<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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
TriMas Corp.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)
TriMas Corp.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] $125 per Exchange Act Rule 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), or 14a-6(i)(2).
[ ] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act
Rules 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 transactions 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:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount previously paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, schedule or registration statement no.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
[LOGO]
315 East Eisenhower Parkway
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To the Stockholders of TriMas Corporation:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of TriMas Corporation will be held at the Ann
Arbor Hilton, 610 Hilton Boulevard, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, on Tuesday, May
10, 1994 at 11:00 A.M., Eastern daylight time. The purposes of the meeting,
which are set forth in detail in the accompanying Proxy Statement, are:
1. To elect two Class III Directors; and
2. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 18, 1994 as the
record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to
vote at the meeting and at any adjournment thereof.
Your attention is called to the accompanying Proxy Statement and Proxy. Whether
or not you plan to be present at the meeting, you are requested to sign and
return the Proxy in the enclosed envelope to which no postage need be affixed if
mailed in the United States. Your prompt attention will be appreciated. Prior to
being voted, the Proxy may be withdrawn in the manner specified in the Proxy
Statement.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Eugene A. Gargaro Jr.
EUGENE A. GARGARO, JR., Secretary
April 8, 1994
<PAGE> 3
PROXY STATEMENT
TO BE MAILED ON OR ABOUT APRIL 8, 1994
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
TRIMAS CORPORATION
MAY 10, 1994
GENERAL INFORMATION
The solicitation of the enclosed Proxy is made by the Board of Directors of
TriMas Corporation for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company
to be held at the Ann Arbor Hilton, 610 Hilton Boulevard, Ann Arbor, Michigan
48108, on Tuesday, May 10, 1994 at 11:00 A.M., Eastern daylight time, and at any
adjournment thereof.
The expense of this solicitation will be borne by the Company. Solicitation will
be by use of the mails, and executive officers and other employees of the
Company may solicit Proxies, without extra compensation, personally and by
telephone and other means of communication. The Company will also reimburse
brokers and other persons holding Company Common Stock in their names or in the
names of their nominees for their reasonable expenses in forwarding Proxies and
Proxy materials to beneficial owners.
Stockholders of record as of the close of business on March 18, 1994 will be
entitled to vote at the meeting. Each share of outstanding Company Common Stock
is entitled to one vote. As of March 18, 1994, there were 36,536,346 shares of
Company Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding and entitled to vote. The
Company has been advised that Masco Corporation, MascoTech, Inc. and Directors
and executive officers of the Company hold in the aggregate approximately 57
percent of Company Common Stock and intend to vote their shares in favor of the
nominees and in accordance with the recommendations of the Company's Board of
Directors.
The shares represented by the Proxy will be voted as instructed if received in
time for the meeting. Any person signing and mailing the Proxy may,
nevertheless, revoke it at any time before it is exercised by written notice to
the Company (Attention: Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr., Secretary) at its executive
offices at 315 East Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, or at the
Annual Meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Two Directors, constituting one-third of the Board of Directors, are to be
elected at the meeting. The nominees, if elected, will serve as Class III
Directors for a term expiring at the 1997 Annual Meeting or until their
respective successors are elected and qualified. The Class I and Class II
Directors will continue in office for their respective terms. The Board of
Directors proposes the re-election of Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr. and Helmut F. Stern
to serve as Class III Directors and intends that the persons named as proxies in
the Proxy will vote the shares represented by each Proxy for the election as
Directors of such nominees unless a contrary direction is indicated. If prior to
the meeting either nominee is unable or unwilling to serve as a Director, which
the Board of Directors does not expect, the persons named as proxies will vote
for such alternate nominee, if any, as may be recommended by the Board of
Directors.
Presence in person or by proxy of holders of a majority of outstanding shares of
Company Common Stock will constitute a quorum at the meeting. Broker non-votes
and abstentions do not affect the determination of whether a quorum is present.
Assuming a quorum is present, Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes
cast by the holders of Company Common Stock. The two individuals who
1
<PAGE> 4
receive the largest number of votes cast are elected as Directors; therefore,
any shares not voted (whether due to abstention or broker non-vote) do not
affect the election of Directors.
Information concerning the nominees and other Directors is set forth below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF
COMPANY
COMMON STOCK
NAME, AGE, PRINCIPAL HAS SERVED AS A BENEFICIALLY
OCCUPATION AND DIRECTORSHIPS DIRECTOR OF OWNED AS OF
OF OTHER PUBLICLY REGISTERED COMPANIES THE COMPANY SINCE APRIL 1, 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
CLASS I (TERM TO EXPIRE AT 1995 ANNUAL MEETING)
Brian P. Campbell, 53 1986 1,320,216
President of the Company
John A. Morgan, 63 1989 8,000
Partner, Morgan Lewis Githens & Ahn, investment bankers;
Director of FlightSafety International, Inc., Masco
Corporation, MascoTech, Inc. and McDermott International,
Inc.
CLASS II (TERM TO EXPIRE AT 1996 ANNUAL MEETING)
Richard A. Manoogian, 57 1986 1,801,852
Chairman of the Board of the Company, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of Masco Corporation and
MascoTech Inc.; Director of NBD Bancorp, Inc.
Herbert S. Amster, 59 1989 20,000
Independent consultant; Director of Jacobson Stores Inc.
CLASS III (NOMINEES FOR TERM TO EXPIRE AT 1997 ANNUAL
MEETING)
Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr., 52 1989 55,572
Vice President and Secretary of Masco Corporation;
Director of MascoTech Inc.
Helmut F. Stern, 74 1989 320,000
President, Arcanum Corporation, a private research
and development company
</TABLE>
For further information concerning beneficial ownership, see "Security Ownership
of Management and Certain Beneficial Owners". For further information concerning
MascoTech, Inc. and Masco Corporation, see "Certain Relationships and Related
Transactions".
Messrs. Campbell, Manoogian, Morgan and Stern have been engaged during the past
five years in the occupations listed in the preceding table. Mr. Gargaro was a
partner in the law firm of Dykema Gossett until he became a Vice President and
Secretary of Masco Corporation in October, 1993. Mr. Amster was one of the
founders in 1983 of Irwin Magnetic Systems, Inc., a producer and supplier of
minicartridge magnetic tape drive systems for use with microcomputers. He served
as its Chairman of the Board from April, 1985 until it was acquired by Cipher
Data Products, Inc. in April, 1989, at which time he served as Senior Vice
President of Cipher Data Products, Inc. until August, 1990.
The Board of Directors held seven meetings during 1993. Each Director (other
than Messrs. Manoogian and Campbell, who are also Company employees) receives an
annual fee of $21,000 and $750 for each Board of Directors meeting (and
committee meeting if not held on a date on which the entire Board holds a
meeting) which the Director physically attends. The Audit Committee of the Board
of Directors, consisting of Messrs. Amster, Morgan and Stern, held two meetings
2
<PAGE> 5
during 1993. It reviews and acts or reports to the Board with respect to various
auditing and accounting matters, including the selection and fees of the
Company's independent accountants, the scope of audit procedures, the Company's
internal audit program and results, the nature of services to be performed by
the independent accountants and the Company's accounting practices. The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of Messrs. Gargaro,
Morgan and Stern, held four meetings during 1993. It establishes and monitors
executive compensation and administers and determines awards and options granted
under the Company's stock incentive and stock option plans. See "Compensation
Committee Report on Executive Compensation". The Board of Directors has not
established a separate committee of its members to nominate candidates for
election as Directors.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF MANAGEMENT
AND CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
The following table sets forth information concerning beneficial ownership of
Company Common Stock as of April 1, 1994, by (i) all persons known by the
Company to be the beneficial owners of five percent or more of Company Common
Stock, (ii) each of the Directors, (iii) each of the executive officers, and
(iv) the Directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF PERCENTAGE
COMPANY OF
COMMON COMPANY
STOCK COMMON STOCK
BENEFICIALLY BENEFICIALLY
NAME AND ADDRESS OWNED OWNED
------------------------------------------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
MascoTech, Inc.
21001 Van Born Road
Taylor, Michigan 48180 15,551,109 42.5%
Masco Corporation
21001 Van Born Road
Taylor, Michigan 48180 1,933,708 5.3%
Herbert S. Amster 20,000 *
Brian P. Campbell 1,320,216 3.6%
Peter C. DeChants 39,540 *
Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr. 55,572 *
Richard A. Manoogian 1,801,852 4.9%
William E. Meyers 56,580 *
John A. Morgan 8,000 *
Helmut F. Stern 320,000 *
All eight Directors and executive officers of
the Company as a group (excluding subsidiary,
divisional and group executives) 3,619,760 9.8%
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Less than one percent
Information regarding Company Common Stock owned by Messrs. Manoogian and
Gargaro and all Directors and executive officers of the Company as a group
includes in each case 2,000 shares owned by a charitable foundation, of which
Messrs. Manoogian and Gargaro are Directors. Shares owned by Mr. Manoogian and
by all Directors and executive officers of the Company as a group include 31,008
shares owned by a charitable foundation, of which Mr. Manoogian is a Director.
Shares owned by Mr. Gargaro and all Directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group include 288 shares owned by a charitable foundation of which
Mr. Gargaro is a Director, and 3,284
3
<PAGE> 6
shares held by trusts of which Mr. Gargaro is a trustee. The Directors of the
foundations and the trustees exercise voting and investment power with respect
to Company Common Stock owned by the foundations and trusts, but Messrs.
Manoogian and Gargaro disclaim beneficial ownership of such shares. The table
also includes 110,000 shares for Mr. Campbell, 12,000 shares for Mr. Meyers,
12,000 shares for Mr. DeChants and 134,000 shares for all Directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group issuable under stock options to the
extent such options are exercisable prior to May 31, 1994, as well as unvested
shares held under the Company's 1988 Restricted Stock Incentive Plan described
under "Compensation of Executive Officers" (135,130 shares for Mr. Campbell,
26,828 shares for Mr. Meyers, 21,008 shares for Mr. DeChants and 182,966 shares
for all Directors and executive officers of the Company as a group). Except for
shares owned by the foundations and trusts, shares issuable upon exercise of
options, and the unvested and restricted shares referred to above, shares are
owned with sole voting and investment power. Mr. Manoogian, Mr. Campbell,
MascoTech, Inc. and Masco Corporation may each be deemed a controlling person of
the Company by reason of their respective ownership of shares of the Company's
Common Stock, Mr. Manoogian's and Mr. Campbell's positions as Directors and
executive officers of the Company and the other matters described under "Certain
Relationships and Related Transactions".
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires the
Company's Directors, officers and persons who beneficially own more than ten
percent of Company Common Stock to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the New York
Stock Exchange. Copies of such Section 16(a) forms must also be furnished to the
Company. Based solely on the copies of such forms furnished to the Company, or
written representations that no Forms 5 were required, the Company believes that
during 1993 there was compliance with all such Section 16(a) filing
requirements. Under current SEC regulations the Company must state in this Proxy
Statement that Mr. Campbell reported late a charitable gift he made in 1990 of a
small number of shares.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation Philosophy. The overall focus of TriMas Corporation's compensation
program is to enhance shareholder value through attainment of the Company's
strategic goals. The executive compensation program is intended to motivate
executives by rewarding them for achieving results and, therefore, a significant
portion of the total compensation to Company executives is "at risk".
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is composed entirely of
outside directors and is responsible for establishing and monitoring executive
compensation. The Committee has a subjective approach to compensation and
consequently uses its discretion to set executive compensation at levels
warranted in its judgment by both external and internal circumstances.
Although the Committee considers a variety of factors when it establishes
compensation, it does not weight them or utilize them in formulas. In general,
the relevant factors considered by the Committee are the Company's operating and
financial performance (both relative to internal criteria and to the performance
of comparable companies); the performance, responsibilities and tenure of
individual executives; the competitive environment for skilled executive talent;
and general economic conditions and outlook.
The objectives of the Company's executive compensation program are to:
- Support the achievement of desired Company performance by ensuring
that an appropriate relationship exists between executive
compensation and the creation of long-term shareholder value.
- Provide compensation that will motivate, attract and retain superior
management talent and reward performance.
4
<PAGE> 7
- Align the executive officers' interests with the success of the
Company by placing a significant portion of their compensation "at
risk".
Executive Officer Compensation Program. The Company's executive officer
compensation program is comprised of base salary, annual cash incentive
compensation, and long-term incentive compensation in the form of stock options
and restricted stock awards. The Compensation Committee reviews the Company's
annual and long-term goals when considering compensation of executive officers,
but compensation decisions are a function of the Compensation Committee's
discretionary judgment rather than the application of plan formulas.
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the new provisions of Internal Revenue
Code Section 162(m) relating to the deductibility of executive compensation.
Although these provisions are not expected to apply to the Company in the near
term, the Compensation Committee will consider these provisions when it reviews
the Company's compensation practices for its executive officers.
Base Salary. In determining base salaries, the Committee takes into account
individual experience and contributions to the Company's performance, as well as
specific issues particular to the Company.
Annual Incentive Compensation. The purpose of the Company's annual incentive
compensation program is to provide a direct financial incentive in the form of
an annual cash bonus to executive officers to achieve the Company's annual goals
and long-term growth and performance.
Stock Option and Restricted Stock Award Program. The stock option and restricted
stock award program is the Company's long-term incentive plan for executive
officers and key managers. The objectives of the program are to align executive
and shareholder long-term interests by creating a strong and direct relationship
between executive compensation and shareholder returns. The Committee strongly
believes that by providing those individuals who have substantial responsibility
for the management and growth of the Company, and the maximizing of shareholder
returns, with an opportunity to increase their ownership of Company Common
Stock, the best interests of shareholders and executives will be more closely
aligned. The Company's stock options and restricted stock awards vest over
periods of eight and ten years which increases the long-term aspect of these
awards. The Committee considers the history of awards previously granted in
determining new grants. As a result of the Company's extended vesting schedule,
the dollar value of these stock-based incentives can appreciate to substantial
amounts since there is a longer time period for the Company's stock price to
appreciate. Many other companies have a shorter vesting schedule which enables
individuals to receive their incentives in a shorter time period.
Discussion of 1993 Executive Officer Compensation. In considering changes in
compensation of executive officers for 1993, the Committee has reviewed
compensation levels and both Company and individual performances within the
framework of the Company's compensation philosophy, as well as the Company's
financial performance during the year as described above. In addition, based on
the factors described above, during 1993 the Compensation Committee established
the Supplemental Executive Retirement and Disability Plan described below under
"Pension Plan."
Mr. Manoogian, who serves as the Chairman of the Board and is active in Company
affairs, is not a full-time employee of the Company. This is reflected in the
level of Mr. Manoogian's cash compensation, as well as in the responsibilities
and compensation of Mr. Campbell. Mr. Manoogian has not participated in the
stock option and restricted stock award program or the Company's retirement or
other benefit programs.
Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr., Chairman
John A. Morgan
Helmut F. Stern
5
<PAGE> 8
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table summarizes the annual and long-term compensation of the
Company's executive officers for 1993, 1992 and 1991.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
-----------------------
AWARDS
-----------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION RESTRICTED SECURITIES
------------------------------- STOCK UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS AWARDS(1) OPTIONS COMPENSATION(2)
- -------------------------------- ----- --------- --------- --------- ---------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard A. Manoogian 1993 $ 100,000 0 0 0 0
Chairman of the Board 1992 100,000 0 0 0 0
1991 100,000 0 0 0 *
Brian P. Campbell 1993 436,000 $ 245,000 $ 204,000 0 $ 16,000
President 1992 410,000 225,000 119,000 0 15,000
1991 396,000 212,000 127,000 100,000 *
William E. Meyers 1993 152,000 70,000 58,000 0 10,000
Vice President - Controller 1992 142,000 58,000 41,000 0 9,000
1991 131,000 48,000 41,000 40,000 *
Peter C. DeChants 1993 148,000 55,000 44,000 0 10,000
Vice President - Treasurer 1992 140,000 40,000 20,000 0 9,000
1991 132,000 32,000 41,000 40,000 *
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* In accordance with the transitional provisions applicable to the rules on
executive officer compensation disclosure adopted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission, amounts shown under "All Other Compensation" are
excluded for 1991.
(1) This column sets forth the dollar value as of the date of grant of awards of
restricted stock made in 1993, 1992 and 1991 under the Company's 1988
Restricted Stock Incentive Plan. Restricted stock awards granted to date
vest over a period of ten years from the date of grant with ten percent of
each award vesting annually. In general, vesting is contingent on a
continuing employment or consulting relationship with the Company. Mr.
Manoogian has not participated in this plan. The following number of shares
were awarded to the participating executive officers in 1993: Mr.
Campbell -- 14,000 shares; Mr. Meyers -- 4,000 shares; and Mr.
DeChants -- 3,000 shares. As of December 31, 1993, the aggregate number and
market value of restricted shares of Company Common Stock held by the
participating executive officers were: Mr. Campbell -- 129,394 shares valued
at $3,154,000; Mr. Meyers -- 24,630 shares valued at $600,000; and Mr.
DeChants -- 18,952 shares valued at $462,000. Recipients of restricted stock
awards have the right to receive dividends on unvested shares.
(2) This column reflects contributions to the Company's Profit Sharing Plan for
the accounts of the executive officers. Profit sharing accounts are subject
to five-year vesting requirements.
OPTION YEAR-END VALUE TABLE
The following table sets forth information concerning the value at December 31,
1993 of unexercised options held by each executive officer. Options vest over a
period of eight years from the date of grant and expire ten years from the date
of grant. In general, vesting is contingent on a continuing employment or
consulting relationship with the Company. The value of unexercised options
reflects the increase in market value of Company Common Stock from the date of
grant through December 31, 1993 (when the closing price of Company Common Stock
was $24 3/8 per share).
6
<PAGE> 9
Value actually realized upon exercise by the executive officers will depend on
the value of Company Common Stock at the time of exercise.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1993 OPTION VALUE
---------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS AT IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
DECEMBER 31, 1993 AT DECEMBER 31, 1993
----------------------------- -----------------------------
NAME UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE
----- ------------- ----------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard A. Manoogian 0 0 0 0
Brian P. Campbell 160,000 100,000 $ 2,590,000 $ 1,660,000
William E. Meyers 32,000 8,000 496,000 124,000
Peter C. DeChants 32,000 8,000 496,000 124,000
</TABLE>
PENSION PLAN
The executive officers other than Mr. Manoogian participate in a Pension Plan
maintained by the Company for certain of its salaried employees. The following
table shows estimated annual retirement benefits payable for life at age 65 for
various levels of compensation and service under the Pension Plan.
PENSION PLAN TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS OF SERVICE(1)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REMUNERATION(2) 5 10 15 20 25
- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000 $ 5,645 $ 11,290 $ 16,935 $ 22,580 $ 28,225
200,000 11,290 22,580 33,870 45,161 56,451
300,000 16,935 33,870 50,806 67,741 84,676
400,000 22,580 45,161 67,741 90,321 112,902
500,000 28,225 56,451 84,676 112,902 118,800
600,000 33,870 67,741 101,611 118,800 118,800
<CAPTION>
REMUNERATION(2) 30
- ---------------- ----------------
<S> <C>
$100,000 $ 33,870
200,000 67,741
300,000 101,611
400,000 118,800
500,000 118,800
600,000 118,800
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
(1) The Pension Plan provides for credited service and common vesting on account
of employment with the Company, Masco Corporation, MascoTech, Inc. and
their subsidiaries. Vesting occurs after five full years of employment. The
benefit amounts set forth in the table above have been converted from the
Pension Plan's calculated five-year certain and life benefit and are not
subject to reduction for social security benefits or for other offsets,
except to the extent that pension or equivalent benefits are payable under
a Masco Corporation or MascoTech, Inc. plan. Approximate years of credited
service for each of the executive officers participating in the Pension
Plan are: Mr. Campbell -- 20; Mr. Meyers -- 6; and Mr. DeChants -- 4.
(2) For purposes of determining benefits payable, remuneration is equal to the
average of the highest five consecutive January 1 annual base salary rates
prior to retirement (including such January 1 annual base salary rates
while employed by the Company, Masco Corporation, MascoTech, Inc. or their
subsidiaries). The amount of cash compensation in the Summary Compensation
Table that can be used for determining benefit accruals under the Pension
Plan is limited by federal pension law to $222,220 for 1991, $228,860 for
1992 and $235,840 for 1993.
Under the Company's Supplemental Executive Retirement and Disability Plan,
certain officers and other key executives of the Company, or any company in
which the Company or a subsidiary owns at least 20 percent of the voting stock,
may receive supplemental retirement and disability benefits. Each participant is
designated by the Compensation Committee or the Chairman of the Board (and
approved by the Compensation Committee in the case of the Company officers) to
receive annually upon retirement on or after the age of 65, an amount which,
when combined with benefits under the Company's Pension Plan and Profit Sharing
Plan (valued as annuities) and any retirement benefits
7
<PAGE> 10
payable by reason of employment by prior employers, equals 60 percent of the
average of the participant's highest three years' cash compensation (limited to
base salary and regular year-end cash bonus) up to a combined maximum annual
payment of $500,000. A participant may also receive supplemental medical
benefits. A participant who has been employed at least two years and becomes
disabled prior to retirement will receive annually 60 percent of the
participant's total annualized cash compensation in the year in which the
participant becomes disabled, reduced by benefits payable pursuant to the
Company's long-term disability insurance and similar plans. Upon a disabled
participant's reaching age 65, such participant receives the annual cash
benefits payable upon retirement, as determined above. A surviving spouse will
receive reduced benefits upon the participant's death. Participants are required
to agree that they will not engage in competitive activities for at least two
years after termination of employment, and if employment terminates by reason of
retirement or disability, during such longer period as benefits are received
under this plan. The executive officers other than Mr. Manoogian participate in
this plan.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the cumulative total shareholder
return on Company Common Stock against the cumulative total return of the S&P
500 Stock Index and the S&P Manufacturing Diversified Index for the period
commencing February 14, 1989 (when Company Common Stock was distributed by Masco
Corporation to its stockholders as a special dividend at a value of $7.50 per
share) and ending December 31, 1993. The graph assumes investment of $100 in
Company Common Stock, the S&P 500 Stock Index and the S&P Manufacturing
Diversified Index commencing February 14, 1989, and reinvestment of dividends.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period S&P Mfg Di-
(Fiscal Year Covered) TMS S&P 500 versified
<S> <C> <C> <C>
14-Feb 100.00 100.00 100.00
1989 125.00 125.24 108.98
1990 86.67 121.34 109.78
1991 116.67 158.14 134.52
1992 193.67 170.17 145.81
1993 327.44 187.25 177.16
</TABLE>
The table below sets forth the value as of December 31 of each of the years
indicated of a $100 investment made in each of Company Common Stock, the S&P 500
Stock Index and the S&P Manufacturing Diversified Index commencing February 14,
1989, and reinvestment of dividends.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period S&P Mfg Di-
(Fiscal Year Covered) TMS S&P 500 versified
<S> <C> <C> <C>
14-Feb 100.00 100.00 100.00
1989 125.00 125.24 108.98
1990 86.67 121.34 109.78
1991 116.67 158.14 134.52
1992 193.67 170.17 145.81
1993 327.44 187.25 177.16
</TABLE>
8
<PAGE> 11
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors consists of Messrs.
Gargaro, Morgan and Stern. During 1993, Mr. Gargaro and the law firm in which
he was a partner prior to October 1993 performed legal services for Masco
Corporation, MascoTech, Inc., certain of their Directors and officers, and the
Company. Mr. Gargaro is the Secretary of the Company, although he is not an
employee. In October 1993, Mr. Gargaro became an executive officer of Masco
Corporation. Richard A. Manoogian, an executive officer of the Company, is a
Director of Masco Corporation.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Effective October 1, 1988, the Company acquired various businesses (the
"MascoTech businesses") and cash from MascoTech, Inc. in exchange for securities
of the Company. In a related transaction, Masco Corporation, which prior to such
acquisition had an equity ownership interest in the Company, purchased for cash
additional Company Common Stock. The Company became a public corporation in
February, 1989 when approximately 28 percent of the then outstanding shares of
Company Common Stock was distributed by Masco Corporation to its stockholders as
a special dividend. As part of these transactions, the Company entered into
certain agreements with Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc.
Under a Corporate Services Agreement, Masco Corporation provides the Company and
its subsidiaries with use of Masco Corporation's data processing equipment and
services, certain research and development services, corporate administrative
staff and other support services in return for the Company's payment of an
annual base service fee of .8 percent of its consolidated annual net sales,
subject to certain adjustments. This agreement also provides for various license
rights and the confidential treatment of certain information which may arise
from Masco Corporation's performance of research and development services on
behalf of the Company. The Company paid Masco Corporation approximately $2.4
million for 1993 under the Corporate Services Agreement, which is terminable by
the Company at any time upon at least 90 days notice and by Masco Corporation at
the end of any calendar year upon at least 180 days notice.
The Company, Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. have entered into a Corporate
Opportunities Agreement to address potential conflicts of interest with respect
to future business opportunities. This agreement materially restricts the
Company's ability to enter into businesses in which Masco Corporation or
MascoTech, Inc. are engaged without the consent of Masco Corporation or
MascoTech, Inc. This agreement will continue in effect until at least two years
after the termination of the Corporate Services Agreement and thereafter will be
renewed automatically for one-year periods, subject to termination by any party
at least 90 days prior to any such scheduled renewal date.
Under a Stock Repurchase Agreement, Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. have
the right to sell to the Company, at fair market value, shares of Company Common
Stock under certain circumstances that would result in an increase in their
respective ownership percentage of the then outstanding Company Common Stock.
Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. have advised the Company that they intend
to exercise their respective rights whenever necessary to prevent their
ownership interest in Company Common Stock from equaling or exceeding 20 percent
in the case of Masco Corporation and 50 percent in the case of MascoTech, Inc.,
or if Masco Corporation or MascoTech, Inc. then determines such action to be in
its respective best interest.
Under an Assumption and Indemnification Agreement, the Company assumed the
liabilities and obligations of the MascoTech businesses, including claims and
litigation pending at the time of the acquisition or asserted thereafter based
on events which occurred prior to October 1, 1988, but excluding certain income
tax and other specified liabilities.
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The Company acquired several businesses from Masco Corporation in early 1990 and
is obligated to make additional purchase price payments if the combined
profitability of such businesses reaches certain levels. As part of the
transaction, Masco Corporation agreed to indemnify the Company against certain
liabilities of the acquired businesses.
In November 1993, the Company purchased from MascoTech, Inc. Lamons Metal Gasket
Co. ("Lamons"), for a purchase price of $60 million plus additional payments
contingent upon the future level of profitability of Lamons. The determination
of the amount of consideration paid by the Company to MascoTech, Inc. and the
terms of the transaction resulted from extensive negotiations between the
parties. As part of the transaction, MascoTech agreed to indemnify the Company
against certain liabilities of the acquired business. The transaction was
reviewed and approved by a committee of the Company's Board of Directors
consisting of two unaffiliated Directors, neither of whom is or has been an
officer or Director of MascoTech, Inc. or Masco Corporation. In addition, the
Company received an opinion from PaineWebber Incorporated that the consideration
paid was fair to the Company from a financial point of view.
In December 1993, the Company called for redemption all of its $100 Convertible
Participating Preferred Stock, which was held solely by MascoTech, Inc.
MascoTech, Inc. exercised its right to convert the Preferred Stock into
approximately 7.8 million shares of Company Common Stock.
Subject to certain conditions, and upon request, the Company has agreed to file
registration statements under the federal securities laws to permit the sale in
public offerings of the Company Common Stock held by Masco Corporation and
MascoTech, Inc. In addition, the Company entered into arrangements with Masco
Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. pursuant to which it has registered shares of
Company Common Stock held by certain executives of Masco Corporation and
MascoTech, Inc. under incentive programs established by those companies, and has
agreed to register the shares held by Mr. Manoogian under such programs. The
Company bears substantially all of the expense of such filings, other than fees
and expenses of underwriters and counsel, and provides indemnification against
certain liabilities arising from such transactions.
The Company participates with Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. in a number
of national purchasing programs, which enable each of them to obtain favorable
terms from certain of their service and product suppliers. From time to time,
sales of products and services and other transactions may occur among the
Company, Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. During 1993, as a result of such
sales and transactions, the Company paid approximately $1.5 million to
MascoTech, Inc., and Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. paid approximately
$2.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, to the Company. Ownership of
securities and various other relationships and incentive arrangements may result
in conflicts of interest in the Company's dealings with Masco Corporation,
MascoTech, Inc. and others. Masco Corporation is the largest stockholder of
MascoTech, Inc. and may be deemed to be a controlling person. Three of the six
Directors of the Company are persons affiliated with Masco Corporation and
MascoTech, Inc. Mr. Manoogian, who owns 4.9 percent of Company Common Stock and
is the Company's Chairman of the Board, is also the Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of both Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. Messrs.
Gargaro and Morgan, who are Directors of the Company, are also Directors of
MascoTech, Inc. Mr. Morgan is a Director of Masco Corporation, and Mr. Gargaro
is the Secretary of MascoTech, Inc. and a Vice President and Secretary of Masco
Corporation. Certain officers and other key employees of the Company receive
benefits based upon the value of the common stock of Masco Corporation,
MascoTech, Inc. and the Company under incentive compensation plans established
by Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. Such benefits include options to
purchase and long-term restricted stock incentive awards of common stock of
Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. under plans comparable to the Company's
plans.
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The following table sets forth the number of shares of Masco Corporation and
MascoTech, Inc. common stock beneficially owned as of April 1, 1994 by the
Company's Directors and executive officers who owned any such shares and by its
Directors and executive officers as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES OF SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK COMMON STOCK OF
OF MASCO CORPORATION MASCOTECH, INC.
NAME BENEFICIALLY OWNED BENEFICIALLY OWNED
---- -------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Richard A. Manoogian 3,927,398 4,676,626
Brian P. Campbell 4,400 16,600
Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr. 2,334,140 155,774
John A. Morgan 1,600 24,000
All eight Directors and executive officers of
the Company as a group (excluding
subsidiary, divisional and group
executives) 4,002,538 4,776,226
</TABLE>
Messrs. Amster, Stern, Meyers and DeChants do not own any Masco Corporation or
MascoTech, Inc. common stock. Except for Messrs. Manoogian and Gargaro, who own
approximately 2.5 percent and 1.5 percent of Masco Corporation common stock, and
Mr. Manoogian who owns approximately 7.6 percent of MascoTech, Inc. common
stock, no Director of the Company owns one percent or more of Masco Corporation
or MascoTech, Inc. common stock. Directors and executive officers of the Company
as a group own approximately 2.5 percent of Masco Corporation common stock and
approximately 7.8 percent of MascoTech, Inc. common stock. Shares owned by the
Directors and executive officers of the Company as a group and by Messrs.
Manoogian and Gargaro include in each case 2,265,000 shares of Masco Corporation
common stock owned, and 96,774 shares of MascoTech, Inc. common stock which
could be acquired upon conversion of convertible debt securities owned, in each
case by a charitable foundation of which Messrs. Manoogian and Gargaro are
Directors. Shares owned by Mr. Manoogian and by the Directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group include in each case 75,200 shares of Masco
Corporation common stock and 202,560 shares of MascoTech, Inc. common stock
owned by a charitable foundation of which Mr. Manoogian is a Director, and
64,516 shares of MascoTech, Inc. common stock which could be acquired upon
conversion of convertible debt securities owned by such foundation. In addition,
Mr. Manoogian may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 200,000 shares of
MascoTech, Inc.'s $1.20 Convertible Preferred Stock (1.9 percent of the total
issue outstanding) owned by such charitable foundation. Shares owned by Mr.
Manoogian include the 161,200 shares of MascoTech, Inc. common stock into which
such preferred stock is convertible. Shares owned by Mr. Gargaro and by all
Directors and executive officers of the Company as a group include in each case
23,200 shares of Masco Corporation common stock and 2,000 shares of MascoTech,
Inc. common stock owned by a charitable foundation, of which Mr. Gargaro is a
Director, and 25,530 shares of Masco Corporation common stock and 27,000 shares
of MascoTech, Inc. common stock held by trusts, of which Mr. Gargaro is a
trustee. The Directors of the foundations and the trustees exercise voting and
investment power with respect to the Masco Corporation and MascoTech, Inc.
securities owned by the foundations and trusts, but Messrs. Manoogian and
Gargaro disclaim beneficial ownership of such securities. Share ownership of
Masco Corporation common stock for Mr. Manoogian and for the Directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group includes in each case 577,740
shares issuable under stock options of Masco Corporation to the extent such
options are exercisable prior to May 31, 1994. Share ownership of MascoTech,
Inc. common stock includes for Mr. Manoogian and for the Directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group in each case 660,000 shares issuable under
stock options of MascoTech, Inc. to the extent such options are exercisable
prior to May 31, 1994. Shares are owned with sole voting and investment power,
except for shares owned by such foundations
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<PAGE> 14
and trusts, shares issuable upon the exercise of options, unvested shares of
Masco Corporation common stock issued under Masco Corporation's restricted stock
incentive plans (61,148 shares for Mr. Manoogian, 2,900 shares for Mr. Campbell,
20,410 shares for Mr. Gargaro and 84,458 shares for all Directors and executive
officers of the Company as a group), unvested shares of MascoTech, Inc. common
stock issued under Masco Corporation's restricted stock (Industries) incentive
plan (195,000 shares for Mr. Manoogian, 15,600 shares for Mr. Campbell and
210,600 shares for all Directors and executive officers of the Company as a
group), and unvested shares of MascoTech, Inc. common stock issued under
MascoTech, Inc.'s restricted stock incentive plans (19,800 shares both for Mr.
Manoogian and for all Directors and executive officers of the Company as a
group). Mr. Manoogian may be deemed a controlling person of both Masco
Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. by reason of his significant ownership of Masco
Corporation and MascoTech, Inc. common stock and his positions as Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer of each company.
STOCKHOLDERS' PROPOSALS
Stockholders' proposals intended to be presented at the 1995 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of the Company must be received by the Company at its address
stated above by December 9, 1994, to be considered for inclusion in the
Company's Proxy Statement and Proxy relating to such meeting.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
The firm of Coopers & Lybrand has acted as the Company's independent certified
public accounting firm for a number of years and is so acting during the current
year. Representatives of Coopers & Lybrand are expected to be present at the
meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement and are expected to be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be voted upon at the
meeting. If any other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the
intention of the proxies named in the enclosed Proxy to vote the shares
represented thereby with respect to such matters in accordance with their best
judgment.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/
EUGENE A. GARGARO, JR.
Secretary
Ann Arbor, Michigan
April 8, 1994
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[TRIMAS LOGO]
<PAGE> 16
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PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 10, 1994
TRIMAS CORPORATION
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned, hereby revoking any Proxy heretofore given,
appoints RICHARD A. MANOOGIAN and EUGENE A. GARGARO, JR. and each of
them attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, each with full power
of substitution, to vote the shares of Company Common Stock registered
in the name of the undersigned to the same extent the undersigned
would be entitled to vote if then personally present at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders of TriMas Corporation to be held at the Ann
Arbor Hilton, 610 Hilton Boulevard, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108, on
Tuesday, May 10, 1994 at 11:00 A.M., Eastern daylight time, and at any
adjournment thereof:
(1) WITH / / or WITHOUT / / authority for the election of the
nominees listed below as Class III Directors to hold office
until the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their
respective successors are elected and qualified:
EUGENE A. GARGARO, JR. and HELMUT F. STERN
(NOTE: AUTHORITY TO VOTE FOR EITHER NOMINEE MAY BE WITHHELD BY
STRIKING THROUGH THE NAME OF SUCH NOMINEE APPEARING ABOVE.)
(2) In their discretion upon such other business as may properly
come before the meeting.
The shares represented by this Proxy will be voted in accordance
with the specifications above. IF SPECIFICATIONS ARE NOT MADE, THE
PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION OF BOTH NOMINEES.
(Continued and to be signed and dated on other side.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACCOUNT NO. PROXY NO. NO. OF SHARES
<S> <C> <C>
</TABLE>
(Continued from other side.)
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the accompanying
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Dated:___________________________, 1994
_________________________________ (L.S.)
Signature
_________________________________(L.S.)
Signature
</TABLE>
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