<PAGE>
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. Please execute and return the enclosed proxy card
promptly, whether or not you plan to attend the Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.
Annual Meeting.
SYLVAN
---------------------
LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
1000 Lancaster Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
July 18, 2000
To the Stockholders of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc.:
Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Sylvan
Learning Systems, Inc. ("Sylvan" or the "Company") will be held at the Hyatt
Regency Baltimore, On the Inner Harbor, 300 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland
21202, on July 18, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. for the following purposes:
I. To elect three directors of the Company.
II. To ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as the independent
auditors of Sylvan for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000.
III. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting.
Accompanying this notice is a Proxy Card and Proxy Statement and a copy of
Sylvan's Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 1999. Whether or not you
expect to be present at the Annual Meeting, please sign and date the Proxy Card
and return it in the enclosed envelope provided for that purpose prior to the
date of the Annual Meeting. The Proxy may be revoked at any time prior to the
time that it is voted at the Annual Meeting. June 12, 2000 was fixed by the
Board of Directors as the record date for determination of stockholders entitled
to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof. Only
stockholders of record at the close of business on June 12, 2000 will be
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting, and you may vote in
person even though you have returned your Proxy Card.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Douglas L. Becker
Secretary
Baltimore, Maryland
June 26, 2000
<PAGE>
SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
1000 Lancaster Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
(410) 843-8000
PROXY STATEMENT
INTRODUCTION
This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy are furnished to
stockholders of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. ("Sylvan") in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by Sylvan's Board of Directors to be used at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders described in the accompanying notice and at any
adjournments thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). The purpose of the Annual Meeting
is to: 1) elect three (3) directors of the Company, 2) ratify the selection of
Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2000 and 3) transact such other business as may properly
come before the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy
are first being sent to stockholders on or about June 26, 2000.
The record of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual
Meeting was taken as of the close of business on June 12, 2000 (the "Record
Date"). On the Record Date, there were outstanding and entitled to vote
41,911,912 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Sylvan Common
Stock").
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
shares of Sylvan Common Stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the
Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum at the meeting. In the
election of directors, each share of Sylvan Common Stock may be voted for as
many individuals as there are directors to be elected. Votes may only be cast
"FOR" the election of a director; cumulative voting is not permitted. Those
individuals receiving the highest number of votes "FOR" election to the Board of
Directors shall be considered duly elected. For all matters except the election
of directors, each share is entitled to one vote. The affirmative vote of a
majority of the shares of Sylvan Common Stock present in person or represented
by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required for approval and/or ratification of
all matters (other than the election of directors) being submitted to the
stockholders for their consideration. An automated system administered by
Sylvan's transfer agent will be used to tabulate the votes. Abstentions, votes
against or withholding approval and broker non-votes will be counted to
determine whether a quorum is present. Abstentions and votes against or
withholding approval will be counted as votes against any given proposal,
whereas broker non-votes will not be counted in determining whether a particular
proposal has been approved by the stockholders.
This solicitation is being made primarily by mail, but directors, officers
and employees may also engage in the solicitation of proxies by telephone. The
cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company. No compensation will be
paid by the Company in connection with the solicitation of proxies, except that
the Company may reimburse brokers, custodians, nominees and other record holders
for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in forwarding proxy material to
beneficial owners.
Voting By Proxy
The Board of Directors has selected R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric and Douglas
L. Becker, and each of them, to act as proxies with full power of substitution.
Any stockholder executing a proxy has the power to revoke the proxy at any time
before it is voted at the Annual Meeting. This right of revocation is not
limited or subject to compliance with any formal procedure. Any stockholder may
attend the meeting and vote in person, whether or not he has previously given a
proxy.
2
<PAGE>
With respect to the proposal regarding election of directors, stockholders
may (a) vote in favor of all nominees, (b) withhold their votes as to all
nominees or (c) withhold their votes as to specific nominees by so indicating in
the appropriate space on the enclosed proxy card. With respect to the proposal
to approve and ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Sylvan's
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000, stockholders
may (i) vote "for", (ii) vote "against" or (iii) abstain from voting as to such
matter. All properly executed proxy cards delivered by stockholders and not
revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions
given. If no specific instructions are given with regard to the matters to be
voted upon, the shares represented by a properly executed proxy card will be
voted "FOR" the election of each of management's nominees for director and to
approve and ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Sylvan's independent
auditors. Management knows of no other matters that may come before the Annual
Meeting for consideration by the stockholders. However, if any other matter
properly comes before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the enclosed
proxy card as proxies will vote upon such matters in accordance with their
judgment.
Stockholders who do not expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person are
urged to execute and return the enclosed proxy card promptly. Any stockholder
delivering a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is voted by
giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company, by
executing and delivering to the Secretary a proxy card bearing a later date, or
by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. Any stockholder also may be
represented by another person at the Annual Meeting by executing a form of proxy
designating such person to act on the stockholder's behalf at the Annual
Meeting.
I. ELECTION OF SYLVAN DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is comprised of eight persons separated into three
classes, with each class serving a three-year term. R. William Pollock and J.
Phillip Samper currently serve in Class III and are subject to re-election for a
three-year term beginning at the 2000 Annual Meeting. Mr. Pollock is nominated
for re-election, however, Mr. Samper has decided not to seek re-election, and
the Board has nominated Michael S. Gross in his place. In addition, the Board
has nominated Laurence M. Berg to fill the vacant Class III director position.
Two directors serve in Class II and are subject to re-election for a three-year
term beginning at the 2002 Annual meeting. Three directors serve in Class I and
are subject to re-election for a three-year term beginning at the 2001 Annual
meeting. As of the date of this proxy statement there is a vacancy in Class II
which has existed since 1999.
The individuals receiving the highest number of votes "FOR" election to the
Board of Directors will be considered duly elected.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that stockholders vote "FOR"
its three nominees for Directors.
3
<PAGE>
Information Concerning Nominees
The following table presents information concerning persons nominated by
the Board of Directors for election at the Annual Meeting as Class III directors
of the Company. Data with respect to the number of shares of the Sylvan Common
Stock beneficially owned by each of the nominees, directly or indirectly,
appears on page 14 of this Proxy Statement.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nominated For Principal Occupation, Directorships with
Name and Age Director Since Term Expiring Public Companies and other Information
------------ -------------- ------------- ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
R. William Pollock December 1995 2003 Annual Meeting Mr. Pollock has been a Director of the Company since
(71) December 1995. Mr. Pollock serves as Chairman of the
Board of Drake Holdings Limited, a company which owns
interests in various businesses throughout the world . He is
lso one of the prior owners of Drake Prometric, L.P., acquired
by the Company in 1995 and sold in 2000.
Laurence M. Berg 2003 Annual Meeting Mr. Berg has been principal with Apollo Advisors, L.P.
(34) since 1995, which together with its affiliates, serves as
managing general partner of Apollo Investment Funds private
securities investment funds. Mr. Berg is also a director of
Berlitz International, Inc., Continental Graphics Holdings,
Inc. and Rent-a-Center, Inc.
Michael S. Gross 2003 Annual Meeting Mr. Gross is one of the founding principals in 1992 of Apollo
(38) Advisors, L.P., which, together with its affiliates, acts as
managing general partner of the Apollo Investment Funds,
private securities investment funds. Mr. Gross is also
director of Allied Waste Industries, Converse, Inc., Encompass
Services Corporation, Pacer International, Inc., Rare Medium
Group, Inc., Saks, Inc. and United Rentals, Inc.
</TABLE>
4
<PAGE>
Information Concerning Continuing Directors
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Term
---- Principal Occupation, Directorships with
Name and Age Director Since Expiring Public Companies and other Information
------------ -------------- ------------- ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric December 1986 2002 Annual Mr. Hoehn-Saric has served as Chairman and Co-Chief
(37) Meeting Executive Officer since April 1993 and was president of
Sylvan from 1988 until 1992. He has been a Director of
Sylvan since December 1986. He is a principal in Sterling
Capital, Ltd. ("Sterling"), the investment partnership
that led the 1986 acquisition of KEE Incorporated (the
predecessor of Sylvan). He is also a co-founder of Health
Management Corporation, a health services company. Before
becoming Sylvan's President, Mr. Hoehn-Saric was involved
in Sterling's acquisition of several distribution,
broadcasting and photography businesses. Mr. Hoehn-Saric
also serves as a director of Caliber Learning Network,
Inc.
Donald V. Berlanti February 1987 2002 Annual Mr. Berlanti has been a Director of Sylvan since
(62) Meeting February 1987. Since 1975, Mr. Berlanti has been
involved in the ownership and management of several
businesses, including radio stations, a chain of
convenience and greeting card stores and real estate
development companies.
Douglas L. Becker December 1986 2001 Annual Mr. Becker has been President and Co-Chief Executive
(34) Meeting Officer of Sylvan since April 1993. From February
1991 until April 1993, Mr. Becker was the Chief Executive
Officer of the Sylvan Learning Center Division of Sylvan.
He has been a Director of Sylvan since December 1986. Mr.
Becker was a co-founder of Health Management Corporation
and is a co-founder of Sterling. From January 1987 to
February 1991, Mr. Becker directed KEE's marketing and
sales. Mr. Becker also serves as a director of Caliber
Learning Network, Inc.
James H. McGuire December 1995 2001 Annual Mr. McGuire has been a Director of the Company since
(56) Meeting December 1995. Mr. McGuire serves as President of
NJK Holding Company, which controls the interests of
Nasser J. Kazeminy (one of the prior owners of Drake
Prometric, L.P., acquired by the Company in 1995 and sold
in 2000) in various businesses throughout the country.
Rick Inatome June 1997 2001 Annual Mr. Inatome has been a Director of the Company since
(46) Meeting June 1997. Mr. Inatome became the CEO of ZapMe!
Corporation in September, 1999. From 1993 to 1999, Mr.
Inatome was Chairman of Inacom Corporation, a technology
services firm. Mr. Inatome also serves as a director of
Atlantic Premium Brands, R.L. Polk, Saturn Electronic and
AAA.
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE>
Information Regarding the Sylvan Board, Committees and Remuneration
During calendar year 1999, there were three regular meetings and one
special meeting of the Board of Directors of Sylvan. Each director attended at
least 80% of the combined total number of meetings of the Board and Board
Committees of which he was a member, except for R. William Pollock, who attended
one of the three meetings. The Sylvan Board has an Audit Committee and a
Compensation Committee.
The Audit Committee meets with Sylvan's independent accountants to review
whether satisfactory accounting procedures are being followed by Sylvan, whether
its internal accounting controls are adequate and to monitor non-audit services
performed by the independent accountants and review fees charged by the
independent accountants. The Audit Committee also recommends to the Board of
Directors the selection of independent accountants. During 1999, non-employee
directors James H. McGuire, Donald V. Berlanti and J. Phillip Samper were the
members of the Audit Committee. There were two meetings of the Audit Committee
during fiscal year 1999.
The Compensation Committee establishes the compensation for executive
officers of Sylvan and generally reviews benefits and compensation for all
officers and employees. It also administers Sylvan's stock option plans. During
1999, non-employee directors Donald V. Berlanti, James H. McGuire and J. Phillip
Samper were the members of the Compensation Committee, which met on two
occasions. The report of the Compensation Committee required by the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), is included in this Proxy
Statement.
Directors who are not employees of Sylvan and are not contractually
prohibited receive compensation of $15,000 per year for service on the Sylvan
Board or any committee thereof, and all directors are reimbursed for their
out-of-pocket expenses in connection with attending meetings. Under the 1998
Stock Incentive Plan, each non-employee director who is not contractually
prohibited, upon appointment, election or re-election to the Sylvan Board, and
continuation of service on the Sylvan Board as of the anniversary of election or
appointment will, upon election/appointment and on each anniversary thereof, is
granted an option to purchase 5,000 shares of Sylvan Common Stock at an exercise
price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the grant.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
We believe that all our Directors and Executive Officers and other
stockholders who may own 10% or more of Sylvan Common Stock have complied with
the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission to report ownership
and transactions which change ownership.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
In June of 1999, the Company granted options to Messrs. Becker and
Hoehn-Saric to purchase 12% of the outstanding shares of Sylvan's international
university venture upon formation of such corporate entity at a strike price 10%
greater than the June 1999 fair market value share price. The options will be
fully vested at the grant date and expire three years from the date of issue.
Relationships with Caliber Learning Networks, Inc. Douglas L. Becker and R.
Christopher Hoehn-Saric, Co-Chief Executive Officers and Directors of Sylvan
concurrently serve as directors of Caliber. Sylvan owns 1,227,393 shares of
Caliber Common Stock and 5,167,328 shares of 6% Non-Voting Convertible Preferred
Stock convertible into Common Stock on a share-for-share basis beginning in May
2000. Messrs. Becker and Hoehn-Saric in the aggregate own 1,866,152 shares of
Caliber Common Stock.
Under an Intercompany Management and Facility Use Agreement between Sylvan
and Caliber, Sylvan provides Caliber with the use of certain facilities for
Caliber's corporate offices in Baltimore, Maryland, and certain administrative
support and executive management services, including financial management; tax
and accounting services; legal services; management information services; and
human resources support. During 1999, Caliber paid Sylvan $2.0 million for these
facilities and services. This Agreement was renewed for an additional year in
December 1999.
Under a Testing Center Management and CBT Services Agreement between
Caliber and Sylvan, Caliber has assumed management and responsibility for all
obligations and operations of certain Sylvan Testing Centers
6
<PAGE>
("STCs") and to deliver computer-based testing services on behalf of Sylvan at
those STCs through December 31, 2000. These facilities may be converted into
classrooms capable of receiving Caliber programs. The Company pays Caliber a
fixed amount per month to manage these STCs and an additional fee per test
delivered above a specified number of tests. During 1999, the Company paid
approximately $4 million in fees and other compensation under this Agreement.
This agreement was terminated in February 2000.
Relationship with ZapMe! Corporation. In March 1999, the Company entered
into a Products and Services Agreement with ZapMe! Corporation and subsequently
acquired 600,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock. Sylvan was also granted a
warrant to purchase an additional 150,000 shares of ZapMe! at $5 per share. In
addition, certain of the Company's directors and officers acquired 581,127
shares of Series D Preferred Stock. Mr. Becker joined the Board of Directors of
ZapMe! Corporation in April 1999 and became a member of the Compensation
Committee. Mr. Becker received 20,000 options at $4 per share as his board
compensation.
Mr. Inatome joined ZapMe! Corporation in September 1999 as its Chief
Executive Officer. On October 20, 1999, ZapMe! Corporation effected its Initial
Public Offering and the Company acquired another 150,000 shares of common stock.
All Series D Preferred Stock converted share for share into shares of common
stock of ZapMe! Corporation.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation in Compensation
Decisions
The Compensation Committee consists of Messrs. Berlanti, Samper and McGuire.
None of such Directors was a party to any transaction with the Company which
requires disclosure under Item 402(j) of Regulation S-K.
7
<PAGE>
Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors
Compensation of Executive Officers. The following table shows for the years
ended December 31, 1999, 1998 and 1997, compensation paid by Sylvan, including
salary, bonuses, stock options, and certain other compensation, to its Co-Chief
Executive Officers and each of its four other most highly compensated executive
officers at December 31, 1999 (the "Named Executive Officers"):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term
Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
---------------------------------------------- --------------
Other Annual
$ Shares All Other
Name and Salary Bonus Compensation Underlying Compensation $
Principal Position Year $ $ (1) Options (#) (2)
--------------------------------- ------ -------- --------- --------------- -------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric 1999 331,250 300,000 6,600 - -
Chairman of the Board, Co-Chief 1998 300,000 (3) 6,600 782,328 1,852,787
Executive Officer and Director 1997 254,167 125,000 6,600 - 6,958,618
Douglas L. Becker 1999 331,250 300,000 6,600 - -
President, Co-Chief Executive 1998 300,000 (3) 6,600 782,328 1,852,787
Officer and Director 1997 254,167 125,000 6,600 - 6,958,509
B. Lee McGee 1999 231,250 200,000 6,600 - -
Senior Vice President and 1998 200,000 (3) 6,600 396,134 1,160,049
Chief Financial Officer 1997 154,167 75,000 6,600 - 1,008,272
Steven Hoffman (4) 1999 245,000 147,000 6,600 - 21,820
President 1998 230,416 63,000 6,600 - 18,085
Sylvan Prometric Division 1997 219,738 58,000 6,600 - 132,193
Peter Cohen 1999 224,167 90,300 6,600 105,000 -
President 1998 210,000 67,200 6,600 - 140,750
Learning Services Division 1997 210,000 28,000 6,600 - 55,515
Martin Bean (4) 1999 204,167 77,510 6,600 - 9,439
Executive Vice President 1998 200,000 100,946 6,600 - 7,741
Sylvan Prometric Division 1997 116,667 13,370 6,600 90,000 81,101
</TABLE>
(1) The amounts in this column represent automobile allowances for all of
the officers.
(2) The amounts in this column represent stock option exercises by Messrs.
Hoehn-Saric, Becker, McGee, Cohen and Bean, relocation compensation
for Messrs. Hoffman, Cohen and Bean and interest forgiven on loans to
Messrs. Hoffman and Bean.
(3) The Company's Executive Officers are offered the alternative of
receiving stock options in lieu of the cash bonus earned. The formula
for calculating the number of shares is to divide the cash bonus
earned by the share price of Sylvan Common Stock and to multiply the
result by a factor of five. These options are fully vested on grant.
(4) Messrs. Hoffman and Bean terminated employment with Sylvan upon the
sale of the Prometric, Inc. subsidiary in March of 2000.
8
<PAGE>
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year. The following table sets forth certain
information relating to options granted to the Named Executive Officers to
purchase shares of Sylvan Common Stock during 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Percent of Potential Realizable
Value at
Assumed Annual Rates of
Securities Total Options Stock
Underlying Exercise
& Granted To or Price Appreciation for
Options Employees in Base Price Expiration Option Term
Name Granted Fiscal Year Per Share Date 5% 10%
--------------------------- ----------- -------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric - - - - - -
Douglas L. Becker - - - - - -
B. Lee McGee - - - - - -
Steven Hoffman (3) - - - - - -
Peter Cohen 5,000 * $21.16 4/20/09 $ 66,537 $ 168,618 (1)
100,000 6% 13.11 12/13/09 824,481 2,089,396 (2)
Martin Bean (3) - - - - - -
</TABLE>
*Represents less than one percent of the outstanding Sylvan Common Stock
(1) The assumed rate of appreciation of 5% and 10% would result in a stock
price of $34.47 and $54.88, respectively.
(2) The assumed rate of appreciation of 5% and 10% would result in a stock
price of $21.35 and $34.00, respectively.
(3) Messrs. Hoffman and Bean terminated employment with Sylvan upon the sale of
the Prometric, Inc. subsidiary in March of 2000.
The 5% and 10% assumed annual rates of stock price appreciation used to
calculate potential gains to optionees are mandated by the rules of the SEC
and do not represent Sylvan's prediction of future stock performance.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year End Option
Values. The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
exercise of stock options, the number of unexercised options and the value of
unexercised options at the end of 1999 for the Named Executive Officers. Value
is considered to be, in the case of exercised options, the difference between
exercise price and market price on the date of exercise and, in the case of
unexercised options and exercisable options, the difference between exercise
price and market price at December 31, 1999.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Value of
Shares Securities Unexercised
Acquired Underlying In-the-money
Upon Value Unexercised Options @
Name Exercise Realized Options @ YE (1) Year End (1)
-------------------------- ------------ ----------- -------------------- -----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric - - 1,473,078 (E) $3,961,350 (E)
517,500 (U) - (U)
Douglas L. Becker - - 1,473,078 (E) $3,961,350 (E)
517,500 (U) - (U)
B. Lee McGee - - 352,259 (E) $ 160,650 (E)
218,250 (U) - (U)
Steven Hoffman (2) - - 101,250 (E) $ - (E)
67,500 (U) - (U)
Peter Cohen - - 91,250 (E) $ - (E)
172,500 (U) - (U)
Martin Bean (2) - - 36,000 (E) $ - (E)
54,000 (U) - (U)
</TABLE>
(1) (E) = Exercisable; (U) = Unexercisable
(2) Messrs. Hoffman and Bean terminated employment with Sylvan upon the sale of
the Prometric, Inc. subsidiary in March of 2000.
9
<PAGE>
Employment Contracts
Messrs. Becker and Hoehn-Saric have employment contracts with the Company,
with terms ending December 31, 2000.
Director's Compensation
Directors who are not employees of the Company and are not prohibited by
contract from accepting such compensation (current directors Mr. Pollock and Mr.
McGuire are prohibited due to the sale of Drake Prometric L.P. to the Company)
receive an annual fee of $15,000 and options to acquire 5,000 shares of Common
Stock granted annually the day of the annual Shareholder's meeting at a grant
price equal to the closing price on the date of the annual meeting. These
options are granted under the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan and are fully vested at
grant. All directors are reimbursed for their expenses.
Compensation Committee Report
Introduction. The Compensation Committee consists of three outside
directors, none of whom has ever been an officer or employee of the Company. The
function of the Compensation Committee is to recommend to the Board of Directors
policies regarding the Company's compensation of, and to recommend specific
compensation for, the Company's executive officers. The Compensation Committee's
responsibilities also include administering the Company's stock option plans and
making decisions regarding option grants to officers and other key employees.
The Compensation Committee also periodically reviews the Company's employee
benefit plans that are intended to qualify under Section 401 of the Internal
Revenue Code to determine whether any changes to those plans may be appropriate.
The Compensation Committee meets at least once a year to review management
performance and compensation and to recommend to the Board bonuses and option
grants for current personnel. The Compensation Committee also meets on an
as-needed basis to recommend compensation for newly created or expanded
executive positions.
Compensation Philosophy and Approach. The principal elements of the
Company's Executive Compensation Program consist of both annual and long-term
compensation, including base salary and annual incentive cash bonuses and, at
appropriate times, long-term incentive compensation in the form of stock
options. The Committee has put primary emphasis on long-term incentive stock
options based upon their belief that Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and Becker, the
Co-Chief Executive Officers, should have a significant portion of their
compensation contingent upon increases in the market price of Sylvan Common
Stock. Aided by the review of a management consulting firm, the Compensation
Committee continues to believe that this approach and philosophy is appropriate.
Base Salaries. The Company's executive officer base salary levels are
submitted for approval by the Board based on the Compensation Committee
recommendations. In establishing compensation for the Company's executive
officers, the Compensation Committee utilized recommendations of a management
consulting firm. Based on the management consulting firm's analysis of executive
compensation, the salary of each Co-CEO was set at $300,000 in 1998 and 1999,
compared to $254,167 in 1996 and 1997.
Annual Incentive Cash Bonus. In addition to base salaries, executive
officers of the Company are eligible to receive annual cash bonuses, at the
discretion of the Board of Directors. Cash bonuses are determined on the basis
of (a) the overall financial performance of the Company and (b) annual personal
performance objectives for each officer, established by the Compensation
Committee at the beginning of the year.
As a result of the recommendations of a management consulting firm, the
Company's executive officers are offered the alternative of receiving stock
options in lieu of the cash bonus earned. The formula for senior officers is to
divide the cash bonus earned by the share price of Sylvan Common Stock and to
multiply the result by a factor of five. These options are fully vested on
grant.
Long-term Incentive Stock Options. Options are granted to executive
officers and other key employees whom the Compensation Committee determines to
be important to the future growth and profitability of the Company. Based upon
performance criteria similar to those applicable to the cash bonus payment, the
Compensation Committee determines the employees to whom options will be granted,
the number of shares covered by each grant and the exercise price and vesting
period for each grant. The Compensation Committee typically grants stock
10
<PAGE>
options with relatively long vesting periods, creating strong incentives for
recipients of stock option grants to remain in the employ of the Company.
Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and Becker, the Co-Chief Executive Officers and Mr.
McGee, the Chief Financial Officer, had been entitled to annual stock option
grants under the Company's 1993 Management Stock Option Plan based on the
Company's performance as compared to profitability targets established by the
Compensation Committee. In 1996, the 1993 Management Stock Option Plan was
discontinued, and in 1996 and 1997 Messrs. Hoehn-Saric, Becker and McGee
received grants from the stockholder-approved 1996 Senior Management Stock
Option Plan. In 1998, Messrs. Hoehn-Saric, Becker and McGee received grants from
the 1998 Stock Incentive Plan. No option grants were made in 1999.
Equity Position in Caliber Learning Network, Inc. In July of 1996, the
Board of Directors approved the formation of an entity to pursue an opportunity
identified by the executive officers to establish an international distribution
network of adult professional education services. The Board considered many
options for how to best structure the entity to pursue this opportunity. Aided
by the review of the consulting firm of the Co-CEOs' compensation, it was
concluded that the Co-CEOs should be entitled to purchase an equity ownership of
35% (17.5% each) of the entity as part of their overall compensation package.
Subsequently, the Board and Co-CEOs concluded that securing a strategic partner
for pursuing this opportunity was critical. In October 1996, Caliber Learning
Network, Inc. ("Caliber") was established, with MCI as the strategic partner and
investor. The Co-CEOs' equity ownership was diluted, based on MCI's investment,
to 28% (14% each) in October 1996. Messrs. Becker and Hoehn-Saric receive no
additional compensation as members of Caliber's board of directors or as a
result of their executive positions in Caliber. In May 1998 Caliber completed
the initial public offering of its Common Stock.
Equity Position in Sylvan's International University Venture. In June of
1999, Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and Becker were granted options in the international
university venture upon formation in the amount of six percent each of the total
outstanding shares at formation at a strike price ten percent greater than the
June 1999 fair market value share price. The options will be fully vested at the
grant date and expire three years from the date of issue.
Co-CEOs' and President's Compensation. Mr. Hoehn-Saric has served as Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since April 1993, and served as
President from 1988 to 1993. Mr. Becker has served as President of the Company
since April 1993, and served as CEO of the Sylvan Learning Center division of
the Company from February 1991 to April 1993. In December 1995, Mr. Becker was
named Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Company and continues to serve as
President of the Company.
Messrs. Becker and Hoehn-Saric have employment agreements with the Company,
with terms ending December 31, 2000.
Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and Becker, the Co-CEOs, may earn incentive cash
bonuses based on the Company's actual annual financial performance as compared
to the annual operating budget and the accomplishment of specific objectives
established at the beginning of the year by the Compensation Committee.
Financial performance accounts for 80% of the potential bonus and the remaining
20% is based on the subjective determination by the Compensation Committee as to
accomplishment of the specific objectives. A financial performance bonus may be
paid if at least 80% of the financial performance objectives are achieved but is
reduced from the target bonus amount by a formula based on the percentage of the
financial performance objectives that are actually achieved. A bonus of up to
150% of the target bonus amount can be earned if actual financial performance
results were 200% of the objectives.
In March 1999, the Compensation Committee recommended, and the Board of
Directors approved, cash bonuses for Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and Becker of $300,000
each. These bonuses were based on financial performance and accomplishment of
specific objectives in 1998 as described above. Both of Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and
Becker as well as Mr. McGee elected to receive their bonuses in stock options
rather than cash, in accordance with the formula described above. The
Compensation Committee has recommended no bonus payment to Messrs. Hoehn-Saric
and Becker for 1999.
Mr. Donald V. Berlanti--Chairman
Mr. James H. McGuire
Mr. J. Phillip Samper
11
<PAGE>
Stock Performance Graph
Under the SEC's rules, Sylvan is required to provide a five-year comparison
of the cumulative total stockholder return on the Sylvan Common Stock with that
of a broad equity market index and either a published industry index, or a
Sylvan-constructed peer group index.
The following graph compares the cumulative total stockholder return on the
Sylvan Common Stock during the period beginning January 1, 1995 and ending
December 31, 1999, with the cumulative total return on the CRSP Total Return
Index for the NASDAQ Stock Market (US Companies), and a Sylvan constructed peer
group index. The issuers included in this peer group index are Strayer
Education, Inc. (STRA), Apollo Group, Inc. (APOL), Devry, Inc. (DVRV) and
Berlitz Intl. (BTZ). The comparison assumes $100 was invested on January 1, 1994
in the Sylvan Common Stock and in each of the foregoing indices. It also assumes
reinvestment of dividends.
In previous proxy statements, the Sylvan constructed peer group index
included National Education Corporation, Berlitz International, and Education
Alternatives, Inc. These two companies no longer trade as public companies and
have been replaced with Strayer Education and Apollo Group.
Sylvan does not make, nor does it endorse, any predictions as to future
stock performance.
COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN-
AMONG SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.,
THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) INDEX AND A PEER GROUP
SYLVAN LEARNING SYS INC
Cumulative Total Return
----------------------------------------------
12/94 12/95 12/96 12/97 12/98 12/99
SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC. 100.00 150.63 216.46 296.20 347.47 148.10
PEER GROUP 100.00 281.72 504.11 729.56 944.23 563.93
NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S.) 100.00 141.34 173.90 213.07 300.43 555.99
12
<PAGE>
Sylvan Management
Executive Officers and Directors. The executive officers and directors of
Sylvan are:
Directors
Name Age Position
-------------------------------- --- ----------------------------------
R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric....... 37 Co-Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Sylvan Board
Douglas L. Becker................ 34 Co-Chief Executive Officer,
President; Secretary; Director
Donald V. Berlanti(1)(2)......... 62 Director, Chairman of the
Compensation Committee
J. Phillip Samper(1)(2).......... 65 Director
James H. McGuire(1)(2)........... 56 Director, Chairman of the Audit
Committee
R. William Pollock............... 71 Director
Rick Inatome..................... 46 Director
Laurence M. Berg................. 34 Director
(1) Member of the Audit Committee
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee
Executive Officers
Name Age Position
-------------------------------- --- ------------------------------------
B. Lee McGee..................... 44 Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer; Treasurer
Steven Hoffman................... 47 President--Sylvan Prometric Division
Peter Cohen...................... 45 President--Learning Services Division
Martin Bean...................... 34 Executive Vice President - Sylvan
Prometric Division
Information relating to Sylvan's executive officers (other than Messrs.
Hoehn-Saric and Becker) is set forth below. See "Information Concerning
Nominees" and "Information Concerning Continuing Directors" above for
information relating to Messrs. Hoehn-Saric and Becker and the other Sylvan
directors.
B. Lee McGee. Mr. McGee has been Chief Financial Officer of Sylvan or its
predecessor entities since 1987. In December 1997, Mr. McGee was also named
Executive Vice President of the Company.
Martin Bean. Mr. Bean has been the Executive Vice President of Sylvan
Prometric Division since 1997. Prior to joining Sylvan, Mr. Bean held the
position of Vice President of Sales and Marketing Development for Novell, Inc.
Steven Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman has been the President of Sylvan Prometric
since September 1996. Prior to joining Sylvan, Mr. Hoffman was the Vice
President of Operations for the Computer Task Group, a consulting and
outsourcing firm serving the IT industry. Prior to that time, he held various
positions for International Business Machines, Corp.
Peter Cohen. Mr. Cohen has been the President of the Learning Center
Division since September 1996. Prior to joining Sylvan, he was the Chief
Executive Officer of The Pet Practice, an 85 hospital veterinary business. He
also served as Vice President of Sales for National Media Corporation and Senior
Vice President of Corporate Operations for Nutri-System Weight Loss Centers.
13
<PAGE>
There are no family relationships among any of the executive officers or
directors of Sylvan. Executive Officers of Sylvan are elected by the Sylvan
Board on an annual basis and serve at the discretion of the Sylvan Board.
Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors and Management
The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial
ownership of Sylvan Common Stock as of May 30, 2000 by (i) each person who owns
beneficially more than 5% of Sylvan Common Stock, (ii) each of the director
nominees and directors of Sylvan, (iii) the Co-Chief Executive Officers and each
of the Named Executive Officers and (iv) all directors and Executive Officers as
a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the named persons exercise sole voting and
investment power over the shares that are shown as beneficially owned by them.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Beneficially Owned
Name (1) Number Percent
----------------------------------------------------------- -------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Donald V. Berlanti (2) 58,625 *
Douglas L. Becker (3) 2,316,508 4.59
R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric (3) 2,345,905 4.65
R. William Pollock 3,274,842 6.50
J. Phillip Samper (4) 62,304 *
James H. McGuire - -
Rick Inatome (5) 12,500 *
Laurence M. Berg - -
B. Lee McGee (6) 570,509 *
Steven Hoffman (7) 181,012 *
Martin Bean (8) 94,027 *
Peter Cohen (9) 263,750 *
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (10) 3,702,600 7.34
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. (11) 3,156,286 6.26
Paine Webber Incorporated (12) 2,896,047 5.74
State Street Bank and Trust Company (13) 4,353,899 8.64
All directors and Executive Officers as a group (12 persons) 9,179,982 18.2
</TABLE>
* Represents beneficial ownership of not more than one percent of the
outstanding Sylvan Common Stock
(1) The address of each stockholder listed in this table is c/o Sylvan Learning
Systems, Inc., 1000 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, except as
otherwise noted.
(2) Includes options to purchase 58,625 shares of Sylvan Common Stock.
(3) Includes options to purchase 1,990,578 shares of Sylvan Common Stock.
(4) Includes options to purchase 55,125 shares of Sylvan Common Stock.
(5) Includes options to purchase 12,500 shares of Sylvan Common Stock
(6) Includes options to purchase 570,509 shares of Sylvan Common Stock
(7) Includes options to purchase 168,750 shares of Sylvan Common Stock
(8) Includes options to purchase 90,000 shares of Sylvan Common Stock
(9) Includes options to purchase 263,750 shares of Sylvan Common Stock
(10) Derived from a Schedule 13G filed by this stockholder on February 14, 2000.
293,200 shares only with sole voting power. The address of this stockholder
is 100 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
(11) The address of this stockholder is 63 Wall Street, 8th Floor, New York, New
York 10005
(12) The address of this stockholder is 1000 Harbor Blvd., Weehawken, NJ 07087.
(13) The address of this stockholder is 1776 Heritage Drive, Global Corporate
Action Unit JAB 5NW, No. Quincy, MA 02171.
14
<PAGE>
II. AUDITOR CONFIRMATION
The Sylvan Board of Directors, pursuant to the recommendation of its Audit
Committee, has selected Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, to examine and
audit the financial statements of Sylvan for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2000. Ernst & Young LLP has served as independent auditors of Sylvan since 1991.
A partner of the firm is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and
available to respond to appropriate questions, and will have an opportunity to
make a statement if he or she desires to do so.
In 1999, Ernst & Young LLP performed various professional services for
Sylvan. These included completion of the examination of the 1998 financial
statements for Sylvan, other review work of required filings with the SEC,
preliminary work on the examination of the 1999 financial statements,
consultation on corporate tax returns and other consultation with Sylvan
personnel on accounting, tax and related matters.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Sylvan Common Stock
present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting is required for
ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as Sylvan's independent
auditors.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote
"FOR" the ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as Sylvan's
Independent Auditors.
III. OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors knows of no other matters to be presented for action
at the meeting other than those mentioned above; however, if any other matters
properly come before the meeting, it is intended that the persons named in the
accompanying proxy will vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment
as to the best interests of Sylvan.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any stockholder proposals intended to be presented at Sylvan's 2000 Annual
Meeting must have been received by Sylvan's Secretary not later than December
20, 1999 for inclusion in this proxy statement and proxy. No such proposals were
received. Any stockholder proposals intended to be presented at the 2001 Annual
Meeting must be received by Sylvan's Secretary no later than December 20, 2000,
for inclusion in the proxy statement and proxy relating to the 2001 Annual
Meeting.
MISCELLANEOUS
A copy of the Sylvan's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
excluding certain exhibits thereto, may be obtained without charge, by writing
Investor Relations, Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc., 1000 Lancaster Street,
Baltimore, Maryland 21202 or by telephoning (410) 843-8000.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Douglas L. Becker
Secretary
Baltimore, Maryland
June 26, 2000
15
<PAGE>
SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
Dear Stockholder:
Please take note of the important information with this Proxy Ballot. There are
a number of issues related to the management and operation of your Company that
require immediate attention and approval. These are discussed in detail in the
enclosed proxy materials.
Your vote counts, and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right to vote
your shares.
Please mark the boxes on this proxy card to indicate how your shares will be
voted, then sign the card, detach it and return your proxy vote in the enclosed
prepaid envelope.
Your vote must be received prior to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, July 18,
2000.
Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of these matters.
Sincerely,
Douglas L. Becker
Secretary
.FOLD AND DETACH HERE AND READ REVERSE SIDE.
PROXY
SYLVAN LEARNING SYSTEMS, INC.
1000 Lancaster Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202
The undersigned hereby constitutes and appoints R. Christopher Hoehn-Saric and
Douglas L. Becker, and each of them, as Proxies for the undersigned, with full
power to appoint their substitutes, and authorizes each of them to represent and
to vote all shares of Common Stock of Sylvan Learning Systems, Inc. (the
"Company") held by the undersigned as of the close of business on June 12, 2000
at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore,
100 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202, on Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 10:00
a.m., local time, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.
MARK HERE FOR ADDRESS CHANGE AND NOTE AT LEFT [_]
PLEASE VOTE, SIGN AND DATE ON REVERSE SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN ENCLOSED
ENVELOPE.
