def14a
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Lawson Products, Inc. |
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Lawson Products, Inc.
1666 East Touhy Avenue
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 9, 2006
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
You are cordially invited to attend the annual meeting of
stockholders of Lawson Products, Inc. (the Company
or Lawson), which will be held at the offices of the
Company, 1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines,
Illinois, on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 10:00 A.M.
(Local Time) for the following purposes:
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(1) |
To elect three directors to serve three years; |
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(2) |
To ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as
Lawsons independent registered public accounting firm for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006; and |
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(3) |
To transact such other business as may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on
March 31, 2006, as the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
Accompanying this notice is a proxy, a Proxy Statement and a
copy of the Companys 2005 Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Even if you expect to attend the meeting in person, please
sign and return the enclosed proxy in the envelope provided so
that your shares may be voted at the meeting. You may also vote
your shares by telephone or via the Internet as set forth in the
enclosed proxy. If you execute a proxy, you still may attend the
meeting and vote in person.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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Neil E. Jenkins |
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Secretary |
Des Plaines, Illinois
April 10, 2006
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Lawson Products, Inc.
1666 East Touhy Avenue
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
May 9, 2006
This Proxy Statement is being sent to stockholders on or about
April 10, 2006, in connection with the solicitation of the
accompanying proxy by the Board of Directors of the Company.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on
March 31, 2006, are entitled to notice of and to vote at
the meeting. The Company has retained Morrow & Co.,
Inc., a firm specializing in the solicitation of proxies, to
assist in the solicitation at a fee estimated to be $6,000 plus
expenses. Officers of the Company may make additional
solicitations in person or by telephone. Expenses incurred in
the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. If the
accompanying form of proxy is executed and returned in time or
you vote your shares by telephone or via the Internet as set
forth in the enclosed proxy, the shares represented thereby will
be voted. A proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its voting
by execution of a later dated proxy or by voting in person at
the annual meeting.
As of March 31, 2006, the Company had outstanding
8,974,841 shares of the Companys Common Stock (the
Common Stock) and such shares are the only shares
entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Each holder of Common
Stock is entitled to one vote per share on all matters to come
before the meeting. For purposes of the meeting, a quorum means
a majority of the outstanding shares. In determining whether a
quorum exists, all shares represented in person or by proxy will
be counted.
Directors will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at
the meeting by the holders of shares represented in person or by
proxy. It is intended that the named proxies will vote in favor
of the election of directors of the nominees listed below,
except as otherwise indicated on the proxy form. If any nominee
should become unavailable for election as a director (which is
not contemplated), the proxies will have discretionary authority
to vote for a substitute. In the absence of a specific direction
from the stockholders, proxies will be voted for the election of
all named director nominees. The ratification of
Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm requires the approval of the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock
present or represented by proxy and voting at the meeting. A
properly executed proxy card marked Abstain with
respect to this proposal will constitute a vote against this
proposal.
Proxies received but marked as abstentions and broker non-votes
will be included in the calculation of the number of shares
considered to be present at the meeting. Broker non-votes will
not affect the determination of the outcome of the vote on the
election of directors or the ratification of Ernst &
Young LLP as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm. A broker non-vote occurs when a broker holding
shares registered in street name is permitted to vote, in the
brokers discretion, on routine matters without receiving
instructions from the client, but is not permitted to vote
without instructions on non-routine matters, and the broker
returns a proxy card
with no vote on the non-routine matter. Under the rules and
regulations of the primary trading markets applicable to most
brokers, the election of directors and the ratification of
Ernst & Young LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm are a routine matters on which
a broker has the discretion to vote if instructions are not
received from the client in a timely manner.
Proposal 1: Election of Directors
Stockholders are entitled to cumulative voting in the election
of directors. Under cumulative voting, each stockholder is
entitled to that number of votes equal to the number of
directors to be elected, multiplied by the number of shares such
stockholder owns, and such stockholder may cast its votes for
one nominee or distribute them in any manner it chooses among
any number of nominees. Unless otherwise indicated on the proxy
card, votes may, in the discretion of the proxies, be equally or
unequally allocated among the nominees named below. Directors
will be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the meeting
by the holders of shares represented in person or by proxy.
Thus, assuming a quorum is present, the three persons receiving
the greatest number of votes will be elected as directors and
votes that are withheld will have no effect.
The By-Laws of the Company provide that the Board of Directors
shall consist of such number of members, between five and nine,
as the Board of Directors determines from time to time. The size
of the Board of Directors is currently set at nine members. The
Board of Directors is divided into three classes, with one class
being elected each year for a three-year term. At the annual
meeting, three directors are to be elected to serve until 2009
and until their successors are elected and qualified. The Board
of Directors has nominated and recommends to the stockholders
James T. Brophy, Thomas S. Postek and Mitchell H.
Saranow to serve until the 2009 annual meeting of directors and
until such time as their respective successors are duly elected
and qualified. Mr. Postek was initially recommended to the
Nominating and Governance Committee by the Companys Chief
Executive Officer.
1
The following information has been furnished by the respective
nominees and continuing directors:
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Year First | |
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Elected | |
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Principal Occupation |
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Director | |
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Nominees to be Elected to Serve
Until 2009 |
James T. Brophy
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78 |
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Private Investor.
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1971 |
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Thomas S. Postek
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64 |
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Certified public accountant and
chartered financial analyst currently affiliated with Geneva
Investment Management in Chicago since January 2005.
Mr. Postek was a partner and principal of William
Blair & Company, LLC from 1986 to 2001. During his
tenure at William Blair, Mr. Postek covered various
business services as an analyst, including industrial
distribution. Mr. Postek also served on the staff of the
Financial Accounting Standards Board from 1980 to 1982.
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2005 |
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Mitchell H. Saranow
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60 |
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Chairman of the Saranow Group, a
family investment firm and its predecessors, since 1984. Since
2003, Mr. Saranow has been the Chairman and since 2005, the
Chief Executive Officer, of Lenteq, L.P., a specialized
machinery manufacturer headquartered in Holland.
Mr. Saranow was Chairman of the Board and co-Chief
Executive Officer of Navigant Consulting, Inc. from
November 1999 to June 2000. Prior thereto,
Mr. Saranow was Chairman of Fluid Management, L.P., a
specialized machinery manufacturer, for more than five years.
Mr. Saranow is also a director of Telephone and Data
Systems, Inc.
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The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR
these nominees.
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Year First | |
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Principal Occupation |
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Director | |
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Directors whose Terms Expire in
2007 |
Lee S. Hillman
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50 |
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Executive Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer, Power Plate International since
February 2006. President of Liberation Investment Advisory
Group since 2003. From 1996 to 2002, Mr. Hillman was Chief
Executive Officer, President and a Director and from 2000 to
2002 Chairman of the Board of Bally Total Fitness Holding
Corporation, an owner and operator of health and fitness clubs.
Mr. Hillman is also a director of RCN Corporation.
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2004 |
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Sidney L. Port
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95 |
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Vice Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company since 2003 and prior thereto Chairman
of the Executive Committee of the Company. Mr. Port founded
the Company in 1952 and served as its Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer from 1952 to 1970.
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1952 |
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Robert J. Washlow
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61 |
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Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company since August 1999. In 1998
and 1999, Mr. Washlow was Executive Vice
President Corporate Affairs of the Company and
participated in the Office of the President of the Company from
January 1, 1999 until he became the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company in August of 1999.
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1997 |
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Year First | |
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Elected | |
Name |
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Age | |
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Principal Occupation |
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Director | |
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Directors Whose Terms Expire in
2008 |
Ronald B.
Port, M.D.
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65 |
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Retired Physician.
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1984 |
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Robert G. Rettig
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76 |
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Consultant.
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1989 |
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Wilma J. Smelcer
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57 |
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Ms. Smelcer was a member of the
Board of Governors of the Chicago Stock Exchange from 2001 until
April 2004. Also since 2001, Ms. Smelcer has been a
trustee of Goldman Sachs Mutual Fund Complex (a registered
investment company). Ms. Smelcer served as Chairman of Bank
of America, Illinois from 1998 to 2001.
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2004 |
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Board of Director Meetings and Committees
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The functions of the Audit Committee include the appointment,
compensation, retention and oversight of the Companys
independent auditors, reviewing the scope and results of the
audit by the Companys independent auditors and reviewing
the Companys procedures for monitoring internal control
over financial reporting. The current members of the Audit
Committee consist of James T. Brophy (Chairman), Thomas S.
Postek, Robert G. Rettig and Mitchell H. Saranow. Each member of
the Audit Committee satisfies the independence requirements of
the Nasdaq National Market and the Securities and Exchange
Commission. The Board of Directors has determined that
Mr. Saranow is an audit committee financial
expert as such term is defined by the Securities and
Exchange Commission and satisfies the financial sophistication
requirements of the Nasdaq National Market. |
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The Compensation Committee makes all determinations with respect
to the compensation of the Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer and establishes compensation for all other
executive officers of the Company. The Compensation Committee
consists of James T. Brophy, Robert G. Rettig (Chairman),
Mitchell H. Saranow and Wilma J. Smelcer. Each member of the
Compensation Committee satisfies the independence requirements
of the Nasdaq National Market and is an outside
director as defined in Section 162(m) of the Internal
Revenue Code. |
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The Nominating and Governance Committee identifies and nominates
potential directors to the Board of Directors and otherwise
takes a leadership role in shaping the corporate governance of
the Company. The Nominating and Governance Committee consists of
James T. Brophy, Robert G. Rettig, Mitchell H. Saranow
(Chairman) and Wilma J. Smelcer. Each member of the Nominating
and Governance Committee satisfies the independence requirements
of the Nasdaq National Market. |
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The Financial Strategies Committee, the members of which are
James T. Brophy, Lee S. Hillman, Ronald B. Port, M.D. and
Mitchell H. Saranow (Chairman), reviews and evaluates the
financial activities of the Company and makes recommendations to
the Board of Directors and management regarding business
strategies and financial policies and objectives to promote and
maintain superior standards of performance. |
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The Management Development Committee is responsible for
management development and succession. The directors that serve
on the Management and Development Committee are Wilma J. Smelcer
(Chair), Lee S. Hillman, Ronald B. Port, M.D. and Robert G.
Rettig. |
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Because of their substantial stockholdings, Sidney L. Port,
Roberta Port Washlow (Mr. Sidney Ports daughter and
Mr. Washlows spouse) and Ronald B. Port may be deemed
to be a control person of the Company. See Securities
Beneficially Owned by Principal Stockholders and
Management. |
3
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Ronald B. Port, M.D. is the son of Sidney L. Port. |
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Robert J. Washlow is the
son-in-law of Sidney L.
Port. |
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Each nominee and continuing director has held the indicated
position, or an executive position with the same employer, for
at least the past five years, unless otherwise indicated above. |
In 2005, the Board of Directors held seven meetings, the
Compensation Committee held six meetings, the Audit Committee
held eight meetings, the Financial Strategies Committee held two
meetings, the Nominating and Governance Committee held two
meetings, and the Management and Development Committee held four
meetings. During 2005, each director attended at least 75% of
the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the respective
committees on which he served. In 2005, each director who was
not an employee or retired officer of the Company, other than
Mr. Postek, received directors fees of $30,000 and
$30,000 in restricted stock. Mr. Postek was appointed to
the Board of Directors in August 2005, and he received
$15,000 in shares of restricted stock. The restricted stock is
awarded under the Lawson Products, Inc. Stock Incentive Plan,
and the restricted stock vests upon the earlier of (a) the
termination of the directors status as a member of the
Board of Directors of the Company or (b) after the third
anniversary of the date of the restricted stock award grant.
Mr. Rettig was paid an additional $5,000 as chair of the
Compensation Committee. Mr. Brophy was paid an additional
$5,000 as chair of the Audit Committee for 2005.
Mr. Hillman was paid an additional $5,000 for service as
chair of the Audit Committee for a portion of 2005
(Mr. Hillman served as chair of the Audit Committee from
May 11, 2004 to March 8, 2005).
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider Board of
Directors nominees recommended by stockholders. Those
recommendations should be sent to the Chair of the Nominating
and Governance Committee, care of the Corporate Secretary of
Lawson Products, Inc., 1666 East Touhy Avenue,
Des Plaines, Illinois 60018. In order for a stockholder to
nominate a candidate for director, under the Companys
Certificate of Incorporation, timely notice of the nomination
must be given in writing to the Secretary of the Company. To be
timely, such notice must be received at the principal executive
offices of the Company as set forth under Proposals of
Securityholders below. Notice of a nomination must include
your name, address and number of shares you own; the name, age,
business address, residence address and principal occupation of
the nominee; and the number of shares beneficially owned by the
nominee. It must also include the information that would be
required to be disclosed in the solicitation of proxies for
election of directors under the federal securities laws, as well
as whether the individual can understand basic financial
statements and the candidates other Board of Directors
memberships (if any). You must submit the nominees consent
to be elected and to serve. The Nominating and Governance
Committee may require any nominee to furnish any other
information, within reason, that may be needed to determine the
eligibility of the nominee. The Nominating and Governance
Committee will follow procedures which the committee deems
reasonable and appropriate in the identification of candidates
for election to the Board of Directors and evaluating the
background and qualifications of those candidates. Those
processes include consideration of nominees suggested by an
outside search firm, by incumbent Board of Directors members and
by stockholders. The committee will seek candidates having
experience and abilities relevant to serving as a director of
the Company and who represent the best interests of stockholders
as a whole and not any specific interest group or constituency.
The committee will consider a candidates qualifications
and background, including, but not limited to responsibility for
operating a public company or a division of a public company,
international business experience, a candidates technical
background or professional qualifications and other public
company Boards of Directors on which the candidate is a
director. The committee will also consider whether the candidate
would be independent for purposes of the Nasdaq
National Market and the rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission. The committee may from time to time
engage the service of a professional search firm to identify and
evaluate potential nominees.
4
Corporate Governance Practices and Stockholder
Communications
The Companys Board of Directors has determined that James
T. Brophy, Lee S. Hillman, Thomas S. Postek, Robert G.
Rettig, Mitchell H. Saranow and Wilma J. Smelcer are independent
within the meaning of the rules of the Nasdaq National Market.
In determining independence, the Board of Directors considered
the specific criteria for independence under the Nasdaq National
Market rules and also the facts and circumstances of any other
relationships of individual directors with the Company.
The independent directors and the committees of the Board of
Directors regularly meet in executive session without the
presence of any management directors or representatives.
We encourage each member of the Board to attend the annual
meeting of stockholders. All of our directors attended the 2005
annual meeting of stockholders.
The Audit, Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committees
have each adopted a charter for their respective committees.
These charters may be viewed on the Companys website,
www.lawsonproducts.com, and copies may be obtained by
request to the Secretary of the Company. Those requests should
be sent to: Corporate Secretary, Lawson Products, Inc.,
1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018.
The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics Policy. The
policy may be viewed on the Companys website,
www.lawsonproducts.com, and copies may be obtained by
request to the Secretary of the Company. Those requests should
be sent to: Corporate Secretary, Lawson Products, Inc., 1666
East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018.
Stockholders may send communications to members of the Board of
Directors by either sending a communication to the Board of
Directors and/or a particular member care of the Corporate
Secretary, Lawson Products, Inc., 1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des
Plaines, Illinois 60018. Communications intended for
non-management directors should be directed to the Chair of the
Nominating and Governance Committee.
Securities Beneficially Owned by Principal Stockholders and
Management
Set forth below, as of March 1, 2006 (unless otherwise
indicated), are the beneficial holdings of: each person
(including any group as defined in
Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, each
director, each executive officer listed on the Summary
Compensation Table below, and all executive officers and
directors as a group. Because the voting or dispositive power of
certain stock listed in the following table is shared, in some
cases the same securities are listed opposite more than one name
in the table. The total number of the Companys shares
listed in the table (excluding stock options that are presently
exercisable), after elimination
5
of duplication, is 5,680,727 shares of common stock
(approximately 63.3% of the outstanding common stock).
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Roberta Port Washlow(3)
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22,471 |
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3,011,436 |
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33.8 |
% |
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1666 East Touhy Avenue
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Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
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Sidney L. Port
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1,410,389 |
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15.7 |
% |
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1666 East Touhy Avenue
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Des Plaines, Illinois 60018
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Royce & Associates LLC(4)
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1,114,201 |
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12.4 |
% |
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1414 Avenue of the Americas
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New York, NY 10019
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Jeffrey B. Belford
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100 |
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* |
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James T. Brophy
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3,757 |
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* |
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Roger F. Cannon
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4,367 |
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* |
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Lee S. Hillman
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1,607 |
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* |
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William Holmes
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* |
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Kenneth E. Malik
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* |
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Ronald B. Port, M.D(3)
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20,722 |
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3,011,436 |
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33.8 |
% |
Thomas S. Postek
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10,386 |
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* |
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Robert G. Rettig
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5,607 |
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* |
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Michael W. Ruprich
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* |
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Mitchell H. Saranow(5)
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12,107 |
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* |
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Jerome Shaffer
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21,033 |
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2,530 |
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* |
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Wilma J. Smelcer
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1,607 |
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* |
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Scott F. Stephens
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* |
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Robert J. Washlow
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60,657 |
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All executive officers and
directors as a group (18 persons)
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1,552,339 |
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3,013,966 |
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50.8 |
% |
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* |
Less than 1%. |
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(1) |
Does not include certain shares held by wives and minor children
in the case of Mr. Brophy (725 shares), Dr. Port
(4,803 shares), Mr. Shaffer (2,450 shares) and
all executive officers and directors as a group
(7,978 shares). |
|
(2) |
Stockholdings shown include shares issuable upon the exercise of
stock options exercisable within 60 days of March 1,
2006 by Mr. Cannon (1,250 shares), Dr. Port
(2,500 shares), Mr. Saranow (2,500 shares),
Mr. Shaffer (6,000 shares), Mr. Washlow
(10,000 shares) and all executive officers and directors as
a group (22,250 shares). |
|
(3) |
Includes shares held in family partnerships in the aggregate
amount of 3,011,436 in which Dr. Ronald B. Port, and
Roberta Port Washlow (Mr. Sidney Ports daughter and
Mr. Washlows spouse) are the managing partners.
Approval of both of the managing general partners is required
for any actions with respect to the reported securities. |
|
(4) |
Based on an Amendment to Schedule 13G/A filed by
Royce & Associates LLC with the Securities and Exchange
Commission dated January 30, 2006. |
|
(5) |
8,000 shares are owned by Saranow Investments, L.L.C.,
which is owned by Mr. Saranow and his family.
1,607 shares are owned by Mr. Saranow. |
6
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
requires the Companys directors and executive officers,
and persons who own more than 10% of shares of the
Companys Common Stock (collectively, Reporting
Persons) to file reports of ownership and changes in
ownership with the SEC. Reporting Persons are required by SEC
regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received
or written representations from the Reporting Persons, the
Company believes that with respect to the year ended
December 31, 2005, all the Reporting Persons complied with
all applicable Section 16 filing requirements.
7
Remuneration of Executive Officers
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The table below sets forth certain information concerning the
annual and long-term compensation for services in all capacities
to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004,
and 2003, of those persons who were, at December 31, 2005
(i) the chief executive officer, and (ii) the other
four most highly compensated executive officers of the Company
(the Named Officers).
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Long-Term Compensation | |
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| |
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Annual Compensation | |
|
Securities | |
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| |
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Underlying | |
|
All Other | |
Name and Principal Position |
|
Year | |
|
Salary($) | |
|
Bonus($) | |
|
Options/SARs(1) | |
|
Compensation($) | |
| |
Robert Washlow
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
688,500 |
|
|
|
779,868 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,018,375 |
(3) |
|
Chairman of the Board
and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
687,825 |
|
|
|
381,521 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,425 |
|
|
Chief Executive
Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
687,125 |
|
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
Jeffrey B. Belford
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
405,750 |
|
|
|
217,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,375 |
(4) |
|
President and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
373,175 |
|
|
|
194,945 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,425 |
|
|
Chief Operating
Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
|
356,963 |
|
|
|
32,494 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
Roger F. Cannon
|
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
351,375 |
|
|
|
116,242 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,375 |
(4) |
|
Executive Vice President
and |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
351,475 |
|
|
|
92,787 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,425 |
|
|
Chief Sales Officer |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
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351,550 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,500 |
|
|
Thomas J. Neri
|
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|
2005 |
|
|
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307,875 |
|
|
|
144,396 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,375 |
(4) |
|
Executive Vice
President, |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
293,750 |
|
|
|
117,142 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Finance, Planning and |
|
|
2003 |
(5) |
|
|
54,006 |
|
|
|
|
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|
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5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate Development |
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|
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|
Michael W. Ruprich
|
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|
2005 |
|
|
|
319,414 |
|
|
|
94,177 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
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18,375 |
(4) |
|
Group President, MRO |
|
|
2004 |
(6) |
|
|
234,164 |
|
|
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59,069 |
|
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and New Channels |
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|
(1) |
The awards reflected in this column are stock performance rights. |
|
(2) |
Mr. Robert Washlows bonus consists of $389,868 and an
award of 10,000 shares of stock on December 13, 2005.
On December 13, 2005, the stock had a fair market value of
$390,000. |
|
(3) |
Includes the Companys $18,375 contribution accrued to the
Companys Profit Sharing Plan and $2,000,000 in management
fees paid to Mr. Robert Washlow in connection with his
management of Superior & Sedgwick Associates, Inc.
Mr. Washlow received this management fee in his capacity as
general partner of Superior & Sedgewick Associates,
Inc. Please see Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions included elsewhere in this Notice and Proxy
Statement for additional information regarding the management
fee. |
|
(4) |
These amounts represent the Companys contribution to the
Companys Profit Sharing Plan. |
|
(5) |
Mr. Thomas Neri joined the Company in October of 2003 as
Executive Vice President, Finance, Corporate Planning and Chief
Financial Officer. |
|
(6) |
Mr. Michael Ruprich joined the Company in 2004 as Group
President, MRO and New Channels. |
8
OPTIONS/SARS GRANTED DURING 2005
No stock options or stock appreciation rights were granted to
the Named Executive Officers during fiscal 2005.
The following table summarizes option exercises during the year
by the Named Officers and the value of the options held by such
persons at the end of such year.
AGGREGATE OF OPTIONS/SARS EXERCISED IN 2005
AND OPTION/SAR VALUES AT DECEMBER 31, 2005
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Value of Unexercised | |
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Number of Unexercised | |
|
In-the-Money | |
|
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|
|
Options/SARs at | |
|
Options/SARs at | |
|
|
|
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|
|
December 31, 2005(1) | |
|
December 31, 2005(1) | |
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| |
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| |
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Shares Acquired | |
|
|
|
Exercisable/ | |
|
Exercisable/ | |
Name |
|
on Exercise | |
|
Value Realized | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
Unexercisable | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Robert J. Washlow
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
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59,200/8,000 |
|
|
$ |
681,848/$85,280 |
|
Jeffrey B. Belford
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
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4,000/5,000 |
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|
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43,450/53,990 |
|
Roger Cannon
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|
|
|
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|
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4,250/2,000 |
|
|
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51,610/21,320 |
|
Thomas J. Neri
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2,000/3,000 |
|
|
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9,180/13,770 |
|
Michael W. Ruprich
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Based on the closing price of the Companys Common Stock as
reported on the Nasdaq National Market on December 31, 2005. |
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS AWARDS IN 2005
The following table sets forth information with respect to
grants of Shareholder Value Appreciation Rights
(SVARs) to the Companys Named Executive
Officers during 2005.
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Estimated Future Payouts Under | |
|
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Number of | |
|
Performance Or Other | |
|
Non-Stock Price Based Plans(1) | |
|
|
Shares, Units or | |
|
Period Until Maturation | |
|
| |
Name |
|
Other Rights(#) | |
|
Or Payout | |
|
Threshold | |
|
Target | |
|
Maximum | |
|
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| |
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| |
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| |
|
| |
|
| |
Robert J. Washlow
|
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105 |
|
|
|
1/1/04 12/31/08 |
|
|
$ |
1,900,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,400,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,400,000 |
|
Jeffrey B. Belford
|
|
|
42 |
|
|
|
1/1/04 12/31/08 |
|
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
1,000,000 |
|
|
|
2,200,000 |
|
Roger Cannon
|
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18 |
|
|
|
1/1/04 12/31/08 |
|
|
|
300,000 |
|
|
|
400,000 |
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
Thomas J. Neri
|
|
|
37.5 |
|
|
|
1/1/04 12/31/08 |
|
|
|
700,000 |
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
1,900,000 |
|
Michael W. Ruprich
|
|
|
37.5 |
|
|
|
1/1/04 12/31/08 |
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
800,000 |
|
|
|
1,800,000 |
|
|
|
(1) |
The amount of compensation to be paid to the participants in the
Long-Term Capital Accumulation Plan will be based upon the
degree of improvement, during the performance period, in
(a) the consolidated earnings of the Company before
adjustment for interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization (EBITDA) and (b) the net value of
certain non-operating assets and liabilities of the Company, as
described in the Long-Term Capital Accumulation Plan. The
compensation payable to a participant in the Long-Term Capital
Accumulation Plan will be a percentage of an overall pool amount
for the Long-Term Capital Accumulation Plan. |
Employment Contracts
Mr. Washlow is employed under a contract pursuant to which
he will receive a minimum salary of $650,000.
Mr. Washlows salary is subject to periodic review and
may be increased but not
9
decreased. The Company may cancel the contract at any time, and
upon 60 days prior written notice, the contract is
cancelable by Mr. Washlow. If the Company terminates
Mr. Washlow without cause or Mr. Washlow
terminates his employment for good reason (as such
terms are defined in the employment agreement), then the Company
shall pay Mr. Washlow an amount equal to two times
Mr. Washlows then current base salary and most recent
annual bonus. In addition, all previously unvested options and
other rights granted to Mr. Washlow shall immediately vest
and become fully exercisable as of the date of termination for a
period of one year. The employment agreement provides that upon
the death of Mr. Washlow, Mr. Washlows estate
shall receive an amount equal to two times Mr.Washlows
then current annual base salary and all previously unvested
options and other rights granted to Mr. Washlow shall vest
and become fully exercisable for one year after death. Upon the
termination of the contract due to a disability, all previously
unvested options and other rights granted to Mr. Washlow
shall immediately vest and become fully exercisable for one year
after the termination date. Under certain circumstances after a
change of control of the Company, Mr. Washlow shall be
entitled to receive a lump sum payment equal to three times
Mr. Washlows then current annual base salary and most
recent annual bonus; in addition, all previously unvested
options and rights granted to Mr. Washlow shall immediately
vest and become fully exercisable as of the date of termination
for a period of one year.
Mr. Belford is employed under a contract pursuant to which
he will receive a minimum salary of $390,000 for 2006. The
contract provides for salary increases from time to time. The
Company may cancel the contract at any time, and upon the
expiration of 60 days prior written notice, the contract is
cancelable by Mr. Belford. Mr. Belford may also
terminate his employment with the Company in connection with his
retirement after January 1, 2007 provided that
Mr. Belford gives written notice of his retirement at any
time after July 1, 2006. The contract is cancelable upon
the death or disability of Mr. Belford. In the event that
Mr. Belford is terminated without cause or in connection
with his retirement, the Company will continue to pay his base
salary and certain benefits for a period of two years. During
the salary continuation period, Mr. Belford is obligated to
provide certain limited consulting services to the Company. In
the event that Mr. Belford dies while employed by the
Company, Mr. Belfords estate will receive an amount
equal to two times his then current annual base salary.
Mr. Cannon is employed under a contract pursuant to which
he will receive a minimum salary of $340,000 for 2006. The
contract provides for salary increases from time to time. The
Company may cancel the contract at any time, and upon the
expiration of 60 days prior written notice, the contract is
cancelable by Mr. Cannon. Mr. Cannon may also
terminate his employment with the Company in connection with his
retirement after January 1, 2007 provided that
Mr. Cannon gives written notice of his retirement at any
time after July 1, 2006. The contract is cancelable upon
the death or disability of Mr. Cannon. In the event that
Mr. Cannon is terminated without cause or in connection
with his retirement, the Company will continue to pay his base
salary and certain benefits for a period of two years. During
the salary continuation period, Mr. Cannon is obligated to
provide certain limited consulting services to the Company. In
the event that Mr. Cannon dies while employed by the
Company, Mr. Cannons estate will receive an amount
equal to two times his then current annual base salary.
Mr. Neri is employed under a contract pursuant to which he
will receive a minimum salary of $300,000 for 2006. The contract
provides for salary increases from time to time. The Company may
cancel the contract at any time, and upon the expiration of
60 days prior written notice, the contract is cancelable by
Mr. Neri. The contract is cancelable upon the death or
disability of Mr. Neri. In the event that Mr. Neri is
terminated without cause, the Company will continue to pay his
base salary and certain benefits for a period of two years.
During the salary continuation period, Mr. Neri is
obligated to provide certain limited consulting services to the
Company. In the event that Mr. Neri dies while employed by
the Company, Mr. Neris estate will receive an amount
equal to two times his then current annual base salary.
10
Mr. Ruprich is employed under a contract pursuant to which
he will receive a minimum salary of $300,000. The contract
provides for salary increases from time to time. The Company may
cancel the contract at any time, and upon the expiration of
60 days prior written notice, the contract is cancelable by
Mr. Ruprich. The contract is cancelable upon the death or
disability of Mr. Ruprich. In the event that
Mr. Ruprich is terminated without cause, the Company will
continue to pay his base salary and certain benefits for a
period of up to two years. During the salary continuation
period, Mr. Ruprich is obligated to provide certain limited
consulting services to the Company. In the event that
Mr. Ruprich dies while employed by the Company,
Mr. Ruprichs estate will receive an amount equal to
two times his then current annual base salary.
Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee, which are set forth
in the Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Board of Directors
in 2004 include providing oversight to the Companys
financial reporting process through periodic meetings with the
Companys independent auditors and management to review
accounting, auditing, internal controls, and financial reporting
matters. The management of the Company is responsible for the
preparation and integrity of the financial reporting information
and related systems of internal controls. The Audit Committee,
in carrying out its role, relies on the Companys senior
management, including senior financial management, and its
independent auditors.
With regard to the 2005 audit, the Audit Committee discussed
with the Companys independent auditors the scope, extent
and procedures for their audits. Following the completion of the
audit, the Audit Committee met with the independent auditors,
with and without management present, to discuss the results of
their examinations, the cooperation received by the auditors
during the audit examination, their evaluation of the
Companys internal control over financial reporting and the
overall quality of the Companys financial reporting.
The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial
statements included in the 2005 Annual Report on
Form 10-K with
management. Management has confirmed to us that such financial
statements (i) have been prepared with integrity and
objectivity and are the responsibility of management and
(ii) have been prepared in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States.
We have discussed with Ernst & Young LLP, our
independent auditors, the matters required to be discussed by
SAS 61 (Communications with Audit Committee). SAS 61 requires
our independent auditors to provide us with additional
information regarding the scope and results of their audit of
the Companys financial statements with respect to
(i) their responsibility under auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States, (ii) significant accounting
policies, (iii) management judgments and estimates,
(iv) any significant audit adjustments, (v) any
disagreements with management, and (vi) any difficulties
encountered in performing the audit.
We have received from Ernst & Young LLP a letter
providing the disclosures required by Independence Standards
Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit
Committees) with respect to any relationships between
Ernst & Young LLP and the Company that in its
professional judgment may reasonably be thought to bear on
independence. Ernst & Young LLP has discussed its
independence with us. Ernst & Young LLP confirmed in
its letter, that in its professional judgment, it is independent
of the Company within the meaning of the federal securities laws.
Based on the review and discussions described above with respect
to the Companys audited financial statements included in
the Companys 2005 Annual Report on
Form 10-K, we have
recommended to the Board of Directors that such financial
statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
11
The Audit Committee has selected Ernst & Young LLP as
the Companys independent auditors for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2006, and the Board of Directors has
concurred with such selection.
The Audit Committee also reviewed managements process
designed to achieve compliance with Section 404 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and received periodic updates
regarding managements progress.
As specified in the Audit Committee Charter, it is not the duty
of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine
that the Companys financial statements are complete and
accurate and in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States. That is the responsibility of
management and the Companys independent auditors. In
giving our recommendation to the Board of Directors, we have
relied on (i) managements representation that such
financial statements have been prepared with integrity and
objectivity and in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States and (ii) the report
of the Companys independent auditors with respect to such
financial statements.
|
|
|
Respectfully submitted by: |
|
|
James T. Brophy (Chairman) |
|
Thomas S. Postek |
|
Robert G. Rettig |
|
Mitchell H. Saranow |
The foregoing report of the Audit Committee does not constitute
soliciting material and shall not be deemed incorporated by
reference by any general statement incorporating by reference
the proxy statement into any filing by the Company under the
Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
except to the extent that we specifically incorporate this
information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed
filed under such acts.
12
Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors
Overview
The objectives of the Compensation Committee in establishing
executive compensation are to provide compensation that will
both attract and retain superior talent and align the interests
of the Companys executive officers with the financial
success of the Company. The criteria used to determine the
compensation of the Chief Executive Officer are also used in
determining compensation for the other executive officers.
Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the
deductibility of certain items of compensation paid to the Chief
Executive Officer and other executive officers to
$1 million annually. The Committee does not expect that
Section 162(m) will limit the deductibility of compensation
expected to be paid by the Company in the foreseeable future. In
the event the proposed compensation for any of the
Companys executive officers is expected to exceed the
$1 million limitation, the Committee will balance the
benefits of tax deductibility with its responsibility to hire,
retain and motivate executive officers with competitive
compensation programs.
Executive Officer Compensation Program
The Companys executive officer compensation program is
comprised of base salary, short-term incentive compensation,
long-term incentive compensation (in the form of stock options,
stock appreciation rights and a Long-Term Capital Accumulation
Plan) and various benefits, including medical and profit sharing
plans, generally available to employees of the Company.
Executive Officer Base Salary. Base salary for the
executive officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer, was
set pursuant to employment agreements described elsewhere in
this Proxy Statement or by the Chief Executive Officer with the
consent of the Compensation Committee. In setting these
compensation levels, the Compensation Committee considered a
variety of factors, including competitive market levels, levels
of responsibility, and the unique abilities and individual
experience and performance of each officer. In addition, certain
of the employment agreements provide for discretionary increases
in base salary. Generally, these salary increases are determined
annually by the Chief Executive Officer with the consent of the
Compensation Committee based on performance and general market
factors.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. In setting
Mr. Washlows compensation for 2005, the Compensation
Committee considered a variety of factors, including competitive
market levels, his level of responsibility and his unique
ability and individual experience and performance. In addition,
the Compensation Committee was also advised by an independent
compensation consultant retained by the Compensation Committee.
Mr. Washlows base salary for 2005 was $688,500, and
he received a bonus of $779,868. Mr. Washlows bonus
consisted of $389,868 and 10,000 shares of stock with a
fair market value of $390,000 on December 13, 2005, the
date that the shares were awarded to Mr. Washlow. In
determining Mr. Washlows bonus for 2005, the
Compensation Committee considered, among other factors,
Mr. Washlows performance against certain management
objectives set by the Compensation Committee for
Mr. Washlow. Mr. Washlow also received an award of 105
SVARs (as defined below) pursuant to the Plan described below.
For 2006, Mr. Washlows base salary is set at $650,000
pursuant to his employment agreement. In addition,
Mr. Washlow is eligible to participate in the Incentive
Compensation Program, the Incentive Stock Option Program, the
Stock Performance Plan and the Long-Term Capital Accumulation
Plan.
Incentive Compensation Program. In 1995, the Board of
Directors adopted the Lawson Products, Inc. Annual Incentive
Compensation Program (the Program). Under the
Program the Compensation Committee establishes annual corporate,
company and individual target performance levels for each of the
participating employees (which includes each of the Named
Officers except Sidney L. Port and Robert J. Washlow). Each
participant will then be granted an
13
annual incentive award based upon the base salary at the
beginning of the year for that participant and the degree to
which the participants predetermined targets are achieved
during the year.
Incentive Stock Option Program. The Company issues stock
appreciation rights and stock awards to officers, key employees
and directors under the Lawson Products, Inc. Incentive Stock
Plan (the Stock Plan). The objectives of the Stock
Plan are to align executive and stockholder long-term interests
by creating a link between executive compensation and
stockholder return and to enable executives and other key
employees to develop and maintain a long-term stock ownership
position in the Company. Under the Stock Plan, the Compensation
Committee determines the identity of recipients and the amount
of benefits to be received by each recipient. Generally, options
are granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value
of the Companys Common Stock on the date of grant and have
ten year terms. The Compensation Committee did not grant awards
under the Stock Plan in 2005.
Stock Performance Plan. In 2000, the Board of Directors
adopted the Lawson Products, Inc. Stock Performance Plan under
which the Compensation Committee may grant key management
employees stock performance rights which will entitle the
holders to receive, in cash, the appreciation in the fair market
value of the Companys Common stock from the date of the
initial grants up to the date the rights are exercised. The
Compensation Committee primarily uses stock performance rights
for long term incentive compensation for its key employees. The
Compensation Committee did not grant stock performance rights in
2005.
Long-Term Capital Accumulation Plan. In 2004, the Board
of Directors adopted the Lawson Products, Inc. Long-Term Capital
Accumulation Plan (the Plan). The Plan provides
long-term incentive compensation to key executives of the
Company selected by the Compensation Committee of the Company.
The Plan covers a five-year performance period running from
January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2008, and the
amount of compensation to be paid to the participants in the
Plan will be based upon the degree of improvement, during the
performance period, in (a) the consolidated earnings of the
Company before adjustment for interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and
(b) the net value of certain non-operating assets and
liabilities of the Company, as described in the Plan. The
compensation payable to a participant in the Plan will be a
percentage of an overall pool amount for the Plan. Under the
Plan, the Compensation Committee determines the recipients and
the amount of each award of Shareholder Value Appreciation
Rights or SVARs awarded under the Plan. The
Compensation Committee granted 300 SVARs in 2005.
Other Benefits. The Company maintains an Executive
Deferral Plan for certain executives. The Company also provides
a variety of other benefits including a Profit Sharing Plan,
which are generally available to Company employees.
The Report of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors and the Stock Price Performance Graph shall not be
deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement
incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing
under the Securities Act of 1933 or under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the Company
specifically incorporates this information by reference, and
shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
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Respectfully submitted by: |
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Robert G. Rettig (Chairman) |
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James T. Brophy |
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Mitchell H. Saranow |
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Wilma J. Smelcer |
14
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider
Participation
During 2005, no executive officer of the Company served on the
Board of Directors or compensation committee of any other
corporation with respect to which any member of the Compensation
Committee was engaged as an executive officer. No member of the
Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of the Company
during 2005, and no member of the Compensation Committee was
formerly an officer of the Company.
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Superior and Sedgwick Associates, an Illinois limited
partnership (the Partnership), entered into a Real
Estate Sales Agreement, dated October 24, 2005 (the
Real Estate Sale Agreement), with the City of
Chicago pursuant to an option to purchase certain real estate
described therein held by the City of Chicago. The Company was
the limited partner of the Partnership and as such owned
approximately 98.5% of the total Partnership interests. The real
property was the sole asset of the Partnership. Robert J.
Washlow, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company, was the general partner of the Partnership and
owned approximately 1.5% of the total Partnership interests. The
partnership was formed in 1984, prior to Mr. Washlow
becoming an executive officer of the Company. Pursuant to the
Agreement of Limited Partnership dated November 1, 1984
governing the Partnership (the Partnership
Agreement), the general partner was entitled to be paid
reasonable fees as compensation for managing the affairs of the
Partnership. The fees were to be comparable to those charged by
real estate management firms in the Chicago metropolitan area.
The Companys Board of Directors established a special
committee of disinterested directors to consider the management
fees to be paid pursuant to the Partnership Agreement. The
special committee engaged advisors of its own selection to
assist in its evaluation of the management fees, and on
October 24, 2005 the special committee concluded that the
appropriate management fees pursuant to the Partnership
Agreement were $2,000,000, to be paid by the Partnership to
Mr. Washlow on October 31, 2005. On October 24,
2005, the audit committee of the board of directors considered
and approved the management fees. Also on October 24, 2005,
the management fees approved by the special committee were
ratified by the Board of Directors, with Mr. Washlow
abstaining. In addition, Mr. Washlow also received net cash
proceeds of approximately $270,500 due to his 1.5% partnership
interest. The Company received net cash proceeds of
approximately $15,707,000 and realized a net gain of $12,189,000
due to the 98.5% partnership interest. The Partnership was
dissolved on December 22, 2005.
15
Stock Price Performance Chart
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage
change in the cumulative total stockholder return on the
Companys Common Stock against the cumulative total return
of the S&P Small Capitalization Index and a peer group (the
Peer Group) of the Company for the five prior years.
The Peer Group consists of Barnes Group Inc. and Strategic
Distribution, Inc.
TOTAL RETURN TO STOCKHOLDERS
(Includes reinvestment of dividends)
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INDEXED RETURNS | |
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Base | |
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Years Ending December 31, | |
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Period | |
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Company Name/ Index |
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2000 | |
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2001 | |
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2002 | |
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2003 | |
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2004 | |
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2005 | |
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Lawson Products
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100 |
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98.48 |
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119.91 |
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130.91 |
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202.23 |
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155.30 |
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S&P Smallcap 600 Index
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100 |
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106.54 |
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90.95 |
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126.23 |
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154.82 |
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166.71 |
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Peer Group
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100 |
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125.83 |
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116.91 |
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190.33 |
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162.49 |
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201.96 |
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Proposal 2: Ratification of the Appointment of
Ernst & Young LLP
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed
Ernst & Young LLP to serve as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending December 31, 2006. Although the Companys
governing documents do not require the submission of this matter
to stockholders, the Board of Directors considers it desirable
that the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP be ratified
by stockholders.
Audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 included the audit of
the consolidated financial statements of the Company; audit of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting and
attestation of managements report on internal control over
financial reporting; and services related to periodic filings
made with the Securities and Exchange
16
Commission. Additionally, Ernst & Young LLP provided
certain services relating to pension audits and domestic and
international tax compliance and consulting services as
described on pages 18 to 19 of this Proxy Statement.
One or more representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will
be present at the Annual Meeting. The representatives will have
an opportunity to make a statement if they desire and will be
available to respond to questions from stockholders.
If the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP is not
ratified, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors will
reconsider the appointment.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE
RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS THE COMPANYS
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2006
17
Fees Billed to the Company by Ernst & Young LLP
During Fiscal Years 2005 and 2004
Ernst & Young LLP was the Companys principal
accountant for fiscal years 2005 and 2004. Aggregate fees for
professional services rendered for the Company by
Ernst & Young LLP for such fiscal years were as follows:
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Fiscal Year Ended | |
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December 31, 2005 | |
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December 31, 2004 | |
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Audit Fees
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Audit and Quarterly Reviews
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$ |
379,000 |
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$ |
368,500 |
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Accounting and Audit Consultations
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93,000 |
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57,800 |
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Sarbanes-Oxley 404
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485,000 |
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528,000 |
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957,000 |
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954,300 |
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Audit-Related Fees
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Benefit Plan
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22,000 |
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21,000 |
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M&A Due Diligence
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65,000 |
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87,000 |
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21,000 |
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Tax Fees
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Domestic Tax
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118,000 |
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106,000 |
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International Tax
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34,400 |
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104,100 |
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Other Tax Consultations
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22,000 |
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5,800 |
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174,400 |
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215,900 |
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All Other Fees
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0 |
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0 |
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$ |
1,218,400 |
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$ |
1,191,200 |
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Audit Fees
Fees of $957,000 in 2005 and $954,300 in 2004 were paid to
Ernst & Young by the Company for audit services which
includes fees for the annual audit, review of the Companys
reports on
Form 10-Q each
year, statutory audits required internationally, consulting on
accounting and auditing matters and fees related to
Ernst & Youngs audit of the Companys
managements assessment of internal controls over financial
reporting as required by the Rule 404 Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
Audit-Related Fees
The Company paid Ernst & Young $87,000 in 2005 and
$21,000 in 2004 for audit-related fees primarily for pension
audits and merger and acquisition due diligence.
Tax Fees
Fees of $174,400 in 2005 and $215,900 in 2004 were paid to
Ernst & Young by the Company for domestic and
international income tax compliance and consulting services.
All Other Fees
Ernst & Young did not render any other services to the
Company.
All fees were pre-approved by the Audit Committee
18
The Audit Committee has considered the compatibility of the
non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young LLP to
Ernst & Young LLPs continued independence and has
concluded that the independence of Ernst & Young LLP is
not compromised by the performance of such services.
Pre-Approval of Services by External Auditor
The Audit Committee has adopted policies and procedures for the
pre-approval of the audit and non-audit services performed by
the independent auditor in order to assure that the provision of
such services does not impair the auditors independence.
The Audit Committee approves all audit fees and terms for all
services provided by the independent auditor and considers
whether these services are compatible with the auditors
independence. The Chairman of the Audit Committee may approve
additional proposed services that arise between Committee
meetings provided that the decision to approve the service is
presented at the next scheduled Committee meeting. All non-audit
services provided by the external auditor must be pre-approved
by the Audit Committee Chairman prior to the engagement. The
Chief Financial Officer provided a quarterly report of external
auditor services, by category, to the Audit Committee. The Audit
Committee pre-approved all audit and permitted non-audit
services by the Companys external auditors in 2005.
Any proposed engagement that does not fit within the definition
of a pre-approved service may be presented to the Audit
Committee for consideration at its next regular meeting or, if
earlier consideration is required, to the Audit Committee or one
or more of its members. The member or members to whom such
authority is delegated shall report any specific approval of
services at the Committees next regular meeting. The Audit
Committee will regularly review summary reports detailing all
services being provided to the Company by its external auditor.
Proposals of Security Holders
A stockholder proposal to be presented at the annual meeting to
be held in 2007 must be received at the Companys executive
offices, 1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018, by
no later than December 8, 2006, for evaluation as to
inclusion in the Proxy Statement in connection with such meeting.
Stockholders wishing to present proposals at the Annual Meeting
(but not include them in the Proxy Statement) are required to
notify the Secretary of the Company in writing no less than
14 days prior to any meeting of stockholders called for the
election of directors; however, that if less than 21 days
notice of the meeting is given to the stockholders, such written
notice shall be delivered or mailed to the Secretary of the
Company not later than the close of business of the seventh day
following the day on which notice of the meeting was mailed to
stockholders.
Householding of Annual Meeting Materials
Some banks, brokers, and other nominee record holders may be
participating in the practice of householding proxy
statements and annual reports. This means that only one copy of
this Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement and the 2005
Annual Report on
Form 10-K may have
been sent to multiple stockholders in your household. If you
would prefer to receive separate copies of a proxy statement or
annual report either now or in the future, please contact your
bank, broker or other nominee. Upon written or oral request to
the Corporate Secretary, we will provide a separate copy of the
2005 Annual Report on
Form 10-K or
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement.
Other Matters
A copy of our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2005, excluding certain of the
exhibits thereto, may be obtained without charge by writing to:
Corporate Secretary, Lawson Products, Inc., 1666 East Touhy
Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois 60018.
19
The Board of Directors knows of no other proposals which may be
presented for action at the meeting. However, if any other
proposal properly comes before the meeting, the persons named in
the proxy form enclosed will vote in accordance with their
judgment upon such matter.
Stockholders are urged to execute and return promptly the
enclosed form of proxy in the envelope provided or to vote your
shares by telephone or via the Internet.
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By Order of the Board of Directors |
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Neil E. Jenkins |
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Secretary |
April 10, 2006
20
Annual Meeting Proxy Card
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Election of Directors |
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PLEASE REFER TO THE REVERSE SIDE FOR TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING INSTRUCTIONS. |
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The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees. |
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For
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Withhold |
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01 James T. Brophy
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02 Thomas S. Postek
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03 Mitchell H. Saranow
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Instruction: To maximize the number of nominees elected to the Companys Board of Directors, unless otherwise specified below, this proxy authorizes the proxies named above to cumulate all
votes that the undersigned is entitled to cast at the Annual Meeting for, and to allocate such votes among, one or more of the nominees listed above as the proxies shall determine, in their
sole and absolute discretion. To specify a different method of cumulative voting, write Cumulate For and the number of shares and the name(s) of the nominee(s) on this
line:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ |
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Issues |
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The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposal. |
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Abstain |
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2.
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RATIFICATION OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR FISCAL
YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2006.
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MARK HERE IF YOU PLAN
TO ATTEND THE MEETING |
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3.
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In their discretion, the Proxy is authorized to vote on any other matter that may properly come before the
meeting or any adjournment thereof. |
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MARK HERE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING |
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Authorized Signatures - Sign Here - This section must be completed for your instructions to be executed. |
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The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy heretofore given and confirms all that said proxies, or any of them, or any substitute or substitutes, may Iawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof. |
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Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) on this card. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, officer, partner or guardian, please give full title. If more than one trustee, all should sign. |
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Signature 1 . Please keep signature within the box
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Signature 2- Please keep signature within the box
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Date (mm/dd/yyyy) |
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0 0 9 0 4 3 1
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1 U P X
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C O Y
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Proxy LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC. |
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This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors for the Annual Meeting on May 9, 2006.
The undersigned hereby makes, constitutes and appoints Neil E. Jenkins, Sidney L. Port and Robert J. Washlow, and each of them, proxies for the undersigned,
with full power of substitution, to vote on behalf of the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Lawson Products, Inc. (the Company), to be
held at the offices of the Company, 1666 East Touhy Avenue, Des Plaines, Illinois, on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, at 10:00 AM. (Local time), or any adjournment
thereof.
The withholding of authority to vote for any nominee will allow the proxies to distribute, in their discretion, the withheld votes equally or unequally to or
among the remaining nominees. If a properly signed proxy is returned without any choices marked, the proxies will distribute, in their discretion, votes in
respect of all proxies they hold equally or unequally to or among the Board of Directors nominees.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER(S). IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED
FOR PROPOSAL 1 AND FOR PROPOSAL 2.
PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR INFORMATION ON VOTING YOUR PROXY BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET.
PLEASE VOTE, DATE AND SIGN THIS PROXY ON THE OTHER SIDE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
(continued and to be signed on other side)
LAWSON PRODUCTS, INC.
C/O COMPUTERSHARE TRUST COMPANY, N.A.
P.O. BOX 8694
EDISON, NJ 08818-8694
Dear Stockholder:
We encourage you to vote your shares electronically this year either by telephone or via the Internet. This will eliminate The need to return your proxy card.
You will need your proxy card and Social Security number (where applicable) when voting your shares electronically.
The Computershare Vote by Telephone and Vote by Internet systems can be accessed 24-hours a day, seven days a week up until the day prior to the meeting.
Your vote is important. Please vote immediately.
Telephone and Internet Voting Instructions
You can vote by telephone OR Internet! Available 24 hours a day 7 days a week!
Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting methods outlined below to vote your proxy
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To vote using the Telephone (within U.S. and
Canada) |
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To
vote using the Internet |
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Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE (8683) in the United States or Canada any time on a touch tone telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you for the call.
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Go to
The following web site:
WWW.COMPUTERSHARE.COM/EXPRESSVOTE |
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Follow
the simple instructions provided by the recorded message.
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Enter
the information requested on your computer screen and follow the
simple instructions. |
VALIDATION DETAILS ARE LOCATED ON THE FRONT OF THIS FORM IN THE COLORED BAR.
If you vote by telephone or the Internet, please DO NOT mail back this proxy card.
Proxies
submitted by telephone or the Internet must be received by 1:00 a.m., Central Time, on May 9, 2006.
THANK YOU FOR VOTING