def14a
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. )
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Filed by the registrant þ |
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Filed by a party other than the registrant o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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Preliminary proxy statement |
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Confidential, for use of the Commission only |
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(as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive proxy statement |
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Definitive additional materials |
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Soliciting material pursuant to § 240.14a-12 |
Brightpoint, Inc
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, If Other Than Registrant)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set
forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined.) |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials: |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the
filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Amount previously paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
March 31, 2008
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Brightpoint,
Inc. that will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at Brightpoints Americas
division headquarters located at 501 Airtech Parkway, Plainfield, Indiana 46168.
This year, we are pleased to be taking advantage of a new Securities and Exchange Commission
rule that allows companies to furnish their proxy materials over the Internet. As a result, we are
mailing to many of our shareholders a notice instead of a paper copy of this proxy statement and
our 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders. The notice contains instructions on how to access those
documents over the Internet. The notice also contains instructions on how each of those
shareholders can receive a paper copy of our proxy materials, including this proxy statement, our
2007 Annual Report to Shareholders and a proxy card. We believe that this new process will provide
our shareholders with easier access to these proxy materials, reduce the costs of printing and
distributing our proxy materials and conserve environmental resources.
At the annual meeting you will be asked to vote on proposals to (1) elect as Class II
directors the nominees specified in the accompanying proxy statement, (2) approve an amendment of
our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the number of shares available for issuance
thereunder by 2,173,953 shares, and (3) ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. In
addition, you will be asked to act on such other business as may properly come before the annual
meeting.
Your board of directors believes that each of the foregoing proposals is in the best interests
of Brightpoint and its shareholders and, accordingly, unanimously recommends a vote FOR each of
such proposals.
Enclosed is a notice of annual meeting and proxy statement containing detailed information
concerning the foregoing proposals. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, we urge
you to read this material carefully and encourage you to vote promptly. You may vote your shares
via a toll-free telephone number or over the Internet. If you received a proxy card by mail, you
may vote by signing, dating and mailing the proxy card in the envelope provided. Instructions
regarding all three methods of voting are contained on the proxy card.
Thank you and I look forward to seeing you at the meeting.
Sincerely yours,
Robert J. Laikin
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
OF BRIGHTPOINT, INC.
TO BE HELD ON MAY 13, 2008
To the Shareholders of Brightpoint, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Brightpoint, Inc., an
Indiana corporation, will be held on May 13, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at Brightpoints
Americas division headquarters located at 501 Airtech Parkway, Plainfield, Indiana 46168, to
consider and vote upon the following matters, as explained more fully in the accompanying proxy
statement:
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a proposal to elect three Class II directors, each to hold office until
Brightpoints Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held in 2011; |
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a proposal to approve the amendment of Brightpoints 2004 Long-Term Incentive
Plan (the 2004 Plan) to increase the number of shares available for issuance
thereunder by 2,173,953 shares; |
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a proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Brightpoints
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2008; and |
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any other matters properly brought before the annual meeting, including
approval of any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. |
It is anticipated that a presentation will be made by a member of our senior management after
the foregoing business has been conducted at the annual meeting. A live webcast of the
presentation, including audio and slides, can be accessed through the Investors section of
Brightpoints website at www.brightpoint.com. A written report of the results of the
annual meeting will be posted on Brightpoints website following the annual meeting.
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2008 are entitled to notice
of and to vote at the annual meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof. You may vote
your shares via a toll-free telephone number or over the Internet. If you received a proxy card by
mail, you may vote by signing, dating and mailing the proxy card in the envelope provided. Whether
or not you attend the meeting, it is important that your shares be represented and voted.
Your board of directors believes that the election of the nominees specified in the
accompanying proxy statement as directors at the annual meeting is in the best interests of
Brightpoint and its shareholders and, accordingly, unanimously recommends a vote FOR such
nominees. Further, the board believes that the proposed amendment to Brightpoints 2004 Long-Term
Incentive Plan and the ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Brightpoints
independent registered public accounting firm are each in the best interests of Brightpoint and its
shareholders and, accordingly, unanimously recommends a vote FOR each of such proposals.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Steven E. Fivel
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Plainfield, Indiana
March 31, 2008
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE
ENSURE YOU TAKE THE TIME TO CAST YOUR VOTE.
YOU MAY VOTE BY SUBMITTING YOUR PROXY BY TELEPHONE, THE INTERNET OR MAIL. IF YOU ARE A
REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER AND ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN
PERSON. IF YOU HOLD YOUR SHARES THROUGH A BANK OR BROKER AND WANT TO VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON AT
THE MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BANK OR BROKER TO OBTAIN A LEGAL PROXY.
BRIGHTPOINT, INC.
2008 PROXY STATEMENT
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 13, 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our board
of directors for use at our annual meeting of shareholders to be held on May 13, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.
local time, at Brightpoints Americas division headquarters located at 501 Airtech Parkway,
Plainfield, Indiana 46168, including any adjournments or postponements thereof. At the annual
meeting, Brightpoint shareholders will have the opportunity to consider and vote upon the proposals
set forth in the accompanying notice to shareholders, including the following, each of which is
discussed in further detail elsewhere in this proxy statement:
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the election of three Class II directors to serve as such commencing immediately
following the annual meeting and until the annual meeting of shareholders in 2011; |
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approval of an amendment to our 2004 Plan to increase the number of shares available
for issuance thereunder by 2,173,953 shares; |
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ratification of the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008; and |
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any other matters properly brought before the annual meeting, including approval of
any adjournment or postponement of the meeting. |
The board of directors of Brightpoint has unanimously approved each of the foregoing proposals
and unanimously recommends that Brightpoint shareholders vote FOR each of the proposals set forth
above, each as outlined elsewhere in this proxy statement.
It is anticipated that all of our directors and executive officers will be present at the
annual meeting and that a presentation will be made after the conclusion of the business to be
conducted at the annual meeting.
Proxies in the accompanying form, duly executed and returned to Brightpoints management and
not revoked, will be voted at the annual meeting. Any proxy given by a shareholder may be revoked
by the shareholder at any time prior to the voting of the proxy by a subsequently dated proxy, by
written notification to Brightpoints corporate secretary, or by personally withdrawing the proxy
at the annual meeting and voting in person.
Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this proxy statement to we, us, our, our
company, or the company refer to Brightpoint, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
AVAILABILITY OF PROXY STATEMENT AND QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE
PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED UPON AND THE VOTING PROCEDURES
Notice of Electronic Availability of Proxy Statement and Annual Report. As permitted by
rules recently adopted by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (sometimes referred
to as the SEC), Brightpoint is making this proxy statement and its annual report available to its
shareholders electronically via the Internet. On March 31, 2008, we mailed to our shareholders a
notice containing instructions on how to access this proxy statement and our annual report and vote
online. If you received a notice by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy
materials in the mail. The notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important
information contained in the proxy statement and annual report. The notice also instructs you on
how you may submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received a Notice by mail and would like to
receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting
such materials included in the notice.
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Q.
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What am I voting on? |
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A.
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You are being asked to vote on three proposals at this years annual meeting: |
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Proposal 1 to elect three Class II directors (Thorleif Krarup, Marisa E. Pratt and
Richard W. Roedel) to serve as such commencing immediately following our May 2008 annual
meeting and until our annual meeting of shareholders in 2011; |
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Proposal 2 to approve the amendment of our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the
number of shares available for issuance thereunder by 2,173,953 shares; and |
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Proposal 3 to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008. |
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In addition, you may be asked to consider and vote upon other matters that may properly come
before the annual meeting, including approval of any adjournment or postponement of the
meeting. |
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Who is entitled to vote at the annual meeting? |
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A.
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Shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 17, 2008, the record date, are
entitled to vote on each of the proposals at the annual meeting. Each shareholder is entitled
to one vote per each share of our common stock held by such shareholder on the record date
with respect to each proposal. |
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How do I vote? |
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Shareholders can vote in person at the annual meeting or by proxy. There are three ways to
vote by proxy: |
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By Telephone You can vote by telephone by calling 1-800-690-6903 and following
the instructions on the proxy card; |
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By Internet You can vote over the Internet at www.proxyvote.com by following the
instructions on the proxy card; or |
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By Mail If you received your proxy materials by mail, you can vote by mail by
signing, dating and mailing the enclosed proxy card. |
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Telephone and Internet voting facilities for shareholders of record will be available 24
hours a day and will close at 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on May 12, 2008. |
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If your shares are held in the name of a bank, broker or other holder of record, you will
receive instructions from the holder of record. You must follow the instructions of the
holder of record in order for your shares to be voted. Telephone and Internet voting also
will be offered to shareholders owning shares through certain banks and brokers. If your
shares are not registered in your own name and you plan to vote your shares in person at the
annual meeting, you should contact your broker or agent to obtain a legal proxy or brokers
proxy card and bring it to the annual meeting in order to vote. |
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How may I revoke or change my vote? |
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You have the right to revoke your proxy any time before the meeting by (a) notifying
Brightpoints corporate secretary of your revocation or (b) returning a later-dated proxy.
The last vote received chronologically will supersede any prior vote. You may also revoke
your proxy by voting in person at the annual meeting. Attendance at the meeting, without
voting at the meeting, will not in and of itself serve as a revocation of your proxy. |
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What does it mean if I receive more than one notice or set of proxy materials? |
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It may mean that you are the registered holder of shares in more than one account. You may
call our transfer agent, American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, at 1-800-937-5449, if you
have any questions regarding the share information or your address appearing on the notice or
proxy materials. |
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Who will count the votes? |
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It is expected that a vice president of Brightpoint will tabulate the votes and act as the
inspector of election. |
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What constitutes a quorum? |
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A majority of the outstanding shares, present or represented by proxy, of Brightpoints
common stock will constitute a quorum for the annual meeting. As of the record date, there
were 81,858,328 shares of Brightpoint common stock, $.01 par value per share, issued and
outstanding. |
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How many votes are needed for Proposal 1 the election of the three Class II directors? |
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Assuming a quorum is present, the three Class II directors will be elected by a plurality of
the votes cast at the annual meeting, meaning the three nominees receiving the highest number
of votes will be elected as directors. Only votes cast for a nominee will be counted, except
that a properly executed proxy that does not specify a vote with respect to the nominees will
be voted for the three nominees whose names are printed on the proxy card (Thorleif Krarup,
Marisa E. Pratt and Richard W. Roedel). Because the vote on this proposal is determined by a
plurality of the votes cast, neither abstentions nor broker non-votes (as described below)
will have any effect on the election of directors. |
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How many votes are needed to approve the other proposals? |
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Assuming a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares
of Brightpoint common stock represented at the annual meeting, either in person or by proxy,
and entitled to vote at the annual meeting is required for each of Proposal 2
and Proposal 3, to pass. |
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As described below, for these proposals, abstentions and broker-non votes will have the same
effect as a vote against the proposal. |
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What happens if I abstain from voting? |
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If an executed proxy card is returned and the shareholder has explicitly abstained from
voting on any proposal, the shares represented by the proxy will be considered present at the
annual meeting for the purpose of determining a quorum. In addition, while they will not
count as votes cast in favor of the proposal, they will count as votes cast on the proposal.
As a result, other than with respect to Proposal 1, which will be determined
by a plurality of the votes cast, an abstention on a proposal will have the same effect as a
vote against the proposal. |
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What is a broker non-vote? |
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A broker non-vote occurs when a broker submits a proxy that does not indicate a vote for
one or more of the proposals because the broker has not received instructions from the
beneficial owner on how to vote on such proposals and does not have discretionary authority to
vote in the absence of instructions. While broker non-votes will be counted for the purposes
of determining whether a quorum exists at the annual meeting, they will not be considered to
have voted on any of the proposals on which such instructions have been withheld, in the case
of those proposals requiring a majority vote in favor of the proposal, will have the same
effect as a vote against the proposal. |
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Who bears the cost of soliciting of proxies? |
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The entire cost of soliciting proxies, including the costs of preparing, assembling, printing
and mailing the notice and, as applicable, this proxy statement, the proxy and any additional
soliciting material furnished to shareholders, will be borne by us. In addition, arrangements
will be made with brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to send
proxies and proxy materials to the beneficial owners of stock, and we may reimburse such
persons for their expenses. |
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Why does Brightpoint want to amend its 2004 Plan? |
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Our board of directors believes the increase in shares available for issuance under the Plan
will enable us to continue to attract and retain personnel of the highest caliber, provide
incentive for officers, directors, employees and other key persons, and to promote the
well-being of the company. Our board of directors has resolved that, if the increase in
shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan is approved by shareholders, it will
terminate the companys Amended and Restated Independent Director Stock Compensation Plan
(Director Stock Plan), which currently has the same number of shares available for issuance
as the increase sought for the 2004 Plan. Our board believes that the impact of effectively
shifting the 2,173,953 shares from the Director Stock Plan to the 2004 Plan will provide more
flexibility to provide future incentives to a broader group of potential recipients.
Accordingly, our board of directors believes it is in the best interest of the company and its
shareholders to increase the number of shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan. |
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PROPOSAL 1:
TO ELECT THREE CLASS II DIRECTORS
General
Our by-laws provide that our board of directors be divided into three classes (Class I, Class
II and Class III). At each annual meeting of shareholders, directors constituting one class are
elected for a three-year term. At this years annual meeting, three Class II directors will be
elected to hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in
2011. Based upon the review of and recommendation by our boards corporate governance and
nominating committee, the board has nominated Thorleif Krarup, Marisa E. Pratt and Richard W.
Roedel to serve as Class II directors.
Each of the directors will be elected to serve during his or her term until a successor is
elected and qualified or until the directors earlier resignation or removal.
Pursuant to the shareholder agreement we entered into with Dangaard Holding A/S (Dangaard
Holding) upon the closing of our acquisition of Dangaard Telecom A/S (Dangaard Telecom),
Dangaard Holding has the right to propose between one and three individuals (which right is in lieu
of, and not in addition to, its right to have three designees appointed to our board upon the
closing of the acquisition) for election or appointment to our board of directors. This right is
subject to the final approval of each such designee by our boards corporate governance and
nominating committee, applying reasonable and uniform standards consistent with both its past
practices and our corporate governance principles and after it determines that such designee
satisfies the independence requirements of NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4200(a). This right is
contingent upon the percentage of our common stock owned by Dangaard Holding as follows:
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for as long as it owns at least 27.5% of our then outstanding common
stock, Dangaard Holding will retain its designee proposal right with
respect to three designees; |
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for as long as it owns at least 17.5% but less than 27.5% of our then
outstanding common stock, Dangaard Holding will retain its designee
proposal right with respect to two designees; and |
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for as long as it owns at least 7.5% but less than 17.5% of our then
outstanding common stock, Dangaard Holding will retain its designee
proposal right with respect to one designee. |
Dangaard Holding currently owns 36.7% of our outstanding common stock. In the event, and at
such time as, the number of directors with respect to which Dangaard Holding has designee proposal
rights is reduced in accordance with the foregoing, upon request from us, Dangaard Holding shall
immediately cause the requisite number of its designated directors to resign from our board of
directors. To facilitate this procedure, in connection with each appointment or nomination for
election of a director designee of Dangaard Holding to our board of directors, Dangaard Holding
will cause such proposed director to deliver to us an irrevocable letter of resignation that is
automatically effective in the event (a) the number of director designees Dangaard Holding is
entitled to propose has been reduced, in accordance with the foregoing, as a result of a decrease
in its ownership percentage in our company and (b) the resignation of such director is requested by
a majority of our non-Dangaard designee board members or by Dangaard Holding in order to reduce the
number of Dangaard Holding directors then serving on our board to the number of such directors that
Dangaard Holding is then permitted to designate.
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Upon the July 31, 2007 closing of our acquisition of Dangaard Holding, and in accordance with
the terms of the shareholder agreement, we (i) accepted the resignations of V. William Hunt,
Stephen H. Simon and Robert F. Wagner as members of our board of directors, and (ii) appointed three designees
of Dangaard Holding, Jorn P. Jensen, Thorleif Krarup and Jan Gesmar-Larsen to our board. Each of
Messrs. Jensen, Krarup and Gesmar-Larsen was approved by the corporate governance and nominating
committee of our board of directors and determined by our board to be independent under both our
corporate governance principles and NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 4200(a). In addition, upon the
closing, we reclassified our boards nine members among our boards three classes as follows:
Eliza Hermann, Robert J. Laikin and Mr. Gesmar-Larsen as Class I directors; Mr. Krarup, Marisa E.
Pratt and Richard W. Roedel as Class II directors; and Mr. Jensen, Jerre L. Stead and Kari-Pekka
Wilska as Class III directors.
Pursuant to the terms of the shareholder agreement that we entered into with Dangaard Holding
upon the closing of the Dangaard Telecom acquisition, until the earlier of (a) the date on which
Dangaard Holding owns less than 7.5% of our outstanding common stock and (b) the date on which it
(i) owns less than 10% of our outstanding common stock, (ii) has no designee serving as a member of
our board of directors and (iii) has irrevocably given up its director designee rights, referred to
as the standstill period, Dangaard Holding will be required to vote all of its shares in favor of
all director candidates and shareholder proposals (other than those seeking approval to authorize a
merger, sale of all or substantially all of our common stock or assets or other similar business
combination or for matters related to the foregoing) recommended by our board of directors.
At this years annual meeting, the proxies granted by shareholders will be voted individually
for the election, as directors of Brightpoint, of the persons listed below, unless a proxy
specifies that it is not to be voted in favor of a nominee for director. You may not vote your
proxy for the election of a person to fill a directorship for which no nominee is named in this
proxy statement. If, at the time of the annual meeting, any of the nominees named in the enclosed
proxy should be unable or decline to serve as a director, the proxies are authorized to be voted
for such substitute nominee or nominees as the board recommends. The board has no reason to
believe that any nominee will be unable or decline to serve as a director.
Recommendation of our board of directors
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT SHARE-HOLDERS VOTE FOR THE
ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES SPECIFIED BELOW.
Nominees to be elected as Class II directors at this years annual meeting
The following table sets forth for each nominee, his or her age, a brief description of his or
her principal occupation and business experience during the past several years, certain other
directorships held and how long he or she has been a director of Brightpoint. None of the nominees
is employed by Brightpoint or any entity that is an affiliate of Brightpoint:
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Nominees for Class II Directors
(Term to expire in 2011)
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Name of director |
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Principal occupation and other information |
Thorleif Krarup
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55 |
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Mr. Krarup has served as a member of our board
of directors since the July 31, 2007 closing of
our acquisition of Dangaard Telecom and is
currently a member of our corporate governance
and nominating committee. From September 2006
until the closing of the Dangaard Telecom
acquisition (at which time he resigned his
positions with Dangaard Telecom and Dangaard
Holding), Mr. Krarup served as the chairman of
Dangaard Telecom and Dangaard Holding. Mr.
Krarup has functioned as an advisor to Nordic
Capital since 2004. Previously, he held several
group chief executive positions within the
financial sector, including with Nykredit A/S,
a Danish mortgage bank, and following its
merger with Tryg, a Danish insurance company,
the holding company Tryg Nykredit Holding, from
1987 to 1992; Unibank A/S, a Danish bank, from
1992 to 2000; and Nordea AB, a bank in the
Nordic region, which he co-founded, from 2000
to 2002. Mr. Krarup also currently serves as
deputy chairman of the boards of H. Lundbeck
A/S, a pharmaceuticals company, Alk Abello A/S,
an allergy treatment/pharmaceuticals company,
and LFI A/S, an investment company that holds
72% of H. Lundbeck. He is also a member of the
board of directors for each of Group 4
Securicor Plc, a security and cash service
company, and Bang & Olufsen A/S, a consumer
electronics company, as well as several
foundations, including Lundbeckfonden, The
Crown Prince Frederik Fond and Danmark-Amerika
fondet. |
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Marisa E. Pratt
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43 |
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Ms. Pratt has served as a member of our board
of directors since January 2003 and is
currently a member of our audit committee.
Since 1991, Ms. Pratt has been employed by Eli
Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical company, in
various finance and treasury related positions. |
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Richard W. Roedel
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58 |
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Mr. Roedel has served as a member of our board
of directors and as chairman of our audit
committee since October 2002 and currently
serves as a member of our corporate governance
and nominating committee. Mr. Roedel is a
director, and chairman of the audit committee
of Sealy Corporation and Luna Innovations
Incorporated, and is a director and a member of
the audit committee of IHS Inc. He is also a
director of the Association of Audit Committee
Members, Inc., a non-profit organization. Mr.
Roedel was a director and chairman of the audit
committee of Dade Behring Holdings, Inc. from
October 2002 until November 2007 when Dade was
acquired by Siemens AG. Mr. Roedel served in
various capacities while with Take-Two
Interactive Software, Inc. from April 2004 to
June 2005, including as its chairman and chief
executive officer. From 1999 to 2000, Mr.
Roedel was chairman and chief executive officer
of the accounting firm BDO Seidman LLP, the
United States member firm of BDO International.
Before becoming chairman and chief executive
officer, he was the managing partner of BDO
Seidmans New York metropolitan area from 1994
to 1999, the managing partner of its Chicago
office from 1990 to 1994 and an audit partner
from 1985 to 1990. Mr. Roedel is a certified
public accountant. |
-7-
Incumbent Class I and Class III directors
The following two tables set forth similar information with respect to incumbent Class I and
Class III directors who are not nominees for election at the annual meeting:
Class I Directors
(Term expires in 2010)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of director |
|
Age |
|
Principal occupation and other information |
Robert J. Laikin
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Mr. Laikin, founder of Brightpoint, has served
as a member of our board of directors since its
inception in August 1989. Mr. Laikin has been
chairman of the board and chief executive
officer of Brightpoint since January 1994. Mr.
Laikin was president of Brightpoint from June
1992 until September 1996 and vice president
and treasurer of Brightpoint from August 1989
until May 1992. From July 1986 to December
1987, Mr. Laikin was vice president and, from
January 1988 to February 1993, president of
Century Cellular Network, Inc., a company
engaged in the retail sale of cellular
telephones and accessories. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jan Gesmar-Larsen
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Mr. Gesmar-Larsen has served as a member of our
board of directors since the July 31, 2007
closing of our acquisition of Dangaard Telecom
and is currently a member of our compensation
and human resources committee. From September
2006 until the closing our acquisition of
Dangaard Telecom (at which time he resigned his
positions with Dangaard Telecom and Dangaard
Holding) Mr. Gesmar-Larsen served on the board
of directors of Dangaard Telecom and Dangaard
Holding. Prior thereto, he served on various
other boards of directors, including as
chairman of Interse A/S from January 2001 until
May 2005, chairman of Hal Knowledge Solutions
from August 2002 until May 2004 and as vice
chairman of Bang & Olufsen A/S from 1996 to May
2003. He also served on the advisory board of
Danske Bank A/S from September 1999 to May
2004. Previously he held senior executive
positions in the personal computer industry,
including at Dell Computer Corporation as
president of Europe, Middle East and Africa
division (EMEA) from 1997 to 2000 and at Apple
computer in various positions from 1992 to
1997, including most recently as its president
EMEA. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eliza Hermann
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
Ms. Hermann has been a member of our board of
directors since January 2003, and is currently
chairperson of our compensation and human
resources committee and a member of our
corporate governance and nominating committee.
She is currently Managing Director of Green
Park Consultancy Limited (UK). She was
formerly employed by BP plc from 1985-2008
where she served as Vice President Human
Resources at global headquarters for 7 years,
and was previously part of the business
leadership in the oil and gas exploration and
production division for over 10 years. During
the late 1990s she was integrally involved in
the merger of British Petroleum and Amoco
Corporation, participating in the organization
design and cultural integration of the two
companies. |
-8-
Class III Directors
(Term expires in 2009)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of director |
|
Age |
|
Principal occupation and other information |
Kari-Pekka Wilska
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Mr. Wilska has served as a member of our board
of directors since November 2005. Since
November 2005, Mr. Wilska has been a venture
partner in Austin Ventures, a venture capital
fund that focuses on investing in Texas. Mr.
Wilska served in a variety of leadership
positions in Nokias U.S. mobile phone
operations from 1993 to 2004, including as
president of Nokia, Inc. (Nokia Americas) from
1999 to December 2004 and as president of Vertu
Ltd., a subsidiary of Nokia, Inc. From
November 2004 until December 2005, Mr. Wilska
served as a director of Zarlink Semiconductor
Inc., and from December 2005 until it was
merged with LSI Corporation, Mr. Wilska served
as a director of Agere Systems, a global leader
in semiconductors and software solutions for
storage, mobility and networking markets. From
June 2004 until its merger with American Tower
Corporation in August 2005, Mr. Wilska served
as a director of SpectraSite, Inc. Mr. Wilska
serves on the boards of Pulsewave RF Inc.
Mavenir Systems Inc., Paragon Wireless Inc.,
724 Solutions, Inc. and BlackSand Technologies. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jørn P. Jensen
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Mr. Jensen has served as a member of our board
of directors since the July 31, 2007 closing of
our acquisition of Dangaard Telecom and is
currently a member of our audit committee. He
has also served as Executive Vice President and
chief financial officer of Carlsberg A/S, an
international brewery, since 2000 and, during
his tenure there, has also served as chairman,
vice chairman or board member in several
companies within the Carlsberg Group. Mr.
Jensen is also a member of the board of
directors of the JL Foundation (Vesterhavet
A/S) which owns the J. Lauritzen Group, a
shipping company. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jerre L. Stead
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
Mr. Stead has served as a member of our board
of directors since June 2000 and currently
serves as our lead independent director. Mr.
Stead is a member of our compensation and human
resources committee and chairman of our
corporate governance and nominating committee.
Mr. Stead has been chairman of IHS Inc. since
December 2000 and its chief executive officer
since September 2006. From August 1996 to June
2000, Mr. Stead served as chairman of the board
and chief executive officer of Ingram Micro
Inc., a worldwide distributor of information
technology products and services. Mr. Stead
served as chairman, president and chief
executive officer of Legent Corporation, a
software development company from January 1995
until its sale in September 1995. From 1993
through 1994, Mr. Stead was executive vice
president of American Telephone and Telegraph
Company, a telecommunications company, and
chairman and chief executive officer of AT&T
Global Information Solutions, a computer and
communications company, formerly NCR Corp. Mr.
Stead was president of AT&T Global Business
Communications Systems, a communications
company, from 1991 to 1993. Mr. Stead was
chairman, president and chief executive officer
from 1989 to 1991 and president from 1987 to
1989 of Square D Company, an industrial control
and electrical distribution products company.
In
addition, he held numerous positions during
a 21-year career at Honeywell. Mr. Stead is a
director of Mindspeed Technologies, Inc., and
Conexant Systems, Inc. |
-9-
Meetings of the board of directors
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, our board of directors held six meetings and
took action five times by unanimous consent in lieu of a meeting. During 2007, each member of the
board participated in at least 75% of all board and applicable committee meetings held during the
period in which he or she was a director. The board of directors and each of its committees met
regularly in executive sessions. Brightpoint policy is that the board of directors must attend our
annual meeting of shareholders each year. All of the members of our board at the time attended our
2007 annual meeting.
Board committees
Our board of directors maintains an audit committee, a corporate governance and nominating
committee and a compensation and human resources committee. Each of these three committees is
comprised solely of persons who meet the definition of an independent director under our
governance principles and NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. Each of these committees has adopted a
charter, and each of these charters is available on our website, www.brightpoint.com.
The functions of each of the board committees are described below:
Corporate governance and nominating committee
The corporate governance and nominating committee is responsible for developing and reviewing
the effectiveness of our corporate governance guidelines, recommending appropriate board and board
committee structures and membership, establishing procedures for the director nomination process
and recommending nominees for election to the board. In 2007, the corporate governance and
nominating committee met five times. The corporate governance and nominating committee considers
qualified nominees for election to our board of directors, including those recommended by
shareholders following the procedures set forth in this proxy statement under the section entitled
Shareholder Proposals for Next Annual Meeting, based on the criteria and standards set forth
below under the section entitled Director Selection Process. In addition, the members of this
committee are responsible for analyzing and approving the compensation for our directors. The
current members of the corporate governance and nominating committee are:
|
|
|
Jerre L. Stead, chair, |
|
|
|
|
Eliza Hermann, |
|
|
|
|
Richard W. Roedel and |
|
|
|
|
Thorleif Krarup. |
Audit committee
The audit committee has the power to select and oversee the performance of our independent
registered public accountants and supervise our audit and financial procedures. During 2007, the
audit committee held nine meetings. The current members of the audit committee are:
|
|
|
Richard W. Roedel, chair, |
|
|
|
|
Kari-Pekka Wilska, |
-10-
|
|
|
Marisa E. Pratt and |
|
|
|
|
Jørn P. Jensen. |
None of the members of the audit committee are employees of Brightpoint and each meets the
independence and financial literacy requirements under current NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. In
addition, our board of directors has determined that Mr. Roedel is an audit committee financial
expert as defined under Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K of the SEC.
Compensation and human resources committee
The compensation and human resources committee has responsibility for approving our
compensation policies and for reviewing and recommending for approval by our board of directors all
elements of compensation for our officers and other highly compensated members of management. The
compensation and human resources committee provides oversight of the administration of our
compensation program. The committee also provides oversight of the administration of the issuance
of securities under our equity-based compensation plans and cash incentive and deferred
compensation plans for our executives. The compensation and human resources committee also has
responsibility for reviewing the supplementary benefits paid to our executive officers as well as
retirement and other benefits and any special compensation. In addition, the committee reviews and
recommends for approval by our board executive employment agreements, severance agreements and
change of control provisions for our chief executive officer and other senior executives. The
committee also directs the succession planning process for our chief executive officer and other
senior executives. The committee provides oversight of our global diversity activities and reviews
its charter and evaluates its performance as a committee on an annual basis.
The compensation and human resources committee met nine times in 2007. All committee members
participated in each meeting during the period that they served on the committee. The committee
has direct access to independent legal counsel and independent compensation consultants for survey
data and other information as it deems appropriate, and it utilized these independent counsel and
consultants from time to time during the year.
The current members of the compensation and human resources committee are:
|
|
|
Eliza Hermann, chair, |
|
|
|
|
Jerre L. Stead and |
|
|
|
|
Jan Gesmar-Larsen. |
Director selection process
The qualities and skills sought in prospective members of the board are determined by the
corporate governance and nominating committee. The corporate governance and nominating committee
requires that director candidates be qualified individuals who, if added to our board, would
provide the mix of director characteristics and diverse experiences, perspectives and skills
appropriate for us. The criteria for selection of candidates will include, but not be limited to:
(i) business and financial acumen, as determined by the corporate governance and nominating
committee in its discretion, (ii) relevant education or training, (iii) a commitment to business
ethics and the Brightpoint Values, (iv) tenure and breadth of experience in a significant
leadership capacity, as well as qualities reflecting a proven record of accomplishment and ability
to work with others, (v) knowledge of our industry, (vi) relevant experience and knowledge of
corporate governance practices, and (vii) expertise in an area relevant to our company. Any
prospective director nominee must be independent under NASDAQ Marketplace Rules and our corporate
governance principles. Such nominees should not have commitments that would conflict with
-11-
the time commitments of being our director. Such nominees shall be of high repute and
recognized integrity and not have been convicted in a criminal proceeding or be named a subject of
a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations and other minor offenses). Such
nominees shall not have been found in a civil proceeding to have violated any federal or state
securities or commodities law, and shall not be subject to any court or regulatory order or decree
limiting his or her business activity, including in connection with the purchase or sale of any
security or commodity. Such nominees shall have other characteristics considered appropriate for
membership on our board of directors, as determined by our corporate governance and nominating
committee.
The corporate governance and nominating committee will consider candidates for director
nominees put forward by shareholders. The proposal should state how the proposed candidate meets
the criteria described above and the shareholder must comply with the other requirements set forth
in the section in this proxy statement entitled Shareholder Proposals for Next Annual Meeting.
The corporate governance and nominating committee will consider candidates proposed by shareholders
by evaluating such candidates in the same manner and using the criteria described above. The
corporate governance and nominating committee will also adhere to all applicable laws and
regulations.
Director compensation
General
Our corporate governance and nominating committee is responsible for approving, and
recommending to our board of directors, our directors compensation. Each year, the corporate
governance and nominating committee initiates discussions with respect to directors compensation
for the following year at its August committee meeting. At this meeting, the committee typically
reviews director compensation surveys from off-the-shelf sources such as the NACD or Corporate
Board Member magazine and commences discussions regarding any philosophical shifts or external
trends in the marketplace. Thereafter, more data is compiled and reviewed by the members of the
committee (e.g., in 2007, the committee hired each of Mercer Human Resources Consulting and Hewitt
Associates LLC, separately, to provide benchmarking data for its director compensation analysis).
Then, at its November meeting, the corporate governance and nominating committee discusses all the
data collected and prepares its recommendation to the board. The committees general philosophy is
one of not wanting to change director compensation each year, i.e., it has an explicit view that
changing director compensation annually would be too frequent.
Director Stock Plan
During 2004, our shareholders approved an Amended and Restated Independent Director Stock
Compensation Plan, referred to as our Director Stock Plan, pursuant to which 2,430,000 shares of
our common stock were reserved for issuance to non-employee directors. As of December 31, 2007,
2,173,953 of these shares remained available for future grant. The Director Stock Plan provides
for the following types of awards:
|
|
|
initial awards, consisting of restricted shares of our common stock granted to an
independent director when he or she joins our board; |
|
|
|
|
annual awards, consisting of up to an aggregate of 5,400 restricted shares of our
common stock granted to each of our independent directors on an annual basis; and |
|
|
|
|
elective awards, consisting of an award of restricted shares of our common stock
granted to each of our independent directors equal to a percentage elected by such
director of his or her board compensation, in lieu of cash, which are paid in June and
December of each year. |
-12-
In light of to the changes to the compensation plan for independent directors for 2008, 2009
and 2010 discussed below, and because our board believes the shares remaining for issuance under
the Director Stock Plan would better serve the company and its shareholders if the same number of
shares were instead available for issuance under the 2004 Plan, the board has resolved to terminate
the Director Stock Plan if Proposal 2 is approved.
2007 director compensation
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our directors except
for Robert J. Laikin, our chief executive officer and chairman of our board of directors, during
our fiscal year ended December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees earned or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
paid in cash |
|
Stock awards |
|
|
Name |
|
($) |
|
($)(1)(2) |
|
Total |
Jerre L. Stead(3) |
|
$ |
149,875 |
|
|
$ |
66,657 |
|
|
$ |
216,532 |
|
Eliza Hermann |
|
$ |
80,000 |
|
|
$ |
66,657 |
|
|
$ |
146,657 |
|
Jan Gesmar-Larsen(4) |
|
$ |
18,675 |
|
|
$ |
10,465 |
|
|
$ |
29,140 |
|
Thorleif Krarup(5) |
|
$ |
19,285 |
|
|
$ |
10,465 |
|
|
$ |
29,750 |
|
Richard W. Roedel(6) |
|
$ |
84,937 |
|
|
$ |
76,716 |
|
|
$ |
161,653 |
|
Kari-Pekka Wilska |
|
$ |
60,000 |
|
|
$ |
97,009 |
|
|
$ |
157,009 |
|
Marisa E. Pratt(7) |
|
$ |
59,987 |
|
|
$ |
66,657 |
|
|
$ |
126,644 |
|
Jørn P. Jensen(8) |
|
$ |
21,935 |
|
|
$ |
10,465 |
|
|
$ |
32,400 |
|
Stephen H. Simon(9) |
|
$ |
61,404 |
|
|
$ |
66,874 |
|
|
$ |
128,278 |
|
Robert F. Wagner(9) |
|
$ |
65,166 |
|
|
$ |
66,874 |
|
|
$ |
132,040 |
|
V. William Hunt(9) |
|
$ |
69,969 |
|
|
$ |
76,932 |
|
|
$ |
146,901 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in the
year ended December 31, 2007 with respect to shares of restricted stock, as determined based
on a calculation pursuant to SFAS 123R. |
|
(2) |
|
As of December 31, 2007, the aggregate number of unvested restricted stock awards held by
each director was a follows: Mr. Stead 6,417; Ms. Hermann 6,417; Mr. Jensen 3,808; Mr.
Krarup 3,808; Mr. Gesmar-Larsen 3,808; Mr. Roedel 6,417; Mr. Wilska 6,417; and Ms.
Pratt 6,417. |
|
(3) |
|
Cash fees include grants of 1,816 shares on June 15, 2007 and 1,484 shares on December 15,
2007, received as elective awards under our Director Stock Plan in lieu of cash, with grant
date fair values of $26,205 and $23,670, respectively computed in accordance with SFAS 123R. |
|
(4) |
|
Mr. Gesmar Larsen was appointed to our board upon the closing of the Dangaard Telecom
acquisition. Cash fees include a grant of 779 shares on December 15, 2007, received as
elective awards under our Director Stock Plan in lieu of cash, with a grant date fair value of
$12,425 computed in accordance with SFAS 123R. |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Krarup was appointed to our board upon the closing of the Dangaard Telecom acquisition.
Cash fees include a grant of 556 shares on December 15, 2007, received as elective awards
under our Director Stock Plan in lieu of cash, with a grant date fair value of $8,868 computed
in accordance with SFAS 123R. |
|
(6) |
|
Cash fees include grants of 908 shares on June 15, 2007 and 742 shares on December 15, 2007,
received as elective awards under our Director Stock Plan in lieu of cash, with grant date
fair values of $13,102 and $11,835, respectively computed in accordance with SFAS 123R. |
-13-
|
|
|
(7) |
|
Cash fees include grants of 182 shares on June 15, 2007 and 148 shares on December 15, 2007,
received as elective awards under our Director Stock Plan in lieu of cash, with grant date
fair values of $2,626 and $2,361, respectively computed in accordance with SFAS 123R. |
|
(8) |
|
Mr. Jensen was appointed to our board upon the closing of the Dangaard Telecom acquisition.
Cash fees include a grant of 1,114 shares on December 15, 2007, received as elective awards
under our Director Stock Plan in lieu of cash, with grant date fair values of $17,768 computed
in accordance with SFAS 123R. |
|
(9) |
|
Messrs. Simon, Wagner and Hunt resigned as directors of the company upon the closing of the
Dangaard Telecom acquisition. Fees paid in cash to each of these individuals during 2007
included a cash payment of $27,666 for 1,859 shares of stock that were required to be
forfeited under our Director Stock Plan upon their resignations. |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, other than our lead independent director, our
non-employee directors, referred to as our independent directors, each received (i) a $50,000
retainer that was received either (a) in the form of restricted shares of our common stock as
elective awards under our Director Stock Plan, (b) as a combination of cash and elective awards or
(c) all in cash, at the directors option, subject to a requirement that a director electing to
receive his or her entire retainer in cash already own 200% of the value of that directors
retainer in shares of the companys common stock; and (ii) 3,717 restricted shares of our common
stock as annual awards under our Director Stock Plan, with a grant date fair value of $49,994
computed in accordance with SFAS 123R.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, our lead independent director, Jerre L. Stead,
received (i) a $100,000 cash retainer; (ii) 3,717 restricted shares of our common stock as an
annual award under our Director Stock Plan, with a grant date fair value of $49,994 computed in
accordance with SFAS 123R; and (iii) 3,300 additional restricted shares of our common stock with a
grant date fair value of $50,006 computed in accordance with SFAS 123R (equal to the difference
obtained by subtracting the grant-date value of the 3,717 restricted shares of common stock
referred to in (ii) above from $100,000) as elective awards under our Director Stock Plan.
In 2007, an aggregate of 51,513 restricted shares of common stock were granted to independent
directors under our Director Stock Plan.
In 2007, the chair of our compensation and human resources committee and the chair of our
audit committee received $30,000 and $35,000, respectively, for services rendered in those roles.
Members of the audit committee, other than its chairman, received annual payments of $10,000 for
services rendered in their capacity as audit committee members.
2008 director compensation
On December 20, 2007, our board of directors, upon the recommendation of the corporate
governance and nominating committee, approved the compensation plan for our independent directors
for 2008, 2009 and 2010. The boards independent director compensation for those years will be paid
entirely in cash as opposed to a combination of cash and equity. Each independent director, except
for the lead independent director, will receive an annual cash retainer of $120,000. In addition,
the chairs of the audit, compensation and human resources and corporate governance and nominating
committees will receive additional annual fees of $80,000, $30,000 and $30,000, respectively. The
lead independent director will receive an annual cash retainer of $250,000, but will not be
eligible to receive any additional compensation for board service, including serving as chair of a
committee.
Accordingly, the board no longer requires that any portion of annual board compensation be
paid in shares of stock, but does require that value of a directors holdings of our common stock
be equal to or
-14-
greater than $200,000 by and after his or her fourth anniversary of service on the board. The
board has modified our corporate governance principles to be consistent with this new compensation
structure.
Corporate governance
Corporate governance principles
The board of directors of Brightpoint has adopted a set of corporate governance principles
which are consistent with the boards responsibility for management oversight. These governance
principles are designed to strengthen our company and protect the interests of Brightpoint
shareholders while helping to insure the continued vitality of the board. Copies of these
governance principles may be accessed at our website, www.brightpoint.com.
Highlights of the corporate governance principles adopted by the board include:
|
|
|
requiring that the board consist of a majority of independent directors and adopting
a definition of independent director that is designed to help ensure that persons who
serve as independent directors are truly independent; |
|
|
|
|
appointing a lead independent director to act as a liaison between the board and
management; |
|
|
|
|
limiting the compensation that can be paid by Brightpoint to the members of the
board to that compensation relating to their board or board committee service; |
|
|
|
|
requiring the chairperson of the audit committee to be a financial expert; |
|
|
|
|
prohibiting independent directors or their family members from conducting business
with Brightpoint; |
|
|
|
|
establishing director compensation practices intended to align more closely the
interest of the independent directors with Brightpoints shareholders; and |
|
|
|
|
encouraging the independent directors to meet in executive session. |
Director independence
The board has determined that all of our current directors, with the exception of Mr. Laikin
(our chairman and chief executive officer), have met the independence requirements set forth in our
corporate governance principles and the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules. In making determinations
regarding a directors independence, the board considers all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the directors commercial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable and
familial relationships, and such other criteria as the board may determine from time to time.
Shareholder communications with directors
Our board of directors, through its corporate governance and nominating committee, has
established a process for shareholders to send communications to the board. You may communicate
with the board, individually or as a group, by writing to: The Board of Directors of Brightpoint,
Inc. c/o Corporate Secretary, 2601 Metropolis Parkway, Suite 210, Plainfield, Indiana 46168 or via
e-mail: board.directors@brightpoint.com. You should identify your e-mail or other
communication as being from a Brightpoint shareholder in the subject line of such communication.
The corporate secretary may require reasonable evidence that your communication or other submission
is made by a Brightpoint shareholder before transmitting your communication to the board of
directors.
-15-
MANAGEMENT OF BRIGHTPOINT
Management table
Our board of directors elects executive officers annually, following our annual meeting of
shareholders, to serve until the meeting of the board following the next annual meeting of our
shareholders. The following management table sets forth the name of each executive officer as of
the record date (all of which also served as such as of December 31, 2007) and the principal
positions and offices he holds with Brightpoint. The table also sets forth the current directors
of Brightpoint. See the section entitled Proposal 1 above for additional information relating to
each of the directors listed below.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position(s) |
Robert J. Laikin
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
Class I Director |
J. Mark Howell
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Co-Chief Operating Officer and President, Americas |
Michaél Køehn Milland
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
Co-Chief Operating Officer and President,
International Operations |
Anthony Boor
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer |
Steven E. Fivel
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
Vincent Donargo
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller |
R. Bruce Thomlinson
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
President, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa |
John Alexander du Plessis Currie
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer |
Eliza Hermann (1)(2)
|
|
|
46 |
|
|
Class I Director |
Jørn P. Jensen (3)
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
Class III Director |
Thorleif Krarup (1)
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
Class II Director |
Jan Gesmar-Larsen (2)
|
|
|
47 |
|
|
Class I Director |
Marisa E. Pratt (3)
|
|
|
43 |
|
|
Class II Director |
Richard W. Roedel (1)(3)
|
|
|
58 |
|
|
Class II Director |
Jerre L. Stead (1)(2)
|
|
|
65 |
|
|
Class III Director |
Kari-Pekka Wilska (3)
|
|
|
60 |
|
|
Class III Director |
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Member of the corporate governance and nominating committee. |
|
(2) |
|
Member of the compensation and human resources committee. |
|
(3) |
|
Member of the audit committee. |
-16-
Background information on our executive officers
Set forth below for each of our executive officers (other than Robert J. Laikin, our chairman
and chief executive officer, as his information is included in this proxy statement under Proposal
1 Incumbent Class I and Class III directors) is a brief description of the positions he has held
at Brightpoint, his principal occupation and business experience for at least the last five years
and how long he has been employed by Brightpoint:
J. Mark Howell. On July 31, 2007, Mr. Howell became our co-chief operating officer and
President, Americas. Mr. Howell had served as president of Brightpoint, Inc. since September 1996,
president, Americas since March 2001 and was our chief operating officer from August 1995 to April
1998 and from July 1998 to March 2003. He was executive vice president, finance, chief financial
officer, treasurer and secretary of Brightpoint from July 1994 until September 1996. From July
1992 until joining Brightpoint in 1994, Mr. Howell was corporate controller for ADESA Corporation,
a company that owns and operates automobile auctions in the United States and Canada. Prior
thereto, Mr. Howell was an accountant with Ernst & Young LLP.
Michaél Køehn Milland. On July 31, 2007, Mr. Køehn Milland became co-chief operating officer
and president, International Operations of Brightpoint. Prior to that, he served as chief
operating officer of Dangaard Telecom since 1999. Prior to joining Dangaard Telecom, he held
positions as chief executive officer of the handset vendor Phillips Consumer Communication in
Central Europe, General Director and chief executive officer of FOR A, a Russian telecommunications
operator in St. Petersburg, chief operating officer of Thorn EMI, a retail, defense, music and
consumer electronics company, in Denmark and other positions in international retail and
telecommunications. Mr. Køehn Milland was also part of the team that started Sonofon, which is
today a part of the Telenor Group, a wireless network operator.
Anthony Boor has served as Brightpoints executive vice president, chief financial officer and
treasurer since October 2005 and, prior thereto, from June 2005 to October 2005, he served as our
acting chief financial officer and acting principal financial officer. Since July 2001, Mr. Boor
has also served as the senior vice president and chief financial officer of our Americas division.
Mr. Boor was previously vice president and controller of Brightpoint North America L.P. from July
1999 to July 2001 and Director of Business Management of Brightpoint North America from August 1998
to July 1999. Prior to joining Brightpoint, Mr. Boor was employed in various financial positions
with Macmillan Publishing, Day Dream, Inc., Ernst & Young LLP, New Mexico State Fairgrounds and The
Downs at Albuquerque, KPMG, LLP and Ernst & Whinney. Mr. Boor is a certified public accountant.
Steven E. Fivel has served as our executive vice president, general counsel and secretary
since January 1997. From December 1993 until January 1997, Mr. Fivel was an attorney with an
affiliate of Simon Property Group, a publicly-held real estate investment trust. From February
1988 to December 1993, Mr. Fivel was an attorney with Melvin Simon & Associates, Inc., a
privately-held shopping center development company.
Vincent Donargo has served as Brightpoints vice president, chief accounting officer and
controller since September 2005. From 1998 to 2005, Mr. Donargo was the strategic business unit
controller, director of finance and corporate controller of Aearo Company, a safety products
manufacturing company. Prior to that, from 1990 to 1998, Mr. Donargo was employed in various
financial positions with National Starch and Chemical Company, a specialty chemical manufacturing
subsidiary of ICI Americas, Inc. Mr. Donargo is a certified public accountant and a certified
management accountant.
R. Bruce Thomlinson has served as president, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa since
November 2007. From August 2005 until August 2007 Mr. Thomlinson served as our president, Asia-
-17-
Pacific and president, International Operations, the latter of which he relinquished upon the
closing of the Dangaard Telecom acquisition. Prior thereto, until July 2005, he served as
president of our Asia-Pacific division from October 1998 and as managing director of Brightpoint
Australia, one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, from October 1996. Prior to joining our
management team, Mr. Thomlinson held the position of managing director/director for Hatadicorp Pty
Ltd., a company he co-owned from 1989 until it was acquired by Brightpoint in October 1996.
John Alexander du Plessis Currie has served as our executive vice president and chief
information officer since November 2007. Prior thereto he served as our president, emerging
markets from January 2006 until November 2007. From August 2002 to December 2005, Mr. Currie was
the chairman and chief executive officer of Persequor Limited, a holding company for investments in
wireless telecommunications that we subsequently acquired and which is now one of our wholly-owned
subsidiaries. From January 1998 to August 2002, Mr. Currie served as the managing director of
Brightpoint Middle East FZE, then one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries. Mr. Currie also serves on
the board of directors of several of our subsidiaries.
-18-
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation discussion and analysis
General
The boards compensation and human resources committee, sometimes referred to as the
compensation committee, evaluates and approves compensation for our officers. As part of its
responsibilities, the compensation committee approves and administers cash incentives, equity
compensation and supplementary benefits, as well as our retirement, benefit and special
compensation programs.
The discussion and analysis that follows includes sections related to:
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the objectives of our compensation program; |
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the forms of compensation paid during 2007 to each of our chief executive officer
and chief financial officer and the other executive officers named in our summary
compensation table during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, referred to
throughout this proxy statement as our named executive officers; |
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the compensation committees process for determining named executive officer
compensation; and |
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certain determinations made by our compensation committee with respect to the
various components of our named executive officers compensation. |
Objectives of our compensation program
We offer an executive compensation program that aligns individuals financial incentives with
our strategic direction and corporate values. Our program is designed to attract and retain key
talent needed to manage and grow our business and enhance shareholder value. Our executive
compensation program includes both cash (base pay and short-term incentive) and non-cash (equity)
components.
In keeping with this executive compensation philosophy, our overall compensation program with
respect to our named executive officers is designed to achieve the following objectives:
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to provide our named executive officers with base salaries in the aggregate near the
median of the relevant external market comparator group, recognizing that individual
base salaries will vary above and below that level, reflecting individual job
performance, including results and behaviors, as well as skills, experience and length
of tenure in position; |
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to provide an opportunity for the total cash compensation paid to our executive
officers to significantly exceed the market median when exceptional individual and
business performance is achieved; |
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to link a portion of the compensation of these officers with the achievement of our
overall performance goals, to ensure that individual performance is directed towards
the achievement of our collective goals; |
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to enhance alignment of individual performance and contribution with long-term
shareholder value and business objectives by providing equity awards through our 2004
Long-Term Incentive Plan, sometimes referred to as our 2004 Plan; |
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to motivate and incentivize our named executive officers to continually contribute
superior job performance throughout the year; |
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to retain the services of named executive officers so that they will continue to
contribute to and be a part of our long-term success; and |
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to encourage the ongoing career development of our executives and other employees. |
-19-
Forms of compensation paid to named executive officers
We provide our named executive officers with some or all of the following forms of
compensation:
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Base salaries. Base salary represents cash amounts paid during the fiscal year to
named executive officers under their employment agreements as direct compensation for
their services to us. Base salaries and base salary increases are used to reward
superior individual job performance of each named executive officer on a day-to-day
basis during the year and to encourage continued superior job performance. We also use
base salary as an incentive to attract top quality executives from the external labor
market. Base salaries and base salary increases also recognize the overall skills,
experience and tenure in position of each named executive officer. |
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Performance-based cash bonuses under our annual executive bonus plan. Each year our
compensation committee adopts, and routinely reviews the design of, an executive bonus
plan which provides our named executive officers and certain other key employees with
the opportunity to earn a cash bonus payment if specific pre-determined financial and
strategic performance measures are attained. We use these cash bonuses to reward named
executive officers for their short-term contributions to our performance, as measured
by our ability to achieve specified financial and strategic targets within our overall
operating plan. |
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Discretionary cash-based bonuses. In addition to performance-based cash bonuses
earned under our annual executive bonus plan, the compensation committee may also award
discretionary cash bonuses to certain named executive officers and certain other key
employees based on both their individual performance and our overall performance. |
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Performance-based grants of equity compensation under our annual executive equity
program. Each year we use performance-based equity grants under our 2004 Plan to
ensure focus on key financial and strategic objectives. These awards recognize the
named executive officers for their contributions to our overall corporate performance,
as measured by our ability to achieve specified financial and strategic performance
measures within our overall operating plan. Performance based grants of equity
compensation are subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, if we do not achieve the
pre-established performance measures. Those equity awards that are no longer subject
to forfeiture vest in three equal annual installments subject to, and in accordance
with our 2004 Plan and any agreement entered into between us and the grantee. These
awards can take the form of options, restricted stock units and restricted stock
awards. Each restricted stock unit entitles the holder to receive one share of our
common stock upon the vesting date. A restricted stock award entitles the holder to
receive shares of our common stock upon the grant date, which remain subject to the
restrictions set forth in a restricted stock agreement. Unlike restricted stock units,
shares of restricted stock are considered issued and outstanding immediately upon the
date of grant. In 2007, all of our performance-based equity grants were made in
restricted stock units. |
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Discretionary grants of equity compensation. The compensation committee may also
determine, on a case-by-case basis, when additional grants are warranted due to
individual or company performance or for motivation or retention reasons. These awards
can take the form of options, restricted stock units and restricted stock awards and
are also made under our 2004 Plan. In 2007, all discretionary equity grants were made
in restricted stock units. |
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Initial equity grant upon being hired or appointed. Initial grants of restricted
stock units under our 2004 Plan may be made when an executive officer is hired or
otherwise becomes a named executive officer. Such grants enable us to reward existing
executive officers upon promotion to higher levels of management and to recruit new
executives. Initial equity grants are determined based on overall market data, as well
as comparisons to our other executives similar grants or holdings, and are usually
recommended by Robert J. Laikin, our chief executive officer, with approval by the
compensation committee or the full board of directors. Because these initial grants
are structured as an incentive for employment, the amount of these grants may vary
depending on the particular circumstances of the named executive officer. We did not
award any initial grants in 2007. |
-20-
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Post-termination compensation. We do not offer any pension plan to our named
executive officers aside from complying with statutory provisions in the different
jurisdictions in which we operate around the world. We do, however, offer all our
U.S.-based employees, including our U.S.-based named executive officers, the
opportunity to participate in our ERISA-qualified 401(k) Plan. All U.S.-based named
executive officers are eligible to participate in this 401(k) Plan and to receive a
company match, subject to plan requirements and contribution limits established by the
Internal Revenue Service. While we do not offer a qualified pension plan, four of our
named executive officers have individual supplementary post-termination compensation
arrangements. In the case of Mr. Køehn Milland, Brightpoint succeeded to his existing
contract with Dangaard Telecom which included pension contributions in excess of
statutory requirements in Denmark. Pursuant to his employment agreement with us, the
company makes an annual contribution equal to 6.6% of Mr. Køehn Millands base salary
to a privately held and managed pension plan. In addition, three of our named
executive officers have Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan agreements, referred to
as SERPs, which will provide these executives with a ten-year benefit upon the latter
of employment termination or achieving a specified age. Additionally, pursuant to our
employment agreements with our named executive officers, they are each entitled to
certain cash payments, and the acceleration of certain of their equity awards, upon a
change of control. |
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Other benefits. We generally do not offer perquisites to our named executive
officers; we do, however, provide them with certain other benefits. These include
payments of life insurance premiums, payments of long-term disability insurance
premiums and employer contributions toward group medical insurance. |
Process for determining named executive officer compensation
Overall compensation program. The fundamental tenets of our compensation program are as
follows:
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for the compensation level of Mr. Laikin, our chief executive officer, the
compensation committee determines a recommendation for subsequent approval by the full
board of directors; and |
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our chief executive officer, Mr. Laikin, supported by our senior vice president of
global human resources, Annette Cyr, provides input and recommendations with respect to
the compensation levels for each of the individuals reporting directly to him,
including our named executive officers; The compensation committee approves and
recommends that the board approve the compensation for these individuals. Mr. Laikin
and Ms. Cyr also review the total compensation amounts of all of the named executive
officers except Mr. Laikin; and |
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compensation paid to executive officers, as defined in Section 16 of the Securities
and Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, other
than our named executive officers, must also be approved by our compensation committee
or full board of directors. |
Executive Compensation Review Process
Competitive positioning. The compensation committee has developed a comparator group of other
companies for use as a benchmarking reference group. The comparator group was initially determined
as part of an executive compensation analysis conducted for our compensation committee by Hewitt
Associates LLC (Hewitt) in 2004 and has been updated each year since. Hewitt acts as an
independent compensation consultant to the compensation committee. The scope of Hewitts
engagement is to provide a comparator group against which to analyze our compensation packages in
relation to companies similarly situated to us and to determine the economic value of our equity
awards for purposes of compensation benchmarking. The compensation committee then considers these
analyses and insights when determining compensation.
-21-
We believe that Hewitt is independent because it is and was engaged by the compensation
committee itself. Prior to first being hired by the compensation committee in 2004, Hewitt had
provided no products or services to us or any of our subsidiaries, and, since such time, we have
(in addition to the consulting services it provides to our compensation committee) purchased only a
small number of online tools from Hewitt. The Hewitt executive compensation team was neither
involved with nor informed of these purchases.
Many of the constituents of the comparator group are distribution and logistics companies and
retailers with focus areas and revenues similar to ours. The comparator group also includes some
companies that are larger or smaller than us but which we believed to have similar business models.
In accordance with its usual methodology, Hewitt uses a regression analysis to normalize for these
differences within our comparator group.
The companies comprising the Hewitt comparator group that the compensation committee
considered when determining 2007 compensation are:
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Alltel Corp.
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DST Systems, Inc.
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Solectron Corporation |
Ametek, Inc.
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Global Payments Inc.
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The Servicemaster Company |
Arrow Electronics Inc.
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Graphic Packaging Corporation
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Tech Data Corporation |
Avaya Inc.
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Imation
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Teradyne, Inc |
CDW Corporation
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Ingram Micro Inc.
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United Stationers |
Ceridian Corporation
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L-3 Communications Corporation
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W.W. Grainger, Inc. |
Convergys Corporation
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Rockwell Automation |
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(The following four companies were in the Hewitt comparator group for 2006 but were not
included in 2007 due to their lack of participation in vendor surveys and/or changes in
circumstances or scope: Anixter, Inc., Corporate Express, UPS Supply
Chain Solutions and FedEx Supply
Chain Services.)
In addition to Hewitt, the compensation committee also engaged Mercer Human Resources
Consulting (Mercer) as an executive compensation consultant beginning in 2006 as an additional
source of data and to provide further validation of the overall competitiveness of our executive
compensation program. We believe that Mercer is independent because it was retained directly by
the Compensation Committee and has not performed any other human resource consulting for us except
that we have purchased some basic online compensation tools from Mercer. The committee believes
Mercer adds dimension to the committees analysis, because unlike Hewitt, which uses a regression
analysis, Mercer uses both direct proxy analysis as well as survey data for a custom peer group
which is focused on technology, telecommunications and business services organizations with a
comparable target revenue scope, industry classification and asset turnover. The companies
comprising the Mercer comparator group are:
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Anixter International Inc,
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Insight Enterprises Inc. |
Bell Microproducts
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PC Connection Inc. |
CDW Corporation
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Scansource, Inc. |
Commscope Inc.
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Source Interlink Companies, Inc. |
Handleman Co.
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Synnex Corp. |
Harris Corp.
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Tessco Technologies Inc. |
Ingram Micro Inc. |
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Factors considered and reviewed. In performing its duties, the compensation committee takes
into account the data and analysis provided by Hewitt and Mercer, as well as several other factors.
The compensation committee considers the individual job performance of each named executive
officer,
-22-
including results achieved and behaviors demonstrated. The compensation committee also
considers our overall performance. Relative individual tenure in position is taken into account,
and relative internal equity among the named executive officers is also considered. Periodic
review of tally sheets showing all elements of compensation for each named executive officer is
conducted. Ultimately, the compensation committee members take into account all of these factors
and data, and apply their own professional judgment in determining their recommendations and
decisions on compensation.
Each of the components of compensation is considered as part of the total compensation amount
and serves to meet one or more of our compensation objectives.
We have established a total compensation amount that, in aggregate among all executives, is at
or slightly below the 50th percentile of the relevant comparator data prepared by Hewitt and
Mercer. More emphasis is placed on the variable components of compensation, comprised of annual
bonus and long-term incentive compensation, so that a greater portion of total pay is at risk,
based on performance. We believe the combination of competitive base salaries and opportunity to
exceed the market median if performance warrants, yields a conservative but attractive compensation
program that aids us in the attraction, retention and motivation of highly qualified executive
personnel.
For new hires, an appropriate package for each individual is determined by considering both
external survey data provided by our compensation consultants and internal equity (i.e., relative
compensation positioning among our executives). In 2007 Michaél Køehn Milland joined us upon our
acquisition of Dangaard Telecom and we assumed his pre-existing contract in conjunction with the
transaction. The compensation committee believed that his base salary placed him above the market
median and determined not to increase his compensation upon his joining the organization. The
committee did, however, approve an amendment to Mr. Køehn Millands employment agreement pursuant
to which it was restated in U.S. dollars and also approved a relocation package, described below,
in connection with moving his family from Denmark to the United States.
Timing and procedures. The compensation committee conducts several meetings in person and
telephonically to review and consider the executive compensation analysis presented by Hewitt,
Mercer and the recommendations from Mr. Laikin. With respect to 2007, the compensation committee
held seven working sessions, either in person or telephonically, between July 2006 and February
2007 to analyze the data and other factors including individual and company performance. The
compensation committee makes its compensation decisions on all elements of compensation during the
first quarter, generally at its February meeting. Making compensation decisions at this point
allows the compensation committee not only to consider compensation survey data, but also to
consider total annual performance against both financial and strategic performance measures. The
February meeting is scheduled to coincide with a full meeting of the entire board of directors, and
follows our quarterly earnings release. The February meeting also occurs during an open trading
window.
Determinations made with respect to executive compensation in and for 2007
Base salaries
In February 2007, the compensation committee, taking into account all of the factors noted
above and considering the recommendations of Robert J. Laikin, our
chief executive officer, and
Annette Cyr, our senior vice president of global human resources, approved increases in the base
salaries of our named executive officers as follows:
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2006 |
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2007 |
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Change |
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Change |
Named executive officer |
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Base Salary |
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Base Salary |
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Amount |
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% |
J. Mark Howell |
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$ |
455,000 |
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$ |
493,700 |
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$ |
38,700 |
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8.5 |
% |
Michaél Køehn Milland(1) |
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$ |
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$ |
530,880 |
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$ |
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N/A |
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Anthony W. Boor |
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$ |
350,000 |
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$ |
375,000 |
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$ |
25,000 |
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7.1 |
% |
Steven E. Fivel |
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$ |
360,000 |
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$ |
375,000 |
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$ |
15,000 |
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4.2 |
% |
R. Bruce Thomlinson(2) |
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$ |
465,905 |
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$ |
538,857 |
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$ |
72,952 |
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15.7 |
% |
John Alexander Du Plessis Currie |
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$ |
400,000 |
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$ |
434,000 |
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34,000 |
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8.5 |
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Mr. Køehn Milland is paid in U.S. dollars. Brightpoint assumed his contract
terms upon acquiring Dangaard Telecom on July 31, 2007. Upon relocating to the United
States, Mr. Køehn Millands salary was converted from 2,800,000 DKK to U.S. dollars.
Mr. Køehn Milland was paid $221,200 by Brightpoint from August 1, 2007 to December 31,
2007. |
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Mr. Thomlinson is paid in Australian dollars (AUD). In AUD, Mr. Thomlinsons
salary was increased by 4.0% or AUD 23,632 from 2006 to 2007. The 2007 dollar amounts
reported in this table for Mr. Thomlinson are based on an exchange rate of 0.8752 AUD
to one U.S. dollar as in effect on December 31, 2007. The 2006 dollar amounts reported
in this table for Mr. Thomlinson are based on an exchange rate of 0.7886 AUD to one
U.S. dollar in effect on December 31, 2006. |
In addition, the compensation committee on its own and taking into account all of the factors
described above, developed a recommendation that was subsequently approved by our board of
directors regarding an increase in base salary for Robert J. Laikin, our chief executive officer, as
follows:
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2006 |
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2007 |
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Change |
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Change |
Named executive officer |
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Base Salary |
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Base Salary |
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Amount |
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% |
Robert J. Laikin |
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$ |
750,000 |
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$ |
800,000 |
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$ |
50,000 |
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6.7 |
% |
The compensation committee considered internal comparisons with our other senior executives
when setting Mr. Laikins compensation. Mr. Laikins total compensation, assuming all of his
targets are met, is roughly double that of the next most highly compensated named executive
officer. We believe this is justified because of his role as founder and leader of our
organization. The differential is also consistent with the compensation analyses prepared by
Hewitt and Mercer.
In the aggregate, the total compensation of named executive officers is at or slightly below
the market median, with some individual variance around the median based upon job performance,
skills, experience and length of tenure in position.
As part of its ongoing duties, the compensation committee continually reviews its use of
tools, consultants and the composition of the comparator groups to ensure that the overall data and
analyses with which it works are both up to date and relevant.
Performance-based cash bonuses under our annual executive bonus plans
In February 2007 the compensation committee approved our 2007 executive bonus plan, which
established performance measures consisting of a financial target (adjusted income from continuing
operations) weighted at 50% and certain strategic objectives (four specific equally weighted
measures
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associated with implementation of our long range business strategy) which, in the
aggregate, were also weighted at 50%. Under the 2007 executive bonus plan, the target cash bonus
established for Mr. Laikin
was 100% of his 2007 base salary and the target bonus established for each of our other then
named executive officers was 50% of his respective 2007 base salary.
In determining the specific targets to incorporate into the 2007 executive bonus plan, we
relied heavily on both our annual operating plan and our key strategic objectives. We believe that
these objectives appropriately balanced shorter-term operational goals with long-term strategic
directives and are attainable with stretch efforts. In analyzing our executive compensation
programs, we estimated that the performance measures could be achieved approximately two-thirds of
the time based upon recent company performance.
After the end of the fiscal year, the committee reviews the companys actual performance
against each of the financial performance and strategic performance measures established at the
outset of the year by the committee.
In February 2008, the compensation committee determined that each of the performance targets
under the 2007 executive bonus plan was achieved or exceeded. The committee determined that the
company achieved certain predetermined goals and metrics for the full year established by the
committee relating to (i) adjusted income from continuing operations, after excluding the impact of
the Dangaard Telecom operations acquired in 2007, and (ii) certain strategic objectives.
Accordingly, each of the named executive officers participating in the 2007 plan received a cash
bonus equal to his respective target bonus.
Michaél Køehn Milland participated in the Dangaard Telecom bonus program through the end of
Dangaards fiscal year, September 30, 2007. As set forth in his contract with Dangaard, he had an
annual bonus opportunity of twenty-five percent of base salary, which he received. Accordingly, we
provided him a bonus opportunity for the fourth quarter of 2007 of 6.25% of annual base salary or
$33,180. Based upon his significant efforts toward the integration of the operations the
compensation committee determined that Mr. Køehn Milland had earned and was entitled to 100% of
this interim bonus.
Discretionary cash-based bonuses
In February 2008, the committee approved discretionary cash bonuses for each of Messrs. Boor,
Fivel, Howell, Currie, Thomlinson and Køehn Milland for 2007 based on individual and overall
performance. All of these discretionary bonuses for 2007 were paid by us in 2008. The
compensation committee determined that the additional discretionary bonuses were warranted because
of the strong operating performance and results of the company in 2007, as well as the significant
growth in scale, scope and geographic footprint of the company as a result of the CellStar and
Dangaard Telecom acquisitions and the significant efforts of management toward integrating these
two new businesses while continuing to execute its annual plan.
Performance based equity awards under our annual executive bonus plan
In February 2007, the compensation committee adopted our 2007 executive equity program and, in
accordance with that program, granted performance-based restricted stock units under our 2004 Plan
to each of our then executive officers, including our chief executive officer. These grants were
subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part, prior to the first anniversary of the grant if we did
not achieve the same pre-established financial and strategic measures that were used in determining
the performance-based cash bonuses under our 2007 executive bonus plan discussed above.
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Under the 2007 executive equity program, the number of restricted stock units that each named
executive officer was granted, and was thus eligible to earn, was based on a percentage of his base
salary, as follows: Mr. Laikin 125% and for each of Messrs. Boor, Howell, Fivel, Thomlinson and
Currie 100%. The number of restricted stock units included in these grants was calculated for
each named executive officer by dividing the dollar value of the applicable percentage of his base
salary by the per share closing price of our common stock on February 7, 2007, the day immediately
prior to the date of the contingent award.
In February 2008, the compensation committee determined that all of the pre-established
performance measures had been achieved or exceeded and that all of the restricted stock units
granted thereunder had thus been earned by our executive officers as of such date. The
satisfaction of the performance measures was determined by the
compensation committee after excluding the
impact of the Dangaard Telecom operations acquired in 2007. These earned restricted stock units
commenced vesting in three equal annual installments in February 2008.
Discretionary grants of equity compensation. In February 2008, the compensation committee
also approved and recommended that the board approve, and the board of directors approved,
discretionary grants of equity compensation, in the form of restricted stock units, under our 2004
Long-Term Incentive Plan to each of our named executive officers, except for Mr. Køehn Milland.
The compensation committee determined the additional discretionary equity awards were warranted
because of our strong operating performance and results in 2007, the significant growth in scale,
scope and geographic footprint of the company in 2007, and the significant efforts of management
toward integrating the CellStar and Dangaard Telecom operations we acquired, while continuing to
focus on executing our annual plan. Further, the compensation committee recognized the need to
further reward, motivate and retain certain key executives.
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
2007 Cash |
|
RSUs Earned |
|
2007 |
|
|
Cash Bonus |
|
Discretionary |
|
under 2007 Equity |
|
Discretionary |
Named executive officer |
|
Earned |
|
Bonus Awarded |
|
Program |
|
RSUs Earned |
|
Robert J. Laikin |
|
$ |
800,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
93,197 |
|
|
|
86,957 |
(3) |
J. Mark Howell |
|
$ |
246,850 |
|
|
$ |
180,000 |
|
|
|
46,011 |
|
|
|
8,696 |
(4) |
Michaél Køehn Milland(1) |
|
$ |
33,180 |
(1) |
|
$ |
67,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony W. Boor |
|
$ |
187,500 |
|
|
$ |
112,500 |
|
|
|
34,949 |
|
|
|
58,696 |
(5) |
Steven E. Fivel |
|
$ |
187,500 |
|
|
$ |
112,500 |
|
|
|
34,949 |
|
|
|
8,696 |
(4) |
R. Bruce Thomlinson(2) |
|
$ |
269,501 |
|
|
$ |
87,517 |
|
|
|
45,203 |
|
|
|
8,696 |
(4) |
John Alexander Du Plessis Currie |
|
$ |
217,000 |
|
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
|
|
40,447 |
|
|
|
8,696 |
(4) |
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,941,531 |
|
|
$ |
650,017 |
|
|
|
294,756 |
|
|
|
180,437 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Køehn Milland was eligible for a special bonus for the fourth quarter of
2007 equivalent to one-fourth of his annual bonus opportunity (6.25% of annualized base
salary). |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Thomlinson is paid in Australian dollars. The dollar amounts reported in
this table for Mr. Thomlinson are based on an exchange rate of 0.8752 Australian
dollars to one U.S. dollar as in effect on December 31, 2007. |
-26-
|
|
|
(3) |
|
One-half of the RSUs vest on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant, and
one-half vest on the sixth anniversary of the date of grant. |
|
(4) |
|
The discretionary RSUs granted vest in equal annual installments on each of
the first, second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. |
|
(5) |
|
8,696 of the RSUs vest in equal annual installments on each of the first,
second and third anniversaries of the date of grant. 50,000 of the RSUs vest on the
fourth anniversary of the date of grant. |
Based on our comparator group review, Mr. Laikins total compensation at target ($2,600,000)
and actual payments received during 2007 were below the aggregate median of comparator groups. This
is due to long-term incentive compensation which, at target, is currently well below the market
median. The compensation committee determined that an additional discretionary award of restricted
stock units was appropriate to retain and motivate Mr. Laikin and to reward him for his continued
leadership, industry knowledge and business development skills. As a founder of the company, the
compensation committee recognized that Mr. Laikins vision and drive were essential to our future
success and could not easily be replaced. Thus, the compensation committee recommended, and on
February 14, 2008 our board of directors approved, a discretionary grant of 86,957 restricted stock
units to Mr. Laikin, which will vest as to one-half on each of the fourth and sixth anniversaries
of the grant. This discretionary grant was valued at $1,000,000, based on the per-share closing
price on the day immediately prior to the date of grant.
Anthony Boor, our chief financial officer, received his discretionary restricted stock unit
award primarily to increase his equity holdings, to retain his services, and as an incentive to
motivate him to continue to work toward the long-term success of the company. The committee also
considered Mr. Boors job performance and the increased responsibilities Mr. Boor is assuming as a
result the acquisitions we completed in 2007.
Post-termination compensation
Post-retirement compensation. All U.S.-based named executive officers are eligible to
participate in our ERISA-qualified 401(k) Plan and to receive a company match, subject to plan
requirements and contribution limits established by the IRS. The 401(k) Plan provides a matching
benefit of $0.50 per each dollar invested to a maximum of six percent of base salary, subject to
these limitations. In 2005, 2006 and 2007, named executive officers and other highly compensated
employees as defined by the IRS were subject to contribution and matching limitations based upon
required annual non-discrimination testing. During 2007, the named executive officers were each
allowed to contribute $9,787 to the 401(k) Plan and receive a matching contribution from us of
$6,491.
In 2005, we entered into supplemental executive retirement plan agreements, referred to as
SERP agreements, with each of Robert Laikin, Mark Howell and Steven Fivel. The payments under the
SERP agreements will be made on an annual basis beginning on the later of the individuals
termination date (other than termination for cause), or the attainment of age 50, 53 or 55 for
Messrs. Laikin, Howell or Fivel, respectively, for a period of ten years or until such individuals
death, if earlier. If Mr. Laikin, Howell or Fivel is terminated for cause, then the benefit would
not commence for that executive until he reached the age of 62 for a period of ten years or until
such individuals death, if earlier. The benefit is an annual payment equal to a certain
percentage of average base salary and on the amount of annual benefits payable, referred to as the
cap amount.
Assuming annual salary increases of 3% per year, the anticipated payments would reach the cap
amount and would be paid in approximately the following amounts: $496,000 per year to Mr. Laikin
-27-
beginning on the later of termination or age 50; $344,000 per year to Mr. Howell beginning on the
later of termination or age 53; and $229,000 per year to Mr. Fivel beginning on the later of
termination or age 55, in each case for a period of ten years or until such individuals death, if
earlier. Payment under the amended and restated SERP agreements is contingent upon termination of
service.
The compensation committee believes that these SERP benefits are reasonable and recognize the
long-term contributions of these three named executive officers.
Pursuant to Mr. Køehn Millands employment agreement, the company makes an annual contribution
equal to 6.6% of Mr. Køehn Millands base salary to a private pension plan maintained and managed
by Mr. Koehn Milland. These contributions are taxable income to Mr. Koehn Milland. The company
has no further pension liability to Mr. Køehn Milland.
Change of control agreements, severance arrangements. We have entered into employment
agreements with each of our named executive officers, which are described below under the heading
Employment agreements with named executive officers. Under these employment agreements, each of
our named executive officers is entitled to severance payments upon the termination of their
employment under certain circumstances, including, in each case, in the event we terminate their
employment in breach of the employment agreement (other than for cause or disability) after a
change of control. In addition, some of the agreements with our named executive officers provide
for accelerated vesting of their stock options and or restricted stock awards upon the termination
of their employment under certain circumstances. These potential change of control and severance
payments are detailed in the Potential payments upon termination or change of control section
below. We believe that these arrangements support our ability to attract and retain superior
executive talent and, if a change of control were to occur, to retain our top executives through a
period of uncertainty, keep our management team intact, preserve the neutrality of the management
team in negotiating and executing a transaction and keep the management team focused on the best
interests of the shareholders, rather than their own job security.
Other benefits
During 2007, our named executive officers received, to varying degrees, a limited amount of
other benefits that we paid on their behalf or for which we provided reimbursement. These benefits
included the following:
|
|
|
payments of life insurance premiums. We continued to provide all U.S.-based named
executive officers and other executives with a group life insurance plan at no cost.
The life insurance plan provides a benefit of two times the executives annual base
salary up to a maximum of $400,000 in the event of the death of the plan participant.
This plan also provides an accidental death and dismemberment benefit with a maximum
possible benefit equal to that of the life insurance benefit. In addition, Mr. Currie
participates in a plan in the United Arab Emirates with a benefit of $250,000 in the
event of death; |
|
|
|
|
payments of long-term disability insurance premiums. We continued to provide all of
our U.S.-based named executive officers, other U.S.-based executives and other key
employees with a group long-term disability plan that provides a benefit in the event
of the plan participants disability equal to two-thirds of the participants
pre-disability income, up to a maximum of $12,000 per month; |
|
|
|
|
employer contributions toward group medical insurance. We continued to provide all
of our U.S.-based named executive officers and other U.S.-based executives and
employees with a group medical insurance program that provides both preventive and
catastrophic benefits. Benefits offered to employees outside of the United States vary
by local practice and statutory requirements in each of the jurisdictions in which we
operate; |
-28-
|
|
|
relocation. In association with Mr. Køehn Millands relocation to Indianapolis, we
provided a variety of relocation and expatriate benefits to assist him and his family.
These include housing assistance, relocation of personal belongings, expatriate
allowance, education for children and tax assistance. |
Policy on tax matters
Section 162(m)
Our policy is to maximize the tax deductibility of compensation paid to our most highly
compensated executives under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations.
Our shareholders have approved our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. We may, however, authorize
payments to our named executive officers that may not be fully deductible if we believe such
payments are in our shareholders interests. The performance-based restricted stock unit awards
have been structured to qualify as performance-based compensation exempt from the limitations on
deductibility imposed by Section 162(m).
Sections 280G and 4999
The employment agreements for Messrs. Laikin, Howell, Fivel and Boor provide for tax
protection on severance payments resulting from a change of control in the form of a gross up
payment to reimburse the executive for any excise tax under Internal Revenue Code Section 4999 as
well as any additional income and employment taxes resulting from such reimbursement. Code Section
4999 imposes a 20% non-deductible excise tax on the recipient of an excess parachute payment and
Code Section 280G disallows the tax deduction to the payor of any amount of an excess parachute
payment that is contingent on a change of control. A payment as a result of a change of control
must exceed three times the executives base amount in order to be considered an excess parachute
payment, and then the excise tax is imposed on the parachute payments that exceed the executives
base amount. The intent of the tax gross-up is to provide a benefit without a tax penalty to our
executives who are displaced in the event of a change of control. We believe the provision of tax
protection for excess parachute payments for our executive officers is consistent with market
practice, is a valuable executive talent retention incentive, and is consistent with the objectives
of our overall executive compensation program.
Report of compensation committee on compensation analysis and discussion
The information contained in this Compensation and Human Resources Committee Report is not
soliciting material and has not been filed with the SEC. This report will not be incorporated
by reference into any of our future filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we may specifically incorporate it by reference
into a future filing.
The compensation and human resources committee has reviewed and discussed the section in this
proxy statement entitled Executive Officers Compensation discussion and analysis with
Brightpoints management. Based on this review and these discussions, the compensation and human
resources committee recommended to Brightpoints board of directors that this Compensation
discussion and analysis section be included in Brightpoints Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and in this proxy statement.
|
|
|
|
|
COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE |
|
|
Eliza Hermann, chair |
|
|
Jan Gesmar-Larsen |
|
|
Jerre L. Stead |
-29-
2007 summary compensation table
The following table discloses for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 the compensation for
the person who served as our chief executive officer, the person who served as our chief financial
officer and our other named executive officers.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pension value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and non- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-equity |
|
qualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
incentive plan |
|
deferred |
|
All other |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Base |
|
|
|
|
|
awards |
|
awards |
|
compensation |
|
compensation |
|
compensation |
|
|
Name |
|
Year |
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
(1) |
|
(2) |
|
(3) |
|
earnings (4) |
|
(5) |
|
Total |
Robert J. Laikin
Chairman of the
Board and Chief
Executive Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
800,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,220,495 |
|
|
$ |
69,079 |
|
|
$ |
800,000 |
|
|
$ |
230,713 |
|
|
$ |
9,719 |
|
|
$ |
3,130,006 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
750,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
888,301 |
|
|
$ |
265,324 |
|
|
$ |
750,000 |
|
|
$ |
154,686 |
|
|
$ |
8,112 |
|
|
$ |
2,816,423 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Mark Howell
Co-chief Operating
Officer and
President, Americas
Division |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
493,700 |
|
|
$ |
180,000 |
|
|
$ |
648,878 |
|
|
$ |
34,589 |
|
|
$ |
246,850 |
|
|
$ |
91,604 |
|
|
$ |
8,669 |
|
|
$ |
1,704,290 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
455,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
423,288 |
|
|
$ |
132,775 |
|
|
$ |
227,500 |
|
|
$ |
63,288 |
|
|
$ |
8,112 |
|
|
$ |
1,309,963 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michaél Køehn-Milland
Co-chief Operating
Officer and
President,
International
Operations |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
221,200 |
|
|
$ |
67,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33,180 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
77,136 |
|
|
$ |
399,016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony W. Boor
Executive Vice
President, Chief
Financial Officer
and Treasurer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
|
$ |
112,500 |
|
|
$ |
282,983 |
|
|
$ |
16,738 |
|
|
$ |
187,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8,369 |
|
|
$ |
983,090 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
350,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
159,863 |
|
|
$ |
42,347 |
|
|
$ |
175,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
7,972 |
|
|
$ |
735,182 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven E. Fivel
Executive Vice
President, General
Counsel and
Secretary |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
375,000 |
|
|
$ |
112,500 |
|
|
$ |
388,843 |
|
|
$ |
30,373 |
|
|
$ |
187,500 |
|
|
$ |
78,744 |
|
|
$ |
8,294 |
|
|
$ |
1,181,254 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
360,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
265,385 |
|
|
$ |
123,295 |
|
|
$ |
180,000 |
|
|
$ |
55,081 |
|
|
$ |
8,112 |
|
|
$ |
991,873 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Bruce Thomlinson (6)
President, Asia
Pacific, Middle
East and Africa |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
538,857 |
|
|
$ |
87,517 |
|
|
$ |
469,235 |
|
|
$ |
34,589 |
|
|
$ |
269,501 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,103 |
|
|
$ |
1,410,802 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
465,905 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
308,155 |
|
|
$ |
132,775 |
|
|
$ |
232,952 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
9,895 |
|
|
$ |
1,149,682 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Alexander Du
Plessis Currie
Executive Vice
President, Chief
Information Officer |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
$ |
434,000 |
|
|
$ |
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
621,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
217,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
58,182 |
|
|
$ |
1,420,527 |
|
|
|
|
2006 |
|
|
$ |
400,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
419,644 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
253,011 |
|
|
$ |
1,272,655 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes during
the relevant fiscal year with respect to shares of restricted stock and restricted stock
units, as determined based on a calculation pursuant to SFAS 123R. This compensation cost
includes both the amounts recorded as compensation expense in our income statement for the
fiscal year as well as amounts earned during the period that are capitalized on our balance
sheet. Please refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements filed with our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for the relevant assumptions related
to the calculation of such value. |
|
(2) |
|
Represents the dollar amounts recognized for financial statement reporting purposes in the
relevant fiscal year with respect to options, as determined based on a calculation pursuant to
SFAS 123R. Please refer to |
-30-
|
|
|
|
|
Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements filed with our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2007 for the relevant assumptions related to the calculation
of such value. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents performance-based cash bonuses paid in 2008 that were earned in 2007 under our
2007 executive bonus plan. In February 2008, the compensation committee determined that all
of the performance measures were achieved or exceeded for 2007. In accordance with the plan,
Mr. Laikin received a bonus payment equal to 100% of his 2007 base salary, and the other named
executive officers each received a bonus payment equal to 50% of his respective 2007 base
salary, except for Mr. Køehn Milland, who was eligible to receive an interim bonus equal to
6.25% of his base salary, which represented a pro-rated portion (25%) of his annualized bonus
opportunity. |
|
(4) |
|
Figure represents the present value of SERP benefit as calculated by Mercer Human Resources
Consulting. Retirement is assumed to occur at the plans unreduced retirement age of 62 and
paid in the form of a temporary life annuity for not more than ten years. The present values
for December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006 were determined using a discount rate of 5.75%. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes life and long-term disability insurance premiums paid by us and 401(k) matches or
statutory superannuation payments made by us. For Mr. Køehn Milland, this amount includes
relocation and expatriate benefits associated his relocation from Denmark to Indianapolis
including temporary living, movement of household goods, housing, education expenses for his
children and a general expatriate allowance in exchange for certain other benefits he was
previously eligible to receive in Denmark. For Mr. Currie, this amount represents the change
in the accrued value of a gratuity program in which Mr. Currie participates in accordance with
the laws of the United Arab Emirates (where he lives), whereby upon his termination he will be
entitled to a benefit that reflects his salary and years of service in the United Arab
Emirates as well as premiums for life and medical insurance offered to staff in the United
Arab Emirates. |
|
(6) |
|
Mr. Thomlinson is paid in Australian dollars. The amounts paid to him are reported in this
table in U.S. dollars and for 2007 were calculated based on an exchange rate of 0.8752
Australian dollars to one U.S. dollar in effect on December 31, 2007. The 2006 U.S. dollar
amounts reported in this table for Mr. Thomlinson are based on an exchange rate of 0.7886
Australian dollars to one U.S. dollar. |
-31-
2007 grants of plan-based awards
The following table discloses for the periods presented the grants of awards made to the named
executive officers during our fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 under any of our plans:
|
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All other |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
stock |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated future payouts under |
|
Estimated future payouts under |
|
number of |
|
Grant date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
non-equity incentive plan awards |
|
equity incentive plan awards |
|
shares |
|
fair value of |
|
|
Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or stock or |
|
restricted |
Name |
|
date |
|
Threshold |
|
Target(1) |
|
Maximum |
|
Threshold |
|
Target(1) |
|
Maximum |
|
units |
|
stock units |
|
Robert J. Laikin |
|
|
02/08/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
800,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
93,197 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,000,936 |
|
J. Mark Howell |
|
|
02/08/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
246,850 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
46,011 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
708,958 |
|
Michaél Køehn
Milland |
|
|
02/08/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
Anthony W. Boor |
|
|
02/08/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
187,500 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
34,949 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
375,352 |
|
Steven E. Fivel |
|
|
02/08/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
187,500 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
34,949 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
375,352 |
|
R. Bruce Thomlinson(2) |
|
|
02/08/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
269,501 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
45,203 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
485,480 |
|
John Alexander Du
Plessis Currie |
|
|
02/08/07 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
$ |
217,000 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
40,447 |
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
434,401 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The targeted cash bonuses under our 2007 executive bonus plan were 100% of base salary for
Mr. Laikin and 50% of base salary for each of the other participating named executive
officers. The targeted equity bonuses under our 2007 executive equity program administered
under our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan consisted of a number of restricted stock units with a
value equal to 125% of base salary for Mr. Laikin and 100% of base salary for each of the
other named executive officers. Mr. Køehn Milland did not participate in the 2007 executive
equity program. In February 2008, the compensation committee determined that each of the
performance measures under the 2007 executive bonus plan were achieved or exceeded, and all of
the target awards were earned in full. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Thomlinson is paid in Australian dollars. The cash amounts paid to him are reported in
this table in U.S. dollars and were calculated based on an exchange rate of 0.8752 Australian
dollars to one U.S. dollar in effect on December 31, 2007. |
Narrative to summary compensation table and plan-based awards table
Employment agreements with named executive officers
Certain defined terms
We have entered into employment agreements with each of our named executive officers, all of
which are described below. When used in those agreements, the following terms (except as described
below with respect to the use of the term cause in the agreements of Messrs. Thomlinson and
Currie and Mr. Køehn Milland) have the following meanings:
Good reason is defined as:
|
|
|
any limitation upon or change to the employees duties or reporting obligations, |
|
|
|
|
any failure by us to comply with our material obligations under the employment
agreement, or |
|
|
|
|
the failure of any successor to our business to assume the employment agreement upon
succession. |
A change of control shall be deemed to occur, unless previously consented to in writing by
the respective employee, upon the occurrence of any of the following:
-32-
|
|
|
individuals who as of the date of the agreement constituted our then current board
of directors cease to constitute a majority of our board; |
|
|
|
|
subject to certain specified exceptions, the acquisition, by any person or entity
not affiliated with the respective employee or us, of beneficial ownership of 15% or
more of our voting securities; |
|
|
|
|
the commencement of a proxy contest against management for the election of a
majority of our board of directors if the group conducting the proxy contest owns, has
or gains the power to vote at least 15% of our voting securities; |
|
|
|
|
the consummation under certain conditions by us of a reorganization, merger or
consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets to any person or entity
not affiliated with the respective employee or us; or |
|
|
|
|
our complete liquidation or dissolution. |
Cause is defined as:
|
|
|
the willful and continuous failure of the employee to substantially perform his
required duties; |
|
|
|
|
the employees willful criminal misconduct (including embezzlement and criminal
fraud) that is materially injurious to us; or |
|
|
|
|
the conviction of the employee of a felony. |
Under our employment agreements with Messrs. Thomlinson and Currie, cause is defined as
follows:
|
|
|
the employees failure to perform any or all of his duties under the employment
agreement after reasonable notice from us to him to rectify any such failure; |
|
|
|
|
the employees engagement in misconduct that is detrimental or injurious to us,
monetarily or otherwise; |
|
|
|
|
the employee being charged with an indictable offense; or |
|
|
|
|
the employees violation of our policies and procedures. |
Under our employment agreement with Mr. Køehn Milland, cause is defined as follows:
|
|
|
the employees failure to perform his duties under the employment agreement after
reasonable notice from us to him to rectify any such failure; |
|
|
|
|
the engaging by the employee in misconduct which is injurious to us, monetarily or
otherwise; |
|
|
|
|
the conviction of the employee of a felony and the expiration of the time to appeal
such conviction; or |
|
|
|
|
if at any time that our securities are listed on a stock exchange, the employee
commits any violation of, or fails to comply with, any securities law. |
Messrs. Laikins and Howells agreements
We have entered into five-year evergreen employment agreements with each of Messrs. Laikin
and Howell, which are automatically renewable for successive one-year periods and provided for an
annual base compensation in 2007 of $800,000 and $493,700, respectively, and such bonuses as our
board of directors may from time to time determine. If we provide the employee with notice of
non-renewal or that we desire to terminate the agreement without cause, there is a final five-year
term commencing on the date of such notice. The employment agreements provide for employment on a
full-time basis and contain a provision that the employee will not compete or engage in a business
competitive with our business during the term of the employment agreement and for a period of two
years thereafter.
-33-
The employment agreements also provide for severance payments if the employees employment is
terminated
|
|
|
by him, without good reason, within 12 months after a change of control, |
|
|
|
|
by him, for good reason, prior to and not as a result of a change of control, or |
|
|
|
|
by us, other than for disability or cause, prior to and not as a result of a change
of control, |
equal to (subject to a severance cap of $9.0 million with respect to Mr. Laikin and $4.5 million
with respect to Mr. Howell) the greater of (a) $2.25 million for Mr. Laikin and $1.625 million for
Mr. Howell and (b) five times the total compensation (including salary, bonus and the value of all
perquisites) received from us during the twelve months prior to the date of termination. If after,
or as a result of, a change of control, the employees employment is terminated either by the
employee for good reason or by us other than for disability or cause, the employee will be entitled
to receive severance pay (subject to the respective severance cap) equal to ten times the total
compensation (including salary, bonus, the value of all perquisites and the value of all stock
options granted to the employee) received from us during the twelve months prior to the date of
termination. In addition, the vesting of all options and restricted stock awards granted to the
employee will be accelerated, so that the options become immediately exercisable and remain
exercisable until the earlier of (a) 180 days from the date of the employees termination and (b)
the expiration of the stock option, and all restricted stock awards immediately vest, when and if
(i) a change of control occurs, (ii) we, in breach of the agreement, terminate the employees
employment other than for disability or cause, or (iii) the employee terminates his employment for
good reason.
Mr. Køehn Millands agreement
We assumed Mr. Køehn Millands employment agreement with Dangaard Telecom upon our acquisition
of Dangaard Telecom in July 2007. We amended and restated this agreement on substantially the same
terms in October 2007, so that the payment obligations are set forth in U.S. dollars. The
employment agreement provides for an annual base salary of $530,880 and such increases and bonuses
as our board of directors or compensation committee may from time to time determine. The agreement
provides that Mr. Køehn Milland is eligible to participate in our annual executive cash and equity
bonus plans at a rate of 25% and 50%, respectively, of his annual base salary. The employment
agreement provides for employment on a full-time basis and contains a provision that Mr. Køehn
Milland will not compete or engage in a business competitive with our business during the term of
his employment and for a period of two years thereafter. Mr. Køehn Milland can terminate his
employment upon six months written notice. The agreement includes extended notification provisions
that was part of his agreement with Dangaard Telecom, pursuant to which if we terminate Mr. Køehn
Millands employment other than for cause or because of his death or disability, he will receive
his base salary, but not bonus, for a period of 60 months; provided, however, that this period
decreases by 12 months on each anniversary of our acquisition of Dangaard Telecom until it reaches
a minimum level of 24 months.
We also entered into a relocation agreement with Mr. Køehn Milland as an incentive for him to
move from Denmark to the United States and to help him defray certain costs associated with his and
his familys relocation to Indianapolis. The relocation agreement has a term of three years (so
long as Mr. Køehn Milland remains employed with us pursuant to the terms of his employment
agreement) and contains annual housing, benefit, vacation, education and tax preparation assistance
payments in an aggregate annual amount of approximately $150,000.
Mr. Boors agreement
We also entered into a three-year evergreen employment agreement with Mr. Boor which is
automatically renewable for successive one-year periods and provided for an annual base
compensation in
-34-
2007 of $375,000 and such bonuses as our board of directors or the compensation committee of
the board may from time to time determine. The employment agreement provides for employment on a
full-time basis and contains a provision that Mr. Boor will not compete or engage in a business
competitive with our business during the term of the employment agreement and for a period of two
years thereafter. If Mr. Boors employment is terminated by him for good reason or within 12
months after a change of control or by us other than for disability or cause, Mr. Boor will be
entitled to receive severance pay equal to 2.99 times his annual base compensation (excluding any
bonus and the value of all perquisites) received from us during the twelve months prior to the date
of termination.
In addition, the vesting of all options granted to Mr. Boor will be accelerated, so that the
options become immediately exercisable and remain exercisable until the earlier of (a) 180 days
from the date his employment is terminated and (b) the expiration of the stock option, when and if
a change of control occurs.
Mr. Fivels agreement
We have entered into a three-year evergreen employment agreement with Mr. Fivel, which is
automatically renewable for successive one-year periods and provided for an annual base
compensation in 2007 of $375,000 and such bonuses as our board of directors may from time to time
determine. If we provide Mr. Fivel with notice of non-renewal or that we desire to terminate the
agreement without cause, there is a final three-year term commencing on the date of such notice.
Otherwise, the employment agreement provides substantially the same terms as the employment
agreements for Messrs. Laikin and Howell, except that if Mr. Fivels employment is terminated:
|
|
|
by him, without good reason, within 12 months after a change of control, |
|
|
|
|
by him, for good reason, prior to and not as a result of a change of control, or |
|
|
|
|
by us, other than for disability or cause, prior to and not as a result of a change
of control, |
he will be entitled to receive (subject to a $2.25 million severance cap) the greater of (a)
$825,000 and (b) three times the total compensation (including salary, bonus and the value of all
perquisites) he received from us during the twelve months prior to the date of his termination. If
after, or as a result of a change of control, Mr. Fivels employment is terminated either by him
for good reason or by us other than for disability or cause, Mr. Fivel will be entitled to receive
severance pay (subject to the foregoing severance cap) equal to six times the compensation
(including, salary, bonus, and the value of all perquisites and the value of all stock options
granted to him) received or earned by him from us during the twelve months prior to the date of
termination.
In addition, the vesting of all options and restricted stock awards granted to Mr. Fivel will
be accelerated, so that the options become immediately exercisable and remain exercisable until the
earlier of (a) 180 days from the date of his termination and (b) the expiration of the stock
option, and all restricted stock awards immediately vest, when and if (i) a change of control
occurs, (ii) we, in breach of the agreement, terminate his employment other than for disability or
cause, or (iii) Mr. Fivel terminates his employment for good reason.
Mr. Thomlinsons agreement
We also entered into a five-year employment agreement with Mr. Thomlinson, which, as renewed,
currently extends through December 31, 2007. Pursuant to that agreement, he had an annual base
compensation in 2007 of $538,857 (after converting his salary from Australian dollars to U.S.
dollars using the exchange rate in effect on December 31, 2007, or 0.8752 Australian dollars to one
U.S. dollar) and such bonuses as our board of directors or the compensation committee of the board
may from time to time determine. The employment agreement provides for employment on a full-time
basis and
-35-
contains a provision that Mr. Thomlinson will not compete in a business competitive with our
business during the term of the employment agreement and for a period of one year thereafter. The
employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Thomlinsons employment is terminated by us other
than for death, disability or cause, prior to and not as a result of a change of control, then Mr.
Thomlinson is entitled to a termination payment equal to the aggregate emoluments (defined as base
salary, bonus and the value of all perquisites, but excluding the value of any equity) he received
for the 12-month period ending on the date of termination. If Mr. Thomlinson is terminated other
than for death, disability or cause, in breach of this agreement and upon a change of control, we
shall pay Mr. Thomlinson a lump sum severance amount on the tenth day following the date of
termination, equal to three times the salary (inclusive of statutory superannuation) received or
earned by Mr. Thomlinson under the agreement during the twelve months prior to the termination date
(subject to a severance cap of $1,320,795 Australian dollars, which is currently approximately
$1,227,017 U.S. dollars).
Mr. Curries agreement
We have entered into a three-year employment contract with Mr. Currie, which is automatically
renewable for a one-year period and provided for an annual base compensation in 2007 of $434,000
and such bonuses as our board of directors or the compensation committee of the board may from time
to time determine. The employment agreement provides for employment on a full-time basis and
contains a provision that Mr. Currie will not compete in a business competitive with our business
during the term of the employment agreement and for a period of one year thereafter. The
employment agreement also provides that if Mr. Curries employment is terminated by us in breach of
this agreement, prior to and not as a result of a change of control, then Mr. Currie is entitled to
a termination payment equal to the aggregate emoluments (defined as base salary, bonus and the
value of all perquisites, but excluding the value of any equity) he received for the 12-month
period ending on the date of termination. If Mr. Currie is terminated other than for death,
disability or cause, in breach of this agreement and upon a change of control, we shall pay Mr.
Currie a lump sum severance amount on the tenth day following the date of termination, equal to
three times the salary received or earned by Mr. Currie under the agreement during the twelve
months prior to the termination date (subject to a severance cap of $1.0 million, provided that
this maximum amount shall not include statutory entitlements). If Mr. Curries employment is
terminated for heightened cause, defined in his agreement as being convicted of, or entering a
guilty or no contest plea to (i) a crime constituting a felony under the U.S. laws of that is
related to our business or Mr. Curries employment with us, or (ii) actual or attempted theft,
fraud, embezzlement or willful misappropriation of funds against us, then Mr. Currie will forfeit
the unvested balance of the 120,000 shares of our restricted stock awarded to him on February 23,
2006 as a material inducement to his employment. These shares vest as to one-eighth of the shares
on each of the first eight anniversaries of the date of grant, and the unvested balance as of
December 31, 2007 was 105,000 shares. These shares were registered on a registration statement on
Form S-3 filed on November 19, 2007.
Executive equity program and bonus plans
2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan
The equity component of our executive compensation program is derived from our 2004 Long-Term
Incentive Plan, which is administered by the compensation committee. Currently our incentive plan
enables the compensation committee to grant to our employees, including our named executive
officers, the employees of our subsidiaries, our directors, our consultants and other persons who
are expected to contribute to our success, the following types of equity awards under the plan:
|
|
|
non-qualified incentive stock options, |
|
|
|
|
performance units; |
-36-
|
|
|
restricted stock; |
|
|
|
|
deferred stock; |
|
|
|
|
other stock-based awards (which includes restricted stock units); and |
|
|
|
|
cash based awards. |
Prior to 2005, all performance-based equity compensation for named executive officers was
issued in the form of stock options. Beginning in 2005, we began issuing restricted stock units in
combination with stock options and restricted stock awards as part of our equity program, primarily
because of the increased stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options and similar
instruments under SFAS 123R. In 2007, all of our performance-based equity compensation was issued
under our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan in the form of restricted stock units.
No participant may be granted awards under the plan relating to more than 2,025,000 shares of
our common stock in the aggregate, in any year. The total number of shares reserved and available
for distribution under the incentive plan was originally set at 4,050,000 shares. As of December
31, 2007, a total of 2,566,497 of such shares had been granted and 1,483,503 were available for
future award grants.
We are currently seeking shareholder approval to amend our 2004 Long-Term Incentive plan to
increase the number of shares available for issuance thereunder by 2,173,953 shares. For more
information with respect to this proposed amendment, see the section in this proxy statement
entitled Proposal 2 commencing on page 52.
2007 executive equity program and bonus plan
In February 2007, the compensation committee adopted our 2007 executive equity program and, as
part of that program, granted performance-based restricted stock units under our 2004 Long-Term
Incentive Plan to each of our executive officers, including our chief executive officer. These
grants were subject to forfeiture, in whole or in part if we did not achieve certain
pre-established performance measures, including adjusted income from continuing operations,
weighted at 50%, and four equally weighted strategic measures also weighted, in the aggregate, at
50%. In February 2008, our compensation committee determined that each of the pre-established
performance measures had been achieved or exceeded, after excluding the impact of the Dangaard
Telecom operations acquired in 2007. As a result, all of the grants
made as part of the 2007
executive equity program were earned by our executive officers. These earned grants commenced
vesting in three equal annual installments commencing in February 2008.
The compensation committee also established a 2007 cash award bonus program for our executive
officers, referred to as the 2007 executive bonus plan, which was based upon the same
pre-established performance measures set forth in our 2007 executive equity program. Under the
2007 executive bonus plan, the target bonus established for Robert J. Laikin, our chief executive
officer, was 100% of his 2007 base salary and the target bonus established for each of our other
participating named executive officers was 50% of his respective 2007 base salary. In February
2008, our compensation committee determined that each of the pre-established performance measures
had been achieved or exceeded, after excluding the impact of the Dangaard Telecom operations
acquired in 2007.
-37-
Outstanding equity awards at 2007 fiscal year-end
The following table discloses, for each named executive officer, his unexercised options and
unvested stock and equity incentive plan awards outstanding as of our fiscal year ended December
31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
plan awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
payout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
unearned |
|
unearned |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
value of |
|
shares or |
|
shares or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
shares or |
|
units or |
|
units or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of shares |
|
units of |
|
other |
|
other |
|
|
|
|
or units of |
|
stock |
|
rights |
|
rights |
|
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
Option |
|
stock that |
|
that have |
|
that have |
|
that have |
|
|
underlying options (#) |
|
Option |
|
expira- |
|
have not |
|
not |
|
not |
|
not |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Un- |
|
exercise |
|
tion |
|
not vested |
|
vested |
|
vested |
|
vested |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
exercisable |
|
price |
|
date |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Robert J. Laikin |
|
|
60,022 |
|
|
|
30,010 |
(1) |
|
$ |
6.78 |
|
|
|
02/18/10 |
|
|
|
596,861 |
(3) |
|
$ |
9,167,785 |
|
|
|
93,197 |
(9) |
|
$ |
1,431,506 |
|
|
J. Mark Howell |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,034 |
(1) |
|
$ |
6.78 |
|
|
|
02/18/10 |
|
|
|
311,902 |
(4) |
|
$ |
4,790,815 |
|
|
|
46,011 |
(9) |
|
$ |
706,729 |
|
|
Michaél Køehn
Milland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony W. Boor |
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,000 |
(2) |
|
$ |
7.48 |
|
|
|
02/07/10 |
|
|
|
35,164 |
(5) |
|
$ |
540,119 |
|
|
|
34,949 |
(9) |
|
$ |
536,817 |
|
|
Steven E. Fivel |
|
|
25,156 |
|
|
|
12,578 |
(1) |
|
$ |
6.78 |
|
|
|
02/18/10 |
|
|
|
152,822 |
(6) |
|
$ |
2,347,346 |
|
|
|
34,949 |
(9) |
|
$ |
536,817 |
|
|
R. Bruce Tomlinson |
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,034 |
(1) |
|
$ |
6.78 |
|
|
|
02/18/10 |
|
|
|
162,386 |
(7) |
|
$ |
2,494,249 |
|
|
|
45,203 |
(9) |
|
$ |
694,318 |
|
|
John Alexander Du
Plessis Currie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
116,152 |
(8) |
|
$ |
1,784,095 |
|
|
|
40,447 |
(9) |
|
$ |
621,266 |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
These options vested on February 18, 2008. |
|
(2) |
|
These options vested on February 7, 2008. |
|
(3) |
|
Represents (i) 540,000 shares of restricted stock that vest in equal installments on each of
the third, fifth and eighth anniversary of the grant date (April 7, 2005), (ii) 12,000 share
of restricted stock that vest in three equal annual installments beginning with February 6,
2010, (iii) 10,940 restricted stock units that vested on February 18, 2008, and (iv) 33,921
restricted stock units that vest in two equal annual installments beginning February 6, 2008. |
-38-
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Represents (i) 270,000 shares of restricted stock that vest in equal installments on each of
the third, fifth and eighth anniversary of the grant date (April 7, 2005), (ii) 20,000
restricted stock units that vest on February 9, 2010 (the third anniversary of the date of
grant), (iii) 5,440 restricted stock units that vested on February 18, 2008 and (iv) 16,462
restricted stock units that vest in two equal annual installments beginning February 6, 2008. |
|
(5) |
|
Represents (i) 13,500 restricted stock units that vest on June 2, 2009 (the fourth
anniversary of the date of grant), (ii) 9,000 restricted stock units that vest on October 17,
2008 (the third anniversary of the date of grant) and (iii) 12,664 restricted stock units that
vest in two equal annual installments beginning February 6, 2008. |
|
(6) |
|
Represents (i) 135,000 shares of restricted stock that vest in equal installments in each of
the third, fifth and eighth anniversary of the grant date (April 7, 2005), (ii) 4,797
restricted stock units that vested on February 18, 2008 and (iii) 13,025 restricted stock
units that vest in two equal annual installments beginning February 6, 2008. |
|
(7) |
|
Represents (i) 5,440 restricted stock units that vested on February 18, 2008, (ii) 135,000
restricted stock units that vest in equal installments in each of the fourth and eighth
anniversary of the grant date (June 2, 2005), (iii) 6,000 restricted stock units that vest on
February 6, 2011 (the fifth anniversary of the grant date) and (iv) 15,946 restricted stock
units that vest in two equal annual installments beginning February 6, 2008. |
|
(8) |
|
Represents (i) 105,000 shares of restricted stock that vest in seven equal annual
installments beginning February 23, 2007 and (ii) 11,152 restricted stock units that vest in
two equal annual installments beginning February 23, 2008. |
|
(9) |
|
Represents restricted stock units subject to our 2007 executive equity program. The
compensation committee determined these shares were earned in February 2008 and these shares
vest in three equal annual installments beginning in February 2008. |
-39-
Option exercises and stock vested in 2007
The following table sets forth information concerning the number of shares acquired and dollar
amounts realized by each of the named executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31,
2007 on the exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock held by the named
executive officers as of December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
Number of |
|
Value |
|
Number of |
|
Value |
|
|
shares acquired |
|
realized |
|
shares acquired |
|
realized |
|
|
on exercise |
|
on exercise |
|
on vesting |
|
on vesting |
Name |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Robert J. Laikin |
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,350,000 |
|
|
|
27,901 |
|
|
$ |
294,624 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Mark Howell |
|
|
75,070 |
|
|
$ |
1,160,165 |
|
|
|
13,673 |
|
|
$ |
144,345 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michaél Køehn Milland |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony W. Boor |
|
|
26,100 |
|
|
$ |
438,193 |
|
|
|
6,332 |
|
|
$ |
68,006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven E. Fivel |
|
|
45,000 |
|
|
$ |
675,000 |
|
|
|
11,310 |
|
|
$ |
119,263 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Bruce Thomlinson |
|
|
60,036 |
|
|
$ |
829,097 |
|
|
|
13,415 |
|
|
$ |
141,574 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Alexander Du Plessis Currie |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,576 |
|
|
$ |
241,356 |
|
2007 pension benefits table
The following table sets forth information concerning each plan that provides for payments of
other benefits at, following, or in connection with retirement with respect to each of the named
executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
years |
|
Present value |
|
Payments |
|
|
|
|
credited |
|
of accumulated |
|
during last |
Name |
|
Plan name |
|
service (1) |
|
benefit (2) |
|
fiscal year |
Robert J. Laikin
|
|
Brightpoint, Inc.
Amended & Restated
Agreement for
Supplemental
Executive
Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
18.5 |
|
|
$ |
659,286 |
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Mark Howell
|
|
Brightpoint, Inc.
Amended & Restated
Agreement for
Supplemental
Executive
Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
13.5 |
|
|
$ |
310,276 |
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michaél Køehn
Milland(3)
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony W. Boor
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven E. Fivel
|
|
Brightpoint, Inc.
Amended & Restated
Agreement for
Supplemental
Executive
Retirement Benefits
|
|
|
11 |
|
|
$ |
283,950 |
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Bruce Thomlinson
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Alexander Du
Plessis Currie(4)
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
-40-
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The SERP calculation does not include years of service, which are included for informational
purposes only. |
|
(2) |
|
Figures represent present value of the benefit as calculated by Mercer Human Resources
Consulting. Retirement is assumed to occur at the plans unreduced retirement age of 62 and
paid in the form of a temporary life annuity for not more than ten years. The present values
for December 31, 2007 were determined using a discount rate of 5.75%. |
|
(3) |
|
Mr. Køehn Milland is entitled to an annual defined contribution by the company of 6.6% of his
base salary to a pension plan maintained by Mr. Køehn Milland. The company contributed
approximately $14,600 during 2007 which reflects 6.6% of five months of his annual base
salary. |
|
(4) |
|
Pursuant to the terms of the laws of the United Arab Emirates, Mr. Currie is entitled to an
end of contract gratuity that is accrued over time with the total payment not to exceed two
years wages. |
Our amended and restated SERP agreements provide that we will implement a supplemental
retirement benefit providing each of Messrs. Laikin, Howell and Fivel with an additional payment
subject to a cap amount.
Assuming annual salary increases of 3% per year, the anticipated payments pursuant to the
amended and restated SERP agreements would reach the cap amount and would be paid in approximately
the following amounts: $496,000 per year to Mr. Laikin commencing at age 50; $344,000 per year to
Mr. Howell commencing at age 53; and $229,000 per year to Mr. Fivel commencing at age 55. Payment
under the amended and restated SERP agreements is contingent upon termination of service.
The SERP agreements we have entered into with each of Messrs. Laikin, Howell and Fivel do not
provide an enhanced or reduced benefit based on the circumstances regarding termination, except
that (a) if such person is fired for cause, he may not receive any payments under the SERP
agreement until he has reached age 62 and (b) there is no survivor benefit in the event that
termination results from the executives death.
Potential payments upon termination or change of control
General
With respect to termination by us of a named executive officers employment for cause (at any
time) or by the named executive officer of his employment without good reason (and not as a result
of a change of control), the executive is only entitled to his accrued and unpaid salary and his
unvested stock options, restricted stock units and shares of restricted stock are deemed forfeited
at such time. The following table sets forth potential payments receivable by our named executive
officers upon termination of their employment under the various circumstances listed and assumes
for purposes of calculating amounts due that the executive was terminated as of December 31, 2007:
-41-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termination of
executives employment by |
|
Termination of
executives |
|
|
executive: |
|
employment by us: |
|
|
Within 12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
months after |
|
Prior to |
|
|
|
|
|
Prior to |
|
|
|
|
|
|
change of |
|
change of |
|
After change |
|
change of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
control, |
|
control, |
|
of control, |
|
control, |
|
After change |
|
For death |
|
|
without good |
|
with good |
|
with good |
|
without |
|
of control, |
|
or |
Benefit(1) |
|
reason |
|
reason |
|
reason |
|
cause |
|
without cause |
|
disability |
Robert J. Laikin(2): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(3) |
|
$ |
8,048,595 |
(4) |
|
$ |
8,048,595 |
(4) |
|
$ |
9,000,000 |
(5) |
|
$ |
8,048,595 |
(4) |
|
$ |
9,000,000 |
(5) |
|
$ |
1,200,000 |
(6) |
Acceleration of long-term
incentives |
|
$ |
9,244,510 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
8,736,121 |
(7) |
|
$ |
8,294,400 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
9,244,510 |
(7) |
|
$ |
8,294,400 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
5,069,696 |
(9) |
Tax gross up(10) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
4,569,535 |
|
|
$ |
6,221,943 |
|
|
$ |
5,339,862 |
|
|
$ |
6,221,943 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michaél Køehn Milland: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(3) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,654,400 |
|
|
$ |
2,654,400 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Acceleration of long-term
incentives |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
Tax gross up(10) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
J. Mark Howell(2): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(3) |
|
$ |
3,746,095 |
(4) |
|
$ |
3,746,095 |
(4) |
|
$ |
4,500,000 |
(5) |
|
$ |
3,746,095 |
(4) |
|
$ |
4,500,000 |
(5) |
|
$ |
740,550 |
(6) |
Acceleration of long-term
incentives |
|
$ |
4,899,810 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
4,276,152 |
(7) |
|
$ |
4,147,200 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
4,276,152 |
(7) |
|
$ |
4,147,200 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
2,732,764 |
(9) |
Tax gross up(10) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anthony W. Boor: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(3) |
|
$ |
1,121,250 |
(11) |
|
$ |
1,121,250 |
(11) |
|
$ |
1,121,250 |
(11) |
|
$ |
1,121,250 |
(11) |
|
$ |
1,121,250 |
(11) |
|
$ |
81,000 |
(12) |
Acceleration of long-term
incentives |
|
$ |
1,147,829 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
|
(7) |
|
$ |
1,147,829 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
|
(7) |
|
$ |
1,147,829 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
1,076,936 |
(9) |
Tax gross up(10) |
|
$ |
552,342 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
552 342 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
552 342 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven E. Fivel(2): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(3) |
|
$ |
1,712,382 |
(13) |
|
$ |
1,712,382 |
(13) |
|
$ |
2,250,000 |
(14) |
|
$ |
1,712,382 |
(13) |
|
$ |
2,250,000 |
(14) |
|
$ |
562,500 |
(6) |
Acceleration of long-term
incentives |
|
$ |
2,610,441 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
2,181,482 |
(7) |
|
$ |
2,073,600 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
2,181,482 |
(7) |
|
$ |
2,073,600 |
(7)(8) |
|
$ |
1,501,768 |
(9) |
Tax gross up(10) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Bruce Thomlinson: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(3) |
|
$ |
806,627 |
(15) |
|
$ |
806,627 |
(15) |
|
$ |
806,627 |
(15) |
|
$ |
806,627 |
(15) |
|
$ |
1,155,960 |
(16) |
|
$ |
|
|
Acceleration of long-term
incentives |
|
$ |
3,356,548 |
(8)(17) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3,356,548 |
(8)(17) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
3,356,548 |
(8)(17) |
|
$ |
2,700,303 |
(9) |
Tax gross up(10) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Alexander Du
Plessis Currie: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Severance(3) |
|
$ |
952,935 |
(15) |
|
$ |
952,935 |
(15) |
|
$ |
952,935 |
(15) |
|
$ |
952,935 |
(15) |
|
$ |
1,301,935 |
(16) |
|
$ |
301,935 |
(18) |
Acceleration of long-term
incentives |
|
$ |
2,405,361 |
(8)(19) |
|
$ |
1,612,800 |
(19) |
|
$ |
2,405,361 |
(8)(19) |
|
$ |
1,612,800 |
(19) |
|
$ |
2,405,361 |
(8)(19) |
|
$ |
2,405,361 |
(8)(19) |
Tax gross up(10) |
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
-42-
|
|
|
(1) |
|
In addition to the payments outlined herein, Messrs. Laikin, Howell and Fivel are eligible
for payments under supplemental executive retirement plans that will provide ten-year
annuities commencing at the later of the executives date of termination or age 50 (Mr.
Laikin), age 53 (Mr. Howell) or age 55 (Mr. Fivel). A full discussion of these supplemental
executive retirement plans may be found above in the section entitled Executive
compensation2007 pension benefits table. |
|
(2) |
|
The aggregate amount of (a) any cash severance payment made to the executive and (b) the
value of any stock options and restricted stock awards or restricted stock units of the
executive that are accelerated as a result of the termination of the executives employment,
may not exceed a designated severance cap of $9,000,000 for Mr. Laikin, $4,500,000 for Mr.
Howell and $2,250,000 for Mr. Fivel; provided, however, that the value ($8,294,400 in the case
of Mr. Laikin, $4,147,200 in the case of Mr. Howell and $2,073,600 in the case of Mr. Fivel)
attributable to the accelerated vesting of the shares of restricted stock granted to Messrs.
Laikin, Howell and Fivel on April 7, 2005 is explicitly excluded from the severance caps
applicable to such executives. For purposes of this table, we have assumed that, in
situations where the executives severance cap would be exceeded, the executive has chosen to
receive first the maximum amount of his cash severance payment permitted by such severance cap
and then, to the extent the severance cap is not yet exceeded, the remainder in acceleration
of long-term incentives. |
|
(3) |
|
Severance payments include value of life, health and long-term disability insurance premiums
and matching 401(k) contributions made by us. |
|
(4) |
|
Entitled to a payment equal to the greater of (a) $2,250,000 in the case of Mr. Laikin and
$1,650,000 in the case of Mr. Howell and (b) five times his total compensation earned during
the prior 12 months (including bonus and the value of all perquisites), subject to his
applicable severance cap. |
|
(5) |
|
Entitled to a payment equal to ten times his total compensation earned during the prior 12
months (including bonus, the value of all perquisites and value of all stock options granted
during such period), subject to his applicable severance cap. |
|
(6) |
|
In the event that the executive is terminated due to his disability, he will receive 100% of
his salary for one year and 50% of his salary for a second year. Does not include up to
$12,000 per month that the executive might qualify for under our long-term disability plan. |
|
(7) |
|
Entitled to immediate vesting of all stock options (which may then be exercised for a period
of up to 180 days) and immediate vesting of all shares of restricted stock, subject, in the
case of Messrs. Laikin, Howell and Fivel, to the executives applicable severance cap. |
|
(8) |
|
Entitled to immediate vesting of all restricted stock units, subject, in the case of Messrs.
Laikin, Howell and Fivel, to the executives applicable severance cap. |
|
(9) |
|
Entitled to (a) immediate vesting of all shares of restricted stock that would otherwise have
become vested on the next vesting day to occur after the executives death or disability, and
(b) immediate vesting of all restricted stock units that have been earned as of the date of
the executives death or disability. |
|
(10) |
|
Represents tax gross-up payment to cover excess tax obligations associated with termination
payments that are considered excess parachute payments as defined by Section 280 G(b)(2) of
the Internal Revenue Code. Assumes stock options are exercised for cash and are taxed
at a rate of 44.5%. |
|
(11) |
|
Entitled to a lump sum payment equal to 2.99 times his salary (excluding any bonus or
perquisites) earned or received during the prior 12 months. |
-43-
|
|
|
(12) |
|
In the event that the executive is terminated due to his disability, he will receive 60% of
his salary for one year, which will be reduced by any payments received under our long-term
disability plan. |
|
(13) |
|
Entitled to a payment equal to the greater of $825,000 and three times his total compensation
earned during the prior 12 months (including bonus and the value of all perquisites), subject
to his severance cap. |
|
(14) |
|
Entitled to a payment equal to six times his total compensation earned during the prior 12
months (including bonus, the value of all perquisites and value of all stock options granted
during such period), subject to his severance cap. |
|
(15) |
|
Entitled to a lump sum payment equal to his aggregate emoluments (defined as base salary,
bonus and the value of all perquisites, but excluding the value of any equity) for the prior
12 months, and, in the case of Mr. Currie, to statutory payments under the laws of the United
Arab Emirates, currently accrued at $301,935. |
|
(16) |
|
Entitled to a lump sum payment equal to three times the total salary earned by him during the
prior 12 months, subject to a severance cap of approximately Australian $1,320,795
(approximately U.S. $1,155,960 at December 31, 2007) in the case of Mr. Thomlinson and
$1,000,000 in the case of Mr. Currie. Mr. Currie is also entitled to statutory payments under
the laws of the United Arab Emirates, currently accrued at $301,395, which is not subject to
his severance cap. |
|
(17) |
|
Entitled to immediate vesting of stock options. |
|
(18) |
|
Entitled to statutory payments under the laws of the United Arab Emirates, currently accrued
at $301,935. |
|
(19) |
|
Entitled to continued vesting of 105,000 shares of our common stock awarded to Mr. Currie on
February 23, 2006 in accordance with the current vesting schedule (1/8 per year). |
Employment agreements
General
Pursuant to their respective employment agreements, our named executive officers are entitled
to payments upon a change of control and, in some cases, upon termination of their employment with
us for other reasons, depending on the circumstances in which they leave their employment with us.
Generally, the employment agreements with our named executive officers provide that upon a change
of control, they are entitled to a lump sum payment equal to a multiple of their base salary (or
their base compensation) if we terminate their employment in breach of their agreement other than
for disability or cause. In addition, some of the agreements with our named executive officers
provide for accelerated vesting of their stock options and/or restricted stock awards upon the
termination of their employment under certain circumstances. A more detailed discussion of each of
our employment agreements with our named executive officers, including, where applicable, details
with respect to their severance formulas and severance caps and the definitions used in such
agreements for terms such as change of control, good reason and cause, are set forth above in
the section entitled Employment agreements with named executive officers.
Severance payments
Each of Messrs. Laikin, ,Howell and Fivel is entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to
the greater of (a) a designated amount and (b) a multiple (five, in the case of Messrs. Laikin and
Howell, and three, in the case of Mr. Fivel) of the aggregate salary, bonus and perquisites
received by him during
-44-
the prior 12 months, subject in each case to a designated severance cap, in
the event that, prior to and not as a result of a change of control, his employment is terminated
either by him with good reason or by us other than for disability or cause or in the event that he
terminates his employment within 12 months after a change of control. In addition, each of them is
entitled to a higher lump sum severance payment, an amount equal to ten, in the case of Messrs.
Laikin and Howell, and six, in the case of Mr. Fivel, times the aggregate salary, bonus, value of
any perquisites and value of any stock options received by him during the prior 12 months, subject
to his severance cap, if his employment is terminated either by him with
good reason or by us other than for disability or cause, in each case, after or as a result of
a change of control.
The employment agreements of each of Messrs. Laikin, Howell and Fivel provide that in the
event that the aggregate severance payments or benefits provided to him under his employment
agreement and under all plans, programs and arrangements of the employer, referred to as the
severance total, is determined to constitute a parachute payment under the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended, then the severance total will be increased by an amount, referred to as the
increase, sufficient so that after he pays (a) any income taxes on the increase and (b) any excise
tax on the sum of the severance total and the increase, he will have received an amount, net of
such taxes, equal to the severance total. Pursuant to their employment agreements, none of Messrs.
Laikin, Howell and Fivel will be required to repay to us any amount that is finally determined by
the Internal Revenue Service to have been in excess of the amount permitted to be received without
incurring such excise tax.
Mr. Boor is entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to 2.99 times the salary he
received during the 12 months prior to the termination of his employment in the event that we, at
any time, terminate his employment (other than for cause or disability) in breach of his employment
agreement or he terminates his employment agreement either with good reason or within 12 months
after a change of control. Mr. Boors employment agreement provides that in the event any excise
tax is due with respect to severance payments made under his employment agreement then the
severance payments will be increased so that the excise tax on such severance pay shall be paid, as
well as any income tax payable on such excise tax.
Each of Messrs. Currie and Thomlinson is entitled to a lump sum severance payment equal to
three times the salary he received during the 12 months prior to the termination of his employment,
subject to a designated severance cap, if we terminate his employment (other than for death,
disability or cause) in breach of his employment agreement following a change of control. Each of
Messrs. Thomlinson and Currie is entitled to a termination payment equal to the aggregate
emoluments (defined as base salary, bonus and the value of all perquisites, but excluding the value
of any equity) he received for the 12-month period ending on the date of termination, if his
employment is terminated, prior to and not as a result of a change of control, for any reason other
than death, disability or cause. Additionally, in all cases, Mr. Currie is entitled to statutory
severance payments under the law of the United Arab Emirates, and such amounts do not reduce the
severance amounts under his employment agreement.
Mr. Køehn Milland is entitled to a payment that includes an extended notice period for
termination other than cause, death or disability pursuant to which if we terminate Mr. Køehn
Millands employment other than for cause or because of his death or disability, he will receive
his base salary, but not bonus, for a period of 60 months; provided, however, that this period
decreases by 12 months on each anniversary of our July 31, 2007 acquisition of Dangaard Telecom
until it reaches a minimum level of 24 months
-45-
Post-termination obligations to us
While employed by us and for a period of two years after his employment with us terminates,
each of Messrs. Laikin, Howell, Køehn Milland , Fivel and Boor has agreed not to engage in or have
an interest in or offer any services to any business competitive with our principal business
activities. Each of these executives has also agreed that for two years after his employment with
us has terminated, he will not:
|
|
|
use, disseminate, or disclose any of our confidential information, or |
|
|
|
|
interfere with or disrupt our business activities, including soliciting our
customers or personnel. |
Each has also agreed that at no time during the term of his respective employment agreement or
thereafter will he disparage our commercial, business or financial reputation or misappropriate any
of our trade secrets.
Each of Messrs. Currie and Thomlinson has agreed that during the term of his employment and
for a period of one year following the termination of his employment, he will not compete with us
in any territory in which he performed services for us pursuant to his employment agreement, and he
will not have any interest in, or render services to, any of our competitors. Each has also agreed
that during such one year period, he will not interfere with or disrupt our business activities,
including soliciting our customers or personnel.
-46-
OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO OUR DIRECTORS AND
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
Voting security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of
Brightpoints common stock as of the record date, based on information obtained from the persons
named below, by:
|
|
|
each person known by us to own beneficially more than five percent of our common stock; |
|
|
|
|
each of our executive officers; |
|
|
|
|
each of our directors; and |
|
|
|
|
all of our executive officers and directors as a group. |
Except as indicated by footnote, to our knowledge, the persons and entities named in the table
have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all securities beneficially owned,
subject to community property laws where applicable. The shares beneficially owned by a person
are determined in accordance with the definition of beneficial ownership set forth in the
regulations of the SEC and, accordingly, shares of our common stock subject to options, warrants,
restricted stock units or other convertible securities that are exercisable or convertible within
60 days of March 17, 2008 are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding such securities
and to be outstanding for purposes of determining such holders percentage ownership. The same
securities may be beneficially owned by more than one person. Shares of common stock subject to
options, warrants, restricted stock units, or other convertible securities that are not exercisable
or do not vest within 60 days of March 17, 2008 are not included in the table below as shares
beneficially owned. In addition, the table does not include the economic interest in an
aggregate of 2,784,600 shares held by three of our directors and two of our executives through
their share ownership in Dangaard Holding (inclusive of their
warrants on Dangaard Holding A/S stock), because these directors and executive officers do not
have voting or investment power with respect to these shares. Percentage of common stock
beneficially owned is based on 81,858,328 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 17, 2008.
-47-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of shares of |
|
|
|
|
common stock |
|
% of common stock |
Name and address of beneficial owner (1) |
|
beneficially owned |
|
beneficially owned |
Nordic Capital VI Limited and Dangaard |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Holding A/S (2) |
|
|
30,000,000 |
|
|
|
36.7 |
% |
GS Investment Strategies, LLC (3) |
|
|
6,000,000 |
|
|
|
7.3 |
% |
Robert J. Laikin (4) |
|
|
723,137 |
|
|
|
* |
|
J. Mark Howell (5) |
|
|
346,713 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Michaél Køehn Milland (6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Anthony Boor (7) |
|
|
31,373 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Steven E. Fivel (8) |
|
|
205,454 |
|
|
|
* |
|
R. Bruce Thomlinson (9) |
|
|
248,889 |
|
|
|
* |
|
John Alexander du Plessis Currie (10) |
|
|
121,059 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Richard W. Roedel (11) |
|
|
99,738 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jerre L. Stead (12) |
|
|
95,350 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Eliza Hermann (13) |
|
|
31,555 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Marisa E. Pratt (14) |
|
|
29,661 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Kari-Pekka Wilska (15) |
|
|
16,555 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jørn P. Jensen (16) |
|
|
4,922 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Jan Gesmar-Larsen (17) |
|
|
4,587 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Thorleif Krarup (18) |
|
|
4,364 |
|
|
|
* |
|
All directors and executive officers as
a group (17 persons) (19) |
|
|
1,970,462 |
|
|
|
2.4 |
% |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
The address for each of such individuals, unless specified otherwise in a subsequent
footnote, is in care of Brightpoint, Inc., 2601 Metropolis Parkway, Suite 210, Plainfield,
Indiana 46168. |
|
(2) |
|
Based on a Schedule 13D jointly filed with the SEC on July 31, 2007 by Dangaard Holding
A/S and Nordic Capital VI Limited, which states that these entities share voting and
dispositive power over the 30,000,000 shares as well as information provided to us by
Nordic Capital VI Limited. The address of Dangaard Holding is in care of Nordic Capital,
Sankt Annæ Plads 11, DK-1250 Copenhagen K, Denmark. Three of our directors and two of our
executives have an economic interest in 2,784,600 of these shares through their share
ownership in Dangaard Holding A/S (inclusive of their warrants on Dangaard Holding A/S
stock). Mr. Køehn Milland and Mr. Pedersen (President, Brightpoint Europe) each have an
economic interest in 906,000 shares beneficially owned by Dangaard Holding A/S through
their share ownership in Dangaard Holding A/S. In addition, Mr. Krarup, Mr. Gesmar-Larsen
and Mr. Jensen have an economic interest in 679,500, 271,800 and 21,300 shares,
respectively, beneficially owned by Dangaard Holding A/S, through their share ownership in
Dangaard Holding A/S. |
|
(3) |
|
Based solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2008 by GS
Investment Strategies, LLC. The address for GS Investment Strategies, LLC is 1 New York
Plaza, New York, New York, 10004. |
-48-
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Includes 90,032 shares underlying options held by Mr. Laikin that are exercisable
within 60 days of March 17, 2008 and 552,000 shares of restricted stock awarded under our
2004 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan. Does not include 263,874 restricted stock units. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 15,034 shares underlying options held by Mr. Howell that are exercisable
within 60 days of March 17, 2008 and 270,000 shares of restricted stock awarded under our
2004 Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan. Does not include 115,427 restricted stock units. |
|
(6) |
|
Does not include 906,000 shares beneficially owned by Dangaard Holding A/S in which Mr.
Køehn Milland has an economic interest but not voting or dispositive power, based upon his
share ownership in Dangaard Holding A/S (inclusive of warrants on Dangaard Holding A/S
stock held by Mr. Køehn Milland). Does not include 23,082 restricted stock units. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 9,000 shares underlying options held by Mr. Boor that are exercisable within
60 days of March 17, 2008. Does not include 149,957 restricted stock units. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 37,734 shares underlying options held by Mr. Fivel that are exercisable within
60 days of March 17, 2008 and 135,000 shares of restricted stock awarded under our 2004
Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan. Does not include 75,464 restricted stock units. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 15,534 shares underlying options held by Mr. Thomlinson that are exercisable
within 60 days of March 17, 2008. Does not include 236,087 restricted stock units. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 90,000 shares of restricted stock awarded to Mr. Currie under our 2004
Long-Term Stock Incentive Plan. Does not include 82,540 restricted stock units. |
|
(11) |
|
Includes 1,859 shares of restricted stock owned by Mr. Roedel under our Amended and
Restated Director Stock Compensation Plan, which are subject to forfeiture as set forth in
the plan. |
|
(12) |
|
Includes 54,974 shares owned of record by JMJS Group, LLP which are beneficially owned
by Mr. Stead and 1,859 shares of restricted stock owned by Mr. Stead under our Amended and
Restated Director Stock Compensation Plan, which are subject to forfeiture as set forth in
the plan. |
|
(13) |
|
Includes 1,859 shares of restricted stock owned by Ms. Hermann under our Amended and
Restated Director Stock Compensation Plan, which are subject to forfeiture as set forth in
the plan. |
|
(14) |
|
Includes 1,859 shares of restricted stock owned by Ms. Pratt under our Amended and
Restated Director Stock Compensation Plan, which are subject to forfeiture as set forth in
the plan. |
|
(15) |
|
Includes 1,859 shares of restricted stock owned by Mr. Wilska under our Amended and
Restated Director Stock Compensation Plan, which are subject to forfeiture as set forth in
the plan. |
|
(16) |
|
Includes 3,808 shares of restricted stock owned by Mr. Jensen under our Amended and
Restated Director Stock Compensation Plan, which are subject to forfeiture as set forth in
the plan. Does not include 21,300 shares beneficially owned by Dangaard Holding A/S in
which Mr. Jensen has an economic interest but not voting or dispositive power, based upon
his share ownership in Dangaard Holding A/S (inclusive of warrants on Dangaard Holding A/S
stock held by Mr. Jensen). |
|
(17) |
|
Includes 3,808 shares of restricted stock owned by Mr. Gesmar-Larsen under our Amended
and Restated Director Stock Compensation Plan, which are subject to forfeiture as set forth
in the plan. Does not include 271,800 shares beneficially owned by Dangaard Holding A/S in
which Mr. Gesmar-Larsen has a economic interest but not voting or dispositive power, based
upon his share ownership in Dangaard Holding A/S. |
|
(18) |
|
Includes 3,808 shares of restricted stock owned by Mr. Krarup under our Amended and
Restated Director Stock Compensation Plan, which are subject to forfeiture as set forth in
the plan. Does not
|
-49-
|
|
|
|
|
include 679,500 shares beneficially owned by Dangaard Holding A/S in
which Mr. Krarup has an economic interest but not voting or dispositive power, based upon
his share ownership in Dangaard Holding A/S. |
|
(19) |
|
Includes an aggregate 166,834 shares underlying options that are exercisable within 60
days after March 17, 2008. Includes 4,105 shares owned by Vincent Donargo, our vice
president, chief
accounting officer and controller. Does not include options to purchase an aggregate of
4,500 shares. Does not include 960,973 Restricted Stock Units. |
Voting arrangements with shareholders
Pursuant to the terms of the shareholder agreement that we entered into with Dangaard Holding
upon the closing of the Dangaard Telecom acquisition, until the earlier of (a) the date on which
Dangaard Holding owns less than 7.5% of our outstanding common stock and (b) the date on which it
(i) owns less than 10% of our outstanding common stock, (ii) has no designee serving as a member of
our board of directors and (iii) has irrevocably given up its director designee rights, referred to
as the standstill period, Dangaard Holding will be required to vote all of its shares in favor of
all director candidates and shareholder proposals (other than those seeking approval to authorize a
merger, sale of all or substantially all of our common stock or assets or other similar business
combination or for matters related to the foregoing) recommended by our board of directors.
Equity compensation plans in effect at December 31, 2007
The following table provides certain information with respect to all of our equity
compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
Number of securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities |
|
average exercise |
|
remaining available for |
|
|
|
|
|
|
to be issued upon |
|
price of |
|
issuance under equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
exercise of |
|
outstanding |
|
compensation plans, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
outstanding options |
|
options and |
|
excluding securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and rights |
|
rights |
|
reflected in column (a) |
|
|
|
|
Plan category |
|
(a) |
|
(b) |
|
(c) |
|
|
|
|
Amended and Restated
Independent Director Stock
Compensation Plan (approved
by shareholders)
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,173,593 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans
approved by shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2004 Long-Term Incentive
Plan and 1994 Stock Option
Plan) (2) |
|
|
332,013 |
|
|
$ |
8.15 |
|
|
|
1,483,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity compensation plans not
approved by shareholders: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1996 Stock Option Plan)
(3) |
|
|
228,137 |
|
|
$ |
6.99 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
560,150 |
|
|
$ |
7.68 |
|
|
|
3,657,096 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
2,173,953 shares of restricted stock remain eligible for grant, as initial, annual or
elective awards pursuant to the terms of our Director Stock Compensation Plan. |
|
(2) |
|
Our 1994 Stock Option Plan has 3,600 options outstanding with an average exercise price of
$8.75 a share. There are no remaining shares available for issue under the 1994 Stock Option
Plan. The 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan has 910,224 restricted stock units issued, which were
granted as other stock based awards under that plan. In addition, the 2004 Long-Term
Incentive Plan has 328,413 options outstanding with an average exercise price of $8.14 per
share. There are 1,483,503 shares available for issuance under the 2004
|
-50-
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Incentive
Plan. Under the 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, we may issue stock options, performance units,
restricted shares, deferred stock and other stock-based awards.
|
|
(3) |
|
Represents the aggregate number of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of
arrangements with option holders granted under our 1996 Stock Option Plan. There are no
remaining shares available for issuance under our 1996 Stock Option Plan. These options are
five to ten years in duration, expire at various dates between April 29, 2008 and February 7,
2010, contain anti-dilution provisions providing for adjustments of the exercise price under
certain circumstances and have termination provisions similar to options granted under
shareholder approved plans. |
Compensation committee interlocks and insider participation
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, our board of directors, which includes Mr.
Laikin, neither modified nor rejected any recommendations of the compensation committee. Also
during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, none of our executive officers served on the board
of directors or the compensation committee of any other company any of whose executive officers
serve on either our board or our compensation committee.
Transactions with related persons
We utilize the services of a third party for the purchase of corporate gifts, promotional
items and standard personalized stationery. Mrs. Judy Laikin, the mother of Robert J. Laikin, our
chief executive officer, was the owner of this third party until June 1, 2000 and is currently an
independent consultant to this third party. We purchased approximately $103,000 and $95,000 of
services and products from this third party during 2007 and 2006, respectively. These purchases
were subject to review and authorization by the audit committee; and we believe that these
purchases were made on terms no less favorable to us than we could have obtained from an unrelated
party.
During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we paid to an insurance brokerage
firm, for which the father of Robert J. Laikin acts as an independent insurance broker, $205,000
each year in service fees. In addition, we pay certain insurance premiums to the insurance
brokerage firm, which premiums were forwarded to our insurance carriers. These purchases were
subject to review and authorization by the audit committee; and we believe these services were
purchased on terms no less favorable to us than we could have obtained from an unrelated party.
Our articles of incorporation and by-laws provide that we indemnify our officers and directors
to the extent permitted by law. In connection therewith, we entered into indemnification
agreements with our executive officers and directors. In accordance with the terms of these
agreements we have reimbursed certain of our former executive officers and intend to reimburse our
officers and directors for their legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with litigation and
regulatory matters, if any. We did not make any such reimbursement payments during 2007.
Review, approval or ratification of transactions with related persons
Pursuant to our Code of Business Conduct, all of our officers and directors who have family
members or friends that are seeking to supply goods or services to Brightpoint are required to
notify our general counsel, who will review the proposed transaction and notify the audit committee
of our board of directors for review and action as he sees fit, including, if necessary, approval
by our board of the proposed transaction.
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Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance
Based solely on a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us with
respect to our most recent fiscal year, we believe that, except for Forms 4 filed by six of our
independent directors in connection with awards they received under our Amended and Restated
Independent Director
Stock Compensation Plan, which were automatically awarded on December 15, 2007, and for which
the Form 4s were filed on December 31, 2007, all required reports were filed on a timely basis.
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PROPOSAL 2
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE
BRIGHTPOINT, INC. 2004 LONG-TERM
INCENTIVE PLAN
In February 2007 our board of directors, upon the recommendation of our compensation and human
resources committee, sometimes referred to as the compensation committee, unanimously approved an
amendment to the Brightpoint, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan). The 2004 Plan,
which is administered by our compensation committee, currently enables that committee to grant
equity and cash awards to our employees, the employees of our subsidiaries, our directors, our
consultants and other persons who are expected to contribute to our success. Subject to
shareholder approval, the proposed amendment provides for an increase in the number of common
shares available for issuance under the 2004 Plan by 2,173,953. The board of directors also
decided that, subject to shareholder approval of the increase in the number of shares available for
grant under the 2004 Plan, it would adopt a resolution terminating the use of the companys Amended
and Restated Independent Director Stock Compensation Plan (Director Stock Plan), which provides
for the grant of restricted stock to our independent directors. Because the Director Stock Plan
currently has 2,173,953 shares reserved for grant purposes, the increase in shares available for
issuance under the 2004 Plan would be entirely offset by the decrease in shares reserved for
issuance under the Director Stock Plan.
Our board of directors believes the increase in shares available for issuance under the 2004
Plan and, if such increase is approved by shareholders, the termination of the Director Stock Plan
(with the effect of a corresponding decrease in the shares reserved for issuance under that plan),
will give the company more flexibility to adequately provide a broader range of future incentives
to a broader group of recipients. Our board of directors further believes that the additional
shares under the 2004 Plan are necessary to enable us to continue to attract and retain personnel
of the highest caliber, provide incentives for officers, directors, employees and other key
persons, and to promote the well-being of the company. Accordingly, our board of directors
believes it is in the best interest of the company and our shareholders to increase the number of
shares available for grant under the 2004 Plan.
The total number of shares originally reserved and available for issuance under the 2004 Plan,
as adjusted for stock splits, was 4,050,000 shares. As of the record date, a total of 3,345,280 of
such shares had been issued or were the subject of outstanding awards and 704,720 were available
for future issuance. If this proposal is approved, then following the annual meeting there will be
approximately 2,878,673 shares available for future award grants.
Summary of the 2004 Plan
The following summary of the 2004 Plan does not purport to be complete, and is subject to, and
qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the proposed amendment to the 2004
Plan, set forth as Annex A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
The 2004 Plan provides for the grant of any or all of the following types of awards
(collectively, Awards):
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cash awards. |
The compensation committee administers the 2004 Plan and determines eligibility for Awards.
Our officers and other employees of any or any parent or subsidiary of ours who are employed at the
time and contribute to our management growth or profitability are eligible for Awards. Our
directors, independent agents, and consultants are also eligible to receive awards under the 2004
Plan. The compensation committee determines to whom Awards will be granted, the term of the Awards
and the type and number of shares subject to each Award. No participant may be granted more than
2,025,000 shares of common stock during any year (subject to adjustment for stock splits,
recapitalizations, mergers or other similar corporate transactions that affects the number of
shares of common stock outstanding).
The effective date of the 2004 Plan was June 4, 2004. No awards under the 2004 Plan will be
granted on or after the ten-year anniversary of the effective date; provided, however, that awards
granted prior to the ten-year anniversary of the effective date may extend beyond that date.
Types of Awards under the 2004 Plan
Stock Options. Only Non-Qualified Stock options may be granted under the 2004 Plan. The
compensation committee determines the exercise price, term and exercisability of the options. The
exercise price cannot be less than the fair market value of the common stock at the time of grant.
Options can be exercised on a cash basis, by using common stock already owned, or on a broker
assisted cashless basis. The options granted under the 2004 Plan are generally not transferable
except under the laws of descent and distribution. Options granted under the 2004 Plan
automatically terminate if a holder terminates his service to the company for a reason other than
death, disability or retirement, or voluntary resignation. In the event of termination by death,
such holders options may be exercised in accordance with the option agreement or for a period
determined by the compensation committee, provided that in no event shall the options remain
exercisable for more than one year after date of death. In the event of termination by disability
or voluntary retirement, the options may be exercised in accordance with the option agreement or as
determined by the compensation committee, provided that neither period shall exceed one year from
termination. If a holder dies within one year of termination due to disability or voluntary
resignation, the compensation committee can permit any then exercisable options to remain
exercisable for a period not to exceed one year. Each grant of stock options under the 2004 Plan
will be subject to a written agreement between the company and the holder.
Performance Units. Performance units are contingent rights awarded by the compensation
committee that are paid in cash and/or common stock. Performance units may be awarded at the
compensation committees discretion if the company meets compensation committee established
performance goals which may consist of, among other things, (a) return on equity; (b) operating
income; (c) earnings; and (d) return on invested capital. The compensation committee will
establish a dollar value for the performance units, the payout provisions of the performance units
and the performance goals to be met in order to obtain a payment for a performance unit. The
compensation committee will determine the period of time (Performance Cycle) during which the
performance goals must be met. If a participants service terminates during a particular
Performance Cycle, the compensation committee, in its discretion, will determine what portion, if
any, of the performance unit should be paid out. If a participant is terminated for cause he will
not be entitled to any portion of the performance unit. Performance units are generally not
transferable other than under the laws of decent or distribution.
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Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock. Restricted and deferred stock awards give the recipient
the right to receive a specified number of shares of Common Stock, subject to such terms,
conditions and restrictions as the compensation committee deems appropriate. Restricted and
deferred stock awards may be granted alone or in tandem with other awards. Restrictions may
include limitations on the right to transfer the stock until the expiration of a specified period
of time and forfeiture of the stock upon the occurrence of certain events such as the termination
of employment prior to expiration of a specified period of time. A participant in the Plan who has
received a deferred stock award may request, under certain conditions, the compensation committee
to defer the participants receipt of the award (or an installment of an award) for an additional
specified period or until the occurrence of a specified event.
Other Stock Based Awards. Other stock based awards, which may include restricted stock units,
performance shares and shares valued by reference to the performance of the company or any parent
or subsidiary of the company, may be granted either alone or with in tandem with other awards.
Cash Awards. Cash awards are subject to such terms, conditions and restrictions, as the
compensation committee deems appropriate. Restrictions may include the vesting period of the award
or the time or times within which such award may be subject to forfeiture. The compensation
committee can satisfy its obligation under a cash award by distributing that number of shares of
Common Stock, restricted or deferred stock, or options that have a fair market value equal to the
amount of the cash award. Upon termination of service of the recipient of a cash award, any
unvested portion of a cash award terminates.
In the event of a change of control of the company, for example through a merger after which
the shareholders of the company immediately prior to the merger own less than 50% of the shares of
the surviving entity, or where an individual or group acquires more than a specified percentage of
the outstanding shares of common stock, all options subject to the 2004 Plan that have been
outstanding for at least six months will become immediately exercisable, and all restrictions,
limitations and deferral obligations contained in restricted stock awards, stock appreciation
rights, deferred stock awards, performance units and other stock awards granted under the 2004 Plan
shall lapse, unless otherwise determined by our board of directors prior to the occurrence of such
change of control.
The compensation committee may suspend, terminate, amend or modify the 2004 Plan. No
amendment will be effective until duly approved by the companys shareholders if failure to obtain
such approval would adversely effect the compliance of the 2004 Plan with the requirements of Rule
16b-3 of the Exchange Act. The compensation committee may amend any Award granted under the 2004
Plan; provided, however, that no amendment that would impair the participants rights can be made
without the participants consent, unless the amendment is necessary to maintain compliance with
Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act.
Certain Federal Income Tax Consequences of the 2004 Plan
The following is a brief summary of the Federal income tax aspects of Awards made under the
2004 Plan based upon statutes, regulations and interpretations in effect on the date hereof. This
summary is not intended to be exhaustive, and does not describe state or local tax consequences.
Non-Qualified Stock Options. With respect to Non-Qualified Stock Options, (a) upon grant of
the option, the optionee will recognize no income; (b) upon exercise of the option (if the shares
are not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture), the optionee will recognize ordinary
compensation income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
shares of Common Stock acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price, and the company
will qualify for a deduction in the same amount, subject to the requirements that the compensation
be reasonable and not limited under Section
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162(m) of the Code; (c) the company will be required to comply with applicable Federal income
tax withholding requirements with respect to the amount of ordinary compensation income recognized
by the optionee; and (d) on a sale of the shares, the optionee will recognize gain or loss equal to
the difference, if any, between the amount realized and the sum of the exercise price and the
ordinary compensation income recognized. Such gain or loss will be treated as short-term or
long-term capital gain or loss (if the shares are capital assets in the optionees hands) depending
upon the length of time that the optionee held the shares. If the optionees shares acquired upon
exercise are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the optionee will have an election to
treat the exercise as a taxable event or defer the Federal income tax consequences according to the
rules described below in Stock Awards.
Stock Awards. Unless a participant otherwise elects to be taxed upon transfer to him or her
of shares of restricted or deferred stock (which is subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture)
under the 2004 Plan, the participant must include in his or her taxable income the excess (if any)
of the fair market value of the shares over the amount paid, if any, for the shares, as of the
first date the participants interest in the shares is no longer subject to a substantial risk of
forfeiture or such shares become transferable. A participants rights in stock awarded under the
2004 Plan are subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture if the rights to full enjoyment of the
shares are conditioned, directly or indirectly, upon the future performance of substantial services
by the participant. Where shares of stock received under the 2004 Plan are subject to a
substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant may elect to report the excess (if any) of the fair
market value of the shares on the date of transfer to him or her over the amount paid, if any, for
the stock as ordinary income in the year of such transfer. To be effective, the election must be
filed with the Internal Revenue Service within 30 days after the date the shares are transferred to
the participant. The company is entitled to a Federal income tax deduction equal to the amount
includable as compensation in the gross income of the participant, subject to the requirements that
the compensation be reasonable and not limited under Section 162(m) of the Code. The amount of
taxable gain arising from a participants sale of shares of restricted stock acquired pursuant to
the 2004 Plan is equal to the excess (if any) of the amount realized on such sale over the sum of
the amount paid, if any, for the stock and the compensation element included by the participant in
gross income.
Cash Awards. The participant will include in his gross income for his taxable year in which
he received the amount of any cash paid to him as a cash award, in connection with a performance
unit or otherwise.
Other Tax Matters. If unmatured installments of Awards are accelerated as a result of a
Change of Control (as defined in the 2004 Plan), any amounts received from the exercise by a
participant of a stock option, the lapse of restrictions on restricted stock or the deemed
satisfaction of conditions of performance-based Awards may be included in determining whether or
not a participant has received an excess parachute payment under Section 280G of the Code, which
could result in (a) the imposition of a 20% Federal excise tax (in addition to Federal income tax)
payable by the participant on certain payments of Common Stock or cash resulting from such exercise
or deemed satisfaction of conditions of performance Awards from such exercise or deemed
satisfaction of conditions of performance Awards or, in the case of restricted stock, on all or a
portion of the fair market value of the shares on the date the restrictions lapse and (b) the loss
by the company of a compensation deduction.
New Plan Benefits
Future awards to be received by or allocated to particular participants under the plan are not
presently determinable.
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Recommendation of the Board:
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS BELIEVES THAT AMENDING THE 2004 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN TO INCREASE
THE SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR ISSUANCE THEREUNDER BY 2,173,953 SHARES TO INCREASE THE TOTAL SHARES
AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE TO 2,878,673 IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMPANY AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS
AND UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT.
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REPORT OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
The responsibilities of the audit committee are to oversee our financial reporting process and
internal audit function on behalf of the board and to report the results of its activities to the
board. The committee fulfills its responsibilities through periodic meetings with our independent
registered public accounting firm, internal auditors and members of our management.
Throughout the year the audit committee monitors matters related to the independence of Ernst
& Young LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm. As part of its monitoring
activities, the committee obtained a letter from Ernst & Young, containing a description of all
relationships between us and Ernst & Young. After reviewing the letter and discussing it with
management, the audit committee discussed with Ernst & Young its overall relationship with us and
any of those relationships described in the letter that could impact Ernst & Youngs objectivity
and independence. Based on its continued monitoring activities and year-end review, the committee
has satisfied itself as to Ernst & Youngs independence. Ernst & Young also has confirmed in its
letter that, in its professional judgment, it is independent of Brightpoint within the meaning of
the Federal securities laws and within the requirements of Independence Standard Board (ISB)
Standard No. 1, Independence Discussion with Audit Committees.
The audit committee also discussed with members of our management, our internal auditors and
our independent registered public accounting firm, the quality and adequacy of our internal
controls and the internal audit functions management, organization, responsibilities, budget and
staffing. The committee reviewed with both our independent registered public accounting firm and
our internal auditors their audit plans, audit scope, and identification of audit risks.
The audit committee discussed and reviewed with the independent registered public accounting
firm all matters required by auditing standards generally accepted in the United States, including
those described in SAS 61, Communication with Audit Committees. With and without management
present, the committee discussed and reviewed the results of the independent registered public
accounting firms examination of the financial statements. The committee also discussed the
results of the internal audit examinations.
The committee reviewed our audited financial statements as of and for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007 with our management and Ernst & Young. Management has the responsibility for the
preparation and integrity of our financial statements and Ernst & Young, as our independent
registered public accounting firm, has the responsibility for the examination of those statements.
Based on the above-mentioned review and discussions with management and Ernst & Young, the audit
committee recommended to our board of directors that our audited financial statements be included
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The committee also reappointed Ernst & Young as our
independent registered public accounting firm subject to shareholder ratification of such
appointment.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Richard W. Roedel, chair
Kari-Pekka Wilska
Marisa E. Pratt
Jørn P. Jensen
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PROPOSAL 3:
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have engaged Ernst & Young LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm since
October 1994. In connection with the audit of our 2007 financial statements, we entered into an
engagement agreement with Ernst & Young that set forth the terms by which Ernst & Young will
perform audit services for us. That agreement is subject to alternative dispute resolution
procedures. Ernst & Young reported on our financial
statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and the audit committee of our board of
directors has appointed Ernst & Young to audit and report on our financial statements for the year
ending December 31, 2008.
Although shareholder approval of the appointment of Ernst & Young is not required by law, our
board of directors believes that it is advisable to give shareholders an opportunity to ratify this
appointment. In view of the difficulty and expense involved in changing auditors on short notice,
however, should the shareholders not ratify the selection of Ernst & Young, it is contemplated that
the appointment of Ernst & Young for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008 will be permitted to
stand unless the board finds other compelling reasons for making a change. Disapproval by the
shareholders will be considered a recommendation that the board select other auditors for the
following year. Furthermore, although the appointment of Ernst & Young is being submitted for
shareholder ratification, the audit committee reserves the right, even after ratification by
shareholders, to change the appointment of Ernst & Young as auditors, at any time during the 2008
fiscal year, if it deems such change to be in our best interests.
Representatives of Ernst & Young are expected to be present at our annual meeting and will be
given the opportunity to make a statement, if they desire, and to respond to appropriate questions.
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2008.
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AUDIT FEES AND RELATED MATTERS
Audit fees
The aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young for the audit of our
annual financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, the review of the
financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for 2007 and 2006, audit of
internal control over financial reporting and statutory audits of foreign subsidiaries totaled
$3,077,401 and $1,843,726, respectively.
Audit-related fees
The aggregate fees for assurance and related services by Ernst & Young that are related to the
performance of the audit or review of our financial statements, for the years ended December 31,
2007 and 2006, and that are not disclosed in the paragraph captioned Audit Fees above, were
$880,022 and $16,000, respectively. The services performed by Ernst & Young in connection with
these fees consisted of employee benefit plan audits and internal controls consultation.
Tax fees
The aggregate fees for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young for tax compliance, for
the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, were $436,050 and $368,307, respectively. The
aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young for professional services rendered for tax advice and tax
planning, for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, were $541,447 and $136,773, respectively.
The services performed by Ernst & Young in connection with these advisory and planning fees
consisted of the following: tax audits and consultation regarding various tax issues including the
acquisition of Dangaard Telecom.
All other fees
There were no fees for products and services by Ernst & Young, other than the services
described in the paragraphs captioned Audit Fees, Audit-Related Fees, and Tax Fees above for
the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
The audit committee has established its pre-approval policies and procedures, pursuant to
which the audit committee approved the foregoing audit and permissible non-audit services provided
by Ernst &Young in 2007. The audit committees pre-approval policy is as follows: consistent with
the audit committees responsibility for engaging our independent auditors, all audit and permitted
non-audit services require pre-approval by the audit committee. All requests or applications for
services to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm that do not require
specific approval by the audit committee will be submitted to the chief financial officer and must
include a detailed description of the services to be rendered. The chief financial officer will
determine whether such services are included within the list of services that have received the
general pre-approval of the audit committee. The audit committee will be informed on a timely
basis of any such services rendered by the independent auditor. Request or applications to provide
services that require specific approval by the audit committee will be submitted to the audit
committee by both the independent auditor and the chief financial officer, and must include a joint
statement as to whether, in their view, the request or application is consistent with the
Securities and Exchange Commissions rules on auditor independence. The audit committee has
designated our vice president of internal audit to monitor the performance of all services provided
by the independent auditor and to determine whether such services are in compliance with this
policy. The vice president of internal audit will report to the audit committee on a periodic
basis on the results of his monitoring. The vice president of internal audit and management will
immediately report to the chairman
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of the audit committee any breach of this policy that comes to the attention of the vice
president of internal audit or any member of management. The audit committee will also review the
internal auditors annual internal audit plan to determine that the plan provides for the
monitoring of the independent auditors services. Pursuant to these procedures the audit committee
approved the foregoing audit and permissible non-audit services provided by Ernst & Young in 2007.
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Brightpoint currently anticipates holding its annual meeting of shareholders for its fiscal
year ending December 31, 2008 in May 2009. Shareholders who wish to present proposals appropriate
for consideration at our annual meeting of shareholders for our fiscal year ending December 31,
2008 to be held in the year 2009 must submit the proposal in proper form to our corporate secretary
at Brightpoints address set forth below (or such other address as then constitutes our executive
offices) not later than December 1, 2008 in order for the proposition to be considered for
inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy relating to such annual meeting. Such proposals
must be presented in a manner consistent with our by-laws and applicable laws. Any such proposals,
as well as any questions related thereto, should be directed to our corporate secretary, c/o
Brightpoint Inc. at 2601 Metropolis Parkway, Suite 210, Plainfield, Indiana 46168. Under our
corporate governance principles nominees for directors should be sent directly to our lead
independent director at: board.directors@brightpoint.com.
If a shareholder submits a proposal after the December 1, 2008 deadline but still wishes to
present the proposal at our annual meeting of shareholders (but not in our proxy statement) for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2008, the proposal, which must be presented in a manner consistent
with our by-laws and applicable law, must be submitted to our corporate secretary in proper form at
the address set forth above not less than 50 nor more than 75 days prior to the meeting unless less
than 65 days notice or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to
shareholders, in which case, no less than the close of business on the tenth day following the date
on which the notice of the date of the meeting was mailed or other public disclosure was made.
Brightpoint did not receive notice of any proposed matter to be submitted by shareholders for
a vote at this annual meeting and, therefore, in accordance with Exchange Act Rule 14a-4(c) any
proxies held by persons designated as proxies by our board of directors and received in respect of
this annual meeting will be voted in the discretion of our management on such other matter which
may properly come before the annual meeting.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
Our 2007 annual report to shareholders is being made available to shareholders via the
Internet. If you would like to receive printed copy of our proxy statement and annual report, you
should follow the instructions for requesting such information in the notice you receive.
Copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 will be
provided upon written request to Brightpoint Inc. at 2601 Metropolis Parkway, Suite 210,
Plainfield, Indiana 46168, Attention: Investor Relations. The Form 10-K also is available on our
website at www.brightpoint.com.
We also file reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as required by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Copies of our reports,
proxy statements and other information may be inspected and copied at the Public Reference Room
maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at:
Room 1580
100 F Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549
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Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the
Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission
maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information
regarding Brightpoint. The address of the Securities and Exchange Commission website is
http://www.sec.gov.
Information and statements contained in this proxy statement, including in any Annex to this
proxy statement, are qualified in all respects by reference to the copy of the relevant document
filed as an Annex to this proxy statement. You should rely only on the information contained in
this proxy statement to vote on the proposals set forth herein. Brightpoint has not authorized
anyone to provide you with information that is different from what is contained in this proxy
statement. This proxy statement is dated March 31, 2008. You should not assume that the
information contained in this proxy statement is accurate as of any date other than March 31, 2008,
and neither the availability of this proxy statement via the Internet nor the mailing of this proxy
statement to shareholders shall create any implication to the contrary.
OTHER INFORMATION
Our board of directors is aware of no other matters, except for those incident to the conduct
of the annual meeting, that are to be presented to shareholders for formal action at the annual
meeting. If, however, any other matters properly come before the annual meeting or any
adjournments thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the proxy to vote the proxy in
accordance with their judgment.
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By order of the Board of Directors, |
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Steven E. Fivel |
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Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
March 31, 2008
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Annex A
BRIGHTPOINT, INC.
AMENDED 2004 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(as adjusted for 3 for 2 stock splits in September and December 2005 and a 6 for 5 stock split in
May 2006)
SECTION 1: PURPOSE.
The purpose of the Brightpoint, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan is to enable Brightpoint,
Inc. to offer to those of its employees and to the employees of its Subsidiaries and directors,
consultants and other persons who are expected to contribute to the success of the Company and its
Subsidiaries Awards under the Plan, thereby enhancing the Companys ability to attract, retain and
reward such key employees or other persons, and to increase the interest of those employees or
other persons in the welfare of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS.
For purposes of the Plan, unless the context requires otherwise, the following terms shall be
defined as set forth below:
(a) Award means an award granted under the Plan in one of the forms provided in Section 3.
(b) Beneficiary as applied to a participant in the Plan, means a person or entity (including
a trust or the estate of the participant) designated in writing by the participant on such forms as
the Committee may prescribe to receive benefits under the Plan in the event of the death of the
participant; provided, however, that if, at the death of a participant, there shall not be any
living person or entity in existence so designated, the term beneficiary shall mean the legal
representative of the participants estate.
(c) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(d) Cash Award means an Award granted pursuant to Section 11.
(e) Cause has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 6(b)(ix).
(f) Change of Control has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 13.
(g) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, and any
successor thereto.
(h) Committee means the Compensation and Human Resources Committee of the Board or any other
committee of the Board which the Board may designate, consisting of two or more members of the
Board each of whom shall meet the definition of an independent director under the listing rules
of any securities exchange or national securities association on which the Stock is listed for
trading and the requirements set forth in any other law, rule or regulation applicable to the Plan
hereinafter enacted, provided, however, that (i) with respect to any Award that is intended to
satisfy the requirements of Rule 16b-3, such Award shall be granted and administered by a committee
of the Board consisting of at least such number of directors as are
required from time to time by Rule 16b-3, and each such committee member shall meet such
qualifications as are required by Rule 16b-3 and (ii) with respect to any Award that is intended to
satisfy the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, such Award shall be granted and
administered by a committee of the Board consisting of at least such number of directors as are
required from time to time by Section 162(m) of the Code, and each such committee member shall meet
such qualifications as are required by Section 162(m) of the Code.
(i) Company means Brightpoint, Inc., a corporation organized under the laws of the State of
Delaware or any successor entity.
(j) Covered Employee shall mean any employee of the Corporation or any of its Subsidiaries
who is deemed to be a covered employee within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(k) Deferred Stock means Stock to be received, under an Award made pursuant to Section 9, at
the end of a specified deferral period.
(l) Disability Disability of a participant in the Plan shall mean the permanent and total
disability as defined by Section 22(e)(3) of the Code.
(m) Early Retirement means retirement, with the approval of the Committee for purposes of
one or more Award(s) hereunder, from active employment with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary
prior to age 65.
(n) Elective Deferral has the meaning ascribed thereto in Section 19.
(o) Employee means any common law employee of the Company, any Parent or any Subsidiary (as
defined in accordance with the Regulations and Revenue Rulings then applicable under Section
3401(c) of the Code), including any employee who is also a director and/or officer of such.
(p) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as in effect from
time to time.
(q) Fair Market Value, unless otherwise required by any applicable provision of the Code or
any regulations issued thereunder, means, as of any given date: (i) if the principal market for the
Stock is a national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotations System (NASDAQ), the closing sales price of the Stock on such day as reported by such
exchange or market system, or on a consolidated tape reflecting transactions on such exchange or
market system, or (ii) if the principal market for the Stock is not a national securities exchange
and the Stock is not quoted on NASDAQ, the mean between the highest bid and lowest asked prices for
the Stock on such day as reported by NASDAQ or the National Quotation Bureau, Inc.; provided that
if clauses (i) and (ii) of this paragraph are both inapplicable, or if no trades have been made or
no quotes are available for such day, the Fair Market Value of the Stock shall be determined in
good faith by the Board or the Committee, as the case may be, which determination shall be
conclusive as to the Fair Market Value of the Stock. In no event shall Fair Market Value be less
than the par value of the Stock.
2
(r) Non-Qualified Stock Option means any Stock Option that is not an incentive stock option
within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code.
(s) Normal Retirement means retirement from active employment with the Company or any Parent
or Subsidiary on or after age 65.
(t) Other Stock-Based Award means an award under Section 10 that is valued in whole or in
part by reference to, or is otherwise based upon, Stock.
(u) Parent means any present or future parent of the Company, as such term is defined in
Section 424(e) of the Code, or any successor thereto.
(v) Performance Cycle means the period of time established by the Committee within which the
Performance Goals are required to be attained or satisfied.
(w) Performance Goals means the performance goals established by the Committee with respect
to the Company or any Subsidiary, in the Committees sole discretion in writing, based upon any one
or any combination of the following business criteria or such other business criteria as the
Committee shall determine: (i) return on equity, (ii) operating income, (iii) earnings and (iv)
return on invested capital.
(x) Performance Unit means a contingent right granted pursuant to Section 7 to receive an
award, payable either in cash and/or in Stock, if the Performance Goals established by the
Committee are attained.
(y) Plan means this Brightpoint, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as hereinafter amended
from time to time.
(z) Restricted Stock means Stock, received under an award made pursuant to Section 8, that
is subject to restrictions under said Section 8.
(aa) Restricted Stock Agreement shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8(b)(iv).
(bb) Retirement means Normal Retirement or Early Retirement.
(cc) Rule 16b-3 means Rule 16b-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Exchange
Act, as in effect from time to time.
(dd) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as in effect from time to
time.
(ee) Stock means the common stock of the Company, par value $.01 per share, which the
Company is currently authorized to issue or may in the future be authorized to issue or, in the
event that the outstanding shares of such common stock are hereinafter converted into or exchanged
for shares of a different stock or security of the Company or another corporation pursuant to the
terms of this Plan, such other stock or security.
3
(ff) Stock Option or Option means any option to purchase shares of Stock which is granted
pursuant to the Plan.
(gg) Stock Option Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 6(b)(xi).
(hh) Subsidiary means any present or future subsidiary corporation of the Company, as such
term is defined in Section 424(f) of the Code, or any successor thereto.
(ii) Termination of Service occurs when a participant of the Plan who is an Employee shall
cease to serve as an Employee for any reason; or, when a participant in the Plan who is a
non-employee director shall cease to serve as a director of the Company, any Parent and any
Subsidiary for any reason. Except as may be necessary or desirable to comply with applicable
federal or state law, a Termination of Service shall not be deemed to have occurred when a
participant in the Plan changes his or her status as an Employee or non-employee director so long
as after such change in status, the participant is either an employee or non-employee director.
SECTION 3: ADMINISTRATION; TYPES OF AWARDS; DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY BY THE COMMITTEE.
The Plan shall be administered by the Committee.
The Committee shall have the authority to grant, pursuant to the terms of the Plan, to
officers and other key employees or other persons eligible under Section 5 the following type of
Awards: (a) Stock Options, in accordance with Section 6, (b) Performance Units in accordance with
Section 7, (c) Restricted Stock, in accordance with Section 8, (d) Deferred Stock, in accordance
with Section 9, (e) Other Stock-Based Awards, in accordance with Section 10 and/or (f) Cash Awards
in accordance with Section 11.
For purposes of illustration and not of limitation, the Committee shall have the authority
(subject to the express provisions of this Plan):
(i) to select the officers, other employees of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary and
other persons to whom Awards may be from time to time granted hereunder:
(ii) to determine the Non-Qualified Stock Options, Performance Units, Restricted Stock,
Deferred Stock and/or Other Stock-Based Awards and/or Cash Awards, or any combination thereof, if
any, to be granted hereunder to one or more eligible Employees and other persons to whom Awards may
be from time to time granted hereunder;
(iii) to determine the number of shares of Stock and/or the amount of any cash to be covered
by each Award granted hereunder;
(iv) to determine the terms and conditions, not inconsistent with the terms of the Plan, of
any Award granted hereunder (including, but not limited to, share price, any restrictions or
limitations, and any vesting, acceleration or forfeiture provisions);
4
(v) to determine the terms and conditions under which Awards granted hereunder are to operate
on a tandem basis and/or in conjunction with or apart from other awards made by the Company or any
Parent or Subsidiary outside of this Plan;
(vi) to determine the extent and circumstances under which Stock and other amounts payable
with respect to an Award hereunder shall be deferred; and
(vii) to substitute (A) new Stock Options for previously granted Stock Options, including
previously granted Stock Options having less favorable terms, provided, however, that without
stockholder approval, no such substitution shall result in the reduction of the exercise price of a
previously granted Stock Option, and (B) new awards of any other type for previously granted awards
of the same type, including previously granted awards which contain less favorable terms, provided
that the exercise price of any new Stock-based Award may not be reduced without stockholder
approval.
Subject to Section 14 hereof, the Committee shall have the authority to adopt, alter and
repeal such administrative rules, guidelines and practices governing the Plan as it shall, from
time to time, deem advisable, to interpret the terms and provisions of the Plan and any Award
issued under the Plan (and to determine the form and substance of all agreements relating thereto),
and otherwise to supervise the administration of the Plan.
Subject to the express provisions of the Plan, all decisions made by the Committee pursuant to
the provisions of the Plan shall be made in the Committees sole discretion and shall be final and
binding upon all persons, including the Company, its Parent and Subsidiaries and the Plan
participants.
Subject to the provisions of the Plan and notwithstanding anything to the contrary above, the
Committee may, in its sole discretion, from time to time delegate to the Chief Executive Officer of
the Company (the CEO) the authority, subject to such terms as the Committee shall determine, to
determine and designate from time to time the eligible persons to whom Awards may be granted and to
perform other specified functions under the Plan; provided, however, that the CEO may not grant any
Award to, or perform any function related to an Award to, himself or any individual (i) then
subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act or (ii) who is or, in the determination of the Board or
the Committee, may become a Covered Employee, and any such grant or function relating to such
individuals shall be performed solely by the Committee to ensure compliance with the applicable
requirements of the Exchange Act and the Code or (iii) where the grant or performance of such
function by the CEO will cause the Plan not to comply with any applicable regulation of any
securities exchange or automated quotation system where the Stock is listed for trading.
Any such delegation of authority by the Committee shall be by a resolution adopted by the
Committee and shall specify all of the terms and conditions of the delegation. The resolution of
the Committee granting such authority may authorize the CEO to grant Awards pursuant to the Plan
and may set forth the types of Awards that may be granted; provided, however, that the resolution
shall (i) specify the maximum number of shares of Stock that may be awarded to any individual Plan
participant and to all participants during a specified period of time, (ii) specify the maximum
amount of any Cash Award and any conditions, limitations, or restrictions to be
5
imposed on Cash Awards, and (iii) specify the exercise price (or the method for determining
the exercise price) of an Award, the vesting schedule, and any other terms, conditions, or
restrictions that may be imposed by the Committee in its sole discretion. The resolution of the
Committee shall also require the CEO to provide the Committee, on at least a quarterly basis, a
report that identifies the Awards granted and, with respect to each Award: the name of the
participant, the date of grant of the Award, the number of shares of Stock subject to discretion as
set forth in the resolutions of the Committee granting such authority.
The Committee may also delegate to other officers of the Company, pursuant to a written
delegation, the authority to perform specified functions under the Plan that are not inconsistent
with Rule 16b-3 or other rules or regulations applicable to the Plan. Any actions taken by any
officers of the Company pursuant to such written delegation of authority shall be deemed to have
been taken by the Committee.
SECTION 4: STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.
The total number of shares of Stock reserved and available for distribution under the Plan
shall be 6,223,953 shares. Such shares may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized and
unissued shares or treasury shares.
If any shares of Stock that have been optioned cease to be subject to a Stock Option for any
reason, or if any shares of Stock that are subject to any Restricted Stock Award, Deferred Stock
Award, Performance Unit or Other Stock-Based Award are forfeited or any such Award otherwise
terminates without the issuance of such shares, such shares shall again be available for
distribution under the Plan.
SECTION 5: ELIGIBILITY.
Officers and other employees of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary (but excluding any
person whose eligibility would adversely affect the compliance of the Plan with the requirements of
Rule 16b-3) who are at the time of the grant of an Award under the Plan employed by the Company or
any Parent or Subsidiary and who are responsible for or contribute to the management, growth and/or
profitability of the business of the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary, are eligible to be
granted Awards under the Plan. In addition, Awards may be granted under the Plan to any person,
including, but not limited to, directors independent agents, consultants and attorneys who the
Committee believes has contributed or will contribute to the success of the Company. Eligibility
under the Plan shall be determined by the Committee.
SECTION 6: STOCK OPTIONS.
(a) Grant and Exercise. Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be Non-Qualified Stock
Options. Any Stock Option granted under the Plan shall contain such terms as the Committee may be,
may from time to time approve. The Committee shall have the authority to grant to any optionee
Non-Qualified Stock Options, and they may be granted alone or in addition to other Awards granted
under the Plan. The grant of an Option shall be deemed to have occurred on the date on which the
Committee by resolution, designates an individual as a grantee
6
thereof, and determines the number of shares of Stock subject to, and the terms and conditions
of, said Option.
(b) Terms and Conditions. Stock Options granted under the Plan shall be subject to the
following terms and conditions:
(i) Option Price. The option price per share of Stock purchasable under a Stock Option shall
be determined by the Committee, at the time of grant but shall be not less than 100% of the Fair
Market Value of the Stock at the time of grant.
(ii) Option Term. The term of each Stock Option shall be fixed by the Committee.
(iii) Exercisability. Stock Options shall be exercisable at such time or times and subject to
such terms and conditions as shall be determined by the Committee at the time of grant. If the
Committee provides that any Stock Option is exercisable only in installments, the Committee may
waive such installment exercise provisions at any time at or after the time of grant in whole or in
part.
(iv) Method of Exercise. Subject to whatever installment, exercise and waiting period
provisions are applicable in a particular case, Stock Options may be exercised in whole or in part
at any time during the option period by giving written notice of exercise to the Company specifying
the number of shares of Stock to be purchased. Such notice shall be accompanied by payment in full
of the purchase price, which shall be in cash or, unless otherwise provided in the Stock Option
Agreement, in whole shares of Stock which are already owned by the holder of the Option or, unless
otherwise provided in the Stock Option Agreement, partly in cash and partly in such Stock. Cash
payments shall be made by wire transfer, certified or bank check or personal check, in each case
payable to the order of the Company; provided, however, that the Company shall not be required to
deliver certificates for shares of Stock with respect to which an Option is exercised until the
Company has confirmed the receipt of good and available funds in payment of the purchase price
thereof. Payments in the form of Stock (which shall be valued at the Fair Market Value of a share
of Stock on the date of exercise) shall be made by delivery of stock certificates in negotiable
form which are effective to transfer good and valid title thereto to the Company, free of any liens
or encumbrances. In addition, payment may be made by delivery by the holder to the Company of an
executed irrevocable option exercise form together with irrevocable instructions from the holder to
a broker or dealer, reasonably acceptable to the Company, to sell certain of the shares of Stock
purchased upon exercise of the Option with or to pledge such shares as collateral for a loan and
promptly deliver to the Company the amount of the sale and/or loan proceeds necessary to pay such
purchase price, and/or in any other form of valid consideration that is acceptable to the Committee
in its sole discretion. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or the Stock Option
Agreement or unless waived by the Committee at or after the time of grant, no Option granted to an
Employee may be exercised at any time unless the holder thereof is then an Employee. The holder of
an Option shall have none of the rights of a stockholder with respect to the shares subject to the
Option until the optionee has given written notice of exercise, has paid in full for those shares
of Stock and, if requested by the Committee has given the representation described in Section 20(a)
below.
7
(v) Transferability; Exercisability. Unless otherwise set forth in the Stock Option Agreement
(or unless waived by the Committee at or after the time of grant), no Option shall be transferable
by the optionee other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and all Options
shall be exercisable, during the optionees lifetime, only by the optionee or his or her guardian
or legal representative.
(vi) Termination by Reason of Death. If an optionees Termination of Service occurs by reason
of death, any Stock Option held by such optionee may thereafter be exercised by the executor or
administrator of the estate of the optionee or the optionees legal representative, to the extent
it was exercisable at the time of the optionees Termination of Service or on such accelerated
basis as the Committee may determine at or after the time of grant. Such Option may be exercised
for a period of time as set forth in the Stock Option Agreement or as the Committee may determine
(at or after the date of grant (in either case, not to exceed one year from Termination of Service)
or as until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the
shorter.
(vii) Termination by Reason of Disability. If an optionees Termination of Service occurs by
reason of Disability, any Stock Option held by such optionee may thereafter be exercised by the
optionee or his legal representative, to the extent it was exercisable at the time of the
optionees Termination of Service or on such accelerated basis as the Committee may determine at or
after the time of grant. Such Option may be exercised for a period of time as set forth in the
Stock Option Agreement or as the Committee may determine at or after the time of grant (in either
case, not to exceed one year from Termination of Service) or until the expiration of the stated
term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the shorter; provided, however, that if the optionee
dies within such specified period any unexercised Stock Option held by such optionee shall
thereafter be exercisable to the extent to which it was exercisable at the time of death for a
period of time from the date of death (not to exceed one year) as determined by the Committee or
until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the shorter.
(viii) Termination by Reason of Retirement. If an optionees Termination of Service occurs by
reason of Normal Retirement, any Stock Option held by such optionee may thereafter be exercised by
the optionee, to the extent it was exercisable at the time of Termination of Service or on such
accelerated basis as the Committee may determine at or after the time of grant, for a period of
time set forth in the Stock Option Agreement or such other period as the Committee may specify at
or after the time of grant (in either case, not to exceed one year from the Termination of Service)
or the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the shorter;
provided, however, that if the optionee dies within such specified period any unexercised Stock
Option held by such optionee shall thereafter be exercisable to the extent to which it was
exercisable at the time of death for a period of (not to exceed one year) from the date of death as
determined by the Committee or until the expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option,
whichever period is the shorter. If an optionees Termination of Service occurs by reason of Early
Retirement, the Stock Option shall thereupon terminate; provided, however, that if the Committee so
approves at the time of Early Retirement, any Stock Option held by the optionee may thereafter be
exercised by the optionee as provided above in connection with termination of employment by reason
of Normal Retirement.
8
(ix) Other Termination. Subject to the provisions of Section 20(g) below and unless otherwise
determined by the Committee at or after the time of grant or otherwise set forth in the Stock
Option Agreement, if a holders Termination of Service occurs for any reason other than death,
Disability or Retirement or the voluntary resignation of the holder, the Stock Option shall
thereupon automatically terminate, except that (a) if the Termination of Service occurs as a result
of the holders voluntary resignation, such Stock Option may be exercised to the extent it was
exercisable at the time of Termination of Service for a period of thirty (30) days or the
expiration of the stated term of the Stock Option, whichever is shorter, and (b) if the optionee is
involuntarily terminated by the Company or a Subsidiary or Parent without Cause (as hereinafter
defined), such Stock Option may be exercised to the extent it was exercisable at the date of
Termination of Service for six months (or such other period set forth in the Stock Option Agreement
which period shall not exceed one year from the date of such Termination of Service) or until the
expiration of the stated term of such Stock Option, whichever period is the shorter. For purposes
of the Plan, Cause shall mean (A) the conviction of the optionee of a felony under Federal law or
the law of the state in which such action occurred, (B) dishonesty by the optionee in the course of
fulfilling his or her employment duties, or (C) the willful and deliberate failure on the part of
the optionee to perform his or her employment duties in any material respect. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, if the optionee has an employment agreement with the Company or a Subsidiary or Parent,
the definition of Cause shall have the meaning ascribed in such employment agreement.
(x) Alternative Settlement of Option. Upon the receipt of written notice of exercise, the
Committee, may elect to settle all or part of any Stock Option by paying to the optionee an amount,
in cash and/or Stock (valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise), equal to the product of
the excess of the Fair Market Value of one share of Stock on the date of exercise over the Option
exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares of Stock with respect to which the optionee
proposes to exercise the Option. Any such settlements which relate to Options which are held by
optionees who are subject to Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act shall comply with any existing
provisions of Rule 16b-3, to the extent applicable.
(xi) Stock Option Agreement. Each grant of a Stock Option shall be confirmed by, and shall be
subject to the terms of, an agreement executed by the Company and the participant.
SECTION 7: PERFORMANCE UNITS.
Awards granted as Performance Units shall be subject to the following provisions:
(a) The Performance Cycle for the attainment of the Performance Goals shall be determined by
the Committee. The Committee may establish more than one cycle for any particular Performance
Unit.
(b) The Committee shall establish a dollar value for each Performance Unit, the Performance
Goals to be attained in respect of the Performance Unit, the various percentages of the Performance
Unit value to be paid out upon the attainment, in whole or in part, of the Performance Goals and
such other Performance Unit terms, conditions and restrictions as the Committee deems appropriate.
Any Performance Goal may be modified by the Committee
9
during the course of a Performance Cycle to take into account changes in conditions that
occur. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a Performance Unit granted to a Covered
Employee, no business criteria other than those enumerated in Section 2(w) may be used in
establishing the Performance Goals for such Performance Unit, and no such Performance Goals may be
modified by the Committee during the course of a Performance Cycle except in accordance with
Section 162(m) of the Code. As soon as practicable after the termination of the Performance Cycle,
the Committee shall determine what, if any, payment is due on the Performance Unit in accordance
with the terms thereof.
(c) In the event of a participants Termination of Service prior to the expiration of the
Performance Cycle established for any Performance Unit he or she may have been awarded, the
Committee may, in its sole discretion provide for a full or partial credit and determine what
percentage, if any, of the Performance Unit is to be paid out. However, no unpaid portion of a
Performance Unit otherwise payable shall be paid to a Plan participant whose Termination of Service
is for Cause. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Performance Units granted to Covered
Employees, this paragraph 7.5(c) shall not be given effect if, as a result thereof, such
Performance Units shall lose the protection afforded by Section 162(m) of the Code.
(d) Payment of Performance Units shall be made, at the sole discretion of the Committee,
either in cash in the amount of the dollar value of the Performance Units awarded and/or in Stock
having a Fair Market Value at the time such award is paid equal to the excess of such dollar amount
over the amount of such cash.
(e) Except as otherwise set forth in the Plan, Performance Units are not transferable other
than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and during a participants lifetime
payments in respect thereof shall be made only to the participant.
SECTION 8: RESTRICTED STOCK.
(a) Grant and Exercise. Shares of Restricted Stock may be issued either alone or in addition
to or in tandem with other Awards granted under the Plan. The Committee shall determine the
eligible persons to whom, and the time or times at which, grants of Restricted Stock will be made,
the number of shares to be awarded, the price (if any) to be paid by the recipient, the time or
times within which such awards may be subject to forfeiture (the Restriction Period), the vesting
schedule and rights to acceleration thereof, and all other terms and conditions of the Awards of
Restricted Stock. Conditions of vesting that the Committee may impose may include, among others,
(i) length of continuous service, (ii) achievement of specific business objectives, (iii) increases
in specific indices, (iv) attainment of specified growth rates, or any other conditions as
determined by the Committee. The Committee may remove any or all of the restrictions on such
Restricted Stock whenever it may determine that, by reason of changes in applicable law or other
changes in circumstances arising after the date of the Award, such action is appropriate.
(b) Terms and Conditions. Each Restricted Stock Award shall also be subject to the following
terms and conditions:
10
(i) Restricted Stock, when issued, will be represented by a stock certificate or certificates
registered in the name of the holder to whom such Restricted Stock shall have been awarded. During
the Restriction Period, certificates representing the Restricted Stock and any securities
constituting Retained Distributions (as defined below) shall bear a restrictive legend to the
effect that ownership of the Restricted Stock (and such Retained Distributions), and the enjoyment
of all rights related thereto, are subject to the restrictions, terms and conditions provided in
the Plan and the Restricted Stock Agreement. Such certificates shall bear a legend restricting
sale or other disposition in accordance with the Plan and the applicable Restricted Stock
Agreement.
(ii) Restricted Stock shall constitute issued and outstanding shares of Common Stock for all
corporate purposes, and the issuance thereof shall be made for at least the minimum consideration
(if any) necessary to permit the shares of Restricted Stock to be deemed to be fully paid and
nonassessable. The holder will have the right to vote such Restricted Stock, to receive and retain
all regular cash dividends and other cash equivalent distributions as the Board may designate, pay
or distribute on such Restricted Stock and to exercise all other rights, powers and privileges of a
holder of Stock with respect to such Restricted Stock, with the exceptions that (A) other than
regular cash dividends and other cash equivalent distributions as the Board may designate, pay or
distribute, the Company will retain custody of all distributions (Retained Distributions) made or
declared with respect to the Restricted Stock (and such Retained Distributions will be subject to
the same restrictions, terms and conditions as are applicable to the Restricted Stock) until such
time, if ever, as the Restricted Stock with respect to which such Retained Distributions shall have
been made, paid or declared shall have become vested and with respect to which the Restriction
Period shall have expired; (B) the holder may not sell, assign, transfer, pledge, exchange,
encumber or dispose of the Restricted Stock or any Retained Distributions during the Restriction
Period; and (C) a breach of any of the restrictions, terms or conditions contained in the Plan or
the Restricted Stock agreement referred to in Section 8(b)(iv) below, or otherwise established by
the Committee with respect to any Restricted Stock or Retained Distributions will cause a
forfeiture of such Restricted Stock and any Retained Distributions with respect thereto.
(iii) Upon the expiration of the Restriction Period with respect to each award of Restricted
Stock and the satisfaction of any other applicable restrictions, terms and conditions (A) all or
part of such Restricted Stock shall become vested in accordance with the terms of the Restricted
Stock Agreement, (B) any Retained Distributions with respect to such Restricted Stock shall become
vested to the extent that the Restricted Stock related thereto shall have become vested and (C) the
Company will return to the holder the certificates representing the Restricted Stock and any
Retained Distributions. Any such Restricted Stock and Retained Distributions that do not vest
shall be forfeited to the Company and the holder shall not thereafter have any rights with respect
to such Restricted Stock and Retained Distributions that shall have been so forfeited.
(iv) Each Restricted Stock Award shall be confirmed by, and shall be subject to the terms of,
an agreement executed by the Company and the participant. The agreement shall require that each
participant irrevocably grant to the Company the power of attorney to transfer any shares of
Restricted Stock forfeited to the Company and agrees to execute any document required by the
Company in connection with such forfeiture and transfer.
11
SECTION 9: DEFERRED STOCK.
(a) Grant and Exercise. Deferred Stock may be awarded either alone or in addition to or in
tandem with other Awards granted under the Plan. The Committee shall determine the eligible
persons to whom and the time or times at which Deferred Stock shall be awarded, the number of
shares of Deferred Stock to be awarded to any person, the duration of the period (the Deferral
Period) during which, and the conditions under which, receipt of the Deferred Stock will be
deferred, and all the other terms and conditions of the Awards.
(b) Terms and Conditions. Each Deferred Stock Award shall be subject to the following terms
and conditions:
(i) Subject to the provisions of this Plan and the Deferred Stock Agreement referred to in
Section 9(b)(vii) below, Deferred Stock Awards may not be sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or
otherwise encumbered during the Deferral Period. At the expiration of the Deferral Period (or the
Additional Deferral Period referred to in Section 9(b)(vi) below, where applicable), share
certificates shall be delivered to the participant, or his legal representative, in a number equal
to the shares of Stock covered by the Deferred Stock Award.
(ii) As determined by the Committee at the time of award, amounts equal to any dividends
declared during the Deferral Period (or the Additional Deferral Period referred to in Section
9(b)(vi) below, where applicable) with respect to the number of shares covered by a Deferred Stock
Award may be paid to the participant currently or deferred and deemed to be reinvested in
additional Deferred Stock.
(iii) Subject to the provisions of the Deferred Stock Agreement referred to in Section
9(b)(vii) below and this Section 9 and Section 20(g) below, upon termination of a participants
employment with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary for any reason during the Deferral Period
(or the Additional Deferral Period referred to in Section 9(b)(vi) below, where applicable) for a
given award, the Deferred Stock in question will vest or be forfeited in accordance with the terms
and conditions established by the Committee at the time of grant.
(iv) The Committee may, after grant, accelerate the vesting of all or any part of any Deferred
Stock Award and/or waive the deferral limitations for all or any part of a Deferred Stock award.
(v) In the event of hardship or other special circumstances of a participant whose employment
with the Company or any Parent or Subsidiary is involuntarily terminated (other than for Cause),
the Committee may waive in whole or in part any or all of the remaining deferral limitations
imposed hereunder or pursuant to the Deferred Stock Agreement referred to in Section 9(b)(vii)
below with respect to any or all of the participants Deferred Stock.
(vi) A participant may request to, and the Committee may at any time, defer the receipt of an
Award (or an installment of an Award) for an additional specified period or until a specified event
(the Additional Deferral Period). Subject to any exceptions adopted by the Committee, such
request must be made at least one year prior to expiration of the Deferral Period for such Deferred
Stock Award (or such installment).
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(vii) Each Deferred Stock Award shall be confirmed by, and shall be subject to the terms of,
an agreement executed by the Company and the participant.
SECTION 10: OTHER STOCK-BASED AWARDS.
(a) Grant and Exercise. Other Stock-Based Awards may be granted either alone or in addition
to or in tandem with Stock Options, Performance Units, Restricted Stock, Deferred Stock and/or Cash
Awards.
The Committee shall determine the eligible persons to whom, and the time or times at which,
such awards shall be made, the number of shares of Stock to be awarded pursuant to such awards, and
all other terms and conditions of the awards. The Committee may also provide for the grant of
Stock under such awards upon the completion of a specified performance period.
(b) Terms and Conditions. Each Other Stock-Based Award shall be subject to the following
terms and conditions:
(i) Shares of Stock subject to an Other Stock-Based Award may not be sold, assigned,
transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered prior to the date on which the shares are issued, or,
if later, the date on which any applicable restriction or period of deferral lapses.
(ii) The recipient of an Other Stock-Based Award shall be entitled to receive, currently or on
a deferred basis, dividends or dividend equivalents with respect to the number of shares covered by
the award, as determined by the Committee at the time of the award. The Committee may provide that
such amounts (if any) shall be deemed to have been reinvested in additional Stock.
(iii) Any Other Stock-Based Award and any Stock covered by any Other Stock-Based Award shall
vest or be forfeited to the extent so provided in the award agreement referred to in Section
10(b)(v) below, as determined by the Committee.
(iv) In the event of the participants Retirement, Disability or death, or in cases of special
circumstances, the Committee may waive in whole or in part any or all of the limitations imposed
hereunder (if any) with respect to any or all of an Other Stock-Based award.
(v) Each Other Stock-Based Award shall be confirmed by, and shall be subject to the terms of,
an agreement executed by the Company and by the participant.
SECTION 11: CASH AWARDS.
(a) Grant of Cash Awards. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, grant Cash Awards in
accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan and in an agreement executed by the
Company and the participant (Cash Award Agreement). Each Cash Award Agreement shall set forth
(i) the amount of the Cash Award, (ii) the time or times within which such Award may be subject to
forfeiture, if any, (iii) specified performance goals, or other criteria, if any, as the Committee
may determine must be met in order to remove any restrictions (including vesting) on such Award,
and (iv) any other terms, limitations, restrictions, and conditions of the Award that are
consistent with this Plan.
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The Cash Award Agreement shall also set forth the vesting period for the Cash Award, if any,
which shall commence on the date of grant of the Cash Award and, unless otherwise established by
the Committee in the Cash Award Agreement, shall expire upon satisfaction of the conditions set
forth in the Cash Award Agreement. Such conditions may provide for vesting based on (i) length of
continuous service, (ii) achievement of specific business objectives, (iii) increases in specified
indices, (iv) attainment of specified growth rates, or (v) other comparable measurements of Company
performance, as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion.
(b) Termination of Service. Subject to the provisions of the particular Cash Award Agreement,
and unless otherwise permitted by the Committee, in its sole discretion, upon termination of the
participants service to the Company or its Parent and Subsidiaries for any reason during a vesting
period (if any), the nonvested portion of a Cash Award shall be forfeited by the participant. Upon
any forfeiture, all rights of a Participant with respect to the forfeited Cash Award shall cease
and terminate, without any further obligation on the part of the Company.
(c) Form of Payment. In the sole discretion of the Committee, the Company may satisfy its
obligation under a Cash Award by the distribution of that number of shares of Common Stock or
Restricted Stock, or any combination thereof, having an aggregate Fair Market Value (as of the date
of payment) equal to the amount of cash otherwise payable to the participant, and/or by the
distribution of Stock Options having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to the amount of cash
otherwise payable to the participant, with a cash settlement to be made for any fractional share
interests, or the Company may settle such obligation in part with shares of Common Stock and in
part with cash. If required by Rule 16b-3 at the time of distribution, any shares of Common Stock
distributed to a participant must be held by such participant for at least six (6) months from the
date of distribution.
SECTION 12: PERFORMANCE-BASED AWARDS
(a) In General. All Stock Options and certain Restricted Stock Awards, Deferred Stock
Awards, Performance Units, Other Stock-Based Awards or Cash Awards granted under the Plan, are
intended to (i) qualify as Performance-Based Awards (as defined in the next sentence) or (ii) be
otherwise exempt from the deduction limitation imposed by Section 162(m) of the Code. Certain
Awards granted under the Plan may be granted in a manner such that Awards qualify as
performance-based compensation (as such term is used in Section 162(m) of the Code and the
regulations thereunder) and thus be exempt from the deduction limitation imposed by Section 162(m)
of the Code (Performance-Based Awards). Awards may only qualify as Performance-Based Awards if at
the time of grant the Committee is comprised solely of two or more outside directors (as such
term is used in Section 162(m) of the Code and the regulations thereunder).
(b) Stock Options. Stock Options granted under the Plan with an exercise price at or
above the Fair Market Value of Common Stock on the date of grant should qualify as
Performance-Based Awards.
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(c) Other Performance-Based Awards. Restricted Stock Awards, Deferred Stock Awards,
Performance Units, Other Stock-Based Awards and Cash Awards granted under the Plan should qualify
as Performance-Based Awards if, as determined by the Committee, in its discretion, either the
granting or vesting of such Award is subject to the achievement of a performance target or targets
based on one or more of the performance measures specified in Section 12(d) below. With respect to
such Awards intended to qualify as Performance-Based Awards:
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objective performance-based goals applicable to a
given period and (y) the individual employees or class
of employees to which such performance-based goals
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Committee shall not revise such performance goal or
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(d) Performance Measures. The Committee may use the following performance measures
(either individually or in any combination) to set performance targets with respect to Awards
intended to qualify as Performance-Based Awards: income from continuing operations; attainment of
strategic and operational objectives; return on invested capital; net sales; pretax income before
allocation of corporate overhead and bonus; budget; earnings per share; net income; division, group
or corporate financial goals; return on shareholders equity; return on assets; return on net
assets; gross margin return on investment; gross margin dollars or percent; inventory turnover;
employee turnover; sales, general and administrative expense; appreciation in and/or maintenance of
the price of Common Stock or any other publicly-traded securities of the Company, if any; market
share; gross profits; earnings before interest and taxes; earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortization; economic value-added models; comparisons with various stock market
indices; and/or reductions in costs. The foregoing criteria shall have any reasonable definitions
that the Committee may specify, which may include or exclude any or all of the following items as
the Committee may specify: extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items; effects of accounting
changes; effects of financing activities; expenses for restructuring or productivity initiatives;
other non-operating items; spending for acquisitions; effects of divestitures; and effects of
litigation activities and settlements. Any such performance criterion or combination of such
criteria may apply to the participants Award opportunity in its entirety or to any designated
portion or portions of the Award opportunity, as the Committee may specify.
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SECTION 13: CHANGE OF CONTROL PROVISIONS.
(a) A Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred on the tenth day after:
(i) any individual, firm, corporation or other entity, or any group (as defined in Section
13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act) becomes, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner (as defined in
the General Rules and Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to
Sections 13(d) and 13(g) of the Exchange Act) of more than 20% of the then outstanding shares of
the Companys capital stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors of the Company;
or
(ii) the commencement of, or the first public announcement of the intention of any individual,
firm, corporation or other entity or of any group (as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange
Act) to commence, a tender or exchange offer subject to Section 14(d)(1) of the Exchange Act for
any class of the Companys capital stock; or
(iii) the stockholders of the Company approve (A) a definitive agreement for the merger or
other business combination of the Company with or into another corporation pursuant to which the
stockholders of the Company do not own, immediately after the transaction, more than 50% of the
voting power of the corporation that survives, or (B) a definitive agreement for the sale, exchange
or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (C) any plan or
proposal for the liquidation or dissolution of the Company; provided, however, that a Change of
Control shall not be deemed to have taken place if beneficial ownership is acquired by, or a
tender or exchange offer is commenced or announced by, the Company, any profit-sharing, employee
ownership or other employee benefit plan of the Company, any trustee of or fiduciary with respect
to any such plan when acting in such capacity, or by a person who is an officer or director of the
Company on the effective date of the Plan, or by any group comprised solely of such persons and/or
entities.
(b) In the event of a Change of Control as defined in Section 13(a) above, awards granted
under the Plan will be subject to the following provisions, unless the provisions of this Section
13 are suspended or terminated by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Board prior to the
occurrence of such a Change of Control:
(i) all outstanding Stock Options which have been outstanding for at least six months shall
become exercisable in full, whether or not otherwise exercisable at such time, and any such Stock
Option shall remain exercisable in full thereafter until it expires pursuant to its terms; and
(ii) all restrictions and deferral limitations contained in Restricted Stock Awards, Deferred
Stock Awards, Performance Units and Other Stock Based Awards granted under the Plan shall lapse.
SECTION 14: AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION.
The Board or Committee may at any time, and from time to time, amend any of the provisions of
the Plan, and may at any time suspend or terminate the Plan; provided, however,
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that no such amendment shall be effective unless and until it has been duly approved by the
holders of the outstanding shares of Stock if the failure to obtain such approval would adversely
affect the compliance of the Plan with the requirements of Rule 16b-3 of the Exchange Act, as in
effect from time to time, or with the requirements of any other applicable law, rule or regulation.
The Committee may be, may amend the terms of any Stock Option or other award theretofore granted
under the Plan; provided, however, that subject to Section 3 above, no such amendment may be made
by the Committee which in any material respect impairs the rights of the optionee or participant
without the optionees or participants consent, except for such amendments which are made to cause
the Plan to qualify for the exemption provided by Rule 16b-3 and no such amendment shall result in
a reduction of the exercise price of any Stock Option.
SECTION 15: UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN.
The Plan is intended to constitute an unfunded plan for incentive and deferred compensation.
With respect to any payments not yet made to a participant or optionee by the Company, nothing
contained herein shall give any such participant or optionee any rights that are greater than those
of a general creditor of the Company.
SECTION 16: [INTENTIONALLY OMITTED].
SECTION 17: LIMIT ON AWARDS TO ANY INDIVIDUAL.
Notwithstanding any provision contained herein, no participant may be granted under the Plan,
during any year, Options or any other Awards relating to more than 2,025,000 shares of Common Stock
in the aggregate, subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 18. With respect to an Award
that may be settled in cash, no participant may be paid in respect of any fiscal year an amount
that exceeds the greater of the Market Value of the number of shares of Common Stock set forth in
the preceding sentence at the date of grant or at the date of settlement of the Award, provided
that this limitation is separate from and not affected by the number of Awards granted during such
fiscal year subject to the limitation in the preceding sentence.
SECTION 18: ADJUSTMENTS.
In the event that the Committee shall determine that any dividend or other distribution
(whether in the form of cash, shares of Common Stock or other property), recapitalization, forward
or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase or share
exchange, or other similar corporate transaction or event, affects the shares of Stock such that an
adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants
under the Plan, then the Committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or
all of (i) the number and kind of shares which may thereafter be delivered in connection with
Awards, (ii) the number and kind of shares that may be delivered or deliverable in respect of
outstanding Awards, (iii) the number of shares with respect to which Awards may be granted to a
given participant and (iv) the exercise price, grant price, or purchase price relating to any Award
or, if deemed appropriate, make provision for a cash payment with respect to any outstanding Award,
and, with respect to Awards granted to Covered Employees, no such
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adjustment shall be authorized to the extent that such adjustment would cause such Award to
lose the benefits of Section 162(m) of the Code and that the number of shares of Stock subject to
any award shall always be a whole number. Such adjusted exercise price shall also be used to
determine the amount which is payable to the optionee upon the exercise by the Committee of the
alternative settlement right which is set forth in Section 6(b)(x) above.
SECTION 19: ELECTIVE DEFERRAL.
Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, participants under the Plan may, by
completing an election form and delivering it to the General Counsel of the Company on or before
December 15 of any year, elect (the Elective Deferral) to defer the receipt of any of the cash or
Stock to be received by the participant in the immediately succeeding year, on such terms as the
Committee may permit.
An Elective Deferral shall be irrevocable, except that the Committee, in its sole discretion,
may allow a participant to change or revoke such Elective Deferral.
The Company shall establish an account for each participant who makes an Elective Deferral
reflecting Elective Deferrals made for such participants benefit together with any additions to
reflect any dividends paid upon any shares of Stock that have been deferred pursuant to an Elective
Deferral. The Company shall establish sub-accounts for each participant who has more than one
Elective Deferral in effect under the Plan and such other sub-accounts as are necessary for the
proper administration of the Plan. As of the last business day of each December 31 of each year,
the Company shall provide the participant with a statement of his or her account reflecting the
number of deferred shares or other deferred compensation under the Plan, and any dividends on such
shares credited thereto and distributions from such account since the prior statement.
A participant who makes an Elective Deferral shall be immediately vested in, and shall have a
nonforfeitable right to, all deferred shares and other deferred compensation and all dividends, if
any, on any deferred shares credited to his or her account, except as otherwise provided by the
Committee. In the event of the Companys insolvency, the participant shall have the same rights as
a general creditor of the Company with respect to his or her account balance.
A participant who makes an Elective Deferral shall designate (on the election form used to
make Elective Deferrals under the Plan) the
date(s) at which the deferred shares and other deferred
compensation and any dividends credited to his or her account will be distributed to him or her, or
his or her designated beneficiary (in the event of death before full distribution), or estate if no
such beneficiary, or legal representative in the event of incompetence before full distribution.
The number of shares of Stock, if any, which are attributable to dividends and credited to his or
her account shall be based on the per share Fair Market Value on the date of such dividend.
Distributions shall be made in cash and/or Stock in the proportions deferred.
Deferred shares and shares attributable to dividends on any Deferred Shares shall be subject
to adjustment as set forth in Section 18 of the Plan.
Each such election regarding the date(s) for payments shall be irrevocable, except that the
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Committee, in its sole discretion, may allow the participant to change or revoke such
election.
SECTION 20: GENERAL PROVISIONS.
(a) The Committee may require each person acquiring shares of Stock pursuant to a Stock Option
or other Award under the Plan to represent to and agree with the Company in writing that the
optionee or participant is acquiring the shares for investment without a view to distribution
thereof.
All certificates for shares of Stock delivered under the Plan shall be subject to such stop
transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the rules,
regulations, and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any stock exchange
or association upon which the Stock is then listed or traded, any applicable Federal or state
securities law, and any applicable corporate law, and the Committee may cause a legend or legends
to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate reference to such restrictions.
(b) Nothing contained in the Plan shall prevent the Board or, where authorized by the Board,
the Committee, as the case may be, from adopting such other or additional incentive arrangements as
it may deem desirable, including, but not limited to, the granting of stock options and the
awarding of stock and cash otherwise than under the Plan; and such arrangements may be either
generally applicable or applicable only in specific cases.
(c) NOTHING CONTAINED IN THE PLAN OR IN ANY AWARD HEREUNDER SHALL BE DEEMED TO CONFER UPON ANY
EMPLOYEE OF THE COMPANY OR ANY PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY ANY RIGHT TO CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT WITH THE
COMPANY OR ANY PARENT OR SUBSIDIARY, NOR SHALL IT INTERFERE IN ANY WAY WITH THE RIGHT OF THE
COMPANY OR ANY SUBSIDIARY TO TERMINATE THE EMPLOYMENT OF ANY OF ITS EMPLOYEES AT ANY TIME.
(d) Not later than the date as of which an amount first becomes includable in the gross income
of the participant for Federal, state or local income tax purposes with respect to any Option or
other Award under the Plan, the participant shall pay to the Company, or make arrangements
satisfactory to the Committee, as the case may be, regarding the payment of, any Federal, state and
local taxes of any kind required by law to be withheld or paid with respect to such amount. If
permitted by the Committee, tax withholding or payment obligations may be settled with Stock,
including Stock that is part of the Award that gives rise to the withholding requirement. The
obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional upon such payment or arrangements
and the Company or the participants employer (if not the Company) shall, to the extent permitted
by law, have the right to deduct any such taxes from any payment of any kind otherwise due to the
participant from the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary.
(e) The Plan and all Awards made and actions taken thereunder shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Indiana (without regard to choice of law
provisions).
(f) Any Stock Option granted or other Award made under the Plan shall not be deemed
compensation for purposes of computing benefits under any retirement plan of the
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Company or any Parent or Subsidiary and shall not affect any benefits under any other benefit
plan now or subsequently in effect under which the availability or amount of benefits is related to
the level of compensation (unless required by specific reference in any such other plan to Awards
under this Plan).
(g) A leave of absence, unless otherwise determined by the Committee prior to the commencement
thereof, shall not be considered a termination of employment. Any Stock Option granted or awards
made under the Plan shall not be affected by any change of employment, so long as the holder
continues to be an employee of the Company, its Parent or any Subsidiary.
(h) Except as otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or in any Stock Option Agreement,
Restricted Stock agreement, Deferred Stock Agreement, Performance Unit Agreement, Cash Award
Agreement or any Other Stock-Based Award agreement, no right or benefit under the Plan may be
alienated, sold, assigned, hypothecated, pledged, exchanged, transferred, encumbranced or charged,
and any attempt to alienate, sell, assign, hypothecate, pledge, exchange, transfer, encumber or
charge the same shall be void. No right or benefit hereunder shall in any manner be subject to the
debts, contracts or liabilities of the person entitled to such benefit.
(i) The obligations of the Company with respect to all Stock Options and Awards under the Plan
shall be subject to (A) all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and such approvals by any
governmental agencies as may be required, including, without limitation, the effectiveness of a
registration statement under the Securities Act, and (B) the rules and regulations of any
securities exchange or association on which the Stock may be listed or traded.
(j) If any of the terms or provisions of the Plan conflict with the requirements of Rule 16b-3
as in effect from time to time, or with the requirements of any other applicable law, rule or
regulation then such terms or provisions shall be deemed inoperative to the extent they so conflict
with the requirements of said Rule 16b-3.
(k) The Committee may terminate any Stock Option or other Award made under the Plan if a
written agreement relating thereto is not executed and returned to the Company within 30 days after
such agreement has been delivered to the optionee or participant for his or her execution.
SECTION 21: EFFECTIVE DATE OF PLAN.
The Plan shall be effective as of the first business day following approval of the Plan by the
Companys stockholders.
SECTION 22: TERM OF PLAN.
No Stock Option, Restricted Stock Award, Deferred Stock Award, Performance Unit or Other
Stock-Based Award or Cash Award shall be granted pursuant to the Plan on or after the tenth
anniversary of the effective date of the Plan, but Awards granted prior to such tenth anniversary
may extend beyond that date.
20
BRIGHTPOINT,INC.
2601 METROPOLIS PARKWAY,SUITE 210
PLAINFIELD, IN 46168
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
BRIGHTPOINT, INC
VOTE
BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to transmit your voting
instructions and for electronic delivery of
information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time on May 12, 2008. Have
your proxy card in hand when you access the web
site and follow the instructions to obtain your
records and to create an electronic voting
instruction form.
ELECTRONIC DELIVERY OF FUTURE SHAREHOLDER
COMMUNICATIONS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by
Brightpoint, Inc. in mailing proxy materials, you
can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual
reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet.
To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow
the instructions above to vote using the Internet
and, when prompted, indicate that you agree to
receive or access shareholder communications
electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your
voting instructions up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern
Time on May 12, 2008. Have your proxy card in hand when you call
and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it
in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or
return it to Brightpoint, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51
Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided if you are not voting via telephone or the Internet.
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TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
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BRGTP1
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KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS |
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DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY |
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
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BRIGHTPOINT, INC. |
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Withhold
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For All
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To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark For All Except and write the
number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. |
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Vote on Directors
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1. |
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Election of Class II Directors |
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Nominees: |
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01) Thorleif Krarup |
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02) Marisa E. Pratt |
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03) Richard W. Roedel |
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Vote On Proposals |
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Proposal to approve the amendment
of Brightpoints 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan to increase the
number of shares available for issuance thereunder by 2,173,953 shares
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3.
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Proposal to ratify the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Brightpoints independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2008
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4.
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In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or adjournments thereof, including approval of any adjournment or postponement of the meeting
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THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ABOVE. IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE GIVEN, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE NOMINEES AND PROPOSALS LISTED ABOVE.
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For address changes and/or comments, please check this box
and write them on the back where indicated. |
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Note: |
Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
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Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN
BOX] |
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Signature (Joint Owners) |
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Brightpoint, Inc.
2601 Metropolis Parkway, Suite 210
Plainfield, Indiana 46168
PROXY FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 13, 2008
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints STEVEN E. FIVEL and ANTHONY W. BOOR, and each of them, Proxies, with full power of substitution in each of them, in the name, place and stead of the undersigned, to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Brightpoint, Inc. (the Company) on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at 9:00 a.m. (local time), at the Companys Americas division headquarters located at 501 Airtech Parkway,
Plainfield, Indiana 46168 or at any adjournment or adjournments thereof, according to the number of votes that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present, upon the following matters:
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(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side)