AMERICAN LOCKER GROUP
INCORPORATED
608 ALLEN STREET
JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK 14701
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 16, 2000
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TO THE STOCKHOLDERS:
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held at the offices of
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, Henry W. Oliver Building, 535 Smithfield Street,
(Second Floor), Pittsburgh, PA 15222 on Tuesday, May 16, 2000, at 10:00 a.m.,
Eastern Daylight Time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect a Board of Directors consisting of seven persons to
serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until
their respective successors are duly elected and qualified;
2. To consider and act upon such other matters as may properly
come before the meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 22,
2000 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice
of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person, you are
urged to sign, date and return the enclosed proxy promptly to the Company in the
enclosed postage paid envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Charles E. Harris
Secretary
Jamestown, New York
April 6, 2000
AMERICAN LOCKER GROUP
INCORPORATED
608 ALLEN STREET
JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK 14701
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PROXY STATEMENT
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 16, 2000
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy, which are being mailed to
stockholders commencing on or about April 6, 2000, are furnished in connection
with the solicitation by the Board of Directors of American Locker Group
Incorporated (referred to in this Proxy Statement as the "Company") of proxies
for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on Tuesday, May
16, 2000, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at the offices of Kirkpatrick &
Lockhart LLP, Henry W. Oliver Building, (2nd Floor), 535 Smithfield Street,
Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Only holders of Common Stock of record at the close of business on
March 22, 2000, will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
On that date there were outstanding 2,282,718 shares of Common Stock. Each share
of the Company's outstanding Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters
to come before the Annual Meeting.
If the enclosed Proxy is properly executed and returned, it may
nevertheless be revoked at any time prior to its use by execution of a later
dated proxy, by voting in person at the Annual Meeting or by written or verbal
notice of such revocation to the Secretary of the Company at any time before
such proxy is voted.
A copy of the 1999 Annual Report of the Company is being mailed with
this Proxy Statement.
PROXY SOLICITATION AND EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
Proxies are being solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of the
Company and the expenses of soliciting proxies will be borne by the Company.
Solicitation will be made primarily by mail, but directors, officers and regular
employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally, by mail, or by
telephone or facsimile. The Company will not pay any compensation for the
solicitation of proxies, but will reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians,
nominees or fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses incurred in sending proxy
material to beneficial owners and obtaining their proxies.
INTRODUCTION
PURPOSE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meeting will be held for the purpose of electing seven
directors to serve for a term of one year and until their successors are duly
elected and qualified.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Seven persons, constituting the entire Board of Directors of the
Company, are to be elected at the 2000 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to serve
until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are
duly elected and qualified. It is intended that the accompanying proxy will be
voted for the election of the seven nominees on the following pages. All seven
of the nominees were elected by the stockholders of the Company at the 1999
Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
All nominees have indicated that they are willing and able to serve as
directors if elected. If any nominees should be unable or unwilling to serve,
the proxies will be voted for the election of such person as shall be designated
by the Board of Directors to replace such nominee.
The Company is organized under the laws of the State of Delaware. The
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware requires that directors be
elected by a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy at a meeting and entitled to vote in the election of
directors. Accordingly, abstentions from voting and broker non-votes will have
no effect on the outcome of such proposal. The stockholders of the Company are
not entitled to vote cumulatively in the election of directors.
INFORMATION AS TO NOMINEES FOR DIRECTORS
The following sets forth certain information concerning the nominees
for election as directors, including the number of shares of Common Stock of the
Company beneficially owned directly or indirectly, by each on March 22, 2000.
Also included are the names of other companies filing reports pursuant to the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for which the nominees serve as
directors or trustees. There are no family relationships between any nominees or
principal officers of the Company except between Edward F. Ruttenberg, a nominee
for director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and his brother, James E.
Ruttenberg, a nominee for director.
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ALAN H. FINEGOLD
Mr. Alan H. Finegold, 57, a director since 1994, and a member of the
Executive Committee and the Audit Committee, has, since October 1, 1997, been
affiliated with the Law Offices of Alan H. Finegold, a law firm, and the Alan H.
Finegold Company, which provides estate planning services. Prior to October 1,
1997, he served as a partner of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, a Pittsburgh law
firm, for more than five years.
THOMAS LYNCH, IV
Mr. Thomas Lynch, 56, a director since 1994, and a member of the
Executive Compensation Committee and the Audit Committee, has served as a First
Vice President of Janney, Montgomery and Scott, a brokerage firm, for more than
five years.
ROY J. GLOSSER
Mr. Roy J. Glosser, 39, a director since 1996, has been President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Company since May 1996. In September 1998, he was
appointed to the additional office of Treasurer of the Company. Between May 1995
and May 1996, he served as Vice President - Operations of the Company and
between December 1992 and May 1995, he served as Director of Operations of the
Company.
EDWARD F. RUTTENBERG
Mr. Edward F. Ruttenberg, 53, a director since 1996, has been Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since September 1998. He served as
Vice Chairman of the Company from May, 1996, through August 1998. He has served
as President and a director of Rollform of Jamestown, Inc., a rollforming
company, for more than five years.
JAMES E. RUTTENBERG
Mr. James E. Ruttenberg, 58, a director since 1994 has since 1996
served as President of Claremont Billing Systems, Inc., a data processing/
telephone billing firm. Prior to 1996, he served as Executive Vice President of
this company for more than five years.
- 3 -
JEFFREY C. SWOVELAND
Mr. Jeffrey C. Swoveland, 44, a director since 1997, serves as Vice
President-Finance and Treasurer of Equitable Resources, Inc. He joined Equitable
Resources, Inc. as Director of Alternative Finance in September 1994. He was
elected Treasurer in 1994 and became Vice President in 1995. He served as
Interim Chief Financial Officer from October 1997 to July 1999. He serves as a
director of Petroleum Development Corporation.
DONALD I. DUSSING, JR.
Mr. Donald I. Dussing, Jr., 58, a director since 1998, has served as
President - Buffalo Division of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company since
April, 1999. Prior to that time, he served as Senior Vice President and Manager
of Western New York Commercial Banking Department, Manufacturers and Traders
Trust Company for more than five years.
STOCK OWNERSHIP OF NOMINEES AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As of March 22, 2000, the nominees for director and the persons named
in the section of this Proxy Statement entitled "Compensation and Other
Transactions with Management and Others" owned the following shares of Common
Stock of the Company:
NAME AND ADDRESS OF AMOUNT AND NATURE OF PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OWNER BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF CLASS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alan H. Finegold 8,000(1) *
273 N.E. Edgewater Drive
Stuart, FL 34996
Roy J. Glosser 59,200(2) 2.5%
608 Allen Street
Jamestown, NY 14702-1000
Thomas Lynch, IV 0 *
201 Lexington Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15215
Edward F. Ruttenberg 44,332(3) 1.5%
5864 Aylesboro Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
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James E. Ruttenberg 13,796 *
254 South Main St.
New City, NY 10956
Jeffrey C. Swoveland 0 *
5870 Aylesboro Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Donald I. Dussing, Jr. 2,000 *
6201 Senate Circle
East Amherst, New York 14051
David L. Henderson 35,000(4) 1.2%
5770 Rothesay Drive
Dublin, Ohio 43017
(*) Less than 1%
(1) Includes 3,000 shares which Mr. Finegold has the right to acquire under
stock options.
(2) Includes 54,000 shares which Mr. Glosser has the right to acquire under
stock options. Also includes 800 shares owned by Mr. Glosser's wife
with respect to which Mr. Glosser disclaims beneficial ownership.
(3) Includes 25,000 shares which Mr. Ruttenberg has the right to obtain
under stock options. Includes 12, 000 shares held by Edward F.
Ruttenberg, 2,000 shares held jointly by Edward F. Ruttenberg and Sara
Ruttenberg. Also included are 5,332 shares held by Rollform of
Jamestown, Inc. in which Mr. E. F. Ruttenberg and his immediate family
own a 97% interest.
(4) Includes 11,500 shares which Mr. Henderson has the right to acquire
under stock options.
All directors and executive officers of the Company as a group (nine
persons) and persons who may be deemed to be part of the group with a director
owned beneficially 162,328 shares of Company Common Stock, or approximately 6.8%
of the shares outstanding, on March 22, 2000. For purposes of the foregoing
sentence, shares subject to stock options held by such persons (93,500 shares)
are included in the number of shares held and the total number of shares
outstanding.
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INFORMATION WITH RESPECT TO COMMITTEES
AND COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
During 1999, the Board of Directors met three times, the Executive
Committee met two times, the Stock Option-Executive Compensation Committee met
two times, and the Audit Committee met once. The functions of the Audit
Committee consist primarily of reviewing the scope and results of the audit of
the Company's financial statement and the findings and recommendations of the
Company's independent accountants with respect to the system of internal
controls and recommending to the Board of Directors the selection of the
independent accountants for the Company for the next year. The functions of the
Stock Option-Executive Compensation Committee consist of determining
compensation to be paid to executive officers of the Company and administering
all stock option plans of the Company, including making decisions relative to
the grant of options. The function of the Executive Committee is to exercise the
powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the affairs of the Company
between the meetings of the Board of Directors. The Company does not have a
nominating committee.
Each director who is not a salaried employee of the Company is paid an
annual fee of $3,500 and a fee of $300 for each meeting of the Board of
Directors or of a Committee of the Board which he attends. Only one fee is
payable if the Board and a Committee meet on the same day.
All directors attended more than 75% of the aggregate total number of
meetings held in 1999 by the Board of Directors and the Committees of the Board
of Directors on which they serve.
COMPENSATION AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
The following information is given for 1999, 1998 and 1997 with respect
to the compensation which was paid or accrued for services in such years, or
which was paid in such years for services in prior years but not included in the
remuneration table in prior years' proxy statements, for each of the three
highest paid executive officers of the Company whose aggregate compensation from
the Company and its subsidiaries exceeded $100,000:
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==========================================================================================================================
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ALL OTHER
LONG TERM COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION ANNUAL COMPENSATION COMPENSATION (4)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AWARDS(1)
------------------
Securities
Underlying
Year Salary Bonus Options/SARs(#)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward F. Ruttenberg 1997 $ 50,040 $ 15,000 - $0
Chairman and Chief Executive 1998 $101,667 $ 73,700 - $0
Officer (Effective 1999 $175,000 $118,800 15,000 $0
September 3, 1998 (2))
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roy J. Glosser 1997 $125,000 $ 75,000 60,000 shares (3) $0
President, Chief Operating 1998 $150,000 $150,000 - $0
Officer and Treasurer (3) 1999 $157,500 $108,000 10,000 shares $0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Henderson 1997 $ 87,960 $ 27,000 - $0
Vice President/General Manager 1998 $ 90,180 $ 54,600 - $0
American Locker Security 1999 $ 92,880 $ 36,000 5,000 shares $0
Systems, Inc.
===========================================================================================================================
(1) Share data reflects the four for one stock distribution which was
distributed on June 25, 1998.
(2) On September 3, 1998, Edward J. Ruttenberg was appointed as Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
(3) In May 1997, Mr. Roy J. Glosser was granted options with respect to 60,000
shares (as adjusted to reflect the four for one stock distribution effective
June 25, 1998) of common stock of the Company. In June 1998, stock appreciation
rights were granted with respect to options covering 12,000 of these shares.
(4) In accordance with applicable regulations, the amounts do not include
perquisites and other personal benefits received by the named officers because
the aggregate value of such benefits did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10
percent of the total salary and bonus for the named officers.
STOCK OPTIONS
1988 Plan
In May 1988 the stockholders of the Company approved the American
Locker Group Incorporated 1988 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1988 Plan"). Grants
under the 1988 Plan were to
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be granted to certain officers and directors of the
Company by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Committee") in its discretion. Under terms of the 1988 Plan, no new options can
be granted after February 29, 1998.
The 1988 Plan provides for the grant of rights to receive cash and/or
Company Common Stock, including options intended to qualify as incentive stock
options under Section 422A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and
options not intended so to qualify. The 1988 Plan provides that the exercise
price of stock options must be no less than the fair market value on the date of
grant of the shares of Company Common Stock subject thereto and no stock option
granted under the 1988 Plan may be exercisable more than ten years after its
grant. In the case of a holder of 10% or more of the Company Common Stock,
options intended to be incentive stock options must have an exercise price of at
least 110% of the fair market value of the underlying shares of Company Common
Stock on the date of grant and such options must expire within five years of the
date of grant.
Upon exercise of a stock option, the option price is required to be
paid in cash, or at the discretion of the Committee, in shares of Company Common
Stock, valued at the fair market value thereof on the date of payment, or in a
combination of cash and shares of Company Common Stock. The 1988 Plan authorizes
the Committee, in the event of any tender offer or exchange offer (other than an
offer by the Company) for shares of Company Common Stock, to take such action as
it may deem appropriate to enable the recipients of outstanding awards to avail
themselves of the benefits of such offer, including acceleration of payment or
exercise dates and purchase outstanding stock options.
During 1999, options with respect to 76,000 shares were exercised under
the 1988 plan.
1999 Plan
In May 1999 the stockholders of the Company approved the American
Locker Group Incorporated 1999 Stock Incentive Plan (the "1999 Plan").
Administration. The 1999 Plan is administered by the Stock
Option-Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company
(the "Committee") comprised of at least two persons. The Committee has the sole
discretion to interpret the 1999 Plan, establish and modify administrative
rules, impose conditions and restrictions on awards, and take such other actions
as it deems necessary or advisable. In addition, the full Board of Directors of
the Company can perform any of the functions of the Committee under the 1999
Plan.
Amount of Stock. The 1999 Plan provides for awards of up to 150,000
shares of Common Stock. The number and kind of shares subject to outstanding
awards, the purchase price for such shares and the number and kind of shares
available for issuance under the 1999 Plan is subject to
- 8 -
adjustments, in the sole discretion of the Committee, in connection with the
occurrence of mergers, recapitalizations and other significant corporate events
involving the Company. The shares to be offered under the 1999 Plan will be
either authorized and unissued shares or issued shares which have been
reacquired by the Company.
Eligibility and Participation. The participants under the 1999 Plan
will be those employees and consultants of the Company or any subsidiary who are
selected by the Committee to receive awards, including officers who are also
directors of the Company or its subsidiaries. Approximately five persons will
initially be eligible to participate. No participant can receive awards under
the 1999 Plan in any calendar year in respect of more than 15,000 shares of
Common Stock.
Amendment or Termination. The 1999 Plan has no fixed expiration date.
The Committee will establish expiration and exercise dates on an award-by-award
basis. However, for the purpose of awarding incentive stock options under
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code")
("incentive stock options"), the 1999 Plan will expire ten years from its
effective date of May 13, 1999.
Stock Options. The Committee may grant to a participant incentive stock
options, options which do not qualify as incentive stock options ("non-qualified
stock options") or a combination thereof. The terms and conditions of stock
option grants including the quantity, price, vesting periods, and other
conditions on exercise will be determined by the Committee. Incentive stock
option grants shall be made in accordance with Section 422 of the Code.
The exercise price for stock options will be determined by the
Committee at its discretion, provided that the exercise price per share for each
stock option shall be at least equal to 100% of the fair market value of one
share of Common Stock on the date when the stock option is granted.
Upon a participant's termination of employment for any reason, any
stock options which were not exercisable on the participant's termination date
will expire, unless otherwise determined by the Committee.
Upon a participant's termination of employment for reasons other than
death, disability or retirement, the participant's stock options will expire on
the date of termination, unless the right to exercise the options is extended by
the Committee at its discretion. In general, upon a participant's termination by
reason of death or disability, stock options which were exercisable on the
participant's termination date (or which are otherwise determined to be
exercisable by the Committee) may continue to be exercised by the participant
(or the participant's beneficiary) for a period of twelve months from the date
of the participant's termination of employment, unless extended by the
Committee. Upon a participant's termination by reason of retirement, stock
options which were exercisable upon the participant's termination date (or which
are otherwise determined to be exercisable by the Committee) may continue to be
exercised by the participant for a period of three months from the date of the
participant's termination of employment, unless
- 9 -
extended by the Committee. If upon the disability or retirement of the
participant, the participant's age plus years of continuous service with the
company and its affiliates and predecessors (as combined and rounded to the
nearest month) equals 65 or more, then all of the participant's options will be
exercisable on the date of such disability or retirement for the exercise period
stated above. In no event, however, may the options be exercised after the
scheduled expiration date of the options.
Subject to the Committee's discretion, payment for shares of Common
Stock on the exercise of stock options may be made in cash, by the delivery
(actually or by attestation) of shares of Common Stock held by the participant
for at least six months prior to the date of exercise, a combination of cash and
shares of Common Stock, or in any other form of consideration acceptable to the
Committee (including one or more "cashless" exercise forms).
Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock appreciation rights ("SARs") may be
granted by the Committee to a participant either separate from or in tandem with
non-qualified stock options or incentive stock options. SARs may be granted at
the time of the stock option grant or, with respect to non-qualified stock
options, at any time prior to the exercise of the stock option. A SAR entitles
the participant to receive, upon its exercise, a payment equal to (i) the excess
of the fair market value of a share of Common Stock on the exercise date over
the SAR exercise price, times (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock with
respect to which the SAR is exercised.
The exercise price of a SAR is determined by the Committee, but in the
case of SARs granted in tandem with stock options, may not be less than the
exercise price of the related stock option. Upon exercise of a SAR, payment will
be made in cash or shares of Common Stock, or a combination thereof, as
determined at the discretion of the Committee.
Change in Control. In the event of a change in control of the Company,
all stock options and SARs will immediately vest and become exercisable. In
general, events which constitute a change in control include: (i) acquisition by
a person of beneficial ownership of shares representing 30% or more of the
voting power of all classes of stock of the Company; (ii) during any year or
period of two consecutive years, the individuals who at the beginning of such
period constitute the Board no longer constitute at least a majority of the
Board; (iii) a reorganization, merger or consolidation; or (iv) approval by the
stockholders of the Company of a plan of complete liquidation of the Company.
The following table sets forth information with respect to persons
named in the Executive Compensation Table concerning the grant of options during
the last fiscal year:
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potential Realizable Value at Assumed
Annual Rates of Stock Price
Individual Grants Appreciation for Option Term (1)(2)
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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% of Total
Number of Options/
Securities SAR's
Underlying Granted to
Options/ Employees Exercise or
SARs Granted in Fiscal Base Price Expiration
Name (#) Year ($/Sh) Date 0%(1) 5% 10%
Edward F. 10,000 22.3% $ 8.875 5/19/09 -0- $76,253 $193,241
Ruttenberg 5,000 $ 6.50 11/18/09
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roy J. Glosser 10,000 14.9% $ 6.50 11/18/09 -0- $40,878 $103,593
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David Henderson 5,000 7.5% $ 6.50 11/18/09 -0- $20,439 $ 51,797
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) No gain to the optionees is possible without stock price appreciation, which
will benefit all stockholders commensurately.
(2) These assumed "potential realizable values" are mathematically derived from
certain prescribed rates of stock price appreciation. The actual value of these
option grants depends on the future performance of the Common Stock and overall
stock market conditions. There is no assurance that the values reflected in this
table will be achieved.
The following table sets forth information with respect to the persons
named in the Executive Compensation Table concerning the exercise of options
during the last fiscal year and unexercised options held as of December 31,
1999. Share data reflects the four for one stock distribution which was
distributed on June 25, 1998.
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AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
====================================================================================================================
Shares Number of Unexercised Value of Unexercised
Acquired on Value Options/SARs at in-the-Money Options/SARs at
Name Exercise (#) Realized ($) FY-End(#) FY-End($)(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercis-able Unexer-cisable Exercisable Unexer-cisable
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Edward F. Ruttenberg -0- -0- 5,000 10,000 -$0- -$0-
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roy J. Glosser -0- -0- 54,000 -0- $123,750 -$0-
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
David L. Henderson -0- -0- 18,000 -0- $ 59,213 -$0-
=====================================================================================================================
(1) Calculated on the basis of the closing price of the underlying
securities for the most recently reported trade prior to December 31,
1999 ($5.625 per share) minus the exercise price.
ESTIMATED RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The Company's pension plan for salaried employees provides for an
annual pension upon normal retirement computed under a career average formula,
presently equal to 2% of an employee's eligible lifetime earnings, which
includes salaries, commissions and bonuses. The following table sets forth the
approximate annual benefits payable on normal retirement pursuant to the
provisions of the pension plan for salaried employees to persons in specified
lifetime average annual earnings categories and years-of-service
classifications.
Annual pension benefits for years of
credited service shown(1)
Lifetime average
annual earnings 10 years 20 years 30 years
- --------------- -------- -------- --------
50,000 10,000 20,000 30,000
75,000 15,000 30,000 45,000
100,000 20,000 40,000 60,000
125,000 25,000 50,000 75,000
150,000 30,000 60,000 90,000
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(1) Pension benefit amounts listed in the table are not subject to deduction for
Social Security benefits.
Roy J. Glosser is credited with eight years service under such plan,
David L. Henderson is credited with ten years service and Edward F. Ruttenberg
is credited with two years of service.
Effective February 1, 1999, the Company has established a 401(K) Plan
under which it matches employee contributions at the rate of $.10 per $1.00 of
employee contributions up to 10% of employee's wages.
SUPPLEMENTAL RETIREMENT PLAN
In December 1997, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted the
American Locker Group Incorporated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the
"Supplemental Plan"), effective January 1, 1998. The Supplemental Plan provides
for supplemental retirement benefits to certain executive level employees of the
Company as established by the Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors from time to time. No director of the Company may be the beneficiary
of the Supplemental Plan unless such director also serves as an employee of the
Company.
The Supplemental Plan provides for payment by the Company to the
participant of a specified monthly benefit and the provision by the Company of
supplemental medical benefits for the benefit of the participant and his
dependents (the "Health Benefit"). The obligations of the Company under the
Supplemental Plan are triggered by the actual retirement of the participant
(defined as the date on which the participant ceases, for reasons other than
death, all active employment with the Company) or upon a change of control. For
purposes of the Supplemental Plan, "Change of Control" is defined as a change in
ownership or control of the Company such that (i) any person, as defined in
Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 becomes
beneficial owner of more than 50% of the Company; (ii) during any two year
period (including periods prior to the adoption of the Supplemental Plan) there
shall cease to be a majority of the Board of the Company comprised of
individuals who at the beginning of such period were on the Board and any new
members whose election was approved by a vote of the majority of the directors
who were then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such
period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved;
or (iii) the stockholders of the Company approve a merger or consolidation of
the Company (other than merger or consolidation, which would result in the
voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto
continuing to represent at least 80% of the combined voting power of the
surviving entity after the merger or consolidation), the approval by the
stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation of the Company, or the
Company enters into a plan to sell all or substantially all of the Company's
assets, in a single transaction or series of related transactions.
- 13 -
The Supplemental Plan also provides that upon the death of a
participant, the Company shall continue to pay to the participant's spouse for
the remainder of such spouse's life an amount equal to one-half of the benefit
paid to the participant and to continue to provide the Health Benefit for the
benefit of such spouse.
In December 1997, the Board designated Harold J. Ruttenberg as a
participant in the Supplemental Plan and designated his monthly benefit, payable
upon actual retirement or change of control as defined above, as $12,500 per
month. As a result of Mr. Harold Ruttenberg's death, on August 15, 1998,
benefits of $6,250 per month became payable to Mr. Harold Ruttenberg's spouse
pursuant to the Supplemental Plan.
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
This Report on Executive Compensation is furnished by the Stock
Option-Executive Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (referred to
as the "Committee").
In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
this report is not incorporated by reference into any of the Company's
registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933.
The Committee consists of three members, Thomas Lynch IV, Jeffrey C.
Swoveland and Donald I. Dussing, Jr., all of whom are disinterested non-employee
directors.
The Committee is responsible for all aspects of executive compensation
of the Company. It determines levels of executive compensation for each of the
two principal executive officers of the Company and administers the Company's
1999 Stock Incentive Plan, the Company's 1988 Stock Incentive Plan, and the
Supplemental Retirement Plan. Following its deliberations, the Executive
Committee makes periodic reports to the entire Board of Directors.
Compensation Philosophy - The Company's overall executive compensation
objective is to attract and retain qualified executive officers by compensating
them at levels comparable to those at similar businesses. The Company's
compensation program for executive officers consists of five components:
(1) base salary;
(2) participation in bonus distributions;
(3) participation in other welfare and benefit plans
available to employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries generally;
(4) participation in the 1999 Stock Incentive Plan;
(5) participation in the Supplemental Retirement Plan.
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Salary - The Committee reviews and, if appropriate, revises salary
levels for the two principal executive officers of the Company annually. Salary
adjustments made by the Committee generally become effective January 1 of each
fiscal year.
Executive officer salaries are determined in light of individual
performance and corporate performance. In fixing the Chief Executive Officer's
salary, the Committee also considers his effectiveness in achieving expansion
and growth objectives of the Company.
Bonus Distribution - The Committee, on an annual basis at the end of
each fiscal year, allocates to key employees of the Company discretionary
bonuses. These bonuses are drawn from a pool established at the time by the
Committee based on factors including the operating results of the Company for
such fiscal year. The Chief Executive Officer and the President make
recommendations to the Committee for all eligible employees but decisions as to
the amount of any such bonus to the two principal executive officers is
determined by the Committee based on performance data submitted to it. The
bonuses are paid in cash.
1999 Stock Incentive Plan - The Stockholders of the Company adopted the
1999 Stock Incentive Plan in May 1999 to recruit and retain highly qualified
managers, consultants and staff. The Committee administers the Plan which
includes directing the amount of stock options awarded, selecting the persons to
receive stock option awards, determining the terms, provisions and exercise
prices for the stock options. The actual amount earned by any individual who
receives stock options is determined by the performance of the Company's stock.
The Committee uses the level of responsibility of an individual as a guideline
to establish the size of stock option awards.
Other Plans - The Company maintains other pension benefit and welfare
plans for employees of the Company and its subsidiaries, including a defined
benefit plan, a 401(k) plan, medical, disability and life insurance plans.
Executive officers participate in these plans on a non-preferential basis.
Supplemental Retirement Plan - Certain executive officers are eligible
to participate in the Company's Supplemental Retirement Plan which provides for
supplemental retirement benefits to certain executive level employees of
Company. The Supplemental Retirement Plan is administered by the Committee. As
of December 31, 1999, no present officer or employee of the Company had been
granted rights under the Supplemental Retirement Plan.
Compensation of Executive Officers in 1999 - The Committee increased
1999 base compensation (excluding bonuses to executive officers) by 5% with
respect to Mr. Glosser and did not increase base compensation with respect to
Mr. Ruttenberg in 1999.
In May 1999, options with respect to 10,000 shares of common stock were
granted to executive officers of the Company. In November 1999, options with
respect to 20,000 shares of common stock were granted to executive officers of
the Company.
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The Committee believes that executive compensation fairly reflects the
benefits received by the Company stockholders.
Compensation of Chief Executive Officer - Mr. Ruttenberg's compensation
is based on the same philosophy and policies for all executive officers and
includes the same components as the executive officers. In November 1999, to
assure Mr. Ruttenberg's continued service to the Company, he and the Company
entered into a three year employment agreement. In 1999 he was awarded options
to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock from the Company. The Committee
believes that Mr. Ruttenberg's compensation is reasonable, competitive and fair.
Deductibility of Executive Compensation - Section 162(a) of the
Internal Revenue Code imposes limits on tax deductions for annual compensation
paid to a chief executive officer and other highly compensated officers unless
the compensation qualifies as "performance-based" or is otherwise exempt under
the law. The current levels of compensation of the executive officers of the
Company are substantially below the levels at which the limitations of Section
162 are applicable. In the event that levels of compensation rise such that
Section 162 should become applicable, the Committee intends to comply with the
limitations of Section 162 unless such compliance is determined by the Committee
not to be in the best interest of the Company at such time.
THE STOCK OPTION-EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Thomas Lynch IV
Jeffrey C. Swoveland
Donald I. Dussing, Jr.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
No member of the Executive Compensation-Stock Option Committee
is an officer or employee of the Company. No other member of the Committee has a
current or prior relationship, and no officer who is a statutory insider of the
company has a relationship to any other company, required to be described under
the Securities and Exchange Commission rules relating to disclosure of executive
compensation.
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EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER CONTRACTS
Edward F. Ruttenberg
In November 1999, the Company entered into an employment agreement with
Edward F. Ruttenberg, effective November 18, 1999 (the "Ruttenberg Agreement").
The Ruttenberg Agreement provides, among other things, (i) that the term of
employment will expire on November 18, 2002, (ii) that base salary will be
$14,583 per month, plus any increase in base salary and any incentive
compensation as determined by the Board of Directors of the Company, and (iii)
that upon the occurrence of a "Trigger Event," Mr. Ruttenberg will be entitled
to receive as a special bonus an amount equal to two times his annual base
salary at the rate in effect on the closing of such Trigger Event plus the
annual bonus, if any, received with respect to the most recently completed
fiscal year of the Company. For purposes of the Ruttenberg Agreement, a Trigger
Event shall mean the occurrence of the event described in subsection (i) below
and one or more of the events described in subsection (ii) below; (i) any Rights
issued under the American Locker Group Incorporated Stock Rights Agreement dated
November 18, 1999 become exercisable under terms of such Rights Agreement, as
amended and in effect from time to time, and (ii) the occurrence of any of the
following: (a) a substantial reduction in the base salary, benefits or
perquisites provided Mr. Ruttenberg; (b) a relocation of the Company's principal
place of business to a location which is more than 50 miles from its current
location in Jamestown, New York; or (c) the assignment to Mr. Ruttenberg of any
duties inconsistent in any respect with Mr. Ruttenberg's current position with
the Company (including status, offices, titles and reporting requirements), or
any action by the Company which results in diminution in such position, or Mr.
Ruttenberg's current authority, duties or responsibilities, but excluding for
this purpose any isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent action not taken in bad
faith and which is remedied by the Company.
The Ruttenberg Agreement also provides that in the event of permanent
disability, the Company shall pay the employee 100% of his base salary at the
rate then in effect for a period of six months from the date of disability and
at the rate of 60% thereafter for the balance of the term of the agreement. The
Ruttenberg Agreement also provides that such payments shall be reduced by any
payments to which Mr. Ruttenberg is entitled under any disability plan then
maintained by the Company and by any payments to which Mr. Ruttenberg is
entitled under the Federal Social Security disability program.
Roy J. Glosser
In May 1996, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Roy
J. Glosser, effective May 21, 1996, and amended effective March 3, 1999 (as so
amended, the "Glosser Agreement"), pursuant to which Mr. Glosser became
President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. The Glosser Agreement
provides, among other things (i) that the term of employment will expire on June
30, 2002, (ii) that the base compensation will be $13,125 per month, plus any
increase in base salary and any incentive compensation as determined by the
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Board of Directors of the Company, and (iii) that in the event of the sale of
the Company, Mr. Glosser will be entitled to an incentive bonus equal to one
year's base salary in effect at the date of the sale.
The Glosser Agreement defines "sale of the Company" as any merger or
sale of substantially all assets of the Company or the sale or exchange to or
with one entity or group acting in concert of more than a majority of the
outstanding shares of the Company entitled to vote upon the election of
directors.
The Glosser Agreement also provides that in the event of permanent
disability, the Company shall pay the employee 100% of his base salary at the
rate then in effect for a period of six months from the date of disability and
at the rate of 60% thereafter for the balance of the term of the agreement. The
Glosser Agreement also provides that such payments shall be reduced by any
payments to which Mr. Glosser is entitled under any disability plan then
maintained by the Company and by any payments to which Mr. Glosser is entitled
under the Federal Social Security disability program.
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CUMULATIVE TOTAL STOCKHOLDER RETURN
The graph set forth below shows the cumulative total stockholder return
(i.e., price change plus reinvestment of dividends) on the Common Stock from the
first day of trading in the Common Stock for the past five calendar years as
compared to the Russell 2000 Index and a peer group consisting of a group of
business equipment manufacturers, including Hon Industries, Miller Herman, Xerox
Corporation and Pitney Bowes. The graph assumes that $100 was invested on
January 1, 1995.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
AMERICAN LOCKER GROUP INC. 100.00 215.00 270.00 500.00 2020.00 450.00
PEER GROUP INDEX 100.00 138.61 169.91 251.42 340.43 194.43
RUSSELL 2000 INDEX 100.00 128.44 149.77 183.23 178.09 212.98
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this
presentation is not incorporated by reference into any of the Company's
registration statements under the Securities Act of 1933.
- 19 -
OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Charles E. Harris, Secretary of the Company, is also a partner in
Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP which has provided legal services to the Company and
its subsidiaries since May 1973 and will continue to provide such services in
the future. Mr. Alan H. Finegold was until October 1997 a partner in Kirkpatrick
& Lockhart LLP.
Alan H. Finegold, a director of the Company, was paid $18,000 for
consulting services to the Company in 1999 pursuant to a consulting arrangement
under which Mr. Finegold is paid $4,500 per calendar quarter. The arrangement
may be discontinued by the Company or Mr. Finegold at any time.
Donald I. Dussing, Jr., a director of the Company, is President of
the Buffalo Division of Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, which has
loaned money to the Company under a term loan and revolving credit facility.
One of the Company's subsidiaries entered into a Manufacturing
Agreement with Signore, Inc., to furnish fabricating, assembly and shipping
services. The Agreement became effective on January 1, 1989, for a term which
expires April 30, 2000. It is anticipated that the Company and Signore, Inc.
will enter into an extension of this Agreement. The Agreement provides that the
cost to the Company for these services be equal to Signore's cost divided by
80%. Pursuant to the Manufacturing Agreement, the Company purchased $3,729,969
and $4,151,835 of material from Signore, Inc. during 1999 and 1998,
respectively, at prices that the Company believes are at arm's length. Alexander
Ditonto serves as Chairman of Signore, Inc. and is the father-in-law of Roy J.
Glosser.
One of the Company's subsidiaries purchases fabricated parts from
Rollform of Jamestown, Inc., a rollforming company owned by Edward F.
Ruttenberg, his wife and family, and other relatives of Mr. Edward F.
Ruttenberg. Pursuant to this arrangement, the Company purchased $217,685,
$283,345, and $114,004 of materials from Rollform of Jamestown, Inc. in 1999,
1998 and 1997 respectively, at prices that the Company believes are at arms
length.
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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
To the knowledge of the management of the Company, only the following
persons or groups owned of record or beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding
Common Stock of the Company as of March 22, 1999:
Name and Address of Amount and Nature of Percent
Beneficial Owner Beneficial Owner of Class
- ------------------- ------------------ ---------
Estate of Harold J. Ruttenberg 498,996 21.9%
The Atrium
307 S. Dithridge Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Katherine M. Ruttenberg 202,000 8.8%
The Atrium
307 S. Dithridge Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Avocet Capital Management, L.P. 203,500(1) 8.9(1)%
111 Congress Avenue, Suite 1600
Austin, TX 78701
- ----------
(1) Includes shares held by certain entities and individuals which have made a
joint filing under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors of the Company has appointed Ernst & Young LLP
as independent auditors to audit the financial statements of the Company and its
subsidiaries for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000 and to report on such
audit to the stockholders of the Company. The firm of Ernst & Young LLP has
audited the Company's books annually since 1964. The Company has been advised
that the representatives of Ernst & Young LLP will be present at the Annual
Meeting of Stockholders and they will have an opportunity to make a statement,
if they desire to do so and they will be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
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OTHER MATTERS
The management of the Company knows of no other matters which are to be
brought before the Annual Meeting other than those matters set forth in this
Proxy Statement. However, if any other matters come before the meeting, the
holders of the proxies will vote on such matters in accordance with their best
judgment.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Under Rule 14a-8 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any
stockholder who intends to submit a proposal for action at the 2001 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders must provide notice to the Company which must be
received by the Secretary of the Company before December 6, 2000 in order for
the proposal to be included in management's proxy statement and form of proxy
relating to the 2001 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Charles E. Harris
Secretary
April 6, 2000
22
PROXY
AMERICAN LOCKER GROUP INCORPORATED
SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
AMERICAN LOCKER GROUP INCORPORATED
The undersigned hereby appoints Edward F. Ruttenberg and Roy J.
Glosser, and each of them, with power of substitution in each, and in place of
each, in case of substitution, his substitute, as proxies or proxy to represent
the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of American Locker Group
Incorporated to be held at the offices of Kirkpatrick & Lockhart LLP, Oliver
Building (Second Floor), 535 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222,
on May 16, 2000 at 10:00 A.M., Eastern Daylight Time, and at any adjournments
thereof, and to vote with respect to all shares, as fully as the undersigned
would be entitled to vote if personally present (a) in the manner designated
hereon with respect to Proposal 1, and (b) in their discretion on such other
matters as may properly come before the meeting.
(Please Date and Sign on Reverse Side)
1. ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF SEVEN MEMBERS
FOR all nominees WITHHOLD Alan H. Finegold, Roy J. Glosser,
listed (except as AUTHORITY Thomas Lynch, IV, Edward F. Ruttenberg,
otherwise indicated to vote for James E. Ruttenberg, Jeffrey C. Swoveland
with respect to all nominees and Donald J. Dussing, Jr.
individual nominees) listed
---- ----
(To withhold authority to vote for an individual nominee,
write his name on the following line.)
----------------------------------------
(The shares represented by this proxy will be voted "FOR"
each nominee unless authority to vote is withheld in the
manner provided above.)
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