<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[_] 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
BWAY Corporation
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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(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)(4) and
0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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[Logo]
8607 Roberts Drive, Suite 250
Atlanta, Georgia 30350
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of
BWAY Corporation (the "Company"), which will be held on Friday, February 25,
2000, at 1:00 p.m., local time, at the Company's facility at Highway 84,
Homerville, Georgia 31634.
The Notice of Meeting, Proxy Statement, Proxy Form and Annual Report of the
Company are included with this letter. The matters listed in the Notice of
Meeting are more fully described in the Proxy Statement.
It is important that your shares are represented and voted at the Annual
Meeting, regardless of the size of your holdings. Accordingly, please mark,
sign and date the enclosed Proxy Form and return it promptly in the enclosed
envelope. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may, of course, withdraw your
proxy should you wish to vote in person.
Sincerely,
/s/ BLAIR G. SCHLOSSBERG
Blair G. Schlossberg
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
<PAGE>
[Logo]
8607 Roberts Drive, Suite 250
Atlanta, Georgia 30350
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
----------------------------------------
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BWAY Corporation (the "Company") will
be held on Friday, February 25, 2000, at 1:00 p.m., local time, at the Company's
facility at Highway 84, Homerville, Georgia 31634 to consider and take action
with respect to the following matters:
1. The election of two directors to hold office for a term of three
years;
2. The approval of the fourth amendment and restatement of the Company's
1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan;
3. The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the
Company's independent public accountants for the fiscal year ending
October 1, 2000; and
4. The transaction of such other business as may properly come before the
Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
Holders of record of the Company's Common Stock at the close of business on
January 7, 2000 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote on all matters
presented at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournments or postponements
thereof. A list of such stockholders will be available for examination by any
stockholder for any purpose germane to the meeting during normal business hours
at the Company's principal executive offices, 8607 Roberts Drive, Suite 250,
Atlanta, Georgia 30350, and at the location of the meeting set forth above, in
each case for a period of 10 days prior to the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors
/s/ BLAIR G. SCHLOSSBERG
Blair G. Schlossberg
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
January 19, 2000
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING IN PERSON AND REGARDLESS OF
THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN, PLEASE MARK, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY FORM
AND MAIL IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED TO ENSURE THAT YOUR SHARES WILL BE
REPRESENTED. YOU MAY NEVERTHELESS VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL
MEETING. IN ADDITION, YOUR PROXY IS REVOCABLE AT ANY TIME BEFORE IT IS VOTED BY
WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY OR BY DELIVERY OF A LATER-DATED
PROXY.
<PAGE>
[Logo]
8607 Roberts Drive, Suite 250
Atlanta, Georgia 30350
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PROXY STATEMENT
-----------------------------
Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held on
February 25, 2000
------------------------------
This proxy statement (this "Proxy Statement") is being furnished to the
holders of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), of BWAY
Corporation (the "Company") in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
and on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board of Directors"
or the "Board") for use at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on
February 25, 2000 at 1:00 p.m., local time, and at any adjournments or
postponements thereof (the "Annual Meeting"). The purpose of the Annual Meeting
is to elect two directors to the Board, to approve the fourth amendment and
restatement of the Company's 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan and to ratify the
appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent public
accountants for the 2000 fiscal year.
This Proxy Statement, the Proxy Form and the Company's Annual Report to
Stockholders, which includes portions of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the Fiscal Year ended October 3, 1999, are being mailed on or about
January 19, 2000 to holders of record of the Common Stock at the close of
business on January 7, 2000.
If the enclosed proxy form (the "Proxy Form") is properly signed, dated and
returned to the Company, the individuals identified as proxies thereon will vote
the shares represented by the Proxy Form in accordance with the directions noted
thereon. If no direction is indicated, the proxies will vote FOR the election
of the nominees named herein as directors, FOR the approval of the fourth
amendment and restatement of the Company's 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan and FOR
the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's
independent public accountants for the 2000 fiscal year. The Company's
management does not know of any matters other than those discussed in this Proxy
Statement that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If other matters are
presented, all proxies will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of
the Company's management.
Returning your completed Proxy Form will not prevent you from voting in
person at the Annual Meeting if you are present and wish to vote. In addition,
you may revoke your proxy any time before it is voted by written notice to the
Secretary of the Company prior to the Annual Meeting at the Company's principal
executive offices at the address above or by submission of a later-dated proxy.
Each outstanding share of Common Stock entitles the holder thereof to one
vote on each matter to come before the Annual Meeting. As of January 7, 2000,
there were 9,309,024 shares of Common Stock out standing. The presence in person
or by proxy of a majority of the shares of Common Stock outstanding will
constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Pursuant to Delaware law,
abstentions are treated as present and entitled to vote, and therefore are
counted in determining the existence of a quorum and will have the effect of a
vote against any matter requiring the affirmative vote of a majority of the
shares present and
<PAGE>
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Under Delaware law, broker "non-votes"
are considered present but not entitled to vote, and thus will be counted in
determining the existence of a quorum but will not be counted in determining
whether a matter requiring approval of a majority of the shares present and
entitled to vote has been approved or whether a plurality of the vote of the
shares present and entitled to vote has been cast.
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Company's by-laws provide that the size of the Board shall be fixed
from time to time by resolution of the Board and that vacancies on the Board may
be filled by the remaining directors. The Board currently consists of eight
directors, who are divided into three classes, each consisting of three
directors, who serve staggered three-year terms. Class I consists of James W.
Milton, John E. Jones and John W. Puth, whose terms expire at the 2002 Annual
Meeting. Class II consists of Jean-Pierre M. Ergas, John T. Stirrup and one
vacant directorship, whose terms expire at the 2000 Annual Meeting. The Board
has not yet identified and nominated any person to fill the vacant Class II
directorship. When the Board identifies a person to fill the vacant Class II
directorship it will appoint that person to serve on the Board until the 2003
Annual Meeting. Class III consists of Warren J. Hayford, Thomas A. Donahoe and
Alexander P. Dyer, whose terms expire at the 2001 Annual Meeting. Each director
is elected to serve for the remaining term of any vacancy filled by the director
or for a three-year term (if elected at an annual meeting of stockholders) or
until a successor is duly elected.
Messrs. Ergas and Stirrup have been nominated for re-election at the Annual
Meeting as Class II directors. See "Management--Nominees for Director" and
"Management--Continuing Directors" for information with respect to Messrs. Ergas
and Stirrup and the continuing directors of the Company. The Company believes
that each nominee is willing to be elected and to serve. In the event that any
nominee is unable to serve or is otherwise unavailable for election, which is
not now contemplated, the incumbent Board may or may not select a substitute
nominee. If a substituted nominee is selected, all proxies will be voted for
the person selected.
Directors will be elected at the Annual Meeting by a plurality of the votes
cast at the meeting by the holders of shares represented in person or by proxy.
There is no cumulative voting as to any matter, including the election of
directors.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the election of the nominees.
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<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF THE FOURTH AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT
OF THE COMPANY'S 1995 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
Introduction
The Board initially adopted in May 1995, and the stockholders initially
approved in June 1995, two equity-based incentive plans: the Company's 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Original Plan") and the Formula Plan for Non-
Employee Directors (the "Formula Plan"). The Original Plan provided for the
issuance of an aggregate of 735,000 shares of Common Stock (after giving effect
to the 3-for-2 split of the Company's Common Stock on September 22, 1997 (the
"Stock Split")) for a wide array of equity-based incentive grants for certain
directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its
subsidiaries. The Formula Plan provided for the issuance of an aggregate of
150,000 shares of Common Stock (after giving effect to the Stock Split)
underlying options granted pursuant to a pre-determined formula to those
directors who were not permitted to participate in the Original Plan. Options
to acquire 45,000 shares of Common Stock (after giving effect to the Stock
Split) have been granted pursuant to the Formula Plan.
In response to the promulgation by the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC") of an amendment to Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), which amendment became effective in
August 1996, the Board (i) approved the first amendment and restatement of the
Original Plan and (ii) froze the Formula Plan with respect to any future grants
thereunder. The stockholders approved the first amendment and restatement of the
Original Plan in February 1997. The first amendment and restatement of the
Original Plan authorized the Board to issue an aggregate of 1,125,000 shares of
Common Stock (after giving effect to the Stock Split) and permitted non-employee
directors to participate in grants under the Current Plan while they serve on
the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee of the Board,
which authorizes those grants.
In November 1997, the Board approved the second amendment and restatement
of the Original Plan, which the stockholders approved in February 1998. In
November 1998, the Board approved the third amendment and restatement of the
Original Plan (as so amended and restated, the "Current Plan"). The
stockholders approved the Current Plan in February 1999. The Current Plan
authorized the Board to issue an aggregate of 1,825,000 shares of Common Stock.
The Board has approved the fourth amendment and restatement of the Original
Plan (as so Amended and restated, the "Amended Plan") and directed that the
Amended Plan be submitted for approval by the Company's Stockholders at the
Annual Meeting. The Amended Plan authorizes the Board to issue an aggregate of
2,425,000 shares of Common Stock, which is 600,000 more shares of Common Stock
than are authorized under the Current Plan. The Board approved the Amended Plan
to increase the number of shares of Common Stock available for equity-based
incentive grants to enable the Company to continue to attract, motivate and
retain qualified employees, officers, directors and consultants. The Company
does not pay any cash compensation to directors. Instead, the Company utilizes
equity-based incentives to motivate and compensate directors.
The summary of the Amended Plan that appears below is qualified by
reference to the full text of the Amended Plan, a copy of which may be obtained
from the Company at no charge.
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<PAGE>
Term
The Amended Plan will terminate on May 31, 2005 unless sooner terminated by
the Board. Termination of the Amended Plan will not affect grants made prior to
termination, but no grants will be made after termination.
Administration
The Amended Plan is administered by the Management Resources, Nominating
and Compensation Committee, which must consist of at least two non-employee
directors, as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act. Currently, the
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee consists of Messrs.
Dyer, Donahoe, Hayford, Jones and Puth. Subject to the terms of the Amended
Plan, the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee has been
authorized to (i) select persons to participate in the Amended Plan, (ii)
determine the form and substance of grants, and the conditions and restrictions,
if any, subject to which grants will be made under the Amended Plan, (iii)
interpret the Amended Plan and (iv) adopt, amend or rescind such rules and
regulations for carrying out the Amended Plan as the Management Resources,
Nominating and Compensation Committee deems appropriate.
Eligibility
Directors (including non-employee directors), officers, employees and
consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries selected by the Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee may participate in the Amended
Plan. A grant of any type made under the Amended Plan in any one year to an
eligible participant shall neither guarantee nor preclude a further grant of
that or any other type to such person in that year or subsequent years.
Securities Subject to the Amended Plan
An aggregate of 2,425,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued pursuant to
the Amended Plan (1,825,000 shares were authorized under the Current Plan). The
shares to be delivered under the Amended Plan may consist, in whole or in part,
of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock not reserved for any other
purpose or treasury shares. If any grant made pursuant to the Amended Plan
terminates unexercised, becomes unexercisable or is forfeited as to any shares
of Common Stock, such unpurchased or forfeited shares shall thereafter be
available for grant unless, in the case of stock options granted under the
Amended Plan, related stock appreciation rights ("SARs") are exercised. In the
event of any changes in the Common Stock, such as stock splits or other similar
events described in the Amended Plan, the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee shall make appropriate adjustments in the number and kind
of shares subject to grants theretofore made to participants, in the exercise
price per share of stock options theretofore granted to participants and in the
number and kinds of shares which may be distributed under the Amended Plan. In
the event of any merger, consolidation or other reorganization in which the
Company is not the surviving or continuing corporation or in which a change in
control of the Company (as defined in the Amended Plan) is to occur, all of the
Company's obligations regarding options, SARs, performance awards and restricted
stock that were granted thereunder and that are outstanding on the date of such
event shall, on terms approved by the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee, be assumed by the surviving or continuing corporation or
canceled in exchange for property (including cash). The last reported sales
price of the Common Stock on January 7, 2000 was $3.875. Based
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<PAGE>
upon this price per share for the Company's Common Stock, the aggregate market
value of 9,309,024 shares of Common Stock is $36,072,468.
Effect of Termination of Employment or Change in Control on Grants
If a participant dies or becomes disabled, all of the participant's options
and SARs shall become fully vested and exercisable and shall remain so for a
period of one year from the date of termination of service to the Company, but
in no event after the expiration date of the option. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the disability giving rise to such termination is not within the
meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code"), ISOs (as defined below) not exercised by such participant within
90 days after the date of termination of employment will cease to qualify as
ISOs and will be treated as NQOs (as defined below) under the Amended Plan if
required to be so treated under the Code.
If a participant retires as a director, officer, employee or consultant,
(A) all of his or her options and SARs that were exercisable on the date of
retirement shall remain exercisable for, and shall terminate at the end of, a
period of up to five years after the date of retirement, but in no event after
the expiration date of the option; provided that the participant does not
compete with the Company (as described in the Amended Plan) without the consent
of the Board or the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee
during such five year period and (B) all of the participant's options and SARs
that were not exercisable on the date of retirement shall be forfeited
immediately upon his or her retirement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ISOs not
exercised by such participant within 90 days after retirement will cease to
qualify as ISOs and will be treated as NQOs under the Amended Plan if required
to be so treated under the Code.
If a participant ceases to be a director, officer, employee or consultant
of the Company due to cause, all of his or her options and SARs shall be
forfeited immediately upon such cessation. The Amended Plan defines "cause" as
conviction of a felony or any crime or offense lesser than a felony involving
the property of the Company or a subsidiary, or conduct that has caused
demonstrable and serious injury to the Company or a subsidiary, monetary or
otherwise, or willful refusal to perform or substantial disregard of duties
properly assigned, as determined by the Company.
Unless otherwise determined by the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee, if a participant ceases to be a director, employee or
consultant of the Company or a subsidiary for any reason other than death,
disability, retirement or cause, (A) all of his or her options and SARs that
were exercisable on the date of termination shall remain exercisable for, and
shall terminate at the end of, a period of 90 days after the date of such
termination, but in no event after the expiration date of the option; provided
that participant does not compete with the Company (as described in the Amended
Plan) without the consent of the Board or the Management Resources, Nominating
and Compensation Committee during such 90-day period, and (B) all of the
participant's options and SARs that were not exercisable on the date of such
termination shall be forfeited.
If there is a change in control of the Company (as described in the Amended
Plan), all of the participant's options and SARs shall become fully vested and
exercisable.
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<PAGE>
Stock Options
The Amended Plan authorizes grants of stock options to participants from
time to time as determined by the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee. Options granted under the Amended Plan may be Incentive
Stock Options ("ISOs") as described in Section 422 of the Code, Non-Qualified
Stock Options ("NQOs"), or any combination thereof. In any one calendar year,
the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee may not grant to
any one participant options to purchase more than 375,000 shares of Common
Stock. The option price shall be established by the Management Resources,
Nominating and Compensation Committee, except that in the case of an ISO, the
option price may not be less than the fair market value of the shares of Common
Stock of the Company subject to such option at the close of the market on the
day next preceding the grant of the option unless otherwise permitted by Section
422 of the Code. In the case of an ISO granted to an employee who owns stock
representing more than ten percent of the voting power of the Company, the
option price may not be less than 110% of such fair market value. Options will
become exercisable at such times and in such installments as the Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee shall determine, but the option
may not be exercisable in whole or in part, (i) in the case of an NQO or ISO,
more than ten years from the date it is granted or (ii) in the case of an ISO
granted to an employee who owns stock representing more than ten percent of the
voting power of the Company, more than five years from the date it is granted if
required by the Code. Payment for shares received upon exercise of a stock
option may be made in cash or, in the discretion of the Management Resources,
Nominating and Compensation Committee, in shares of Common Stock, in a
combination of cash and shares, by delivery of the optionee's promissory note or
by special arrangement through a broker selected by the Management Resources,
Nominating and Compensation Committee.
Unless otherwise determined by the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee, a participant may elect to deliver shares of Common
Stock (or have the Company withhold shares acquired upon exercise of the option)
to satisfy in whole or in part, the amount the Company is required to withhold
for taxes in connection with the exercise of an option. For purposes of this
election, the fair market value of the shares to be withheld or delivered will
be the fair market value as of the close of the market on the day next preceding
the date the amount of tax to be withheld is determined. Such election must be
made on or before the date the amount of tax to be withheld is determined. Once
made, the election shall be irrevocable.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Amended Plan authorizes the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee to affix stock appreciation rights to stock options
either at the time the option is granted or, in the case of an NQO, at any date
(prior to the option expiration) thereafter. The Amended Plan does not permit
the grant of stand alone SARs. SARs give an option holder the right to
surrender all or a portion of the option and receive from the Company a payment,
in shares of Common Stock, cash or a combination thereof (as determined by the
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee), equal to the
difference between the option exercise price and the fair market value at the
time of surrender. SARs are exercisable only to the extent that the related
options are exercisable. The exercise of any option will result in an immediate
forfeiture of its related SAR, and the exercise of an SAR will cause an
immediate forfeiture of the related option.
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<PAGE>
Restricted Stock
Shares of restricted Common Stock may be awarded to participants from time
to time as determined by the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee under the Amended Plan. The Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee will determine the restrictions on such shares and the
duration of such restrictions (which shall be at least one year). Participants
will be required to deposit the shares with the Company during the period of any
restriction thereon and, except as otherwise provided by the Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee, during any such period of
restriction participants shall have all of the rights of a holder of Common
Stock, including but not limited to the rights to receive dividends and to vote.
Unless otherwise provided by the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee, all restrictions on shares of Common Stock shall lapse
on a change in control of the Company or on the termination of a participant's
employment due to death, disability or retirement with the consent of the
Company. On termination of a participant's employment for any other reason, all
restricted stock granted to such person on which the restrictions have not
lapsed shall be forfeited to the Company.
Performance Awards
The Amended Plan permits grants of performance awards to participants from
time to time as determined by the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee. Performance awards may include specific dollar value
target awards, performance units and performance shares. The value of a
performance unit granted under the Amended Plan shall be determined by the
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee at the time of
grant, while the value of a performance share shall be equal to the fair market
value of a share of Common Stock. The Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee will establish the time periods over which performances
will be measured (the "performance cycle") and the performance goals for each
performance cycle. The Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee may adjust performance goals and objectives for any cycle for such
reasons as it deems appropriate. The value of a performance award or the
portion of a performance award that is actually earned by participants, or both,
shall be determined by the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee based upon the extent to which the performance goals are attained.
Payment of earned performance awards may be made to participants in cash, shares
of Common Stock or a combination thereof, as determined by the Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee.
Transferability
Except as set forth in the next sentence, and unless the agreement pursuant
to which a grant is made provides otherwise, an option, SAR, performance award
or restricted stock granted under the Amended Plan (i) shall not be transferable
by an employee other than by operation of a death beneficiary designation made
by the participant in accordance with rules established by the Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee, by will or by the applicable
laws of descent and distribution and (ii) shall be exercisable during the
employee's lifetime only by him or her or his or her guardian or legal
representative. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except to the extent that it
would cause the Amended Plan to fail to meet the conditions required to be met
under Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, the Management Resources, Nominating
and Compensation Committee shall have the power and authority to provide, as a
term of any NQO granted under the Amended Plan, that such NQO may be transferred
without consideration by the
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<PAGE>
optionee, as applicable, to a member or members of his or her immediate family
and/or to a trust or trusts for the benefit of an immediate family member or
family members.
Amendment or Substitution of Awards
The Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee may amend
the terms of any outstanding award under the Amended Plan from time to time in
its discretion in any manner that it deems appropriate (including, but not
limited to, acceleration of the date of exercise of any award and/or payments
thereunder); provided that no such amendment shall adversely affect in a
material manner any right of a participant under the award without his or her
written consent, unless the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee determines in its discretion that there have occurred or are about to
occur significant changes in the participant's position, duties or
responsibilities, or significant changes in economic, legislative, regulatory,
tax, accounting or cost/benefit conditions which are determined by the
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee in its discretion to
have or to be expected to have a substantial effect on the performance of the
Company, on the Amended Plan or on any award under the Amended Plan. However,
the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee may not reduce
the exercise price of an outstanding option. The Management Resources,
Nominating and Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, permit holders of
awards under the Amended Plan to surrender outstanding awards in order to
exercise or realize rights under other awards, or in exchange for the grant of
new awards, or require holders of awards to surrender outstanding awards as a
condition precedent to the grant of new awards under the Amended Plan.
The Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee may amend
or modify the grant of any outstanding option, SAR, performance award, or
restricted stock in any manner to the extent that the Management Resources,
Nominating and Compensation Committee would have had the authority to make such
grant as so modified or amended, including without limitation to change the date
or dates as of which (i) an option or SAR becomes exercisable, (ii) a
performance award is to be determined or paid or (iii) restrictions on shares of
Common Stock issued pursuant to the Amended Plan are to be removed. No
modification may be made that would materially adversely affect any grant
previously made under the Amended Plan without the approval of the grantee. The
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee may make minor or
administrative modifications to the Amended Plan as well as modifications that
may be dictated by requirements of federal or state laws applicable to the
Company or that may be authorized or made desirable by such laws.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is intended only as a brief summary of the Federal income tax
rules relevant to recipients of awards under the Amended Plan and does not
purport to be a complete enumeration or analysis of all potential relevant tax
effects. These rules are highly technical and subject to change in the future.
It is accordingly recommended that all award recipients consult their own tax
advisors concerning federal, state, local and foreign income and other tax
considerations relating to such awards and rights thereunder. In particular, it
is recommended that each award recipient consult his or her own tax advisor as
to the AMT (as defined below) consequences of an award and the special tax
considerations for a 16(b) Person (as defined below) and whether and when to
make a Section 83(b) Election (as defined below), using a stock swap or stock
withholding, utilizing financial assistance from the Company or receiving an
award in connection with a deferral of compensation.
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<PAGE>
Nonqualified Stock Options. An optionee does not recognize any taxable
income, and the Company is not entitled to a deduction, upon the grant of an
NQO. Upon the exercise of an NQO, the optionee recognizes ordinary income
(subject to wage and employment tax withholding) equal to the excess of the fair
market value of the shares acquired over the option price. The amount of such
excess is generally determined by reference to the fair market value of the
Common Stock on the date of exercise. However, in the case of an optionee
subject to six month short-swing profit liability under Section 16(b) of the
Exchange Act (a "16(b) Person") (typically, officers, directors and major
stockholders of the Company), such excess is determined by using the fair market
value on the date of exercise (or, if later, the date six months after the date
of grant unless such optionee elects to be taxed based on the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of exercise by filing an appropriate election
with the Internal Revenue Service within 30 days after the exercise date (a
"Section 83(b) Election")). An optionee's basis in the stock received is equal
to such stock's fair market value on the date of exercise (or on the date six
months after the date of grant, if later, in the case of an optionee who is a
16(b) Person and who makes no Section 83(b) Election). Generally, the Company
is entitled to a deduction equal to the compensation taxable to the optionee.
If an optionee sells shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of an NQO,
the optionee will recognize capital gain or loss equal to the difference between
the selling price of the shares and the optionee's basis in the shares. Such
capital gain or loss is long-term or short-term, depending on whether the
optionee has held the shares for more than one year. In the case of an optionee
who is a 16(b) Person and who makes no Section 83(b) Election, any such capital
gain will be long-term only if the stock has been held for more than one year
after the later of the exercise date or the date six months after the date of
grant. The Company is not entitled to any deduction with respect to any capital
gain recognized by the optionee.
Capital losses on the sale of such shares may be used to offset capital
gains. The net capital gain of an individual taxpayer is subject to a maximum
rate of 20% for the sale of capital assets held more than one year or a maximum
rate of 39.6% (the maximum ordinary income tax rate) for the sale of capital
assets held one year or less. If capital losses exceed capital gains, then up
to $3,000 of the excess losses may be deducted from ordinary income. Remaining
capital losses may be carried forward to future tax years.
Incentive Stock Options. In general, an optionee does not recognize
taxable income on the grant or exercise of an ISO. However, the excess of the
stock's fair market value on the exercise date (the fair market value on the
exercise date or six months after the date of grant, whichever is later, is
likely to govern in the case of a 16(b) Person who makes no Section 83(b)
Election) over the option price will be included in the optionee's alternative
minimum taxable income and thereby may subject the optionee to an alternative
minimum tax. Such alternative minimum tax may be payable even though the
optionee receives no cash upon the exercise of his or her ISO with which to pay
such tax. Upon the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired pursuant to
the exercise of an ISO (i) more than one year after the date of exercise, and
(ii) more than two years after the date of grant (the "Required Holding
Periods"), the optionee recognizes long-term capital gain or loss, as the case
may be, measured by the difference between the stock's selling price and the
exercise price. The Company is not entitled to any tax deduction by reason of
the grant or exercise of an ISO, or a disposition of stock received upon the
exercise of an ISO after the Required Holding Periods have been satisfied.
If an optionee disposes of the shares of stock acquired pursuant to the
exercise of an ISO before the expiration of the Required Holding Periods (a
"Disqualifying Disposition"), the difference between the exercise price of such
shares and the lesser of (i) the fair market value of the shares upon the date
of exercise (the fair market value on the exercise date or six months after the
date of grant, whichever is later, is likely
-9-
<PAGE>
to govern in the case of a 16(b) Person who makes no Section 83(b) Election), or
(ii) the selling price, will constitute compensation taxable to the optionee as
ordinary income. Generally, the Company is allowed a corresponding tax deduction
equal to the amount of compensation taxable to the optionee. If the selling
price of the stock exceeds the fair market value on the exercise date (or six
months after the date of grant, if later, in the case of a 16(b) Person who
makes no Section 83(b) Election), the excess will be taxable to the optionee as
capital gain (long-term or short-term, depending upon whether the optionee held
the stock for more than one year). The Company is not allowed a deduction with
respect to any such capital gain recognized by the optionee.
Use of Common Stock to Pay Option Price. If an optionee delivers
previously-acquired Common Stock, however acquired, in payment of all or part of
the option price of an NQO, the optionee will not, as a result of such delivery,
be required to recognize as taxable income or loss any appreciation or
depreciation in the value of the previously-acquired Common Stock after its
acquisition date. The optionee's tax basis in, and holding period for, the
previously-acquired Common Stock surrendered carries over to an equal number of
the option shares received on a share-for-share basis. The fair market value of
the shares received in excess of the shares surrendered constitutes compensation
taxable to the optionee as ordinary income. Such fair market value is determined
on the date of exercise, except in the case of 16(b) Persons as discussed above.
The tax basis for such shares is equal to their fair market value as so
determined, and with respect to such shares, the holding period begins on the
date on which the fair market value of such shares is determined. Generally,
the Company is entitled to a tax deduction equal to the compensation income
recognized by the optionee.
If an optionee delivers previously-acquired Common Stock (other than stock
acquired upon exercise of an ISO and not held for the Required Holding Periods)
in payment of all or part of the option price of an ISO, the optionee will not
be required to recognize as taxable income or loss any appreciation or
depreciation in the value of the previously-acquired Common Stock after its
acquisition date. The optionee's tax basis in, and holding period (for capital
gain, but not Disqualifying Disposition, purposes) for the previously-acquired
stock surrendered carries over to an equal number of the option shares received
on a share-for-share basis. Shares received in excess of the shares surrendered
have a tax basis equal to the amount paid (if any) in excess of the previously-
acquired shares used to pay the exercise price, and such shares' holding period
will begin on the date of exercise (with the possible exception of 16(b)
Persons). Proposed regulations provide that where an ISO is exercised using
previously-acquired stock, a later Disqualifying Disposition of the shares
received will be deemed to have been a disposition of the shares having the
lowest basis first.
If an optionee pays the exercise price of an ISO in whole or in part with
previously-acquired Common Stock that was acquired upon the exercise of an ISO
and that has not been held for the Required Holding Periods, the optionee will
recognize ordinary income (but not capital gain) under the rules applicable to
Disqualifying Dispositions. The Company will be entitled to a corresponding
deduction. The optionee's basis in the shares received in exchange for the
shares surrendered will be increased by the amount of ordinary income recognized
by the optionee.
Stock Appreciation Rights. A grantee does not recognize any taxable
income, and the Company is not entitled to a deduction, upon the grant of an
SAR. Upon the exercise of an SAR, the grantee will recognize ordinary income
equal to the amount of (i) cash payable to the grantee (if any) and (ii) the
fair market value of the Common Stock distributed to the grantee (if any) by
reason of such exercise.
-10-
<PAGE>
Restricted Stock. An officer, employee or other individual who receives
Common Stock pursuant to a restricted stock award should not recognize any
taxable income upon the receipt of such award unless he or she makes a Section
83(b) Election. Instead, the recipient should recognize taxable compensation
income at the time his or her interest in such shares is no longer subject to
the repurchase option imposed by the Amended Plan, in an amount equal to the
fair market value of such shares at such time minus the amount, if any, paid for
such shares. The tax basis of such shares to the recipient should be equal to
the amount includable in his or her gross income as compensation, and his or her
holding period for such shares should normally commence on the day following the
date on which such shares are no longer subject to the repurchase option imposed
by the Amended Plan. Dividends paid on restricted stock awards should be
included as compensation for federal income tax purposes when received. In lieu
of being taxed under the foregoing rules, the recipient may elect to be taxed on
compensation income equal to the fair market value of the shares on the award
date minus the amount, if any, paid for such shares by making a Section 83(b)
Election no later than 30 days after the award date. If a recipient makes a
Section 83(b) Election, his or her tax basis in his or her shares should be
equal to the amount includable in his or her gross income as compensation plus
the amount, if any, paid for such shares, and his or her holding period in the
shares should begin on the day following the award date.
Performance Awards. An officer, employee or other individual to whom a
performance unit is awarded should recognize no taxable income at the time such
award is made. Such person should recognize taxable income, however, at the
time cash is paid to him or her pursuant to such award, and the amount of such
income should be the amount of such cash.
Limits on Company Deductions. The company for which an individual is
performing services will generally be allowed to deduct amounts that are
includable in the income of such person as ordinary compensation income at the
time such amounts are so includable, provided that such amounts qualify as
reasonable compensation for personal services actually rendered. However, if,
in any taxable year, an employee's total compensation from the company exceeds
$1 million, compensation in excess of $1 million that would otherwise be
deductible by the company may not be tax deductible under Code Section 162(m) if
such employee is a "covered employee" at the time the compensation is included
in the employee's taxable income. An employee is a covered employee if he or
she is the chief executive officer or one of the four most highly compensated
employees employed by the company at the end of the taxable year, whose
compensation is required to be disclosed under the Exchange Act at the end of
the company's taxable year. Compensation that is "performance-based" within the
meaning of Code Section 162(m) is excluded from the calculation of taxable
income subject to the $1 million deduction limit. The Company intends that
compensation realized upon the exercise of an option or SAR granted under the
Amended Plan be regarded as "performance-based" under Code Section 162(m) and
that such compensation be deductible without regard to the limits of Code
Section 162(m).
-11-
<PAGE>
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting
by the holders of shares of Common Stock represented in person or by proxy is
required for approval of the fourth amendment and restatement of the Original
Plan; provided that the total vote cast on this proposal represents a majority
of shares of Common Stock entitled to vote. Stockholder approval of the fourth
amendment and restatement of the Original Plan is required for grants of options
and SARs made pursuant to the Amended Plan to qualify as performance-based
compensation deductible by the Company without limitation under Section 162(m)
of the Code.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" the approval of the fourth
amendment and restatement of the Company's 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
-12-
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL 3
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The Board of Directors, upon recommendation of its Audit Committee, has
selected the accounting firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as independent
auditors of the Company with respect to the 2000 fiscal year to examine the
financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending October 1, 2000
and to perform other appropriate accounting services.
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the
Annual Meeting to respond to questions and to make a statement if they desire to
do so. If the stockholders do not ratify this appointment by the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares represented in person or by proxy at the Annual
Meeting, other independent public accountants will be considered by the Board of
Directors upon recommendation by the Audit Committee.
The Board of Directors recommends a vote "FOR" ratification of the appointment
of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent public accountants for
fiscal 2000.
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<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT
The following sets forth certain information as of January 1, 2000, with
respect to the Company's nominees for director, the Company's continuing
directors, and certain officers of the Company and certain of its subsidiaries
(including all executive officers of the Company). Officers of the Company serve
at the discretion of the Board of Directors.
Nominees for Director
Jean-Pierre M. Ergas Age: 60
Jean-Pierre M. Ergas became Chairman and Chief Executive Officer effective
January 1, 2000. In addition, on January 1, 2000, Mr. Ergas assumed the
position of Chief Executive Officer of Brockway Standard, Inc. ("BSI"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Mr. Ergas has also served as a
director of the Company since August 1995 and served as Non-Executive Vice
Chairman of the Board of the Company from July 1999 to December 1999. Mr.
Ergas has also served as Executive Vice President, Europe of Alcan
Aluminium Limited, President of Alcan Europe Limited, Executive Chairman of
British Alcan Aluminium plc. and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan
Deutschland GmbH since June 1996. Mr. Ergas served as Senior Advisor to the
Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Aluminium Limited from January 1995 to
June 1996 and served as a Trustee of DePaul University from February 1994
to December 1994. Prior thereto, Mr. Ergas served as Senior Executive Vice
President of Pechiney S.A. and as a member of the Pechiney Group Executive
Committee from 1987 to January 1994 and also held several management
positions with various subsidiaries of Pechiney S.A., serving as: Chief
Executive Officer of American National Can Company from 1989 to January
1994 and Chairman of the Board from 1991 to January 1994; Chief Executive
Officer of Cegedur Pechiney from 1982 to 1988 and Chairman of the Board
from 1987 to 1988; Chief Executive Officer of Cebal S.A. from 1974 to 1982
and Chairman of the Board during 1982; and Marketing Manager for Pechiney
Aluminum from 1967 to 1974. Mr. Ergas is a director of ABC Rail Products
Corporation and Dover Corporation.
John T. Stirrup Age: 64
John T. Stirrup has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the
Company since 1995 and has served as a director of the Company since 1989.
Mr. Stirrup joined Brockway, Inc. (later acquired by Owens-Illinois
Corporation) in 1980 and has held a variety of positions including:
President and Chief Operating Officer of BSI, 1989 to 1997; Executive Vice
President of the Company, 1989 to 1995; Group Vice President of Metal &
Plastic Packaging, Corporate Purchasing and Regional Airlines of Brockway,
Inc., 1985 to 1988; Vice President of Sales and Marketing Brockway Glass
Containers of Brockway, Inc., 1983 to 1985; Vice President of Operations
Brockway Glass Containers of Brockway, Inc., 1981 to 1983; and Vice
President of Manufacturing Brockway Glass Containers of Brockway, Inc.,
1980 to 1981. Prior to joining Brockway, Inc., Mr. Stirrup held several
positions at Kerr Glass Manufacturing Corp., including Vice President of
Manufacturing.
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<PAGE>
Continuing Directors
Thomas A. Donahoe Age: 64
Thomas A. Donahoe has served as a director of the Company since August
1996. Mr. Donahoe was a partner in the accounting firm Price Waterhouse LLP
(the "Firm") from 1970 until he retired in June 1996. As a partner in the
Firm, Mr. Donahoe held a variety of positions including: Managing Partner--
Operations of the Firm's Audit Business Advisory Practice, July 1995 to
June 1996; Vice Chairman of the Firm, 1988 to June 1995; member of the
Price Waterhouse World Firm General Council, 1985 to June 1995; Managing
Partner of the Great Lakes Region, 1978 to June 1995; member of the Firm's
Management Committee, 1978 to June 1995; member of the Firm's Policy Board,
1976 to June 1995; and Managing Partner of the Chicago Office, 1976 to June
1994. Mr. Donahoe is a director of Andrew Corporation and NICOR Inc. Mr.
Donahoe also serves as a Director or Trustee of a number of not-for-profit
entities, including: Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Central Area
Committee, Executive Service Corp. of Chicago, Kohl's Children's Museum and
Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center.
Alexander P. Dyer Age: 67
Alexander P. Dyer has served as a director of the Company since August
1995. Mr. Dyer served as Chairman of Bunzl plc. from May 1993 to July 1996
and currently serves as its Deputy Chairman and as Chairman of its
Remuneration Committee. Mr. Dyer also currently serves as consultant to The
BOC Group plc., having retired in January 1996 as its Chief Executive
Officer and Deputy Chairman, in which capacities he served from November
1993 to January 1996. Prior thereto, Mr. Dyer served as Managing Director--
Gases of The BOC Group plc. from 1989 to 1993 and worked for Air Products
and Chemicals Inc. for 26 years, serving most recently as Executive Vice
President responsible for worldwide gases and equipment businesses from
1987 to 1989.
Warren J. Hayford Age: 70
Warren J. Hayford became Vice-Chairman of the Board of the Company
effective December 31, 1999. From 1989 until December 1999, Mr. Hayford
served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
and Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BSI. Mr. Hayford
has held a number of senior positions within the packaging industry over
the past thirty-five years including President and Chief Operating Officer
of Gaylord Container Corporation ("Gaylord"), a manufacturer of paper
packaging products, 1986 to 1988, and Vice Chairman of Gaylord, 1988
through 1992. Prior to Gaylord, Mr. Hayford served as President and a
director of Gencorp, Inc., President and a director of Navistar
International Corporation and Executive Vice President and a director of
the Continental Group, Inc. Mr. Hayford has also been a director of Gaylord
since 1986.
John E. Jones Age: 65
John E. Jones has served as a director of the Company since August 1996.
From 1989 until his retirement in 1996, Mr. Jones served as Chairman,
President and CEO of CBI Industries, Inc. Mr. Jones is a director of Allied
Products Corporation, Amsted Industries, Inc., NICOR Inc. and Valmont
Industries, Inc. Mr. Jones also serves as Trustee or Director on a number
of not-for-profit entities, including: The Robert Crown Center, Glenwood
School for Boys, IMSA, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center and
Brookfield Zoo.
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<PAGE>
James W. Milton Age: 60
James W. Milton has served as Executive Vice President and a director of
the Company since May 1996 and as President and a director of Milton Can
Company, Inc. ("MCC") since October 1996. MCC is a subsidiary of the
Company that acquired the assets of the aerosol can business of Ball Metal
Food Container Corporation in October 1996. From May 1996 to October 1996,
Mr. Milton also served as President of Brockway Standard (New Jersey), Inc.
("BSNJ"). Prior thereto, Mr. Milton held several positions, including
President, at Milton Can Company, Inc. (a former entity separate from MCC
that was merged with and into BSNJ) ("Milton Can") from 1963 until it
merged with and into BSNJ in May 1996. Mr. Milton also served as Vice
President of Van Dorn Company from 1983 to 1988 and as a director of Van
Dorn Company from 1984 to 1988. Mr. Milton is a trustee of New Jersey
Business and Industry Association and is a director of Can Manufacturers
Institute, New Jersey Manufacturers Re-Insurance Company, New Jersey
Manufacturers Insurance Company, Norton & Son, Inc. (Muralo Corporation)
and NJM Bank.
John W. Puth Age: 70
John W. Puth has served as a director of the Company since August 1995.
Since October 1998, Mr. Puth has been a general partner of BVCF III & IV
Institutional Venture Capital Funds and since December 1987, Mr. Puth has
served as President of J.W. Puth Associates, an industrial consulting firm.
From 1983 to 1987, Mr. Puth was Chairman and President of Clevite
Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of industrial products. From 1975 to 1983,
Mr. Puth was President and Chief Executive Officer of Vapor Corporation. Mr
Puth is a director of A.M. Castle & Co., L.B. Foster Company and US
Freightways Corporation as well as several privately-held corporations.
Officers (Other Than Those who are Directors and Listed Above)
Marguerite E. Ferrazzano Age: 51
Marguerite E. Ferrazzano has been Vice President--Planning and Development
of the Company since November 1997. From April 1994 to November 1997, Ms.
Ferrazzano served as Vice President of Operations Analysis and Business
Development for BSI. From 1990 to May 1994, Ms. Ferrazzano served as
Manager of Business Analysis and Development for BSI. Ms. Ferrazzano served
in a number of other managerial financial positions with Brockway, Inc.
(later acquired by Owens-Illinois Corporation) from 1981 to 1990, including
Manager of Cost Accounting and Budgeting and Corporate Manager of Planning
and Divisional Accounting. From 1974 to 1981, Ms. Ferrazzano held various
financial positions at Borden, Inc.
David P. Hayford Age: 43
David P. Hayford has been Senior Vice President of the Company since May
1996 and has served as President of BMAT, Inc., which manages the Company's
materials center services, since November 1997. From May 1996 to December
1997, Mr. Hayford served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. From
June 1995 to May 1996, Mr. Hayford served as Vice President, Treasurer and
Secretary of the Company. From June 1994 to June 1995, Mr. Hayford served
as an independent consultant to the Company. From August 1992 to June 1994,
Mr. Hayford attended the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at
Northwestern University and graduated with a Master of Management degree.
From January 1992 until August 1992, Mr. Hayford provided independent
corporate and financial consulting services.
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<PAGE>
Kevin C. Kern Age: 40
Kevin C. Kern has been Vice President and Corporate Controller of the
Company since May 1995. From 1991 to May 1995, Mr. Kern was Controller of
McKechnie Plastics Components, Inc. From 1981 to 1991, Mr. Kern was
employed by Ernst & Young, most recently as a Senior Audit Manager from
1988 to 1991.
Jeffrey M. O'Connell Age: 46
Jeffrey M. O'Connell has been Vice President and Treasurer of the Company
since May 1997. From June 1996 to May 1997, Mr. O'Connell served as
Assistant Treasurer of the Company. From June 1995 to June 1996, Mr.
O'Connell served as Vice President of Finance of Macmillan Bloedel
Packaging Inc. From October 1994 to June 1995, Mr. O'Connell served as
Director of Financial Planning of the Company. Prior thereto, Mr. O'Connell
served as Vice President of Administration of Mead Coated Board Division of
The Mead Corporation.
Harry F. Payton Age: 63
Harry F. Payton has served as Executive Vice President of the Company and
Executive Vice President of BSI since 1989 and as Group President--
Government Business of BSI since May 1994. From 1994 to 1995, Mr. Payton
served as Treasurer of BSI and has worked for the BSI organization for over
thirty years in various managerial positions. Prior thereto, Mr. Payton was
employed by a major public accounting firm.
Patrick J. Rourke Age: 41
Patrick J. Rourke has served as Vice President--Purchasing and Logistics of
the Company since May 1998. From November 1994 to May 1998, Mr. Rourke
served as Vice President--Purchasing and Logistics of BSI. From March 1993
to November 1994, Mr. Rourke was Director of Purchasing for Ball
Corporation's metal container division. From 1987 to March 1993, Mr. Rourke
was employed by Heekin Can Inc., serving as General Manager of Purchasing
from 1992 to March 1993, as Director of Purchasing from 1989 to 1992 and as
Purchasing Manager from 1987 to 1989. From 1980 to 1987 Mr. Rourke held
positions of increasing responsibility within the purchasing organization
of Marathon Oil Company.
Blair G. Schlossberg Age: 33
Blair G. Schlossberg has served as Vice President--Administration of the
Company since November 1999, Vice President and General Counsel of the
Company since June 1999, General Counsel of the Company since December 1995
and has served as Secretary of the Company since May 1996. Mr. Schlossberg
is also Secretary of BSI, BSNJ and MCC. From 1991 to December 1995, Mr.
Schlossberg was an attorney at the law firm of Alston & Bird in its
Atlanta, Georgia offices.
Thomas L. Wilkening Age: 55
Thomas L. Wilkening has served as Vice President--Engineering and
Technology of the Company since February 1998. From April 1996 to February
1998, Mr. Wilkening served as Manager of Engineering; Container Systems
Group for Nordson Corporation, an equipment supplier to the metal container
industry. From April 1993 to April 1996, Mr. Wilkening served as Director
Operation Support Engineering for Ball Corporation's metal food packaging
group. Prior thereto, Mr. Wilkening was employed by Heekin Can Inc.,
serving as Vice President of Engineering from 1989 to 1993 and Manager of
Engineering from 1980 to 1989.
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<PAGE>
David P. Hayford, Senior Vice President of the Company and President of
BMAT, Inc., is the son of Warren J. Hayford, Vice-Chairman of the Board and
former Chief Executive Officer of the Company. There are no other family
relationships between any of the foregoing persons.
Information About the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors met seven times during fiscal 1999. The Board of
Directors has an Audit Committee and a Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee. Each director attended 75% or more of the meetings of
the Board of Directors and any committees on which such director served during
fiscal 1999.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed
of five directors (cur rently Messrs. Puth, Donahoe, Dyer, Jones and Hayford).
The Audit Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding
the selection of independent auditors, reviews the independence of such
auditors, approves the scope of the annual audit activities of the independent
auditors and reviews such audit results. The Audit Committee met two times
during fiscal 1999.
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee. The Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee is composed of five directors
(currently Messrs. Dyer, Donahoe, Hayford, Jones and Puth). The Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the
Board regarding the compensation of officers of the Company, awards under the
Company's compensation and benefit plans and compensation policies and
practices. The Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee met
seven times during fiscal 1999.
Compensation of Directors
Directors who are employees of the Company or its subsidiaries are not
entitled to receive any fees for serving as directors. Non-employee directors of
the Company do not receive cash fees for serving as directors. Non-employee
directors were entitled to participate in the Formula Plan until the Board acted
to freeze the Formula Plan at its August 20, 1996 meeting with respect to any
future option grants thereunder. All directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket
expenses related to their service as directors.
Amended Plan. Under the Amended Plan, the Management Resources, Nominating
and Compensation Committee may grant to directors (including non-employee
directors) of the Company and its subsidiaries nonqualified stock options, stock
appreciation rights in tandem with options, restricted stock awards, performance
awards or any combination thereof as the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee shall determine. Options may be exercised in whole or in
part upon the payment of the exercise price of the shares to be acquired and the
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee shall determine the
term of the exercise period.
Formula Plan. Under the Formula Plan, each non-employee director was to be
granted an option to purchase 15,000 shares of Common Stock when he or she was
elected or appointed to the Board (the "Initial Grant") and was to be granted an
option to purchase an additional 15,000 shares at the fifth annual meeting of
the Board following the Initial Grant (the "Subsequent Grant"), so long as such
person was still serving as a director of the Company. A director's right to
exercise 1,500 shares of the Initial Grant vested immediately upon grant.
Thereafter, the right to exercise an additional 2,700 shares of the Initial
Grant vested at each of the five next succeeding annual meetings of the Board.
Options granted pursuant to a
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<PAGE>
Subsequent Grant vested in equal installments of 3,000 shares at the five next
succeeding annual meetings of the Board following such grant. The option price
per share of Common Stock under the Formula Plan was 100% of the fair market
value of the Common Stock at the date of grant. Each option granted under the
Formula Plan was exercisable for ten years after the date of grant. Options to
acquire 45,000 split-adjusted shares of Common Stock were granted pursuant to
the Formula Plan until the Board acted to freeze the Formula Plan at its August
20, 1996 meeting with respect to any future option grants thereunder.
Currently, the unvested options owned by each non-employee director (other
than Mr. Hayford) will vest at an equal rate of 7,500 options at each of the
2000 and 2001 annual meetings of the Board and at an equal rate of 5,000 options
on November 16, 2000 and 2001. The unvested options owned by Mr. Hayford will
vest as follows: 12,500 options on May 17, 2000, 12,500 options on August 19,
2000, 12,222 options on November 16, 2000 and 12,222 options on November 16,
2001.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires
the Company's officers, directors and persons who beneficially own more than ten
percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities to file reports
of securities ownership and changes in such ownership with the SEC. Certain
officers, directors and greater than ten-percent beneficial owners also are
required by rules promulgated by the SEC to furnish the Company with copies of
all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely upon a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company, or written representations that no Form 5 filings were required, the
Company believes that each of its officers, directors and greater than ten-
percent beneficial owners complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements
applicable to them during fiscal 1999.
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<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
beneficial ownership of the Company's Common Stock as of December 31, 1999 by
(i) each stockholder known by the Company to own beneficially 5 percent or more
of the outstanding shares of such Common Stock, (ii) each director and nominee
for director of the Company, (iii) each Named Executive Officer (hereinafter
defined) of the Company and (iv) all directors of the Company and executive
officers of the Company as a group. As of December 31, 1999, there were
9,309,024 shares of Common Stock outstanding. To the knowledge of the Company,
each stockholder has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares
indicated as beneficially owned, unless otherwise indicated in a footnote.
Unless otherwise indicated in a footnote, the business address of each person is
the Company's corporate address.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Shares of
Beneficial Owner Common Stock (1) Percent of Class (2)
- ----------------------------------------- --------------------- ----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Jean-Pierre M. Ergas (3) 84,200 *
Warren J. Hayford (4) 2,230,164 23.3%
Mary Lou Hayford (5) 1,851,273 19.9
John T. Stirrup (6) 378,959 4.0
James W. Milton (7) 558,315 6.0
Thomas A. Donahoe (8) 42,500 *
Alexander P. Dyer (9) 123,450 1.3
John E. Jones (10) 45,500 *
John W. Puth (11) 95,970 *
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. (12) 544,750 5.9
Skyline Asset Management, L.P. (13) 600,750 6.5
T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (14) 814,500 8.8
Wellington Management Company, LLP (15) 593,200 6.4
All Directors and Executive Officers as a 3,559,058 35.9
Group (8 persons)
</TABLE>
__________________________
* Less than one percent.
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<PAGE>
(1) The number of shares includes shares of Common Stock subject to options
exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 1999.
(2) Shares subject to options exercisable within 60 days of December 31, 1999
are considered outstanding for the purpose of determining the percent of
the class held by the holder of such option, but not for the purpose of
computing the percentage held by others. Percentages less than one percent
are denoted by an asterisk.
(3) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Ergas include 39,200
shares subject to options.
(4) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Hayford include
1,861,273 shares owned directly by his wife, Mary Lou Hayford, and 92,918
shares owned directly by Mr. Hayford. In addition, the shares of Common
Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Hayford include 275,973 shares subject to
options. Mr. Hayford disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares owned
directly by his wife.
(5) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mrs. Hayford do not
include 92,918 shares owned directly by her husband, Warren J. Hayford, and
do not include 275,973 shares subject to options owned directly by her
husband.
(6) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Stirrup include
115,305 shares subject to options.
(7) The shares of Common Stock shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Milton
include 36,777 shares subject to options. The shares of Common Stock shown
as beneficially owned by Mr. Milton do not include 72,119 shares owned
directly by his wife and 54,529 owned by his wife as trustee of a trust for
the benefit of Sean A. Milton. Mr. Milton disclaims beneficial ownership of
the shares owned directly by his wife and the shares owned by his wife as
trustee of these trusts.
(8) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Donahoe include 35,000
shares subject to options.
(9) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Dyer include 39,200
shares subject to options.
(10) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Jones include 35,000
shares subject to options.
(11) The shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by Mr. Puth include 39,200
shares subject to options.
(12) Based solely upon a Schedule13G, dated February 12, 1999, filed by
Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc. ("Dimensional"), Dimensional has sole voting
and sole dispositive power with respect to 544,750 shares of Common Stock.
Dimensional expressly disclaims that it is the beneficial owner
-21-
<PAGE>
of such securities. Dimensional's address is 1299 Ocean Avenue, 11/th/
Floor, Santa Monica, California 90401.
(13) Based solely upon a Schedule 13G, dated February 12, 1999, filed by Skyline
Asset Management, L.P. ("Skyline"), Skyline has shared voting power and
shared dispositive power with respect to 600,750 shares of Common Stock.
Skyline expressly disclaims that it is the beneficial owner of such
securities pursuant to Section 13(d) and 13(g) of the Exchange Act.
Skyline's address is 311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4500, Chicago, Illinois
60600.
(14) Based solely upon a Schedule 13G, dated February 4, 1999, filed jointly by
each of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. ("Price Associates") and T. Rowe
Price Small Cap Value Fund, Inc. ("Small Cap"), the shares of Common Stock
shown as beneficially owned by Price Associates are owned by various
individual and institutional investors including Small Cap (which owns
750,000 shares, representing 7.6% of the shares of Common Stock
outstanding), which Price Associates serves as an investment adviser with
power to direct investments and/or sole power to vote the securities. For
purposes of the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, Price Associates is deemed to be a beneficial owner of such
securities; however, Price Associates expressly disclaims that it is the
beneficial owner of such securities. Price Associates' address is 100 E.
Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.
(15) Based solely upon a Schedule 13G, dated February 10, 1999, filed by
Wellington Management Company, LLP ("Wellington"), Wellington has shared
voting power with respect to 259,700 shares of Common Stock and shared
dispositive power with respect to 593,200 shares of Common Stock. In its
capacity as an investment advisor, Wellington may be deemed beneficial
owner of such shares, which are owned by numerous investment counseling
clients. Wellington's address is 75 State Street, Boston, MA 02109.
-22-
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The compensation of executive officers of the Company will be determined by
the Board of Directors of the Company. The following table sets forth
information regarding the compensation paid or accrued by the Company to Mr.
Hayford, who served as Chief Executive Officer during fiscal 1999, and each of
the Company's three other executive officers whose total annual salary and bonus
for fiscal 1999 exceeded $100,000 (the "Named Executive Officers") for services
rendered to the Company in all capacities during fiscal years 1999, 1998 and
1997.
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
--------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Awards Payouts
-------------------- ----------
All
Other Annual Restricted Securities Other
Compensation Stock Underlying LTIP Compen-
Name and Principal Fiscal Salary Bonus N Awards Options/SARs Payouts sation
Position Year ($) ($)(1) ($) ($) (#)(2) ($) ($)
- ---------------------- ------ ------ ------ ------------- ---------- ------------ -------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Warren J. Hayford (3)..... 1999 450,000 180,000 -- -- 36,667(4) -- 259,866(5)
Retired Chairman of the 1998 450,000 180,000 -- -- -- -- 261,133(6)
Board and Chief 1997 416,667 416,667 -- -- 75,000(7) -- 260,749(8)
Executive Officer of the
Company
John T. Stirrup 1999 348,577 90,000 -- -- 12,667(9) -- 49,890(10)
President and Chief 1998 300,000 90,000 -- -- 35,000(11) -- 115,341(12)
Operating Officer of the 1997 275,000 206,250 -- -- -- -- 186,754(13)
Company
James W. Milton........... 1999 221,440 62,500 -- -- 7,333(14) -- 169,016(15)
Executive Vice President 1998 206,667 62,500 -- -- 11,000(16) -- 169,022(17)
of the Company 1997 197,692 148,275 -- -- -- -- 136,251(18)
John M. Casey (19)........ 1999 191,167 97,125 -- -- 6,000(20) -- 8,249(21)
Executive Vice President 1998 161,875 97,125 -- -- 19,000(22) -- 19,616(23)
and Chief Financial 1997 -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Officer of the Company
</TABLE>
______________________
(1) Amounts shown for fiscal 1997, 1998 and 1999 were earned during fiscal
1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively, under the Company's Management Incentive
Plan and were paid during calendar 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively.
(2) The amounts shown have been adjusted to reflect the 3-for-2 split of Common
Stock on September 22, 1997.
(3) Mr. Hayford retired as Chief Executive Officer of the Company in December
31, 1999. He continues to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Board of the
Company.
(4) Options exercisable in three equal annual installments with the first
installment exercisable on November 16, 1999, and were granted pursuant to
the Current Plan.
(5) The amount shown includes an accrual of $253,651 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement and $6,215 of
country club dues.
(6) The amount shown includes an accrual of $253,651 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement, $1,500 of country
club dues and $5,982 of premium for optional life insurance for which Mr.
Hayford was reimbursed by the Company pursuant to his employment agreement.
-23-
<PAGE>
(7) Options to acquire 37,500 shares become exercisable in three equal annual
installments with the first installment exercisable on May 17, 1998, and
were granted pursuant to the Current Plan. Options to acquire an additional
37,500 shares become exercisable in three equal annual installments with
the first installment exercisable on August 19, 1998, and were granted
pursuant to the Current Plan.
(8) The amount shown includes an accrual of $225,468 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement, $8,845 of premium
for Group Term Life Insurance and $26,436 of premium for additional
optional life insurance for which Mr. Hayford was reimbursed by the Company
pursuant to his employment agreement.
(9) Options become exercisable in three equal annual installments with the
first installment exercisable on November 16, 1999, and were granted
pursuant to the Current Plan.
(10) The amount shown includes an accrual of $24,381 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement, $12,259 of
country club dues, $6,941 of Company matching 401(k) contributions under
the Profit Sharing Plan and $6,309 of premium for optional life insurance
for which Mr. Stirrup was reimbursed by the Company pursuant to his
employment agreement.
(11) Options become exercisable in three equal annual installments with the
first installment exercisable on November 17, 1998, and were granted
pursuant to the Current Plan.
(12) The amount shown includes an accrual of $101,583 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement, $3,600 of country
club dues, $2,850 of Company matching 401(k) contributions under the Profit
Sharing Plan and $7,308 of premium for optional life insurance for which
Mr. Stirrup was reimbursed by the Company pursuant to his employment
agreement.
(13) The amount shown includes an accrual of $174,000 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement, $2,850 of Company
matching 401(k) contributions under the Profit Sharing Plan, $2,626 of
premium for Group Term Life Insurance and $7,278 of premium for additional
optional life insurance for which Mr. Stirrup was reimbursed by the Company
pursuant to his employment agreement.
(14) Options become exercisable in three equal annual installments with the
first installment exercisable on November 16, 1999, and were granted
pursuant to the Current Plan.
(15) The amount shown includes an accrual of $141,396 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement, $5,450 of country
club dues, $2,200 of Company matching 401(k) contributions under the Profit
Sharing Plan and $20,000 of premium for Group Term Life Insurance.
(16) Options become exercisable in three equal annual installments with the
first installment exercisable on November 17, 1998, and were granted
pursuant to the Current Plan.
(17) The amount shown includes an accrual of $141,396 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement, $4,932 of country
club dues, $2,694 of Company matching 401(k) contributions under the Profit
Sharing Plan and $20,000 of premium for Group Term Life Insurance.
(18) The amount shown includes an accrual of $121,820 for supplemental executive
retirement payments pursuant to his employment agreement, $4,431 of Company
matching 401(k) contributions under the Profit Sharing Plan and $10,000 of
premium for Group Term Life Insurance.
(19) John M. Casey became an employee of the Company in November 1997 and
resigned from employment with the Company in December 1999.
(20) Options become exercisable in three equal annual installments with the
first installment exercisable on November 16, 1999, and were granted
pursuant to the Current Plan.
(21) The amount shown includes $4,169 of Company matching 401(k) contributions
under the Profit Sharing Plan and $4,080 of country club dues.
(22) Options become exercisable in three equal annual installments with the
first installment exercisable on November 17, 1998, and were granted
pursuant to the Current Plan.
(23) The amount shown includes $15,716 of reimbursement for moving expenses and
$3,900 of country club dues.
The Current Plan, which the Board adopted in November 1998 and the
Company's stockholders approved in February 1999, provided for the award of
stock options, restricted shares of Common Stock, stock appreciation rights,
stock indemnification rights, units valued on the basis of the long-term
performance of the Company, or some combination of the foregoing to
participants. The Current Plan covered an aggregate of 1,825,000 shares of
Common Stock. The Amended Plan, which the Board approved in December 1999 and
which is submitted to the stockholders for approval at the Annual Meeting,
increases
-24-
<PAGE>
this aggregate amount to 2,425,000 shares of Common Stock. See "Proposal 2--
Approval of the Fourth Amendment and Restatement of the Company's 1995 Long-Term
Incentive Plan."
In addition, Mr. Milton participates in the Milton Can Salaried Employees'
Retirement Plan, a defined benefit plan sponsored by the Company. The Company
froze this plan effective December 31, 1996, thereby preventing any future
benefit accruals under this plan. The estimated annual benefit payable at
retirement at age 65 for Mr. Milton is approximately $77,000.
The following tables set forth, for the Named Executive Officers,
information regarding stock options granted or exercised during, or held at the
end of, fiscal 1999.
Option/SAR Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realizable Value
at Assumed Annual Rates of
Stock Price Appreciation for
Individual Grants Option Term
-------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
Number of % of Total
Securities Options
Underlying Granted to
Options/SARs Employees Exercise
Granted in Price Expiration
Name (#)(1) Fiscal Year ($/Sh) Date 5%($)(2) 10%($)(2)
- --------------------- -------------- ------------- --------- ------------- --------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Warren J. Hayford 36,667 8.8% $16.50 11/16/08 -- --
John T. Stirrup 12,667 2.9 16.50 11/16/08 -- --
James W. Milton 7,333 1.7 16.50 11/16/08 -- --
John M. Casey 6,000 1.4 16.50 11/16/08 -- --
</TABLE>
_____________________
(1) Options to acquire these shares become exercisable in three equal annual
installments with the first installment exercisable on November 16, 1999,
and were granted pursuant to the Current Plan. In the event of a Change of
Control all options become fully vested and exercisable. In order to
prevent dilution or enlargement of rights under the options, in the event
of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock dividend,
combinations of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution of assets or
other change in the corporate structure of shares of the Company, the type
and number of shares available upon exercise and the exercise price will be
adjusted accordingly. The Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee may, subject to specified limitations, advance the date on which
an option shall become exercisable.
(2) Amounts reflect assumed rates of appreciation from the fair market value on
the date of grant as set forth in the Securities and Exchange Commission's
executive compensation disclosure rules. Actual gains, if any, on stock
option exercises depend on future performance of the Common Stock and
overall stock market conditions. No assurance can be made that the amounts
reflected in these columns will be achieved.
-25-
<PAGE>
Aggregated Option/SAR Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End
Option/SAR Values
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Securities Value of
Underlying Unexercised In-the-
Unexercised Money
Options/SARs at Options/SARs at
Fiscal Year End (#) Fiscal Year End ($)
Shares
Acquired Value Realized Exercisable/ Exercisable/
Name on Exercise (1) ($)(1) Unexercisable Unexercisable
- ------------------- ----------------- ---------------- -------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Warren J. Hayford -- -- 275,973 --
49,444
John T. Stirrup -- -- 115,305 --
20,112
James W. Milton -- -- 36,777 --
8,556
John M. Casey -- -- 14,666 --
10,334
</TABLE>
____________________________
(1) As of the end of the fiscal year, none of the options held by the Named
Executive Officers had been exercised.
Management Employment Agreements
Jean-Pierre M. Ergas is party to an employment agreement with the Company
dated as of January 1, 2000. Under the agreement, Mr. Ergas will receive an
annual base salary of $450,000 (or such higher amount determined by the Board of
Directors), and will be eligible to receive an annual bonus of between 50% and
100% of his base salary, based on the achievement of goals and objectives
determined by the Board of Directors, and will be eligible to participate in all
of the Company's employee benefits plans for which senior executive employees of
the Company are generally eligible. Under the agreement, Mr. Ergas shall be
recommended to the Board to receive options to purchase 36,667 shares of Common
Stock for each year during the employment period, beginning in fiscal year 2001.
The term of the employment agreement is three years, unless terminated earlier
by the resignation, death, or permanent disability or incapacity of Mr. Ergas or
by the Company with or without cause. In the event Mr. Ergas's employment is
terminated by the Company without cause prior to the third anniversary of the
agreement, Mr. Ergas will be entitled to receive his base salary, health
benefits and an annual bonus equal to 100% of his base salary if terminated
during fiscal year 2000 and not less than 50% and not more than 100% of his base
salary if terminated during fiscal year 2001 or 2002, subject to certain
conditions. In the event Mr. Ergas's employment terminates other than for cause
or as a result of his death, Mr. Ergas will be entitled to receive his base
salary through the termination date. If Ergas's employment terminates after the
first anniversary of employment for any reason other than for cause, Mr. Ergas
will be entitled to a monthly supplemental retirement benefit until his death
(and, following his death, until the death of his surviving spouse). The monthly
benefit will be equal to the sum obtained by multiplying $115.74 by the number
of months of employment up to a maximum of $4,166.67. In the event Mr. Ergas's
spouse survives Mr. Ergas, she will be entitled to 50% of the monthly benefit.
Mr. Ergas has agreed not to compete with the Company during the term of his
employment and so
-26-
<PAGE>
long as he is receiving salary and bonus under the agreement as a result of his
termination by the Company without cause (but in no event for less than eighteen
months after the termination of his employment).
Warren J. Hayford is party to an employment agreement with the Company
dated as of June 1, 1995, as amended. Under the agreement, Mr. Hayford served as
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board until his retirement on
December 31, 1999, and will continue to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Board of
Directors so long as he remains a member of the Board of Directors. In light of
Mr. Hayford's role as Chief Executive Officer through December 31, 1999, he will
be eligible to receive an annual bonus of 25% of the bonus he would have
otherwise received had he served as Chief Executive Officer for the entire
fiscal year 2000, which is an amount between 50% and 100% of his base salary,
based on the achievement of goals and objectives determined by the Board of
Directors. Beginning on his 74th birthday, Mr. Hayford (and, following his
death, his surviving spouse) will be entitled to a monthly supplemental
retirement benefit until his death (and, following his death, until the death of
his surviving spouse). The monthly benefit will be equal to $13,125. Mr. Hayford
has agreed not to compete with the Company for no less than three years after
retirement as Chief Executive Officer.
John T. Stirrup is party to an employment agreement with the Company dated
as of June 1, 1995, as amended. Mr. Stirrup will receive an annual base salary
of $350,000 (or such higher amount determined by the Board of Directors), and
will be eligible to receive an annual bonus of between 50% and 75% of his base
salary, based on the achievement of goals and objectives determined by the Board
of Directors, and will be eligible to participate in all of the Company's
employee benefits plans for which senior executive employees of the Company are
generally eligible. Mr. Stirrup is also entitled to life insurance (including
the applicable gross-up for taxes) providing a death benefit of not less than
three times the amount of his base salary, provided that Mr. Stirrup shall have
the option to receive a death benefit equal to two times the amount of his base
salary and receive from the Company in cash the cost the Company would otherwise
pay in premium for the third segment of the death benefit. The Company will
nominate, and use its best efforts to elect, Mr. Stirrup to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors. Under the agreement, Mr. Stirrup received options to
purchase 54,000 shares of Common Stock. The term of the employment agreement
shall end on June 1, 2000, unless terminated earlier by the resignation, death,
or permanent disability or incapacity of Mr. Stirrup or by the Company with or
without cause. If Mr. Stirrup's employment is not terminated prior to June 1,
2000, then the Company shall engage Mr. Stirrup as a non-employee consultant
from June 2, 2000 until June 1, 2001 at the rate of $350,000 per annum, provided
that the consulting period shall terminate upon (i) Mr. Stirrup's resignation,
death or incapacity or by the Company with cause (in which case the consulting
payment shall immediately cease) or (ii) Mr. Stirrup's permanent disability or
incapacity (in which case Mr. Stirrup shall continue to receive the consulting
payment reduced by any amount he receives under any disability policy). In the
event Mr. Stirrup's employment is terminated by the Company without cause prior
to June 1, 2000, Mr. Stirrup will be entitled to receive his base salary, target
bonus (if any) and health and other benefits until the first anniversary of the
date of such termination, subject to certain conditions, provided that
Mr. Stirrup shall provide consulting services when requested by the Company
during the first year after termination for no additional consideration. If
Mr. Stirrup's employment is terminated because of Mr. Stirrup's resignation
prior to June 1, 2000, Mr. Stirrup will not be entitled to his base salary,
target bonus or other compensation or benefits after the termination date, but
will be entitled to receive the consulting payment until the first anniversary
of the date of termination. Mr. Stirrup is entitled to deferred payments of
$75,000 per year for a period of 10 years beginning on Mr. Stirrup's 70th
birthday and, in the event of Mr. Stirrup's death, Mr. Stirrup's surviving
spouse is entitled to receive 50% of such deferred payments during such period.
Mr. Stirrup has agreed not to compete with the Company during the term of his
employment and consulting period and thereafter until the later of (i) the first
anniversary of the
-27-
<PAGE>
expiration of the employment or consulting period or termination of the
employment or consulting period by any party for any reason or (ii) the date on
which Mr. Stirrup receives the final consulting payment after his permanent
disability or incapacity.
James W. Milton entered into an employment agreement with the Company and
BSNJ (formerly known as Milton Acquisition Corp.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company, on May 28, 1996. Mr. Milton, the Company, BSNJ and MCC amended this
agreement, effective as of November 1, 1996, to reflect the fact that Mr. Milton
now serves as President of MCC, rather than President of BSNJ. Under the
agreement, Mr. Milton will receive an annual base salary of $200,000 (or such
higher amount determined by the Board of Directors), and will be eligible to
receive an annual bonus of between 50% and 75% of his base salary, based on the
achievement of goals and objectives determined by the Board of Directors, and
will be eligible to participate in all of MCC's employee benefits plans for
which senior executive employees of MCC are generally eligible. Such employee
benefit programs shall be substantially similar to those benefit programs
available to the senior executive employees of the Company. Under the agreement,
the Company will pay all premiums and expenses payable to maintain the life
insurance policy for Mr. Milton that was purchased by Milton Can prior to its
merger with and into BSNJ. The term of the employment agreement is five years,
unless terminated earlier by the resignation, death, or permanent disability or
incapacity of Mr. Milton or by MCC with or without cause. In the event Mr.
Milton's employment is terminated by MCC without cause prior to the fifth
anniversary of the agreement, Mr. Milton will be entitled to receive his base
salary, health benefits and an annual bonus equal to 50% of his base salary
until the later of the fifth anniversary of the agreement or the first
anniversary of the date of such termination, subject to certain conditions. In
the event Mr. Milton's employment terminates other than for cause or as a result
of his death, beginning on his 65th birthday, Mr. Milton will be entitled to a
monthly supplemental retirement benefit until his death. The monthly benefit
will be equal to one-twelfth of 5 to 50 percent (depending upon Mr. Milton's age
at retirement or death and subject to adjustment upon a change in control) of
Mr. Milton's base salary in effect immediately preceding his retirement or
death. In the event Mr. Milton's spouse survives Mr. Milton, she will be
entitled until her death to a monthly benefit equal to 50% of the monthly
benefit that Mr. Milton (i) would have been entitled to had Mr. Milton retired
on the date of his death or (ii) was receiving at the time of his death.
However, if Mr. Milton dies before his 60th birthday, she will be entitled until
her death to a monthly benefit equal to one-twelfth of 10 percent of Mr.
Milton's base salary in effect immediately preceding his death. Mr. Milton has
agreed not to compete with the Company, MCC or their subsidiaries for a period
of three years after the termination of his employment. In addition, Mr. Milton
is party to a non-competition agreement with the Company and BSNJ dated as of
May 28, 1996, pursuant to which Mr. Milton has (among other things) agreed not
to compete with the Company, BSNJ or their subsidiaries prior to the fifth
anniversary of the non-competition agreement in exchange for certain
compensation. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
John M. Casey was party to an employment agreement with the Company dated
as of November 16, 1997. Mr. Casey received an annual base salary of $185,000
(or such higher amount determined by the Board of Directors), and was eligible
to receive an annual bonus of up to 60% of his base salary, based on the
achievement of goals and objectives determined by the Board of Directors, and
was eligible to participate in all of the Company's employee benefits plans for
which senior executive employees of the Company are generally eligible. The term
of the employment agreement was three years, but was terminated in December 1999
by the resignation of Mr. Casey. Mr. Casey had agreed not to compete with the
Company during the term of his employment.
-28-
<PAGE>
401(k) Plan
The Company maintains a savings plan (the "Savings Plan") qualified under
Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Generally, all salaried
employees of the Company in the United States are eligible to participate in the
Savings Plan upon their employment by the Company and become eligible for
Company matching contributions after completing one year of service. For each
employee who elects to participate in the Savings Plan and makes a contribution
thereto, the Company makes a matching contribution of 100% of the first 4% of
annual compensation contributed. The maximum contribution for any participant
for any year is 15% of such participant's eligible compensation.
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation
Messrs. Puth, Donahoe, Dyer, Ergas and Jones served as members of the
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee during all of fiscal
1999. The Company has no Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee interlocks or insider participation relationships of such persons with
the Company to report.
Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee Report on Executive
Compensation
The Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee reviews and
makes recommendations to the Board regarding salaries, compensation and
benefits of executive officers of the Company and develops and administers
programs providing stock-based incentives. After consideration of the Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee's recommendations, the entire
Board reviews and approves the salaries and bonuses and the stock and benefit
programs for the Company's executive officers. This Management Resources,
Nominating and Compensation Committee report documents the components of the
Company's executive officer compensation programs and describes the bases upon
which compensation will be determined by the Management Resources, Nominating
and Compensation Committee with respect to the executive officers of the
Company.
This Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee report
shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement
incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the
Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to
the extent that the Company specifically incorporates this information by
reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
Compensation Philosophy. The compensation philosophy of the Company is to
link executive compensation to continuous improvements in corporate performance
and increases in stockholder value. The goals of the Company's executive
compensation programs are as follows:
. To establish pay levels that are necessary to attract and
retain highly qualified executives in light of the overall
competitiveness of the market for high quality executive
talent.
. To recognize superior individual performance, new
responsibilities and new positions within the Company.
-29-
<PAGE>
. To balance short-term and long-term compensation to complement
the Company's annual and long-term business objectives and
strategy and to encourage executive performance in furtherance
of the fulfillment of those objectives.
. To provide variable compensation opportunities based on the
Company's performance.
. To encourage stock ownership by executives.
. To align executive remuneration with the interests of
stockholders.
Compensation Program Components. The Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee regularly reviews the Company's compensation program to
ensure that pay levels and incentive opportunities are competitive with the
market and reflect the performance of the Company. The particular elements of
the compensation program for executive officers are further explained below.
Base Salary. The base pay level for each of Messrs. Ergas, Stirrup,
Milton and Casey is set forth in each such executive's employment
agreement. Mr. Ergas' base pay level was negotiated in connection with his
hiring as Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Stirrup's base pay
level was negotiated in connection with the Company's initial public
offering ("IPO") of its Common Stock in June 1995 and were determined in
part by comparing the salary scale with that of similar companies. Mr.
Milton's base pay level was negotiated in May 1996 contemporaneously with
BSNJ's acquisition of Milton Can, after which he was hired as President of
BSNJ. See "--Management Employment Agreements." Mr. Casey's base pay level
was negotiated in November 1997 when he was hired as Chief Financial
Officer and Executive Vice President of the Company.
Annual Incentives. Annual bonuses for Messrs. Ergas, Stirrup and
Hayford are determined by the Management Resources, Nominating and
Compensation Committee in its discretion based on achievement of goals and
objectives determined by it and in accordance with their respective
employment agreements, and were negotiated in connection with the Company's
IPO. The annual bonuses for Messrs. Milton and Casey are determined
annually by the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee. See "--Management Employment Agreements." The Company uses
annual bonuses to enhance management's contribution to stockholder returns
by offering competitive levels of compensation for the attainment of the
Company's financial objectives. In particular, the Company utilizes annual
bonuses to focus corporate behavior on the achievement of goals for growth,
financial performance and other items.
Stock Ownership. The Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee believes that it can align the interests of stockholders and
executives by providing those persons who have substantial responsibility
over the management and growth of the Company with an opportunity to
establish a meaningful ownership position in the Company. Under the
Company's Current Plan, the Company granted stock options to Messrs.
Stirrup, Milton, Casey and Hull during fiscal 1999. See "--Option/SAR
Grants in Last Fiscal Year." In addition, the Company granted other key
employees stock options during fiscal 1999.
-30-
<PAGE>
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. The base pay level and annual
incentive bonus compensation for Mr. Ergas, the Company's Chief Executive
officer beginning January 1, 2000 and Mr. Hayford, the Company's Chief Executive
Officer until December 31, 1999 were determined by the Management Resources,
Nominating and Compensation Committee in its discretion based on achievement of
goals and objectives determined by it and in accordance with their respective
employment agreements. The Board had set Mr. Hayford's base salary for the year
beginning on June 1, 1998 and ending on December 31, 1999 at $450,000. The board
has set Mr. Ergas' base salary for the year beginning on January 1, 2000 and
ending on December 31, 2000 at $450,000 per annum, subject to increase by the
Board. See "--Management Employment Agreements."
Certain Tax Considerations. Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended, limits the deductibility on the Company's tax return of
compensation over $1 million to any of the Named Executive Officers, unless, in
general, the compensation is paid pursuant to a plan which is performance-based,
is non-discretionary and has been approved by the Company's stockholders. The
Company's policy with respect to Section 162(m) is to make reasonable efforts to
ensure that compensation is deductible without limiting the Company's ability to
attract and retain qualified executives.
Summary. After its review of all existing programs, the Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee believes that the total
compensation program for executives of the Company is focused on increasing
values for stockholders and enhancing corporate performance. The Management
Resources, Nominating and Compensation Committee currently believes that the
compensation of executive officers is properly tied to stock appreciation
through stock options or stock ownership. The Management Resources, Nominating
and Compensation Committee believes that executive compensation levels at the
Company are competitive with the compensation programs provided by other
corporations with which the Company competes. The foregoing report has been
approved by all members of the Management Resources, Nominating and Compensation
Committee.
MANAGEMENT RESOURCES, NOMINATING AND
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Alexander P. Dyer
Thomas A. Donahoe
Warren J. Hayford
John E. Jones
John W. Puth
-31-
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the Company's cumulative total stockholder
return on an investment of $100 since June 20, 1995, the Company's initial
trading date, with that of the New York Stock Exchange Composite Index and the
Dow Jones Complete Return Index (Complete Industrial Sector).
[PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period
(Fiscal 1999, Fiscal 1998,
Fiscal 1997, Fiscal 1996 and
Period Between Initial
Trading Date and End of
Fiscal 1995 BWAY NYSE CI Dow Jones CRI
----------- ------- ------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
6/20/95 $100.00 $100.00 $100.00
9/29/95 118.97 107.20 105.36
9/27/96 125.00 125.40 129.21
9/26/97 212.07 169.50 174.29
9/25/98 133.83 176.49 176.64
10/1/99 96.98 203.07 225.75
</TABLE>
-32-
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Mr. Milton is party to a non-competition agreement with the Company and
BSNJ dated as of May 28, 1996. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement,
Mr.Milton may not compete with, induce any employee to leave their employ with,
hire any person who was an employee of, own, manage, control or render services
to any business in competition with or induce any supplier, licensor or other
business relation to cease doing business with the Company, BSNJ or any of their
respective subsidiaries. In consideration of the non-competition covenants,
Mr. Milton will be entitled to $2,000,000 paid by BSNJ in twenty equal
installments of $100,000 per quarter during the term of the agreement payable on
the first day of each June, October, January and April. The agreement will
continue for five years from the date of the agreement.
BSNJ is party to a lease agreement with Division Street Partners ("DSP"), a
limited partnership, pursuant to which BSNJ leases its headquarters and
manufacturing facility. Mr. Milton, George Milton, Patrick Milton and Michael
Milton each hold (i) a 12.5% limited partnership interest in DSP and (ii) a
12.5% interest in the general partner of DSP. BSNJ is obligated to pay annual
rent in the amount of $676,695 through the term of the lease, which ends in
September 2004. BSNJ has the option to extend the term of the lease for one
additional five-year period. Each of George Milton, Patrick Milton and Michael
Milton is a brother of James W. Milton, the Executive Vice President and a
director of the Company. George Milton is an employee of MCC and Patrick Milton
is an employee of BSI.
BSNJ is party to another lease agreement pursuant to which BSNJ leases a
warehouse from Fairmont Realty LLC ("Fairmont"), which is owned by Bill Milton,
Patrick Milton, George Milton, Michael Milton and Carolyn Milton Walker. BSNJ is
obligated to pay rent to Fairmont on a monthly basis in the amount of $4,500.
Each of Patrick Milton, George Milton and Michael Milton is a brother of, and
each of Bill Milton and Carolyn Milton Walker is a cousin of, James W. Milton,
the Executive Vice President and a director of the Company.
As employees of the Company in fiscal 1999, George Milton and Dennis Milton
received $81,055.00 and $76,062.75, respectively, in salary, bonuses and
commissions from the Company. George Milton and Dennis Milton are the brother
and son, respectively, of James W. Milton, the Executive Vice President and a
director of the Company.
As an employee of the Company in fiscal 1999, David P. Hayford received
$206,500.50 in salary, bonuses and other compensation from the Company.
David P. Hayford is the son of Warren J. Hayford, the Vice-Chairman of the Board
and retired Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
SOLICITATION AND EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
The solicitation of proxies will be made initially by mail. The Company's
directors, officers and employees may also solicit proxies in person or by
telephone without additional compensation. In addition, proxies may be solicited
by certain banking institutions, brokerage firms, custodians, trustees, nominees
and fiduciaries who will mail material to or otherwise communicate with the
beneficial owners of shares of the Company's Common Stock. All expenses of
solicitation of proxies will be paid by the Company.
-33-
<PAGE>
ANNUAL REPORT AND FORM 10-K
Copies of the Company's Annual Report to Stockholders, which includes
portions of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Fiscal Year ended
October 3, 1999, are being mailed with this Proxy Statement to each stockholder
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Stockholders not
receiving a copy of the Annual Report may obtain one by writing or calling
Mr. Blair G. Schlossberg, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, BWAY
Corporation, 8607 Roberts Drive, Suite 250, Atlanta, Georgia 30350, telephone
(770) 645-4800.
SUBMISSION OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
FOR THE 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
Stockholder proposals for inclusion in the Proxy Statement to be issued in
connection with the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must be mailed to the
Corporate Secretary, BWAY Corporation, 8607 Roberts Drive, Suite 250, Atlanta,
Georgia 30350, and must have been received by the Corporate Secretary on or
before September 21, 2000. The Company will consider only proposals meeting the
requirements of applicable SEC rules.
The Board of Directors
January 19, 1999
-34-
<PAGE>
Appendix A
----------
BWAY CORPORATION
FOURTH AMENDED AND RESTATED
1995 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
-----------------------------
Recitals
--------
This fourth amendment amends and restates the Amended and Restated 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan established in June 1995 and amended in August 1996,
November 1997, November 1998 and December 1999 to increase the aggregate number
of shares of common stock that may be issued under this Plan to 2,425,000
shares.
1. Purpose.
-------
This plan shall be known as the BWAY Corporation Fourth Amended and
Restated 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan
shall be to promote the long-term growth and profitability of BWAY Corporation
(the "Company") and its subsidiaries by (i) providing certain directors,
officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries with
incentives to maximize stockholder value and otherwise contribute to the success
of the Company and (ii) enabling the Company to attract, retain and reward the
best available persons for positions of substantial responsibility. Grants of
incentive or nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs") in
tandem with options, restricted stock, performance awards, or any combination of
the foregoing may be made under the Plan.
2. Definitions.
-----------
(a) "Board of Directors" and "Board" mean the board of directors of BWAY
------------------ -----
Corporation.
(b) "Cause" means the occurrence of one of the following events:
-----
(i) Conviction of a felony or any crime or offense lesser than a
felony involving the property of the Company or a subsidiary; or
(ii) Conduct that has caused demonstrable and serious injury to the
Company or a subsidiary, monetary or otherwise; or
(iii) Willful refusal to perform or substantial disregard of
duties properly assigned, as determined by the Company.
(c) "Change in Control" means the occurrence of one of the following
-----------------
events:
<PAGE>
(i) if any "person" or "group" as those terms are used in Sections
13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange
Act"), other than an Exempt Person, is or becomes the "beneficial owner" (as
defined in Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of
securities of the Company representing 50% or more of the combined voting power
of the Company's then outstanding securities; or
(ii) during any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at
the beginning of such period constitute the Board and any new director whose
election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's stockholders
was approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office
who either were directors at the beginning of the period or whose election was
previously so approved, cease for any reason to constitute a majority thereof;
or
(iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation
of the Company with any other corporation, other than a merger or consolidation
which would result in all or a portion of the voting securities of the Company
outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by
remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of the
surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the voting
securities of the Company or such surviving entity outstanding immediately after
such merger or consolidation, or the stockholders of the Company approve a plan
of complete liquidation of the Company or an agreement for the sale or
disposition by the Company of all or substantially all the Company's assets,
other than a sale to an Exempt Person.
(d) "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
----
(e) "Committee" means the compensation committee of the Board. The
---------
membership of the Committee shall be constituted so as to comply at all times
with the applicable requirements of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and
Section 162(m) of the Code.
(f) "Competition" is deemed to occur if a person whose employment with
-----------
the Company or its subsidiaries has terminated obtains a position as a full time
or part-time employee of, as a member of the board of directors of, or as a
consultant or advisor with or to, or acquires an ownership interest in excess of
5% of, a corporation, partnership, firm or other entity that engages in any of
the businesses of the Company or any subsidiary with which the person was
involved in a management role at any time during his or her last five years of
employment with the Company or any subsidiary.
(g) "Disability" means a permanent and total disability as defined in the
----------
Company's Long-Term Disability Plan or as otherwise approved by the Committee.
(h) "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
------------
(i) "Exempt Person" means (i) the Chairman of the Company on the
-------------
effective date of this Plan, (ii) any person who owns 15% or more of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock on the effective date of this Plan, (iii) any
person (or group of related persons) that becomes the owner of 15% or more of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock as a result of a gift or bequest from a
<PAGE>
person included in (i) or (ii) above, (iv) any person, entity or group under the
control of any party included in clause (i), (ii) or (iii), and (v) a trustee or
other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the
Company.
(j) "Fair Market Value" of a share of Common Stock of the Company means,
-----------------
with respect to the date in question, the officially quoted closing selling
price of the stock on the New York Stock Exchange (the "Market") or if the
Common Stock is not listed or quoted in the Market, the Fair Market Value shall
be the fair value of the Common Stock determined in good faith by the Board;
provided, however, that when shares received upon exercise of an option are
immediately sold in the open market, the net sale price received may be used to
determine the Fair Market Value of any shares used to pay the exercise price or
withholding taxes and to compute the withholding taxes.
(k) "Incentive Stock Option" means an option conforming to the
----------------------
requirements of Section 422 of the Code.
(l) "Non-Employee Director" has the meaning given to such term in Rule
---------------------
16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
(m) "Nonqualified Stock Option" means any stock option other than an
-------------------------
Incentive Stock Option.
(n) "Retirement" means retirement as defined under the Company's Pension
----------
Plan or termination of one's employment on retirement with the approval of the
Committee.
(o) "Subsidiary" means a corporation or other entity of which outstanding
----------
shares or ownership interest representing 50% or more of the combined voting
power of such corporation or other entity are owned directly or indirectly by
the Company.
3. Administration.
--------------
The Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The Committee shall
consist of at least two Non-Employee Directors. Subject to the provisions of the
Plan, the Committee shall be authorized to (i) select persons to participate in
the Plan, (ii) determine the form and substance of grants made under the Plan to
each participant, and the conditions and restrictions, if any, subject to which
such grants will be made, (iii) interpret the Plan and (iv) adopt, amend, or
rescind such rules and regulations for carrying out the Plan as it may deem
appropriate. Decisions of the Committee on all matters relating to the Plan
shall be in the Committee's sole discretion and shall be conclusive and binding
on all parties. The validity, construction, and effect of the Plan and any rules
and regulations relating to the Plan shall be determined in accordance with
applicable federal and state laws and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant
thereto.
<PAGE>
4. Shares Available for the Plan.
-----------------------------
Subject to adjustments as provided in Section 15, an aggregate of
2,425,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company
(hereinafter the "Shares") may be issued pursuant to the Plan. Such Shares may
be in whole or in part authorized and unissued, or shares which have been
reacquired by the Company and held as treasury shares. If any grant under the
Plan expires or terminates unexercised, becomes unexercisable or is forfeited as
to any Shares, such unpurchased or forfeited Shares shall thereafter be
available for further grants under the Plan unless, in the case of options
granted under the Plan, related SARs are exercised.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this
Section 4 or the generality of the provisions of Sections 3, 6 or 17 or any
other section of this Plan, the Committee may, at any time or from time to time,
and on such terms and conditions (that are consistent with and not in
contravention of the other provisions of this Plan) as the Committee may, in its
sole discretion, determine, enter into agreements (or take other actions with
respect to the options) for new options containing terms (including exercise
prices) more (or less) favorable than the outstanding options.
5. Participation.
-------------
Participation in the Plan shall be limited to those directors (including
Non-Employee Directors) and officers, employees and consultants of the Company
and its Subsidiaries selected by the Committee. Nothing in the Plan or in any
grant thereunder shall confer any right on an employee to continue in the employ
of the Company or shall interfere in any way with the right of the Company to
terminate an employee at any time.
Incentive Stock Options or Nonqualified Stock Options, SARs in tandem
with options, restricted stock awards, performance awards, or any combination
thereof, may be granted to such persons and for such number of Shares as the
Committee shall determine (such individuals to whom grants are made being
sometimes herein called "optionees" or "grantees" as the case may be). A grant
of any type made hereunder in any one year to an eligible employee shall neither
guarantee nor preclude a further grant of that or any other type to such
employee in that year or subsequent years.
6. Incentive and Nonqualified Options.
----------------------------------
The Committee may from time to time grant to eligible participants
Incentive Stock Options, Nonqualified Stock Options, or any combination thereof.
In any one calendar year, the Committee shall not grant to any one participant,
options to purchase a number of shares of Common Stock in excess of 375,000.
The options granted shall take such form as the Committee shall determine,
subject to the following terms and conditions.
(a) Price. The price per Share deliverable upon the exercise of each
-----
option ("exercise price") shall be established by the Committee, except that in
the case of the grant of any Incentive Stock Option, the exercise price may not
be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the Shares at the close of the
market on the day next preceding grant of the option unless otherwise permitted
by Section 422 of the Code. In the case of the grant of any Incentive Stock
Option to an employee
<PAGE>
who, at the time of the grant, owns more than 10% of the total combined voting
power of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, such
price per Share, if required by the Code, shall not be less that 110% of the
Fair Market Value of the Shares at the close of the market on the day next
preceding grant of the option.
(b) Payment. Options may be exercised in whole or in part, upon payment
-------
of the exercise price of the Shares to be acquired. Payment shall be made in
cash (including check, bank draft or money order) or, in the discretion of the
Committee, (i) in cash and/or shares of Common Stock and/or by delivery of the
optionee's promissory note (if in accordance with policies approved by the
Committee), or (ii) by special arrangement through a broker selected by the
Committee. The fair market value of shares of Common Stock tendered on exercise
of options shall be the Fair Market Value of such shares as of the close of the
market on the day next preceding exercise of the option.
(c) Withholding Tax. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, a
---------------
participant may elect to deliver shares of Common Stock (or have the company
withhold shares acquired upon exercise of the option) to satisfy in whole or in
part, the amount the Company is required to withhold for taxes in connection
with the exercise of an option. Such election must be made on or before the date
the amount of tax to be withheld is determined. Once made, the election shall be
irrevocable. The fair market value of the shares to be withheld or delivered
will be the Fair Market Value as of the close of the market on the day next
preceding the date the amount of tax to be withheld is determined.
(d) Terms of Options. The term during which each option may be exercised
----------------
shall be determined by the Committee, but, except as otherwise provided herein,
in no event shall an option be exercisable in whole or in part in the case of a
Nonqualified Stock Option, more than ten years and one day from the date it is
granted or, in the case of an Incentive Stock Option, more than ten years from
the date it is granted; and, in the case of the grant of an Incentive Stock
Option to an employee who at the time of the grant owns more than 10% of the
total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, in no event shall such option be exercisable, if required by the
Code, more than five years from the date of the grant. All rights to purchase
shares pursuant to an option shall, unless sooner terminated, expire at the date
designated by the Committee. The Committee shall determine the date on which
each option shall become exercisable and may provide that an option shall become
exercisable in installments. The shares constituting each installment may be
purchased in whole or in part at any time after such installment becomes
exercisable, subject to such minimum exercise requirements as are designated by
the Committee. Unless otherwise provided herein or in the terms of the related
grant, an optionee may exercise an option only if he or she is, and has been
continuously since the date the option was granted, a director, officer or
employee of the Company or a Subsidiary. Prior to the exercise of the option and
delivery of the Shares represented thereby, the optionee shall have no right to
any dividends or be entitled to any voting rights on any Shares covered by
outstanding options.
(e) Limitations on Grants. If required by the Code, the aggregate Fair
---------------------
Market Value (determined as of the grant date) of Shares for which an Incentive
Stock Option is exercisable for the first time during any calendar year may not
exceed $100,000.
<PAGE>
(f) Termination of Employment; Change in Control.
--------------------------------------------
(i) If a participant ceases to be a director, officer or employee of
the Company or any Subsidiary due to death or Disability, all of the
participant's options, and SARs shall become fully vested and exercisable and
shall remain so for a period of one year from the date of termination of
employment, but in no event after the expiration date of the option.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Disability giving rise to the termination
of employment is not within the meaning of Section 422(e)(3) of the Code,
Incentive Stock Options not exercised by such participant within 90 days after
the date of termination of employment will cease to qualify as Incentive Stock
Options and will be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan if
required to be so treated under the Code.
(ii) If a participant ceases to be a director, officer or employee of
the Company or a Subsidiary upon the occurrence of his or her Retirement, (A)
each of his or her options and SARs that was exercisable on the date of
Retirement shall remain exercisable for, and shall otherwise terminate at the
end of, a period of up to five years after the date of Retirement, but in no
event after the expiration date of the option; provided that the participant
does not engage in Competition during such five-year period unless he or she
receives written consent to do so from the Board or the Committee, and (B) all
of the participant's options and SARs that were not exercisable on the date of
Retirement shall be forfeited immediately upon such cessation. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, Incentive Stock Options not exercised by such participant within
90 days after Retirement will cease to qualify as Incentive Stock Options and
will be treated as Nonqualified Stock Options under the Plan if required to be
so treated under the Code.
(iii) If a participant ceases to be a director, officer or employee of
the Company or a Subsidiary due to Cause, all of his or her options and SARs
shall be forfeited immediately upon such cessation.
(iv) Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, if a participant
ceases to be an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary for any reason other
than death, Disability, Retirement or Cause, (A) each of his or her options and
SARs that was exercisable on the date of termination shall remain exercisable
for, and shall otherwise terminate at the end of, a period of 90 days after the
date of termination of employment, but in no event after the expiration date of
the option; provided that participant does not engage in Competition during such
90-day period unless he or she receives written consent to do so from the Board
or the Committee, and (B) all of the participant's options and SARs that were
not exercisable on the date of such termination shall be forfeited.
(v) If there is a Change in Control of the Company, all of the
participant's options and SARs shall become fully vested and exercisable.
7. Stock Appreciation Rights.
-------------------------
The Committee shall have the authority to grant SARs under this Plan to
any optionee, either at the time of grant of an option or thereafter by
amendment to an option. The exercise of an
<PAGE>
option shall result in an immediate forfeiture of its related SAR to the extent
the option is exercised, and the exercise of a SAR shall cause an immediate
forfeiture of its related option to the extent the SAR is exercised. SARs shall
be subject to such other terms and conditions as the Committee may specify. A
SAR shall expire at the same time as the related option expires and shall be
transferable only when, and under the same conditions as, the related option is
transferable.
SARs shall be exercisable only when, to the extent and on the conditions
that the related option is exercisable. No SAR may be exercised unless the Fair
Market Value of a share of Common Stock of the Company on the date of exercise
exceeds the exercise price of the option to which the SAR corresponds.
Upon the exercise of a SAR, the optionee shall be entitled to a
distribution in an amount equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value
of a share of Common Stock of the Company on the date of exercise and the
exercise price of the option to which the SAR is related multiplied by the
number of Shares as to which the SAR is exercised. The Committee shall decide
whether such distribution shall be in cash, in shares, or in a combination
thereof.
All SARs will be exercised automatically on the last day prior to the
expiration date of the related option, so long as the Fair Market Value of a
share of the Company's Common Stock on that date exceeds the exercise price of
the related option.
8. Restricted Stock.
----------------
The Committee may at any time and from time to time grant Shares of
restricted stock under the Plan to such participants and in such amounts as it
determines. Each grant of restricted stock shall specify the applicable
restrictions on such Shares, the duration of such restrictions (which shall be
at least one year), and the time or times at which such restrictions shall lapse
with respect to all or a specified number of Shares that are part of the grant.
The participant will be required to deposit Shares with the Company
during any period of restriction thereon and to execute a blank stock power
therefor. Except as otherwise provided by the Committee, during such period of
restriction the participant shall have all of the rights of a holder of Common
Stock, including but not limited to the rights to receive dividends (or amounts
equivalent to dividends) and to vote.
Except as otherwise provided by the Committee, on a Change in Control or
on termination of a grantee's employment due to death, Disability or Retirement
with the consent of the Company during any period of restriction, all
restrictions on Shares granted to such grantee shall lapse. On termination of a
grantee's employment for any other reason, all restricted stock granted to such
grantee on which the restrictions have not lapsed shall be forfeited to the
Company.
9. Performance Awards.
------------------
Performance awards may be granted on a contingent basis to participants
at any time and from time to time as determined by the Committee. The Committee
shall have complete discretion
<PAGE>
in determining the size and composition of performance awards so granted to a
participant and the appropriate period over which performance is to be measured
("performance cycle"). Performance awards may include (i) specific dollar-value
target awards (ii) performance units, the value of each such unit being
determined by the Committee at the time of issuance, and/or (iii) performance
Shares, the value of each such Share being equal to the Fair Market Value of a
share of the Company's Common Stock.
The value of each performance award may be fixed or it may be permitted
to fluctuate based on a performance factor (e.g., return on equity) selected by
the Committee.
The Committee shall establish performance goals and objectives for each
performance cycle on the basis of such criteria and objectives as the Committee
may select from time to time. During any performance cycle, the Committee shall
have the authority to adjust the performance goals and objectives for such cycle
for such reasons as it deems equitable.
The Committee shall determine the portion of each performance award that
is earned by a participant on the basis of the Company's performance over the
performance cycle in relation to the performance goals for such cycle. The
earned portion of a performance award may be paid out in Shares, cash, or a
combination of both, as the Committee may determine.
A participant must be an employee of the Company at the end of the
performance cycle in order to be entitled to payment of a performance award
issued in respect of such cycle; provided, however, that, except as otherwise
determined by the Committee, if a participant ceases to be an employee of the
Company upon the occurrence of his or her death, Retirement, or Disability prior
to the end of the performance cycle, the participant shall earn a proportionate
portion of the performance award based upon the elapsed portion of the
performance cycle and the Company's performance over that portion of such cycle.
In the event of a Change in Control, a participant shall earn no less
than the portion of the performance award that the participant would have earned
if the performance cycle(s) had terminated as of the date of the Change in
Control.
10. Withholding Taxes.
-----------------
The Company may require, as a condition to any grant or exercise under
the Plan or to the delivery of certificates for Shares issued hereunder, that
the grantee pay to the Company, in cash, any federal, state or local taxes of
any kind required by law to be withheld with respect to any grant or any
delivery of Shares. The Company, to the extent permitted or required by law,
shall have the right to deduct from any payment of any kind (including salary or
bonus) otherwise due to a grantee any federal, state or local taxes of any kind
required by law to be withheld with respect to any grant or to the delivery of
Shares under the Plan, or to retain or sell without notice a sufficient number
of the Shares to be issued to such grantee to cover any such taxes, provided
that the Company shall not sell any such Shares if such sale would be considered
a sale by such grantee for purposes of Section 16 of the Exchange Act that is
not exempt from matching thereunder.
<PAGE>
11. Written Agreement; Vesting.
--------------------------
Each employee to whom a grant is made under the Plan shall enter into a
written agreement with the Company that shall contain such provisions, including
without limitation vesting requirements, consistent with the provisions of the
Plan, as may be approved by the Committee. Unless the Committee determines
otherwise, no grant under this Plan may be exercised within six months of the
date such grant is made.
12. Transferability.
---------------
Except as set forth in the next sentence of this Section 12, and unless
the agreement pursuant to which a grant is made provides otherwise, an option,
tandem SAR, performance award, or restricted stock granted under the Plan shall
not be transferable by an employee other than by operation of a death
beneficiary designation made by the employee in accordance with rules
established by the Committee, by will or the applicable laws of descent and
distribution, and shall be exercisable during the employee's lifetime only by
him or her or his or her guardian or legal representative if the employee is
legally incompetent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except to the extent that it
would cause the Plan to fail to meet the conditions required to be met under
Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, the Committee shall have the power and
authority to provide, as a term of any Nonqualified Stock Option granted under
the Plan, that such Nonqualified Stock Option may be transferred without
consideration by the Non-Employee Director or the optionee, as applicable, to a
member or members of his or her immediate family (i.e., a child, children,
grandchild, grandchildren or spouse) and/or to a trust or trusts for the benefit
of an immediate family member or family members.
13. Listing and Registration.
------------------------
If the Committee determines that the listing, registration or
qualification upon any securities exchange or under any law of Shares subject to
any option, SAR, performance award, or restricted stock grant is necessary or
desirable as a condition of, or in connection with, the granting of same or the
issue or purchase of Shares thereunder, no such option or SAR may be exercised
in whole or in part, no such performance award paid out and no Shares issued
unless such listing, registration or qualification is effected free of any
conditions not acceptable to the Committee.
14. Transfer of Employee.
--------------------
Transfer of an employee from the Company to a Subsidiary, from a
Subsidiary to the Company, and from one Subsidiary to another shall not be
considered a termination of employment; nor shall it be considered a termination
of employment if an employee is placed on military or sick leave or such other
leave of absence which is considered by the Committee as continuing intact the
employment relationship.
<PAGE>
15. Adjustments.
-----------
In the event of a reorganization, recapitalization, stock split, stock
dividend, combination of shares, merger, consolidation, distribution of assets,
or any other change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, the
Committee shall make such adjustment as it deems appropriate in the number and
kind of Shares or other property reserved for issuance under the Plan, in the
number and kind of Shares or other property covered by grants made under the
Plan, and in the exercise price of outstanding options. In the event of any
merger, consolidation or other reorganization in which the Company is not the
surviving or continuing corporation or in which a Change in Control is to occur,
all of the Company's obligations regarding options, SARs performance awards, and
restricted stock that were granted hereunder and that are outstanding on the
date of such event shall, on such terms as may be approved by the Committee
prior to such event, be assumed by the surviving or continuing corporation or
canceled in exchange for property (including cash).
16. Termination and Modification of the Plan.
----------------------------------------
The Board of Directors, without further approval of the stockholders, may
modify or terminate the Plan, except that no modification shall become effective
without prior approval of the stockholders of the Company if stockholder
approval would be required for continued compliance with the performance-based
compensation exception of Section 162(m) of the Code.
17. Amendment or Substitution of Awards under the Plan.
--------------------------------------------------
The terms of any outstanding award under the Plan may be amended from
time to time by the Committee in its discretion in any manner that it deems
appropriate (including, but not limited to, acceleration of the date of exercise
of any award and/or payments thereunder); provided that no such amendment shall
adversely affect in a material manner any right of a participant under the award
without his written consent, unless the Committee determines in its discretion
that there have occurred or are about to occur significant changes in the
participant's position, duties or responsibilities, or significant changes in
economic, legislative, regulatory, tax, accounting or cost/benefit conditions
which are determined by the Committee in its discretion to have or to be
expected to have a substantial effect on the performance of the Company, or any
subsidiary, affiliate, division or department thereof, on the Plan or on any
award under the Plan. However, the Committee may not reduce the exercise price
of an outstanding option. The Committee may, in its discretion, permit holders
of awards under the Plan to surrender outstanding awards in order to exercise or
realize rights under other awards, or in exchange for the grant of new awards,
or require holders of awards to surrender outstanding awards as a condition
precedent to the grant of new awards under the Plan.
The Committee may amend or modify the grant of any outstanding option,
tandem SAR, performance award, or restricted stock in any manner to the extent
that the Committee would have had the authority to make such grant as so
modified or amended, including without limitation to change the date or dates as
of which (i) an option or SAR becomes exercisable, (ii) a performance award is
to be determined or paid, or (iii) restrictions on Shares are to be removed. No
modification may be made that would materially adversely affect any grant
previously made under the Plan
<PAGE>
without the approval of the grantee. The Committee shall be authorized to make
minor or administrative modifications to the Plan as well as modifications to
the Plan that may be dictated by requirements of federal or state laws
applicable to the Company or that may be authorized or made desirable by such
laws.
18. Commencement Date; Termination Date.
-----------------------------------
The Board and the stockholders initially approved the Plan as of June,
1995. In August 1996, the Board approved an amendment and restatement of the
Plan, which the stockholders approved in February 1997. In November 1997, the
Board approved a second amendment and restatement of the Plan, which the
stockholders approved in February 1998. In November 1998, the Board approved a
third amendment and restatement of the Plan, which the stockholders approved in
February 1999. In December 1999, the Board approved the fourth amendment and
restatement of the Plan. Unless previously terminated upon the adoption of a
resolution of the Board terminating the Plan, the Plan shall terminate at the
close of business on May 31, 2005. No termination of the Plan shall materially
and adversely affect any of the rights or obligations of any person, without his
consent, under any grant of options or other incentives theretofore granted
under the Plan.
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTION PLAN PROPOSAL
Term
The Plan will terminate on May 31, 2005 unless sooner terminated by the
Board. Termination of the Plan will not affect grants made prior to termination,
but no grants will be made after termination.
Administration
The Plan is administered by the Committee. Subject to the terms of the
Plan, the Committee has authority to (i) select employees to participate in the
Plan, (ii) determine the form of grants and the conditions and restrictions, if
any, subject to which grants will be made and become payable under the Plan,
(iii) construe and interpret the Plan, and (iv) adopt, amend or rescind such
rules and regulations and make such other determinations for carrying out the
Plan, as the Committee deems necessary or appropriate.
Eligibility
Directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company and its
subsidiaries selected by the Committee may participate in the Plan. Selection
for participation with respect to one form of award under the Plan does not
automatically result in selection for participation with respect to other forms
of awards under the Plan unless such result is specified by the Committee or by
the terms of the Plan.
<PAGE>
BWAY CORPORATION
8607 Roberts Drive, Suite 250
Atlanta, Georgia 30350
PROXY
Solicited by the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Jeff O'Connell, Blair G. Schlossberg, and
each of them, proxies, with power of substitution and revocation, acting
together or, if only one is present and voting, then that one, to vote the stock
of BWAY Corporation which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held on February 25, 2000 and at any adjournments
or postponements thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would possess if
personally present, as designated herein and authorizes the proxies to vote in
accordance with the recommendations of the Company's management upon such other
business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" ITEMS 1, 2 AND 3.
(Continued and to be signed and dated on the reverse side.)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
<PAGE>
BWAY CORPORATION
PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY. [ ]
1. Election of directors.
Nominees: 1 Jean-Pierre M. Ergas and 2 John T. Stirrup
[ ] FOR ALL [ ] WITHHELD ALL [ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT
(To withhold authority to vote for any nominee, strike out that
nominee's name.)
2. Approval of the fourth amendment and restatement of the Company's 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
3. Ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's
independent public accountants.
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
[ ] Check here if you plan to attend
the annual meeting.
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED
HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR
THE NOMINEES LISTED IN ITEM 1 AND FOR ITEMS 2 AND 3.
Please date and sign exactly as names
appear on this Proxy. Joint owners
should each sign. Trustees, executors,
etc. should indicate the capacity in
which they are signing.
Dated:_____________________, 2000
Signature(s):___________________________
________________________________________
[ ] Check here for address change.
New Address
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
