DEF 14A: Definitive proxy statements
Published on April 12, 2007
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant x Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨
Check the appropriate box:
¨ | Preliminary Proxy Statement |
¨ | Confidential, for use of the Commission only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
x | Definitive Proxy Statement |
¨ | Definitive Additional Materials |
¨ | Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-12 |
COMMONWEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
x | No fee required. |
¨ | Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
(1) | Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
(4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
(5) | Total fee paid: |
¨ | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
¨ | Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
(1) | Amount Previously Paid: |
(2) | Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
(3) | Filing Party: |
(4) | Date Filed: |
COMMONWEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235
PROXY STATEMENT AND NOTICE OF
2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To the shareholders of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. |
April 16, 2007 | |
Richmond, Virginia |
To our shareholders:
It is my pleasure to invite you to attend our 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 18, 2007, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time. The meeting will be held at 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235.
The matters to be acted upon at the meeting are described in the Notice of 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement. At the meeting, we will also report on the Companys performance and operations during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 and respond to shareholder questions.
YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY BY TELEPHONE, THE INTERNET OR BY 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. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
By order of the Board of Directors, |
/s/ Thomas R. Reynolds |
Thomas R. Reynolds |
Secretary |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS
COMMONWEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
TIME: |
11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on May 18, 2007 | |
PLACE: |
Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. | |
601 Biotech Drive | ||
Richmond, Virginia 23235 |
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
(1) To elect (a) two Class I members of the Board of Directors, each to serve a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2010 or until his successor is duly elected and qualified and (b) one Class II member of the Board of Directors, to serve a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders in 2008 or until his successor is duly elected and qualified;
(2) To approve the Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan;
(3) To approve an amendment to the articles of incorporation of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. to create a new class of 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock;
(4) To approve an amendment to the articles of incorporation of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000;
(5) To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006; and
(6) To transact any other business properly coming before the meeting.
WHO MAY VOTE: |
You may vote if you were a shareholder of record on March 21, 2007. | |
ANNUAL REPORT: | A copy of our 2006 Annual Report is enclosed. | |
DATE OF MAILING: | This Notice and the Proxy Statement are first being mailed to shareholders on or about April 16, 2007. |
By order of the Board of Directors, |
/s/ Thomas R. Reynolds |
Thomas R. Reynolds, Secretary |
ABOUT THE 2007 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
What am I voting on?
You will be voting on the following:
(1) The election of (a) two Class I members of the Board of Directors, each to serve a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2010 or until his successor is duly elected and qualified and (b) one Class II member of the Board of Directors, to serve a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of 2008 or until his succession is duly elected and qualified;
(2) The approval of the Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan;
(3) The approval of an amendment to the articles of incorporation of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. to create a new class of 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock;
(4) The approval of an amendment to the articles of incorporation of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000;
(5) The ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2006; and
(6) The transaction of any other business properly coming before the meeting.
Who is entitled to vote?
You may vote if you owned shares of the Companys common stock as of the close of business on March 21, 2007. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. As of March 21, 2007, we had 5,484,767 shares of common stock outstanding.
How do I vote before the meeting?
If you are a registered shareholder, meaning that you hold your shares in certificate form, you have three voting options:
(1) Over the Internet, which we encourage if you have Internet access, at the address shown on your proxy card;
(2) By phone, by calling 1-800-690-6903 using any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions; or
(3) By mail, by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card.
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If you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker, your ability to vote by the Internet depends on their voting procedures. Please follow the directions that your bank or broker provides.
May I vote at the meeting?
You may vote your shares at the meeting if you attend in person. If you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker, you must obtain a legal proxy from the bank or broker in order to vote at the meeting. A legal proxy is an authorization from your bank or broker to vote the shares it holds in its name for your benefit on the records of the Companys transfer agent. Even if you plan to attend the meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares by proxy. You may vote by proxy through the Internet, by telephone or by mail.
Can I change my mind after I return my proxy?
You may change your vote at any time before the polls close at the conclusion of voting at the meeting. You may do this by (1) signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it to us before the meeting, (2) voting again over the Internet prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 17, 2007, (3) voting again via the telephone prior to 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time, on May 17, 2007, or (4) voting at the meeting if you are a registered shareholder or have obtained a legal proxy from your bank or broker.
What if I return my proxy card but do not provide voting instructions?
Proxies that are signed and returned but do not contain instructions will be voted (1) FOR the election of the two nominees for Class I directors and one nominee for Class II director, each as named herein; (2) FOR the approval of the Companys 2007 Stock Incentive Plan; (3) FOR the approval of the amendment to the Companys articles of incorporation to create a new class of 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock; (4) FOR the approval of the amendment to the Companys articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000; (5) FOR the ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006; and (6) in accordance with the best judgment of the named proxies on any other matters properly brought before the meeting.
What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card or instruction form?
It indicates that your shares are registered differently and are in more than one account. To ensure that all shares are voted, please either vote each account by telephone or on the Internet, or sign and return all proxy cards. We encourage you to register all your accounts in the same name and address. Those holding shares through a bank or broker should contact your bank or broker and request consolidation.
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Will my shares be voted if I do not provide my proxy or instruction form?
If you are a registered shareholder and do not provide a proxy, you must attend the meeting in order to vote your shares. If you hold shares through an account with a bank or broker, your shares may be voted even if you do not provide voting instructions on your instruction form. Brokerage firms have the authority to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on certain routine matters. The election of directors and the ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 are considered routine matters for which brokerage firms may vote without specific instructions. The other proposal to be voted on at the meeting is not considered routine under applicable rules. When a proposal is not a routine matter and the brokerage firm has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares with respect to that proposal, the brokerage firm cannot vote the shares on that proposal. Shares that a broker is not authorized to vote are counted as broker non-votes.
How can I attend the meeting?
The meeting is open to all holders of the Companys common stock as of March 21, 2007.
May shareholders ask questions at the meeting?
Yes. Representatives of the Company will answer questions of general interest at the end of the meeting.
How many votes must be present to hold the meeting?
Your shares are counted as present at the meeting if you attend the meeting and vote in person or if you properly return a proxy by Internet, telephone or mail. In order for us to conduct our meeting, a majority of our outstanding shares of common stock as of March 21, 2007 must be present in person or by proxy. This is referred to as a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting.
How many votes are needed to approve the Companys proposals?
Proposal 1. The nominees receiving the highest number of For votes will be elected as directors. This number is called a plurality. Shares not voted will have no impact on the election of directors. The proxy given will be voted For each of the nominees for director unless a properly executed proxy card is marked Withhold as to a particular nominee or nominees for director.
Proposal 2. Approval of the Companys 2007 Stock Incentive Plan requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted For the proposal and that the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote cast a vote, whether For, Against or Abstain.
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Proposal 3. Approval of an amendment to the Companys articles of incorporation to create a new class of 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting to be voted For the proposal and that the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, cast a vote, whether For, Against or Abstain.
Proposal 4. Approval of an amendment to the Companys articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000 requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted For the proposal and that the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, cast a vote, whether For, Against or Abstain.
Proposal 5. The ratification of the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted For the proposal. A properly executed proxy card marked Abstain with respect to this proposal will not be voted.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION
What if a nominee is unwilling or unable to serve?
Each of the nominees listed in the Proxy Statement has agreed to serve as a director, if elected. If for some unforeseen reason a nominee becomes unwilling or unable to serve, proxies will be voted for a substitute nominee selected by the Board of Directors.
How are directors compensated?
All non-employee directors will receive an annual retainer fee (Retainer Fee) and a fee for each of the five regularly scheduled Board meetings attended per year (collectively, the Directors Fee). Employee directors will not be eligible to receive the Retainer Fee or the Directors Fee. The Retainer Fee and Directors Fee for the upcoming year will be set at the last Board meeting during a calendar year. In addition to the Directors Fee, all non-employee directors will receive reimbursement for travel and other related expenses incurred in attending Board meetings and committee meetings. For 2007, the Board set the Retainer Fee at $7,500 and the Directors Fee at $1,000 for each Board meeting attended.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table shows all cash compensation paid to the Companys directors in 2006. Directors did not receive any stock award, option, non-equity incentive plan, pension, non-qualified deferred or other compensation.
Name |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash | ||
Gerald P. Krueger |
$ | 12,500 | |
Donald A. McAfee, Ph.D. |
$ | 12,500 | |
Joseph R. Slay |
$ | 11,500 | |
James D. Causey |
$ | 12,500 | |
Samuel P. Sears, Jr. |
$ | 12,500 |
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How does the Board determine which directors are independent?
The Board of Directors reviews the independence of each director yearly. During this review, the Board of Directors considers transactions and relationships between each director (and his or her immediate family and affiliates) and the Company and its management to determine whether any such relationships or transactions are inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent in light of applicable law, listing standards and the Companys director independence standards. The Company believes that it meets the independence standards adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Nasdaq Capital Market.
What role does the Nominating Committee play in selecting nominees to the Board of Directors?
Two of the primary purposes of the Boards Nominating Committee are (i) to develop and implement policies and procedures that are intended to ensure that the Board of Directors will be appropriately constituted and organized to meet its fiduciary obligations to the Company and its shareholders and (ii) to identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and to recommend to the Board of Directors the director nominees for the annual meeting of shareholders. The Nominating Committee is also responsible for considering candidates for membership on the Board of Directors submitted by eligible shareholders. The Nominating Committees charter is available on the Companys website at www.cbi-biotech.com and in print upon request. The Nominating Committee of the Companys Board of Directors was the only entity or person to nominate and/or recommend any of the director nominees.
Are the members of the Nominating Committee independent?
Yes. All members of the Nominating Committee have been determined to be independent by the Board of Directors.
How does the Nominating Committee identify and evaluate nominees for director?
The Nominating Committee considers candidates for nomination to the Board of Directors from a number of sources. Current members of the Board of Directors are considered for re-election unless they have notified the Company that they do not wish to stand for re-election. The Nominating Committee also considers candidates recommended by current members of the Board of Directors, members of management or eligible shareholders. From time to time the Board may engage a firm to assist in identifying potential candidates, although the Company did not engage such a firm to identify any of the nominees for director proposed for election at the meeting.
The Nominating Committee evaluates all candidates for director, regardless of the person or firm recommending such candidate, on the basis of the length and quality of their business experience, the applicability of such candidates experience to the Company and its business, the skills and perspectives such candidate would bring to the Board of Directors and the personality or fit of such candidate with existing members of the Board of Directors and management.
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What are the Nominating Committees policies and procedures for considering director candidates recommended by shareholders?
The Nominating Committee will consider all candidates recommended by eligible shareholders. An eligible shareholder is a shareholder (or group of shareholders) who owns at least 5% of the Companys outstanding shares and who has held such shares for at least one year as of the date of the recommendation. A shareholder wishing to recommend a candidate must submit the following documents to the Secretary of the Company at Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc., 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235:
a recommendation that identifies the name and address of the shareholder and the person to be nominated;
documentation establishing that the shareholder making the recommendation is an eligible shareholder;
the written consent of the candidate to serve as a director of the Company, if elected;
a description of all arrangements between the shareholders and such nominee pursuant to which the nomination is to be made; and
such other information regarding the nominee as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC.
Upon timely receipt of the required documents, the Companys Secretary will determine whether the shareholder submitting the recommendation is an eligible shareholder based on such documents. If the shareholder is not an eligible shareholder, the Nominating Committee may, but is not obligated to, evaluate the candidate and consider such candidate for nomination to the Board of Directors.
If the candidate is to be evaluated by the Nominating Committee, the Secretary will request a detailed resume, an autobiographical statement explaining the candidates interest in serving as a director of the Company, a completed statement regarding conflicts of interest, and a waiver of liability for background check from the candidate.
What are the minimum qualifications required to serve on the Companys Board of Directors?
All members of the Board of Directors must possess the following minimum qualifications as determined by the Nominating Committee:
A director must demonstrate integrity, accountability, informed judgment, financial literacy, creativity and vision;
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A director must be prepared to represent the best interests of all Company shareholders, and not just one particular constituency;
A director must have a record of professional accomplishment in his or her chosen field; and
A director must be prepared and able to participate fully in Board activities, including membership on committees.
What other considerations does the Nominating Committee consider?
The Nominating Committee believes it is important to have directors from various backgrounds and professions in order to ensure that the Board of Directors has a wealth of experiences to inform its decisions. Consistent with this philosophy, in addition to the minimum standards set forth above, business and managerial experience and an understanding of financial statements and financial matters are very important.
How may shareholders communicate with the members of the Board of Directors?
Shareholders and others who are interested in communicating directly with members of the Board of Directors, including communication of concerns relating to accounting, internal accounting controls or audit matters, or fraud or unethical behavior, may do so by writing to the directors at the following address:
Name of Director or Directors
c/o Secretary
Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc.
601 Biotech Drive
Richmond, Virginia 23235
Does the Company have a Code of Conduct?
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct, which is applicable to all directors, officers and associates of the Company, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial and accounting officer. The complete text of the Code of Conduct is available on the Companys web site at www.cbi-biotech.com and is also available in print upon request. The Company intends to post any amendments to or waivers from its Code of Conduct (to the extent applicable to the Companys principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer) at this location on its web site.
How often did the Board meet in fiscal 2006?
The Board of Directors met five times during fiscal 2006. The number of times that each Committee of the Board of Directors met is shown on pages 9 through 11. Each incumbent director attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the standing committees of which he or she was a member during fiscal 2006. Although the Company has not adopted a formal policy regarding Board of Directors attendance at annual meetings of shareholders, three directors attended the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
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What are the committees of the Board?
During fiscal 2006, the Board of Directors had standing Audit, Nominating, and Compensation Committees. The members of each of the Committees as of March 23, 2007, their principal functions and the number of meetings held during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 are shown below:
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee are:
James D. Causey, Chairman
Samuel P. Sears, Jr.
Daniel O. Hayden
The Compensation Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. Mr. Hayden joined the Compensation Committee on March 23, 2007. The Compensation Committees charter is available on the Companys website at www.cbi-biotech.com and in print upon request. The Compensation Committees principal responsibilities include:
Making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning executive management organization matters generally;
In the area of compensation and benefits, making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning employees who are also directors of the Company, consult with the CEO on matters relating to other executive officers, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning policies and procedures relating to executive officers; provided, however, that the Committee shall have full decision-making powers with respect to compensation for executive officers to the extent such compensation is intended to be performance-based compensation within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code;
Making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding all contracts of the Company with any officer for remuneration and benefits after termination of regular employment of such officer;
Making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning policy matters relating to employee benefits and employee benefit plans, including incentive compensation plans and equity based plans; and
Administering the Companys formal incentive compensation programs, including equity based plans.
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The Compensation Committee may not delegate its authority to other persons. Similarly, the Compensation Committee has not engaged a compensation consultant to assist in the determination of executive compensation issues. While the Companys executives will communicate with the Compensation Committee regarding executive compensation issues, the Companys executive officers do not participate in any executive compensation decisions.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are:
Samuel P. Sears, Jr., Chairman
James D. Causey
Donald A. McAfee, Ph.D.
The Audit Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. The primary responsibility of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in monitoring the integrity of the Companys financial statements and the independence of its external auditors. The Company believes that each of the members of the Audit Committee is independent, and Mr. Sears qualifies as an audit committee financial expert in accordance with applicable Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards. In carrying out its responsibility, the Audit Committee undertakes to:
Review and recommend to the directors the independent auditors to be selected to audit the financial statement of the Company;
Meet with the independent auditors and management of the Company to review the scope of the proposed audit for the current year and the audit procedures to be utilized, and at the conclusion thereof review such audit, including any comments or recommendations of the independent auditors;
Review with the independent auditors and financial and accounting personnel the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial controls of the Company. The Committee elicits recommendations for the improvement of such internal control procedures or particular areas where new or more detailed controls or procedures are desirable. The Committee emphasizes the adequacy of such internal controls to expose any payments, transactions, or procedures that might be deemed illegal or otherwise improper;
Review the internal accounting function of the Company, the proposed audit plans for the coming year and the coordination of such plans with the Companys independent auditors;
Review the financial statements contained in the annual report to shareholders with management and the independent auditors to determine that the independent auditors are satisfied with the disclosure and contents of the financial statements to be presented to the shareholders;
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Provide sufficient opportunity for the independent auditors to meet with the members of the Committee without members of management present. Among the items discussed in these meetings are the independent auditors evaluation of the Companys financial, accounting, and auditing personnel, and the cooperation that the independent auditors received during the course of the audit;
Review accounting and financial human resources and succession planning within the Company;
Submit the minutes of all meetings of the Audit Committee to, or discuss the matters discussed at each committee meeting with, the Board of Directors; and
Investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties, with the power to retain outside counsel for this purpose, if, in its judgment, that is appropriate.
The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, including procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.
Nominating Committee
The members of the Nominating Committee are:
Daniel O. Hayden, Chairman
Samuel P. Sears, Jr.
Donald A. McAfee, Ph.D.
The Nominating Committee had five meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006. All members of the Nominating Committee are independent, as such term is defined by the Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards. The Nominating Committee undertakes to:
Identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and to make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to candidates for nomination for election at the next annual meeting of shareholders or at such other times when candidates surface and, in connection therewith, consider suggestions submitted by shareholders of the Company;
Determine and make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the criteria to be used for selecting new members of the Board of Directors;
Oversee the process of evaluation of the performance of the Companys Board of Directors and committees;
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Make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the membership of committees of the Board and the chairpersons of the respective committees;
Make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the remuneration paid and benefits provided to members of the Board in connection with their service on the Board or on its committees; and
Evaluate Board and committee tenure policies as well as policies covering the retirement or resignation of incumbent directors.
The Board of Directors has determined to provide a process by which shareholders may communicate with the Board as a whole, a Board committee or individual director. Shareholders wishing to communicate with the Board as a whole, a Board committee or an individual member may do so by sending a written communication addressed to the Board of Directors of the Company or to the committee or to an individual director, c/o Secretary, Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc., 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. All communications will be compiled by the Secretary of the Company and submitted to the Board of Directors or the addressee not later than the next regular Board meeting.
PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHIES
(ITEM 1 ON THE PROXY CARD)
Nominees for election as Class I members of the Board of Directors to serve three year terms expiring in 2010:
PAUL DSYLVA
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Age 37
Director since 2007
Dr. DSylva assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer of the Company in January 2007. Dr. DSylva is also the co-founder and Managing Director of PharmAust. Prior to the listing of PharmAust, Dr. DSylva served as the Director of Research and Development at Murdoch University from 2001 to 2005. Dr. DSylva has a strong track record in raising investment capital for early stage business ventures and has led the development of a number of successful research joint-venture institutes, companies and funds. During his tenure at Murdoch University, he founded and directed the AU$12.5m Investment Fund Murdoch Westscheme Enterprise Partnership, founded and directed the commercial consulting company MurdochLink Pty Ltd, and was involved in the establishment and governance of a number of key research centers and institutes. He sits on the advisory board of the Centre for
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Computational Comparative Genomics, a joint-venture research institute in Bioinformatics based at Murdoch University and retains a non-executive role at Murdoch University as an Adjunct Professor of Business. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in public finance and econometrics.
JAMES D. CAUSEY
Director
Age 53
Independent Director since 2004
Since 2004, Mr. Causey has served as Vice President of Trader Publishing Company, a nationwide network of classified publications. From 2003 until 2004, Mr. Causey served as a consultant in the publishing industry. From 1999 to 2003, Mr. Causey served as the chief executive officer of Sabot Publishing, a Richmond, Virginia based publisher of leading special interest publications. Mr. Causey received a masters degree in business from the University of Maryland.
Nominee for election as a Class II member of the Board of Directors to serve a one year term expiring in 2008:
DANIEL O. HAYDEN
Nominee for Independent Director
Age 59
Independent Director since 2007
Mr. Hayden has been employed by Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, Massachusetts (Genzyme), since 1999. Since 2003, Mr. Hayden has served as a Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Pharmaceuticals Business Unit of Genzyme. Prior to 2003, Mr. Hayden served Genzyme in a Vice President capacity. Genzyme is a leading, global biotechnology company, and its Pharmaceuticals Business Unit is a global specialty pharmaceutical chemicals business focused on the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates in the lipid and peptide markets. Mr. Hayden serves as the Chairman of the internal Genzyme, Liestal Switzerland Board of Directors.
Class II members of the Board of Directors whose terms continue to 2008:
ROBERT B. HARRIS, PH.D.
President and Director
Age 54
Director since 1992
Since founding the Company in 1992, Dr. Harris has served as the President and a director of the Company. He also served the Company as its Chief Executive Officer from 2002 to 2007. Until 1997, Dr. Harris was employed in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), first as an Assistant, then Associate and finally a full
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Professor. Dr. Harris received a joint bachelors degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Rochester, and a masters degree and a doctorate degree in Biochemistry/Biophysical Chemistry from New York University.
SAMUEL P. SEARS, JR.
Independent Director
Age 63
Director since 2001
Since March 1999, Mr. Sears has been in private practice as an attorney and has been providing business consulting services. From December 1998 through February 1999, Mr. Sears served as Vice Chairman of American Prescription Providers, Inc., a specialty pharmacy network offering prescriptions and nutriceuticals to patients with chronic diseases. From 1995 through May 1998, Mr. Sears was Chief Executive Officer and Chairman to Star Scientific, Inc., a tobacco company focusing on demonstrating the commercial viability of potentially less harmful tobacco products. Mr. Sears is a graduate of Harvard College and Boston College Law School.
Class III members of the Board of Directors whose terms continue to 2009:
RICHARD J. FREER, PH.D.
Chairman of the Board, Chief Operating Officer and Director
Age 63
Director since 1992
Since founding the Company in 1992, Dr. Freer has served as the Chairman of the Board and a director of the Company. He assumed the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2002. From 1975 until 1997, Dr. Freer was employed in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at VCU, first as an Associate Professor and then a full Professor. In addition, from 1988 through 1995, Dr. Freer was first Director and then Chair of the Biomedical Engineering Program. From 1996 through 1997, Dr. Freer served as Professor in VCUs Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics. Dr. Freer received a bachelors degree in Biology from Marist College and a doctorate degree in Pharmacology from Columbia University.
DONALD A. MCAFEE, PH.D.
Independent Director
Age 65
Director since 2001
Since 2003, Dr. McAfee has served as Vice President of Research and Chief Scientific Officer for Cardiome Pharma Corp., a Vancouver-based drug discovery and development company. In addition, since 2004, Dr. McAfee has also served as a consultant for McAfee Scientific, a drug development consulting firm. In 1994, he co-founded Aderis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (formerly Discovery Therapeutics, Inc.), a clinical stage pharmaceutical company, where he served as Chief Technical Officer and Director. Before organizing Discovery Therapeutics, Dr. McAfee served for eight years as Vice President, Research, at Whitby Research, Inc., Richmond, Virginia (formerly Nelson Research and Development, Irvine, California), managing drug discovery programs. Prior to entering industry, Dr. McAfee served as Chairman of the Division of Neurosciences at the Beckman Research Institute (City of
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Hope), Duarte, California, and held faculty appointments at the Yale University School of Medicine and the University of Miami School of Medicine. Dr. McAfee earned his Ph.D. in Physiology at the University of Oregon School of Medicine, and has authored more than 100 articles and book chapters in neuroscience and pharmacology. He is currently an adjunct professor at the Medical College of Virginia and a Director of the Virginia Biotech Association, an industry advocacy group. Dr. McAfee currently serves as a director of Duska Scientific Co., an emerging biopharmaceutical company.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF EACH OF THESE
NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
PROPOSAL TWO
APPROVAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
(ITEM 2 ON THE PROXY CARD)
What am I voting on?
The Board of Directors adopted The Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) on March 23, 2007, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company.
The Board of Directors believes that the 2007 Plan will advance the long-term success of the Company by encouraging stock ownership among key employees and members of the Board who are not employees (Nonemployee Directors).
How is the 2007 Plan administered?
The 2007 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee). Awards made to Nonemployee Directors will be approved by the Board. The 2007 Plan provides the Committee flexibility to design compensatory awards that are responsive to the Companys needs. Subject to the terms of the 2007 Plan, the Committee has the discretion to determine the terms of each award. The Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant awards to participants who are not directors or executive officers of the Company. The Committee must fix the total number of shares that may be subject to grants made under this delegation.
What kind of awards may be granted?
Awards under the 2007 Plan may be in the form of stock options or shares of restricted or incentive stock.
Who is eligible to receive awards?
Employees of the Company and Nonemployee Directors may be selected by the Committee to receive awards under the 2007 Plan. The benefits or amounts that may be received by or allocated to participants under the 2007 Plan will be determined at the discretion of the Committee and are not presently determinable.
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How many shares are available for issuance under the 2007 Plan?
The maximum number of shares as to which stock awards may be granted under the 2007 Plan is 1,000,000 shares. The fair market value of a share of the Companys common stock on March 21, 2007 was $1.96, as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market.
Are there limits on grants to individual participants or other grant limits?
Yes. No participant may receive awards during any one calendar year representing more than 50,000 shares of common stock. This limit is subject to adjustment by the Committee as provided in the 2007 Plan for stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations and other similar transactions or events.
Upon what terms may options be awarded?
Options may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, provided that only employees may be granted incentive stock options. The option may specify that the option price is payable (i) in cash, (ii) by the transfer to the Company of unrestricted stock, (iii) with any other legal consideration the Committee may deem appropriate or (iv) by any combination of the foregoing. No stock option may be exercised more than 10 years from the date of grant. Each grant may specify a period of continuous employment or service with the Company or any subsidiary that is necessary before the stock option or any portion thereof will become exercisable and may provide for the earlier exercise of the option in the event of a change in control of the Company or similar event.
Upon what terms may restricted stock be awarded?
An award of restricted stock involves the immediate transfer by the Company to a participant of ownership of a specific number of shares of common stock in return for the performance of services. The participant is entitled immediately to voting, dividend and other ownership rights in such shares, subject to the discretion of the Committee. The transfer may be made without additional consideration from the participant. The Committee may specify performance objectives that must be achieved for the restrictions to lapse. Restricted stock must be subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture within the meaning of Internal Revenue Code (Code) Section 83 for a period to be determined by the Committee on the grant date and any grant or sale may provide for the earlier termination of such risk of forfeiture in the event of a change of control of the Company or similar event.
Upon what terms may incentive stock be awarded?
An award of incentive stock granted under the 2007 Plan represents the right to receive a specific number of shares at the end of a specified deferral period. Any grant of deferred shares may be further conditioned upon the attainment of performance objectives.
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The grant may provide for the early termination of the deferral period in the event of a change in control of the Company or similar event. During the deferral period, the participant is not entitled to vote or receive dividends on the shares subject to the aware, but the Compensation Committee may provide for the payment of dividend equivalents on a current or deferred basis. The grant of deferred shares may be made without any consideration from the participant other than the performance of future services.
Are awards made under the 2007 Plan transferable?
Except as provided below, no award under the 2007 Plan may be transferred by a participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and stock options and stock appreciation rights may be exercised during the participants lifetime only by the participant or, in the event of the participants legal incapacity, the guardian or legal representative acting on behalf of the participant. The Committee may expressly provide in an award agreement (other than an incentive stock option) that the participant may transfer the award to a spouse or lineal descendant, a trust for the exclusive benefit of such family members, a partnership or other entity in which all the beneficial owners are such family members, or any other entity affiliated with the participant that the Committee may approve.
When does the 2007 Plan terminate?
The 2007 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of the date it is approved by shareholders, and no award will be granted under the plan after that date.
How can the 2007 Plan be amended?
The 2007 Plan may be amended by the Board of Directors, but without further approval by the shareholders of the Company no such amendment may increase the limitations set forth in the 2007 Plan on the number of shares that may be issued under the 2007 Plan or any of the limitations on awards to individual participants. The Board may condition any amendment on the approval of the shareholders if such approval is necessary or deemed advisable with respect to the applicable listing or other requirements of a national securities exchange or other applicable laws, policies or regulations.
What are the tax consequences of the 2007 Plan?
The following is a brief summary of certain of the federal income tax consequences of certain transactions under the 2007 Plan. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and does not describe state or local tax consequences.
In general, an optionee will not recognize income at the time a nonqualified stock option is granted. At the time of exercise, the optionee will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the option price paid for the shares and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise. At the time of sale of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, any appreciation (or depreciation) in the value of the shares after the date of exercise generally will be treated as capital gain (or loss).
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An optionee generally will not recognize income upon the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. If shares issued to an optionee upon the exercise of an incentive stock option are not disposed of in a disqualifying disposition within two years after the date of grant or within one year after the transfer of the shares to the optionee, then upon the sale of the shares any amount realized in excess of the option price generally will be taxed to the optionee as long-term capital gain and any loss sustained will be a long-term capital loss. If shares acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option are disposed of prior to the expiration of either holding period described above, the optionee generally will recognize ordinary income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to any excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of the shares) over the option price paid for the shares. Any further gain (or loss) realized by the optionee generally will be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain (or loss) depending on the holding period.
Subject to certain exceptions for death or disability, if an optionee exercises an incentive stock option more than three months after termination of employment, the exercise of the option will be taxed as the exercise of a nonqualified stock option. In addition, if an optionee is subject to federal alternative minimum tax, the exercise of an incentive stock option will be treated essentially the same as a nonqualified stock option for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.
A recipient of restricted stock generally will be subject to tax at ordinary income rates on the fair market value of the restricted stock (reduced by any amount paid by the recipient) at such time as the shares are no longer subject to a risk of forfeiture or restrictions on transfer for purposes of Code Section 83. However, a recipient who so elects under Code Section 83(b) within 30 days of the date of transfer of the restricted stock will recognize ordinary income on the date of transfer of the shares equal to the excess of the fair market value of the restricted stock (determined without regard to the risk of forfeiture or restrictions on transfer) over any purchase price paid for the shares. If a Code Section 83(b) election has not been made, any dividends received with respect to restricted stock that are subject at that time to a risk of forfeiture or restrictions on transfer generally will be treated as compensation that is taxable as ordinary income to the recipient.
To the extent that a participant recognizes ordinary income in the circumstances described above, the Company or subsidiary for which the participant performs services will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, provided that, among other things, the income meets the test of reasonableness, is an ordinary and necessary business expense, is not an excess parachute payment within the meaning of Code Section 280G and is not disallowed by the $1,000,000 limitation on certain executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Where can I get a copy of the 2007 Plan?
This summary is not a complete description of all provisions of the 2007 Plan. A copy of the 2007 Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit A.
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WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL THREE
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION TO CREATE A NEW CLASS OF 1,000,000 SHARES OF
UNDESIGNATED PREFERRED STOCK
(ITEM 3 ON THE PROXY CARD)
The Board of Directors of the Company adopted a resolution unanimously approving and recommending to the Companys shareholders for their approval an amendment to the Companys Articles of Incorporation to provide for the creation of a new class of 1,000,000 shares of what is commonly known as blank check preferred stock. If this resolution is approved by the shareholders, it will be effected by the filing of Articles of Amendment to the Companys Articles of Incorporation (the Amendment), which will occur promptly after the annual meeting of shareholders referenced in this proxy statement. The following discussion is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the proposed Amendment attached to this proxy statement as Exhibit B.
The Board of Directors believes the creation of the preferred stock is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders and believes it is advisable to authorize such shares so that they are available for, among other things, possible issuance in connection with such activities as public or private offerings of shares for cash, dividends payable in stock of the Company, acquisitions of other companies, implementation of employee benefit plans, pursuit of financing opportunities and otherwise. The term blank check preferred stock refers to stock for which the designations, preferences, conversion rights, and cumulative, relative, participating, optional or other rights, including voting rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, are determined by the Board of Directors of a company.
As such, the Board of Directors of the Company will, in the event of the approval of this proposal by the Companys shareholders, be entitled to authorize the creation and issuance of 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series with such limitations and restrictions as may be determined in the sole discretion of the Board of Directors, with no further authorization by shareholders required for the creation and issuance of the preferred stock. Any preferred stock issued would have priority over the Common Stock upon liquidation and might have priority rights as to dividends, voting and other features. Accordingly, the issuance of preferred stock could decrease the amount of earnings and assets allocable to or available for distribution to holders of Common Stock and adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the Common Stock.
Generally, except in connection with a stockholder rights or poison pill plan, preferred stock would be issued to investors in connection with raising additional equity capital, and would typically contain terms and conditions intended to protect the interests of investors. Such terms and conditions typically would include preference over the holders of Common Stock in the proceeds of a sale
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or liquidation of the Company (including the distribution of assets upon a sale of substantially all of its assets and businesses) and priority dividend rights (which may include cumulative dividends), and might include special voting rights, special conversion rights and redemption rights. Such rights, either alone or in combination under particular circumstances, can provide the holders of preferred stock with a disproportionate share of current distribution of earnings by way of dividends, or of the proceeds of a sale or liquidation, or disproportionate rights of approval with respect to certain kinds of transactions, compared to those of the holders of Common Stock.
The Board of Directors does not believe that the approval of this proposal will have an anti-takeover effect, and, as noted below, has represented that such preferred stock will not be issued for such purpose. The Board of Directors and management believe that it is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders to have the flexibility to raise additional capital or to pursue acquisitions to support the Companys business plan, including the ability to authorize and issue preferred stock having terms and conditions satisfactory to investors or to acquisition candidates, including preferred stock which contains some features which could be viewed as having an anti-takeover effect or a potentially adverse effect on the holders of Common Stock. The Board of Directors and management of the Company represent that they will not, without prior stockholder approval, issue any preferred stock (i) the principal intent of which is any defensive or anti-takeover purpose or (ii) to implement any stockholder rights plan. No preferred stock will be issued to any individual or group for the purpose of creating a block of voting power to support management on a controversial issue. While the Company may consider issuing preferred stock in the future for the purposes of raising additional capital or in connection with acquisition transactions, the Company presently has no agreements or understanding with any person to effect any such issuance, and the Company may never issue any preferred stock. Therefore, the terms of any preferred stock subject to this proposal cannot be stated or predicted with respect to any or all of the securities authorized.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL FOUR
APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANYS ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF
COMMON STOCK FROM 10,000,000 TO 100,000,000
(ITEM 4 ON THE PROXY CARD)
The Board of Directors has approved, and is recommending to the shareholders for approval at the annual meeting, an amendment to Article III of the Companys Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of Common Stock which the Company is authorized to issue from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000. The Board of Directors has determined that this amendment is advisable and should be considered at the annual meeting of shareholders referenced in this proxy statement. The full text of the proposed amendment to the Articles of Incorporation is set forth in Exhibit B hereto.
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The proposed amendment would increase the number of shares of Common Stock the Company is authorized to issue from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000. The additional 90,000,000 shares would be a part of the existing class of Common Stock and, if and when issued, would have the same rights and privileges as the shares of Common Stock presently issued and outstanding. At March 21, 2007, 5,484,767 shares of Common Stock were outstanding. The Board of Directors believes it is desirable to increase the number of shares of Common Stock the Company is authorized to issue to provide the Company with adequate flexibility in the future. The Company has no present commitments, agreements, or intent to issue additional shares of Common Stock, other than with respect to currently reserved shares, in connection with transactions in the ordinary course of the Companys business, or shares which may be issued under the Companys stock incentive plans.
The proposed amendment to Article III would permit the issuance of additional shares up to the new 100,000,000 maximum authorization without further action or authorization by shareholders (except as may be required in a specific case by law or the Nasdaq Stock Market rules). The Board believes it is prudent for the Company to have this flexibility. The holders of the Common Stock of the Company are not entitled to preemptive rights or cumulative voting. Accordingly, the issuance of additional shares of Common Stock might dilute, under certain circumstances, the ownership and voting rights of Shareholders. The proposed increase in the number of shares of Common Stock the Company is authorized to issue is not intended to inhibit a change in control of the Company. The availability for issuance of additional shares of Common Stock could discourage, or make more difficult, efforts to obtain control of the Company. For example, the issuance of shares of Common Stock in a public or private sale, merger, or similar transaction would increase the number of outstanding shares, thereby possibly diluting the interest of a party attempting to obtain control of the Company. The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened efforts to acquire control of the Company.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ADOPTION OF THIS PROPOSAL.
PROPOSAL FIVE
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO SEIDMAN, LLP
(ITEM 5 ON THE PROXY CARD)
What am I voting on?
A proposal to ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys fiscal 2007 independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed BDO Seidman, LLP to serve as the Companys fiscal 2007 independent registered public accounting firm. Although the Companys governing documents do not require the submission of this matter to shareholders, the Board of Directors considers it desirable that the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP be ratified by shareholders.
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What services does BDO Seidman, LLP provide?
Audit services provided by BDO Seidman, LLP for fiscal 2006 included the examination of the consolidated financial statements of the Company; audit of the Companys internal control over financial reporting and services related to periodic filings made with the SEC. In addition, BDO Seidman, LLP provided certain services relating to the Companys quarterly reports.
Will a representative of BDO Seidman, LLP be present at the meeting?
One or more representatives of BDO Seidman, LLP will be present at the meeting. The representatives will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire and will be available to respond to questions from shareholders.
What if this proposal is not approved?
If the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP is not ratified, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment.
WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF BDO
SEIDMAN, LLP AS THE COMPANYS FISCAL 2007 INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.
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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth the compensation paid to or earned by (i) our Chief Executive Officer, and (ii) the Companys two other most highly compensated executive officers (collectively, the Named Executive Officers) during each of the Companys last two fiscal years:
Name and Principal Position(1) |
Year | Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Stock Awards ($)(2) |
Option Awards ($)(2) |
All other Compensation ($) |
Total ($) |
||||||||
Richard J. Freer, Ph.D. |
2006 | 215,250 | 19,714 | 100,333 | | 28,259 | (3) | 363,556 | |||||||
Chairman and COO |
2005 | 205,000 | 18,869 | 50,167 | 24,516 | 21,097 | (4) | 319,649 | |||||||
Robert B. Harris, Ph.D. |
2006 | 215,520 | 19,714 | 6,307 | 32,187 | 23,486 | (5) | 297,214 | |||||||
President |
2005 | 205,000 | 18,869 | | 64,773 | 14,456 | (6) | 303,098 | |||||||
Thomas R. Reynolds |
2006 | 199,500 | 19,714 | 6,307 | 30,610 | 29,103 | (7) | 285,234 | |||||||
Senior Vice President |
2005 | 190,000 | 8,579 | | 64,775 | 21,083 | (8) | 284,437 |
(1) | This table does not include information regarding Dr. DSylva, as he assumed the position of the Companys Chief Executive Officer in January 2007. |
(2) | Amounts reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, in accordance with FAS123(R) and thus may include amounts from awards granted in prior fiscal periods. |
(3) | Consists of a $12,500 travel allowance, a $9,107 payment in lieu of accrued, but unused, personal leave, a $5,930 payment for health and dental insurance and a $722 payment for life and disability insurance. |
(4) | Consists of a $13,000 travel allowance, a $7,428 payment for health and dental insurance and a $669 payment for life and disability insurance. |
(5) | Consists of a $12,500 travel allowance, a $9,107 payment in lieu of accrued, but unused, personal leave, a $1,093 payment for health and dental insurance and a $786 payment for life and disability insurance. |
(6) | Consists of a $13,000 travel allowance and a $787 payment for health and dental insurance. |
(7) | Consists of a $12,500 travel allowance, a $8,440 payment in lieu of accrued, but unused, personal leave, a $8,760 payment for health and dental insurance and a $786 payment for life and disability insurance. |
(8) | Consists of a $13,000 travel allowance, a $7,414 payment for health and dental insurance and a $669 payment for life and disability insurance. |
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OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the value of outstanding equity awards held by the Named Executive Officers as of December 31, 2006.
Name |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable |
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable |
Option Exercise Price ($) |
Option Expiration Date |
Number of That Have Not |
Market Value of Vested ($) (1) |
|||||||||
Richard J. Freer, Ph.D. |
20,263 | | $ | 6.00 | 10/28/2007 | 100,000 | (2) | 196,000 | |||||||
57,894 | | $ | 9.90 | 10/28/2007 | |||||||||||
7,069 | | $ | 3.75 | 12/31/2010 | |||||||||||
26,500 | | $ | 3.85 | 11/09/2011 | |||||||||||
4,606 | | $ | 3.30 | 11/12/2013 | |||||||||||
5,394 | | $ | 3.30 | 11/12/2013 | |||||||||||
| 7,885 | (3) | $ | 4.80 | 01/03/2016 | ||||||||||
Robert B. Harris, Ph.D. |
57,894 | | $ | 9.90 | 10/28/2007 | | | ||||||||
12,619 | | $ | 3.85 | 11/09/2011 | |||||||||||
4,606 | | $ | 3.30 | 11/12/2013 | |||||||||||
5,394 | | $ | 3.30 | 11/12/2013 | |||||||||||
10,000 | | $ | 6.00 | 01/03/2015 | |||||||||||
20,000 | | $ | 5.35 | 02/03/2015 | |||||||||||
3,943 | | $ | 4.80 | 01/03/2006 | |||||||||||
Thomas R. Reynolds |
26,318 | | $ | 9.90 | 10/28/2007 | | | ||||||||
10,291 | | $ | 3.85 | 11/09/2011 | |||||||||||
10,000 | | $ | 3.30 | 11/12/2013 | |||||||||||
10,000 | | $ | 6.00 | 01/03/2015 | |||||||||||
20,000 | | $ | 5.19 | 02/09/2015 | |||||||||||
3,943 | | $ | 4.80 | 01/13/2016 |
(1) | Based upon the closing price of the Companys common stock on March 21, 2007, as reported by the Nasdaq Capital Market of $1.96 per share. |
(2) | Restricted shares vest in equal quarterly installments of 10,000 shares beginning on January 1, 2010. |
(3) | Options vest as of January 1, 2008. |
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MANAGEMENT BUSINESS HISTORY OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
For information as to the business history of Dr. Freer, Dr. Harris and Mr. Reynolds, see the section Proposal One: Election of Directors elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.
JAMES H. BRENNAN
Vice President, Financial Operations
Age 54
Mr. Brennan became the Companys Vice President, Financial Operations in January 2006. From December 1997 until January 2006, he served as the Companys Controller. From 1996 to 1997, Mr. Brennan served as the Controller of Star Tobacco, a tobacco product manufacturer. From 1995, Mr. Brennan was the Controller for Herald Pharmacal, a manufacturer of skin care products. Mr. Brennan received a bachelors degree in Political Science from Mount St. Marys College and a masters degree in Business Administration from Averett College.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS WITH THE COMPANYS
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
RICHARD J. FREER, PH.D.
As of June 27, 2005, the Company entered into an amended employment agreement with Dr. Freer pursuant to which Dr. Freer will serve the Company as Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer. This agreement expires on December 31, 2009. The employment agreement provides Dr. Freer with:
a base salary of at least $205,000, with any amount above such minimum level to be determined by the Board of Directors;
a grant, on January 1, 2007, of incentive stock options to purchase 30,000 shares of the Companys common stock;
an annual bonus to be based upon financial performance criteria determined by the Board of Directors. Assuming full satisfaction of such financial performance criteria, the maximum cash bonus payable shall not be less than $25,000 per year;
a number of annual incentive stock option and restricted stock grants to be based upon financial performance criteria determined by the Board of Directors. Assuming full satisfaction of such financial performance criteria, Dr. Freer is eligible to receive incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 10,000 shares of common stock and 5,000 shares of restricted common stock on a yearly basis. Such options and restricted shares shall vest in three equal yearly installments beginning on the date that is one year following the date of grant;
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a grant of 50,000 shares of restricted common stock on June 27, 2005 and a grant of 50,000 shares of restricted common stock on January 1, 2006, with such shares vesting in quarterly installments of 10,000 shares beginning on January 1, 2010; and
participation in any and all employee benefit plans.
Under the employment agreement, upon Dr. Freers death, the Company shall pay Dr. Freers beneficiary an amount equal to (i) one months salary, and (ii) a cash, option and restricted stock bonus with respect to that portion of the Companys fiscal year completed prior to Dr. Freers death. In addition, upon Dr. Freers death, all unvested, restricted shares of the Companys common stock held by Dr. Freer shall immediately vest.
The Company may terminate Dr. Freers employment at any time for Cause, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, without incurring any continuing obligations to Dr. Freer.
If the Company terminates Dr. Freers employment for any reason other than for Cause or if Dr. Freer terminates his employment for Good Reason, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, Dr. Freer is entitled to (a) a lump cash sum equal to the aggregate amount of salary due to Dr. Freer up through December 31, 2009 and (b) medical, dental and life insurance benefits until December 31, 2009.
To the extent a Change-of-Control, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, occurs during the term of the agreement, Dr. Freer, at his sole option, may deem such event to be a termination of employment without Cause. As a result, Dr. Freer would be entitled to receive the benefits noted above. In addition, all unvested options and shares of restricted stock held by Dr. Freer will immediately vest. In connection with the execution of this agreement, the Company and Dr. Freer terminated that certain Executive Severance Agreement, dated June 27, 1997.
To the extent Dr. Freer becomes Disabled, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, during the term of the agreement, the Company shall continue pay him his full salary and benefits until he shall become eligible for disability income under the Companys disability plan. While receiving disability income payments, the Company shall pay Dr. Freer the difference between such payments and his salary (without bonus), and he shall continue to participate in the Companys benefit plans until December 31, 2009.
The agreement contains a non-competition provision, which prohibits Dr. Freer from competing with the Company or soliciting its employees under certain circumstances. A court may, however, determine that this non-competition provision is unenforceable or only partially enforceable.
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ROBERT B. HARRIS, PH.D.
As of January 1, 2007, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Dr. Harris pursuant to which Dr. Harris will serve the Company as President. This agreement expires on December 31, 2011. The employment agreement provides Dr. Harris with:
a base salary of at least $225,000, with any amount above such minimum level to be determined by the Board of Directors;
an annual bonus to be based upon financial performance criteria determined by the Board of Directors. Assuming full satisfaction of such financial performance criteria, the maximum cash bonus payable shall not be less than $25,000 per year; and
a number of annual incentive stock option and restricted stock grants to be based upon financial performance criteria determined by the Board of Directors. Assuming full satisfaction of such financial performance criteria, Dr. Harris is eligible to receive incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 5,000 shares of common stock and 5,000 shares of restricted common stock on a yearly basis. Such options and restricted shares shall vest in three equal yearly installments beginning on the date that is one year following the date of grant; and
participation in any and all employee benefit plans.
Under the employment agreement, upon Dr. Harris death, the Company shall pay Dr. Harris beneficiary an amount equal to (a) one months salary, and (b) a cash, option and restricted stock bonus with respect to that portion of the Companys fiscal year completed prior to Dr. Harris death.
The Company may terminate Dr. Harris employment at any time for Cause, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, without incurring any continuing obligations to Dr. Harris.
If the Company terminates Dr. Harris employment for any reason other than for Cause or if Dr. Harris terminates his employment for Good Reason, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, Dr. Harris is entitled to (a) receive salary and benefits for a period of twelve months following the date of termination and (b) medical, dental and life insurance benefits until December 31, 2011.
To the extent that the Company has not offered to renew this agreement or enter into another employment arrangement with substantially similar or better terms for Dr. Harris on or before the date that is one year prior to the expiration date of this agreement, Dr. Harris may declare the Company in default, and terminate this agreement for Good Reason. As such, Dr. Harris would be entitled to the benefits noted above for such a termination.
To the extent a Change-of-Control, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, occurs during the term of the agreement, Dr. Harris, at his sole option, may deem such event to be a termination of employment without Cause. As a result, Dr. Harris would be entitled to receive the benefits noted above. In addition, all unvested options and shares of restricted stock held by Dr. Harris will immediately vest.
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To the extent Dr. Harris becomes Disabled, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, during the term of the agreement, the Company shall continue pay him his full salary and benefits until he shall become eligible for disability income under the Companys disability plan. While receiving disability income payments, the Company shall pay Dr. Harris the difference between such payments and his salary (without bonus), and he shall continue to participate in the Companys benefit plans until December 31, 2011.
The agreement contains a non-competition provision, which prohibits Dr. Harris from competing with the Company or soliciting its employees under certain circumstances. A court may, however, determine that this non-competition provision is unenforceable or only partially enforceable.
THOMAS R. REYNOLDS
As of January 1, 2005, the Company entered into an amended employment agreement with Mr. Reynolds pursuant to which Mr. Reynolds will serve the Company as Executive Vice President for Science and Technology. This agreement expires on December 31, 2007. The employment agreement provides Mr. Reynolds with:
a base salary of at least $190,000, with any amount above such minimum level to be determined by the Board of Directors;
a grant of incentive stock options to purchase 30,000 shares of the Companys common stock on January 1, 2005;
an annual bonus to be based upon financial performance criteria determined by the Board of Directors. Assuming full satisfaction of such financial performance criteria, the maximum cash bonus payable shall not be less than $25,000 per year;
a number of annual incentive stock option and restricted stock grants to be based upon financial performance criteria determined by the Board of Directors. Assuming full satisfaction of such financial performance criteria, Mr. Reynolds is eligible to receive incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 5,000 shares of common stock and 5,000 shares of restricted common stock on a yearly basis. Such options and restricted shares shall vest in three equal yearly installments beginning on the date that is one year following the date of grant; and
participation in any and all employee benefit plans.
Under the employment agreement, upon Mr. Reynolds death, the Company shall pay Mr. Reynolds beneficiary an amount equal to (a) one months salary, and (b) a cash, option and restricted stock bonus with respect to that portion of the Companys fiscal year completed prior to Mr. Reynolds death.
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The Company may terminate Mr. Reynolds employment at any time for Cause, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, without incurring any continuing obligations to Mr. Reynolds.
If the Company terminates Mr. Reynolds employment for any reason other than for Cause or if Mr. Reynolds terminates his employment for Good Reason, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, Mr. Reynolds is entitled to (a) receive salary and benefits for a period of twelve months following the date of termination and (b) medical, dental and life insurance benefits until December 31, 2007.
To the extent that the Company has not offered to renew this agreement or enter into another employment arrangement with substantially similar or better terms for Mr. Reynolds on or before the date that is one year prior to the expiration date of this agreement, Mr. Reynolds may declare the Company in default, and terminate this agreement for Good Reason. As such, Mr. Reynolds would be entitled to the benefits noted above for such a termination.
To the extent a Change-of-Control, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, occurs during the term of the agreement, Mr. Reynolds, at his sole option, may deem such event to be a termination of employment without Cause. As a result, Mr. Reynolds would be entitled to receive the benefits noted above. In addition, all unvested options and shares of restricted stock held by Mr. Reynolds will immediately vest. In connection with the execution of this agreement, the Company and Mr. Reynolds terminated that certain Executive Severance Agreement, dated June 27, 1997.
To the extent Mr. Reynolds becomes Disabled, as such term is defined in the employment agreement, during the term of the agreement, the Company shall continue pay him his full salary and benefits until he shall become eligible for disability income under the Companys disability plan. While receiving disability income payments under such plan, the Company shall pay Mr. Reynolds the difference between such payments and his salary (without bonus), and he shall continue to participate in the Companys benefit plans until December 31, 2007.
The agreement contains a non-competition provision, which prohibits Mr. Reynolds from competing with the Company or soliciting its employees under certain circumstances. A court may, however, determine that this non-competition provision is unenforceable or only partially enforceable.
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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT AND FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Who served on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors?
The members of the Audit Committee as of December 31, 2006 were Samuel P. Sears, Jr., James D. Causey, Joseph R. Slay and Gerald P. Krueger. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Board of Directors has determined that Samuel P. Sears, Jr., who is an independent director, is an audit committee financial expert as such term is defined in Item 401(h)(2) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.
What document governs the activities of the Audit Committee?
The Audit Committee acts under a written charter, which sets forth its responsibilities and duties, as well as requirements for the Audit Committees composition and meetings. The Audit Committee Charter is available on the Companys website at www.cbi-biotech.com under Investor Relations.
How does the Audit Committee conduct its meetings?
During 2006, the Audit Committee met with the senior members of the Companys financial management team and the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committees agenda was established by the Chairman. At each meeting, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed various financial and regulatory issues. The Audit Committee also had private, separate sessions from time to time with representatives of BDO Seidman, LLP and the Companys Controller, at which meetings candid discussions of financial management, accounting and internal control issues took place.
Does the Audit Committee review the periodic reports and other public financial disclosures of the Company?
The Audit Committee reviews each of the Companys quarterly and annual reports, including Managements Discussion of Results of Operations and Financial Condition. As part of this review, the Audit Committee discusses the reports with the Companys management and considers the audit and review reports prepared by the independent registered public accounting firm about the Companys quarterly and annual reports, as well as related matters such as the quality (and not just the acceptability) of the Companys accounting principles, alternative methods of accounting under generally accepted accounting principles and the preferences of the independent registered public accounting firm in this regard, the Companys critical accounting policies and the clarity and completeness of the Companys financial and other disclosures.
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What is the role of the Audit Committee in connection with the financial statements and controls of the Company?
Management of the Company has primary responsibility for the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm has responsibility for the audit of the Companys financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. The responsibility of the Audit Committee is to oversee financial and control matters, among other responsibilities fulfilled by the Committee under its charter. The Committee meets regularly with the independent registered public accounting firm, without the presence of management, to ensure candid and constructive discussions about the Companys compliance with accounting standards and best practices among public companies comparable in size and scope to the Company. The Audit Committee also regularly reviews with its outside advisors material developments in the law and accounting literature that may be pertinent to the Companys financial reporting practices.
What has the Audit Committee done with regard to the Companys audited financial statements for fiscal 2006?
The Audit Committee has:
reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with the Companys management; and
discussed with BDO Seidman, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Company, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended.
Has the Audit Committee considered the independence of the Companys auditors?
The Audit Committee has received from BDO Seidman, LLP the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, and the Audit Committee has discussed with BDO Seidman, LLP its independence. The Audit Committee has concluded that BDO Seidman, LLP is independent from the Company and its management.
Has the Audit Committee made a recommendation regarding the audited financial statements for fiscal 2006?
Based upon its review and the discussions with management and the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements for the Company be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for fiscal 2006.
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Has the Audit Committee reviewed the fees paid to the independent registered public accounting firm during fiscal 2006?
The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the fees paid to BDO Seidman, LLP during 2006 for audit, audit-related, tax and other services, which are set forth below under Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm. The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with BDO Seidman, LLPs independence.
Who prepared this report?
This report has been furnished by the members of the Audit Committee as of December 31, 2006:
Samuel P. Sears, Jr., Chairman
James D. Causey
Donald A. McAfee, Ph.D.
What is the Companys policy regarding the retention of the Companys auditors?
The Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding the retention of the independent registered public accounting firm that requires pre-approval of all services by the Audit Committee.
FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Audit Fees
During fiscal 2006 and 2005, the Company paid BDO Seidman, LLPs fees in the aggregate amount of $66,000 and $62,500, respectively, for the annual audit of our financial statements and the quarterly reviews of the financial statements included in our Forms 10-QSB.
Audit Related Fees
During fiscal 2006 and 2005, the Company paid BDO Seidman, LLP $8,075 and $18,790, respectively, for audit-related services.
Tax Fees
During fiscal 2006 and 2005, the Company paid BDO Seidman, LLP $6,725 and $8,013, respectively, for tax services.
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All Other Fees
Aggregate fees billed for all other services rendered by BDO Seidman, LLP for fiscal 2006 and 2005 were $0 and $0, respectively.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK
This table below contains certain information about the beneficial owners known to the Company as of March 21, 2007 of more than 5% of the Companys outstanding shares of common stock.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned |
Percent of Class | |||
PharmAust Chemistry Ltd(1) 11 Duerdin Street Clayton, Victoria 3168 Australia |
2,150,000 | 39.2 | % | ||
Richard J. Freer, Ph.D.(2) 601 Biotech Drive Richmond, Virginia 23235 |
327,460 | 5.8 |
(1) | As of February 9, 2007, the Company acquired the outstanding capital stock of Mimotopes Pty Ltd, an Australian limited company (Mimotopes), from PharmAust Chemistry Ltd, an Australian limited company and the parent company of Mimotopes (PharmAust Chemistry). The Company issued 2,150,000 unregistered shares of its common stock to PharmAust Chemistry as consideration for such acquisition. The shares of common stock issued by the Company to PharmAust Chemistry represent approximately 39.2% of the Companys outstanding common stock on a post-transaction basis. In connection with this acquisition, PharmAust Chemistry entered into a Voting and Lock-Up Agreement with the Company and PharmAust Limited, PharmAust Chemistrys parent company (PharmAust). Pursuant to the Voting and Lock-Up Agreement, PharmAust Chemistry and PharmAust agreed, for so long as either holds shares of the Companys common stock, to vote such shares in favor of all director nominees who are nominated by the Companys Nominating Committee. In addition, PharmAust and PharmAust Chemistry agreed that each will not offer, sell, contract to sell, or otherwise dispose of any shares of the Companys common stock for a period of one year following the closing of the acquisition. |
(2) | For a complete description of the shares beneficially owned by Dr. Freer, please refer to footnote (3) on page 34 of this proxy. |
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This table demonstrates the alignment of the interests of the Companys directors and executive officers with the interests of our shareholders by showing how much of our outstanding common stock is beneficially owned by our directors, each of the Named Executive Officers and all directors and Named Executive Officers as a group as of March 23, 2006. Except as otherwise noted, the beneficial owners listed have sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership |
Percentage of Class (%)(1) |
||
Paul DSylva, Ph.D.(2) |
2,150,000 | 39.2 | ||
Richard J. Freer, Ph.D.(3) |
327,460 | 5.8 | ||
Robert B. Harris, Ph.D.(4) |
197,152 | 3.5 | ||
Thomas R. Reynolds(5) |
125,912 | 2.3 | ||
Samuel P. Sears, Jr.(6) |
98,476 | 1.8 | ||
Donald A. McAfee, Ph.D.(7) |
35,267 | * | ||
James D. Causey(8) |
22,000 | * | ||
Gerald P. Krueger(9) |
26,000 | * | ||
Daniel O. Hayden(10) |
5,000 | * | ||
All directors and executive officers as a group (9 persons)(11) |
2,987,267 | 49.9 |
* | Less than 1%. |
(1) | Applicable percentages are based on 5,484,767 shares outstanding on March 23, 2007. Also includes shares of common stock subject to options and warrants that may be exercised within 60 days of March 23, 2007. Such shares are deemed to be outstanding for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of the individual holding such shares, but are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing the percentage of any other person shown in the table. This table is based upon information supplied by officers, directors, and principal shareholders and Schedule 13Gs filed with the SEC. Unless indicated in the footnotes to this table and subject to community property laws where applicable, CBI believes that each of the shareholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. |
(2) | Dr. DSylvas address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Dr. DSylva represents shares of the Companys common stock held by PharmAust Chemistry Ltd. Dr. DSylva currently serves as a Director of PharmAust Chemistry Ltd and as the Managing Director of PharmAust Limited, the parent company of PharmAust Chemistry Ltd. |
(3) | Dr. Freers address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Dr. Freer includes currently exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 121,726 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 31,169 shares of common stock. |
(4) | Dr. Harris address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Dr. Harris includes currently exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 114,456 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 28,947 shares of common stock. |
(5) | Mr. Reynolds address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Dr. Reynolds includes currently exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 80,552 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 13,158 shares of common stock. |
(6) | Mr. Sears address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Mr. Sears includes currently exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 32,029 shares of common stock. |
(7) | Mr. McAfees address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Mr. McAfee includes currently exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 32,029 shares of common stock. |
(8) | Mr. Causeys address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Mr. Causey includes currently exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 21,000 shares of common stock. |
(9) | Mr. Kruegers address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Mr. Krueger includes currently exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 21,000 shares of common stock. |
(10) | Mr. Haydens address is 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235. The number of shares deemed to be beneficially held by Mr. Hayden represent currently exercisable options to purchase an aggregate of 5,000 shares of common stock. |
(11) | Includes currently exercisable options and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 501,066 shares of common stock within 60 days of March 23, 2007. |
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GENERAL
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of the Board of Directors who served on the Compensation Committee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 were officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure under SEC regulations.
Compliance with Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Requirements
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys directors and executive officers and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Companys equity securities to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission reports of ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of the Companys common stock. Directors, executive officers and greater than ten percent shareholders are required to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of these reports furnished to the Company or written representations that no other reports were required, we believe that all reports were timely made.
Availability of Form 10-KSB and Annual Report to Shareholders
Rules promulgated by the SEC require us to provide an Annual Report to Shareholders who receive this Proxy Statement. We will also provide copies of the Annual Report to brokers, dealers, banks, voting trustees and their nominees for the benefit of their beneficial owners of record. Additional copies of the Annual Report, along with copies of our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 (without exhibits or documents incorporated by reference), are available without charge to shareholders upon written request to Secretary, Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc., 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235, by calling (804) 648-3820 or via the Internet at www.cbi-biotech.com.
Shareholder Proposals
To be considered for inclusion in next years Proxy Statement or considered at next years annual meeting but not included in the Proxy Statement, shareholder proposals must be submitted in writing by January 20, 2008. All written proposals should be submitted to: Secretary, Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc., 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23235.
Other Proposed Actions
If any other items or matters properly come before the meeting, the proxies received will be voted on those items or matters in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.
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Solicitation by Board; Expenses of Solicitation
Our Board of Directors has sent you this Proxy Statement. Our directors, officers and associates may solicit proxies by telephone or in person. We will also reimburse the expenses of brokers, nominees and fiduciaries that send proxies and proxy materials to our shareholders.
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EXHIBIT A
COMMONWEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Purpose and Effective Date.
(a) The purpose of the Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the Plan) is to further the long term stability and financial success of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. (the Company) by attracting and retaining personnel, including employees, non-employee directors, and consultants, through the use of stock incentives. It is believed that ownership of Company stock will stimulate the efforts of those employees upon whose judgment, interest and efforts the Company is and will be largely dependent for the successful conduct of its business.
(b) The Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on March 23, 2007 (the Effective Date), subject to the approval of the Companys shareholders.
2. Definitions.
(a) Act. The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(b) Affiliate. The meaning assigned to the term affiliate under Rule 12b-2 of the Act.
(c) Applicable Withholding Taxes. The aggregate amount of federal, state and local income and payroll taxes that the Company is required to withhold (based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates) in connection with any exercise of an Option or the award, lapse of restrictions or payment with respect to Restricted Stock.
(d) Award. The award of an Option or Restricted Stock under the Plan.
(e) Beneficiary. The person or persons entitled to receive a benefit pursuant to an Award upon the death of a Participant.
(f) Board. The Board of Directors of the Company.
(g) Cause. Dishonesty, fraud, misconduct, gross incompetence, gross negligence, breach of a material fiduciary duty, material breach of an agreement with the Company, unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information or trade secrets, or conviction or confession of a crime punishable by law (except minor violations), in each case as determined by the Committee, which determination shall be binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Cause is defined in an employment agreement between a Participant and the Company, Cause shall have the meaning assigned to it in such agreement.
(h) Change of Control.
(i) The acquisition by any unrelated person of beneficial ownership (as that term is used for purposes of the Act) of 50% or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. The term unrelated person means any person
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other than (x) the Company and its subsidiaries, (y) an employee benefit plan or related trust sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries, and (z) a person who acquires stock of the Company pursuant to an agreement with the Company that is approved by the Board in advance of the acquisition. For purposes of this subsection, a person means an individual, entity or group, as that term is used for purposes of the Act;
(ii) Any tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination, sale of assets or any combination of the foregoing transactions, and the Company is not the surviving corporation; and
(iii) A liquidation of the Company.
(i) Code. The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(j) Committee. The Committee appointed to administer the Plan pursuant to Plan Section 14. All of the Committee members shall be Non-Employee Directors as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Act or any similar or successor rule.
(k) Company. Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc.
(l) Company Stock. Common stock of the Company. In the event of a change in the capital structure of the Company (as provided in Section 12 below), the shares resulting from such a change shall be deemed to be Company Stock within the meaning of the Plan.
(m) Consultant. A person rendering services to the Company who is not an employee for purposes of employment tax withholding under the Code.
(n) Corporate Change. A consolidation, merger, dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or a sale or distribution of assets or stock (other than in the ordinary course of business) of the Company; provided that, unless the Committee determines otherwise, a Corporate Change shall only be considered to have occurred with respect to Participants whose business unit is affected by the Corporate Change.
(o) Date of Grant. The date as of which an Award is made by the Committee.
(p) Disability or Disabled. As to an Incentive Stock Option, a Disability within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3). As to all other Incentive Awards, the Committee shall determine whether a Disability exists and such determination shall be conclusive.
(q) Fair Market Value.
(i) If Company Stock is traded on a national securities exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market, the average of the highest and lowest registered sales prices of Company Stock on such exchange or the Nasdaq Stock Market;
(ii) If Company Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market, the average between the closing bid and asked prices as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market; or
(iii) If shares of Company Stock are not publicly traded, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee using any reasonable method in good faith.
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Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the applicable date specified in the Plan or, if there are no trades on such date, the value shall be determined as of the last preceding day on which Company Stock is traded.
(r) Incentive Stock Option. An Option intended to meet the requirements of, and qualify for favorable Federal income tax treatment under, Code Section 422.
(s) Nonstatutory Stock Option. An Option that does not meet the requirements of Code Section 422, or that is otherwise not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option and is so designated.
(t) Option. A right to purchase Company Stock granted under the Plan, at a price determined in accordance with the Plan.
(u) Participant. Any individual who receives an Award under the Plan.
(v) Restricted Stock. Company Stock awarded upon the terms and subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7 below.
(w) Rule 16b-3. Rule 16b-3 of the Act, including any corresponding subsequent rule or any amendments to Rule 16b-3 enacted after the effective date of the Plan.
(x) 10% Shareholder. A person who owns, directly or indirectly, stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or an Affiliate. Indirect ownership of stock shall be determined in accordance with Code Section 424(d).
3. General. Awards of Options and Restricted Stock may be granted under the Plan. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options.
4. Stock. Subject to Section 12 of the Plan, there shall be reserved for issuance under the Plan a total of 1,000,000 unissued shares of Company Stock. Shares allocable to Options granted under the Plan that expire or otherwise terminate unexercised and shares that are forfeited pursuant to restrictions on Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan may again be subjected to an Award under this Plan. For purposes of determining the number of shares that are available for Awards under the Plan, such number shall, if permissible under Rule 16b-3, include the number of shares surrendered by a Participant or retained by the Company (a) in connection with the exercise of an Option or (b) in payment of Applicable Withholding Taxes.
5. Eligibility.
(a) Any employee of, non-employee director of, or Consultant to the Company who, in the judgment of the Committee, has contributed or can be expected to contribute to the profits or growth of the Company is eligible to become a Participant. The Committee shall have the power and complete discretion, as provided in Section 14, to select eligible Participants and to determine for each Participant the terms, conditions and nature of the Award and the number of shares to be allocated as part of the Award; provided, however, that any award made to a member of the Committee must be approved by the Board. The Committee is expressly authorized to make an Award to a Participant conditioned on the surrender for cancellation of an existing Award.
(b) The grant of an Award shall not obligate the Company to pay an employee any particular amount of remuneration, to continue the employment of the employee after the grant or to make further grants to the employee at any time thereafter.
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(c) Non-employee directors and Consultants shall not be eligible to receive the Award of an Incentive Stock Option.
(d) The maximum number of shares with respect to which an Award may be granted in any calendar year to any employee during such calendar year shall be 100,000 shares of Company Stock.
6. Stock Options.
(a) Whenever the Committee deems it appropriate to grant Options, notice shall be given to the Participant stating the number of shares for which Options are granted, the Option price per share, whether the options are Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, and the conditions to which the grant and exercise of the Options are subject. This notice, when duly accepted in writing by the Participant, shall become a stock option agreement between the Company and the Participant.
(b) The Committee shall establish the exercise price of Options. The exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such shares on the Date of Grant, provided that if the Participant is a 10% Shareholder, the exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of such shares on the Date of Grant. The exercise price of a Nonstatutory Stock Option Award shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Company Stock covered by the Option on the Date of Grant.
(c) Options may be exercised in whole or in part at such times as may be specified by the Committee in the Participants stock option agreement. The Committee may impose such vesting conditions and other requirements as the Committee deems appropriate, and the Committee may include such provisions regarding a Change of Control or Corporate Change as the Committee deems appropriate.
(d) The Committee shall establish the term of each Option in the Participants stock option agreement. The term of an Incentive Stock Option shall not be longer than ten years from the Date of Grant, except that an Incentive Stock Option granted to a 10% Shareholder may not have a term in excess of five years. No option may be exercised after the expiration of its term or, except as set forth in the Participants stock option agreement, after the termination of the Participants employment. The Committee shall set forth in the Participants stock option agreement when, and under what circumstances, an Option may be exercised after termination of the Participants employment or period of service; provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be exercised after (i) three months from the Participants termination of employment with the Company for reasons other than Disability or death, or (ii) one year from the Participants termination of employment on account of Disability or death. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend a previously granted Incentive Stock Option to provide for more liberal exercise provisions, provided however that if the Incentive Stock Option as amended no longer meets the requirements of Code Section 422, and, as a result the Option no longer qualifies for favorable federal income tax treatment under Code Section 422, the amendment shall not become effective without the written consent of the Participant.
(e) An Incentive Stock Option, by its terms, shall be exercisable in any calendar year only to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the Date of Grant) of Company Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable by the Participant for the first time during the calendar year does not exceed $100,000 (the Limitation Amount). Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan and all other plans of the Company and any parent or Subsidiary of the Company shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the Limitation Amount has been exceeded. The Board may impose such conditions as it deems appropriate on an Incentive Stock option to ensure that the foregoing requirement is met. If Incentive Stock Options that first become exercisable in a calendar year exceed the Limitation Amount, the excess Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options to the extent permitted by law.
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(f) If a Participant dies and if the Participants stock option agreement provides that part or all of the Option may be exercised after the Participants death, then such portion may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participants estate during the time period specified in the stock option agreement.
(g) If a Participants employment or services is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Participants Options shall terminate as of the date of the misconduct.
7. Restricted Stock Awards.
(a) Whenever the Committee deems it appropriate to grant a Restricted Stock Award, notice shall be given to the Participant stating the number of shares of Restricted Stock for which the Award is granted and the terms and conditions to which the Award is subject. This notice, when accepted in writing by the Participant, shall become an Award agreement between the Company and the Participant. Certificates representing the shares shall be issued in the name of the Participant, subject to the restrictions imposed by the Plan and the Committee. A Restricted Stock Award may be made by the Committee in its discretion without cash consideration.
(b) The Committee may place such restrictions on the transferability and vesting of Restricted Stock as the Committee deems appropriate, including restrictions relating to continued employment and financial performance goals. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may provide performance or Change of Control or Corporate Change acceleration parameters under which all, or a portion, of the Restricted Stock will vest on the Companys achievement of established performance objectives. Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, disposed of, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered until the restrictions on such shares shall have lapsed or shall have been removed pursuant to subsection (c) below.
(c) The Committee may provide in a Restricted Stock Award, or subsequently, that the restrictions will lapse if a Change of Control or Corporate Change occurs. The Committee may at any time, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time at which any or all restrictions will lapse or may remove restrictions on Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate.
(d) A Participant shall hold shares of Restricted Stock subject to the restrictions set forth in the Award agreement and in the Plan. In other respects, the Participant shall have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, including, but not limited to, the right to vote such shares and the right to receive all cash dividends and other distributions paid thereon. Certificates representing Restricted Stock shall bear a legend referring to the restrictions set forth in the Plan and the Participants Award agreement. If stock dividends are declared on Restricted Stock, such stock dividends or other distributions shall be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying shares of Restricted Stock.
8. Method of Exercise of Options.
(a) Options may be exercised by giving written notice of the exercise to the Company, stating the number of shares the Participant has elected to purchase under the Option. Such notice shall be effective only if accompanied by the exercise price in full in cash; provided that, if the terms of an Option so permit, the Participant may (i) deliver Company Stock that the Participant has owned for at least six months (valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise), or (ii) exercise any applicable net exercise provision
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contained therein. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, any payment of the exercise price paid by delivery of Company Stock acquired directly or indirectly from the Company shall be paid only with shares of Company Stock that have been held by the Participant for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes).
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Awards shall always be granted and exercised in such a manner as to conform to the provisions of Rule 16b-3.
9. Applicable Withholding Taxes. Each Participant shall agree, as a condition of receiving an Award, to pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, all Applicable Withholding Taxes with respect to the Award. Until the Applicable Withholding Taxes have been paid or arrangements satisfactory to the Company have been made, no stock certificates (or, in the case of Restricted Stock, no stock certificates free of a restrictive legend) shall be issued to the Participant. As an alternative to making a cash payment to the Company to satisfy Applicable Withholding Tax obligations, the Committee may establish procedures permitting the Participant to elect to (a) deliver shares of already owned Company Stock (subject to such restrictions as the Committee may establish, including a requirement that any shares of Company Stock so delivered shall have been held by the Participant for not less than six months) or (b) have the Company retain that number of shares of Company Stock that would satisfy all or a specified portion of the Applicable Withholding Taxes. Any such election shall be made only in accordance with procedures established by the Committee and in accordance with Rule 16b-3.
10. Nontransferability of Awards.
(a) In general, Awards, by their terms, shall not be transferable by the Participant except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or except as described below. Options shall be exercisable, during the Participants lifetime, only by the Participant or by his guardian or legal representative.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) and subject to federal and state securities laws, the Committee may grant Nonstatutory Stock Options that permit a Participant to transfer the Options to one or more immediate family members, to a trust for the benefit of immediate family members, or to a partnership, limited liability company, or other entity the only partners, members, or interest-holders of which are among the Participants immediate family members. Consideration may not be paid for the transfer of Options. The transferee of an Option shall be subject to all conditions applicable to the Option prior to its transfer. The agreement granting the Option shall set forth the transfer conditions and restrictions. The Committee may impose on any transferable Option and on stock issued upon the exercise of an Option such limitations and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate.
11. Termination, Modification, Change. If not sooner terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. No Awards shall be made under the Plan after its termination. The Board may terminate the Plan or may amend the Plan in such respects as it shall deem advisable; provided that, if and to the extent required by Rule 16b-3, no change shall be made that increases the total number of shares of Company Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan (except pursuant to Section 12), expands the class of persons eligible to receive Awards, or materially increases the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan, unless such change is authorized by the shareholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may unilaterally amend the Plan and Awards as it deems appropriate to ensure compliance with Rule 16b-3 and to cause Incentive Stock Options to meet the requirements of the Code and regulations thereunder. Except as
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provided in the preceding sentence, a termination or amendment of the Plan shall not, without the consent of the Participant, adversely affect a Participants rights under an Award previously granted to him.
12. Change in Capital Structure.
(a) In the event of a stock dividend, stock split or combination of shares, spin-off, reclassification, recapitalization, merger or other change in the Companys capital stock (including, but not limited to, the creation or issuance to shareholders generally of rights, options or warrants for the purchase of common stock or preferred stock of the Company), the number and kind of shares of stock or securities of the Company to be issued under the Plan (under outstanding Awards and Awards to be granted in the future), the exercise price of options, and other relevant provisions shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, whose determination shall be binding on all persons. If the adjustment would produce fractional shares with respect to any Award, the Committee may adjust appropriately the number of shares covered by the Award so as to eliminate the fractional shares.
(b) In the event the Company distributes to its shareholders a dividend, or sells or causes to be sold to a person other than the Company or a Subsidiary shares of stock in any corporation (a Spinoff Company) which, immediately before the distribution or sale, was a majority owned Subsidiary of the Company, the Committee shall have the power, in its sole discretion, to make such adjustments as the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee may make adjustments in the number and kind of shares or other securities to be issued under the Plan (under outstanding Awards and Awards to be granted in the future), the exercise price of Options, and other relevant provisions, and, without limiting the foregoing, may substitute securities of a Spinoff Company for securities of the Company. The Committee shall make such adjustments as it determines to be appropriate, considering the economic effect of the distribution or sale on the interests of the Companys shareholders and the Participants in the businesses operated by the Spinoff Company, and subject to the proviso that any such adjustments or new options shall not be made or granted, respectively, that would result in subjecting the Plan to variable plan accounting treatment. The Committees determination shall be binding on all persons. If the adjustment would produce fractional shares with respect to any Award, the Committee may adjust appropriately the number of shares covered by the Award so as to eliminate the fractional shares.
(c) To the extent required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes, adjustments made by the Committee pursuant to this Section 12 to outstanding Awards shall be made so that both (i) the aggregate intrinsic value of an Award immediately after the adjustment is not greater than or less than the Awards aggregate intrinsic value before the adjustment and (ii) the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market value per share is not reduced.
(d) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may take the foregoing actions without the consent of any Participant, and the Committees determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes. The Committee shall make its determinations consistent with Rule 16b-3 and the applicable provisions of the Code.
13. Change of Control. In the event of a Change of Control or Corporate Change, the Committee may take such actions with respect to Awards as the Committee deems appropriate. These actions may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:
(a) At the time the Award is made, provide for the acceleration of the vesting schedule relating to the exercise or realization of the Award so that the Award may be exercised or realized in full on or before a date initially fixed by the Committee;
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(b) Provide for the purchase or settlement of any such Award by the Company for any amount of cash equal to the amount which could have been obtained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of a Participants rights had such Award been currently exercisable or payable;
(c) Make adjustments to Awards then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change of Control or Corporate Change; provided, however, that to the extent required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes, such adjustments shall be made so that both (i) the aggregate intrinsic value of an Award immediately after the adjustment is not greater than or less than the Awards aggregate intrinsic value before the Award and (ii) the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market value per share is not reduced; or
(d) Cause any such Award then outstanding to be assumed, or new rights substituted therefore, by the acquiring or surviving legal entity in such Change of Control or Corporate Change.
14. Administration of the Plan.
(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, who shall be appointed by the Board. The Board may designate the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee, to be the Committee for purposes of the Plan. If and to the extent required by Rule 16b-3, all members of the Committee shall be Non-Employee Directors as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3, and the Committee shall be comprised solely of two or more outside directors as that term is defined for purposes of Code section 162(m). If any member of the Committee fails to qualify as an outside director or (to the extent required by Rule 16b-3) a Non-Employee Director, such person shall immediately cease to be a member of the Committee and shall not take part in future Committee deliberations. The Board of Directors may from time to time may appoint members of the Committee and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee.
(b) The Committee shall have the authority to impose such limitations or conditions upon an Award as the Committee deems appropriate to achieve the objectives of the Award and the Plan. Without limiting the foregoing and in addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in the Plan, the Committee shall have the power and complete discretion to determine (i) which eligible persons shall receive an Award and the nature of the Award, (ii) the number of shares of Company Stock to be covered by each Award, (iii) whether Options shall be Incentive Stock options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, (iv) the Fair Market Value of Company Stock, (v) the time or times when an Award shall be granted, (vi) whether an Award shall become vested over a period of time, according to a performance-based vesting schedule or otherwise, and when it shall be fully vested, (vii) the terms and conditions under which restrictions imposed upon an Award shall lapse, (viii) whether a Change of Control or Corporate Change exists, (ix) the terms of incentive programs, performance criteria and other factors relevant to the issuance of Incentive Stock or the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock or Options, (x) when Options may be exercised, (xi) whether to approve a Participants election with respect to Applicable Withholding Taxes, (xii) conditions relating to the length of time before disposition of Company Stock received in connection with an Award is permitted, (xiii) notice provisions relating to the sale of Company Stock acquired under the Plan, and (xiv) any additional requirements relating to Awards that the Committee deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no tandem stock options (where two stock options are issued together and the exercise of one option affects the right to exercise the other option) may be issued in connection with Incentive Stock Options.
(c) The Committee shall have the power to amend the terms of previously granted Awards so long as the terms as amended are consistent with the terms of the Plan and, where applicable, consistent with the qualification of an option as an Incentive Stock Option. The consent of the Participant must be obtained with respect to any amendment that would adversely affect the Participants rights under the Award, except that such consent shall not be required if such amendment is for the purpose of complying with Rule 16b-3 or any requirement of the Code applicable to the Award.
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(d) The Committee may adopt rules and regulations for carrying out the Plan. The Committee shall have the express discretionary authority to construe and interpret the Plan and the Award agreements, to resolve any ambiguities, to define any terms, and to make any other determinations required by the Plan or an Award agreement. The interpretation and construction of any provisions of the Plan or an Award agreement by the Committee shall be final and conclusive. The Committee may consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the Company, and shall not incur any liability for any action taken in good faith in reliance upon the advice of counsel.
(e) A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and all actions of the Committee shall be taken by a majority of the members present. Any action may be taken by a written instrument signed by all of the members, and any action so taken shall be fully effective as if it had been taken at a meeting.
15. Issuance of Company Stock. The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate for shares of Company Stock before (i) the admission of such shares to listing on any stock exchange on which Company Stock may then be listed, (ii) receipt of any required registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal securities law or regulation that the Companys counsel shall determine is necessary or advisable, and (iii) the Company shall have been advised by counsel that all applicable legal requirements have been complied with. The Company may place on a certificate representing Company Stock any legend required to reflect restrictions pursuant to the Plan, and any legend deemed necessary by the Companys counsel to comply with federal or state securities laws. The Company may require a customary written indication of a Participants investment intent. Until a Participant has been issued a certificate for the shares of Company Stock acquired, the Participant shall possess no shareholder rights with respect to the shares.
16. Rights Under the Plan. Title to and beneficial ownership of all benefits described in the Plan shall at all times remain with the Company. Participation in the Plan and the right to receive payments under the Plan shall not give a Participant any proprietary interest in the Company or any Affiliate or any of their assets. No trust fund shall be created in connection with the Plan, and there shall be no required funding of amounts that may become payable under the Plan. A Participant shall, for all purposes, be a general creditor of the Company. The interest of a Participant in the Plan cannot be assigned, anticipated, sold, encumbered or pledged and shall not be subject to the claims of his creditors.
17. Beneficiary. A Participant may designate, on a form provided by the Committee, one or more beneficiaries to receive any payments under Awards of Restricted Stock or Incentive Stock after the Participants death. If a Participant makes no valid designation, or if the designated beneficiary fails to survive the Participant or otherwise fails to receive the benefits, the Participants beneficiary shall be the first of the following persons who survives the Participant: (a) the Participants surviving spouse, (b) the Participants surviving descendants, per stirpes, or (c) the personal representative of the Participants estate.
18. Notice. All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Plan shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or mailed first class, postage prepaid, as follows: (a) if to the Companyat its principal business address to the attention of the Secretary; (b) if to any Participantat the last address of the Participant known to the sender at the time the notice or other communication is sent.
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19. Interpretation. The terms of this Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan are subject to all present and future regulations and rulings of the Secretary of the Treasury relating to the qualification of Incentive Stock Options under the Code or compliance with Code section 162(m), to the extent applicable, and they are subject to all present and future rulings of the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to Rule 16b-3. If any provision of the Plan or an Award conflicts with any such regulation or ruling, to the extent applicable, the Committee shall cause the Plan to be amended, and shall modify the Award, so as to comply, or if for any reason amendments cannot be made, that provision of the Plan and/or the Award shall be void and of no effect.
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EXHIBIT B
COMMONWEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Proposed Amendment to the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
ARTICLE III
1. The Corporation shall have authority to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock, without par value per share (Common Stock). The rights, preferences, voting powers, qualifications, limitations and restrictions of the Common Stock shall be as follows:
(a) Each share of Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote on all matters submitted to a vote at any meeting of the Corporations shareholders. The holders of the Common Stock shall, to the exclusion of the holders of the Preferred Stock (as defined below), have the sole and full power to vote for the election of directors and for all other purposes without limitation except (i) as otherwise recited or provided in these Articles of Incorporation applicable to the Preferred Stock, (ii) with respect to a class or series of Preferred Stock, as shall be determined by the Board of Directors pursuant these Articles and (iii) with respect to any voting rights provided by law.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in these Articles applicable to the Preferred Stock, or otherwise, as they may hereafter be amended:
(i) Any corporate action, except the election of directors, an amendment or restatement of these Articles, a merger, a statutory share exchange, the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the Corporations assets otherwise than in the usual and regular course of business, or dissolution shall be approved at a meeting at which a quorum of the Corporations shareholders is present if the votes cast in favor of the action exceed the votes cast against the action;
(ii) Directors shall be elected by a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of the Common Stock entitled to vote in the election at a meeting at which a quorum is present;
(iii) An amendment or restatement of these Articles other than an amendment or restatement described or involved in a transaction described in Subsection (iv), (v) or (vi) of this Section shall be approved by a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Common Stock;
(iv) Any transaction with the Corporation or any subsidiary that constitutes or involves an affiliated transaction, as defined in Section 13.1-725 of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act, as in effect on the effective date of these Articles, shall be approved by at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Common Stock;
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(v) A merger, statutory share exchange, sale or other disposition of all or substantially all the Corporations assets otherwise than in the usual and regular course of business, or dissolution shall be approved by at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Common Stock entitled to vote on such transactions;
(vi) An amendment to these Articles that amends or affects the classification of the Board of Directors provided in Section 1 of Article V hereof shall be approved by at least two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of the Common Stock.
For the purposes of Subsection (iv) of this Section, a transaction shall not constitute an affiliated transaction if it is with an interested shareholder, as defined in Section 13.1-725 of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act, as in effect on the effective date of these Articles: (i) who has been an interested shareholder continuously or who would have been such but for the unilateral action of the Corporation since the later of (A) the date on which the Corporation first had 300 shareholders of record or (B) the date such person became an interested shareholder with the prior or contemporaneous approval of a majority of the disinterested directors as defined in Section 13.1-725 of the Virginia Stock Corporation Act, as in effect on the effective date of these Articles; (ii) who became an interested shareholder as a result of acquiring shares from a person specified in Subdivision (i) or Subdivision (ii) of this Subsection by gift, testamentary bequest or the laws of descent and distribution or in a transaction in which consideration was not exchanged and who continues thereafter to be an interested shareholder, or who would have so continued but for the unilateral action of the Corporation, (iii) who became an interested shareholder inadvertently or as a result of the unilateral action of the Corporation and who, as soon as practicable thereafter, divested beneficial ownership of sufficient shares so that such person ceased to be an interested shareholder, and who would not have been an interested shareholder but for such inadvertence or the unilateral action of the Corporation; or (iv) whose acquisition of shares making such person an interested shareholder was approved by a majority of the disinterested directors.
(c) Dividends may be paid upon the Common Stock out of any assets of the Corporation available for dividends remaining after full dividends on the outstanding Preferred Stock (as defined below) at the dividend rate or rates therefor, together with the full additional amount required by any participation right, with respect to all past dividend periods and the current dividend period shall have been paid or declared and set apart for payment and all mandatory sinking funds payment that shall have become due in respect of any series of the Preferred Stock shall have been made.
2. The number of shares of preferred stock which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue shall be 1,000,000 shares, without par value per share (Preferred Stock).
(a) The Board of Directors is hereby empowered to cause any class of the Preferred Stock of the Corporation to be issued in series with such of the variations permitted by Subdivisions (i)(xi) of this Section below, as shall be determined by the Board of Directors. The shares of Preferred Stock of different classes or series may vary as to:
(i) the designation of such class or series, the number of shares to constitute such class or series and the stated value thereof;
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(ii) whether the shares of such class or series shall have voting rights in addition to any voting rights provided by law, and if so, the terms of such voting rights, which (x) may be general or limited, and (y) may permit more than one vote per share;
(iii) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) at which dividends, if any, are payable on such class or series, whether any such dividends shall be cumulative, and if so, from what dates, the conditions and dates upon which such dividends shall be payable, the preference or relation which such dividends shall bear to the dividends payable on any shares of stock of any other class or any other series of such class;
(iv) whether the shares of such class or series shall be subject to redemption by the Corporation, and if so, the times, prices and other conditions of such redemption;
(v) the amount or amounts payable upon shares of such class or series upon, and the rights of the holders of such class or series in, the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up, or any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation;
(vi) whether the shares of such class or series shall be subject to the operation of a retirement or sinking fund, and if so, the extent to and manner in which any such retirement or sinking fund shall be applied to the purchase or redemption of the shares of such series for retirement or other corporate purposes and the terms and provisions relative to the operation thereof;
(vii) whether the shares of such series shall be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of stock of any other class or any other series of such class or any other securities (including Common Stock) and, if so, the price or prices or the rate or rates of conversion or exchange and the method, if any, of adjusting the same, and any other terms and conditions of conversion or exchange;
(viii) the limitations and restrictions, if any, to be effective while any shares of such class or series are outstanding upon the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on, and upon the purchase, redemption or other acquisition by the Corporation of, the Common Stock or shares of stock of any other class or any other series of such class;
(ix) the conditions or restrictions, if any, upon the creation of indebtedness of the Corporation or upon the issue of any additional stock, including additional shares of such class or series or of any other series of such class or of any other class;
(x) the ranking (be it pari passu, junior or senior) of each class or series as to the payment of dividends, the distribution of assets and all other matters; and
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(xi) any other powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, and any qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, insofar as they are not inconsistent with the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation, to the full extent permitted in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
(b) In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, after there shall have been paid to or set aside for the holders of the Preferred Stock the full preferential amounts to which they are respectively entitled under the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation applicable to the Preferred Stock, the holders of the Preferred Stock shall have no claim to any of the remaining assets of the Corporation.
(c) The powers, preferences and relative, participating, option and other special rights of each class or series of Preferred Stock and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other classes and series at any time outstanding. All shares of Preferred Stock of each series shall be equal in all respects.
3. In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation, if the assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its shareholders shall be insufficient to pay in full all amounts to which the holders of Preferred Stock and any other stock of any class ranking on a parity as to liquidation preference are entitled, the amount available for distribution to shareholders shall be shared by the holders of all such classes and any series thereof pro rata according to the preferential amounts to which the shares of each such series or class are entitled. For the purposes of this Section 3, a consolidation or merger of the Corporation with any other corporation, or the sale, transfer or lease of all or substantially all its assets shall not constitute or be deemed a liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Corporation.
4. Any and all shares of Preferred Stock and Common Stock of the Corporation, at the time authorized but not issued and outstanding, may be issued and disposed of by the Board of Directors of the Corporation in any lawful manner, consistently, in the case of shares of Preferred Stock, with the requirements set forth in the provisions of these Articles of Incorporation applicable to the Preferred Stock, at any time and from time to time, for such considerations as may be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
5. No holder of shares of any class of stock of the Corporation shall have any preemptive or preferential right to purchase or subscribe to (i) any shares of any class of the Corporation, whether now or hereafter authorized; (ii) any warrants, rights, or options to purchase any such shares; or (iii) any securities or obligations convertible into any such shares or into warrants, rights or options to purchase any such shares, except as may be provided for in any written agreement entered into by the Corporation with any such holder or holders of shares.
6. Any class of stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to rank: (a) senior to another class either as to dividends or upon liquidation, if the holders of such class shall be entitled to the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in preference or priority to holders of such other class; (b) on a parity with another class either as to dividends or upon liquidation, whether or not the dividend rates, dividend payment dates, or redemption or liquidation prices per share thereof are different from those of such others, if the holders of such class of stock shall be entitled to
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receipt of dividends or amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be, in proportion to their respective dividend rates or prices, without preference or priority one over the other with respect to the holders of such other class; and (c) junior to another class either as to dividends or upon liquidation, if the rights of the holders of such class shall be subject or subordinate to the rights of the holders of such other class in respect of the receipt of dividends or of amounts distributable upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, as the case may be.
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COMMONWEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
601 BIOTECH DRIVE
RICHMOND, VA 23235
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 the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. 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 Commonwealth Biotechnologies, 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 the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. 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 Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc., c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS: COMOB1 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
COMMONWEALTH BIOTECHNOLOGIES, INC.
CBIs Board of Directors unanimously recommends the approval of all these nominations.
Vote on Directors
1. To elect as Class I members of the Board of Directors, to serve a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2010 or until their successors are duly elected and qualified: 01) Paul DSylva 02) James D. Causey To elect as a Class II member of the Board of Directors, to serve a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2008 or until his successor is duly elected and qualified: 03) Daniel O. Hayden
For Against Abstain
Vote on Proposals
2. To approve the Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. (CBIs Board of Directors unanimously recommends the approval of this proposal.)
3. To approve an amendment to the articles of incorporation of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. to create a new class of 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock. (CBIs Board of Directors unanimously recommends the approval of this proposal.)
For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated.
For Withhold For All To withhold authority to vote for any individual All All Except nominee(s), mark For All Except and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.
For Against Abstain
4. To approve an amendment to the articles of incorporation of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000. (CBIs Board of Directors unanimously recommends the approval of this proposal.)
5. To ratify the appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007.
(CBIs Board of Directors unanimously recommends the approval of this proposal.)
6. To transact any other business properly coming before the meeting. Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date Signature (Joint Owners) Date
SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
May 18, 2007
The undersigned hereby appoints Richard J. Freer, Ph.D. and Robert B. Harris, Ph.D., or either of them, with power of substitution, as proxies to vote all stock of Commonwealth Biotechnologies, Inc. (CBI) owned by the undersigned at the Special Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 18, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. at 601 Biotech Drive, Richmond, Virginia, and any adjournment thereof, on the matters listed on the reverse side as indicated on the reverse side and such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
IN THEIR DISCRETION, THE PROXIES NAMED ABOVE MAY VOTE UPON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
THIS PROXY MUST BE DATED AND SIGNED. THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF CBIS BOARD OF DIRECTORS. This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the matter directed herein by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be voted as follows: (1) FOR the election of Paul DSylva and James D. Causey as Class I members of the Board of Directors and FOR the election of Daniel O. Hayden as a Class II member of the Board of Directors; (2) FOR the approval of the Companys 2007 Stock Incentive Plan; (3) FOR the approval of the amendment to the Companys articles of incorporation to create a new class of 1,000,000 shares of undesignated preferred stock; (4) FOR the approval of the amendment to the Companys articles of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 10,000,000 to 100,000,000; (5) FOR the ratification of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2007; and in accordance with the best judgment of the named proxies on any other matters properly brought before the meeting.
Address Changes/Comments:
(If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)