any
matter, the stockholder's shares will not be voted on such matter. Thus, an
abstention from voting on a matter has the same legal effect as a vote "AGAINST"
the matter.
1
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP
The following table sets forth, with respect to the Company's Common Stock,
all persons known to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the
Company's Common Stock as of February 21, 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES
AND NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT OF
BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) CLASS
------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Harris Trust and Savings Bank ........................................... 2,167,834(2) 11.37%
Paul Bechtner Trust
111 West Monroe Street
Chicago, Illinois 60690
Everett P. Weaver ....................................................... 2,179,834(3)(4) 11.44%
660 Pine Street
Winnetka, Illinois 60093
William D. Weaver ....................................................... 2,911,766(3)(5) 15.28%
117 DeWindt Road
Winnetka, Illinois 60093
<FN>
------------------------
(1) Nature of beneficial ownership is direct unless otherwise indicated by
footnote. Beneficial ownership as shown in the table arises from sole
voting and investment power unless otherwise indicated by footnote.
(2) Voting and investment power are shared by the trustees of this trust. See
note (3) below.
(3) Includes 2,167,834 shares held in the Paul Bechtner Trust as to which
Messrs. Everett P. Weaver, William D. Weaver and the Harris Trust and
Savings Bank are co-trustees and share voting and investment power.
(4) Includes 12,000 shares in a trust as to which voting and investment power
are shared with Mr. Weaver's wife.
(5) Includes 486,828 shares held in a living trust as to which Mr. Weaver
exercises sole voting and investment power. Also includes 150,000 shares
held by his wife and 30,000 shares held by his wife as trustee for the
benefit of her brother and 23,900 shares held by his wife for the benefit
of their grandchildren as to which Mr. Weaver may be deemed to share voting
and investment power.
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE>
The following table sets forth, as of February 21, 1995 with respect to the
Common Stock, shares beneficially owned by: (i) each director; (ii) the Chief
Executive Officer; (iii) the four other most highly compensated executive
officers; and (iv) as a group, such persons and other executive officers.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES AND
NATURE OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) OF CLASS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Arthur Brown............................................................... 12,480(2) *
Robert E. Driscoll, III.................................................... 318,200(3) 1.67%
Raymond A. Foos............................................................ 63,941(4) *
John Hughes................................................................ 544,895(5) 2.86%
Robert C. Humphrey......................................................... 52,704(6) *
C. Eugene Ray.............................................................. 90,480(7) *
Clarence O. Redman......................................................... 71,025(8) *
Paul G. Shelton............................................................ 272,092(9) 1.43%
Paul C. Weaver............................................................. 249,260(10) 1.31%
Lawrence E. Washow......................................................... 290,823(11) 1.53%
Robert C. Steele........................................................... 25,502(12) *
Roger P. Palmer............................................................ 24,582(13) *
All of the above and other executive officers as a group (13 persons)...... 1,667,080(14) 8.75%
<FN>
------------------------
* Percentage represents less than 1% of the total shares of Common Stock
outstanding as of February 21, 1995.
(1) Nature of beneficial ownership is direct unless otherwise indicated by
footnote. Beneficial ownership as shown in the table arises from sole
voting and investment power unless otherwise indicated by footnote.
(2) Includes 12,480 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 164,700 shares held as co-trustee under a living trust for a
family member.
(4) Includes 18,480 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
(5) Includes 10,225 shares held in trusts for his children; 306 shares held as
custodian for his son; 17,216 shares owned by his wife; 2,652 shares held
as co-trustee under the Company's Savings Plan which are not allocated to
participants' accounts pursuant to the Plan and as to which voting and
investment power are shared; 45,016 shares are held by the Company's
Savings Plan on his behalf; 175,000 shares held as co-trustee under the
Company's Pension Plan, as to which voting and investment power are shared;
and 107,690 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
(6) Includes 16,500 shares held by Mr. Humphrey's wife; 8,380 shares held by
Mr. Humphrey's son; 26,460 as trustee for family trusts; and 1,364 shares
subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
(7) Includes 27,000 shares held jointly with Mr. Ray's wife; 3,000 shares held
in an Individual Retirement Account; and 60,480 shares subject to options
exercisable within 60 days.
(8) Includes 9,095 shares held in the Clarence O. Redman, P.C. Savings Plan;
31,450 shares held jointly with his wife; and 30,480 shares subject to
options exercisable within 60 days.
(9) Includes 19,003 shares held jointly with Mr. Shelton's wife; and 9,422
shares held as custodian for his children; 175,000 shares held as
co-trustee under the Company's Pension Plan, as to which voting and
investment power are shared; 50,500 shares subject to options exercisable
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
within 60 days; 2,652 shares held as co-trustee under the Company's Savings
Plan which are not allocated to participants' accounts pursuant to the Plan
and as to which voting and investment power are shared; and 12,015 shares
are held by the Company's Savings Plan on his behalf.
(10) Includes 20,687 shares held by Mr. Weaver's wife, 15,124 shares held as
co-trustee for his daughters and 1,215 shares held by his wife as trustee
for a daughter.
(11) Includes 8,250 shares held jointly with Mr. Washow's wife; 1,100 shares
held by his wife; 175,000 shares held as co-trustee under the Company's
Pension Plan, as to which voting and investment power are shared; 80,420
shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days; 2,652 shares held as
co-trustee under the Company's Savings Plan which are not allocated to
participants' accounts pursuant to the Plan and as to which voting and
investment power are shared; 6,000 shares as custodian for his children;
and 12,915 shares are held by the Company's Savings Plan on his behalf.
(12) Includes 7,756 shares held by the Company's Savings Plan on his behalf; and
17,700 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
(13) Includes 2,891 shares held jointly with Mr. Palmer's wife; 1,000 shares
held by his son; 8,361 shares held by the Company's Savings Plan on his
behalf; and 11,520 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
(14) Includes 88,594 shares held jointly with a spouse; 228,604 shares held in
various trusts; 15,728 shares held as custodian; 2,652 shares held as
co-trustee under the Company's Savings Plan which are not allocated to
participants' accounts pursuant to the Plan and as to which voting and
investment power are shared; 86,163 shares vested in officers' and
directors' accounts pursuant to the Company's Savings Plan; 175,000 shares
held as co-trustee under the Company's Pension Plan, as to which voting and
investment power are shared; 66,098 shares held by family members; and
391,114 shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days.
</TABLE>
ITEM 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
It is intended that the shares represented by the enclosed proxy will be
voted, unless votes are withheld in accordance with the instructions contained
in the proxy, for the election of the nine (9) nominees for Director named
below. In the event that any nominee for Director should become unavailable,
which is not anticipated, the Board of Directors in its discretion may designate
substitute nominees, in which event such shares will be voted for such
substitute nominees. Provided a quorum is present, the affirmative vote by the
holders of a plurality of the shares of the Common Stock represented at the
Annual Meeting in person or by proxy is required for the election of each
nominee.
If the proposed amendment to the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation relating to the classification of the Board of Directors is
approved by the stockholders, three Directors will be elected to each of Class
I, Class II and Class III. The identity of each such Director and his term is
indicated below.
CLASS I CLASS II CLASS III
(Term expiring in 1996) (Term expiring in 1997) (Term expiring in 1998)
Raymond A. Foos Robert E. Driscoll, III Arthur Brown
Clarence O. Redman Robert C. Humphrey John Hughes
Paul G. Shelton C. Eugene Ray Paul C. Weaver
If such amendment is not adopted, all nine (9) Directors will be elected for
one year terms. Directors hold office until the Annual Meeting in the fiscal
year in which their terms expire and until their respective successors have been
elected and qualified.
4
<PAGE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR EACH OF THE
NOMINEES NAMED BELOW.
INFORMATION CONCERNING NOMINEES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DIRECTOR
NAME AGE SINCE PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION FOR LAST FIVE YEARS
------------------------------ --- ------------ ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Arthur Brown.................. 54 1990 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hecla Mining
Company since 1987; Director of Great Lakes Minerals Inc.,
Director of Idaho Independent Bank, Director of CALMAT Corp.,
Director of South African Minerals Corporation
Robert E. Driscoll, III....... 56 1985 Retired Dean and Professor of Law, University of South Dakota
Raymond A. Foos............... 66 1981 Retired President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board of Brush Wellman, Inc. (manufacturer of beryllium and
specialty materials) since April 1, 1990; prior thereto,
President and Chief Operating Officer
John Hughes*.................. 52 1984 President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since 1985;
prior thereto, Chief Operating Officer
Robert C. Humphrey*........... 76 1977(1) Director and Retired Chairman of the NBD Bank Evanston N.A.
C. Eugene Ray*................ 62 1981 Chairman of the Board of the Company since 1988; prior thereto,
Executive Vice President-Finance and director of Signode
Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial strapping
products
Clarence O. Redman*........... 52 1989 Secretary since 1982. Also, Chief Executive Officer and a
Partner of Keck, Mahin & Cate, the law firm that serves as
Corporate Counsel to the Company
Paul G. Shelton*.............. 45 1988 Senior Vice President-Chief Financial Officer of the Company
since 1994; prior thereto, Vice President-Chief Financial
Officer of the Company
Paul C. Weaver................ 32 1995 Corporate Account Manager for Nielsen North America, a provider
of marketing information services, since 1992; prior thereto an
Account Executive
<FN>
------------------------
* Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors
(1) Except for a three-month period in 1989.
</TABLE>
The Board of Directors held 4 meetings during the 1994 fiscal year. All
Directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings
of the Board of Directors and the total number of meetings held by each
committee of the Board on which such Directors served. In addition to the
Executive Committee, the Board of Directors of the Company has standing Audit,
Compensation, Nominating and Option Committees.
The Audit Committee held 3 meetings during the 1994 fiscal year. This
Committee is responsible for reviewing with the Company's financial management
and its independent auditors, the proposed audit program for each fiscal year,
the results of the audits and the adequacy of the Company's systems of internal
accounting control. The Committee recommends to the Board of Directors the
appointment of the independent auditors for each fiscal year. Directors Ray,
Foos, Driscoll and Brown are members of this Committee.
5
<PAGE>
The Compensation Committee held 3 meetings during the 1994 fiscal year. This
Committee is responsible for annually reviewing the salaries and bonuses of all
executive officers. This Committee also oversees the Company's compensation,
incentive and employee benefit programs. This Committee is comprised of
non-employee directors. Directors Humphrey, Ray, Driscoll, Foos and E. P. Weaver
are members of this Committee.
The Nominating Committee held 2 meetings during the 1994 fiscal year. This
Committee will recommend to the Board of Directors, at the request of the Board
of Directors, nominees who are deemed by the Committee to be qualified for Board
of Directors membership. This Committee does not consider nominees recommended
by stockholders. Directors W. D. Weaver, E. P. Weaver, Humphrey and Ray are
members of this Committee.
The Option Committee held 1 meeting during the 1994 fiscal year. This
Committee is responsible for the selection of those officers, directors and key
employees who are eligible to receive options and determines the number of
options to be awarded and the period during which options may be exercised under
the terms of the Company's various option plans. This Committee is comprised of
directors who do not participate in any option plans, including Messrs. Redman,
E. P. Weaver and W. D. Weaver.
6
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The Summary Compensation Table below includes, for each of the fiscal years
ended December 31, 1994, 1993, and 1992, individual compensation for services to
the Company and its subsidiaries of those persons who were, at December 31,
1994: (i) the Chief Executive Officer; and (ii) the four other most highly
compensated executive officers of the Company (collectively, the "Named
Officers").
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM COMPENSATION AWARDS
ANNUAL COMPENSATION (1)(2) ------------------------------------
--------------------------------- SECURITIES
BONUS UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY ($) ($)(3) OPTIONS (#) COMPENSATION ($)(4)
------------------------------------------------- --------- ----------- --------- ------------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
John Hughes...................................... 1994 300,000 75,000 21,000 6,000
President and Chief Executive Officer 1993 240,803 235,000 42,000 15,831
1992 227,470 140,000 21,000 9,366
Lawrence E. Washow............................... 1994 170,000 19,975 1,350 6,325
Senior Vice President of the Company and 1993 141,667 91,404 40,950 11,713
President of Chemdal International Corporation 1992 153,250 57,463 7,500 8,583
Paul G. Shelton.................................. 1994 155,000 18,213 9,000 6,000
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial 1993 135,333 88,994 18,000 7,592
Officer of the Company and President of 1992 127,000 60,243 9,000 6,592
Ameri-Co Carriers, Inc. and Nationwide
Freight Services, Inc.
Robert C. Steele................................. 1994 144,754 18,000 6,000 6,000
Senior Vice President of the Company and 1993 114,666 73,631 12,000 6,996
President of American Colloid Mineral Company 1992 108,000 49,970 7,500 6,192
Roger P. Palmer.................................. 1994 112,500 14,688 6,000 5,824
Senior Vice President of the Company and 1993 96,666 66,782 12,000 8,007
President of Colloid Environmental 1992 90,000 44,975 7,500 4,968
Technologies Company
<FN>
------------------------------
(1) Includes deferred compensation under the Company's Savings Plan and the
Company's Deferred Compensation Plan.
(2) The incremental cost of noncash compensation and other personal benefits
during any year presented did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of
the total of annual salary and bonus reported for any individual named
above.
(3) The figures in this column reflect bonuses from the Executive Incentive
Compensation Plan and the Bonus Plan as described in the Board Compensation
Committee Report on Executive Compensation.
(4) The figures in this column include Company matching contributions under the
Company's Savings Plan. Pursuant to the Company's Savings Plan, the named
executive officers received contributions in 1994, 1993 and 1992,
respectively, as follows: Mr. Hughes, $6,000, $8,994, $8,728; Mr. Washow,
$6,000, $8,782, $7,851; Mr. Shelton, $6,000, $7,592, $6,592; Mr. Steele,
$6,000, $6,996, $5,992; and Mr. Palmer, $5,824, $5,929, $4,968. The figures
in this column also include amounts received in connection with the
surrender of certain travel benefits. Pursuant to this arrangement, the
Named Officers received the following amounts in 1994, 1993 and 1992,
respectively: Mr. Hughes, $0, $6,837 and $638; Mr. Washow, $325, $2,931 and
$732; Mr. Shelton, $0, $0 and $0; Mr. Steele, $0, $0 and $200; and Mr.
Palmer, $0, $2,078 and $0.
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
Shown below is information on grants of incentive stock options during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1994, to the Named Officers which are reflected
in the Summary Compensation Table on page 7.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT ASSUMED
ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS IN 1994 FOR 10-YEAR OPTION TERM
--------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES % OF TOTAL PRESENT 5% 10%
UNDERLYING OPTIONS VALUE AT -------------------- -------------------
OPTIONS GRANTED TO EXERCISE EXPIRATION GRANT STOCK DOLLAR STOCK DOLLAR
NAME GRANTED(5) EMPLOYEES(1) PRICE(2) DATE DATE(3) PRICE(4) GAINS PRICE(4) GAINS
-------------------- ----------- ------------ --------- ---------- -------- --------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Hughes.............. 21,000 17.94% $17.750 2/8/04 $157,290 $28.91 $234,360 $46.04 $594,090
Washow.............. 1,350 1.15% $17.750 2/8/04 $ 10,112 $28.91 $ 15,066 $46.04 $ 38,192
Shelton............. 9,000 7.69% $17.750 2/8/04 $ 67,410 $28.91 $100,440 $46.04 $254,610
Steele.............. 6,000 5.13% $17.750 2/8/04 $ 44,940 $28.91 $ 66,960 $46.04 $169,740
Palmer.............. 6,000 5.13% $17.750 2/8/04 $ 44,940 $28.91 $ 66,960 $46.04 $169,740
<FN>
------------------------------
(1) Based on 117,045 options granted to all employees.
(2) Fair market value on the date of grant.
(3) The estimated grant date present value reflected in the above table is
determined using the Black-Scholes model. The material assumptions and
adjustments incorporated in the Black-Scholes model in estimating the value
of the options reflected in the above table include the following: an
exercise price on the option of $17.75, equal to the fair market value of
the underlying stock on the date of grant; an option term of 10 years; an
interest rate of 5.97% that represents the interest rate on a U.S. Treasury
security on the date of grant with a maturity date corresponding to that of
the option term; volatility of 56.16% calculated using daily stock prices
for the two-year period prior to the grant date; dividends at the rate of
$0.24 per share representing the annualized dividends paid with respect to
a share of common stock at the date of grant; and reductions of
approximately 12.15% to reflect the probability of forfeiture due to
termination prior to vesting, and approximately 19.54% to reflect the
probability of a shortened option term due to termination of employment
prior to the option expiration date. The ultimate values of the options
will depend on the future market price of the Company's stock, which cannot
be forecast with reasonable accuracy. The actual value, if any, an optionee
will realize upon exercise of an option will depend on the excess of the
market value of the Company's common stock over the exercise price on the
date the option is exercised.
(4) The share price represents the price of the Common Stock if the assumed
annual rates of stock price appreciation are achieved.
(5) These Incentive Stock Options ("ISO's") were issued pursuant to the
Company's 1993 Stock Plan (the "1993 Plan") and may not be exercised until
they vest. These ISO's vest 40% after 2 years, 60% after 3 years, 80% after
4 years and 100% after 5 years, provided that on death or retirement under
specified conditions, these ISO's become fully vested. The exercise price
may not be less than the fair market value of the shares subject to the
option on the date of grant. The exercise price may not be less than 110%
of such fair market value if the purchaser is a holder of more than 10%
percent of the Company's outstanding voting securities.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE VALUE AT ASSUMED ANNUAL
RATES OF STOCK PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
10-YEAR OPTION TERM
--------------------------------------------
5% (1) 10% (1)
-------------------- --------------------
STOCK DOLLAR STOCK DOLLAR
PRICE GAINS PRICE GAINS
------ ------------ ------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
All Shareholders.................. $28.91 $212,200,057 $46.04 $537,915,735
Named Executive Officers' Gains as
a % of All Shareholders' Gains... 0.228% 0.228%
<FN>
------------------------
(1) Total dollar gains based on the assumed annual rates of appreciation shown
here and calculated on 19,014,342 outstanding shares -- the number of
shares outstanding on December 31, 1994. The analysis above illustrates the
gains all shareholders would realize under these same assumed rates of
appreciation and the proportion of executive gains to all shareholders'
gains.
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION
VALUES
Shown below is information with respect to (i) options exercised by the
Named Officers pursuant to the 1983 Plan during fiscal 1994; and (ii)
unexercised options granted in fiscal 1994 and prior years under the 1983 Plan
and the 1993 Plan to the Named Officers and held by them at December 31, 1994.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS AT VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
12/31/94 IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE EXERCISABLE/ AT 12/31/94 ($)
NAME ON EXERCISE (#) REALIZED ($) UNEXERCISABLE (#) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE (1)
-------------- --------------- ------------ ----------------- -----------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Hughes........ 52,250 625,549 102,956/110,100 1,094,929/610,921
Washow........ 0 0 69,420/ 57,600 774,115/208,082
Shelton....... 3,500 42,027 34,600/ 44,100 362,144/227,081
Steele........ 6,000 69,697 5,100/ 33,300 54,161/193,832
Palmer........ 2,670 35,094 3,000/ 26,520 30,624/119,107
<FN>
------------------------
(1) Based on the closing sale price as quoted on NASDAQ National Market on that
date.
</TABLE>
RETIREMENT PLANS
The following table shows the estimated annual retirement benefits payable
on a straight life annuity basis to participating employees, including officers,
in the earnings and years of service classifications indicated, under the
Company's retirement plans which cover substantially all of its domestic
employees on a non-contributory basis. The estimated benefits as disclosed below
assume (i) that the plans will be continued and (ii) that the employee will
continue employment until normal retirement age. The table below does not
reflect the reduction in an individual's final monthly compensation due to the
social security monthly covered compensation. This reduction is based upon the
retirement year for a particular individual.
RETIREMENT PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR YEARS OF SERVICE
INDICATED
---------------------------------------------------------
REMUNERATION 15 20 25 30 35 40
--------------------- ------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$ 75,000............. $16,875 $ 22,500 $ 28,125 $ 33,750 $ 39,375 $ 42,188
$100,000............. 22,500 30,000 37,500 45,000 52,500 56,250
$125,000............. 28,125 37,500 46,875 56,250 65,625 70,312
$150,000............. 33,750 45,000 56,250 67,500 78,750 84,375
$200,000............. 45,000 60,000 75,000 90,000 105,000 112,500
$250,000............. 56,250 75,000 93,750 112,500 131,250 140,625
$300,000............. 67,500 90,000 112,500 135,000 157,500 168,750
$350,000............. 78,750 105,000 131,250 157,500 183,750 196,875
$400,000............. 90,000 120,000 150,000 180,000 210,000 225,000
</TABLE>
Covered compensation includes a participant's base salary, overtime,
commissions, bonuses and salary reductions under the Company's Savings Plan and
Deferred Compensation Plan. The calculations of retirement benefits under the
plans generally is based upon the average earnings for the highest five
consecutive calendar years of compensation preceding the participant's
termination of employment. The number of years of credited service under the
plans as of March 15, 1995 for each of the Named Officers is: Mr. Hughes, 30
years; Mr. Washow, 16 years; Mr. Shelton, 13 years; Mr. Steele, 19 years; and
Mr. Palmer, 13 years. The qualified compensation and estimated annual retirement
benefit as of March 15, 1995 for each of the Named Officers are: Mr. Hughes,
$345,505 and $145,866; Mr. Washow, $180,638 and $37,673; Mr. Shelton, $173,428
and $30,271; Mr. Steele, $149,919 and $35,278; and Mr. Palmer, $125,280 and
$22,283.
Sections 401(a)(17) and 415 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended, limit the annual benefits which may be paid from a tax-qualified
retirement plan. As permitted by the Employee
9
<PAGE>
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Company has a supplemental plan
which authorizes the payment out of general funds of the Company, any benefits
calculated under provisions of the Company's pension plan which may be above the
limits under these sections. The accrued, unfunded liability of the supplemental
plan at September 30, 1994 was $90,976.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The Company has a standard arrangement whereby directors who are not
full-time officers of the Company receive an annual fee of $11,165, plus a
meeting fee of $1,215 per day. In addition, Mr. Ray receives an $14,025 annual
fee for his services as Chairman of the Board. The committee chairman of the
audit, compensation and executive committees receives an additional fee of
$1,595 per year. The committee chairman of the nominating, option and planning
committees receives an additional fee of $1,024 per year. Members of each
committee receive $130 per hour as compensation for service as a committee
member. Directors who are also full-time officers of the Company are not paid
for their services as directors or for attendance at meetings.
The Company maintains Consulting Agreements with Messrs. W. D. Weaver, E. P.
Weaver and Roy H. Harris. Each of these agreements contains confidentiality
provisions and a non-compete provision effective for the three years after
termination of the agreement. The agreements provide for compensation according
to the number of hours worked, which are to be between 200 and 800 hours per
year. The term of each of these agreements was extended until September 30,
1995. During the period from January 1, 1992 to December 31, 1994, the following
amounts were paid pursuant to the agreements: $14,250 to W. D. Weaver, $604 to
E. P. Weaver and $14,250 to Mr. Harris.
CHANGE IN CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
Each of Messrs. Hughes, Shelton, Steele, Washow and Palmer (the
"Individual(s)") has an Agreement with the Company which provides that, upon a
change in control of the Company, each of them is to be employed by the Company
for a period of time after the change in control (three years in the case of
Messrs. Hughes and Shelton and two years for Messrs. Steele, Washow and Palmer).
A change in control is defined as a change in legal or beneficial ownership of
51% of the Company's Common Stock within a six-month period, other than by death
or operation of law, or the sale of 90% or more of the Company's assets.
After a change in control, the Company may not terminate the employment of
any of the Individuals except for just cause, and any of the following will be
considered to be a termination for other than just cause: (i) the assignment of
duties of lesser status, dignity and character than the Individual's duties
immediately prior to the date of his Agreement or substantial reduction in the
nature or status of responsibilities; (ii) a reduction in annual base salary or
bonus or incentive plans in effect as of the date of the Agreement or as
increased from time to time; (iii) a relocation to an office more than 35 miles
from the location where the Individual principally works, or substantially
greater travel requirements; and (iv) the failure to provide certain fringe
benefits substantially equal to those enjoyed by the Individual as of the date
of his Agreement. In addition, any termination of employment following
discussions by a stockholder or group of stockholders beneficially owning more
than 20% of the Company's Common Stock or a designated representative of the
Board of Directors with a third party that results in a change in control of the
Company within 180 days shall be deemed to be a termination of employment after
a change in control for purposes of the Agreements (unless the termination is
for cause or wholly unrelated to such discussions).
If termination of employment occurs within a specified period after a change
in control for just cause (three years in the case of Messrs. Hughes and Shelton
and two years in the case of Messrs. Steele, Washow and Palmer), the Individual
will receive all accrued sums and benefits required by contract or by law. If
termination occurs within such period for other than just cause, through either
actual termination or constructive termination as described above, they will
receive, in addition, base period compensation (defined as current annual salary
plus the average of the last two years in the case of Messrs. Steele, Washow and
Palmer and three years in the case of Messrs. Hughes and Shelton of incentive
bonus payments) less any compensation received from the date of change in
10
<PAGE>
control to the termination date, provided that the amounts payable under the
Agreement may not exceed an amount equal to two times in the case of Messrs.
Steele, Washow and Palmer and three times in the case of Messrs. Hughes and
Shelton the Individual's average annual compensation payable by the Company
during the five calendar years prior to the date of change in control. They will
also receive continued medical, health and disability benefits for one year
after termination.
The Agreements do not require any of the Individuals to seek other
employment, but the amounts of payments or benefits thereunder are to be reduced
by up to 50% by any compensation earned from other employment. For a period of
years (three years in the case of Messrs. Hughes and Shelton and two years in
the case of Messrs. Steele, Washow and Palmer) from the date of termination of
employment with or without cause, before or after a change in control, each of
the Individuals is prohibited from owning, managing, operating, controlling or
otherwise engaging in any business that competes with any business conducted by
the Company and from inducing or attempting to influence any employee of the
Company to leave its employ.
The Agreements are dated, and their terms commence, as follows: Messrs.
Hughes and Shelton, April 1, 1994; Messrs. Steele and Palmer, December 15, 1992;
and Mr. Washow, December 21, 1992.
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors determines the general
compensation policies of the Company, establishes specific compensation levels
for executive officers and administers the Company's compensation plans. The
Compensation Committee has adopted an overall policy to align compensation with
business strategy, management initiatives and financial performance. The
Compensation Committee attempts to fulfill these objectives by emphasizing pay
for performance, instilling an equity orientation, providing competitive pay
opportunities and focusing on the mix of compensation (e.g., short-term versus
long-term components). Through its compensation decisions, the Company seeks to
attract and retain key executives and to reward its executives for their long-
term management skills and ability to enhance shareholder value.
The Company's total compensation program consists of cash, equity based and
noncash compensation. Annual compensation for executive officers consists of a
base salary and an annual bonus. Using available salary data, the Compensation
Committee targets base salaries within the range of salaries for persons holding
similar positions at comparable companies. In addition, the Compensation
Committee considers factors such as the Company's financial performance, the
individual's past performance and future potential in determining the base
salaries of executive officers.
The Compensation Committee determined the fiscal 1994 annual bonus for the
Chief Executive Officer based on the financial performance of the Company and
his individual performance. Annual bonuses for executive officers of the
Company, excluding the Chief Executive Officer, were determined by the
Compensation Committee and awarded pursuant to the Executive Incentive
Compensation Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). The Compensation Committee designates
participants in the Incentive Plan at the beginning of each fiscal year and may,
in its discretion, amend its list of participants during the year. The aggregate
amount to be distributed ("Incentive Amount") pursuant to the Incentive Plan in
any fiscal year is determined by the Compensation Committee using a formula
based upon a profit level (the "Profit Level") and the salaries of the
participants in the Incentive Plan. The Profit Level is recommended by the full
Board of Directors and is approved by the Compensation Committee. To the extent
the Profit Level is not attained or is exceeded, the Incentive Amount increases
or decreases (as the case may be) as do the incentive payments payable to each
participant. No incentive payments are payable under the Incentive Plan unless
the Company's annual profits exceed the minimum profit level as determined by
the Compensation Committee. Incentive payments pursuant to the Incentive Plan
are paid to the participants after the Company's net income for the year has
been determined.
Under the Company's employee stock option plans, stock option grants are
made by the Option Committee. The Option Committee has the authority to
determine the individuals to whom stock
11
<PAGE>
options are awarded, the vesting schedules, the terms of the options and the
number of shares subject to each option. Through the award of stock options, the
Company's objective of aligning executive officers' long-range interests with
those of the stockholders is met by providing the executive officers with the
opportunity to participate in the Company's long-term performance.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee determined the Chief Executive Officer's salary
based upon a variety of factors and criteria, including a review of the salaries
of chief executive officers of similar companies of comparable size and a review
by the Compensation Committee of the Company's financial performance and his
individual performance.
The total bonus amount received by the Chief Executive Officer was based
upon a variety of factors and criteria. Pursuant to the Company's Bonus Program
described below, the Chief Executive Officer received no bonus, as the
profitability goals established thereunder were not met. An incentive award
payment of $75,000 was awarded by the Compensation Committee based upon the
Profit Level determined pursuant to the Incentive Plan described above, although
the specific amount awarded was determined in the Committee's discretion taking
into account such factors as the Committee deemed relevant, including the
Company's financial performance and the Chief Executive Officer's individual
performance. The Chief Executive Officer also received option grants pursuant to
the 1993 Plan from the Option Committee.
COMPENSATION OF OTHER NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Compensation for each of the other Named Officers consists of cash,
equity-based and noncash compensation. The base salaries of these Named Officers
are targeted to fit within the range of the competitive amounts paid to officers
with comparable qualifications, experience and responsibilities at other
companies engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Company. The salaries
are also tied to the Company's success in achieving significant financial and
non-financial performance goals. In evaluating the performance and setting the
compensation of each of these Named Officers, the Compensation Committee
considered the respective scope of accountability, strategic and operational
goals, and anticipated performance requirements and contributions of each of
these Named Officers.
In 1994, the Compensation Committee had a bonus program (the "Bonus
Program") whereby each of these Named Officers would receive a bonus if the
Company met its profitability goals for 1994 as determined by the Compensation
Committee. These profitability goals were not attained by the Company and
Messrs. Washow, Shelton, Steele and Palmer received no bonuses. During fiscal
1994, each of these Named Officers received an incentive payment pursuant to the
Incentive Plan. Option grants under the Company's 1993 Plan were also awarded by
the Option Committee.
Robert C. Humphrey, Chairman
Robert E. Driscoll, III
Raymond A. Foos
C. Eugene Ray
Everett P. Weaver
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph sets forth a five year comparison of cumulative total
returns for: (i) the Company (which is traded on NASDAQ); (ii) the Wilshire 4500
Equity Index; (iii) the Russell 2000 Index; (iv) S&P Smallcap 600 Index; and (v)
a custom peer group of NASDAQ companies (the "Peer Group"). The Company is
replacing the Wilshire 4500 Equity Index and Russell 2000 Index with the S&P
Smallcap 600 Index as its broad equity market index comparison. The S&P Smallcap
600 Index became publicly available on October 31, 1994. All three indexes are
included this year for purposes of comparison. The Company believes that the S&P
Smallcap 600 Index is a better basis for comparison to the Company than the
Wilshire 4500 Equity Index and the Russell 2000 Index because the market
12
<PAGE>
capitalizations of the companies included in the S&P Smallcap 600 Index are more
similar in size to the Company's market capitalization; and the Wilshire 4500
Index and Russell 2000 Index include companies which are much smaller or larger
than the Company.
In identifying the Peer Group, the Company reviewed a list of NASDAQ
companies designated under the Standard Industrial Classification Code (the "SIC
Code") for "Mining, Quarry, and Nonmetal Materials" and "Plastics, Materials and
Resins." Upon a review of these designated companies, the Company selected the
Peer Group which consists of companies whose businesses, sales sizes and market
capitalization were similar to that of the Company.
All returns were calculated assuming dividend reinvestment on a quarterly
basis. The returns of each company in the Peer Group have been weighted
according to market capitalization.
The Peer Group consists of the following companies: CalMat Co., The Dexter
Corporation, Dow Corning Corporation, Dravo Corporation, Electrochemical
Industries, Hercules Incorporated, Nalco Chemical Company, Oil-Dri Corporation
of America(1), Ozite Corporation, Penn Virginia Corporation, Potash Import and
Chemical Corporation, Quantum Chemical Corporation, Rexene Corporation, Rohm and
Haas Co., A. Schulman Inc., Urethane Technologies Inc., Vista Chemical Co.,
Vulcan Materials Company and Zemex Corporation.
------------------------
(1) Oil-Dri Corporation of America is not designated under the SIC Codes
referenced above but is comparable to the Company and therefore is included
in the Peer Group.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*
AMERICAN COLLOID COMPANY, WILSHIRE 4500,
RUSSELL 2000, S&P SMALLCAP 600 AND PEER GROUP
EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DEC-89 DEC-90 DEC-91 DEC-92 DEC-93 DEC-94
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
American Colloid 100 72.46 105.56 236.89 603.97 379.37
Wilshire 4500 100 86.44 124 138.71 158.92 154.69
Russell 2000 100 80.5 117.57 139.23 165.53 162.51
S & P Smallcap 600 100 76.31 113.32 137.16 162.92 155.15
Peer Group 100 96.8 127.91 146.6 183.13 187.6
</TABLE>
Assumes $100 invested on December 31, 1989 in American Colloid Company common
stock, Wilshire 4500, Russell 2000, S&P Smallcap 600 and peer group.
* Total return assumes reinvestment of dividends on a quarterly basis.
13
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
From 1966 to 1978, Mr. E. P. Weaver, who is a member of the Compensation
Committee, also served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company. Messrs. E.P. Weaver, W.D. Weaver and Redman are
members of the Company's Option Committee and as such determined the terms of
the options awarded to each of the Named Officers.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
Under the securities laws of the United States, the Company's directors, its
executive officers, and any persons holding more than ten percent of the
Company's Common Stock are required to report their initial ownership of the
Company's Common Stock and any subsequent changes in that ownership to the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Specific due dates for these reports have
been established and the Company is required to disclose in this proxy statement
any failure to file by these dates during 1994. All of these filing requirements
were satisfied, except that Mr. Robert E. Driscoll III, a director of the
Company, filed one late report covering 2,000 shares of Common Stock, and Mr.
Roger Palmer, an executive officer of the Company, filed one late report
covering 200 shares of Common Stock. In making these disclosures, the Company
has relied solely on written representations of its directors and executive
officers and copies of the reports that they have filed with the Commission.
ITEM 2
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
RELATING TO CLASSIFICATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has determined that an amendment to the Company's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation is advisable and has unanimously voted to
recommend such amendment to the Company's stockholders for adoption. The
proposed amendment would classify the Board of Directors into three classes, as
nearly equal in number as possible, with the members of each class, after a
transitional period described below, to serve for three years. The Amendment
would provide that any director could be removed only for cause and by the
affirmative vote of holders of 66-2/3% of voting power of the stockholder, and
would permit the amendment or repeal of such provisions only by the affirmative
vote of holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of the stockholders.
Currently, the Company's directors all serve one-year terms and can be removed,
with or without cause, by an affirmative vote of a simple majority of the
stockholders.
The Board of Directors has observed that certain tactics, such as
accumulations of substantial stock positions as preludes to proxy fights,
hostile tender offers and greenmail transactions, have become common in takeover
practice. The Board of Directors believes that such tactics can in some
circumstances be highly disruptive to corporations and contrary to the overall
best interests of stockholders. The amendment referred to above, therefore, is
designed to assure some degree of continuity in the composition of the Board of
Directors, by making more difficult and time-consuming an involuntary change in
control of the Company through a proxy contest mechanism. The amendment is also
designed to make the Board less vulnerable to the use of the proxy contest
threat to coerce any action by the Board of Directors.
Certain provisions of federal and Delaware state law, and certain existing
provisions of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and by-laws of the
Company, already provide some degree of protection against disruptive proxy
fights, hostile tender offers and greenmail transactions. Article 9 of the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation requires a vote of two-thirds of
the voting rights in elections of directors as one class for certain business
combinations with any other corporation, including mergers, consolidations,
sales of assets or substantial amounts of securities of the Company. The
provisions of Article 9 do not apply if any such transaction is approved by a
resolution of the Board of Directors, provided that a majority of the members of
the Board of Directors voting for
14
<PAGE>
the approval of such transaction were duly elected and acting members of the
Board of Directors prior to the time any other corporation became a beneficial
owner of stock possessing more than ten percent of the voting rights in
elections of directors.
The amendment described above would further reduce this threat to the
removal of the Company's Board of Directors. If adopted, the classification of
the Board of Directors will be applicable to every election of directors, not
merely those elections occurring after a change in control of the Company. The
effect of staggering the Board of Directors so that only one-third of its
members are elected in each year is to increase from one to two the number of
annual meetings it would take to replace a majority of the Board of Directors.
The proposed amendment is designed, in part, to encourage any third party
that seeks to acquire control of the Company to negotiate first with the
Company's management regarding any proposed business combination or other
transaction involving the Company. Any proposed transaction can then be reviewed
by the Board of Directors and the Company's stockholders can then have the
benefit of the Board of Director's recommendations in cases where stockholder
approval is required. While negotiation does not assure results that would be
superior to a direct approach made to the stockholders by means of a tender
offer or proxy contest, the Board of Directors believes that such negotiations
would place it in a better position to protect the interests of the stockholders
of the Company as a whole. Although in certain circumstances a takeover bid may
be made at prices representing premiums over the then current market price for
the securities being sought, the Board of Directors believes that, in a
situation where a third party seeks management's cooperation, the Board of
Directors will be in a better position to promote consideration of a broader
range of relevant factors, such as the structuring of a proposed transaction and
its tax consequences and the underlying value and prospects of the Company.
The proposed amendment could have the effect of deterring a third party from
making a tender offer for or otherwise acquiring significant blocks of the
Company's stock, hostile or otherwise, although such an action might increase,
at least temporarily, market prices for the Company's shares, and stockholders
of the Company might be willing to sell their shares at the price offered.
Because deterrence of such acquisitions could tend to reduce temporary
fluctuations in the market price of the Company's shares, stockholders could be
denied certain opportunities to sell their shares at temporarily higher market
prices. Of course, any anti-takeover measure may have the effect of entrenching
incumbent directors and executive management opposing the adoption of such
measure. There is a general concern that, in the face of a proposed takeover,
incumbent directors may seek to preserve their own positions at the expense of
fulfilling their obligation to act in the best interest of the stockholders.
Entrenchment of directors and executive management may contribute to insolation
from responsibility and accountability for inadequate company performance.
Therefore, the existence of anti-takeover measures may have undesirable
consequences.
The Board of Directors has no knowledge of any present effort to gain
control of the Company or to organize a proxy contest. However, in view of
hostile takeover activities that often present potentially disadvantageous
consequences to stockholders, the Board of Directors believes it is in the best
interest of the stockholders to provide some assurance of continuity of the
composition and policies of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors
further believes that these advantages outweigh any perceived disadvantages.
As discussed above, a classified board makes it more difficult for a
substantial stockholder to gain control of a board of directors without its
consent, helps to assure a measure of continuity in the affairs and business
strategies of a corporation, and provides a board of directors with additional
time to review a proposed business combination with a substantial stockholder
and to formulate appropriate responses so there is a greater opportunity to
protect interests of stockholders as a whole. In the view of the Board of
Directors, the additional provisions of the proposed amendment relating to
filling vacancies, removal of directors, and supermajority vote to repeal or
amend the proposed amendments are necessary to assure that the advantages of a
classified board of directors are not circumvented.
15
<PAGE>
However, the provisions would make it more difficult for even a majority of the
stockholders to change the composition of the incumbent Board of Directors or to
effect its policies generally, even if a reason for such change might be
dissatisfaction with the performance of the incumbent directors. Although there
has been no problem in the past with the continuity or stability of the Board of
Directors, the Board of Directors believes that the longer time period required
to elect a majority of a classified board will help assure the continuity and
stability of the Company's affairs and policies in the future. The proposed
classification of the Board of Directors combined with the two-thirds voting
requirement necessary to approve certain business combinations may make
implementing changes in management more difficult, even if a majority of
stockholders might consider such changes advisable.
The proposed amendment specifies that incumbent directors can be removed
only for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least 66-2/3%
of the total voting power of the Company. Under the Company's current Restated
Certificate of Incorporation and by-laws, directors may be removed, with or
without cause, by the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote at an
election of the directors. Accordingly, the provisions of the proposed amendment
relating to the removal of directors would reduce the possibility of a
stockholder removing incumbent directors and simultaneously gaining control of
the Board of Directors by filling the vacancies created by removal with their
own nominees. The provisions would, however, also make it more difficult for
stockholders to remove a director in all other situations.
The proposed amendment also provides that the affirmative vote of the
holders of at least 66-2/3% of the voting power of the Company's stock would be
required for the amendment or repeal of, or adoption of any provision
inconsistent with, the proposed amendment relating to the classified board.
Under Delaware law, amendments to a Restated Certificate of Incorporation
require the approval of its Board of Directors and the holders of stock
representing a majority of the voting power, but Delaware law also permits
provisions in a Restated Certificate of Incorporation that require a greater
vote than the vote otherwise required by law for any corporate action. With
respect to such so-called supermajority provisions, Delaware law requires that
any amendment, alteration or repeal thereof be approved by an equally large
supermajority vote. In addition, Delaware law permits the Restated Certificate
of Incorporation to require a supermajority vote to amend or repeal provisions
which themselves do not require a supermajority vote. Accordingly, in the event
that this proposal is approved, stockholders having the same percentage of
voting power as that required to adopt the proposed amendment would not have
sufficient voting power to amend or repeal the amendment at a later date. The
requirement of an increased stockholder vote is designed to prevent a
stockholder controlling less than a substantial majority of the voting power of
the Company from avoiding the requirements of the classified board simply by
repealing them. Thus, the holders of a minority of the voting power of the
Company could block the future repeal or modification of the amendment, even if
such action were deemed beneficial by the holders of more than a majority, but
less than 66-2/3%, of the voting power.
In connection with the amendment to the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, the Board of Directors will make conforming amendments to the
Company's by-laws if the amendment is approved.
The full and complete text of the proposed amendment is set forth in
Appendix A hereto, and the foregoing discussion is qualified in all respects
with reference thereto.
The favorable vote of a majority of the shares outstanding is required to
adopt the proposed amendment relating to the classified board. If adopted, the
amendment would become effective upon the filing with the Secretary of State of
Delaware of a Certificate of Amendment of the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, which filing is expected to take place promptly after the
meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENT.
16
<PAGE>
ITEM 3
PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE COMPANY'S RESTATED
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO CHANGE
THE COMPANY'S NAME
The Company's Board of Directors has adopted, and is recommending to the
stockholders for their approval at the Annual Meeting, a resolution to amend the
Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to change the Company's name
from American Colloid Company to AMCOL International Corporation.
In the judgment of the Board of Directors, the change of the Company name is
desirable in view of the past growth and expected future growth of Colloid
Environmental Technologies Company and Chemdal International Corporation, two of
the Company's subsidiaries. Colloid Environmental Technologies Company produces
environmental products. Chemdal International Corporation produces absorbent
polymers. Based on this growth in the scope of the business of the Company, the
Board of Directors seeks to insure that its customers and other members of the
public will not associate the Company's name solely with its Mineral Division
which would imply an unnecessarily limited scope of the Company's business. At
the same time, the Board of Directors recommends that the Mineral Division
retain the American Colloid Company name to preserve the reputation and goodwill
it has developed during its sixty-five plus year history.
If the amendment is adopted, stockholders will not be required to exchange
outstanding stock certificates for new certificates.
In order to effect this change under Delaware law, the Board of Directors
recommends that the stockholders approve an amendment to Article FIRST of the
Restated Certificate of Incorporation to read as follows:
"FIRST. The name of the corporation is AMCOL International Corporation."
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of all outstanding shares
of common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for approval
of the amendment. If adopted, the amendment would become effective upon the
filing with the Secretary of State of Delaware of a Certificate of Amendment of
the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which filing is expected to
take place promptly after the meeting. Conforming amendments to the Company's
by-laws would be adopted upon the effectiveness of the proposed amendment.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
PROPOSED AMENDMENT.
ITEM 4
PROPOSED RATIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
Upon the recommendation of its Audit Committee, the Board of Directors
retained KPMG Peat Marwick LLP to examine the financial statements of the
Company for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994 and appointed KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP as independent accountants for the Company to audit its consolidated
financial statements for 1995 and to perform audit-related services. Such
services include review of the Company's quarterly interim financial
information; review of periodic reports and registration statements filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission; issuance of special-purpose
reports covering such matters as employee benefit plans, management incentive
compensation and submissions to various governmental agencies; and consultation
in connection with various accounting and financial reporting matters, as well
as software conversion matters.
17
<PAGE>
The Board has directed that the appointment of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP be
submitted to the stockholders for approval. If the stockholders should not
approve, the Audit Committee and the Board will reconsider the appointment.
The Company has been advised by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP that it expects to
have a representative present at the Annual Meeting and that such representative
will be available to respond to appropriate questions. Such representative will
also have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so.
Proxies will be voted for or against approval of this proposed ratification
in accordance with the specifications marked thereon, and will be voted in favor
of approval if no specification is made. Approval requires the favorable vote of
the holders of a majority of the shares of Common Stock represented at the
Annual Meeting in person or by proxy, assuming that a quorum is present.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
APPROVAL OF THE APPOINTMENT OF KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP AS INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.
OTHER MATTERS
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals intended to be included in the Company's proxy
statement and form of proxy relating to, and to be presented at, the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held in 1996 must be received by
the Company on or before December 11, 1995.
VOTING PROXIES
The enclosed proxy card confers authority to vote, in accordance with the
instructions contained in the proxy, with respect to the election of the
nominees for director specified in this Proxy Statement, the proposals to amend
the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the ratification of the
independent accountants, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP. The proxy will be voted in
accordance with the choices indicated thereon. If no specifications are made,
proxies will be voted "FOR ALL NOMINEES" for director, "FOR" the proposal to
amend the Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to provide for the
classification of the Board of Directors into three classes with one class being
elected, "FOR" the proposal to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to change the Company's name to AMCOL International Corporation,
and "FOR" the ratification of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as independent accountants.
OTHER BUSINESS
The Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be represented
at the meeting. Should any other business come before the meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy form to vote in accordance
with their best judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Clarence O. Redman
SECRETARY
Arlington Heights, Illinois
April 7, 1995
18
<PAGE>
APPENDIX A
PROPOSED ARTICLE FOURTEENTH
OF THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
A new Article Fourteenth to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation would
be added to read as follows:
FOURTEENTH.
Section 1. The number of directors which shall constitute the whole Board
of Directors shall be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by a
majority of the entire Board of Directors. No decrease in the number of
directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
Section 2. The Board of Directors shall be classified, with respect to the
time for which they severally hold office, into three (3) classes, as nearly
equal in number as possible. At the annual meeting of stockholders in 1995, the
three classes of directors shall be elected to serve terms expiring in 1996,
1997 and 1998, respectively, and at each annual meeting of stockholders
thereafter, the successors of the class of directors whose term is expiring at
such meeting shall be elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual
meeting of the stockholders to be held in the third year following their
election, with each such director in each case to hold office until his or her
successor is elected and qualified.
Section 3. Vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any
increase in the authorized number of directors may be filled by a majority of
the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, and the directors so
chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the next election of the class
for which such director was appointed and until his or her successor is elected
and qualified.
Section 4. Any director may be removed from office at any time, but only
for cause and only upon the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66-2/3%
of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the capital stock of the
corporation.
Section 5. Notwithstanding any provision in this Certificate of
Incorporation to the contrary, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least
66-2/3% of the voting power of the then outstanding shares of the capital stock
of the corporation shall be required to repeal, amend, modify or adopt any
provision inconsistent with the provisions of this Article Fourteenth.
<PAGE>
PROXY
AMERICAN COLLOID COMPANY
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 9, 1995
The undersigned stockholder of American Colloid Company does hereby
acknowledge receipt of Notice of said Annual Meeting and accompanying Proxy
Statement and constitutes and appoints John Hughes, Everett P. Weaver and
William D. Weaver, or any one of them, with full power of substitution, to vote
all shares of stock of American Colloid Company which the undersigned is
entitled to vote, as fully as the undersigned could do if personally present, at
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of said Corporation to be held on Tuesday,
May 9, 1995, at 11:00 A.M., Central Daylight Savings Time, and at any
adjournments thereof, at Keck, Mahin & Cate, 77 West Wacker Drive, Suite 4900,
Chicago, Illinois 60601-1693.
<PAGE>
PLEASE MARK IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY [ ]
For All
For Withheld Except
1. The election of Arthur Brown, Robert E. [ ] [ ] [ ]
Driscoll, III, Raymond A. Foos, John Hughes,
Robert C. Humphrey, C. Eugene Ray, Clarence O.
Redman, Paul G. Shelton and Paul C. Weaver as
Directors:
___________________________________________________
Nominee Exception(s)
For Against Abstain
2. The proposal to amend the Company's Restated [ ] [ ] [ ]
Certificate of Incorporation for the classification
of the Board of Directors into three classes with
one class being elected each year.
For Against Abstain
3. The proposal to amend the Company's Restated [ ] [ ] [ ]
Certificate of Incorporation to change the
Company's name to AMCOL International Corporation:
For Against Abstain
4. The proposal to ratify KPMG Peat Marwick LLP as [ ] [ ] [ ]
independent accountants for 1995:
5. As such proxies may in their discretion determine
upon such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting.
THIS PROXY SHALL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN AND IN
ABSENCE OF SUCH INSTRUCTIONS SHALL BE VOTED FOR ALL OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES
DESCRIBED IN ITEM (1) AND FOR ITEMS (2), (3), AND (4). IF OTHER BUSINESS IS
PRESENTED AT SAID MEETING, THIS PROXY SHALL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BEST
JUDGEMENT OF THE PROXIES ON THOSE MATTERS.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
You are urged to mark, sign and return your proxy without delay in the return
envelope provided for that purpose, which requires no postage if mailed in the
United States.
Dated_______________________________________________, 1995
__________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER
__________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF STOCKHOLDER
When signing this proxy, please date it and take care to have the signature
conform to the stockholder's name as it appears on this side of the proxy. If
shares are registered in the names of two or more persons, each person should
sign. Executors, administrators, trustees, and guardians should so indicate when
signing.
