SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. __)
Filed by the Registrant [x]
Filed by a Party other
than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box: [ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission only
(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[x] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to
ss. 240.14a-11(c) or ss. 240.14a-12
American Locker Group Incorporated
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(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (check the appropriate box):
[x] No fee required
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1)
and 0-11
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction
applies:
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how
it was determined):
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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5) Total fee paid:
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[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by
registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date
of its filing:
1) Amount Previously Paid:
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration No.:
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3) Filing Party:
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4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
AMERICAN LOCKER GROUP
INCORPORATED
608 ALLEN STREET
JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK 14702-1000
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 19, 1998
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TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held at the offices of
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, 1500 Oliver Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 on
Tuesday, May 19, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, for the
following purposes:
1. To elect a Board of Directors consisting of seven persons to serve
until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their
respective successors are duly elected and qualified; and
2. To consider and act upon such other matters as may properly come
before the meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 23, 1998
as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of
and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person, you are urged
to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy promptly to the Company in the
enclosed postage paid envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Charles E. Harris
Secretary
Jamestown, New York
April 6, 1998
<PAGE>
AMERICAN LOCKER GROUP
INCORPORATED
608 ALLEN STREET
JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK 14702-1000
----------
PROXY STATEMENT
----------
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 19, 1998
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy, which are being mailed to
stockholders commencing on or about April 6, 1998, are furnished in connection
with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of American Locker Group
Incorporated (referred to in this Proxy Statement as the "Company") of proxies
for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Tuesday, May
19, 1998, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at the offices of Kirkpatrick &
Lockhart LLP, 1500 Oliver Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Only holders of Common Stock of record at the close of business on March
23, 1998, will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On
that date there were outstanding 604,695 shares of Common Stock. Each share of
the Company's outstanding Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters to
come before the Annual Meeting.
If the enclosed Proxy is properly executed and returned, it may
nevertheless be revoked at any time prior to its use by execution of a later
dated proxy, by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or by written or verbal
notice of such revocation to the Secretary of the Company at any time before
such proxy is voted.
A copy of the 1997 Annual Report of the Company is being mailed with this
Proxy Statement.
PROXY SOLICITATION AND EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
Proxies are being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the
Company and the expenses of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company.
Solicitation will be made primarily by mail, but directors, officers and regular
employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally, by mail, or by
telephone or facsimile. The Company will not pay any compensation for the
solicitation of proxies, but will reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians,
nominees or fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxy
material to beneficial owners and obtaining their proxies.
<PAGE>
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING
The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to elect seven directors to serve for
a term of one year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Seven persons, constituting the entire Board of Directors of the Company,
are to be elected at the 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to serve until the
next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected
and qualified. It is intended that the accompanying proxy will be voted for the
election of the seven nominees on the following pages. Six of the nominees, Alan
H. Finegold, Thomas Lynch IV, Harold J. Ruttenberg, James E. Ruttenberg, Roy J.
Glosser and Edward F. Ruttenberg, were elected by the stockholders of the
Company at the 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The other nominee, Jeffrey
C. Swoveland, was nominated as a candidate for Director by the Board in March
1998. Thomas P. Johnson, 83, a director since 1973, has advised the Company that
he wishes to retire from the Board effective as of the date of the Annual
Meeting.
All nominees have indicated that they are willing and able to serve as
directors if elected. If any nominees should be unable or unwilling to serve,
the proxies will be voted for the election of such person as shall be designated
by the Board of Directors to replace such nominee.
The Company is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. The
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware requires that directors be
elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy at a meeting and entitled to vote in the election of
directors. Accordingly, abstentions from voting and broker non-votes will have
no effect on the outcome of such proposal. The stockholders of the Company are
not entitled to vote cumulatively in the election of directors.
INFORMATION AS TO NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS
The following sets forth certain information concerning the nominees for
election as directors, including the number of shares of Common Stock of the
Company beneficially owned directly or indirectly, by each on March 23, 1998.
Also included are the names of other companies filing reports pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for which the nominees serve as
directors or trustees. There are no family relationships between any nominees or
principal officers of the Company except, between Harold J. Ruttenberg, a
nominee for director, Chairman, Chief Executive Office and Treasurer, and his
sons, Edward F. Ruttenberg, and James E. Ruttenberg, each a nominee for
director.
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<PAGE>
ALAN H. FINEGOLD
* Mr. Alan H. Finegold, 55, a director since 1994, and a member of the
Executive Committee and the Audit Committee, has, since October 1, 1997, been
affiliated with Alan H. Finegold, P.C., a law firm, and the Alan H. Finegold
Company, which provides estate planning services. Prior to October 1, 1997, he
served as a partner of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, a Pittsburgh law firm, for
more than five years.
THOMAS LYNCH, IV
* Mr. Thomas Lynch, 54, a director since 1994, and a member of the
Executive Compensation Committee, has served as a First Vice President of
Janney, Montgomery and Scott, a brokerage firm, for more than five years.
ROY J. GLOSSER
* Mr. Roy J. Glosser, 37, a director since 1996, has been President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Company since May 1996. Between May 1995 and May
1996, he served as Vice President - Operations of the Company and between
December 1992 and May 1995, he served as Director of Operations of the Company.
EDWARD F. RUTTENBERG
Mr. Edward F. Ruttenberg, 51, a director and Vice Chairman of the Board
since 1996, has, for more than five years, been President and a director of
Rollform of Jamestown, Inc., a rollforming company.
HAROLD J. RUTTENBERG
Mr. Harold J. Ruttenberg, 83, a director since 1973, has been Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer for more than five years, and is Chairman
of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors. Mr. Ruttenberg also serves
as Chairman of the Board and Treasurer of Rollform of Jamestown, Inc.
JAMES E. RUTTENBERG
Mr. James E. Ruttenberg, 56, a director since 1994 and a member of the
Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, has since 1996
served as President of Claremont Billing Systems, Inc., a data
processing/telephone billing firm. Prior to 1996, he served as Executive Vice
President of this company for more than five years.
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<PAGE>
JEFFREY C. SWOVELAND
Mr. Jeffrey C. Swoveland, 42, serves as Interim Chief Financial Officer,
Vice President-Finance and Treasurer of Equitable Resources, Inc. He joined
Equitable Resources, Inc. as Director of Alternative Finance in September 1994.
He was elected Treasurer in 1994, became Vice President in 1995 and became
Interim Chief Financial Officer in October 1997. Prior to September 1994, he
served as Vice President-Global Corporate Banking for Mellon Bank N.A. He serves
as a director of Petroleum Development Corporation.
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF NOMINEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As of March 23, 1998, the nominees for director and the persons named in
the section of this Proxy Statement entitled "Compensation and Other
Transactions with Management and Others" owned the following shares of Common
Stock of the Company:
NAME AND ADDRESS OF AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF CLASS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan H. Finegold 1,000 *
1150 Six PPG Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Roy J. Glosser 15,300(1) 2.5%
608 Allen Street
Jamestown, NY 14702-1000
Thomas Lynch, IV 0 *
201 Lexington Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
Edward F. Ruttenberg 6,833(2) 1.1%
5864 Aylesboro Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Harold J. Ruttenberg 182,499(3) 29.6%
300 South Craig Street
Second Floor
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
James E. Ruttenberg 4,474 *
254 South Main St.
New City, NY 10956
Jeffrey C. Swoveland 0 *
5870 Aylesboro Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
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<PAGE>
David L. Henderson 7,500(4) 1.2%
5770 Rothesay Drive
Dublin, Ohio 43017
(*) Less than 1%
(1) Includes 15,000 shares which Mr. Glosser has the right to acquire under
stock options. Also includes 200 shares owned by Mr. Glosser's wife with
respect to which Mr. Glosser disclaims beneficial ownership.
(2) Includes 2,750 shares held by Edward F. Ruttenberg, 500 shares held
jointly by Edward F. Ruttenberg and Sara Ruttenberg. Also included are
1,000 shares owned by their son, as to which shares Edward F. Ruttenberg
disclaims beneficial ownership, and 2,583 shares held by Rollform of
Jamestown, Inc. in which Mr. E. F. Ruttenberg owns a 97% interest.
(3) Includes 12,000 shares which Mr. H. J. Ruttenberg has the right to acquire
under stock options. Also includes 54,000 shares held by Mr. H. J.
Ruttenberg's wife with respect to which Mr. H. J. Ruttenberg disclaims
beneficial ownership. In each of December 1997 and January 1998, Mr. H. J.
Ruttenberg transferred by gift 8,500 shares of Common Stock of the Company
to certain family members.
(4) Includes 3,250 shares which Mr. Henderson has the right to acquire under
stock options.
All directors and executive officers of the Company as a group (nine
persons) and persons who may be deemed to be part of the group with a director
owned beneficially 217,606 shares of Company Common Stock, or approximately
34.3% of the shares outstanding, on March 23, 1998. For purposes of the
foregoing sentence, shares subject to stock options held by such persons (30,250
shares) are included in the number of shares held and the total number of shares
outstanding.
INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO COMMITTEES
AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
During 1997, the Board of Directors met four times and the Executive
Compensation Committee took one action by unanimous consent, and the Audit
Committee met once. The functions of the Audit Committee consist primarily of
reviewing the scope and results of the audit of the Company's financial
statement and the findings and recommendations of the Company's independent
accountants with respect to the system of internal controls and recommending to
the Board of Directors the selection of the independent accountants for the
Company for the next year. The functions of the Executive Compensation Committee
consist of determining compensation to be paid to executive officers of the
Company and administering all stock option plans of the Company, including
making decisions relative to the grant of options. The function of the Executive
Committee is to exercise the powers of the Board of Directors in the management
of the affairs of the Company between the meetings of the Board of Directors.
The Company does not have a nominating committee.
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<PAGE>
Each director who is not a salaried employee of the Company is paid an
annual fee of $2,500 and a fee of $200 for each meeting of the Board of
Directors or of a Committee of the Board which he attends. Only one fee is
payable if the Board and a Committee meet on the same day.
All directors attended more than 75% of the aggregate total number of
meetings held in 1997 by the Board of Directors and the Committees of the Board
of Directors on which they serve.
COMPENSATION AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
The following information is given for 1997, 1996, and 1995 with respect
to the compensation which was paid or accrued for services in such years, or
which was paid in such years for services in prior years but not included in the
remuneration table in prior years' proxy statements, for each of the three
highest paid executive officers of the Company whose aggregate compensation from
the Company and its subsidiaries exceeded $100,000:
================================================================================
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
================================================================================
ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
=================================
Year Salary Bonus
================================================================================
Harold J. Ruttenberg 1995 $150,000 $72,500 $0
Chairman, Chief Executive 1996 $150,000 $57,500 $0
Officer and Treasurer 1997 $150,000 $80,000 $0
================================================================================
Roy J. Glosser 1995 $ 75,796 $25,000 $0
President and Chief 1996 $ 92,265 $42,500 $0
Operating Officer 1997 $125,000 $75,000 $0
================================================================================
David L. Henderson 1995 $ 84,420 $20,000 $0
Vice President/General 1996 $ 86,365 $18,000 $0
Manager American Locker
Security Systems, Inc. 1997 $ 87,960 $27,000 $0
================================================================================
OTHER BENEFIT PLANS
In December 1985, the Board of Directors adopted a plan of incentive
awards to be made to executive officers of the Company in the discretion of the
Executive Compensation Committee
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<PAGE>
based upon individual performance. No such awards were made with respect to the
year ended December 31, 1997.
STOCK OPTIONS
In May 1988 the stockholders of the Company approved the American Locker
Group Incorporated 1988 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). Grants under the Plan
are to be granted to certain officers and directors of the Company by the
Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") in
its discretion.
The Plan provides for the grant of rights to receive cash and/or Company
Common Stock, including options intended to qualify as incentive stock options
under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and options
not intended so to qualify. A maximum of 100,000 shares of Company Common Stock
could be paid to participants under the Plan, and/or purchases pursuant to stock
options granted under the Plan, subject to antidilution and other adjustments in
certain events specified in the Plan.
The Plan provides that the exercise price of stock options must be no less
than the fair market value on the date of grant of the shares of Company Common
Stock subject thereto and no stock option granted under the Plan may be
exercisable more than ten years after its grant. In the case of a holder of 10%
or more of the Company Common Stock, options intended to be incentive stock
options must have an exercise price of at least 110% of the fair market value of
the underlying shares of Company Common Stock on the date of grant and such
options must expire within five years of the date of grant. Upon exercise of a
stock option, the option price is required to be paid in cash, or at the
discretion of the Committee, in shares of Company Common Stock, valued at the
fair market value thereof on the date of payment, or in a combination of cash
and shares of Company Common Stock.
The Plan authorizes the Committee, in the event of any tender offer or
exchange offer (other than an offer by the Company) for shares of Company Common
Stock, to take such action as it may deem appropriate to enable the recipients
of outstanding awards to avail themselves of the benefits of such offer,
including acceleration of payment or exercise dates and purchase outstanding
stock options.
The Board of Directors is empowered to amend or terminate the Plan at any
time, provided, however, that no such action would be permitted to adversely
affect any rights or obligations with respect to any awards theretofore made
under the Plan, and provided further, that no such amendment, without approval
of the holders of a majority of the shares of Company Common Stock voted thereon
in person or by proxy, shall increase the number of shares of Company Common
Stock subject to the Plan, extend the period during which awards may be granted,
increase the maximum term for which stock options may be issued under the Plan,
decrease the minimum price at which stock options may be issued under the Plan,
or materially modify the requirements for eligibility to participate in the
Plan.
The following table sets forth information with respect to persons named
in the Executive Compensation Table concerning the grant of stock options in the
last fiscal year.
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<PAGE>
NUMBER OF % OF TOTAL
SECURITIES OPTIONS/SARs
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO
OPTIONS/SARs EMPLOYEES IN EXERCISE OR EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR BASE PRICE DATE
- ---- ------- ----------- ---------- ----
Roy J. Glosser 15,000 100% $11.25 per 5-20-07
share
The following table sets forth information with respect to the persons
named in the Executive Compensation Table concerning the exercise of options
during the last fiscal year and unexercised options held as of December 31,
1997. No shares were acquired on exercise of options by such persons during the
year ended December 31, 1997.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
===============================================================================================
Shares Value of
Acquired Number of Unexercised
on Value Unexercised in-the-Money
Exercise Realized Options/SARs at Options/SARs at
Name (#) ($) FY-End(#) FY-End($)(1)
================================================================================================
Exercisable Unexrcisable Exercisable Unexercisable
================================================================================================
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Harold J.
Ruttenberg -0- -0- 12,000 -0- $271,500 -0-
================================================================================================
Roy J. Glosser -0- -0- 15,000 -0- $213,750 -0-
================================================================================================
David L.
Henderson -0- -0- 7,500(2) -0- $159,375 -0-
================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(1) Calculated on the basis of the closing price of the underlying securities
for the most recently reported trade prior to December 31, 1997 ($25.50
per share) minus the exercise price.
(2) On January 21, 1998, Mr. Henderson exercised options with respect to 3,250
shares.
ESTIMATED RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company's pension plan for salaried employees provides for an annual
pension upon normal retirement computed under a career average formula,
presently equal to 2% of an
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<PAGE>
employee's eligible lifetime earnings, which includes salaries, commissions and
bonuses. The following table sets forth the approximate annual benefits payable
on normal retirement pursuant to the provisions of the pension plan for salaried
employees to persons in specified lifetime average annual earnings categories
and years-of-service classifications.
Annual pension benefits for years of
Lifetime average credited service shown(1)
annual earnings 10 years 20 years 30 years
- --------------- -------- -------- --------
50,000 10,000 20,000 30,000
75,000 15,000 30,000 45,000
100,000 20,000 40,000 60,000
125,000 25,000 50,000 75,000
150,000 30,000 60,000 90,000
- -------------
(1) Pension benefit amounts listed in the table are not subject to deduction
for Social Security benefits.
As of April 1, 1992, Harold J. Ruttenberg elected to receive a lump sum
distribution from a prior terminated salaried pension plan and is a participant
in the new salaried pension plan described above. Roy J. Glosser is credited
with six years service under such plan, Mr. Henderson is credited with eight
years service and Harold J. Ruttenberg is required to withdraw a lump sum
distribution yearly.
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN
In December 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the
American Locker Group Incorporated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the
"Supplemental Plan"), effective January 1, 1998. The Supplemental Plan provides
for supplemental retirement benefits to certain executive level employees of the
Company as established by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors from time to time. No director of the Company may be the beneficiary
of the Supplemental Plan unless such director also serves as an employee of the
Company.
The Supplemental Plan provides for payment by the Company to the
participant of a specified monthly benefit and the provision by the Company of
supplemental medical benefits for the benefit of the participant and his
dependents (the "Health Benefit"). The obligations of the Company under the
Supplemental Plan are triggered by the actual retirement of the participant
(defined as the date on which the participant ceases, for reasons other than
death, all active employment with the Company) or upon a change of control. For
purposes of the Supplemental Plan, "Change of Control" is defined as a change in
ownership or control of the Company such that (i) any person, as defined in
Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 becomes
beneficial owner of more than 50% of the Company; (ii) during any two year
period (including periods prior to the adoption of the Supplemental Plan) there
shall cease to be a
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<PAGE>
majority of the Board of the Company comprised of individuals who at the
beginning of such period were on the Board and any new members whose election
was approved by a vote of the majority of the directors who were then still in
office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose
election or nomination for election was previously so approved; or (iii) the
stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of the Company
(other than merger or consolidation, which would result in the voting securities
of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent at
least 80% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity after the merger
or consolidation), the approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete
liquidation of the Company, or the Company enters into a plan to sell all or
substantially all of the Company's assets, in a single transaction or series of
related transactions.
The Supplemental Plan also provides that upon the death of a participant,
the Company shall continue to pay to the participant's spouse for the remainder
of such spouse's life an amount equal to one-half of the benefit paid to the
participant and to continue to provide the Health Benefit for the benefit of
such spouse.
In December 1996, the Board designated Harold J. Ruttenberg as a
participant in the Supplemental Plan and designated his monthly benefit, payable
upon actual retirement or change of control as defined above, as $12,500 per
month.
EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER CONTRACTS
In May 1996, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Roy J.
Glosser, effective May 21, 1996, pursuant to which Mr. Glosser became President
and Chief Operating Officer of the Company (the "Glosser Agreement"). The
Glosser Agreement provides, among other things (i) that the term of employment
will expire on June 30, 1999, (ii) that the base compensation will be $8,334 per
month, plus any increase in base salary and any incentive compensation as
determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, and (iii) that in the event
of the sale of the Company, Mr. Glosser will be entitled to an incentive bonus
equal to one year's base salary in effect at the date of the sale.
The Glosser Agreement defines "sale of the Company" as any merger or sale
of substantially all assets of the Company or the sale or exchange to or with
one entity or group acting in concert of more than a majority of the outstanding
shares of the Company entitled to vote upon the election of directors.
The Glosser Agreement also provides that in the event of permanent
disability, the Company shall pay the employee 100% of his base salary at the
rate then in effect for a period of eight months from the date of disability and
at the rate of 60% thereafter for the balance of the term of the agreement. The
Glosser Agreement also provides that such payments shall be reduced by any
payments to which Mr. Glosser is entitled under any disability plan then
maintained by the Company and by any payments to which Mr. Glosser is entitled
under the Federal Social Security disability program.
In May 1996, the Company entered into an Agreement between the Company and
Edward F. Ruttenberg, pursuant to which Edward F. Ruttenberg was retained to
provide services
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<PAGE>
to the Company as directed by the Chairman. This Agreement, as amended,
provides, among other things (i) that the term of the contract will expire on
June 30, 1998; and (ii) that payments under the contract will be $4,170 per
month.
OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Thomas P. Johnson, a director of the Company, is a partner in and
counsel to the law firm of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP which has provided legal
services to the Company and its subsidiaries since May 1973 and will continue to
provide such services in the future. Mr. Alan H. Finegold was until October 1997
a partner in Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP. Charles E. Harris, Secretary of the
Company, is also a partner in Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP.
Mr. Thomas Lynch, IV, a director of the Company, is First Vice President
of Janney, Montgomery and Scott, a brokerage firm which makes a market in the
Common Stock of the Company.
One of the Company's subsidiaries entered into a Manufacturing Agreement
with Signore, Inc., to furnish fabricating, assembly and shipping services. The
Agreement became effective on January 1, 1989, for a term which has been
extended through April 30, 2000. The Agreement provides that the cost to the
Company for these services be equal to Signore's cost divided by 80%. Pursuant
to the Manufacturing Agreement, the Company purchased $3,632,254 and $3,489,499
of material from Signore, Inc. during 1997 and 1996, respectively, at prices
that the Company believes are at arm's length. Alexander Ditonto serves as
Chairman of Signore, Inc. and is the father-in-law of Roy J. Glosser.
One of the Company's subsidiaries purchases fabricated parts from Rollform
of Jamestown, Inc., a rollforming company owned by Edward F. Ruttenberg, his
wife and family, and other relatives of Mr. Edward F. Ruttenberg. Pursuant to
this arrangement, the Company purchased $114,004, $90,084 and $98,571 of
materials from Rollform of Jamestown, Inc. in 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively,
at prices that the Company believes are at arms length.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
To the knowledge of the management of the Company, only the following
persons or groups owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding
Common Stock of the Company as of March 23, 1998:
Name and Address of Amount and Nature of Percent
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Owner of Class
- ------------------- ------------------ ---------
Harold J. Ruttenberg 182,499(1) 29.6%
300 South Craig Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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<PAGE>
Barclays Global Investors, N.A 33,458 5.5%
45 Fremont Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Avocet Capital Management, L.P. 56,500 9.3%
111 Congress Avenue,
Suite 1600
Austin, TX 78701
- ----------
(1) Includes 12,000 shares which Mr. H. J. Ruttenberg has the right to
acquire under stock options. Also includes 54,000 shares held by
Mr. H. J. Ruttenberg's wife with respect to which Mr. H. J. Ruttenberg
disclaims beneficial ownership.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the Company has appointed Ernst & Young LLP as
independent auditors to audit the financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1998 and to report on such
audit to the stockholders of the Company. The firm of Ernst & Young LLP has
audited the Company's books annually since 1964. The Company has been advised
that the representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and they will have an opportunity to make a statement,
if they desire to do so and they will be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
OTHER MATTERS
The management of the Company knows of no other matters which are to be
brought before the Annual Meeting other than those matters set forth in this
Proxy Statement. However, if any other matters come before the meeting, the
holders of the proxies will vote on such matters in accordance with their best
judgment.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any stockholder who intends to submit a proposal for action at the 1999
Annual Meeting of Stockholders must provide notice to the Company which must be
received by the Secretary of the Company before December 8, 1998 in order for
the proposal to be included in management's proxy statement and form of proxy
relating to the 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Charles E. Harris
Secretary
April 6, 1998
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