SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 9134 (Amendment No.)
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement [_] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6 (e) (2))
[_] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11 (c) or Section
240.14a-12
BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In It Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(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:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[_] 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:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES:
<PAGE>
BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.
2200 Montauk Highway
Bridgehampton, NY 11932
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual
Meeting") of Bridge Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") will be held at The
Bridgehampton National Bank, 2200 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton, New York,
11932 on Monday, April 19, 1999, at 3:30 p.m., for the purpose of considering
and voting on the following matters:
1. The election of four directors to Class 1 of the Company's Board of
Directors, each to hold office for a term of two years and until their
successors are elected and qualified. The following four persons are the
Board of Directors' nominees:
R. Timothy Maran
Walter A. Preische, Jr.
L. H. Strickland
Thomas J. Tobin
2. To consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the amendment of the
Certificate of Incorporation, recommended by the Board of Directors of the
Company, to increase the authorized number of shares of Common Stock,
("Common Stock"), from 6,500,000 with a par value of $5.00 per share to
20,000,000 with a par value of $0.01 per share for the purpose of providing
the Company with added flexibility in pursuing its long-range business
objectives.
3. The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the
Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors believes that the election of the nominees listed in the
attached proxy statement and the proposal to increase the authorized shares of
common stock with an accompanying decrease in the par value of the stock is in
the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and unanimously
recommends a vote "For" the nominees and the proposal.
Only those shareholders of record at the close of business on March 1, 1999
shall be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
By order of the Board of Directors
Raymond Wesnofske
Chairman
Bridgehampton, New York
March 16, 1999
EACH SHAREHOLDER, WHETHER HE OR SHE PLANS TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, IS
REQUESTED TO SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN SAME WITHOUT DELAY IN THE
ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE. ANY PROXY GIVEN BY THE SHAREHOLDERS MAY BE
REVOKED AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS EXERCISED. A PROXY MAY BE REVOKED BY FILING
WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY A WRITTEN REVOCATION OR A DULY EXECUTED PROXY
BEARING A LATER DATE. ANY SHAREHOLDER PRESENT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING MAY REVOKE
HIS OR HER PROXY AND VOTE PERSONALLY ON EACH MATTER BROUGHT BEFORE THE ANNUAL
MEETING.
<PAGE>
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held April 19, 1999
SOLICITATION AND VOTING OF PROXIES
This Proxy Statement is being furnished to shareholders of Bridge Bancorp, Inc.
(the "Company") in connection with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of
proxies to be used at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders ("Annual Meeting") to
be held at The Bridgehampton National Bank, 2200 Montauk Highway, Bridgehampton,
New York 11832 on April 19, 1999 at 3:30 p.m. or any adjournments thereof. The
1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, including financial statements for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1998, accompanies this Proxy Statement.
Regardless of the number of shares of common stock owned, it is important that
shareholders be represented by proxy or be present in person at the Annual
Meeting. Shareholders are requested to vote by completing the enclosed proxy and
returning it signed and dated in the enclosed postage-paid envelope.
Shareholders should indicate their votes in the spaces provided on the proxy.
Proxies solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company will be voted in
accordance with the directions given therein. Where no instructions are
indicated, proxies will be voted FOR the election of the nominees and FOR the
proposal specified in this proxy statement.
The Board of Directors knows of no additional matters that will be presented for
consideration at the Annual Meeting. Execution of a proxy, however, confers on
the designated proxy holders discretionary authority to vote the shares in
accordance with their best judgment on such other business, if any, that may
properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
A proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise by the filing of a
written revocation with the Secretary of the Company, by delivering to the
Company a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the Annual
Meeting, filing a revocation with the Secretary and voting in person.
The cost of solicitation of proxies in the form enclosed herewith will be borne
by the Company. In addition to the solicitation of proxies by mail, proxies may
also be solicited personally or by telephone or facsimile by directors, officers
and employees of the Company without additional compensation therefor.
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying Proxy are being mailed to shareholders
on or about March 16, 1999.
-1-
<PAGE>
VOTING SECURITIES
The securities which may be voted at the Annual Meeting consist of shares of
common stock of the Company ( the "Common Stock"), with each share entitling its
owner to one vote on all matters to be voted on at the Annual Meeting. The close
of business on March 1, 1999 has been fixed by the Board of Directors as the
record date ("Record Date") for the determination of shareholders entitled to
notice of and to vote at this Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. The
total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date was
4,249,047 shares.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP
As of December 31, 1998, no person was known by the Board of Directors to be the
beneficial owner of more than five percent of the Company's outstanding common
stock.
ITEM 1: - ELECTION OF DIRECTORS & INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO DIRECTORS &
OFFICERS
The Bylaws of the Company provide that the Board of Directors shall consist of
not less than five nor more than twenty-five shareholders, the exact number to
be fixed and determined from time to time by resolution of a majority of the
full Board of Directors or by resolution of the shareholders at any annual or
special meeting thereof. Pursuant to this provision, the Board unanimously
adopted a resolution setting the number of directors at eight. The Bylaws
further provide that the directors shall be divided into two classes with a two
year term of office for each class expiring at the end of consecutive years.
Only Class 1 of the Board of Directors will be elected at this year's meeting.
The Board of Directors has nominated the four persons named in this Proxy
Statement. Each of these nominees has consented to be named and to serve if
elected, and the Board knows of no reason to believe that any nominee will
decline or be unable to serve, if elected. In the event any nominee is unable to
serve or for good cause will not serve, it is intended that the proxies which
would have been voted for such nominee will be voted for a successor nominee to
be designated by the Board of Directors.
REQUIRED VOTE
The approval by the affirmative votes of the holders of a plurality of the
shares present, or represented, and entitled to vote is required to approve the
election of directors.
-2-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The following information is provided with respect to each nominee for director
and each present director whose term of office extends beyond the date of the
Annual Meeting.
NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR AND DIRECTORS CONTINUING IN OFFICE
Shares of Common Stock
of the Company
Beneficially Owned as of
December 31, 1998<F1>
------------------------
Principal Occupation Director of the
Name and Age for Past Five Years Company Since No. of Shares Percent
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Nominees for Director:
- ----------------------
Class 1 (term expiring in 2001)
R. Timothy Maran President-Maran, DeBaun, 1980 71,863<F2> 1.7
Age 57 Cruise & Simonson
Insurance Brokers
Walter A. Preische, Jr Certified Public Accountant; 1994 11,700<F3> 0.3
Age 63 Prior to October 5, 1998
President-Markowitz, Preische
& Stevens, P.C., Certified
Public Accountants
L. H. Strickland Vice-Chairman of the Board 1970 13,900<F4> 0.3
Age 66 of the Company & the Bank;
President & Director-Peter Lyle,
Inc., Financial Services
Thomas J. Tobin President & Chief Executive 1986 56,580<F5> 1.3
Age 54 Officer of the Company &
the Bank
Directors Continuing in Office:
- -------------------------------
Class 2 (term expiring in 2000)
Thomas Halsey Owner-Holly Hill 1969 47,255<F6> 1.1
Age 59 Nursery
Marcia Z. Hefter Partner-Esseks, Hefter 1988 19,988<F7> 0.5
Age 55 & Angel, Attorneys
Albert E. McCoy Vice-President-W.F. McCoy 1982 138,219<F8> 3.3
Age 64 Petroleum Products, Inc;
President-McCoy Bus Co., Inc.
Raymond Wesnofske Chairman of the Board of 1970 98,082<F9> 2.3
Age 61 the Company & the Bank
</TABLE>
-3-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED BY OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND ALL DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS AS A GROUP
Name, Age and Position with Company No. of Shares Percent
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Christopher Becker, Age 33 16,753<F10> 0.4
Executive Vice President of the
Company and the Bank; Treasurer
and Secretary of the Company;
Chief Financial Officer of the Bank
Anthony Leone, Age 51 25,563<F11> 0.6
Prior to December 21, 1998
Senior Vice President of the
Company and the Bank; Secretary
of the Company; Chief Banking
Officer of the Bank
All 10 Director Nominees, Continuing
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group 499,903<F12> 11.8
<PAGE>
NOTES
<FN>
<F1> Beneficial ownership of shares, as determined in accordance with applicable
Securities and Exchange Commission rules, includes shares as to which a
person directly or indirectly has or shares voting power and/or investment
power (which includes the power to dispose) and all shares which the person
has a right to acquire within 60 days of the reporting date. Except as
otherwise indicated, for all securities listed the director has sole voting
and investment power.
<F2> Including 10,393 shares in the name of Cynthia H. Maran, Mr. Maran's wife,
5,985 shares in the name of R. Timothy Maran, Jr., Mr. Maran's son; 14,436
shares in the name of J.C. Maran, R.T. Maran and T. Maran, Trustees under
the will of R. Maran, deceased. Mr. Maran is a primary beneficiary of such
trust and shares voting and investment powers under the trust; and 10,800
shares in the name of Meschutt Maran Agency, Inc., a corporation of which
Mr. Maran is a minority shareholder and shares voting and investment
powers.
<F3> Including 7,200 shares in the name of Markowitz, Preische & Stevens, P.C.,
Profit Sharing Plan. Mr. Preische is one of two trustees and shares voting
and investment powers.
<F4> Including 10,000 shares in the name of Peter Lyle, Inc. for the benefit of
L.H. Strickland. Mr. Strickland is the sole shareholder of such
corporation.
<F5> Including options to purchase 21,000 shares previously granted to Mr. Tobin
under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan, 34,815 shares held in joint
tenancy with his wife, Janet B. Tobin; 324 shares in the name of Janet
Colleen Tobin, Mr. Tobin's daughter and 441 shares in the name of Patrick
Thomas Tobin, Mr. Tobin's son.
<F6> Including 17,433 shares in the name of Dorothy E. Halsey, Mr. Halsey's
wife; 2,750 shares in the name of Adam T. Halsey, Mr. Halsey's son and
2,115 shares in the name of Jocelyn M. Halsey-Armuswicz, Mr. Halsey's
daughter.
<F7> Including 7,020 shares in a retirement trust for Robert J. Hefter, Mrs.
Hefter's husband; 2,250 shares in a retirement trust for Mrs. Hefter; 900
shares in the name of Jason Hefter, Mrs. Hefter's son; and 900 shares in
the name of Michele Hefter, Mrs. Hefter's daughter.
<F8> Including 66,873 shares in the name of Margaret F. McCoy, Mr. McCoy's wife.
<F9> Including 27,864 shares in the name of Lynn Wesnofske, Mr. Wesnofske's
wife.
<F10>Including options to purchase 14,250 shares previously granted to Mr.
Becker under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan
<F11>Including options to purchase 14,250 shares previously granted to Mr.
Leone under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan, 465 shares in the name of
Angela Leone, Mr. Leone's wife, 165 shares in the name of Anthony Leone,
Jr., Mr. Leone's son, 150 shares in the name of Frank Leone, Mr. Leone's
son, 150 shares in the name of Denise Leone, Mr. Leone's daughter, and 150
shares in the name of Alissa Leone, Mr. Leone's daughter.
<F12>Including options to purchase 49,500 shares previously granted to the
named Executive Officers under the Company's Equity Incentive Plan
</FN>
</TABLE>
-5-
<PAGE>
BOARD COMMITTEES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The Company's Board of Directors does not have a nominating committee (or a
committee performing similar functions), but does have Audit and Personnel
Committees as follows:
Number of Meetings
Committee Members Past Fiscal Year Committee Functions
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Audit:
Thomas E. Halsey 4 Monitor compliance with law and rules,
Walter A. Preische, Jr. review and make recommendations with
L.H. Strickland respect to reports of internal auditor and
independent certified public accountants.
Personnel:
Marcia Z. Hefter 2 Recommend salary increases, changes
R. Timothy Maran in employee benefits and management
Thomas J. Tobin changes.
Raymond Wesnofske
The Board of Directors met 12 times during fiscal year ended December 31, 1998.
Each of the directors of the Company attended at least 75% of the total number
of meetings of the Board and committees thereof.
</TABLE>
-6-
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
All of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company also serve on the
Board of the Bank. Directors of the Company are not compensated separately in
any way for their services as members of the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Board of Directors of the Bank currently holds 12 regular monthly meetings a
year and such special meetings as deemed advisable to review significant
matters. Each member of the Board of Directors, except Mr. Tobin, receives an
annual fee of $5,000. The Chairman of the Board of Directors receives an
additional $2,500 annually. All Directors are compensated $500 for each meeting
of the Board of Directors. Directors who are members of the asset and liability
committee, classification committee, audit committee and loan committee are
compensated $300 per meeting. Directors are compensated $150 for all other
committee meetings.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information concerning compensation and
compensatory awards received the last three years by the Chief Executive Officer
and each other executive officer of the Bank whose cash compensation, including
salary and bonus, exceeded $100,000 in 1998. The officers of the Company are not
compensated separately in any way for their services.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long-Term Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards Payouts
------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i)
Other All
Annual Restricted Options/ Other
Name and Compen- Stock SARs<F4> LTIP Compen-
Principal Position Year Salary<F1> Bonus sation<F2> Awards<F3> (shares) Payouts<F5> sation<F6>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas J. Tobin 1998 $185,571 $ 36,500 0 $0 12,000 $0 $14,087
President & Chief 1997 178,783 43,750 0 3,355 9,000 0 14,750
Executive Officer of 1996 177,958 33,000 0 0 0 0 14,750
the Company and the
Bank
Christopher Becker 1998 $ 91,358 $ 16,600 0 0 7,500 0 2,520
Executive Vice 1997 82,992 18,750 0 0 6,750 0 862
President of the 1996 77,659 13,640 0 0 0 0 2,566
Company and the
Bank, Treasurer of the
Company and Chief
Financial Officer of the
Bank
Anthony Leone<F7> 1998 $112,842 $ 20,000 0 0 7,500 0 3,667
Senior Vice President 1997 105,996 23,950 0 2,928 6,750 0 3,718
of the Company and 1996 106,908 18,600 0 0 0 0 3,540
the Bank, Secretary of
the Company and
Chief Banking Officer
of the Bank
-7-
<PAGE>
NOTES TO SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<FN>
<F1> Includes salary deferred at the election of the named executive officer
(such as deferred salary under the Company's 401(k) Plan) and all
directors' fees from the Bank, whether paid or deferred. Salary deferrals
under the 401(k) Plan in 1998 were $ 10,000 for Mr. Tobin, $7,334 for Mr.
Leone, and $5,040 for Mr. Becker, respectively.
<F2> The Company has no reportable "other annual compensation" as defined in the
Securities and Exchange Commission rules.
<F3> Mr. Tobin and Mr. Leone held no restricted stock as of year end December
31, 1998.
<F4> Represents total number of shares subject to options granted to the named
executive officers. No options granted to the named executive officers have
been accompanied by stock appreciation rights ("SARs").
<F5> The Company has no "long-term incentive plans" as defined in the Securities
and Exchange Commission rules.
<F6> Includes, among other things, any Company contributions on behalf of the
named executive officer to the 401(k) Plan and specified premiums paid by
the Company on certain insurance arrangements on behalf of the executive
officer. Listed amounts for 1998 include 401(k) Plan contributions by the
Company on behalf of executive officers Tobin, Leone and Becker of $4,087,
$3,667 and $2,520, respectively; and the following insurance premiums paid
by the Company on behalf of Mr. Tobin: $6,496 in premiums paid on a
supplemental retirement policy and $3,504 in premiums paid on a disability
policy.
<F7> On January 23, 1999, Mr. Leone resigned, effective December 21, 1998 as
Senior Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of the Bank and Senior Vice
President and Secretary of the Company. Under the terms of the letter
agreement dated January 8, 1999, Mr. Leone will receive monthly severance
payments of $8,667 for the period January through August, 1999 and eight
months of medical insurance premium totaling $4624. In return, Mr. Leone
relinquished all other payments and benefits from the Company and executed
a release in favor of the Company and the Bank.
</FN>
</TABLE>
-8-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
The following table sets forth information concerning stock options granted for
1998 to the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table on Page
7.
Options Grants/SARs in Last Fiscal Year
---------------------------------------
Number of % of Total
Securities Options/SARs Exercise
Underlying Granted to or Base
Options/SARs Employees in Price Expiration
Name Granted Fiscal Year (dollars/share) Date
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas J. Tobin 12,000 26.7% $14.67 1/15/08
Christopher Becker 7,500 16.7% $14.67 1/15/08
Anthony Leone 7,500 16.7% $14.67 1/15/08<F1>
The following table sets forth information concerning all stock options that
were either exercised in 1998 or held at year-end 1998 by the named executive
officers in the Summary Compensation Table on Page 7.
Aggregated Option/SARs Exercises in the Last Fiscal Year
and Year-End Option/SARs Values
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) (b) (c) (d) (e)
Number of Value of Unexercised
Unexercised In-the -Money
Options/SARs at Options/SARs at
Option Exercises in 1998 December 31, 1998 December 31,1998<F2>
Shares Acquired on (Exercisable/ (Exercisable/
Exercise Value Realized Unexercisable) Unexercisable)
Name (shares) (dollars) (shares) (dollars)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas J. Tobin 0 0 E - 21,000 E-$277,440
U - 0 U - 0
Christopher Becker 0 0 E - 14,250 E-$193,335
U - 0 U - 0
Anthony Leone 0 0 E - 14,250 E-$193,335
U - 0 U - 0
<FN>
<F1> In light of Mr. Leone's resignation, under the applicable terms of the
option the normal expiration date set forth above was accelerated to March
21, 1999.
<F2> Calculated based on the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock on
December 31, 1998 ($24.50 per share) minus the exercise price.
</FN>
</TABLE>
-9-
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT AND CHANGE IN CONTROL AGREEMENTS
The Company and Mr. Tobin are parties to an employment agreement. In addition,
the Company is a party to a Change in Control agreement with Mr. Becker.
Mr. Tobin has an employment agreement with the Company and the Bank pursuant to
which he is employed in the position of President and Chief Executive Officer of
both the Company and the Bank. The contract has a term of five years commencing
January 1, 1998 until December 31, 2002 and is renewable for one additional year
each subsequent January 1, during the term of the agreement. Under the
agreement, in the event Mr. Tobin's employment is terminated following a change
in control of the Company, he is entitled to receive a severance payment equal
to 2.99 times the sum of his current base salary plus the amount of bonuses paid
to him during the 12 months preceding the change in control. The agreement
provides that Mr. Tobin shall not have any right to receive a "parachute
payment" within the meaning of Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Change in Control agreement is effective upon any change in control of the
Company and has a term of three years. Under the agreement, in the event Mr.
Becker's employment is terminated following a change in control of the Company,
he is entitled to receive a severance payment equal to 2.99 times the sum of his
current base salary plus the amount of bonuses paid to him during the 12 months
preceding the change in control. The agreement provides that Mr. Becker shall
not have any right to receive a "parachute payment" within the meaning of
Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Personnel and Compensation Committee held two meetings in 1998 and presently
consists of Raymond Wesnofske, Chairman of the Board, R.T. Maran, Marcia Z.
Hefter and Thomas J. Tobin. Mr. Tobin is the President and Chief Executive
Officer of both the Company and the Bank.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Company's Personnel Committee serves as its Compensation Committee. It
consists of three directors who are not employees as well as the President and
Chief Executive Officer, Thomas J. Tobin. This Committee was established to
review, at least annually, the salaries, benefits, and employment policies of
the Bank and then make recommendations to the full Board. The Committee makes
recommendations to the full Board of Directors concerning base salary levels and
short term incentive compensation for executive officers. In addition, the
Committee recommends for full Board ratification the grant of stock-based
incentive compensation awarded to executive officers and senior management. The
Committee is also responsible for recommending the execution of change in
control agreements with executive officers and certain members of senior
management.
General Policy
- --------------
The Company's executive compensation policy is to provide an incentive for
executive officers to achieve corporate goals and to reward executive officers
when these goals are met. Central to the concept and design of executive
compensation strategy is the paramount importance of long term shareholder
interests and the need to align senior management with those interests.
Compensation levels for executive officers are established after consideration
of corporate performance measures and executive compensation practices followed
by the Company's industry peer group. Also, included in the deliberative process
are personal factors such as commitment, leadership, management style, teamwork
and community involvement.
The Committee obtains suggestions and advice from the CEO regarding appropriate
or desired levels of compensation for executive officers and senior management.
The Committee has access to all necessary Company financial reports, personnel
records and other data. Committee members have regular contact with executive
officers and senior management as a result of their service on the Board and
other Board committees, giving members a direct basis upon which to evaluate the
individual qualities and capabilities of the officers.
-10-
<PAGE>
Historically the Company has used published executive compensation reports from
nationally recognized accounting and financial institution consulting firms to
provide guidance as to competitive executive officer and senior management
compensation practices and pay levels. For each of the past two years, the
Company retained a nationally recognized compensation consulting firm to analyze
the executive officer and senior management compensation levels, by each of the
three elements cited below and in total, and the Company's performance. A group
of twenty-three to twenty-eight comparably sized and similarly profiled
financial institutions was used for comparison purposes. The group selected for
this comparison needs to be distinguished from the peer group used in the stock
performance graph below. The companies included in this group may have changed
slightly from year to year due to merger activity within the industry or other
relevant factors. The Committee considered the results of this comparison and
the consulting firm's corresponding recommendations in making compensation
program recommendations to the Board of Directors.
The objective of the Company's executive officer and senior management
compensation structure is to motivate these individuals to put forth maximum
effort toward the achievement of specific corporate goals identified during the
strategic planning process of the Board and management. To that end, the
Committee has adopted a compensation strategy that seeks to provide competitive
compensation opportunities that are strongly aligned to the financial and stock
performance of the Company. Three compensation elements are used in support of
the strategy: base salary, short term incentives and long term incentives.
Components of Compensation
- --------------------------
Base Salary
- -----------
Executive officer base salary levels are reviewed annually by the Committee and
adjusted as appropriate. For the 1998 fiscal year the Company increased
individual base salaries based upon the consideration of the competitive base
salary review, strong Company performance and individual performance. The
adjusted base salary levels are reflective of the individual responsibilities,
experience and performance, as well as competitive marketplace conditions.
-11-
<PAGE>
Short Term Incentive Program
- ----------------------------
The Company ties short term incentive bonuses to specific financial targets,
specifically return on average equity and return on average assets. For the
fiscal year ended 1998, the Company returned approximately 19.2% on average
equity and approximately 1.51% on average assets, substantially meeting the
goals defined by the Board and management in a three-year strategic plan. These
ratios place the Company in the high performance tier, as defined by a prominent
industry source, when compared to commercial banks in its peer group.
Long Term Stock Incentive Program
- ---------------------------------
The third and final component of the Company's compensation strategy is the 1996
Equity Incentive Plan, under which executive officers and senior management may
be granted stock options offering them the possibility of future value,
depending upon the long term appreciation of the Company's common stock.
In the case of individual executive officers, the Committee's decisions on stock
incentive awards are based on evaluation of both the Company's performance, as
measured against its own preestablished goals and against its peer group, and
the individual's accomplishments. The Company's Equity Incentive Plan (the
Plan), approved by the shareholders at the 1995 annual meeting, is the
instrument used to grant stock based incentive awards to executive officers and
senior management.
Stock options under the Plan may be either so-called "incentive stock options,"
which bestow certain tax benefits on the optionee, or nonqualified stock
options, not qualifying for such benefits. All options under the plan have an
exercise price that is not less than the market value of the Company's common
stock on the date of the grant.
Chief Executive Officer
- -----------------------
In assessing appropriate types and amounts of compensation for the Chief
Executive Officer, the Committee evaluates both corporate and individual
performance. Corporate factors included in the evaluation are return on average
stockholders' equity, return on average assets, levels and changes in
nonperforming assets, the market price of the common stock and the Company's
performance as compared to peer group institutions. Individual factors include
the CEO's implementation of the Company's strategic goals, formation of an
effective management team and various personal qualities, including leadership.
The foregoing report has been furnished by committee members:
Raymond Wesnofske, Chairman
R. Timothy Maran
Marcia Z. Hefter
Thomas J. Tobin
-12-
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Pursuant to the regulations of the SEC, the graph below compares the performance
of the Company with that of the total return for the NASDAQ stock market, United
States and for all bank stocks with an asset size of $250,000,000 to
$500,000,000 as reported by SNL Securities L.C. from December 31, 1993 through
December 31, 1998. The graph assumes the reinvestment of dividends in additional
shares of the same class of equity securities as those listed below.
[Graph]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD ENDING
Index 12/31/93 12/31/94 12/31/95 12/31/96 12/31/97 12/31/98
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Bridge Bancorp 100.00 140.20 189.38 258.62 669.60 999.78
NASDAQ - Total US 100.00 97.75 138.26 170.01 208.58 293.21
SNL $250M-$500M Bank Asset Size Index 100.00 107.90 145.61 189.07 327.00 292.84
</TABLE>
-13-
<PAGE>
RETIREMENT PLAN
The Bank maintains a non-contributory, tax-qualified defined benefit pension
plan (the "Retirement Plan") for eligible employees. All salaried employees at
least age 21 who have completed at least six months of service are eligible to
participate in the Retirement Plan. The Retirement Plan provides for a benefit
for each participant, including the Named Executive Officers, in an amount equal
to 1.50% of the participant's average annual earnings multiplied by creditable
service (up to 35 years) plus 1.00% of the participant's average annual earnings
multiplied by creditable service (in excess of 35 years) minus .49% of the
participant's final average compensation multiplied by creditable service (up to
35 years).
The following table approximates the annual retirement benefits based on average
annual earnings for the highest five consecutive years at various levels of
compensation and years of service under the Retirement Plan.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual
Average 20 Years 25 Years 30 Years 35 Years 40 Years
Compensation Service Service Service Service Service
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
50,000 $ 11,949 $ 14,937 $ 17,924 $ 20,912 $ 23,412
75,000 $ 19,449 $ 24,312 $ 29,174 $ 34,037 $ 37,787
100,000 $ 26,949 $ 33,687 $ 40,424 $ 47,162 $ 52,162
125,000 $ 34,449 $ 43,062 $ 51,674 $ 60,287 $ 66,537
150,000 $ 41,949 $ 52,437 $ 62,924 $ 73,412 $ 80,912
175,000 $ 44,949 $ 56,187 $ 67,424 $ 78,662 $ 86,662
200,000 $ 44,949 $ 56,187 $ 67,424 $ 78,662 $ 86,662
225,000. $ 44,949 $ 56,187 $ 67,424 $ 78,662 $ 86,662
250,000 $ 44,949 $ 56,187 $ 67,424 $ 78,662 $ 86,662
275,000 $ 44,949 $ 56,187 $ 67,424 $ 78,662 $ 86,662
The following table sets forth the years of credited service and the average
annual basic earnings (as defined above) determined as of September 30, 1998 for
each of the Named Executive Officers.
Years of
Credited Service Average
Years Months Annual Earnings
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Thomas J. Tobin 13 2 $199,986
Christopher Becker 10 7 122,456
Anthony Leone 10 7 82,380
</TABLE>
-14-
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Certain directors and executive officers and related parties, including their
immediate families and companies in which they are principal owners, were loan
customers of the Bank during 1998. Such loans are made in the ordinary course of
business at normal credit terms, including interest rate and security, and do
not represent more than a normal risk of collection. The Bank as of December 31,
1998 classified no such loan as a non-accrual, past due, restructured or
potential problem loan.
Outside of normal customer relationships, none of the directors of the Company
or their associates currently maintains or has maintained within the past 12
months any significant business relationships or had any related party
transaction with the Company or the Bank other than such as arises by virtue of
their position or ownership interest in the Company or other than such as arises
by virtue of their position with the Bank.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
Under the securities laws of the United States, the Company's directors, its
executive and certain other officers, and any persons holding more than ten
percent of the Company's Common Stock are required to report their ownership of
the Company's Common Stock and any 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 report in this Proxy Statement any
failure to file by these dates during 1998. During 1998, all of these filing
requirements were satisfied. In making these statements, the Company has relied
solely on the written representations of the incumbent directors and officers
and copies of the reports which they have filed with the Commission.
ITEM 2: - PROPOSAL TO INCREASE AUTHORIZED SHARES AND TO DECREASE PAR VALUE OF
COMMON STOCK
At the Meeting, Company stockholders will be requested to approve the proposed
Amendment to increase the number of authorized shares of Common Stock from
6,500,000 with a par value of $5.00 per share to 20,000,000 with a par value of
$0.01 per share.
The Company's Board of Directors has approved the Amendment. The proposed
Amendment, if approved, will change Article "4" of the Certificate of
Incorporation to read as follows:
"4. Number of Shares The aggregate number of shares which the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is Twenty Million (20,000,000)
shares, all of which shall be common shares of the par value of One Cent
($0.01) each."
A. INCREASE IN NUMBER OF SHARES
The requested increase in shares of Company Common Stock is designed to provide
the Company with added flexibility in pursuing its long range business
objectives. As of December 31, 1998, 4,234,797 shares of Company Common Stock
were issued and outstanding, 432,000 shares of Company Common Stock were
reserved for issuance under the 1996 Equity Incentive Plan and 97,200 shares
were held as treasury stock. Accordingly, as of December 31, 1998, the Company
had available for use in future business opportunities and otherwise only
1,736,003 shares of Company Common Stock. The Company's Board of Directors
believes that it is in the best interest of the Company that additional shares
be made available for future business opportunities and for other purposes.
-15-
<PAGE>
The Company has no present plans, understandings or arrangements for the
issuance of any additional shares of Common Stock. If the proposed Amendment is
approved, the additional shares may be issued on such terms and at such times as
the Company's Board of Directors may determine, without future stockholder
action except where otherwise required by law.
The authorization of additional shares of Common Stock will not, by itself, have
any effect on the rights of holders of existing Common Stock. Holders of the
Company's Common Stock will not have preemptive rights with respect to any new
Common Stock. The issuance of further Common Stock would increase the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding, thereby diluting percentage ownership of
existing shareholders, as well as possibly diluting book value per share and/or
earnings per share.
The purpose of this increase is to maximize the Company's ability to expand its
capital. Although the Company has no agreements, commitments or plans at this
time for the sale or other use of additional shares of Common Stock, the Board
of Directors believes that the proposed authorization of additional Common Stock
will provide the Company with increased flexibility in generating additional
capital, achieving future business opportunities such as acquisitions and for
other purposes such as stock splits, the payment of stock dividends and other
distributions in shares of stock meeting its corporate needs. If the issuance of
shares of Common Stock is deemed advisable, having the authority to issue
additional shares would avoid the time delay and expense of a special
shareholders' meeting to authorize the issuance of stock. No further action or
authorization by the Company's shareholders would be necessary prior to the
issuance of such stock, except as may be required for a particular transaction
by applicable law or regulation.
The existence of the additional authorized shares could have the effect of
discouraging unsolicited takeover attempts. When in the judgment of the Board of
Directors such action would be in the best interests of the shareholders and the
Company, the issuance of shares could be used to create voting or other
impediments or to discourage persons seeking to gain control of the Company, for
example, by the sale of Common Stock to purchasers favorable to the Board of
Directors. The issuance of new shares could be used to dilute the stock
ownership of a person or entity seeking to obtain control of the Company should
the Board of Directors consider the action of such entity or person not to be in
the best interests of the shareholders and the Company.
B. DECREASE IN PAR VALUE
Simultaneously with the requested increase in the number of authorized shares,
it is proposed to decrease the par value of the Company's Common Stock from a
par value of Five Dollars ($5.00) per share to a par value of One Cent ($0.01)
per share. Such reduction in par value will have the effect of permitting the
Company to decrease its stated capital, based on shares outstanding as of
December 31, 1998, from $21,659,985 to $43,320. Capital surplus would be
concomitantly increased by approximately $21,616,665 and thereby provide the
Company with the added flexibility of allowing payments of dividends from
surplus if deemed advisable or necessary by the Board of Directors. It should be
realized, however, that as a practical matter the Company would only have the
ability to pay out a moderate proportion of the aggregate increase in capital
surplus as dividends since there are important regulatory restrictions on the
payment of dividends. See, page 21 of Annual Report.
In the event that Item 2 is approved, certificates representing shares of the
Company's Common Stock $5.00 par value issued prior to the effective date of
filing of the amendment to the Company's certificate implementing the amendment
will be changed to represent the same number of the shares of the Company's
Common Stock $0.01 par value as they did prior to such time.
-16-
<PAGE>
EXISTING CERTIFICATES WILL CONTINUE TO REPRESENT THE NUMBER OF SHARES EVIDENCED
THEREBY BUT OF THE PAR VALUE OF $0.01. EXISTING CERTIFICATES WILL NOT BE
EXCHANGED FOR NEW CERTIFICATES. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN ANY CERTIFICATES TO THE
COMPANY.
Except with respect to added dividend flexibility, the decrease in the par value
of the Common Stock should have no effect on the Company's shareholders.
C. APPROVAL REQUIRED
The approval by the affirmative votes of the holders of a majority of the shares
present, or represented, and entitled to vote is required to adopt the
Amendment. The Company's Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote
FOR the proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to increase the
number of authorized shares of Company Common Stock, and to decrease the par
value of same.
ITEM 3: - OTHER BUSINESS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors does not intend
to present to the meeting any other business not provided for in the notice of
meeting, and it has not been informed of any business intended to be presented
by others. Should any other matters, however, properly come before the meeting,
the persons named in the enclosed Proxy will take action and vote proxies in
accordance with their judgment on such matters.
Action may be taken on the business to be transacted at the meeting on the date
specified in the notice of meeting or on any date or dates to which such meeting
may be adjourned.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
If stockholders' proposals are to be considered for inclusion in the Company's
Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of the Company's stockholders to be held
in April, 1999, such proposals must be submitted on a timely basis and the
proposals and proponents thereof otherwise must meet the requirements
established by the Securities and Exchange Commission for stockholders'
proposals. Proposals for the annual meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2000
must be received by the Company at its principal executive office no later than
November 17, 1999. Any such proposals, together with supporting statements,
should be directed to the Secretary of the Company.
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Arthur Andersen LLP, Certified Public Accountants, were the independent auditors
of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1998, and have been selected to
serve as auditors for 1999. Representatives of Arthur Andersen LLP are expected
to be present at the Annual Meeting with an opportunity to make a statement if
they so desire and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate
questions from stockholders.
Whether you intend to be present at this meeting or not, you are urged to return
your signed proxy promptly.
-17-
<PAGE>
Your continued interest in and support of the Company is sincerely appreciated.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Raymond Wesnofske
Chairman
Bridgehampton, New York
March 16, 1999
<PAGE>
PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BRIDGE BANCORP, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD APRIL 19, 1999
The undersigned hereby appoints Michelle Dosch, Kim Romano and Maureen P.
Mougios as Proxies, each with the power to appoint a substitute, and hereby
authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated below all the shares of
common stock of Bridge Bancorp, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on March
1, 1999 at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 19, 1999 or any
adjournments thereof.
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
FOR all nominees listed below [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote [ ]
(Except as Marked to the Contrary Below) For all Nominees Listed Below
R.TIMOTHY MARAN WALTER A. PREISCHE, JR. L.H. STRICKLAND THOMAS J. TOBIN
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual strike a line
through that nominee's name in the list above).
2. PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO
INCREASE THE AUTHORIZED NUMBER OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $5.00 PAR VALUE
("COMMON STOCK"), FROM 6,500,000 WITH PAR VALUE OF $5.00 PER SHARE TO
20,000,000 WITH A PAR VALUE OF $0.01 PER SHARE.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
3. OTHER BUSINESS
In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the meeting.
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by
the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted
FOR Proposals 1 and 2.
Please sign exactly as name appears on the stock certificate. When joint tenants
hold shares, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, please sign in full corporation names by President or other
authorized officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership names by
authorized person.
Dated:_________________ , 1999 ---------------------------------------
Signature
----------------------------------------
Signature If Held Jointly
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
