<PAGE> 1
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14A-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
[ ] Confidential, for the Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
</TABLE>
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number,
or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 2
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
110 RICHARDS AVENUE
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 06856-5090
------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 22, 1997
------------------------
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of TRANS-LUX
CORPORATION will be held at the Office of the Corporation, 110 Richards Avenue,
Norwalk, Connecticut, on Thursday, May 22, 1997 at 10:00 A.M. local time for the
following purposes:
1. To elect three directors to serve for a term of three years, in
each case until their successors shall be elected and shall have qualified;
2. To consider and act upon a proposal to recommend to the Board of
Directors the retention of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Corporation's
independent auditors for the ensuing year; and
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The close of business on March 24, 1997 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
ANGELA D. TOPPI
Secretary
Dated: Norwalk, Connecticut
March 24, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please mark, date, sign and return promptly the enclosed proxy so that your
shares may be represented at the Meeting. A return envelope, which requires no
postage if mailed in the United States, is enclosed for your convenience.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE> 3
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
110 RICHARDS AVENUE
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT 06856-5090
------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
This statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation by the
Board of Directors of TRANS-LUX CORPORATION (hereinafter called the
"Corporation"), of proxies in the accompanying form to be used at the Annual
Meeting of the Stockholders of the Corporation to be held on Thursday, May 22,
1997, and at any adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in the
accompanying notice of the Meeting. It is intended that this Statement and the
proxies solicited hereby be mailed to stockholders no later than April 15, 1997.
A stockholder who shall sign and return a proxy in the form enclosed with this
statement has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by
giving written notice of revocation or a proxy of later date and returning it to
the Corporation, Attention: Secretary, or by voting in person at the Meeting.
Proxies properly executed and received in time for the Meeting will be voted.
The close of business on March 24, 1997 has been fixed as the record date
for the determination of the stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at
the Meeting. There were outstanding as of the close of business on March 24,
1997 and entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting 984,140 shares of
Common Stock and 298,640 shares of Class B Stock. Each outstanding share of
Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote on all matters voted on at the
Meeting and each outstanding share of Class B Stock is entitled to ten votes on
all matters voted on at the Meeting. The holders of Common Stock and Class B
Stock vote together on all the proposals.
Unless otherwise specified, the proxies in the accompanying form will be
voted in favor of all of the proposals set forth in the Notice of Annual
Meeting. In the discretion of the proxyholders, the proxies will also be voted
for or against such other matters as may properly come before the Meeting. The
Board of Directors is not aware that any other matters are to be presented for
action at the Meeting.
<PAGE> 4
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS, DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information as of March 24, 1997 (or such
other date specified) with respect to the beneficial ownership of the
Corporation's Class B Stock and Common Stock or shares acquirable within 60 days
of such date by (i) each person known by the Corporation to own more than 5% of
the Corporation's outstanding Class B Stock and/or Common Stock and who is
deemed to be such beneficial owner of the Corporation's Class B Stock and Common
Stock under Rule 13d-3(a)(ii); (ii) each person who is a director or nominee for
director of the Corporation; (iii) each named executive in the Summary
Compensation Table; and (iv) all persons as a group who are executive officers
and directors of the Corporation, and as to the percentage of outstanding shares
held by them on that date.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT PERCENT
TITLE OF BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF ALL
NAME, STATUS AND MAILING ADDRESS CLASS OWNED OF CLASS CLASSES
- --------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard Brandt............................... Class B Stock 194,195(1) 65.03% 15.14%
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Common Stock 16,068(1) 1.61% 1.24%
beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Class B Stock
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Franklin Resources, Inc...................... Common Stock 1,141,797(2) 53.71% 47.09%
Beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Common Stock
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
Froley, Revy Investment Co., Inc............. Common Stock 435,310(3) 30.67% 25.34%
Beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Common Stock
10900 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1050
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Gabelli Funds, Inc........................... Common Stock 158,467(4) 15.54% 12.02%
Beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Common Stock
One Corporate Center
Rye, NY 10580-1434
The Killen Group, Inc. ...................... Common Stock 358,749(5) 28.26% 22.88%
Beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Common Stock
1199 Lancaster Avenue
Berwyn, PA 19312
The TCW Group, Inc........................... Common Stock 92,900(6) 9.44% 7.24%
Beneficial owner of more than 5% of the
Corporation's Common Stock
865 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
Steven Baruch................................ Common Stock 600 * *
Director
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Howard Brenner............................... Common Stock 1,000 * *
Nominee for director
277 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10172
</TABLE>
2
<PAGE> 5
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT PERCENT
TITLE OF BENEFICIALLY PERCENT OF ALL
NAME, STATUS AND MAILING ADDRESS CLASS OWNED OF CLASS CLASSES
- --------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------ -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Jean Firstenberg............................. Common Stock 920(7) * *
Director
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Allan Fromme................................. Class B Stock 2,013(8) * *
Director Common Stock 400 * *
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Robert Greenes............................... Common Stock 2,556 * *
Director
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Victor Liss.................................. Class B Stock 9,728 3.26% *
Director, Vice Chairman, President Common Stock 30,833(9) 3.05% 2.36%
and Chief Executive Officer
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Gene Jankowski............................... Common Stock 2,500 * *
Director
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Howard S. Modlin............................. Class B Stock 6,272(10) 2.10% *
Director Common Stock 1,000(10) * *
445 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
Michael R. Mulcahy........................... Common Stock 8,143(11) * *
Executive Vice President
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Karl P. Hirschauer........................... Common Stock 3,629(12) * *
Senior Vice President
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
Thomas F. Mahoney............................ Common Stock 1,000(13) * *
Senior Vice President
110 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06856-5090
All directors and executive officers......... Class B Stock 212,208(14) 71.06% 16.54%
as a group (14 persons) Common Stock 76,183(14) 7.30% 5.68%
</TABLE>
3
<PAGE> 6
- ---------------
(1) The amount includes 12,500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options, 3,568 shares acquirable upon conversion of $50,000
principal amount of the Corporation's 7 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Notes
due 2006 (the "Notes"), and 4,232 shares of Class B Stock owned by Mrs.
Brandt.
(2) Based on Schedule 13G dated January 9, 1997 by Franklin Resources, Inc., a
parent holding company, Charles B. Johnson and Rupert H. Johnson, Jr.,
principal shareholders of said company and Franklin Advisers, Inc., an
investment adviser, the amount includes 1,147,797 shares of Common Stock
acquirable upon conversion of $16,000,000 principal amount of the Notes
beneficially owned by one or more open and closed-end investment companies
or private accounts which are managed by direct and indirect investment
advisory subsidiaries of Franklin Resources, Inc., each of which is a
registered investment adviser and which have all voting and investment
power over the Notes.
(3) Based on Schedule 13G dated February 14, 1997 by Froley, Revy Investment
Co., Inc., a registered investment adviser, the amount includes 435,310
shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion of $6,100,000 principal
amount of the Notes held in accounts of its clients, none of which would
hold 5% or more of the Common Stock upon conversion. The investment adviser
has sole dispositive power and no voting power with respect thereto.
(4) Based on Schedule 13D, Amendment No. 21, dated March 4, 1997, this amount
includes 35,467 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion of
$497,000 principal amount of the Notes. All securities are held as agent
for the account of various investment company fund accounts managed by the
reporting persons. Except under certain conditions, Gabelli Funds, Inc. and
Gamco Investors, Inc., respectively, have sole voting power and sole
dispositive power over 155,467 and 3,000 shares of Common Stock or a
maximum aggregate 158,467 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon conversion
of the Notes.
(5) Based on Schedule 13G dated February 14, 1997 and other telephonic advice,
The Killen Group, Inc., a registered investment adviser, has sole
dispositive power of 73,300 shares and sole power to vote 37,000 of such
shares, and its clients for whom the shares were purchased, have the right
to the proceeds of a sale. The amount also includes 285,449 shares
acquirable upon conversion of $4,000,000 principal amount of the Notes held
for such client accounts.
(6) Based on Schedule 13G, Amendment No. l, dated February 16, 1996 filed by
such parent holding company and Robert Day who is deemed to control The TCW
Group, Inc. and also deemed a parent holding company and other telephonic
advice. The TCW Group, Inc. has sole voting power and sole dispositive
power over all such 92,900 shares.
(7) The amount includes 500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise of
stock options.
(8) Dr. Fromme is Mr. Brandt's brother-in-law.
(9) The amount includes 26,094 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(10) The amount includes l,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options and 3,460 shares of Class B Stock owned by Mr. Modlin's
immediate family.
(11) The amount includes 5,500 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(12) The amount includes 3,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(13) The amount includes 1,000 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon exercise
of stock options.
(14) The amount includes 56,094 shares of Common Stock which members of the
group have the right to acquire by exercise of stock options (including
director stock options), 7,692 shares of Class B Stock set forth in
footnotes 1 and 10 above and 3,568 shares of Common Stock acquirable upon
conversion of the Notes set forth in footnote 1 above.
* Less than l%
4
<PAGE> 7
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Corporation is divided into three classes
with the term of office of one of the three classes of directors expiring each
year and with each class being elected for a three-year term. Three directors
are to be elected at the May 22, 1997 Annual Meeting for a three-year term, and
until their successors have been elected and qualified. Messrs. Baruch and
Fromme nominated for election as directors for a three-year term were each
elected a director of the Corporation at the 1994 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders, and Mr. Brenner is a nominee for director for the first time.
Set forth opposite the name of the nominees and each director is their
principal occupation for the past five years, age, the name and principal
business of any corporation or other organization in which such employment is
carried on, certain other directorships held, the year first elected as a
director and the year in which the term of office for which they are a nominee
or the term of office of such person will expire.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST
BECAME TERM
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS AND AGE DIRECTOR EXPIRES
- ---------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
NOMINEES -- THREE-YEAR TERM
Allan Fromme................ Psychologist, Author, Consultant, Chairman of the 1958 2000
Executive Committee of Trans-Lux Corporation; 81
Steven Baruch............... Executive Vice President of Presidential Realty 1994 2000
Corporation; producer of various theatrical
productions among them Driving Miss Daisy, Angels
in America, Love Letters, Smokey Joe's Cafe and
the Broadway revivals of Damn Yankees and A Funny
Thing Happened on the Way To The Forum; 58
Howard Brenner.............. Vice Chairman of Southcoast Capital Corporation -- 2000
since August 1996, formerly Chairman of Brenner
Securities Corporation which was merged into
Southcoast Capital Corporation in 1996; formerly
President of Drexel Burnham Lambert Incorporated;
member of District 10 Committee (NY) National
Association of Securities Dealers Inc.; 63
DIRECTORS -- TWO-YEAR REMAINING TERM
Robert Greenes.............. Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of Trans- 1971 1999
Lux Corporation; President of Petroconsult, Inc.;
President of East Coast Energy Council; formerly
President and Chief Executive Officer of Public
Fuel Service Inc. and all of its subsidiaries; 76
Howard S. Modlin............ Attorney and member of the firm Weisman Celler 1975 1999
Spett & Modlin, P.C.; Director of Fedders
Corporation and General DataComm Industries, Inc.;
65
DIRECTORS -- ONE-YEAR REMAINING TERM
Richard Brandt.............. Chairman of the Board, formerly President and 1954 1998
Chief Executive Officer of Trans-Lux Corporation;
Director of Presidential Realty Corporation; Vice
Chairman and Trustee of The College of Santa Fe;
Chairman Emeritus and Trustee of the American Film
Institute; Trustee of American Theatre Wing; 69
Jean Firstenberg............ Chief Executive Officer and Director of the 1989 1998
American Film Institute; Trustee of Boston
University; 61
</TABLE>
5
<PAGE> 8
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FIRST
BECAME TERM
NAME PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION, OTHER DIRECTORSHIPS AND AGE DIRECTOR EXPIRES
- ---------------------------- -------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gene Jankowski.............. Chairman of Jankowski Communications System, Inc.; 1994 1998
formerly President and Chairman of the CBS
Broadcast Group; Adjunct Professor of
Telecommunications for Michigan State University;
Chairman Emeritus of the American Film Institute;
Director of The Advertising Educational Foundation
and the Silvermine Art Center; and advisor to the
World Press Freedom Foundation; 62
Victor Liss................. Vice Chairman of the Board, President and Chief 1988 1998
Executive Officer, formerly Co-Chief Executive
Officer of Trans-Lux Corporation; Director of Blue
Cross & Blue Shield of Connecticut, Inc.; Trustee
of Norwalk Hospital and Norwalk Community
Technical College Foundation, Inc.; 60
</TABLE>
6
<PAGE> 9
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the compensation paid
or awarded for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 to
the Corporation's five most highly compensated executive officers whose
compensation exceeded $100,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG TERM
ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION
--------------------------------------- ------------ ALL OTHER
OTHER ANNUAL OPTIONS COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($) BONUS($) COMPENSATION($) GRANTED(#) ($)(1)
- ------------------------------ ----- --------- -------- --------------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard Brandt, Chairman...... 1996 105,578 93,163 267,049 -- 14,975
of the Board(2) 1995 -- 78,618 368,146 -- 57,549
1994 -- 73,491 363,380 -- 116,535
Victor Liss, Chief............ 1996 212,885 133,434 5,150 -- 4,180
Executive Officer, President 1995 223,237 106,230 4,800 5,000 1,888
and Vice Chairman(2) 1994 192,115 133,753 4,800 10,000 1,888
Michael R. Mulcahy,........... 1996 211,760 33,219 -- -- --
Executive Vice President, 1995 166,593 21,458 -- 1,500 --
former Senior Vice President 1994 130,261 28,124 -- 3,500 --
and Vice President of Sales
Karl P. Hirschauer............ 1996 103,846 5,938 -- -- --
Senior Vice President 1995 98,654 5,000 -- 1,000 --
former Vice President 1994 91,212 6,719 -- 1,000 --
of Engineering
Thomas F. Mahoney............. 1996 128,660 3,463 -- -- --
Senior Vice President, 1995 144,415 -- -- 1,000 --
former Vice President and 1994 92,519 -- -- -- --
Assistant Vice President of
Sales
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) There are no restricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights or deferred
long-term incentive payouts. The amounts reflected for Mr. Liss represent
split dollar life insurance, additional life insurance and disability
insurance.
(2) During the period January 1, 1994 to August 15, 1996, the Chairman was not
an executive officer under the Corporation's by-laws and the bonuses and
other annual compensation constituted fees and other payments under his
former consulting agreement with the Corporation. Other annual compensation
for Messrs. Brandt and Liss includes directors fees.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
All matters concerning executive compensation for Mr. Liss, the Chief
Executive Officer, and other executive officers are considered by the
Corporation's Compensation Committee. The salary levels are intended to be
consistent with competitive practice and level of performance. In determining
the total compensation to be paid to the Chief Executive Officer and all other
executive officers, the Compensation Committee considers management's
recommendations based upon past salary levels, contractual obligations where
applicable, experience, capability, duties, normal salary increase levels in
past years, and the Corporation's and respective individual's performance during
the last fiscal year. The Chief Executive Officer's compensation is based upon
the above factors and includes bonuses as described in the section on Employment
Agreements. Mr. Liss received a new contract effective January 1, 1997 which
increased his salary by $15,000 for 1997 and an additional $10,000 each year
thereafter during the term, changed his annual bonus from a profit participation
percentage plus bonus to a graduated bonus based on the Corporation's defined
pre-tax consolidated earnings, not to exceed $250,000. He also received a stock
option on January 1, 1997 for 25,000 shares at an exercise price of $11.0625 per
share.
7
<PAGE> 10
RETIREMENT PLAN AND SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS:
A cash contribution of $143,087 for the individuals listed in the Summary
Compensation Table, except Mr. Brandt, and all other eligible employees to the
Corporation's retirement plan for 1996 will be made prior to September 15, 1997.
The amounts set forth for All Other Compensation include $13,764, $57,549 and
$116,535 paid to Mr. Brandt for tax equalization payments in 1996, 1995 and
1994, respectively, under a former consulting agreement primarily resulting from
limitations placed on the Plan by the Internal Revenue Code and FICA taxes.
Under the supplemental retirement arrangement with Mr. Liss, $62,512, $43,723
and $95,475 was accrued but not paid in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
The Corporation's retirement plan covers all salaried employees over age 21
with at least one year of service who are not covered by a collective bargaining
agreement to which the Corporation is a party. The following table presents
estimated retirement benefits payable at normal retirement date, which normally
is age 65. The amounts shown include estimated Social Security benefits which
would be deducted in calculating benefits payable under such Plan.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED ANNUAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS
---------------------------------------------------------
FINAL AVERAGE SALARY FOR HIGHEST FIVE BASED ON CREDITED SERVICE YEARS
OF THE TEN YEARS PRECEDING RETIREMENT 10 20 30 35 40
- ------------------------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
$100,000............................. $ 15,000 $ 30,000 $ 45,000 $ 52,500 $ 60,000
125,000............................. 18,750 37,500 56,250 65,625 75,000
150,000............................. 22,500 45,000 67,500 78,750 90,000
200,000(1).......................... 30,000 60,000 90,000 105,000 120,000(2)
</TABLE>
As of January 1, 1997, Messrs. Liss, Mulcahy, Hirschauer and Mahoney had
28, 29, 17 and 29 years of credited service, respectively.
- ---------------
(1) $150,000 is the legislated annual cap on compensation.
(2) Maximum legislated annual benefits payable from qualified pension plan.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
During 1996, $113,750 in fees for legal services rendered were paid by the
Corporation to the law firm of which Mr. Modlin, a director of the Corporation,
is a member.
A subsidiary of the Corporation loaned an aggregate of $320,385 during the
years 1989 through 1996 to Dr. Fromme, Chairman of the Executive Committee, to
fully pay the premiums on a $500,000 life insurance policy on his life. The
Corporation has received an assignment of the policy as collateral for the
repayment to the extent the proceeds of the policy are in excess of $200,000.
The loans plus accrued interest are repayable solely from the proceeds from the
policy.
During 1996, Southcoast Capital Corporation, of which Mr. Brenner, nominee
for director of the Corporation, is Vice Chairman acted as Underwriter in the
public offering of the $27,500,000 of the Notes plus an additional $4,125,000 of
the Notes through exercise of the over-allotment option in January 1997 and
received total underwriting discounts of $1,423,125, prior to dealer concessions
and discounts.
Messrs. Matthew Brandt and Thomas Brandt (sons and nephews of Mr. R. Brandt
and Dr. Fromme, respectively) are Vice Presidents of the Corporation and each is
employed by the Corporation at an annual compensation level of $97,500.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Corporation has employment agreements with Messrs. Brandt, Liss,
Mulcahy, Hirschauer and Mahoney expiring on December 3l, 2002, April l, 2002,
May 3l, 1998, December 3l, 1999 and May 31, 1998, respectively. The agreements
provide for annual compensation of $356,762 (subject to cost of living
adjustments) for Mr. Brandt, at the rate of $230,000 in 1997, plus an additional
$10,000 each year thereafter for Mr. Liss, $145,000 through May 1997 and
$155,000 through May 1998 for Mr. Mulcahy, $108,000 in
8
<PAGE> 11
1997, $114,000 in 1998 and $120,000 in 1999 for Mr. Hirschauer, and $80,000
through May 1997 and $85,000 through May 1998 for Mr. Mahoney. Each agreement
contains graduated bonus provisions based on the Corporation's defined pre-tax
consolidated earnings, not to exceed $125,000, $250,000, $30,000, $20,000 and
$20,000 in the case of Messrs. Brandt, Liss, Mulcahy, Hirschauer and Mahoney,
respectively. Each agreement also contains varying disability, death and, other
than Messrs. Hirschauer and Mahoney, insurance benefits. Mr. Brandt's agreement
provides for profit participation of 1 1/2% of the Corporation's defined pre-tax
consolidated earnings. Mr. Mulcahy's agreement provides for sales override
commissions and severance benefits. Mr. Mahoney's agreement provides for sales
override commissions. Messrs. Brandt and Liss have the right to cancel their
agreements if, among other things, in the case of Mr. Liss, Mr. Liss gives six
months early termination notice (after January 1, 2000) or there is a "change in
control" as defined therein or the Corporation fails to elect him to his present
positions and, in the case of Mr. Brandt, the Corporation fails to elect him to
his present position in which case he has the right to receive the payments for
the balance of the term of his agreement, including certain lump sum payments
thereof. The foregoing is a summary of the agreements and reference is made to
the agreements, each of which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission for the full terms thereof.
STOCK OPTION PLAN AND STOCK OPTIONS
The Corporation has two incentive stock option plans which provide for the
grant of incentive stock options at fair market value (or 110% of fair market
value if the optionee owns more than 10% of the Corporation's outstanding voting
securities) on date of grant. Options outstanding are exercisable during the
period one to ten years after date of grant and while the holder is in the
employ of the Corporation. No options were granted to executive officers during
fiscal 1996. The following table sets forth information as to the named
executive officers with respect to the value realized on exercise of stock
options and fiscal year end option values.
AGGREGATE OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
VALUE OF
NUMBER OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT
FISCAL YEAR FISCAL YEAR
OPTION EXERCISES END END($)
------------------------------- ------------- ----------------
SHARES ACQUIRED VALUE EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME ON EXERCISE REALIZED($) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE(1)
- ---------------------------------- --------------- ----------- ------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Richard Brandt.................... -- -- 12,500/-- 43,750/--
Victor Liss....................... 6,906 50,462 26,074/-- 82,628/--
Michael R. Mulcahy................ -- -- 5,500/-- 9,688/--
Karl P. Hirschauer................ -- -- 3,000/-- 7,313/--
Thomas F. Mahoney................. -- -- 1,000/-- 2,875/--
</TABLE>
- ---------------
(1) Market value of underlying securities at fiscal year end, minus the exercise
price.
9
<PAGE> 12
FIVE YEAR CORPORATE PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the Corporation's total stockholder return
over the five fiscal years ended December 31, 1996 with the total return on the
American Stock Exchange Market Value Index ("AMEX MKT") and The American Stock
Exchange New England Regional Index ("AMEX NE"). The stockholder return shown on
the graph as "TLX" is not intended to be indicative of future performance of the
Corporation's Common Stock.
COMPARATIVE FIVE YEAR TOTAL RETURNS *
Trans-Lux Corporation,
AMEX Market Value Index, AMEX New England Regional Index**
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Measurement Period
(Fiscal Year Covered) AMEX MKT AMEX NE TLX
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1991 100.00 100.00 100.00
1992 101.06 112.75 156.47
1993 120.78 113.55 187.37
1994 109.84 126.36 187.68
1995 138.77 174.40 167.15
1996 147.65 152.44 228.75
</TABLE>
* Cumulative total return assumes reinvestment of dividends.
** Peer group consists of the AMEX NE. Assumes $100 investment at the close of
trading on the last trading day preceding the first day of the fifth
preceding fiscal year in TLX Common Stock, AMEX MKT and AMEX NE.
SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The auditors recommended to be retained by the Board of Directors, Deloitte
& Touche LLP, have advised the Corporation that they have no direct financial
interest or any material indirect financial interest in the Corporation, nor did
they have any connection during the past three years with the Corporation in the
capacity of promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer or
employee. Such auditors were first retained in 1987 as auditors for the
Corporation's 1987 fiscal year.
Representatives of such auditors are expected to be at the Meeting of the
stockholders and will be permitted to make a statement to stockholders if they
desire and to respond to any appropriate questions addressed by stockholders to
such representatives. The affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast
at
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<PAGE> 13
the Meeting by the holders of Common Stock and Class B Stock combined is
required to approve the proposal to recommend the independent auditors.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CERTAIN COMMITTEES
During 1996, the Board of Directors had five meetings. All directors
attended 75% or more of such meetings and of committees of which they were
members. Non-employee directors receive an annual fee of $3,500 and $950 for
each meeting of the Board attended, while employee directors receive an annual
fee of $2,200 and $450 for each meeting attended.
The members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors are
Messrs. Brandt, Greenes, Liss and Modlin and Dr. Fromme. The Executive Committee
is authorized to exercise the powers of the Board of Directors during the
intervals between the meetings of the Board and is from time to time delegated
certain authorizations by the Board in matters pertaining to the Corporation.
The Executive Committee did not hold any formal meetings in 1996. Members of
said Committee receive a fee of $300 for each meeting of the Committee they
attend. Dr. Fromme receives an annual fee of $12,000 as Chairman of the
Executive Committee and for other consulting services, including his
participation in telephonic conferences. Mr. Greenes receives an annual fee of
$6,000 as Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee and for other consulting
services, including his participation in telephonic conferences.
The members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are
Messrs. Modlin, Greenes and Jankowski and Ms. Firstenberg. The Compensation
Committee reviews compensation and other benefits. The Compensation Committee
had two meetings in 1996. Members of said Committee receive a fee of $300 for
each meeting of the Committee they attend and the Chairman, Mr. Modlin, receives
an annual fee of $2,500.
The members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors are Ms.
Firstenberg and Messrs. Baruch, Greenes and Modlin. The Audit Committee reviews
the audit function and material aspects thereof with the Corporation's
independent auditors. Such Committee had two meetings in 1996. Members of the
Audit Committee receive a fee of $300 for each meeting which they attend and the
Chairperson, Ms. Firstenberg, receives an annual fee of $2,500.
The Board of Directors has not established a nominating or similar
committee.
On June 20, 1989, the Board of Directors established a Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan which as amended, covers a maximum of 30,000 shares
for grant. Options are for a period of six years from date of grant, are granted
at fair market value on date of grant, may be exercised at any time after one
year from date of grant while a director and are based on years of service, with
a minimum of 500 stock options for each director, an additional 500 based on
five or more years of service, another 500 based on ten or more years of service
and an additional 1,000 based on twenty or more years of service. Additional
stock options are granted upon the expiration or exercise of any such option
which is no earlier than four years after date of grant, in an amount equal to
such exercised or expired options.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
The Corporation's executive officers and directors are required under
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
and American Stock Exchange. Copies of those reports must also be furnished to
the Corporation.
Based solely on a review of the copies of reports furnished to the
Corporation and the Corporation's monthly reporting compliance program, the
Corporation believes that during the preceding year all filing requirements
applicable to executive officers and directors were met.
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STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS -- 1998 ANNUAL MEETING
If any stockholder desires to submit a proposal for action at the 1998
annual meeting, such proposal must be received by the Secretary of the
Corporation on or before November 24, 1997. Nominations for directors at the
1998 annual meeting by stockholders must be in accordance with Article 4(c) of
the Corporation's By-Laws and received on or before January 22, 1998.
COST OF SOLICITATION
The cost of preparing and mailing material in connection with the
solicitation of proxies is to be borne by the Corporation. Solicitation will be
made by the Corporation's regular employees in the total approximate number of
ten. Solicitation will be made by mail, telegram, telephone and in person.
By Order of the Board of Directors
ANGELA D. TOPPI
Secretary
Dated: Norwalk, Connecticut
March 24, 1997
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<PAGE> 15
TRANS-LUX
CORPORATION
NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
AND PROXY STATEMENT
MAY 22, 1997
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
<PAGE> 16
PROXY TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - MAY 22, 1997
(SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS)
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned stockholder of
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION hereby constitutes and appoints RICHARD BRANDT, VICTOR
LISS and HOWARD S. MODLIN, and each of them, the attorneys and proxies of the
undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote for and in the name,
place and stead of the undersigned, at the Annual Meeting of the Stockholders
of said Corporation, to be held at the office of the Corporation, 110 Richards
Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut, on May 22, 1997, at 10:00 A.M., and at any
adjournment thereof, the number of votes the undersigned would be entitled to
cast if present for the following matters and, in their discretion, upon such
other matters as may properly come before the meeting of any adjournment
thereof:
Directors recommend vote FOR Items 1 and 2.
Item 1 / / FOR / / NOT FOR
Election of Steven Baruch, Howard Brenner and Allan Fromme as directors for a
three-year term, and until their successors are elected and shall have
qualified.
Authority is withheld with respect to the following nominee(s):
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 2 / / FOR / / AGAINST / / ABSTAIN
Recommended retention of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent auditors for
the Corporation for the ensuing year.
UNLESS YOU SPECIFY OTHERWISE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED "FOR" THE ELECTION OF
THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS AND "FOR" ITEM 2.
(Continued and to be signed on other side.)
<PAGE> 17
A majority of said attorneys and proxies, or their substitutes at said meeting,
or any adjournments thereof, may exercise all of the powers hereby given. Any
proxy to vote any of the shares with respect to which the undersigned is or
would be entitled to vote, heretofore given to any person or persons other than
the persons named above, is hereby revoked.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has signed and sealed this proxy and hereby
acknowledges receipt of a copy of the notice of said meeting and proxy
statement in reference thereto, both dated March 24, 1997.
Date:___________________ , 1997
__________________________________________(LS)
STOCKHOLDER'S SIGNATURE
__________________________________________(LS)
NOTE: This proxy properly filled in, dated and
signed, should be returned immediately in the
enclosed postpaid envelope to TRANS-LUX
CORPORATION, 110 Richards Avenue, Norwalk,
Connecticut 08858-5090. If the signer is a
corporation, sign in full the corporate name by
a duly authorized officer. If signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give your full title as such.
