UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.    )

 

SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

 

SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC.

601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor

New York, New York 10001

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held Friday, June 7, 2019

To the Stockholders of Sequential Brands Group, Inc.:

Notice is hereby given that the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at 601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10001 on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, for the following purposes:

The board of directors has fixed the close of business on April 17, 2019 as the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any of its adjournments or postponements.

You are cordially invited to attend the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders in person. However, you must be a stockholder of record at the close of business on April 17, 2019 to vote at the meeting.

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT . Whether or not you plan to attend the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, we strongly encourage you to vote. Please vote as soon as possible, even if you plan to attend the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders in person.

Date These Proxy Materials Are First Being Made Available On the Internet: On or about April 26, 2019.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 7, 2019

The notice of Annual Meeting, the proxy statement and our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 are available on our website at http://www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com. Additionally, in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission rules, you may access our proxy materials at www.investorvote.com/SQBG.

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE. THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 7, 2019.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

SEQUENTIAL BRANDS GROUP, INC.

601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor

New York, New York 10001

PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held Friday, June 7, 2019

GENERAL INFORMATION AND VOTING RIGHTS

This proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the board of directors of Sequential Brands Group, Inc. (the “Board of Directors”), a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), for use at the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at 601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10001 on Friday, June 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time, and any adjournments or postponements thereof. We anticipate that the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials will first be mailed or given to our stockholders and the proxy materials will first be made available on the internet on or about April 26, 2019.

The Company has chosen to follow the “notice only” option for stockholders, which requires that only a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials be mailed to stockholders. Stockholders who receive the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials and wish to receive hard copies of the proxy materials may receive such copies by making a request on-line at www.investorvote.com/SQBG.

The Company was formed on June 5, 2015, for the purpose of effecting the merger, on December 4, 2015, of Singer Merger Sub, Inc. with and into SQBG, Inc. (previously known as Sequential Brands Group, Inc.) (“Old Sequential”) and the merger of Madeline Merger Sub, Inc. with and into Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (“MSLO”) (the “MSLO merger”), with Old Sequential and MSLO each surviving the MSLO merger as wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. Throughout this Proxy Statement, we refer to certain actions and decisions made by Old Sequential and MSLO prior to the effective date of the MSLO merger. Accordingly, throughout this proxy statement, certain references to the “Company” “we” “us” and “our” refer to Old Sequential or MSLO.

Your vote is important. If your shares are registered in your name, you are a stockholder of record. We encourage you to vote as soon as possible so that your shares will be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting even if you cannot attend.

You have three options for submitting your vote prior to the date of the Annual Meeting: internet, telephone or mail:

If your shares are held in an account at a brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization or other nominees, then you are the beneficial owner of the shares and your shares are held in “street name.” If you are a beneficial owner whose shares are held of record by a broker (i.e., your shares are held in street name), and do not provide voting instructions to your broker, bank or other custodian, your broker, bank or other custodian may only vote your shares on “routine” matters. The only routine matter to be voted on at the Annual Meeting is the ratification of our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 (Proposal No. 2). Your broker does not have authority to vote on non-routine matters without instructions from you, in which case a “broker non-vote” will occur and your shares will not be voted on these matters. Non-routine matters include the election of directors (Proposal No. 1), the say-on-pay vote (Proposal No. 3), the say-on-frequency vote (Proposal No. 4) and the stockholder proposal to implement a simple majority voting standard in our governance documents (Proposal No. 5). Because brokers require their customers’

direction to vote on non-routine matters, it is critical that the stockholders provide their brokers with voting instructions with respect to the proposals involving non-routine matters (Proposal No. 1, Proposal No. 3, Proposal No. 4 and Proposal No. 5). If your shares are held in street name, the organization holding your account is considered the stockholder of record for purposes of voting at the Annual Meeting and you must obtain a proxy, executed in your favor, from such organization in order to be able to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner, you should follow the voting instructions provided to you by your brokerage firm, bank, dealer or other similar organization or other custodian.

If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before the Annual Meeting either by filing with the Secretary of the Company at our principal offices a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by attending the Annual Meeting and voting your shares in person. If you hold your shares in street name, you may change your vote by submitting new voting instructions to your broker, bank or other custodian. You must contact your broker, bank or other custodian to find out how to do so. All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly executed proxies received prior to the Annual Meeting, and not revoked, will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated on those proxies. If no instructions are indicated on a properly executed proxy, the shares represented by that proxy will be voted as recommended by the Board of Directors.

Only holders of record of our common stock at the close of business on April 17, 2019 will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting on the proposals described in this Proxy Statement. On the record date, there were 64,585,564 shares of common stock outstanding. On all matters to come before the Annual Meeting, each holder of record of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share of common stock. The shares of common stock held in our treasury, which are not considered outstanding, will not be voted.

If any other matters are properly presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting, including, among other things, consideration of a motion to adjourn the Annual Meeting to another time or place in order to solicit additional proxies in favor of the nominees to the Board of Directors, the persons named as proxies and acting thereunder will have discretion to vote on these matters according to their best judgment to the same extent as the person delivering the proxy would be entitled to vote. As of the date of this notice, we have not received notice of any other matters that may be properly presented at the Annual Meeting.

In order for us to conduct the Annual Meeting, the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding as of April 17, 2019, must be present at the Annual Meeting in person or by proxy. This is referred to as a quorum.

Election of Directors:   The affirmative vote of the majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting is required for the election to the Board of Directors of each of the nominees for director. If you are a beneficial owner, note that your broker, bank and other custodian cannot vote your stock on your behalf for the election of directors if you have not provided instructions on your voting instruction form. For your vote to be counted, you must submit your voting instructions to your broker, bank or custodian. Abstentions will be counted as present for the purposes of this vote and, therefore, will have the same effect as a vote against the nominees for director. Broker non-votes will not be counted as present and are not entitled to vote on the nominees for director.

Ratification of CohnReznick LLP as the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the Year Ending December 31, 2019:   Ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner, note that your broker, bank or other custodian is entitled to vote on your behalf on the ratification of the appointment of our independent registered public accounting firm. As such, there should be no broker non-votes with respect to this proposal. Abstentions will be counted as present for the purposes of this vote and, therefore, will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal.

Advisory Vote to Approve Named Executive Officer Compensation: Adoption of the non-binding advisory resolution to approve compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this Proxy Statement requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner, note that your broker, bank or other custodian cannot vote your stock on your behalf on the non-binding advisory vote on compensation of our named executive officers if you have not provided

instructions on your voting instruction form. For your vote to be counted, you must submit your voting instructions to your broker, bank or custodian. Abstentions will be counted as present for the purposes of this vote and, therefore, will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal. Broker non-votes will not be counted as present and are not entitled to vote on this proposal.

Advisory Vote to Approve the Frequency of Future Advisory Votes on  Our Named Executive Officer Compensation: For the advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes to approve executive compensation, the frequency (one, two or three years) receiving the vote of the majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be considered the frequency recommended by the shareholders, provided that, in the event that no frequency receives such majority vote, we will consider the frequency receiving the highest number of votes to be the selection of the stockholders. If you are a beneficial owner, note that your broker, bank or other custodian cannot vote your stock on your behalf on the non-binding advisory vote on compensation of our named executive officers if you have not provided instructions on your voting instruction form. For your vote to be counted, you must submit your voting instructions to your broker, bank or custodian. Abstentions will be counted as present for the purposes of this vote and, therefore, will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal. Broker non-votes will not be counted as present and are not entitled to vote on this proposal.

Stockholder Proposal to Implement a Simple Majority Voting Standard in our Governance Documents:    Approval of the stockholder proposal requires the affirmative vote of the majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner, note that your broker, bank or other custodian cannot vote your stock on your behalf on this stockholder proposal, if you have not provided instructions on your voting instruction form. For your vote to be counted, you must submit your voting instructions to your broker, bank or custodian. Abstentions will be counted as present for the purposes of this vote and, therefore, will have the same effect as a vote against this proposal. Broker non-votes will not be counted as present and are not entitled to vote on this proposal.

If you hold your shares directly in your own name, your shares will not be voted if you do not vote them or provide a proxy. If you hold your shares directly in your own name and you sign and return your proxy card (including over the internet or by telephone) but do not include voting instructions, your proxy will be voted as the Board of Directors recommends with respect to each of the director nominees and on each other proposal.

ANNUAL MEETING ADMISSION

Only stockholders and certain other permitted attendees may attend the Annual Meeting. If you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, we ask that you also complete and return the reservation form attached to the end of the Proxy Statement. Please note that the Company limits attendance to stockholders and one guest. Each stockholder may appoint only one proxy holder or representative to attend the meeting on his or her behalf. Proof of your ownership of the Company’s stock as of the record date, along with photo identification, will be required for admission. The street name holders will need to bring a copy of a brokerage statement reflecting their stock ownership as of the record date. No cameras, recording equipment, electronic devices, use of cell phones or other mobile devices, large bags or packages will be permitted at the Annual Meeting.

SOLICITATION OF PROXIES

We will bear the expense of soliciting proxies. Our directors, officers and other employees may solicit proxies in person, by telephone, by mail or by other means of communication, but such persons will not be specially compensated for such services. While we presently intend that solicitations will be made only by directors, officers and employees of the Company, we may also retain outside brokers, banks, custodians, nominees and other fiduciaries to assist in the solicitation of proxies. Any reasonable charges and expenses incurred in connection with the use of such outside solicitors will be paid by the Company.

HOUSEHOLDING

To reduce the expense of delivering duplicate proxy materials to our stockholders, we are relying on the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that permit us to deliver only one set of proxy materials, including our Proxy Statement, proxy card and our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 (the “2018 Annual Report”) to stockholders who share an address, unless we receive contrary instructions from any stockholder at that address. This practice, known as “householding,” reduces duplicate mailings, thus saving printing and postage costs as well as natural resources. Each stockholder retains a separate right to vote on all matters presented at the Annual Meeting. Once you have received notice from your broker or us that they or we will be householding materials to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you wish to receive promptly a separate copy of the 2018 Annual Report or other proxy materials, free of charge, or if you wish to receive separate copies of future annual reports or proxy materials, please mail your request to Sequential Brands Group, Inc., 601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10001, attention: Investor Relations, or call us at (646) 564‑2577.

STOCKHOLDER LIST

For at least 10 days prior to the Annual Meeting, a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, showing the address of and number of shares registered in the name of each stockholder, will be open for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose related to the Annual Meeting, during ordinary business hours at our principal executive offices. The list will also be available for examination at the Annual Meeting.

VOTING RESULTS OF THE ANNUAL MEETING

Voting results will be published in a Current Report on Form 8‑K issued by us within four business days following the Annual Meeting and will be reported on our website at www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com.

PROPOSAL NO. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes designated Class I, Class II and Class III. Directors hold office for staggered terms of three years. One of the three classes is elected each year to succeed the directors whose terms are expiring.

Karen Murray, William Sweedler and Martha Stewart serve as the Class I directors, Rodney S. Cohen, Stewart Leonard, Jr. and Gary Johnson serve as the Class II directors, and Al Gossett and Aaron Hollander serve as the Class III directors. The Class I, Class II and Class III directors serve terms that expire in 2021, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

The Board of Directors has nominated Rodney S. Cohen, Stewart Leonard, Jr. and Gary Johnson for re-election at the Annual Meeting to serve as the Class II directors. If re-elected at the Annual Meeting, Mr. Cohen, Mr. Leonard and Mr. Johnson will serve until the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2022 or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified or until they otherwise cease to serve as directors.

Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for the nominees named above. If any nominee is unable or unwilling to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, the proxies will be voted for such other nominee(s) as shall be designated by the then current Board of Directors to fill any vacancy or the Board of Directors may decrease the size of the Board. We have no reason to believe that the nominees will be unable or unwilling to serve if elected as directors.

The principal occupation and certain other information about the nominees and our directors and executive officers are set forth on the following pages.

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the nominees and the directors and executive officers of the Company as of April 17, 2019. The nominees are currently directors of the Company.

 

Committee Membership

 

Board of Directors and Nominees

Karen Murray has served as our Chief Executive Officer and Secretary since April 3, 2017. She joined the board on April 3, 2017 and was selected to become a director of the Company because of the breadth of her brand knowledge and her extensive brand experience, including managing and developing successful brands, as well as her industry, mergers and acquisitions and global business development experience. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Murray was the President of VF Sportswear, a wholly owned subsidiary of VF Corporation, one of the world’s largest apparel makers. At VF Sportswear, Ms. Murray oversaw the $1.2 billion global brand, Nautica, as well as Kipling. She joined VF Sportswear in 2007 as President of its Nautica Men’s Sportswear and Nautica Jeans Company businesses and the following year, she was appointed President of VF Sportswear. Ms. Murray began her career at Gant, where she remained for nine years before transitioning to Liz Claiborne. She assumed many different roles throughout her tenure at Claiborne, including President from 1998 to 2007. Ms. Murray serves on the board of the Marfan Foundation and the YMA. Ms. Murray received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland.

William Sweedler joined the Board of Directors as Chairman on February 22, 2012 in connection with our financing transaction with TCP WR Acquisition, LLC. Mr. Sweedler is presently Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tengram Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in the consumer and retail sectors, which Mr. Sweedler co-founded in 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Sweedler was the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Windsong Brands, a diversified brand development and investment company that specialized in the acquisition, growth, licensing, and comprehensive management of consumer branded intellectual property and businesses. Mr. Sweedler is currently a director at the following privately held companies: Tommie Copper, Luciano Barbera, Zanella and This Works, as well as a director of Differential Brands Group, Inc., a publicly traded company. Prior to founding Windsong Brands, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Joe Boxer, a wholly-owned division of the Iconix Brand Group (Nasdaq: ICON) of which he was also an Executive Vice President and Director. Mr. Sweedler has a B.S. in Finance and Investments from Babson College. With over 25 years of experience in the consumer sector as an operator and strategic investor, Mr. Sweedler brings strategic vision and guidance to our company as Chairman of our Board of Directors.

Martha Stewart has served as the Company’s Chief Creative Officer and one of our directors since December 4, 2015. She joined the Board of Directors in connection with the MSLO merger and was selected to become a director because of her extensive entrepreneurial and media experience and her unique insight into operations and creative vision. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Stewart was Founder, Chief Creative Officer and Non-Executive Chairman of the board of directors of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc., which she founded in 1996 and sold to the Company on December 4, 2015. Ms. Stewart was the Chairman of the board of directors of MSLO from 1996 through June 2003, when she resigned as a director. She also served as Chief Executive Officer from 1996 until 2003. Ms. Stewart is an Emmy Award winning television show host, entrepreneur and bestselling author and is a trusted lifestyle expert and teacher. Ms. Stewart earned a bachelor’s degree in European history and architectural history from Barnard College.

Rodney S. Cohen is a nominee for election at the Annual Meeting.  He joined the Board of Directors on August 15, 2014 in connection with the Company’s acquisition of Galaxy Brand Holdings, Inc. and was selected to become a director because of his knowledge and experience in managing and developing brands and his two decades of private equity investing, operational restructuring and legal advisory work in a variety of sectors including commodities, natural resources, media, consumer, financial services, security and industrials. Mr. Cohen joined The Carlyle Group in 2010 and is currently a Managing Director and Co-Head of Carlyle Growth Partners and Carlyle Equity Opportunity Funds, which represent the U.S. smaller and middle market buyout activities of The Carlyle Group in North America. From 1996 through 2010, Mr. Cohen was Co-Managing Partner at Pegasus Capital Advisors, a middle-market investment firm. From 1993 to 1996, he consulted and managed several diverse business ventures. Prior to that, Mr. Cohen practiced law with Anderson Kill Olick and Oshinsky P.C. He serves as a trustee and executive committee member of the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation, on the Franklin and Marshall Leadership Council and as a board member of the After School All Stars. Mr. Cohen earned his J.D. from Columbia Law School where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and his B.A. from Franklin and Marshall College.

Stewart Leonard, Jr. is a nominee for election at the Annual Meeting.  He joined the Board of Directors on May 1, 2013 and was selected to become a director because of his experience in the retail industry and his unique financial, operational and strategic expertise in matters facing corporations, including brand management, business development and governance. Mr. Leonard, Jr. is currently President and Chief Executive Officer of Stew Leonard’s, a unique family-owned and operated, farm-fresh food store. Mr. Leonard, Jr. became President and Chief Executive Officer of Stew Leonard’s in 1991 and during his tenure Stew Leonard’s has grown to include six supersized food stores and individual members of the Leonard family additionally operate ten stores in the tri-state area. The food stores are among the nation’s best performing per square foot, generating approximately $450 million in annual sales. The company also employs more than 2,500 team members and has been one of Fortune Magazine’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” ten years in a row. Mr. Leonard serves on non-profit boards for the Stew Leonard III Children’s Charities and the Global Foundation for Eating Disorders. Mr. Leonard, Jr. earned a B.S. degree from Ithaca College and received an MBA from UCLA.

Gary Johnson is a nominee for election at the Annual Meeting.  He joined the Board of Directors on May 1, 2013 and was selected to become a director because of his experience in both public and private equity owned companies in the financial services and direct marketing industries. Mr. Johnson currently serves as Chairman of the board of directors of CAN Capital, a 19‑year old financial services company that has funded over 100,000 small retail businesses with approximately $7 billion of capital. Prior to joining CAN Capital, from 1989 through 2012, Mr. Johnson served as

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vertrue Inc., one the nation’s leading consumer marketing companies which was listed on Nasdaq from 1997 to 2007. Mr. Johnson earned a B.S. degree in civil engineering from Tufts University and received an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Al Gossett joined the Board of Directors on December 14, 2011 in connection with the restructuring of the ownership of our William Rast branded apparel business and was selected to become a director of the Company because of his experience in managing brands. Mr. Gossett is President and Chief Executive Officer of Gossett Automotive Group, which he founded in 1988. Gossett Automotive Group consists of 15 automotive dealerships located in Memphis, TN and is one of the largest privately owned automotive groups in the Mid-South Region. The various brands under his umbrella include two Volkswagen, two Kia, two Hyundai, Porsche, Audi, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram, Mazda, Mitsubishi and FIAT. Mr. Gossett began his career in the automotive industry in 1975 and acquired his first franchise in 1988. During the course of his career, Mr. Gossett has chaired or served on a number of district, regional and national dealer boards within the industry, including Chrysler Financial, Volkswagen Financial, Capital One Bank, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Volkswagen, Suzuki and the American International Automobile Dealers Association. He has received numerous awards for his accomplishments within the automotive industry. Mr. Gossett serves as the managing partner of JALP Clothing, LLC, a wholesale business engaged in the global distribution of apparel. Beginning in June 2009, Mr. Gossett has served on the board of directors of Landmark Community Bank which is located in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee. An avid sports enthusiast, Mr. Gossett is in the ownership group of the Memphis Grizzlies, a NBA team located in Memphis, TN. He is active in charities supporting children in various capacities, and has been a strong supporter and advocate of St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital and Make-A-Wish, all located in Memphis, as well as many other causes and charities nationwide. Mr. Gossett attended Northwestern University.

Aaron Hollander joined the Board of Directors on September 11, 2013 and was selected to become a director of the Company because of his governance, financial reporting, accounting and risk management expertise gained through his service as the Chief Executive Officer of several corporations throughout his tenure, as well as his finance and accounting background. Mr. Hollander currently serves as, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of First Aviation Services Inc., a leading worldwide provider of maintenance, repair and overhaul services to the aerospace industry, a position he has held since 2007. Mr. Hollander is also a Principal at First Equity Group, which he co-founded in 1985, advising the aerospace and defense industries on significant transactions impacting those sectors. From December 2001 to July 2009, Mr. Hollander served as the Chief Executive Officer of Skip Barber Racing School LLC and, from 1993 until February 2012, served as Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer of Imtek, LLC, an agency that provides direct marketing, printing, fulfillment, and location intelligence services to clients across a variety of industries. Prior to co-founding First Equity Group, Mr. Hollander worked for the Boston Consulting Group, and as a CPA and CMA with Arthur Young & Company (now Ernst & Young). Mr. Hollander received his B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and earned an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School.

Other Executive Officers

Peter Lops has served as our Chief Financial Officer since March 5, 2018. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lops was the Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer of Viacom’s Distribution and Business development division for nearly a decade. He originally joined Viacom as the Senior Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis. He joined Viacom from FOX Television Stations, Inc. where he was the Vice President of Finance. Prior to that, Mr. Lops held financial positions at the National Football League serving as the Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis, Finance Director of the Media and International Divisions and Corporate Controller. Earlier in his career, Mr. Lops was a Manager at Andersen LLP, where he earned his CPA. Peter received a B.A. in Economics and Business from Lafayette College.

Andrew Cooper has served as our President since August 22, 2016 and also served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer from September 1, 2017 through Mr. Lops’ appointment in March 2018. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Cooper served as a Partner of Pegasus Capital Advisors and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Lubricants, a Pegasus Capital portfolio company from 2005. From 1998 to 2005, Mr. Cooper held the role of Senior Vice President at Priceline.com, where he was instrumental as part of the senior management team in building the company into a market leader. At Priceline.com he focused on several areas, including launching and managing a key business line and developing critical business infrastructure during a time of explosive growth. Mr. Cooper earned his B.A. in Economics and Public Policy from Duke University and earned a MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THE DIRECTOR NOMINEES NAMED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Meetings and Committees

The Board of Directors held four meetings during 2018. Each current director, while serving as a director, attended at least 75% of all the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees on which such director served. While we have not established a policy with respect to members of the Board of Directors attending annual meetings, directors are generally expected to be in attendance at the annual meeting of stockholders. Our 2018 annual meeting of stockholders was attended in person or telephonically by three directors.

Our shares of common stock are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”) and are subject to the Nasdaq listing standards that require us to have a majority of our Board of Directors comprised of independent directors and separate committees comprised of independent directors. The Nasdaq definition of independent director includes a series of objective tests, and also requires a subjective review by the Board of Directors.

Pursuant to Nasdaq’s objective tests and the Board of Directors’ subjective review, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that five of our eight current directors, Messrs. Cohen, Gossett, Hollander, Johnson and Leonard, Jr., are “independent” as that term is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market’s Listing Rules. In assessing independence, the Board of Directors considered, among other things, the relationships and transactions described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions”. Mr. Sweedler does not meet the independence requirements of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market’s Listing Rules because he is a managing member of Tengram Capital Associates (“TCA”), an entity affiliated with Tengram Capital Partners, L.P. (“TCP”), to which the Company made payments of  $0.7 million in 2018 (see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Reportable Related Party Transactions” for further information). Ms. Murray is our Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Stewart is our Chief Creative Officer. In addition, the Company made payments of  $3.4 million to Ms. Stewart pursuant to the IP Agreements (as defined in “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Reportable Related Party Transactions”) and Ms. Stewart’s sister-in-law was employed by the Company as Senior Vice President, Financial Operations (see “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions — Reportable Related Party Transactions” for further information).

The Board of Directors has established a separately designated audit committee (the “Audit Committee”), compensation committee (the “Compensation Committee”) and nominating and governance committee (the “Governance Committee”) of the Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors may also establish special committees from time to time to perform specifically delegated functions. The Board of Directors has adopted written charters that govern the conduct and responsibilities of each of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Governance Committee, copies of which may be found on our website at www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com in the section titled “Corporate Governance”. You may also request printed copies of the charters by sending written request to the Secretary at the address set forth on the cover of this Proxy Statement.

Audit Committee.   Our Audit Committee held five meetings during 2018. The Audit Committee is chaired by Mr. Hollander, and includes Mr. Gossett and Mr. Leonard, Jr., all of whom qualify as “independent” directors within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market’s Listing Rules and Rule 10A‑3(b)(1) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”). The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Hollander qualifies as an audit committee “financial expert” within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the SEC and that each of our other Audit Committee members is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements and has substantial business experience that results in that member’s financial sophistication. Among other responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviews the scope and results of quarterly reviews and the year-end audit with management and the independent auditors, reviews and discusses the adequacy of our internal controls, and recommends to the Board of Directors selection of independent auditors for the coming year. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter, which was adopted by the Board of Directors and is available on our website www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com in the section titled “Corporate Governance”.

Compensation Committee.   Our Compensation Committee held two meetings during 2018, and separately acted by unanimous written consent on three occasions. The Compensation Committee is chaired by Mr. Johnson, and includes Mr. Hollander and Mr. Gossett, each of whom qualify as “independent” directors within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of

the Nasdaq Stock Market’s Listing Rules, including the enhanced independence requirements applicable to members of compensation committees. The Compensation Committee is primarily responsible for determining the compensation of directors and executive officers and administering our equity compensation plans. In connection with its deliberations, the Compensation Committee considers the views of the management with respect to appropriate compensation levels of officers and directors and may engage compensation experts to provide independent advice regarding market trends and other competitive considerations. The Compensation Committee did not engage any third party consultants during the year ended December 31, 2018. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter, which was adopted by the Board of Directors and is available on our website www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com in the section titled “Corporate Governance”. The Compensation Committee has the authority to delegate its responsibilities listed in the Compensation Committee charter to subcommittees comprised of one or more members of the Compensation Committee, or to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer with respect to the grants of equity awards to any of our officers other than officers subject to Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, if the Compensation Committee determines such delegation would be in the best interest of the Company.

Governance Committee.   Our Governance Committee includes Mr. Gossett, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Leonard, Jr., all of whom qualify as “independent” directors within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market’s Listing Rules. The Governance Committee reviews and makes recommendations regarding the functioning of the Board of Directors as an entity, assists the Board of Directors in defining and assessing qualifications for membership on the Board of Directors, identifies and recommends qualified individuals to serve as members of the Board of Directors and recommends corporate governance principles applicable to the Company. The Governance Committee did not meet in 2018 and acted by unanimous written consent on one occasion. The Governance Committee operates under a written charter, which was adopted by the Board of Directors and is available on our website www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com in the section titled “Corporate Governance.”

Director Nominations

The Governance Committee reviews persons who are candidates for election to our Board of Directors and makes a recommendation with respect to such candidates to our Board of Directors. Our full Board of Directors, then reviews those members of the Board of Directors who are candidates for election to our Board of Directors and makes the final determination regarding whether to nominate a candidate to the Board of Directors for election for the next term. The Governance Committee’s methods for identifying candidates for election to the Board of Directors (other than those proposed by our stockholders, as discussed below, and other than candidates that we are contractually obligated to nominate pursuant to written agreements) include the solicitation of ideas for possible candidates from a number of sources, including existing members of the Board of Directors, our executive officers, individuals personally known to the members of the Board of Directors and other research. We may also from time to time retain one or more third-party search firms to identify suitable candidates.

In carrying out its function to nominate candidates for election to our Board of Directors, upon recommendation from our Governance Committee, our Board of Directors considers the mix of skills, experience, character, commitment and diversity of background, all in the context of the requirements of our Board of Directors at that point in time. Our Board of Directors believes that each candidate should be an individual who has demonstrated integrity and ethics in such candidate’s personal and professional life, has an understanding of elements relevant to the success of a publicly-traded company and has established a record of professional accomplishment in such candidate’s chosen field. Each candidate should be prepared to participate fully in our Board of Directors’ activities, including attendance at and active participation in meetings of our Board of Directors, and not have other personal or professional commitments that would, in our Board of Directors’ judgment, interfere with or limit such candidate’s ability to do so. Our Board of Directors has no stated specific minimum qualifications that must be met by a candidate for a position on our Board of Directors.

Our Governance Committee and Board of Directors will consider nominees recommended by stockholders. For a stockholder recommendation to be considered by our Governance Committee and Board of Directors as a potential candidate at an annual meeting, the recommendation must be received on or before the deadline for receipt of stockholder proposals to be included in our proxy statement for such meeting. The recommendation should be addressed to our Secretary at c/o Sequential Brands Group, Inc., 601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10001. If a stockholder decides to nominate a candidate for director and solicits proxies for such candidate, the stockholder will need

to follow the rules set forth by the SEC and in our amended and restated bylaws (the “Bylaws”) as they pertain to director nominations. A stockholder of the Company may nominate one or more persons for election as a director at an annual meeting of stockholders if the stockholder complies with the notice, information and consent provisions contained in the Bylaws, including the notice deadlines, which are discussed under “2020 Stockholder Proposals”. In addition, the notice must be made in writing and set forth as to each proposed nominee who is not an incumbent director (i) their name, age, business address and, if known, residence address, (ii) their principal occupation or employment, (iii) the class and number of shares of the Company’s stock owned beneficially and of record by such person and (iv) any other information concerning the nominee that must be disclosed respecting nominees in proxy solicitations pursuant to Regulation 14A promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and Rule 14a‑11 thereunder, including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected.

Based on the foregoing and the Company’s obligations pursuant to the Amended and Restated Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 27, 2013, by and between the Company and TCP WR Acquisition, LLC (“TCP WR”), which provides TCP WR with the right to nominate a number of nominees for director such that the number of directors that will be serving on the Board of Directors (determined immediately following the election of directors and assuming that the director nominees designated by TCP WR are elected to the Board of Directors) that have been appointed or nominated by TCP WR equals three, the Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Governance Committee, nominated Rodney S. Cohen, Stewart Leonard, Jr. and Gary Johnson for re-election as Class II members of the Board of Directors, subject to stockholder approval, for a three-year term ending on or around the date of the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.

Board Leadership Structure

In connection with the closing of our financing transaction with TCP WR in February 2012, Mr. Sweedler was appointed Chairman of our Board of Directors. In April 2017, Ms. Murray became our Chief Executive Officer, Secretary and a director. Additional information about Ms. Murray’s appointment can be found in our Compensation Discussion and Analysis below. The Board of Directors believes that its current leadership structure best serves the objectives of the Board of Directors’ oversight of management, the ability of the Board of Directors to carry out its roles and responsibilities on behalf of the stockholders and our overall corporate governance. The Board of Directors also believes that the current separation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer roles allows the Chief Executive Officer to focus her time and energy on operating and managing our business and leverages the experience and perspectives of our Chairman, who has a deep knowledge of the consumer industry and significant experience in managing and developing brands. The Board of Directors, however, periodically reviews the leadership structure and may make changes in the future.

Diversity

The Board of Directors does not have a formal policy with respect to director nominee diversity. In selecting nominees to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors is committed to building and maintaining an ideal mix of talent and experience to achieve our business objectives in the current environment, and the Board of Directors assess the effectiveness of this process when reviewing the composition of the Board of Directors each year. In particular, the Board of Directors considers expertise, depth of knowledge in key areas that are important to us and diversity of thought, background, perspective and experience so as to facilitate robust debate and broad thinking on strategies and tactics pursued by us. The Board of Directors believes this diversity is demonstrated in the range of experiences, qualifications and skills of the current members of the Board of Directors.

Communications with the Board of Directors

You may communicate with our Board of Directors, or with any individual director, by sending communications via email to boardofdirectors@sbg-ny.com or by telephoning the Secretary at the Company’s principal executive offices, who will then relay the communications to the Board of Directors.

Communications are relayed to the Board of Directors, or to any individual director, depending on the facts and circumstances described in the communication. In that regard, the Board of Directors has requested that certain items that

are unrelated to the duties and responsibilities of the Board of Directors be excluded, including junk mail and mass mailings, product complaints, product inquiries, new product suggestions, resumes and other forms of job inquiries, surveys and business solicitations or advertisements. In addition, material that is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal or similarly unsuitable will not be relayed, with the provision that any communication that is not relayed will be made available to any director upon such director’s request.

Any interested party, including any employee, may make confidential, anonymous submissions regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters or internal accounting controls and may communicate directly with the Chairman by letter to 601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor, New York, New York 10001, marked for the attention of the Chairman, as applicable.

Board Oversight of Risk Management

Our Board of Directors, as a whole and also at the committee level, is responsible for overseeing risk management. A fundamental part of risk management is not only understanding the risks we face and what steps management is taking to manage those risks, but also understanding what level of risk is appropriate for the Company. The involvement of our Board of Directors in setting our business strategy is a key part of our assessment of risk management, including with respect to cybersecurity risks, and the determination of what constitutes an appropriate level of risk for the Company. Members of our Board of Directors discuss with management our major risk exposures, including with respect to the Company’s credit, liquidity, proposed acquisitions and operations as well as other risks associated with the Company’s business, their potential impact on the Company and the steps taken by management to manage these risks. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to the Company’s executive compensation plans and arrangements as well as the Company’s benefit plans. The Audit Committee oversees management of financial risks and potential conflicts of interest with related parties. The Governance Committee oversees risks associated with the independence of the Board of Directors. In addition, our Board of Directors and its committees may retain, on such terms as they determine in their sole discretion, independent legal, financial and other consultants and advisors to advise and assist them in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities.

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

We have adopted a written code of ethical conduct (the “Code of Ethics”) applicable to all members of the Board of Directors and to all of our employees and executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The Code of Ethics constitutes a “code of ethics” as defined by applicable SEC rules and a “code of conduct” as defined by applicable Nasdaq Stock Market’s Listing Rules. Our Code of Ethics is also made available on our website located at www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com in the section titled “Corporate Governance.” You may also request a copy of the Code of Ethics by writing or calling us at:

Sequential Brands Group, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
601 West 26th Street, 9th Floor
New York, New York 10001
(646) 564‑2577

Any amendment or waiver of the Code of Ethics pertaining to a member of the Board of Directors or one of our executive officers will be disclosed on our website (www.sequentialbrandsgroup.com) within four business days. We granted no waivers under our Code of Ethics in 2018.

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Determination of Executive Compensation

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing the Company’s executive compensation policies and practices, including levels and structure of compensation for the Company’s executive officers, which are currently submitted to the Board of Directors for ratification. Specifically, among other things, the Compensation Committee is responsible for:

Each year, the Compensation Committee reviews the Company’s executive officer compensation, including the compensation structure and levels of compensation paid to the executive officers in the prior year (as disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table on page 21 for our named executive officers), and determines any needed adjustments to our compensation policies and practices so that such policies and practices continue to reflect the Company’s commitment to aligning executive compensation practices with the interests of the Company’s stockholders.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Company’s overall compensation philosophy is to “pay for performance.” The Company’s compensation plans, policies and practices are designed to provide compensation that motivates executive officers to achieve corporate strategic and financial goals and to reward them for short- and long-term financial performance in order to maximize stockholder value. In addition, these plans, policies and practices and compensation paid thereunder are structured to be competitive with other companies in order to attract and retain high performing executive talent. The Company’s executive compensation program is designed specifically to:

2018 Highlights

The following individuals served as our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer), Chief Financial Officers (principal financial officer), Chief Creative Officer and President during the year ended December 31, 2018. We did not have any other individuals who served as executive officers during 2018 and whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 during the year ended December 31, 2018. We refer to the below persons as the “named executive officers”:

The Company made the following key decisions for 2018 with respect to its compensation policies to continue management’s focus on driving stockholder value:

In setting compensation for its named executive officers for 2018 the Compensation Committee considered a variety of factors, including the scope and impact of the named executive officer’s role, the expectations for the executive officer, market compensation levels and contributions made by the named executive officer beyond such named executive officer’s formal position and the Company’s performance against budget.

Chief Financial Officer Transition

On February 27, 2018, the Board of Directors appointed Mr. Peter Lops to serve as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer effective as of March 5, 2018. On this same date, Ms. Lops and the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “CFO Employment Agreement”) on a form similar to the agreements that the Company has entered into with its Chief Executive Officer and President. The term of the CFO Employment Agreement runs through March 5, 2021. Under this agreement, Mr. Lops is to receive an annual base salary of $425,000 for the first year of the CFO Employment Agreement and $450,000 for the second and third years of his agreement. His base salary is subject to review each March 5th. The CFO Employment Agreement also provides that Mr. Lops will be eligible to participate in the Company’s

annual bonus program for executives and will have a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 75% of his base salary, based upon the Company achieving certain adjusted EBITDA performance targets determined by the Board. In accordance with this agreement, Mr. Lops’ annual bonus earned for 2018 was pro-rated for his partial year of service.

In connection with the commencement of his employment, the Company granted Mr. Lops 75,000 restricted stock units vesting in three equal annual installments and 200,000 PSUs that will be eligible for vesting over 2018 and 2019 subject to achievement of certain performance goals.

The CFO Employment Agreement also provides that Mr. Lops will be entitled to certain severance benefits if his employment ceases under specified circumstances. If Mr. Lops is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, he will receive (i) an amount equal to the base salary he would have received if he had remained employed through the term of the CFO Employment Agreement, or, if less, at least six month’s base salary, (ii) any annual bonus earned, but unpaid for a prior year; (iii) if such resignation or termination occurs following the first fiscal quarter of a year, a pro-rata portion of his annual bonus for the year of termination, based on actual results for such year, (iv) subsidized COBRA coverage for up to 18 months and (v) full vesting of any unvested portion of the time-based restricted stock units and PSUs granted upon his commencement of employment. Payment of these severance benefits is subject to the requirement that Mr. Lops execute a release of claims against the Company and its affiliates. If the Company does not offer Mr. Lops a new employment agreement that is substantially comparable to or more favorable than the CFO Employment Agreement and Mr. Lops’ employment terminates at the end of the term of the CFO Employment Agreement, he will receive continued payment of his base salary for six months. Finally, the CFO Employment Agreement also contains customary confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, intellectual property and indemnification provisions.

Mr. Cooper was named interim Chief Financial Officer effective September 1, 2017, and acted in such role until Mr. Lops was appointed Chief Financial Officer.

Results of the Company’s 2018 Say-on-Pay Vote

At the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders held in June 2018, the Company’s stockholders were asked to approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive officers for fiscal 2017. A substantial majority of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal at that annual meeting were voted in favor of the proposal with a material increase in the approval level over the vote at the Company’s 2017 annual meeting of stockholders. 

The Company regularly engages with our stockholders to discuss a variety of aspects of our business and welcomes stockholder input and feedback, including on compensation matters.  The Compensation Committee believes that the say-on-pay vote serves as an additional tool to guide the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee in ensuring alignment of the Company’s executive compensation programs with stockholder interests. The Compensation Committee has not made any significant changes to the compensation program as a result of the 2018 say-on-pay vote and believes that the results from the Company’s 2018 say-on-pay vote reaffirm stockholder support of the Company’s approach to executive compensation.

The Compensation Committee continues to work so that the design of the Company’s executive compensation program is focused on long-term stockholder value creation, emphasizes pay for performance and does not encourage imprudent short-term risks. The Compensation Committee also uses the say-on-pay vote as a guidepost for stockholder sentiment and believes it is critical to maintain and continually develop this program to promote ongoing stockholder engagement, communication and transparency.

Elements of Compensation

Annual Cash Compensation

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

The Compensation Committee believes long-term incentives are beneficial to stockholders and a key component of overall executive compensation. The primary focus in granting long-term incentives is to:

Over the years, we have used a combination of two forms of long-term equity compensation: time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units and PSUs. The Compensation Committee considers the value of the award as a component of total direct compensation. In deciding which type of equity award to grant to executive officers, the Compensation Committee may consider the number of shares necessary to deliver the intended value appropriate for each named executive officer and his or her position and level of responsibility within the Company. The Company’s intent is to focus executive officers on driving stockholder value by placing more emphasis on pure performance-based compensation, as PSUs have no value unless the Company achieves certain performance metrics.

All equity awards are granted pursuant to, and are subject to the terms and conditions of, the Sequential Brands Group, Inc. 2013 Stock Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2013 Stock Incentive Plan”), which we assumed in 2015.

Given her prior year equity awards, current share holdings and entitlement to certain other payments as more fully described in “Executive Compensation — Summary of Employment Agreements” below, Ms. Murray was not granted any equity awards in 2018.  

Time-Based Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

Time-based restricted stock and restricted stock units typically vest over a three-year period after the grant date. While restricted stock and restricted stock units have inherent intrinsic value when granted, they deliver greater value as the price of the Company’s common stock appreciates over time. The intrinsic value at grant date tends to provide continued incentive even if the stock price decreases following the grant date and, as such, they continue to motivate executive officers to sustain their efforts towards achieving corporate goals. If the executive officer terminates employment before vesting occurs, all unvested shares or units are cancelled immediately, unless otherwise stipulated in the respective employment agreement.

The Company granted 300,000 restricted stock units to Ms. Stewart in 2018 in recognition of her efforts in driving new business. The Company granted 75,000 time-based restricted stock units to Mr. Lops in 2018 in connection with his commencement of employment with the Company which is described in more detail in “Executive Compensation — Summary of Employment Agreements”. No time-based restricted stock units were granted to Ms. Murray or Mr. Cooper in 2018. No restricted stock was granted to our named executive officers in 2018.

Performance Stock Units

On August 22, 2016, the Company granted 375,000 PSUs to Mr. Cooper under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. For 250,000 of such PSUs vesting was to occur in equal installments on December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019 subject to achievement of specified performance metrics. For these PSUs, the Company’s performance metrics included two targets, weighted as follows: (i) 66.7% for the achievement of 110% or greater of the Company’s Board approved annual budget for adjusted EBITDA and (ii) 33.3% for the achievement of other performance criteria which may be established in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The specific performance metrics were set at a level that was designed to be achievable, but require growth over the relevant performance period.  Based on 2017 performance, 27,722 shares were issued under this award, and based on 2018 performance, 27,750 shares were issued under this award. These PSUs contain both carryback and carryforward rights whereby any overage from a given performance period could be applied to earn awards during a period in which the Company does not achieve the pre-established targets. The remaining 125,000 PSUs approved in 2016 are granted in equal annual increments based on the attainment of certain performance targets as determined the Compensation Committee and the Chief Executive Officer in consultation with Mr. Cooper.  Based on attainment of the performance targets set for the awards granted in 2018, which were set at a level intended to require significant effort, but be attainable, 83,250 shares were issued in settlement of this award in 2018.

On April 3, 2017, the Company granted 175,000 PSUs to Ms. Murray under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. The PSUs are subject to achievement of the below specified performance metrics, and vest in equal installments on December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019. For these PSUs, the Company’s performance metrics were set at (i) achievement of 90% or greater of the adjusted EBITDA target for 2017, (ii) achievement of 95% or greater of the adjusted EBITDA target for 2018 and (iii) achievement of 100% or greater of the adjusted EBITDA target for 2019. The Company achieved the performance metric for 2018. This resulted in the issuance of 58,275 shares of fully vested stock to Ms. Murray on March 27, 2018.

On August 15, 2017, the Company granted 300,000 PSUs to Ms. Murray under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. The PSUs are subject to achievement of the same performance metrics discussed above for the August 22, 2016 grant for Mr. Cooper, and vest in equal installments on December 31, 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to achievement of such metrics. Based on 2017 performance, 33,267 shares were issued in settlement of this award, and based on 2018 performance, 33,300 shares were issued in settlement of this award. These PSUs contain both carryback and carryforward rights whereby any overage from a given performance period could be applied to earn awards during a period in which the Company does not achieve the pre-established targets.

On March 5, 2018, the Company granted 200,000 PSUs to Mr. Lops under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. The PSUs are subject to achievement of the same performance metrics discussed above for the August 22, 2016 grant for Mr. Cooper and the August 15, 2017 grant for Ms. Murray, and vest in equal installments on December 31, 2018 and 2019, subject to achievement of such metrics. Based on 2018 performance, 33,333 shares were issued in settlement of this award. These PSUs contain both carryback and carryforward rights whereby any overage from a given performance period could be applied to earn awards during a period in which the Company does not achieve the pre-established targets.

Executive Employment Agreements

The Company believes employment agreements are an effective recruiting and retention tool for its executive officers. The Company also believes employment agreements help protect certain interests of the Company by prohibiting post-termination competition, disclosure of confidential information and solicitation of employees and customers. All of the Company’s employment agreements have severance provisions and noncompetition and nondisclosure clauses, which encourage executive officers to remain committed to the business and discourage them from collaborating with competitors in order to prevent critical confidential information from leaking to competitors. In addition, all employment agreements require executives to release all claims against the Company in order to receive severance payments. To that end, the Company has entered into employment agreements with each of our named executive officers, the terms of which are described in more detail in “Executive Compensation — Summary of Employment Agreements”.

Benefits and Other Compensation

Retirement Plans

The Company believes that providing retirement benefits allows the Company to be competitive in attracting and retaining talented executives and to reward executive officers for long-time service to the Company. Old Sequential and MSLO established 401(k) plans as a tax qualified retirement savings plans, which we have assumed, pursuant to which the Company’s employees, including the executive officers, are able to make pre-tax contributions from their eligible compensation. The Company made a matching contribution for all participants during 2018. This matching contribution is reflected in the “Summary Compensation Table” in the column titled “All Other Compensation”.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

The Company also provides the executive officers with limited perquisites and other personal benefits that the Compensation Committee believes are reasonable and consistent with the Company’s overall compensation program to better enable the Company to attract and retain superior executive talent. The Compensation Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to the executive officers, which include a travel or car allowance for Ms. Murray, Mr. Lops and Mr. Cooper. The costs associated with providing these benefits for the executive officers are reflected in the “Summary Compensation Table” in the column titled “All Other Compensation”. By reason of her unique position as a performer and her unparalleled role in supporting and developing the Martha Stewart 

brand, which require her to undertake extensive travel, make a substantial number of on-camera and personal appearances and require her to be constantly in the public eye, we pay for a number of expenses to assist Ms. Stewart in fulfilling these Company responsibilities that, under SEC regulations, are required to be reported as perquisites. For more information on these benefits, see the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table on page 21.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section of this Proxy Statement as required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K. Based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to our Board of Directors that the “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” section be included in this Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A and the 2018 Annual Report on Form 10‑K.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

Gary Johnson, Chairman
Al Gossett
Aaron Hollander

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

The following table provides certain information concerning the compensation for services rendered to us during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 by our named executive officers.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table sets forth the information concerning the grants of plan-based compensation to each named executive officer during the year ended December 31, 2018. The equity awards described below were made under the 2013 Stock Incentive Plan. As discussed above, Ms. Stewart did not participate in our annual cash bonus program in 2018.

Summary of Employment Agreements

Certain of the amounts set forth in the “Summary Compensation Table” and the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table are provided for in employment agreements. The material terms of such agreements with our named executive officers are summarized below:

Karen Murray.   On March 22, 2017, Ms. Murray and the company entered into an employment agreement (the “CEO Employment Agreement”). The term of the CEO Employment Agreement runs through March 31, 2020. Under the terms of the CEO Employment Agreement, Ms. Murray will receive an annual base salary of $600,000, which may be increased from time to time at the discretion of the Board. The CEO Employment Agreement also provides that Ms. Murray will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus program for executives and will have a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 100% of her base salary, based upon the Company achieving certain adjusted EBITDA performance targets determined by the Board.

In connection with the commencement of her employment, the Company granted to Ms. Murray 100,000 restricted stock units vesting in three equal annual installments and 175,000 PSUs to be eligible for vesting over calendar years 2017, 2018 and 2019 subject to achievement of performance goals.

The CEO Employment Agreement also provides that Ms. Murray will be entitled to certain severance benefits if her employment ceases under specified circumstances. If Ms. Murray is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Ms. Murray for Good Reason, Ms. Murray will be entitled to receive (i) an amount equal to the base salary Ms. Murray would have received if Ms. Murray had remained employed through the term of the CEO Employment Agreement, (ii) a pro-rata portion of Ms. Murray’s annual bonus for the year of termination, based on actual results for such year, (iii) subsidized COBRA coverage for up to 18 months and (iv) full vesting of any unvested portion of the 100,000 time-based restricted stock units granted upon her commencement of employment. Payment of these severance benefits is subject to the requirement that Ms. Murray execute a release of claims against the Company and its affiliates. If the Company does not offer Ms. Murray a new employment agreement that is substantially comparable to or more favorable than the CEO Employment Agreement and Ms. Murray resigns at the end of the term of the Employment Agreement, she will receive continued payment of her base salary for six months.

Pursuant to the terms of the CEO Employment Agreement, Ms. Murray is also subject to customary (i) confidentiality provisions, (ii) non-competition provisions during the term and for twelve months thereafter, and (iii) non-solicitation provisions during the term and for a period of twelve months thereafter with respect to the Company’s employees and customers.

Peter Lops.   On February 27, 2018, Mr. Lops and the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “CFO Employment Agreement”) on a form similar to the CEO Employment Agreement. The term of the CFO Employment Agreement runs through March 5, 2021. Under this agreement, Mr. Lops is to receive an annual base salary of $425,000 for the first year of the CFO Employment Agreement and $450,000 for the second and third years of his agreement. His base salary is subject to review each March 5th. The CFO Employment Agreement also provides that Mr. Lops will be eligible to participate in the Company’s annual bonus program for executives and will have a target annual bonus opportunity equal to 75% of his base salary, based upon the Company achieving certain adjusted EBITDA performance targets determined by the Board. In connection with the commencement of his employment, the Company granted Mr. Lops 75,000 restricted stock units vesting in three equal annual installments and 200,000 PSUs to be eligible for vesting over 2018 and 2019 subject to achievement of certain performance goals.

The CFO Employment Agreement also provides that Mr. Lops will be entitled to certain severance benefits if his employment ceases under specified circumstances. If Mr. Lops is terminated without cause or resigns for good reason, he will receive (i) an amount equal to the base salary he would have received if he had remained employed through the term of the CFO Employment Agreement, or, if less, at least six month’s base salary, (ii) any annual bonus earned, but unpaid for a prior year; (iii) if such resignation or termination occurs following the first fiscal quarter of a year, a pro-rata portion of his annual bonus for the year of termination, based on actual results for such year, (iv) subsidized COBRA coverage for up to 18 months and (v) full vesting of any unvested portion of the restricted stock units and PSUs granted upon his commencement of employment. Payment of these severance benefits is subject to the requirement that Mr. Lops execute

a release of claims against the Company and its affiliates. If the Company does not offer Mr. Lops a new employment agreement that is substantially comparable to or more favorable than the CFO Employment Agreement and Mr. Lops’ employment terminates at the end of the term of the CFO Employment Agreement, he will receive continued payment of his base salary for six months. Finally, the CFO Employment Agreement also contains customary confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation, intellectual property and indemnification provisions.

Martha Stewart.   In connection with the closing of the Company’s acquisition of MSLO, the Company entered into an agreement with Ms. Stewart for an initial term continuing through December 31, 2020. The employment agreement will be automatically extended for an additional five years if gross licensing revenues exceed specified thresholds. In the event that the employment agreement is not renewed after its initial term because the extension threshold is not met, Ms. Stewart instead will consult for the Company through December 31, 2025, and for these services will receive an annual consulting fee ranging from $1.5 million to $4.5 million, determined annually based on gross licensing revenues. During the term of her employment agreement, Ms. Stewart will, among other things, serve as Chief Creative Officer of the Company and will be entitled to receive, among other things, (i) an annual base salary of  $500,000 per year, (ii) a guaranteed annual payment of  $1.3 million (the “Guaranteed Payment”), (iii) annual payments of 10% of the gross licensing revenues, in excess of a specified threshold (the “Incentive Payment”), (iv) the opportunity to earn an annual bonus as determined by the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, and (v) payment of certain of Ms. Stewart’s expenses, up to an annual maximum amount of  $1.5 million. In addition, and regardless of whether Ms. Stewart remains employed with the Company, beginning in 2026 and ending on the later of December 31, 2030 or the date of her death, the Company will pay to Ms. Stewart 3.5% of the annual gross licensing revenues for each such year.

In the event Ms. Stewart’s employment is terminated by the Company “without cause” or by Ms. Stewart for “good reason,” each as defined in Ms. Stewart’s employment agreement, Ms. Stewart will be entitled to, among other things, continued payments of  (a) her base salary, the Guaranteed Payment, the Incentive Payment and reimbursement of expenses, all as if Ms. Stewart had remained employed through the end of the then-current term, and (b) continuation of certain benefits and perquisites for a specified period of time post-termination. If such termination occurs upon or prior to the end of the initial term of the employment agreement, and if the term (i) would have been extended under the terms of the agreement, the payments in clause (a) above will continue through December 31, 2025, the end of what would have been the extended term, and (ii) would not have been extended under the terms of the agreement, then Ms. Stewart will receive the consulting fee as described above. These payments are described further under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” below.

Andrew Cooper.   On August 22, 2016, the Company entered into an employment agreement (the “President Employment Agreement”) with Mr. Cooper for a term continuing through December 31, 2019. Pursuant to the President Employment Agreement, during the term of his employment, Mr. Cooper will receive a base salary of not less than $525,000 for the 2017 calendar year, $550,000 for calendar year 2018 and $575,000 for calendar year 2019. Mr. Cooper will be eligible to receive an annual cash performance bonus of up to 125% his then current base salary based on the attainment of an adjusted EBITDA target established by the Compensation Committee. In addition, the President Employment Agreement provided for an equity compensation grant to Mr. Cooper in 2016 of 550,000 restricted stock units, of which 175,000 was in the form of time-based restricted stock units, vesting in equal installments on the employment date anniversary of each of 2017, 2018 and 2019, and 250,000 PSUs may vest based on the Company’s attainment of certain performance targets, vesting in equal installments on the last calendar day of each of 2017, 2018 and 2019, subject to certain catch-up provisions if the performance targets are not met in one year but are met in a subsequent year and 125,000 PSUs will be granted in equal annual increments based on the attainment of certain performance targets as determined the Compensation Committee and the Chief Executive Officer in consultation with Mr. Cooper.

In the event Mr. Cooper’s employment is terminated by the Company without Cause or by Mr. Cooper for Good Reason, each as defined in the President Employment Agreement, Mr. Cooper will be entitled to receive, among other things, (i) an amount equal to 2.0 times the sum of  (x) the then-current Base Salary and (y) the greater of  (1) the actual Annual Bonus for the year immediately preceding the year in which the date of termination occurs or (2) 125% of the then-current Base Salary, (ii) any Annual Bonus earned but unpaid for the prior year, (iii) in the event such resignation or termination occurs following the Company’s first fiscal quarter of any year, a pro-rated Annual Bonus for the year in which Mr. Cooper’s employment was terminated, and (iv) subsidized COBRA coverage for up to 18 months. In addition,

any unvested portion of Mr. Cooper’s time-based restricted stock units and PSUs (including the 125,000 PSUs to be granted in future years) (or any other equity awards) shall accelerate and become fully vested on the date of such termination. In addition, the President Employment Agreement provides that, if, by July 1, 2019, the Company has not offered Mr. Cooper a new employment agreement comparable to the current agreement and Mr. Cooper decides not to continue employment, Mr. Cooper will be entitled to receive, among other things, (i) six (6) months of the then-current Base Salary, (ii) the Annual Bonus for 2019 on the date such bonus would have been paid if Mr. Cooper remained an employee of the Company and (iii) any unvested time-based equity awards that would have vested in 2020 had Mr. Cooper remained an employee of the Company will accelerate and vest in full and any unvested performance-based equity awards that would have vested based on performance in 2020 will remain outstanding and eligible to vest in accordance with their terms.

Pursuant to the terms of the President Employment Agreement, Mr. Cooper is also subject to customary (i) confidentiality provisions, (ii) non-competition provisions during the Term and for the Restricted Period thereafter, as defined in the President Employment Agreement, and (iii) non-solicitation provisions during the Term and for a period of  (A) eighteen (18) months thereafter with respect to the Company’s employees and (B) twelve (12) months thereafter with respect to the Company’s customers.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End 2018

The following table sets forth the information with respect to restricted stock unit awards and PSUs held by each of the named executive officers as of December 31, 2018.

Stock Vested

The following table sets forth certain information regarding vesting of time-based restricted stock units and PSUs held by our named executive officers during the year ended December 31, 2018:

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

As described under “Summary of Employment Agreements,” above, we have entered into employment agreements with each of our named executive officers that provide for certain payments and other benefits if a named executive officer’s employment with us is terminated under circumstances specified in the respective agreement, including following a “change in control” of the Company. A named executive officer’s rights upon the termination of his or her employment will depend upon the circumstances of the termination.

The table below sets forth potential benefits that each other named executive officer would have been entitled to receive upon termination of employment under the various circumstances outlined below and assumes the relevant termination event occurred as of December 31, 2018. The actual amounts that would be payable in these circumstances can only be determined at the time of the named executive officer’s termination or a change in control and, accordingly, may differ significantly from the estimated amounts set forth in the table below.

Pay Ratio

The Company has prepared a reasonable estimate, under the applicable SEC rules, of the ratio of the annual total compensation of Ms. Murray, our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), to the annual total compensation of our median-

compensated employee (other than our CEO) for 2018.  We determined our median employee for 2018 based on our payroll records using total annual wages and cash-based fringe benefits for our 131 full and part-time employees (excluding the CEO), who were employed as of December 31, 2018. The annual total compensation of our median employee (other than the CEO) for 2018 was $107,245. Our CEO’s total compensation for 2018 was $1,077,500. The CEO’s total compensation for 2018 was approximately 10 times that of the annual total compensation of our median employee.

Compensation and Risk

Our Compensation Committee regularly conducts risk assessments to determine the extent, if any, to which our compensation practices and programs may create incentives for excessive risk taking. Based on these reviews, we believe that the incentive for risk taking is low for the named executive officers and the substantial majority of our employees, because their compensation consists largely of fixed cash salary and a cash bonus that has a capped payout. Furthermore, the majority of these employees do not have the authority to take action on our behalf that could expose us to significant business risks.

In 2018, as part of its assessment, the Compensation Committee reviewed the cash and equity incentive programs for senior executive officers and concluded that certain aspects of our compensation programs actually reduce the likelihood of excessive risk taking. These aspects include the use of long-term equity awards to create incentives for senior executive officers to strive for long-term growth of the Company, policies limiting the incentive to take excessive risk for short-term gains by imposing caps on annual bonuses and requiring compliance with the Code of Ethics.

For these reasons, we do not believe that our compensation policies and practices for our employees create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

The following table details the total compensation for services rendered in all capacities by the Company’s non-employee directors serving on our Board of Directors for the year ended December 31, 2018:

Compensation for non-employee directors was comprised of a mix of cash and equity-based compensation as follows: (i) an annual cash retainer of $100,000, (ii) an annual cash retainer of $25,000 for the Audit Committee chairman and (iii) $100,000 payable in shares of restricted common stock, vesting on the first anniversary date of the date of grant. Our directors are also reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket and travel expenses associated with attendance at the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees thereof. The Compensation Committee reviews director compensation annually and makes a recommendation to the Board of Directors with respect to compensation and benefits provided to the members of the Board of Directors. Mr. Sweedler and Mr. Cohen are principals of two of our largest stockholders and do not receive any compensation for their service on the Board of Directors. An executive officer who serves on our Board of Directors does not receive additional compensation for serving on the Board of Directors. See the “Summary Compensation Table” and “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” for disclosures related to our director and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Murray, and our director and Chief Creative Officer, Ms. Stewart.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Review and Approval of Related Party Transactions

The Company’s Code of Ethics provides that all directors and employees, including executive officers, have a duty to avoid financial, business or other relationships that might cause a conflict of interest with the performance of their duties and that employees should conduct themselves in a manner that avoids even the appearance of conflict between personal interests and those of the Company.

Pursuant to the philosophy of the Code of Ethics, members of the Board of Directors, director nominees, and executive officers are expected to disclose to the Board of Directors any direct or indirect personal interest they may have in a material transaction. Directors also are expected to recuse themselves from participation in any decision in which there is a conflict between their personal interests and the interest of the Company. Approval of any such transaction with respect to any director, director nominee or executive officer may be made only by the Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors. While, the Company does not have a related party transaction policy for persons other than employees and directors and their affiliates, the Company also monitors the material transactions of stockholders who beneficially own greater than 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares.

Except as discussed above, the Company has not prescribed any specific standards to be applied when assessing material transactions. There were no instances since January 1, 2018 in which an executive officer, director or director nominee engaged in such a transaction with the Company, either directly or indirectly, without first obtaining approval.

Reportable Related Party Transactions

Consulting Services Agreement with Tengram Capital Partners, L.P. (f/k/a Tengram Capital Management L.P.)

Mr. Sweedler, a director of the Company, is a managing member of Tengram Capital Associates, which is the controlling partner of Tengram Capital Partners Gen2 Fund, L.P. (“Tengram”). Pursuant to an agreement with Tengram Capital Partners, L.P., formerly known as Tengram Capital Management, L.P. (“TCP”), an affiliate of Tengram, the Company had engaged TCP, effective as of January 1, 2013, to provide services to the Company pertaining to (i) mergers and acquisitions, (ii) debt and equity financing and (iii) such other related areas as the Company may reasonably request from time to time (the “TCP Agreement”). TCP was entitled to receive compensation of $1.0 million, including fees and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses in connection with performing its services under the TCP Agreement. The TCP Agreement remains in effect for a period continuing through the earlier of five years or the date on which TCP and its affiliates cease to own in excess of 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock in the Company. On August 15, 2014, the Company consummated transactions pursuant to the agreement and plan of merger, dated as of June 24, 2014 (the “Galaxy Merger Agreement”) with SBG Universe Brands LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and our direct wholly-owned subsidiary (“LLC Sub”), Universe Galaxy Merger Sub, Inc., a Delaware corporation and direct wholly-owned subsidiary of LLC Sub, Galaxy and Carlyle (such transactions, collectively the “Galaxy Acquisition”). In connection with the Galaxy Merger Agreement the Company and TCP entered into an amendment to the TCP Agreement (the “Amended TCP Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, TCP is entitled to receive annual fees of  $0.9 million beginning with fiscal year 2014. The Company paid TCP $0.7 million for services under the Amended TCP Agreement in 2018.  At December 31, 2018, there was $0.2 million due to TCP for services.

Additionally, in July 2013, the Company entered into a consulting arrangement with an employee of TCP (the “TCP Employee”), pursuant to which the TCP Employee provides legal and other consulting services at the request of the Company from time to time. The TCP Employee was also issued (i) 125,000 shares of restricted stock, vesting over a four year period and 180,000 performance stock units, vesting over three years in increments of 20% for 2014, 20% for 2015 and 60% for 2016. During the year ended December 31, 2016, the TCP Employee was granted 200,000 performance stock units, vesting over three years in increments of 33.3% for 2017, 33.3% for 2018 and 33.4% for 2019. During the year ended December 31, 2018, the TCP employee was granted 150,000 shares of time-based restricted stock units, vesting over a three year period and 300,000 shares of time-based restricted stock units, vesting over a three year period with 25% vesting immediately.  The Company paid the TCP Employee approximately $0.3 million for services under this agreement in 2018. At December 31, 2018, less than $0.1 million was due to the TCP Employee.

Transactions with Tommie Copper, Inc.

The Company entered into an agreement with Tommie Copper, Inc. (“TCI”), an affiliate of TCP, under which the Company received a vendor placement fee for facilitating certain distribution arrangements.  The Company recorded $3.1 million of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018.  During the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company recorded non-cash interest income of $0.1 million related to the accretion of the present value of this fee. 

Transactions with Centric Brands Inc. (f/k/a Differential Brands Group, Inc.)

During the fourth quarter of 2018, Centric Brands, Inc. (“Centric”) acquired a significant portion of Global Brands Group Holding Limited’s (“GBG”) North American licensing business.  The Company entered into an agreement with Centric, an affiliate of TCP, under which the Company received a rights transfer fee of $4.0 million related to the Joe’s license.  Additionally, during the fourth quarter of 2018 the Company recorded approximately $1.2 million for royalty revenue earned from the Centric license agreement. 

Transactions with E.S. Originals, Inc.

A division president of the Company maintains a passive ownership interest in our licensee, E.S. Originals, Inc. (“ESO”). The Company receives royalties from ESO under license agreements for certain of the Company’s brands in the footwear category. The Company recorded approximately $8.4 million of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 for royalties and advertising revenue earned from ESO license agreements.

The Company entered into an agreement with ESO under which the Company received a sales commission.  The Company recorded $3.0 million of revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018. 

In addition, the Company entered into a license-back agreement with ESO under which the Company reacquired the rights to certain international territories in order to re-license these rights to an unrelated party. The Company recorded approximately $0.3 million in license-back expense for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Acquisition of FUL

On November 17, 2014, the Company made a strategic investment in FUL IP Holdings, LLC (“FUL IP”). FUL IP is a collaborative investment between the Company and JALP, LLC (“JALP”). FUL IP was formed for the purpose of licensing the FUL trademark to third parties in connection with the manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sale of FUL branded bags, backpacks, duffels, luggage and apparel accessories. JALP contributed the FUL trademark with a fair value of approximately $8.9 million. In exchange for a 50.5% economic interest in FUL IP the Company paid JALP $4.5 million. JALP’s minority member interest in FUL IP has been reflected as noncontrolling interest on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. One of the Company’s directors, Mr. Al Gossett, has a partial ownership interest in JALP. There was $0.7 million of noncontrolling interest loss recorded during the year ended December 31, 2018. The Company made a $1.0 million distribution to JALP during the year ended December 31, 2018.

Agreements with Ms. Stewart

In connection with the transactions contemplated by the Company’s acquisition of MSLO, MSLO entered into an Amended and Restated Asset License Agreement (“Intangible Asset Agreement”) and Amended and Restated Intellectual Property License and Preservation Agreement (“IP License Agreement” and, together with the Intangible Asset Agreement, the “IP Agreements”) pursuant to which Ms. Stewart, a director and Chief Creative Officer of the Company, licensed certain intellectual property to MSLO. The IP Agreements grant the Company the right to the use of certain properties owned by Ms. Stewart.

The Intangible Asset Agreement has an initial term commencing on December 4, 2015 and ending on December 31, 2020, provided that the term will automatically be renewed for five additional calendar years ending December 31, 2025 (subject to earlier termination as provided in the employment agreement) if either the aggregate gross licensing revenues

(as defined in Ms. Stewart’s employment agreement) for calendar years 2018 through 2020 exceed $195 million or the gross licensing revenues for calendar year 2020 equal or exceed $65 million.

During the term of the Intangible Asset Agreement with the Company, Lifestyle Research Center LLC will be entitled to receive a guaranteed annual payment of $1.7 million, which amounts are being paid in connection with the acquisition of MSLO regardless of Ms. Stewart’s continued employment with the Company, plus reimbursable expenses. The Company paid Lifestyle Research Center LLC $2.1 million in 2018.

During the term of the IP License Agreement with the Company, Ms. Stewart will be entitled to receive a guaranteed annual payment of  $1.3 million which amounts are being paid in connection with the acquisition of MSLO regardless of Ms. Stewart’s continued employment with the Company. The Company paid $1.3 million to Ms. Stewart in 2018 in connection with the terms of the IP License Agreement. The IP License Agreement is perpetual.

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee has furnished the following report:

The Audit Committee is composed of three independent directors, each of whom, in the Board of Directors’ business judgment, is “independent” within the meaning of Rule 5605(a)(2) of the Nasdaq Stock Market’s Listing Rules and the applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Audit Committee oversees the Company’s accounting, auditing and financial reporting processes. The Audit Committee’s function is one of oversight, recognizing that the management of the Company has the primary responsibility for the Company’s financial statements as well as the Company’s financial reporting processes, principles and internal controls. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, CohnReznick LLP (the “Auditors”) is responsible for performing an audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, issuing a report relating to their audit and expressing an opinion as to the conformity of such financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles.

In fulfilling its responsibilities with respect to the financial statements for the fiscal year 2018, the Audit Committee:

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018 be included in its 2018 Annual Report on Form 10‑K. The Audit Committee has selected CohnReznick LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019, and has asked the stockholders to ratify the selection.

The Audit Committee reviews and assesses the adequacy of its charter on an annual basis. While the Audit Committee believes that the charter in its present form is adequate, it may in the future recommend to the Board of Directors amendments to the charter to the extent it deems necessary to react to changing conditions and circumstances.

Aaron Hollander, Chair
Al Gossett
Stewart Leonard, Jr.