<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [x]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] 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 (S)240.14a-11(c) or (S)240.14a-12
Barnes & Noble, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the 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:
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:
<PAGE>
[BARNES & NOBLE LOGO]
122 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
May 8, 2000
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2000 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders of Barnes & Noble, Inc. The meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m.,
Eastern Standard Time, on Wednesday, June 7, 2000 at the Marriott Marquis, 1535
Broadway at West 45th Street, New York, New York.
Information about the meeting and the various matters on which the
stockholders will act is included in the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders and Proxy Statement which follow. Also included is a Proxy Card and
postage paid return envelope.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, we hope you will have
your shares represented at the meeting by completing, signing and returning your
Proxy Card in the enclosed postage paid return envelope promptly.
Sincerely,
/s/ Michael N. Rosen
--------------------
MICHAEL N. ROSEN
Secretary
<PAGE>
[BARNES & NOBLE LOGO]
122 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 7, 2000
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Barnes & Noble, Inc. (the
"Company") will be held at the Marriott Marquis, 1535 Broadway at West 45th
Street, New York, New York, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Standard Time, on Wednesday,
June 7, 2000 for the following purposes:
1. To elect three Directors to serve until the 2003 annual meeting of
stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected
and qualified;
2. To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as independent certified
public accountants for the Company's fiscal year ending February 3,
2001; and
3. To transact such other business as may be properly brought before the
meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Only holders of record of Common Stock as of the close of business on
April 18, 2000 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting and at any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
/s/ Michael N. Rosen
--------------------
MICHAEL N. ROSEN
Secretary
New York, New York
May 8, 2000
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE
COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING PROXY CARD.
<PAGE>
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
122 FIFTH AVENUE
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10011
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 7, 2000
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement and enclosed Proxy Card are being furnished
commencing on or about May 8, 2000 in connection with the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of Barnes & Noble, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held
on June 7, 2000 (the "Meeting") for the purposes set forth in the accompanying
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Any proxy given pursuant to such
solicitation and received in time for the Meeting will be voted as specified in
such proxy. If no instructions are given, proxies will be voted FOR the election
of the nominees listed below under the caption "Election of Directors--
Information Concerning the Directors and Nominees--Nominees for Election as
Director," FOR the ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as
independent certified public accountants for the Company's fiscal year ending
February 3, 2001 (collectively, the "Proposals"), and in the discretion of the
proxies named on the Proxy Card with respect to any other matters properly
brought before the Meeting and any adjournments thereof. Any proxy may be
revoked by written notice received by the Secretary of the Company at any time
prior to the voting thereof by submitting a subsequent proxy or by attending the
Meeting and voting in person.
Only holders of record of the Company's voting securities as of the
close of business on April 18, 2000 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting. As of the record date, 64,104,265 shares of Common Stock, par value
$.001 per share ("Common Stock"), were outstanding. Each share of Common Stock
entitles the record holder thereof to one vote on each of the Proposals and on
all other matters properly brought before the Meeting. The presence of a
majority of the combined outstanding shares of the Common Stock represented in
person or by proxy at the Meeting will constitute a quorum.
The three nominees for Director receiving the highest vote totals will
be elected as Directors of the Company to serve until the 2003 annual meeting of
stockholders.
The proposal to ratify the appointment of the Company's independent
certified public accountants, and all other matters to be voted on at the
Meeting, will be decided by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of
Common Stock voting on the proposal in person or by proxy at the Meeting. Thus,
abstentions and broker non-votes will not be included in vote totals with
respect to such proposals and will have no effect on the outcome of the votes
with respect thereto. It should be noted that all of the Directors and executive
officers of the Company, together with principal stockholders of the Company
with which they are affiliated, own or control the voting power of approximately
29.8% of the Common Stock outstanding as of March 31, 2000, and have advised the
Company that they intend to vote in favor of all of the Proposals.
A Proxy Card is enclosed for your use. YOU ARE SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD IN THE
ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE, which is postage paid if mailed in the United States.
NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT, AND, IF
GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED. THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT SHALL, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE
COMPANY SINCE THE DATE OF THIS PROXY STATEMENT.
<PAGE>
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL 1
Information Concerning the Directors and Nominees
The Board of Directors currently consists of nine Directors. The
Directors currently are divided into three classes, consisting of three members
whose terms expire at the Meeting, three members whose terms expire at the 2001
annual meeting of stockholders and three members whose terms expire at the 2002
annual meeting of stockholders.
Background information with respect to the Board of Directors and
nominees for election as Directors, all of whom are incumbent Directors, appears
below. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" for
information regarding such persons' holdings of equity securities of the
Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Director
Name Age Since Position
- ---- --- ----- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Leonard Riggio (1) 59 1986 Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
Stephen Riggio 45 1997 Vice Chairman
Matthew A. Berdon (2)(3) 80 1992 Director
Michael J. Del Giudice (3) 57 1999 Director
William Dillard II (1) 55 1993 Director
Irene R. Miller 48 1995 Director
Margaret T. Monaco (2) 52 1995 Director
Michael N. Rosen 59 1986 Secretary and Director
William Sheluck, Jr. (1)(2)(3) 59 1993 Director
- --------------
</TABLE>
(1) Member of Nominating Committee
(2) Member of Compensation Committee
(3) Member of Audit Committee
At the Meeting, three Directors will be elected, each to hold office
for a term of three years and until his or her successor is elected and
qualified. William Dillard II, Irene R. Miller and Michael N. Rosen are nominees
for election as Directors at the Meeting, each to hold office for a term of
three years until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2003. The
terms of Leonard Riggio, Michael J. Del Giudice and William Sheluck, Jr. expire
in 2001, and the terms of Stephen Riggio, Matthew A. Berdon and Margaret T.
Monaco expire in 2002. Each of the nominees has consented to serve, if elected.
However, if any nominee is unable to stand for election, proxies may be voted
for a substitute designated by the Board of Directors.
Nominees for Election as Director
The following individuals are nominees for Director at the Meeting:
William Dillard II has been a Director of the Company since November
1993. Mr. Dillard is the Chief Executive Officer of Dillard's, Inc., and he has
been a director of Dillard's since 1968. Mr. Dillard is also a director of Chase
Bank of Texas, NA and Acxiom Corp.
Irene R. Miller has been a Director of the Company since May 1995.
Ms. Miller is Chief Executive Officer of Akim, Inc., an investment management
and consulting firm, and until June 1997 was Vice Chairman and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company. She joined the Company in January 1991 and held various
positions until she was appointed Chief Financial Officer in September 1993 and
Vice Chairman in September 1995. From 1986 to 1990 Ms. Miller was an investment
banker at Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, most recently as a Principal. Ms.
Miller is also a director of Oakley, Inc. and an advisory director of
IntraLinks, Inc.
Michael N. Rosen has been Secretary and a Director of the Company since
its inception in 1986 and the Chairman of
<PAGE>
Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP, counsel to the Company, for
more than the past five years. Mr. Rosen is also a director of
barnesandnoble.com inc., ("Barnes & Noble.com Inc."), the Company's internet
subsidiary, Barnes & Noble College Bookstores, Inc. ("B&N College"), one of the
largest operators of college bookstores in the country* and MBS Textbook
Exchange, Inc. ("MBS"), one of the nation's largest wholesalers of college
textbooks.*
- --------------
* Based upon sales reported in trade publications and public filings
The Board of Directors recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the
election of each nominee for Director named above. Proxies solicited hereby will
be voted FOR each nominee named above unless a vote against a nominee or an
abstention is specifically indicated.
Other Directors whose Terms of Office Continue after the Meeting
Leonard Riggio has been Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
and a principal stockholder of the Company since its inception in 1986. Mr.
Riggio has also been Chairman of the Board of Barnes & Noble.com Inc. since its
inception in February 1997. Since 1965, Mr. Riggio has been Chairman of the
Board, Chief Executive Officer and the principal stockholder of B&N College. For
more than the past five years, Mr. Riggio has been Chairman of the Board and a
principal beneficial owner of MBS.
Stephen Riggio has been a Director of the Company since April 1997 and
was appointed Vice Chairman of the Company in December 1997. Mr. Riggio was
Chief Operating Officer of the Company from February 1995 until December 1997.
Since January 2000, he has been Vice Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Officer
of Barnes & Noble.com Inc., a position he previously held from February 1997 to
December 1998. Mr. Riggio has been a director of Barnes & Noble.com Inc. since
its inception in February 1997. Mr. Riggio was President of B. Dalton
Bookseller, Inc. ("B. Dalton"), a wholly owned subsidiary, from July 1993 to
February 1995, and he was Executive Vice President, Merchandising of the Company
from January 1987 to February 1995. Mr. Riggio is Leonard Riggio's brother.
Matthew A. Berdon has been a Director of the Company since June 1992.
As of January 1998, Mr. Berdon had been a partner in the certified public
accounting firm of Ferro Berdon & Company ("Ferro Berdon") for more than five
years. In January 1998, Ferro Berdon merged into the accounting firm of Urbach,
Kahn & Werlin, and Mr. Berdon became Chairman of the New York Division of that
firm. Mr. Berdon is also a director of B&N College and a trustee of Beth Israel
Hospital.
Michael J. Del Giudice has been a Director of the Company since 1999.
Mr. Del Giudice is a co-founder and Managing Director at Millennium Credit
Markets LLC, an investment banking firm specializing in acquiring and financing
real estate, corporate and project finance properties. From 1986 to 1996, Mr.
Del Giudice was a General Partner and Managing Director at Lazard Freres & Co.
LLC. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Consolidated Edison Company
of New York, Curran & Connors, Inc. and Earth Alliance Inc. He is Chairman of
the Governor's Committee on Scholastic Achievement and a member of the Board of
Trustees of the Institute for Public Administration. Mr. Del Giudice was
Chief-of-Staff to New York Governor Mario Cuomo from 1983-1985, Director of
State operations for Governor Hugh Carey from 1979-1981 and Chief-of-Staff to
the Assembly Speaker from 1975-1979. Mr. Del Giudice was Chairman of the Board
of Orange & Rockland Utilities Corp. from 1997-1999.
Margaret T. Monaco has been a Director of the Company since May 1995.
Ms. Monaco has been the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of KECALP,
Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. since November
1999. She had been the Chief Administrative Officer from April 1998 to November
1999. KECALP, Inc. is the General Partner for a number of limited partnerships
which are operated exclusively for the benefit of Merrill Lynch employees. Ms.
Monaco had been the Principal of Probus Advisors, a management and financial
consulting firm, from July 1993 to April 1998, and Vice President and Treasurer
of The Limited, Inc., a national specialty retailing firm, from October 1987 to
June 1993.
William Sheluck, Jr. has been a Director of the Company since November
1993. Mr. Sheluck formerly was the President, Chief Executive Officer and a
director of Nationar, a New York State-chartered commercial bank providing
services to financial institutions and corporations, from 1983 until his
retirement in April 1993. Mr. Sheluck is also the Treasurer and a director of
New Life of New York City, Inc., a not-for-profit organization which provides
services to disadvantaged teenagers.
- --------------
* Based upon sales reported in trade publications and public filings
<PAGE>
Meetings and Committees of the Board
The Board of Directors met seven times during the fiscal year ended
January 29, 2000. All Directors attended at least 75% of all of the meetings of
the Board of Directors and the committees thereof on which they served during
the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, and acted by unanimous written consent
on two additional occasions.
The Board of Directors has three standing committees: the Audit
Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating Committee.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has the principal function of
reviewing the adequacy of the Company's internal system of accounting controls,
conferring with the independent certified public accountants concerning the
scope of their examination of the books and records of the Company, recommending
to the Board of Directors the appointment of independent certified public
accountants, reviewing related party transactions and considering other
appropriate matters regarding the financial affairs of the Company. The current
members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Sheluck (Chairman), Berdon and Del
Giudice, none of whom is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of the
Company. The Audit Committee met twice during the fiscal year ended January 29,
2000.
Compensation Committee. The principal function of the Compensation
Committee is to make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to
matters regarding the approval of employment agreements, management and
consultant hiring and executive compensation. The Compensation Committee is also
responsible for determining grants of options to purchase Common Stock and for
determining grants of restricted shares of Common Stock under the Barnes &
Noble, Inc. 1991 Employee Incentive Plan and the Barnes & Noble, Inc. 1996
Incentive Plan, as awarded (the "1996 Incentive Plan"). The current members of
the Compensation Committee are Mr. Berdon (Chairman), Ms. Monaco and Mr.
Sheluck, none of whom is, or has ever been, an officer or employee of the
Company. The Compensation Committee met twice during the fiscal year ended
January 29, 2000 and acted by unanimous written consent on two additional
occasions.
Nominating Committee. The function of the Nominating Committee is to
seek qualified individuals to serve as Directors of the Company. The current
members of the Nominating Committee are Messrs. Riggio (Chairman), Dillard and
Sheluck. The Nominating Committee met once during the fiscal year ended January
29, 2000.
Compensation of Directors
Non-employee Directors receive an annual fee of $20,000 with no
additional fees for attendance at Board or committee meetings. All Directors of
the Company are reimbursed for travel, lodging and related expenses incurred in
attending Board meetings.
Executive Officers
The Company's executive officers, as well as additional information
with respect to such persons, is set forth in the table below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
- ---- --- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Leonard Riggio................... 59 Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Stephen Riggio................... 45 Vice Chairman
J. Alan Kahn..................... 53 Chief Operating Officer
Mitchell S. Klipper.............. 42 Executive Vice President, and President of Barnes & Noble Development
Maureen O'Connell................ 38 Chief Financial Officer
Thomas A. Tolworthy.............. 45 Vice President, and President of Barnes & Noble Booksellers
Mary Ellen Keating............... 43 Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Michael G. Archbold.............. 39 Vice President and Treasurer
David S. Deason.................. 41 Vice President of Barnes & Noble Development
Joseph Giamelli.................. 50 Vice President and Chief Information Officer
Darrell Meussner................. 46 Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Retail and Distribution
Michael N. Rosen................. 59 Secretary
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Information with respect to executive officers of the Company who also
are Directors is set forth in "Information Concerning the Directors and
Nominees" above.
J. Alan Kahn joined the Company as Chief Operating Officer in December
1997. He joined B&N College in 1988 as President and Chief Operating Officer and
was made Chief Executive Officer in 1995. Prior to that, he was Executive Vice
President of B&N Trade and Mail Order from 1978 to 1988, and Vice President of
Merchandising for B. Dalton from 1971 to 1978.
Mitchell S. Klipper has been President of Barnes & Noble Development,
the group responsible for selecting, designing and constructing new store
locations, since December 1995 and is an Executive Vice President of the
Company. From March 1993 to December 1995, Mr. Klipper was President of Barnes &
Noble Booksellers, Inc. ("B&N Booksellers"), a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company. Until September 1993, Mr. Klipper also was Chief Financial Officer of
the Company, a position to which he was elected in September 1988. He was Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer of B&N College from June 1986 to September
1988. Prior to June 1986, Mr. Klipper was an Audit Manager at the certified
public accounting firm of KMG Main Hurdman.
Maureen O'Connell joined the Company as Chief Financial Officer in
March 2000. Prior to joining Barnes & Noble, Inc., Ms. O'Connell was the Chief
Financial Officer of Publisher Clearing House from October 1998 to March 2000.
Prior to that she was the Chief Financial Officer at BMG Direct from October
1997 to October 1998. From April 1990 to October 1997, Ms. O'Connell held
various positions at Primedia, a leading media and publishing company. She was
Chief Financial Officer at two divisions of Primedia - Newbridge Communications
from January 1995 to October 1997 and Newfield Publications from November 1993
to January 1995. Ms. O'Connell is a Certified Public Accountant.
Thomas A. Tolworthy became President of B&N Booksellers in December
1995 and is also a Vice President of the Company. Prior to December 1995, Mr.
Tolworthy was President of B. Dalton. He was Vice President of Store Operations
of B. Dalton from September 1991 to February 1995 and was a Regional Director of
B. Dalton from July 1989 to September 1991. Prior to 1989, Mr. Tolworthy was
Stores Director for Duckwall/Alco Stores, Inc., a general merchandise retailer.
Mary Ellen Keating joined the Company as Senior Vice President,
Corporate Communications and Public Affairs in January 1998. Previously, she was
an executive with Hill and Knowlton, Inc., a worldwide public relations firm,
from 1991 to 1998, where she served as Executive Vice President and General
Manager of Hill and Knowlton's flagship New York Office.
Michael G. Archbold has been Vice President and Treasurer of Barnes &
Noble, Inc. since May 1999 and Vice President and Controller since May 1998. He
joined the Company in April 1996 as Director of Accounting. Prior to joining
Barnes & Noble, Mr. Archbold was with Woolworth Corporation (now the Venator
Group) from October 1988 through April 1996. Mr. Archbold is a Certified Public
Accountant.
David S. Deason joined the Company in January 1990 as a Director of
Real Estate and became Vice President of Barnes & Noble Development in January
1997. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Deason was a Director of Real Estate for
S&A Restaurant Corporation, a national restaurant chain.
Joseph Giamelli joined the Company in October 1998 as Vice President
and Chief Information Officer. Prior to joining the Company, he was Vice
President and Chief Information Officer of Toys R Us from May 1985 to September
1998. Prior to that he was a Vice President at Citibank NA from September 1976
to April 1985. Mr. Giamelli is a Trustee of the New York Medical College, in
Valhalla, NY, and serves as a board member of the IAHD/St. Judes Rehabilitation
Institute.
Darrell J. Meussner has been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of Retail and Distribution for the Company since February 1999. Prior to
February 1999, Mr. Meussner was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, distribution and information systems, for the KB Toys Division of
Consolidated Stores from November 1996 to January 1999. Mr. Meussner began his
career on the West Coast with Robinsons/May Company Department Stores from
October 1985 to November 1996. He was Vice President and Controller from
September 1993 to November 1996.
The Company's officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors
and hold office at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
<PAGE>
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial
ownership of shares of Common Stock, as of March 31, 2000, by each person known
by the Company to own beneficially more than five percent of the Company's
outstanding Common Stock, by each Director and nominee for Director, by each
executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table contained in
"Executive Compensation," and by all Directors and executive officers of the
Company as a group. Except as otherwise noted, each person named in the table
has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Common Stock
shown as beneficially owned by him, her or it.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares
Beneficially Percent of Shares
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Owned (1) Beneficially Owned(1)
- ------------------------------------ ------------ ---------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Leonard Riggio................................................................ 16,271,722(2) 24.9%
c/o Barnes & Noble, Inc.
122 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10011
Forstmann-Leff Associates, Inc................................................ 10,035,265(3) 15.7%
55 East 52nd Street
New York, New York 10055
Stephen Riggio................................................................ 1,980,501(4) 3.0%
Mitchell S. Klipper........................................................... 1,435,933(4) 2.2%
Irene R. Miller............................................................... 305,000(4) *
J. Alan Kahn.................................................................. 219,698(5) *
Matthew A. Berdon............................................................. 112,000(6) *
William Sheluck, Jr........................................................... 77,640(9) *
William Dillard II............................................................ 65,000(4) *
Thomas A. Tolworthy........................................................... 60,733(4) *
Michael N. Rosen.............................................................. 57,000(8) *
Margaret T. Monaco............................................................ 51,000(7) *
Michael J. Del Giudice........................................................ -- --
All directors and executive officers as a group (18 persons).................. 20,814,308(10) 29.8%
</TABLE>
- --------------
* Less than 1%.
(1) Shares of Common Stock that an individual or group has a right to
acquire within 60 days after March 31, 2000 pursuant to the exercise of
options, warrants or other rights are deemed to be outstanding for the
purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group,
but are not deemed to be outstanding for computing the percentage ownership
of any other person or group shown in the table.
(2) Includes (i) 2,652,334 shares owned by B&N College (Mr. Riggio owns all
of the voting securities of B&N College), (ii) 1,383,500 shares owned by
The Riggio Foundation, a charitable trust established by Mr. Riggio, with
himself and his wife as trustees, and (iii) 1,318,750 shares issuable upon
the exercise of stock options. The shares of Common Stock owned by Mr.
Riggio are, and in the future may be, pledged as collateral for certain
loans, including loans which were used to purchase Common Stock. The
failure of Mr. Riggio to repay such loans, together with any sale by the
pledgees of the pledged common stock, could result in a change of control
of the Company.
(3) Forstmann-Leff Associates, Inc. ("FLA"), a New York corporation, is a
registered investment adviser under Section 203 of the Investment Advisers
Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), and has sole voting power with respect to
2,765,600 of its shares. FLA shares voting power with respect to 651,575 of
its shares, and dispositive power with respect to 2,238,425 of its shares,
with its subsidiary, FLA Asset Management, Inc. ("FLA Management"), a
registered investment adviser under the 1940 Act. FLA shares voting and
dispositive power with respect to 30,000 of its shares with its subsidiary
Stamford Advisers Corp., a registered investment adviser under the 1940
Act. FLA shares voting and dispositive power with respect to 62,900 of its
shares with Forstmann-Leff Associates, L.P., a registered investment
adviser under the 1940 Act. FLA Management is the general partner of
Forstmann-Leff Associates L.P. FLA shares voting and dispositive power with
respect to 4,481,325 of its shares with FLA Advisers L.L.C., a New York
limited liability company. FLA Advisers L.L.C. is a registered investment
adviser under the 1940 Act whose managing members are principals of FLA.
The foregoing information is based upon a Schedule 13G filed by FLA
<PAGE>
with the Company in February 2000.
(4) All of these shares are issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(5) Of these shares, 218,698 shares are issuable upon the exercise of options.
(6) Of these shares, 65,000 are issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
One thousand shares are owned by Mr. Berdon's wife. Mr. Berdon disclaims
any beneficial ownership of those shares.
(7) Of these shares, 45,000 are issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
(8) Of these shares, 45,000 shares are issuable upon the exercise of stock
options. Of the other 12,000 shares, 10,000 are owned by Mr. Rosen's wife
and 2,000 are owned by Mr. Rosen's daughter. Mr. Rosen disclaims any
beneficial ownership of these shares.
(9) Of these shares, 65,000 are issuable upon the exercise of stock options. Of
the other 12,640 shares, Mr. Sheluck shares voting and dispositive power
with respect to 8,000 of these shares with his wife, and the remaining
4,640 shares are owned by minor children of Mr. Sheluck.
(10) Includes 5,781,796 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The current members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors are Mr. Berdon (Chairman), Mr. Sheluck and Ms. Monaco, none of whom is
an officer or employee or former officer or employee of the Company. See
"Meetings and Committees of the Board--Compensation Committee."
<PAGE>
Executive Compensation
The following table summarizes the compensation paid or accrued by the
Company for services rendered during the years indicated to the Company's Chief
Executive Officer and the Company's four other most highly compensated executive
officers. The Company did not grant any restricted stock awards or free-standing
stock appreciation rights or make any long-term incentive plan payouts during
the years indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Summary Compensation Table
Long-Term
Compensation
Fiscal Year Awards
Ended on Annual Compensation Securities
or About ------------------- Underlying All Other
Name and Principal Position January 31 Salary Bonus Options/SARs Compensation(1)
- --------------------------- ---------- ------ ----- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Leonard Riggio.................................. 2000 $538,462(2) $450,000 -- $ --
Chairman of the Board and 1999 773,077 450,000 -- --
Chief Executive Officer 1998 900,000 540,000 -- --
Stephen Riggio.................................. 2000 480,769 300,000 24,900 5,548(3)
Vice Chairman 1999 493,846 300,000 22,949 5,573(4)
1998 460,000 276,000 215,300 5,860
J. Alan Kahn................................... 2000 584,615 300,000 224,900 7,805(5)
Chief Operating Officer 1999 500,000 300,000 24,945 9,232(6)
1998 48,077(7) 125,000 500,000 1,357
Mitchell S. Klipper............................. 2000 500,000 300,000 24,900 9,586(8)
Executive Vice President, and 1999 493,846 300,000 22,949 8,842(9)
President of Barnes & Noble Development 1998 460,000 276,000 15,300 8,987
Thomas A. Tolworthy............................. 2000 325,000 130,000 16,185 4,810(10)
Vice President, and 1999 325,000 130,000 16,214 3,688
President of Barnes & Noble Booksellers 1998 321,154 130,000 59,978 4,000
</TABLE>
- --------------
(1) Except as set forth in notes 3 through 6, 8 and 10 below, "All Other
Compensation" for the fiscal years ended January 29, 2000 and January 30,
1999, respectively, are comprised of the Company's contributions to the
Barnes & Noble, Inc. 401(k) Savings Plan (the "401(k) Plan").
(2) Effective March 28, 1999, Mr. Riggio voluntarily reduced his annual salary
to $500,000.
(3) Represents (a) $3,808 paid by the Company as a contribution to Mr. Riggio's
401(k) Plan and (b) $1,740 paid by the Company as a premium on a term life
insurance policy for the benefit of Mr. Riggio.
(4) Represents (a) $3,635 paid by the Company as a contribution to Mr. Riggio's
401(k) Plan and (b) $1,938 paid by the Company as a premium on a term life
insurance policy for the benefit of Mr. Riggio.
(5) Represents (a) $4,885 paid by the Company as a contribution to Mr. Kahn's
401(k) Plan, (b) $1,740 paid by the Company as a premium on a term life
insurance policy for the benefit of Mr. Kahn and (c) $1,180 paid by the
Company as a premium on a long-term disability insurance policy for the
benefit of Mr. Kahn.
(6) Represents (a) $3,760 paid by the Company as a contribution to Mr. Kahn's
401(k) Plan and (b) $5,472 paid by the Company as a premium on a term life
insurance policy for the benefit of Mr. Kahn.
(7) Mr. Kahn joined the Company in December 1997. Salary for the fiscal year
ended January 31, 1998 represents his partial-year compensation.
<PAGE>
(8) Represents (a) $4,577 paid by the Company as a contribution to Mr.
Klipper's 401(k) Plan, (b) $1,740 paid by the Company as a premium on a
term life insurance policy for the benefit of Mr. Klipper and (c) $3,269
paid by the Company as a premium on a long-term disability insurance policy
for the benefit of Mr. Klipper.
(9) Represents (a) $3,635 paid by the Company as a contribution to Mr.
Klipper's 401(k) Plan, (b) $1,938 paid by the Company as a premium on a
term life insurance policy for the benefit of Mr. Klipper and (c) $3,269
paid by the Company as a premium on a long-term disability insurance policy
for the benefit of Mr. Klipper.
(10) Represents (a) $4,375 paid by the Company as a contribution to Mr.
Tolworthy's 401(k) Plan and (b) $435 paid by the Company as a premium on a
term life insurance policy for the benefit of Mr. Tolworthy.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning options
granted during the 52 weeks ended January 29, 2000 to the executive officers
named in the Summary Compensation Table above. The Company did not grant any
free-standing stock appreciation rights during the 52 weeks ended January 29,
2000.
Option/SAR Grants In Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Individual Grants
--------------------------------------------------------
Percentage of
Number of Total
Securities Options/SARs Present Value of
Underlying Granted to Grant at Date of
Options/SARs Employees in Exercise Price Expiration Grant Using the
Name Granted Fiscal 1999 Per Share Date Black-Scholes Model
- ---- ------------ ------------- -------------- ---------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Leonard Riggio........................ -- -- % $ -- -- $ --
J. Alan Kahn ......................... 200,000 9.31% 19.56 1/04/10 1,806,000(1)
J. Alan Kahn ......................... 24,900 1.16% 26.00 3/08/09 281,121(2)
Stephen Riggio........................ 24,900 1.16% 26.00 3/08/09 281,121(2)
Mitchell S. Klipper................... 24,900 1.16% 26.00 3/08/09 281,121(2)
Thomas A. Tolworthy................... 16,185 0.75% 26.00 3/08/09 182,729(2)
</TABLE>
(1) Calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following assumptions: volatility of 35.0%, risk-free interest rate of
6.49% and an expected life of six years. The Black-Scholes option
valuation model was developed for use in estimating the fair value of
traded options which have no vesting restrictions and are fully
transferable. In addition, option valuation models require the input of
highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price
volatility. Because the Company's stock options have characteristics
significantly different from those of traded options, and because
changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the
fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the Black-Scholes model
does not necessarily provide a reliable measure of the fair value of
the Company's stock options.
(2) Calculated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following assumptions: volatility of 35.0%, risk-free interest rate of
5.10% and an expected life of six years.
The following table sets forth information concerning option exercises
and the value of unexercised options as of January 29, 2000 for the executive
officers named in the Summary Compensation Table above.
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises In Last Fiscal Year
and
Fiscal Year End Option/SAR Values
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Unexercised Value of Unexercised
Options/SARs In-the -Money Options/SARs
Shares at January 29, 2000 at January 29, 2000
Acquired on Value --------------------------- ---------------------------
Name Exercise Realized Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Leonard Riggio .......... -- $ -- 1,318,750 -- $12,082,127 $ --
J. Alan Kahn ............ 50,000 616,500 206,236 493,609 -- 312,000
Stephen Riggio .......... 141,900 4,841,675 1,909,429 124,862 20,353,839 417,144
Mitchell S. Klipper ..... 100,000 2,926,416 1,420,145 49,762 13,146,808 29,644
Thomas A. Tolworthy ..... 76,492 1,213,986 37,639 58,335 129,018 116,207
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Employees' Retirement Plan
As of December 31, 1999, substantially all employees of the Company
were covered under the Company's Employees' Retirement Plan (the "Retirement
Plan"). The Retirement Plan is a defined benefit pension plan. As of January 1,
2000, the Retirement Plan was amended and frozen so that employees no longer
earn benefits for subsequent service. Subsequent service continues to be the
basis for vesting of benefits not yet vested at December 31, 1999 and the
Retirement Plan will continue to hold assets and pay benefits. The amendment was
treated as a curtailment in fiscal 1999.
A participant's annual benefit is determined for an employee, including
an officer, generally as (i) 0.7% of the participant's average annual pay as
determined in accordance with the Retirement Plan up to Social Security-covered
compensation, multiplied by the participant's years of credited service, plus
(ii) 1.3% of the participant's average annual pay as determined in accordance
with the Retirement Plan in excess of Social Security-covered compensation,
multiplied by the participant's years of credited service. A participant's
maximum benefit is limited pursuant to Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code") to $130,000 for 1999, indexed annually.
Compensation recognized under the Retirement Plan is limited to $160,000 for
1999, indexed annually in accordance with Section 404(l) of the Code.
Credited years of service under the Retirement Plan as of January 29,
2000 for the individuals named in the Summary Compensation Table above are:
Leonard Riggio--12 years; J. Alan Kahn--2 years; Stephen Riggio--12 years;
Mitchell S. Klipper--11 years; and Thomas A. Tolworthy--11 years.
The following table illustrates the maximum annual amounts payable at
age 65 under the Retirement Plan, based on various levels of highest average
annual salary and years of credited service:
Years of Credited Service
-------------------------------------------
Assumed Highest Average Salary 15 20 25 30 35
- ------------------------------ -- -- -- -- --
$125,000....................... 21,135 28,180 35,225 42,270 49,315
$150,000....................... 26,010 34,680 43,350 52,020 60,690
$160,000 and above (1)......... 27,960 37,280 46,600 55,920 65,240
(1) The benefits shown corresponding to this compensation reflect the
compensation limit under Section 401(a)(17) of the Code. A
participant's compensation in excess of $150,000 (as adjusted to
reflect cost-of-living increases) is disregarded for purposes of
determining highest average earnings in plan years beginning in 1994
through 1996; a participant's compensation in excess of $160,000 (as
adjusted to reflect cost-of-living increases) is disregarded for
purposes of determining highest average earnings in plan years
beginning in or after 1997. Benefits accrued as of the last day of the
plan year beginning in 1993 on the basis of compensation in excess of
$150,000 are preserved.
Employment Agreements
Stephen Riggio and Mitchell S. Klipper have employment agreements that
expire in 2005 and 2001, respectively. The agreements with Mr. Riggio and Mr.
Klipper provide for their employment at an annual salary of $500,000 or such
higher amount as determined by the Company. Each is also entitled to an annual
bonus determined in accordance with the Barnes & Noble, Inc. Supplemental
Compensation Plan. Mr. Riggio's principal duties are to oversee and develop
investments in the Company's existing and future affiliates, including Barnes &
Noble.com and iUniverse.com. Accordingly, under his agreement, Mr. Riggio is
eligible to receive stock options and similar incentives from such affiliates,
and any cash compensation received by Mr. Riggio from any such affiliates is
credited against the Company's salary payment obligations. The agreements also
provide for life and long-term disability insurance, a two-year severance
arrangement and a two-year post-employment, non-competition agreement. Each
agreement renews annually upon expiration, unless terminated by either party on
12 months prior notice.
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Company's executive officer compensation program is administered by
the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, consisting of the three
non-employee directors listed below. The program is based upon the following
guiding principles:
1. The pay and benefits provided by the Company to its executive
officers should be competitive and allow the Company to attract and
retain individuals whose skills are critical to the long-term success
of the Company.
2. The compensation offered by the Company should reward and motivate
individual and team performance in attaining business objectives and
maximizing stockholder value.
The Compensation Committee reviews the Company's executive compensation
program each year. This review includes a comparison of the Company's executive
compensation, corporate performance, stock appreciation and total return to the
stockholders with that of other companies, including other retailers.
The key elements of the Company's executive compensation package
consist of base salary, annual bonus and stock options. The Company's policies
with respect to each of these elements are discussed below. In addition, while
the elements of compensation described below are considered separately, the
Compensation Committee also considers and reviews the full compensation package
afforded by the Company to its executive officers, including pension, insurance
and other benefits. The Compensation Committee makes its determinations after
receiving and considering the recommendations of the Company's chief executive
officer.
Base Salaries. An executive officer's base salary is determined by
evaluating the responsibilities of the position held, the individual's
experience and the competitive marketplace for executive talent. The base salary
is intended to be competitive with base salaries paid to executive officers with
comparable qualifications, experience and responsibilities at other companies.
Annual Bonuses. In addition to a base salary, each executive officer is
eligible for an annual cash bonus. Bonuses for senior executive officers of the
Company are based upon annual net earnings of the Company and are determined
pursuant to the Barnes & Noble, Inc. Supplemental Compensation Plan (the
"Supplemental Compensation Plan"), which was approved by the Company's
shareholders at their annual meeting on May 31, 1995.
The Supplemental Compensation Plan provides that senior executive
officers designated by the Compensation Committee are entitled to a cash bonus
in accordance with a sliding scale formula based on the extent to which a
preestablished earnings-per-share target is attained. In general, not later than
90 days after the commencement of each fiscal year of the Company (and before
25% of the relevant period of service has elapsed), the Compensation Committee
establishes in writing a target earnings-per-share (the "Target"), the
attainment of which is substantially uncertain. The Target which is established
for each fiscal year must exceed the earnings-per-share for the immediately
previous fiscal year. Targets are subject to adjustment for recapitalizations,
dividends, stock splits and reverse splits, reorganizations, issuances of
additional shares, redemptions of shares, option or warrant exercises,
reclassifications, significant acquisitions and divestitures and other
extraordinary events.
Each participating executive officer is entitled to receive a cash
bonus based on a percentage of his or her base salary for the fiscal year ("Base
Salary") as follows:
Then the Amount of
If Actual Earnings-Per-Share are: the Cash Bonus is:
--------------------------------- ------------------
Less than 80% of Target......................... None
80% or more but less than 91% of Target......... 30% of Base Salary
91% or more but less than 100% of Target........ 45% of Base Salary
100% or more but less than 109% of Target....... 60% of Base Salary
109% or more but less than 118% of Target....... 70% of Base Salary
118% or more of Target.......................... 80% of Base Salary
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event will the maximum cash bonus
payable to any participating executive officer under the Supplemental
Compensation Plan exceed $900,000 with respect to any fiscal year. In addition,
no participating executive
<PAGE>
officer is entitled to receive any bonus under the Supplemental Compensation
Plan with respect to any fiscal year unless the Company's actual
earnings-per-share for such fiscal year (subject to adjustment as provided
above) exceeds earnings-per-share for the prior fiscal year. No bonuses are paid
until the Compensation Committee certifies the extent to which the Target has
been attained.
Leonard Riggio, Stephen Riggio, J. Alan Kahn and Mitchell S. Klipper
are the senior executive officers of the Company currently participating in the
Supplemental Compensation Plan.
Stock Options. The general purpose of long-term awards, currently in
the form of stock options, is to align the interests of the executive officers
with the interests of the Company's stockholders. Additionally, long-term awards
offer executive officers an incentive for the achievement of superior
performance over time and foster the retention of key management personnel. In
determining annual stock option grants, the Incentive Plan Committee has based
its decision on the individual's performance and potential to improve
stockholder value. The issuance of options at 100 percent of the fair market
value also assures that executives will receive a benefit only when the stock
price increases.
Compensation of Chief Executive Officer. Leonard Riggio's compensation
is determined pursuant to the principles noted above, including a bonus as
determined by the Supplemental Compensation Plan. Specific consideration is
given to Mr. Riggio's responsibilities and experience in the industry and the
compensation package awarded to chief executive officers of other comparable
companies.
Impact of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Compensation
Committee has considered the potential impact of Section 162(m) of the Code,
adopted under the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993. This section disallows a
tax deduction for any publicly held corporation, for individual compensation
exceeding $1,000,000 in any taxable year paid to its chief executive officer or
any of its four other highest paid officers unless (i) the compensation is
payable solely on account of the attainment of performance goals, (ii) the
performance goals are determined by a Compensation Committee of two or more
outside directors, (iii) the material terms under which compensation is to be
paid are disclosed to and approved by stockholders and (iv) the Compensation
Committee certifies that the performance goals were met. Because it is in the
best interests of the Company to qualify to the maximum extent possible the
compensation of its executives for deductibility under applicable tax laws, the
Company has implemented the Supplemental Compensation Plan, which provides for
the payment of compensation in compliance with the above guidelines.
Compensation Committee
Matthew A. Berdon, Chairman
Margaret T. Monaco
William Sheluck, Jr.
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following table compares the cumulative total stockholder return on
the Common Stock for the period commencing January 29, 1995 through January 28,
2000 (the last trading date during the Company's last completed fiscal year)
with the cumulative total return on the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (the
"S&P 500") and the Dow Jones Retailers, Other Specialty Industry Group Index
(the "Dow Jones Specialty Retailers Index") over the same period. Total return
values were calculated based on cumulative total return assuming (i) the
investment of $100 in the Common Stock, the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Specialty
Retailers Index on January 27, 1995 and (ii) reinvestment of dividends.
1/27/95 1/26/96 1/31/97 1/30/98 1/29/99 1/28/00
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Barnes & Noble 100 93.6 105.5 107.6 253.8 142.4
S&P 500 Index 100 132.1 167.1 208.4 272.0 289.2
Dow Jones Specialty Retailers 100 89.1 105.5 155.0 270.4 296.8
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company leases space for its executive offices in properties in
which Leonard Riggio, chairman, chief executive officer and principal
stockholder of Barnes & Noble, has a minority interest. The space was rented at
an aggregate annual rent including real estate taxes of approximately $2,753,000
in fiscal year ended January 29, 2000 ("fiscal 1999").
The Company leases a 75,000 square foot office/warehouse from a
partnership in which Leonard Riggio has a 50 percent interest, pursuant to a
lease expiring in 2023. Pursuant to such lease, the Company paid $573,000 in
fiscal 1999.
The Company is provided with certain package shipping services by the
LTA Group, Inc. ("LTA"), a company in which a brother of Leonard Riggio owns a
20 percent interest. The Company paid LTA $13,118,000 for such services during
fiscal 1999.
The Company leases retail space in a building in which B&N College, a
company owned by Leonard Riggio, subleases space for its executive offices.
Occupancy costs allocated by the Company to B&N College for this space totaled
$686,000 for fiscal 1999.
B&N College allocated to the Company certain operating costs incurred
on behalf of the Company. These charges approximated $193,000 in fiscal 1999.
The Company charged B&N College $1,042,000 in fiscal 1999 for capital
expenditures, business insurance and other operating costs incurred on its
behalf.
The Company uses a jet aircraft owned by B&N College and pays for the
costs and expenses of operating the aircraft based upon the Company's usage.
Such costs which include fuel, insurance, personnel and other costs approximated
$2,205,000 in fiscal 1999.
On October 28, 1999, the Company acquired Babbage's Etc., one of the
nation's largest operators of video game and entertainment software stores, a
company majority owned by Leonard Riggio, for $208,670,000. If financial
performance targets are met over the next two fiscal years, the Company will
make additional payments of approximately $10,000,000 in 2001 and approximately
$10,000,000 in 2002.
Barnes & Noble.com purchased $74,682,000 of merchandise from the
Company during fiscal 1999 and Barnes & Noble.com expects to source purchases
through the Company in the future. The Company has entered into an agreement
(the "Supply Agreement") with Barnes & Noble.com whereby the Company charges
Barnes & Noble.com the costs associated with such purchases plus incremental
overhead incurred by the Company in connection with providing such inventory.
The Supply Agreement is subject to certain termination provisions.
The Company has entered into agreements (the "Service Agreements")
whereby Barnes & Noble.com receives various services from the Company,
including, among others, services for payroll processing, benefits
administration, insurance (property and casualty, medical, dental and life),
tax, traffic, fulfillment and telecommunications. In accordance with the terms
of such agreements the Company has received, and expects to continue to receive,
fees in an amount equal to the direct costs plus incremental expenses associated
with providing such services. The Company received $2,037,000 for such services
in fiscal 1999.
The Company subleases to Barnes & Noble.com approximately one-third of
a 300,000 square foot warehouse facility located in New Jersey. The Company has
received from Barnes & Noble.com $473,000 for such subleased space in fiscal
1999.
Since 1993, the Company has used the music distributor AEC One Stop
Group, Inc. ("AEC") as its primary music and video supplier and to provide a
music and video database. In 1999, AEC's parent corporation was acquired by an
investor group in which Leonard Riggio was a significant minority investor. The
Company paid AEC $126,241,000 in connection with this agreement during fiscal
1999.
Michael N. Rosen, the Secretary and a Director of the Company, is the
Chairman of Robinson Silverman Pearce Aronsohn & Berman LLP, which law firm has
represented the Company since its organization.
The Company believes that the transactions discussed above, as well as
the terms of any future transactions and agreements
<PAGE>
(including renewals of any existing agreements) between the Company and its
affiliates, are and will be at least as favorable to the Company as could be
obtained from unaffiliated parties. The Board of Directors will be advised in
advance of any such proposed transaction or agreement and will utilize such
procedures in evaluating the terms and provisions of such proposed transaction
or agreement as are appropriate in light of the fiduciary duties of directors
under Delaware law. In addition, the Board of Directors has established an Audit
Committee, which consists of three independent directors. One of the
responsibilities of the Audit Committee is to review related party transactions.
See "Election of Directors--Meetings and Committees of the Board--Audit
Committee."
<PAGE>
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
PROPOSAL 2
The Board of Directors has appointed the firm of BDO Seidman, LLP,
which firm was engaged as independent certified public accountants for the
fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, to audit the financial statements of the
Company for the fiscal year ending February 3, 2001. A proposal to ratify this
appointment is being presented to the stockholders at the Meeting. A
representative of BDO Seidman, LLP will be present at the Meeting and will have
the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS CONSIDERS BDO SEIDMAN, LLP TO BE WELL QUALIFIED
AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR RATIFICATION. PROXIES SOLICITED
HEREBY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE PROPOSAL UNLESS A VOTE AGAINST THE PROPOSAL OR
ABSTENTION IS SPECIFICALLY INDICATED.
OTHER MATTERS
The Company does not intend to present any other business for action at
the Meeting and does not know of any other business intended to be presented by
others. If any matters other than the matters described in the Notice of Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and this Proxy Statement should be presented for
stockholder action at the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons designated
in the proxy to vote thereon according to their best judgment.
Proxy Solicitation. Solicitation may be made personally, by telephone,
by telegraph or by mail by officers and employees of the Company who will not be
additionally compensated therefor. The Company will request persons such as
brokers, nominees and fiduciaries holding stock in their names for others, or
holding stock for others who have the right to give voting instructions, to
forward proxy materials to their principals and request authority for the
execution of the proxy. The Company will reimburse such persons for their
expenses in so doing.
Financial and Other Information. The Company's Annual Report for the
fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, including financial statements, is being
sent to stockholders together with this Proxy Statement.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance. Section 16(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended requires the Company's
executive officers and Directors, and persons who own more than 10 percent of a
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file initial statements
of beneficial ownership (Form 3) and statements of changes in beneficial
ownership (Forms 4 and 5) of Common Stock of the Company with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Executive officers, Directors and greater than 10-percent
stockholders are required to furnish the Company with copies of all such forms
they file.
To the Company's knowledge, based solely on its review of the copies of
such forms received by it, or written representations from certain reporting
persons that no additional forms were required, all filing requirements
applicable to its executive officers, Directors, and greater than 10-percent
stockholders were complied with, except that Joseph Giamelli filed a late Form 3
amd Michael Del Giudice did not file a Form 3 and included his Form 3
information on a Form 5.
Stockholder Proposals. Proposals of stockholders intended to be
presented at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held in 2001 must be
received by the Secretary, Barnes & Noble, Inc., 122 Fifth Avenue, New York, New
York 10011, no later than January 8, 2001.
In addition, the Company's By-Laws provide that, in order for a
stockholder to nominate a person for election to the Board of Directors at an
annual meeting of stockholders or to propose business for consideration at such
meeting, such stockholder must give written notice to the Secretary of the
Company not less than 30 days nor more than 60 days prior to the meeting;
provided, however, that in the event that less than 40 days notice or prior
public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given to stockholders,
<PAGE>
notice by the stockholder must be given not later than the close of business on
the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the date of the meeting
was mailed or such public disclosure was made. Such notice must contain the
proposing stockholder's record name and address, and the class and number of
shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by such stockholder. Such
notice must also contain: (1) in the case of nominating a person for election to
the Board of Directors, all information relating to such nominee that is
required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors,
or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including such person's written
consent to being a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; and (2) in
the case of proposing business for consideration, (i) a brief description of the
business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for
conducting such business at the annual meeting, and (ii) any material interest
of the proposing stockholder in such business.
STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO FORWARD THEIR PROXIES WITHOUT DELAY. A PROMPT
RESPONSE WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
By Order of the Board of Directors
LEONARD RIGGIO
Chairman
May 8, 2000
<PAGE>
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Leonard Riggio and Stephen Riggio, and
each of them, as his true and lawful Agents and Proxies, with full power of
substitution in each, and hereby authorizes them to represent and to vote, as
designated on the reverse side hereof, all the shares of common stock of Barnes
& Noble, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on April 18, 2000, at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 7, 2000, and any adjournments or
postponements thereof, with the same effect as if the undersigned were present
and voting such shares, on all matters as further described in the accompanying
Proxy Statement.
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders dated May 8, 2000 and the accompanying Proxy Statement.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE SPECIFICATIONS MADE. IF THIS PROXY IS EXECUTED BUT NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE,
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" EACH OF THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS' NOMINEES, AND "FOR" PROPOSAL 2. THE PROXIES, IN THEIR DISCRETION, ARE
AUTHORIZED TO VOTE UPON ANY OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE
ANNUAL MEETING.
By executing this proxy, the undersigned hereby revokes all prior
proxies.
(Continued, and to be signed and dated on the reverse side.)
BARNES & NOBLE, INC.
P.O. BOX 11280
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0280
<PAGE>
Attn: Diana Ajjan
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS FOR all WITHHOLD *EXCEPTIONS []
nominees AUTHORITY to vote
listed for all nominees
below [] listed below []
Nominees: William Dillard II, Irene R. Miller and Michael N. Rosen.
(INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark
the "Exceptions" box and write that nominee's name in the space provided below.)
*Exceptions ------------------------------------------------------
2. RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP, as the independent
certified public accountants of the company for the fiscal year ending February
3, 2001.
FOR | | AGAINST | | ABSTAIN | |
Change of Address and or Comments Mark Here | |
Please sign exactly as name appears to the left. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator,
trustee, or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Dated: -------------------------------------------------------------------,2000
Signature -----------------------------------------------------
Signature if held jointly
Votes MUST be indicated (x) in Black or Blue ink. |_|
Please Mark, Sign, Date and Return this Proxy Card Promptly Using the Enclosed
Envelope.
