UNITED STATES |
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION |
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Washington, D.C. 20549 |
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SCHEDULE 14A |
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Proxy Statement
Pursuant to Section 14(a) of |
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Filed by the Registrant x |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o |
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Check the appropriate box: |
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
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Angeion Corporation |
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter) |
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant) |
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box): |
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No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Date Filed: |
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Persons who are to respond to the collection of information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid OMB control number. |
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ANGEION CORPORATION
350 Oak Grove Parkway
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55127-8599
(651) 484-4874
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Notice is hereby given that the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Angeion Corporation (the Company) will be held at Angeions offices located at 350 Oak Grove Parkway, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55127, on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. local time, for the following purposes:
1. To elect six directors to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their respective successors have been elected and qualified;
2. To approve the Angeion Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan;
3. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2007; and
4. To transact any other business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice of Annual Meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 13, 2007 as the record date for determination of shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting.
Since a majority of the outstanding shares of the Companys common stock must be represented either in person or by proxy to constitute a quorum for the conduct of business, please sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card promptly.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Rodney A. Young |
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Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Saint Paul, Minnesota |
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April 17, 2007 |
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PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN AND RETURN YOUR PROXY.
ANGEION CORPORATION
350 Oak Grove Parkway
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55127-8599
PROXY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors of Angeion Corporation, a Minnesota corporation (the Company), is soliciting your proxy for use at the 2007 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2007, and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. This Proxy Statement and the enclosed form of proxy will be mailed to shareholders commencing on or about April 20, 2007.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Voting
Each share of the Companys common stock is entitled to one vote. You may vote your shares in person by attending the Annual Meeting or you may vote by proxy. If you vote by proxy, you must sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the envelope provided, or follow the instructions on the proxy card to vote by telephone or the Internet.
The Company encourages you to take advantage of telephone or Internet voting because of their ease and efficiency.
If you sign and return the proxy card on time, the individuals named on the proxy card will vote your shares as you have directed. If you do not specify on your proxy card how you want your shares voted, the individuals named on the enclosed proxy card will vote your shares as follows:
1. FOR each of the directors nominated by the Board of Directors in Proposal 1 Election of Directors;
2. FOR Proposal 2 Approval of the Angeion Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan; and
3. FOR Proposal 3 Ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2007.
Quorum and Vote Requirements
The total number of shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting as of April 13, 2007 consisted of 4,050,825 shares of common stock, $.10 par value. Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 2007 will be entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. A quorum, consisting of a majority of the shares of common stock entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, must be present in person or by proxy before action may be taken at the Annual Meeting. If an executed proxy is returned and the shareholder has abstained from voting on any matter, the shares represented by such proxy will be considered present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum and for purposes of calculating the vote, but will not be considered to have been voted in favor or against such matter. If an executed proxy is returned by a broker holding shares in street name indicating that the broker does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on one or more matters, these shares will be considered present at the meeting for purposes of determining a quorum, but will not be considered to be represented at the meeting for purposes of calculating the vote with respect to such matters.
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A director nominee will be elected if approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a plurality of the voting power of the shares present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote on that item of business. Other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting will be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a greater of (a) a majority of shares of common stock present at the Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote on that proposal or (b) the majority of the minimum number of shares of common stock which would constitute a quorum for transacting business at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Revoking a Proxy
If you give a proxy and later wish to revoke it before it is voted, you may do so by:
1. sending a written notice to that effect to the Secretary of the Company at the address indicated in this Proxy Statement;
2. submitting a properly signed proxy with a later date; or
3. voting in person at the Annual Meeting.
A proxy not properly revoked will be voted as indicated on the proxy.
Solicitation
The Company will pay the costs and expenses of solicitation of proxies. In addition to the use of the mails, directors, officers and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, but such persons will not be specifically compensated for such services. We have engaged The Proxy Advisory Group, LLC, to assist in the solicitation of proxies and provide related advice and informational support, for a services fee and the reimbursement of customary disbursements that we do not expect to exceed $7,000 in the aggregate.
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Proposal 1:
Election of Directors
The Companys Bylaws, as amended and restated, provide that the Board of Directors will consist of the number of members last elected by a majority vote of the shareholders or by the Board of Directors, which number shall not be less than three nor more than seven directors. The Board of Directors has currently set the number of directors at six. Six directors will be elected at the 2007 Annual Meeting. Each director will serve until the regular meeting of the shareholders or until a successor has been duly elected and qualified, unless the director retires, resigns, dies, or is removed. Vacancies on the Board of Directors and newly created directorships can be filled by vote of a majority of the directors then in office.
It is intended that proxies will be voted for the named nominees. Unless otherwise indicated, each nominee has been engaged in his present occupation as set forth below, or has been an officer with the organization indicated, for more than five years. The names and biographical information concerning the nominees are set forth below, based upon information furnished to the Company by the nominees. The nominees listed below have consented to serve if elected. If the nominee is unable to serve for any reason, the persons named on the enclosed proxy card may vote for a substitute nominee proposed by the Board, or the Board may reduce the number of directors to be elected.
Nominees for Election to the Board of Directors
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Companys directors as of April 13, 2007.
Name of Director |
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Age |
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Principal Occupation |
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Director |
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Arnold A. Angeloni |
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64 |
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Chief Executive Officer and President of Northcott Hospitality International |
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1990 |
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John R. Baudhuin |
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44 |
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President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Dogg Athletics |
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2007 |
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K. James Ehlen, M.D. |
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62 |
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Chairman of Halleland Health Consulting Group and Chief Executive Officer of NU Design Medical Technology |
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2005 |
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John C. Penn |
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67 |
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Chairman of Intek Plastics, Inc. |
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2000 |
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Philip I. Smith |
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39 |
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Executive Vice President of Corporate Development for Vital Images, Inc. |
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2006 |
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Rodney A. Young |
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52 |
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President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company |
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2004 |
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Other Information about Directors
Arnold A. Angeloni is Chairman of Angeion Corporation and has served since July 2004 as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Northcott Hospitality International, a rapidly growing company in the hospitality industry and franchisor of the AmericInn® lodging system. Previously, he was President of Gateway Alliance LLC, an integrated business incubator for identifying, creating, and providing operational support for start-up ventures. From 1961 to 1995, Mr. Angeloni was employed by Deluxe Corporation, a provider of check products and services to the financial payments industry, in various administrative, marketing, and operations positions, including President of the Check Printing and Business Systems Divisions.
John R. Baudhuin is the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of California-based Mad Dogg Athletics Inc., an international health and fitness company. The company manufacturers, distributes and develops fitness products and related educational programs through its offices in the United States, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands. With over 150,000 certified instructors and 35,000 licensed facilities, the companys SPINNING® brand has a presence in 80 countries worldwide. Prior to founding MDA in 1994, Mr. Baudhuin worked as a Certified Public Accountant for Los Angeles-based Duitch, Franklin & Company, where he provided a variety of consulting and strategic planning services. An active member of the Young Presidents Organization, Baudhuin received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his MBA from Loyola Marymount University.
K. James Ehlen, M.D. is currently Chief Executive Officer of NU Design Medical Technology, a Minnesota based software company. Dr. Ehlen also serves as Chair of Halleland Health Consulting Group, a Minneapolis-based health consulting firm focusing on health and wellness, improving governance in health care organizations, and assisting early stage organizations to move forward successfully. From February 2001 to February 2003, Dr. Ehlen served as Chief, Clinical Leadership for Humana Inc., a national managed care organization. He was Executive Leader of the Health Care Practice for Halleland Health Consulting Group from May 2000 to February 2001 and was a self-employed health care consultant from June 1999 to May 2000. Beginning in 1988, Dr. Ehlen served in a series of executive roles beginning with CEO of Medica Health Plans through March of 1994. He then became founder and co-CEO of Allina Health System in 1994 and served through June 1999. He is currently serving on the board of several organizations including RespirTech, Inc., Transoma Medical, and Health Fitness Corporation. He is a long-standing member of the American College of Physician Executives.
John C. Penn served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Intek Plastics, Inc., a privately owned plastic extruder located in Hastings, Minnesota from March 2003 until January 2006 when he began serving only as Chairman. Mr. Penn also served as Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Satellite Companies from 1998 to March 2003. From 1990 to 1997, Mr. Penn was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Centers for Diagnostic Imaging. Previously, he served in a senior management capacity in various manufacturing companies. Mr. Penn serves and has served on the Board of Directors of several private and public corporations. Mr. Penn currently serves on the Board of Directors of Health Fitness Corporation, a public corporation. He also served as a director of Medical Graphics from December 1996 to December 1999.
Philip I. Smith was named Executive Vice President Corporate Development for Vital Images, Inc. in September 2005. He served as Vital Images, Inc. Vice President-Marketing and Corporate Development from January 2004 until September 2005 and its Vice President-Corporate Development from February 2003 until January 2004. From April 2002 to November 2002, Mr. Smith served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Thermonix, a medical technology company. From April 2000
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until April 2002, Mr. Smith was Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development of Image-Guided Neurologics, Inc., a medical technology company. From August 1997 to February 2000, Mr. Smith was an investment banker with the medical technology group at US Bancorp Piper Jaffray. Before August 1997, Mr. Smith held senior sales positions at GE Medical Systems. Mr. Smith holds a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the University of Florida, and a master of business administration from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Rodney A. Young has over 25 years in the medical device, manufacturing and pharmaceutical fields. Mr. Young has served as a director, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since November 1, 2004. Prior to joining Angeion Corporation as Executive Vice President in July 2004, Mr. Young had served as a consultant. Prior to consulting, Mr. Young was a director, Chief Executive Officer and President of LecTec Corporation from August 1996 until July 2003 and Chairman of LecTec from November 1996 until July 2003. Prior to his employment at LecTec, Mr. Young served Baxter International, Inc. for five years in various management roles, most recently as Vice President and General Manager of the Specialized Distribution Division. Mr. Young previously held a variety of sales and marketing positions at 3M Company and Upjohn. Mr. Young also serves as a director of Possis Medical, Inc., Delta Dental Plan of Minnesota and Health Fitness Corporation.
The Board of Directors and Management Recommend a Vote For
Election of the Nominees
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Proposal 2:
Approval of the Angeion Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan
Shareholders are asked to approve the Companys 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the 2007 Plan) to provide stock incentive awards in the form of options (incentive and non-qualified), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, performance units, and other awards in stock and cash. The 2007 Plan permits the issuance of up to 600,000 shares of the Companys common stock. Effective immediately upon approval of the 2007 Plan by the Companys shareholders, the Companys 2002 Stock Option Plan (the Prior Plan) will be amended by the 2007 Plan to eliminate the Companys authority to grant any new awards or options under the Prior Plan, including awards or options that become available for issuance as a result of cancellation or forfeiture of previously granted awards or options. A copy of the 2007 Plan is attached as Exhibit A.
Information Regarding Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information regarding our equity compensation plans in effect as of October 31, 2006. Each of our equity compensation plans is an employee benefit plan as defined by Rule 405 of Regulation C of the Securities Act of 1933.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
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Weighted average |
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Number of shares |
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Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders: |
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Stock Option Plan |
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456,000 |
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$ |
4.73 |
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9,200 |
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Employee Stock Purchase Plan |
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1,536 |
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11.62 |
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72,351 |
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Total |
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457,536 |
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$ |
4.75 |
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81,551 |
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The Company has two equity compensation plans, both of which have been approved by its shareholders: 2002 Stock Option Plan and 2003 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under 2002 Stock Option Plan at April 13, 2007
As of April 13, 2007, there were 398,250 shares subject to issuance upon exercise of outstanding stock options under our 2002 Stock Plan referred to in the table above, at a weighted average exercise price of $5.06 per share, and with a weighted average remaining life of 7.67 years. As of April 13, 2007, there were 9, 200 shares available for future issuance under this plan.
Purpose of the 2007 Plan
The purpose of the 2007 Plan is to attract and retain talented and experienced people, closely link employee compensation with performance realized by shareholders, and reward long-term results with long-term compensation. If approved, the 2007 Plan will permit the Company, under supervision of the Board, to grant stock incentive awards to current and new employees holding key management and
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technical positions, directors on the Companys Board, and key external service providers of the Company and its subsidiaries.
The 2007 Plan:
· does not permit option re-pricing or re-granting of shares that are turned back to pay the exercise price or to satisfy the holders tax obligations;
· permits the Company, as a condition to new awards, to cancel and recover amounts received by employees as compensation or under stock incentive awards in the event financial mismanagement is discovered, or the employee violates Company policies or agreements, such as a non-compete or non-disclosure agreement.
Key Terms of the 2007 Plan
The following is a brief summary of the key terms of the 2007 Plan, which is described in more detail below.
Key Plan Features |
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May 23, 2007 to May 22, 2014 |
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Eligible Participants |
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employees in key management and technical positions of the Company and any subsidiary as determined by the Board |
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non-employee members of the Board of Directors |
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key service providers of the Company or any subsidiary |
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Total Shares Authorized |
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600,000 shares of common stock for all types of stock incentive awards |
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Individual Share Limits |
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up to 600,000 shares for all incentive stock options |
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Up to 200,000 shares for restricted stock awards |
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up to 200,000 shares for all stock incentive awards to non-employee Directors |
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up to 100,000 shares per person per year under all stock incentives |
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up to an additional 50,000 shares for stock incentives to a newly-hired key employee |
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Type of Stock Incentive Awards |
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incentive and non-qualified stock options with an exercise period no longer than ten years |
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restricted stock and restricted stock units |
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stock appreciation rights |
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performance stock and performance units |
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other awards in stock or cash |
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Vesting and exercise |
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determined by Board or Committee based on service (time vesting) or upon achievement of performance targets (performance vesting) or both |
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all non-performance awards vest upon a change in control |
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Key Plan Features |
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Description |
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objective performance criteria in the 2007 Plan, if approved by shareholders, will permit deductibility of executive officer awards as performance based compensation under Code Section 162(m) |
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Permissible features |
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forfeiture and recoupment of prior award values for financial mismanagement or other breaches of responsibilities to the Company |
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possession of restricted stock and restricted stock units by the Company until restrictions lapse |
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dividend and dividend equivalents on awards may be paid currently or deferred |
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options may be exercised with previously acquired shares |
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Features not permitted without Shareholder approval |
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increase the number of shares reserved or any of the limits stated in the 2007 Plan |
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extend the term of the 2007 Plan |
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re-price stock options or stock appreciation rights |
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re-grant shares tendered for stock option exercise or payment of taxes |
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Who is Eligible for Stock Incentive Awards
Employees who hold key management and technical positions with the Company or any subsidiary, non-employee members of the Board of Directors and key service providers to the Company and its subsidiaries are eligible to receive awards under the 2007 Plan. The Board or the Compensation Committee will determine which employees and other eligible persons will be awarded stock incentives under the 2007 Plan. Currently, the Company has five non-employee Board members and approximately 25 key management and technical employees.
The Board intends to utilize a mix of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and performance stock.
Types of Stock Incentives to be Awarded
Subject to the limits under the 2007 Plan, the Board has the discretionary authority to determine the size of the award, the type of award, and if it will be tied to meeting performance-based requirements or will vest over time. For executive officers, the performance-based requirements for vesting in an award may be designed to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code to permit the Company to deduct the value of the award for income tax purposes. The Committee will have the authority to determine the levels of annual grants of restricted stock and non-qualified stock options to be awarded each year to non-employee directors upon their election at the annual meeting of shareholders. Under the 2007 Plan, the total number of restricted stock grants and non-qualified options granted each year at the annual shareholders meeting may not exceed 20,000 shares per non-employee director. In addition to the annual grant, the Committee has the ability to grant awards at times other than the annual meeting. The Committee has not finalized any annual equity awards to be granted under the 2007 Plan.
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The types of awards that may be made under the 2007 Plan are similar to those under the Prior Plan and are as follows:
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Incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options: the right to purchase shares where value is based on the appreciation in the underlying shares in excess of an exercise price, which right may be exercised by the holder during the term of the option, unless earlier terminated upon certain events, such as for cause. The exercise price may be paid in cash or in previously owned shares or by other means permitted by the Board. |
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Stock appreciation rights: a contractual right to the increase in the value of the underlying shares subject to the award that does not require payment based on the fair market value at time of grant, but which pays the appreciation in stock value when elected by the holder in the form of whole shares or cash, or a combination of both. |
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Restricted stock and restricted stock units: awards of stock that do not require purchase, but that are not immediately available to the recipient until certain restrictions lapse, either based on time or upon achievement of performance related criteria. Restricted units may vest earlier than the date the shares are actually paid in exchange for the units, which may result in a deferral of income. The holder of restricted stock is entitled to vote those shares. The Board may determine whether, with respect to restricted stock, to pay dividends on those shares to the holder or to defer dividends. Restricted stock units are not outstanding until paid in stock and therefore do not have voting or dividend rights. |
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Performance shares and performance units: awards of restricted or unrestricted stock that are issued to the recipient only upon satisfaction of performance based criteria. |
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Other awards: additional opportunities to reward participants through payment of cash or stock as a bonus, or as deferred compensation, or for other purposes for which stock will provide a meaningful incentive. |
Adjustments to Stock Incentives for Corporate Transactions
In the event of a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reorganization, merger, spin-off, repurchase or exchange of the Companys common stock or similar event effecting the Companys stock, the Board may in its discretion adjust the number and kind of shares granted under the 2007 Plan, including the number and exercise price of shares subject to outstanding options or stock appreciation rights, and to adjust restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock and performance share units and other awards.
Exercise Price for Stock Options
The exercise price of stock options granted under the 2007 Plan that are intended to qualify for favorable tax treatment as incentive stock options under Code Section 422 may not be less than the fair market value of the Companys common stock on the date of grant. No option may have a term longer than ten years. Options that do not qualify as incentive stock options may be granted at an exercise price less than fair market value on the date of grant. No option may be repurchased or exchanged for a lower priced option.
Effect on Termination of Employment on Stock Incentives
Subject to certain exceptions requiring earlier termination, stock options will expire and cannot be exercised 90 days after the termination of a participants employment, except upon death, disability or
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retirement in which case they can be exercised up to 180 days after termination of employment. Prior to that time, only options that have become exercisable under their terms, based on either service based or performance based vesting, may be exercised. The Board may at any time after an award vest part or all of the unvested options as it deems appropriate.
Restricted stock and restricted stock units will be forfeited if not vested when the participant terminates employment, including upon death, disability or retirement. The Board may also accelerate vesting at any time after the restricted stock incentive is awarded.
For options and restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock and performance units, the Board may elect not to accelerate options that would otherwise vest only upon achievement of performance criteria if those targets have not been achieved, or the performance period has not expired.
Effect of a Change in Control on Stock Incentives
Stock options become fully exercisable and restricted stock and restricted stock units automatically become fully vested upon the occurrence of a change in control as defined in the 2007 Plan, except that awards based on performance criteria where the performance period has not yet closed at the time of a change in control will not automatically accelerate. The Board may require options or stock appreciation rights be exercised prior to the change in control, may pay cash or other securities to cancel awards in connection with the change in control, or may provide for the successor to substitute its stock for outstanding awards.
Transferability of Stock Incentives
Stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock, and performance units, as well as other awards under the 2007 Plan that are vested at the time of the death of the participant, are transferable only by the participants last will and testament or applicable state laws on decent and distribution. Restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock and performance units may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of until the applicable restrictions lapse or the performance targets have been achieved.
The Board has made no grants of options to directors in 2007 because there were not sufficient options available under the 2002 Plan. The Board has not finalized the equity available to be granted under the 2007 Plan. See Proposal 2, Approval of the Angeion Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan - Grants to non-employee directors.
Administration
The Board, or the Compensation Committee if one is in operation, will administer the 2007 Plan. The Board will select employees who receive awards, determine the number of shares covered by each award, and establish the other terms and conditions consistent with the limitations contained in the 2007 Plan. The Board may also interpret the 2007 Plan, may establish and amend terms of existing stock incentive awards, except that if the participant is adversely affected by the amendment, the participant must also consent.
To the extent required by law or desired for tax purposes, awards to executive officers will be made only by persons who qualify as outside directors under securities and tax laws. The Board may delegate to an executive officer all or part of its responsibilities to make awards, other than the authority to make awards to other executive officers.
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Amendments to the 2007 Plan
The Board may amend or suspend the 2007 Plan at any time except that any amendment in one or more of the following categories will not be permitted without the approval of the shareowners to:
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increase the number of shares that may be used under the 2007 Plan, or change any other limit on various types of awards; |
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permit the re-pricing of outstanding stock options; or |
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amend the maximum shares that may be granted as awards to any participant. |
Tax Consequences of Stock Incentives to Participants and the Company
Options. Stock options granted under the 2007 Plan may either be granted as incentive stock options, which are governed by Internal Revenue Code Section 422, or as non-qualified stock options, which are governed by Internal Revenue Code Section 83. Generally, no federal income tax is payable by the participant upon the grant of an incentive stock option and no deduction is taken by the Company. If certain holding periods are met, the exercise of an incentive stock option does not result in taxation to the participant; rather, the participant is taxed only at the time of sale. If the shares have been held for at least one year after the date of exercise and at least two years from the date of grant of the option, the participant will be taxed on any appreciation in excess of the exercise price as long-term capital gains. In that event, the Company is not entitled to a deduction for the amount of the capital gains.
Under current tax laws, if a participant exercises a non-qualified stock option, the participant will be taxed on the difference between the fair market value of the stock on the exercise date and the exercise price and, thereafter, the participant would receive capital gains on any appreciation in stock value after the exercise date, depending upon the length of time the participant held the stock after exercise. When the option is exercised, the Company will be entitled to corresponding tax deduction.
Restricted and Performance Stock and Units. Awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units, performance stock and performance units under the 2007 Plan generally are not subject to federal income tax when awarded, unless the participant properly elects to accelerate the tax recognition. Restricted stock is generally subject to ordinary income tax at the time the restrictions lapse and performance stock is taxed at the time the performance targets are met. Restricted stock units and performance units are generally subject to ordinary tax at the time of payment, even if vested earlier. The Company is entitled to a corresponding deduction at the time the participant recognizes taxable income on the restricted or performance stock or units.
Required Vote and Board of Directors Recommendation
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of common stock present and entitled to vote on this matter at the meeting is required for the adoption and approval of the 2007 Plan.
The Board of Directors Recommends that Shareowners Vote For the Proposal to
Adopt and Approve the Angeion Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan.
12
Proposal 3:
Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Introduction and Proposed Amendment
At the Annual Meeting, a resolution will be presented to ratify the appointment by the Companys Board of Directors of KPMG LLP, as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2007 and to perform other accounting services as determined by the Companys Audit Committee.
Independent Accountants
KPMG LLP has served as independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for a number of years, including the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005. The Companys Audit Committee has selected KPMG LLP to serve as independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2007.
KPMG LLP has provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures regarding its independence as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees. Representatives of KPMG LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. They will have the opportunity to make a statement, if they so desire, and will be available to respond to questions of the shareholders.
Audit Fees
The following table presents fees for professional audit services rendered by KPMG LLP for the audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements for the years ended October 31, 2006 and 2005, and fees billed for other services rendered by KPMG LLP:
|
Year Ended |
|
Year Ended |
|
|||
Audit fees |
|
$ |
144,000 |
|
$ |
120,900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
All other fees |
|
5,500 |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
$ |
149,500 |
|
$ |
120,900 |
|
(1) Audit fees consist of fees for the annual audit of the Companys consolidated financial statements, reviews of financial statements included in quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB.
(2) All other fees for 2006 consist of fees for services related to the Companys filing of a Form S-8 Registration Statement and fees for services related to the Companys responses to comment letters received from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors on a case-by-case basis. In connection with the approval of the annual Audit Services and related fees, the Audit Committee also pre-approves certain Audit-Related fees relating to the independent auditor responding to and researching technical accounting questions and other matters related to the financial statements under audit. All of the services provided by the independent auditor during 2006 and 2005 have been approved by the Audit Committee under its pre-approval process. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of All Other Fees was compatible with
13
maintaining the independence of KPMG LLP and determined that such services did not adversely affect the independence of KPMG LLP.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Procedures
The Company has adopted pre-approval policies and procedures for the Audit Committee that require the Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit and all permitted non-audit engagements and services (including the fees and terms thereof) by the independent auditors, except that the Audit Committee may delegate the authority to pre-approve any engagement or service less than $10,000 to one of its members, but requires that the member report such pre-approval at the next full Audit Committee meeting. The Audit Committee may not delegate its pre-approval authority for any services rendered by the Companys independent registered public accounting firm relating to internal controls. These pre-approval policies and procedures prohibit delegation of the Audit Committees responsibilities to Company management. Under the policies and procedures, the Audit Committee may pre-approve specifically described categories of services which are expected to be conducted over the subsequent twelve months on its own volition, or upon application by management or the independent auditor.
The Board of Directors of the Company Recommends a Vote For
the Proposal to Ratify the Appointment of KPMG LLP.
14
Corporate Governance and Board Matters
General
The Board of Directors is committed to sound and effective corporate governance practices. We continue to review our governance policies and practices, the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the recently adopted and proposed rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market (Nasdaq), and are taking steps to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations applicable to the Company.
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct
The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct applicable to all of the Companys officers, directors, employees and consultants that establishes guidelines for professional and ethical conduct in the workplace. The Code also contains a special set of guidelines applicable to the Companys senior financial officers, including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, and others involved in the preparation of the Companys financial reports, that are intended to promote the ethical handling of conflicts of interest, full and fair disclosure in periodic reports filed by the Company and compliance with laws, rules and regulations concerning such periodic reporting.
We currently make our governance policies and procedures, as well as our current committee charters, available to the public on our website: www.angeion.com.
The Board, Board Committees and Meetings
Meeting Attendance. The Board of Directors meets regularly during the year to review matters affecting the Company and to act on matters requiring Board approval. Each of our directors is expected to make a reasonable effort to attend all meetings of the Board, applicable committee meetings and our annual meeting of shareholders. During the fiscal year ended October 31, 2006, the Board of Directors held ten meetings. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and committees on which he served. All of our directors then serving and all persons then nominated for election as a director attended our 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. At its regularly scheduled meetings, the Companys directors meet in executive session without the Chief Executive Officer present.
Committees of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and a Governance/Nominating Committee. The composition and function of each Committee is set forth below:
Director |
|
Audit |
|
Compensation |
|
Governance/ |
|
Arnold A. Angeloni |
|
X |
|
X |
|
X |
|
John R. Baudhuin (1) |
|
X |
|
|
|
X |
|
K. James Ehlen, M.D. |
|
X |
|
X |
* |
X |
* |
John C. Penn |
|
X |
* |
X |
|
X |
|
Philip I. Smith |
|
|
|
X |
|
X |
|
Rodney A. Young |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15
* Committee Chair
(1) Mr. Baudhuin joined the Board in March 2007 and is expected to join these committees.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted effective June 1, 2000, as amended through June 2, 2003. A copy of the Charter of the Audit Committee is attached as Exhibit B to this Proxy Statement. The Audit Committee reviews the Companys internal control structure and financial reporting activities, reviews the scope of the annual audit, reviews non-audit services performed by auditors to determine and maintain auditor independence, selects the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the Companys audited consolidated financial statements prior to release to the public and conducts discussions with the Companys independent registered public accounting firm each quarter in connection with their quarterly review. KPMG LLP, the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, reports directly to the Audit Committee. Each of the members of the Audit Committee is independent as defined by the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the SEC. The Companys Board of Directors has reviewed the education, experience and other qualifications of each of the members of its Audit Committee. After review, the Board of Directors has determined that John C. Penn qualifies as an audit committee financial expert to meet the SEC definition of an audit committee financial expert. The Audit Committee held four meetings during fiscal 2006. The report of the Audit Committee is set forth below.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter and, among other duties, the Compensation Committee reviews compensation of the Companys officers for fairness and competitiveness, determines the necessity for, and content of, any officer employment contracts, advises and recommends incentives in the form of overall corporate bonus plans and determines bonuses and grants of stock options for the Companys officers, and reviews the performance of the Companys Chief Executive Officer. The Compensation Committee also has the authority to make awards under, and adopt and alter administrative rules and practices governing, the Companys qualified or unqualified benefits plans, including the Companys 2002 Stock Option Plan and 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. The charter of the Compensation Committee requires that this Committee consist of no fewer than two board members who satisfy the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market, the non-employee director requirements of Section 16b-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the outside director requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. Each member of the Companys Compensation Committee meets these requirements. The Compensation Committee held one meeting during fiscal 2006. In addition, the Board of Directors held one special Board meeting for the purpose of addressing executive compensation matters. The report of the Compensation Committee is set forth below.
Governance/Nominating Committee. The Governance/Nominating Committee is responsible for reviewing the size and composition of the Board, identifying individuals qualified to become Board members, recommending to the Board of directors nominees to be elected at the annual meeting of shareholders, reviewing the size and composition of Board committees, facilitating Board self-assessment and reviewing and advising regarding strategic direction and strategic management. The Committee operates under a charter approved by the Board and each of its members is independent under Nasdaq listing standards. The Governance/Nominating Committee held no meetings during fiscal 2006. The Charter of the Governance/Nominating Committee and the Angeion Corporation Governance Guidelines are posted on the Companys website at www.angeion.com.
Director Independence
The Board of Directors has reviewed director independence guidelines in a manner consistent with the definitions of independence set forth in SEC Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. In accordance with these guidelines, the Board of
16
Directors has reviewed and considered facts and circumstances relevant to the independence of each director and director nominee and has determined that Messrs. Angeloni, Baudhuin, Ehlen, Penn and Smith are each independent under SEC Rule 10A-3 and an independent director under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Director Nominations
The independent members of the Board of Directors are responsible for considering and selecting the nominees for election as directors at annual shareholder meetings. The Board believes a nominee should possess the highest level of professional and personal ethics and values, be free of any material conflict of interest with respect to board service, have broad experience at the policy-making level, have the ability to provide insight and practical wisdom based on experience and expertise, be an independent director as defined by the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market, be able to understand and relate to the culture of the Company, have sufficient time to properly discharge the duties associated with serving as a director, and have experience and knowledge that will enhance or maintain a diversity of business background among board members.
In addition, the Board believes that one or more of the Companys directors should possess certain specific qualities or skills. These include, among others, experience with publicly held companies, an understanding and background in corporate management, experience in delegation of duties, accounting experience, financial experience, legal experience, marketing experience, understanding of the medical device industry, and background and experience necessary to qualify as an audit committee financial expert as defined by the SEC.
The Board has established a governance/nominating committee comprised of independent directors to serve as the standing committee responsible for considering and recommending director nominees to the Board of Directors. The Company does not currently have a procedure for shareholder nomination of directors because the Company has not received a shareholder nominee for election as a director in the past ten years.
During fiscal 2006, the Nominating Committee reviewed the composition of the existing board of directors and recommended that, given their medical technology background and experience in health and wellness, that the Board adds John R. Baudhuin and Philip I. Smith to the Board. Mr. Smith was elected to the Board in December 2006 and Mr. Baudhuin was elected to the Board in March 2007.
Compensation of Directors
During 2005, the Board of Directors adopted a new policy for cash and equity compensation to be paid to members of the Board of Directors and committees of the Board of Directors effective as of September 15, 2005. On May 25, 2006, the Board amended that policy and established annual retainers for persons serving as chairs of the Board or Committee. This compensation policy is in line with compensation paid to directors of comparable companies, recognizes the workload and responsibilities of the board and committee members and will enable Angeion to attract qualified directors when needed. The board compensation plan in effect during fiscal 2006 is detailed as follows:
1. Each non-employee director will receive a quarterly retainer of $3,000 and $1,000 for each meeting attended in person or telephonically.
2. Each non-employee member of each standing committee will receive an additional fee of $500 for each meeting attended in person or telephonically.
3. Each non-employee director will receive an annual stock option grant for 15,000 shares.
17
4. Upon appointment, each new non-employee director will receive a one-time stock option grant for 10,000 shares.
5. Each non-employee director is reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of the Company
6. Annual retainers for persons serving as chairs are as follows: Chairman of the Board, $6,000; Audit Committee Chair, $4,500; and Other Committee Chairs, $2,500.
The Board has made no grants of options to directors in 2007 because there were not sufficient options available under the 2002 Plan. The Board has not determined the equity awards to be granted under the 2007 Plan, but expects to do this on an annual basis.
Stock Options. On May 25, 2006, upon their reelection to the Board of Directors, the Company granted ten-year stock options to the following non-employee directors.
Name |
|
Date of Grant |
|
Number of |
|
Exercise Price |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arnold A. Angeloni |
|
5/25/06 |
|
15,000 |
|
5.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. James Ehlen, M.D. |
|
5/25/06 |
|
15,000 |
|
5.08 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John C. Penn |
|
5/25/06 |
|
15,000 |
|
5.08 |
|
The exercise price of each option granted to the non-employee directors is equal to or greater than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Each option is fully exercisable as of the date of grant. All options granted under the Plan to non-employee directors are non-qualified stock options.
Report of Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee during fiscal 2006 were Messrs. Penn (Chair), Angeloni and Ehlen.
Among its other functions, the Audit Committee selects the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, reviews the internal and external financial reporting of the Company, reviews the scope of the independent audit, reviews all non-audit services provided by the auditors, approves auditor fees and determines auditor independence. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of the Companys financial reporting system by overseeing and monitoring managements and the independent auditors participation in the financial reporting process.
In accordance with its charter, the Committee reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements with management and KPMG LLP. The discussions with KPMG LLP also included the matters required by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees.
KPMG LLP provided to the Committee the written disclosures and a letter regarding its independence as required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees. This information was discussed with KPMG LLP.
18
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board that the audited consolidated financial statements be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended October 31, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Members of the Audit Committee: |
||
Arnold A. Angeloni |
K. James Ehlen, M.D. |
John C. Penn (Chair) |
19
The following table sets forth information as of April 13, 2006 concerning beneficial ownership of the common stock of the Company by (i) the only shareholders known by the Company to own more than five percent of the common stock of the Company, (ii) each director of the Company, (iii) each Named Executive Officer listed in the Summary Compensation Table and (iv) all executive officers and directors of the Company, as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, all persons listed below may be reached at the Companys office.
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Shares |
|
Options |
|
Total (1) |
|
Percent of |
|
Healthinvest Partners (2) |
|
347,847 |
|
|
|
347,847 |
|
8.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aberweis Asset Management, Inc.(3) |
|
199,100 |
|
|
|
199,100 |
|
4.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Arnold A. Angeloni (4) |
|
3,817 |
|
39,000 |
|
42,817 |
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John R. Baudhuin(4) |
|
600 |
|
|
|
600 |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
K. James Ehlen, M.D. (4) |
|
|
|
19,000 |
|
19,000 |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dale H. Johnson (5) |
|
|
|
42,300 |
|
42,300 |
|
1.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John C. Penn (4) |
|
3,105 |
|
29,000 |
|
32,105 |
|
* |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philip I. Smith(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rodney A. Young(4)(5) |
|
11,402 |
|
119,000 |
|
130,402 |
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All executive officers and directors as a group (7 persons) |
|
18,924 |
|
248,300 |
|
267,224 |
|
6.2 |
% |
*Indicates ownership of less than one percent.
(1). Except as noted, all shares beneficially owned by each person as of the record date were owned of record, and each person had sole voting power and sole investment power for all such shares beneficially held.
(2). Based on Form 13G filed by Healthinvest Partners on February 12, 2007.
(3). Based on Form 13G filed by Oberweis Asset Management, Inc. on February 14, 2007.
(4). Serves as a director of the Company and nominated for election to the Board of Directors.
(5). Serves as an executive officer of the Company.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.
To the Companys knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company and written representations that no other reports were required, during the year ended October 31, 2006, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were complied with.
20
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
Set forth below is biographical and other information on the current executive officers of the Company. Mr. Youngs biographical information is set forth above under Information About Directors.
Name of Officer |
|
Age |
|
Title |
|
|
|
|
|
Rodney A. Young |
|
52 |
|
President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
Dale H. Johnson |
|
62 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Dale H. Johnson, CPA, inactive, was appointed Chief Financial Officer in January 2000. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Johnson served as the Chief Financial Officer of Medical Graphics from March 1997 to December 1999. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Johnson served as a consultant to various companies in financial distress. From 1994 to 1995, he served as Chief Financial Officer to Larson Companies, a privately owned group of heavy truck dealerships. From 1991 to 1994, he served as Chief Financial Officer to National Marrow Donor Program. From 1971 to 1986, he served as Chief Financial Officer for the Pepsi subsidiary of MEI Corporation. In 1986, PepsiCo, Inc. acquired MEI Corporation and thereafter Mr. Johnson served as Area Chief Financial Officer to PepsiCo, Inc. During the previous five years, he worked as an accountant with Arthur Andersen & Co. and served as a finance officer in the United States Army. Mr. Johnson holds a B.A. in Economics and Accounting from St. Johns University and is a Certified Public Accountant, inactive.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation
The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation for the years ended October 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 earned by, or awarded to Mr. Young who served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the only other executive officer of the Company whose total cash compensation exceeds $100,000 (Named Executive Officers) in 2006.
|
|
|
Annual Compensation |
|
Long-Term Compensation |
|
|
|
|||||||
Name and Principal |
|
Period/ |
|
Salary ($) |
|
Bonus ($) |
|
Other Annual |
|
Restricted |
|
Securities |
|
All Other |
|
Rodney A. Young |
|
2006 |
|
263,942 |
|
275,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
12,000 |
|
7,200 |
|
President and |
|
2005 |
|
236,154 |
|
34,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
7,200 |
|
Chief Executive |
|
2004 |
|
69,885 |
|
20,849 |
|
|
|
|
|
81,000 |
|
2,188 |
|
Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dale H. Johnson |
|
2006 |
|
144,117 |
|
75,077 |
|
|
|
|
|
4,500 |
|
|
|
Chief Financial |
|
2005 |
|
133,163 |
|
9,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
Officer |
|
2004 |
|
127,498 |
|
18,653 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) Other compensation amounts represent an automobile allowance paid by the Company.
(2) Mr. Young was appointed as a director, President and CEO of the Company effective November 1, 2004. He served as Executive Vice President from July 6, 2004 to October 31, 2004.
21
Grants of Stock Options
The Company adopted the Angeion Corporation 2002 Stock Option Plan (2002 Stock Option Plan) on October 25, 2002, the effective date of the Plan of Reorganization. During the year ended October 31, 2006, the Company granted 48,000 options to purchase the Companys stock to employees and 45,000 options to directors. The following table provides information concerning grants of options to purchase the Companys common stock made during the year ended October 31, 2006 to the Named Executive Officers.
|
Individual Grants |
|
|||||||
Name |
|
Number of |
|
% Of Total |
|
|
|
Expiration Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rodney A. Young |
|
12,000 |
|
25.0 |
|
5.08 |
|
5/25/2016 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dale H. Johnson |
|
4,500 |
|
9.4 |
|
5.08 |
|
5/25/2016 |
|
Exercises of Stock Options and Year-End Option Values
The following table provides information concerning option exercises during 2006 and the value of exercisable and unexercisable options held by Named Executive Officers as of October 31, 2006. The value of unexercised in-the-money options is based on the closing price of Angeion common stock on October 31, 2006 of $10.69 per share, minus the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the options.
|
|
Shares |
|
Value |
|
Number of Securities |
|
Value of Unexercised In-the- |
|
|||||
Name |
|
exercise |
|
Realized |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rodney A. Young |
|
|
|
|
|
143,000 |
|
|
|
$ |
887,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dale H. Johnson |
|
|
|
|
|
42,300 |
|
|
|
243,000 |
|
|
|
|
Employment and Change of Control Agreements
In June 2004, the Company entered into a written employment agreement with Rodney A. Young under which Mr. Young agreed to serve as Executive Vice President of the Company effective July 6, 2004. Mr. Young also agreed to be appointed President and Chief Executive Officer beginning November 1, 2004. In exchange for his service, Mr. Young currently receives an annual salary of $302,500, and is entitled to earn an annual cash bonus ranging from 22.5% to 100% of his annual salary
22
and an over-achievement bonus of up to an additional 15% based upon achievement of certain objectives in a bonus plan established by the Board of Directors. Mr. Young was also elected as a member of the Board of Directors on November 1, 2004 and receives no additional compensation for this service. Mr. Youngs employment agreement may be terminated upon 60 days written notice by either party, upon notice by the Company of termination for cause or upon the event of Mr. Youngs death or disability. The agreement also contains a non-compete provision for one year after the termination of Mr. Youngs employment.
Each of Mr. Young and Mr. Johnson also has rights under respective change in control agreements with the Company. Under each agreement, if the officers employment is terminated during a period of twenty-four months following a Change in Control of the Company (i) by the Company other than for Cause or death, or (ii) by the officer for Good Reason (as these terms are defined in the agreements), then the officer will be entitled to a lump sum payment equal to their annual base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Change of Control, health insurance coverage and out placement assistance. If the officers employment is terminated prior to the Change of Control, the officer also will be entitled to Change of Control benefits if the termination was a condition of the Change of Control or was at the request or insistence of a person related to the Change of Control. If such a termination had occurred at October 31, 2006, the amount payable to Mr. Young pursuant to his agreement would have been approximately $324,000 and the amount payable to Mr. Johnson would have been approximately $192,000.
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors establishes the compensation for executive officers of the Company and acts on other matters relating to their compensation as it deems appropriate and typically meets one to four times per year. During fiscal 2006, the Compensation Committee consisted of three non-employee directors and held one meeting. In addition, the Board of Directors held one special Board meeting for the purpose of addressing executive compensation matters. The members of the Compensation Committee during fiscal 2006 were Messrs. Angeloni, Ehlen (Chair) and Penn. The Compensation Committee also administers, with respect to all eligible recipients, the Companys 2002 Stock Option Plan and determines the participants in the Plan and the amount, timing and other terms and conditions of awards under the Plan.
Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
The Compensation Committee is committed to the general principle that overall executive compensation should be commensurate with performance by the Company and the individual executive officers, and the attainment of predetermined individual and corporate goals. The primary objectives of the Companys executive compensation program are to:
· Reward the achievement of desired Company and individual performance goals;
· Provide compensation that enables the Company to attract and retain key executives; and
· Provide compensation opportunities that are linked to performance of the Company and that directly link the interests of executives with the interests of shareholders.
The Companys executive compensation program provides a level of compensation opportunity that is competitive for companies in comparable industries and of comparable development, complexity and size. In determining compensation levels, the Compensation Committee considers a number of factors, including Company performance, both separately and in relation to other companies competing in the Companys markets; the individual performance of each executive officer; historical compensation levels and stock option awards at the Company; and the overall competitive environment for executives
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and the level of compensation necessary to attract and retain key executives. Compensation levels may be greater or less than competitive levels in comparable companies based upon factors such as annual and long-term Company performance and individual performance.
During 2006, the Compensation Committee engaged Launch Venture Services to assist the Committee in developing a compensation philosophy and studied the compensation of executive officers. With the assistance of Launch Venture Services, the Company developed a philosophy and took the action below.
Base Salary
Base Pay is set on a conservative basis around the 25th percentile of comparable companies, with opportunities to reach industry median based primarily on individual experience and contributions, while taking into account the overall financial health of the Company. Mr. Youngs salary was $275,000 in fiscal 2006 and was increased by the Board to $302,500 effective on November 1, 2006.
Annual Incentives
Annual cash incentives are linked to achievement of key business objectives, primarily earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, and revenue growth. Payouts will be available under annual incentive plans if threshold performance goals established by the Board are met. If achievements of all business objectives for a year are achieved, payouts are intended to be competitive in the industry. Substantial overachievement against all goals established by the Board creates a payout opportunity around the upper quartile of comparable companies. Pursuant to this philosophy, the Company adopted the 2006 Management Incentive Bonus Plan (the 2006 Bonus Plan). The 2006 Bonus Plan provided for the payment of cash compensation to eligible employees, including the Companys executive officers, upon achievement of predetermined objectives. The 2006 Bonus Plan provided that bonuses would be earned during 2006 if the Company achieved
On January 2, 2007, the Board of Directors authorized payouts under the 2006 Bonus Plan. Although the Company did not maximize one of the elements in the 2006 Bonus Plan, the Company significantly surpassed the 2006 Bonus Plan objectives in other areas, and the Board determined that the Companys overall performance and achievement of record revenues and income before taxes merited the additional bonus consideration. Mr. Young received a bonus payment of $275,000 and Mr. Johnson received a bonus payment of $75,077.
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The Company has adopted the 2007 Bonus Plan with a formula similar to the 2006 Bonus Plan. Set forth below are the threshold, target and maximum payouts for the Companys officers under the 2007 Bonus Plan.
|
Range of Payouts Under the 2007 Bonus Plan |
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||||||||
Name |
|
Threshold |
|
Target |
|
Maximum |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Rodney A. Young |
|
$ |
68,063 |
|
$ |
128,563 |
|
$ |
302,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Dale H. Johnson |
|
27,591 |
|
39,415 |
|
78,831 |
|
|||
Equity Compensation
The Companys equity compensation practices are designed to be around median in the industry over time, and provide significant compensation opportunities only in conjunction with substantial shareholder returns on a sustained basis. Stock options are used to enable key executives to participate in a meaningful way in the success of the Company and to link their interests directly with those of the shareholders. The number of stock options granted to executives is based upon a number of factors, including base salary level and the base salary level relative to those of other companies in the Companys industry, the number of options previously granted, and individual and Company performance during the year. The Company granted 48,000 options to purchase the Companys stock to employees during the year ended October 31, 2006. Messrs. Young and Johnson were granted 12,000 and 4,500 options to purchase the Companys stock for 2006, respectively.
|
Members of the Compensation Committee: |
|
||
|
Arnold A. Angeloni |
K. James Ehlen, M.D. (Chair) |
John C. Penn |
|
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OTHER INFORMATION
Shareholder Proposals for 2008 Annual Meeting
The Company anticipates holding its 2008 Annual Meeting on or about May 21, 2008 and anticipates mailing its materials on or about April 18, 2008. The Secretary of the Company must receive any shareholder proposal intended for inclusion in the Companys proxy material for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders no later than the close of business on December 21, 2007.
A shareholder who wishes to make a proposal for consideration at the 2008 Annual Meeting, but does not seek to include the proposal in the Companys proxy material, must notify the Secretary of the Company. The notice must be received no later than March 5, 2008. If the notice is not timely, then the persons named on the Companys proxy card for the 2008 Annual Meeting may use their discretionary voting authority when the proposal is raised at the meeting.
Annual Report
The Annual Report of the Company for the year ended October 31, 2006, which includes the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-KSB as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, accompanies this Notice of Annual Meeting and proxy solicitation material. Shareholders may also without charge obtain a copy of the Annual Report of the Company, which includes the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, upon written request to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company at the address indicated on this Proxy Statement. Copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-KSB, including exhibits and financial statement schedules, may also be obtained on the Companys website www.angeion.com or the SECs website www.sec.gov.
Cost and Method of Solicitation
The Company will pay the cost of soliciting proxies and may make arrangements with brokerage firms, custodians, nominees and other fiduciaries to send proxy materials to beneficial owners of common stock. The Company will reimburse them for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to solicitation by mail, directors, officers and employees of the Company may solicit by telephone, electronic transmission or in person proxies.
Other Matters
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, management knows of no other matters that may come before the 2007 Annual Meeting. However, if matters other than those referred to above should properly come before the 2007 Annual Meeting, the individuals named on the enclosed proxy card intend to vote such proxy in accordance with their best judgment.
|
By Order of the Board of Directors, |
|
|
|
Rodney A. Young |
|
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
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Exhibit A
ANGEION CORPORATION
2007 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The purpose of the Plan is to enable Angeion Corporation (the Company) and its Subsidiaries to attract and retain employees, directors and service providers of the Company by aligning financial interests of these individuals with the other shareholders of the Company.
The Plan provides for the grant of Incentive Stock Options, Non-Qualified Stock Options, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Appreciation Rights, Performance Stock, Performance Units, and Other Awards to aid the Company in obtaining these goals, subject to the approval by the shareholders on May 23, 2007.
2.1 BOARD means the Board of Directors of the Company.
2.2 CAUSE means, unless otherwise defined in the Stock Incentive Agreement or in a separate agreement with the Participant that governs Stock Incentives granted under this Plan, a felony conviction of a Participant or a material violation of any Company policy, including, without limitation, any policy contained in the Companys Code of Conduct, or due to embezzlement from or theft of property belonging to the Company, regardless of when facts resulting in a finding of Cause are discovered by the Company.
2.3 CODE means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, or any successor statue.
2.4 COMMITTEE means the Compensation Committee of the Board or any other committee appointed by the Board to administer the Plan. If no Committee is established, then the functions of the Committee will be performed by the full board.
2.5 COMPANY means Angeion Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Minnesota (or any successor corporation).
2.6 DISABILITY means a physical or mental condition resulting from a bodily injury or disease or mental disorder rendering a person incapable of continuing to perform the essential employment duties of the person at the Company as these duties existed immediately prior to the bodily injury, disease or mental disorder.
2.7 EXCHANGE ACT means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
2.8 EXERCISE PRICE means the price that will be paid to purchase one Share upon the exercise of an Option granted under this Plan.
2.9 FAIR MARKET VALUE of one Share of Common Stock on any given date will be determined by the Committee as follows:
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2.11 INSIDER means an individual who is, on the relevant date, an officer, member of the Board or ten percent beneficial owner of any class of the Companys equity securities that is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, all as defined under Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
2.12 ISO means an Option granted under this Plan to purchase Shares that is intended by the Company to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 422, Incentive Stock Options, as an incentive stock option.
2.13 KEY EMPLOYEE means any employee of the Company or any Subsidiary holding a key management or technical position as determined by the Committee.
2.14 KEY PERSON means a person, other than a Key Employee, who is
2.15 NQSO means an option granted under this Plan to purchase Shares that is not intended by the Company to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 422.
2.16 OPTION means an ISO or a NQSO.
2.17 OUTSIDE DIRECTOR means a member of the Board who is not an employee and who qualifies as
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2.18 PARTICIPANT means a Key Person or Key Employee who is designated to receive an award under the Plan by the Committee.
2.19 PERFORMANCE-BASED EXCEPTION means the performance-based exception from the tax deductibility limitations of Code Section 162(m).
2.20 PERFORMANCE PERIOD means the period during which a performance goal must be attained with respect to a Stock Incentive that is performance based, as determined by the Committee.
2.21 PERFORMANCE STOCK means an award of Shares granted to a Participant that is subject to the achievement of performance criteria, either as to the delivery of the Shares or the calculation of the amount deliverable as a result of achieving a level of performance over a specified Performance Period, or any combination thereof.
2.22 PERFORMANCE UNITS means a contractual right granted to a Participant to receive a Share (or cash equivalent) upon achievement of performance criteria or a level of performance over a specified Performance Period that are deliverable either at the end of the Performance Period or at a later time.
2.23 PLAN means the Angeion Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, as it may be amended from time to time.
2.24 QUALIFYING EVENT means, with respect to a Participant, the Participants death, Disability or Retirement.
2.25 RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD means an award of Shares granted to a Participant under this Plan that is subject to restrictions in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Plan and the applicable Stock Incentive Agreement.
2.26 RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT means a contractual right granted to a Participant under this Plan to receive a Share (or cash equivalent) that is subject to restrictions in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Plan and the applicable Stock Incentive Agreement.
2.27 RETIREMENT means retirement from active employment with the Company and any subsidiary or parent corporation of the Company on or after age 65 or such other age as the Committee may determine.
2.28 SHARE or COMMON STOCK means a share of the common stock of the Company.
2.29 STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHT means a right granted to a Participant pursuant to the terms and provisions of this Plan under which the individual, without payment to the Company (except for any applicable withholding or other taxes), receives Shares, or other consideration as the Committee may determine, in an amount equal to
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2.30 STOCK INCENTIVE means an ISO, a NQSO, a Restricted Stock Award, a Restricted Stock Unit, a Stock Appreciation Right, a Performance Stock or Performance Unit or cash.
2.31 STOCK INCENTIVE AGREEMENT means a document issued by the Company or a Subsidiary to a Participant evidencing an award of a Stock Incentive.
2.32 SUBSIDIARY means any corporation (other than the Company) in an unbroken chain of corporations beginning with the Company if each of the corporations (other than the last corporation in the unbroken chain) owns stock possessing 50% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock in one of the other corporations in the chain.
2.33 TEN PERCENT SHAREHOLDER means a person who owns (after taking into account the attribution rules of Code Section 424(d)) more than ten percent of the total combined voting power of all classes of shares of stock of either the Company or a Subsidiary.
3.1 The aggregate number of Shares that may be issued under the Plan is 600,000 Shares, subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10. Effective immediately upon the approval of this Plan by the shareholders of the Company, the Companys 2002 Stock Option (the Prior Plan) is amended by this Plan to eliminate the authority and discretion of the Board, the Compensation Committee of the Board and any executive officer of the Company to grant any new awards or options (or to amend any previously granted award or option to increase the number of shares) under the Prior Plan, including with respect to any shares that would become available for issuance as a result of the cancellation or forfeiture of shares under any previously granted awards or options. Within the aggregate limit specified above and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 10:
(a) No more than 600,000 Shares may be used for Incentive Stock Options;
(b) No more than 200,000 Shares may be used for Stock Incentives for non-employee Directors; and
(c) No more than 200,000 Shares may be used for Restricted Stock Awards.
All Shares will be reserved, to the extent that the Company deems appropriate, from authorized but unissued Shares, and from Shares that have been reacquired by the Company.
3.2 For purposes of determining the limits described in this Plan, in particular this Section 3, Shares covered by a Stock Incentive will not be counted as used unless and until actually delivered to a Participant. In addition, the following principles will apply in determining the number of Shares under any applicable limit:
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3.3 Subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 10, no Participant may be granted any Stock Incentive covering an aggregate number of Shares in excess of 100,000 in any calendar year. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with his or her initial service, a Participant may be granted Stock Incentives covering not more than 50,000 Shares that will not count against the limit set forth in the preceding sentence.
The effective date of this Plan is May 23, 2007, which is the date on which the shareholders of the Company originally approved the Plan.
The Committee will administer this Plan. The Committee, acting in its absolute discretion, will exercise the powers and take the action expressly called for under this Plan. The Committee will have the power to interpret this Plan and, subject to the terms and provisions of this Plan, to take other action in the administration and operation of the Plan as it deems equitable under the circumstances. The Committees actions are binding on the Company, on each affected Participant, and on each other person directly or indirectly affected by actions.
Except as limited by law or by the Articles of Incorporation or By-laws of the Company, and subject to the provisions herein, the Committee will have full power to select Participants in the Plan, to determine the sizes and types of Stock Incentives in a manner consistent with the Plan, to determine the terms and conditions of Stock Incentives in a manner consistent with the Plan, to construe and interpret the Plan and any agreement or instrument entered into under the Plan, to establish, amend or waive rules and regulations for the Plans administration, and to amend the terms and conditions of any outstanding Stock Incentives as allowed under the Plan and Stock Incentives.
Further, the Committee may make all other determinations that may be necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may seek the assistance of any persons as it may see fit in carrying out its routine administrative functions concerning the Plan.
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The members of the Committee and any other persons to whom authority has been delegated by the Committee will be appointed from time to time by, and serve at the discretion of, the Board. The Committee may appoint one or more separate committees ( Subcommittee) composed of two or more Outside Directors of the Company (who may but need not be members of the Committee) and may delegate to any Subcommittee or to one or more executive officers of the Company the authority to grant Stock Incentives, or to administer the Plan or any aspect of it. Only the Committee may grant Stock Incentives that may meet the Performance-Based Exception, and only the Committee may grant Stock Incentives to Insiders that may be exempt from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act. Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Board may assume the powers and responsibilities granted to the Committee or other delegatee at any time, in whole or in part.
All determinations and decisions made by the Committee pursuant to the provisions of this Plan and all related orders and resolutions of the Committee will be final, conclusive and binding on all persons, including the Company, its shareholders, members of the Board, Participants, and their estates and beneficiaries.
Participants selected by the Committee will be eligible for the grant of Stock Incentives under this Plan, but no Participant will have the right to be granted a Stock Incentive under this Plan merely as a result of his or her status as an Eligible Recipient.
Stock Incentives will be granted to Participants selected by the Committee, and the Committee will be under no obligation whatsoever to grant any Stock Incentives, or to grant Stock Incentives to all Participants, or to grant all Stock Incentives subject to the same terms and conditions.
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No Share may be issued under this Plan unless and until the Committee has determined that all required actions have been taken to register the Share under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Company has determined that an exemption therefrom is available, any applicable listing requirement of any stock exchange on which the Share is listed has been satisfied, and any other applicable provision of state, federal or foreign law, including foreign securities laws where applicable, has been satisfied.
Regardless of whether the offering and sale of Shares under the Plan have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or have been registered or qualified under the securities laws of any state, the Company may impose restrictions upon the sale, pledge, or other transfer of the Shares (including the placement of appropriate legends on stock certificates) if, in the judgment of the Company and its counsel, the restrictions are necessary or desirable to achieve compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, the securities laws of any state, the United States or any other applicable foreign law. If the offering and sale of Shares under the Plan is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Company determines that the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 apply but an exemption is available that requires an investment representation or other representation, the Participant will be required, as a condition to acquiring Shares, to represent that the Shares are being acquired for investment, and not with a view to the sale or distribution thereof, except in compliance with the Securities Act of 1933, and to make such other representations as are deemed necessary or appropriate by the Company and its counsel. All Stock Incentive Agreements must contain a provision stating that any restrictions under any applicable securities laws will apply.
The Company may, and intends to, but is not obligated to, register or qualify the offering or sale of Shares under the Securities Act of 1933 or any other applicable state, federal or foreign law.
No Stock Incentive may be granted under this Plan on or after the earlier of:
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This Plan will continue in effect until all outstanding Stock Incentives have been exercised in full or are no longer exercisable and all Restricted Stock Awards or Restricted Stock Units have vested or been forfeited.
Notwithstanding anything in Section 12 to the contrary, in the event of a stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, rights offering, recapitalization through a large, nonrecurring cash dividend, or a similar equity restructuring of the Company, the Committee will adjust:
in an equitable manner that will equalize the fair value of the previously granted Stock Incentives before and after the equity restructuring.
Furthermore, in the event of any corporate transaction described in Code Section 424(a) that provides for the substitution or assumption of Stock Incentives, the Committee will adjust such Stock Incentives in a manner that satisfies the requirements of Code Section 424(a)) as to
If any adjustment under this Section creates a fractional Share or a right to acquire a fractional Share, the fractional Share will be disregarded, and the number of Shares reserved under this Plan and the number subject to any Stock Incentives granted under this Plan will be the next lower number of Shares, rounding all fractions downward. An adjustment made under this Section by the Committee will be conclusive and binding on all affected persons and, further, will not constitute an increase in the number of Shares reserved under Section 3 or an increase in any limitation imposed by the Plan.
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Change in Control of the Company means a change in control that would be required to be reported in response to Item 6(e) on Schedule 14A of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, whether or not the Company is then subject to such reporting requirement, including, without limitation, if:
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Except as otherwise provided in a Stock Incentive Agreement or as provided in the next sentence, if a Change of Control occurs, and if the agreements effectuating the Change of Control do not provide for the assumption or substitution of all Stock Incentives granted under this Plan, with respect to any Stock Incentive granted under this Plan that is not so assumed or substituted (a Non-Assumed Stock Incentive), the Stock Incentives will immediately vest and be exercisable and any restrictions thereon will lapse. Notwithstanding the foregoing, unless the Committee determines at or prior to the Change in Control, no Stock Incentive that is subject to any performance criteria for which the performance period has not expired, will accelerate at the time of a Change in Control.
Except as otherwise provided in a Stock Incentive Agreement, the Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, may, with respect to any or all of Non-Assumed Stock Incentives, take any or all of the following actions to be effective as of the date of the Change of Control (or as of any other date fixed by the Committee occurring within the 30 day period immediately preceding the date of the Change of Control, but only if the action remains contingent upon the effectuation of the Change of Control) (such date referred to as the Action Effective Date):
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If a Change of Control occurs, then, except to the extent otherwise provided in the Stock Incentive Agreement pertaining to a particular Stock Incentive or as otherwise provided in this Plan, each Stock Incentive will be governed by applicable law and the documents effectuating the Change of Control.
This Plan may be amended by the Committee from time to time to the extent that the Committee deems necessary or appropriate. No amendment may be made absent the approval of the shareholders of the Company, however, if the amendment:
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The Board also may suspend the granting of Stock Incentives under this Plan at any time and may terminate this Plan at any time.
The Committee has the right to modify, amend or cancel any Stock Incentive after it has been granted if
The Committee may, however, reform any provision in a Stock Incentive extended to be exempt from Code Section 409A to maintain to maximum extent practicable the original intent of the applicable provision without violating the provisions of Code Section 409A; If, however, no reasonably practicable reformation would avoid the imposition of any penalty tax or interest under Code Section 409A, no payment or benefit will be provided under the Stock Incentive and the Stock Incentive will be deemed null, void and of no force and effect, and the Company will have no further obligation in connection with the Stock Incentive.
Unless and until the Board proposes for shareholder vote and shareholders approve a change in the general performance measures set forth in this Section, the attainment of which may determine the degree of payout or vesting with respect to Stock Incentives to Key Employees and Key Persons pursuant to this Plan that are designed to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, the performance measure(s) to be used by the Committee for purposes of grants must be chosen from among the following:
(a) earnings per share;
(b) net income (before or after taxes);
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(c) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, equity or sales);
The Committee will have the discretion to adjust the determinations of the degree of attainment of the pre-established performance goals. Stock Incentives that are intended to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception may not be adjusted upward, however, (although the Committee will retain the discretion to adjust the Stock Incentives downward).
The Committee will have the discretion to determine the period during which any performance goal must be attained with respect to a Stock Incentive. The period may be of any length, and must be established prior to the start of the period or within the first 90 days of the such period (provided that the performance criteria are not in any event set after 25% or more of the period has elapsed).
In the event that the applicable tax or securities laws and regulatory rules and regulations change to permit Committee discretion to alter the governing performance measures noted above without obtaining shareholder approval of the changes, the Committee will have sole discretion to make changes without obtaining shareholder approval. In addition, in the event that the Committee determines that it is advisable to grant Stock Incentives that do not qualify for the Performance-Based Exception, the
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Committee may make the grants without satisfying the requirements under Code Section 162(m) to qualify for the Performance-Based Exception.
Except as provided in Section 7.3 with respect to Restricted Stock Awards, or in a Stock Incentive Agreement, no Participant will have any rights as a shareholder of the Company as a result of the grant of a Stock Incentive pending the actual delivery of Shares subject to the Stock Incentive to the Participant.
The grant of a Stock Incentive to a Participant under this Plan will not constitute a contract of employment or other relationship with the Company and will not confer on a Participant any rights upon his or her termination of employment or relationship with the Company in addition to those rights, if any, expressly set forth in the Stock Incentive Agreement that evidences his or her Stock Incentive.
The Company will have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require a Participant to remit to the Company as a condition precedent for the grant or fulfillment of any Stock Incentive, an amount in Shares or cash sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local taxes, domestic or foreign, required by law or regulation to be withheld with respect to any taxable event arising as a result of this Plan or any action taken by a Participant with respect to a Stock Incentive. Whenever Shares are to be issued to a Participant upon exercise of an Option or Stock Appreciation Right, or satisfaction of conditions under a Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Stock or Performance Units, the Company will have the right to require the Participant to remit to the Company, as a condition thereof, an amount in cash (or, unless the Stock Incentive Agreement provides otherwise, in Shares) sufficient to satisfy federal, state and local withholding tax requirements at the time of exercise. To the extent that a Participant is an Insider, however, satisfaction of withholding requirements by having the Company withhold Shares may only be made to the extent that the withholding of Shares
(a) has met the requirements of an exemption under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, or
(b) is a subsequent transaction the terms of which were provided for in a transaction initially meeting the requirements of an exemption under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Unless the Stock Incentive Agreement provides otherwise, the withholding of shares to satisfy federal, state and local withholding tax requirements will be a subsequent transaction approved by the original grant of a Stock Incentive. In no event will payment of withholding taxes be made by a retention of Shares by the Company unless the Company retains only Shares with a Fair Market Value equal to the minimum amount of taxes required to be withheld.
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If a Participant sells or otherwise disposes of any of the Shares acquired pursuant to an Option that is an ISO on or before the later of (a) the date two years after the date of grant of the Option, or (b) the date one year after the exercise of such Option, then the Participant will immediately notify the Company in writing of such sale or disposition and cooperate with the Company in providing sufficient information to the Company for the Company to properly report such sale or disposition to the Internal Revenue Service. The Participant acknowledges and agrees that he or she may be subject to federal, state and local tax withholding by the Company on the compensation income recognized by Participant from any such early disposition, and agrees that he or she will include the compensation from such early disposition in his or her gross income for federal tax purposes. Participant also acknowledges that the Company may condition the exercise of any Option that is an ISO on the Participants express written agreement with these provisions of this Plan.
The transfer of a Participants employment between or among the Company or a Subsidiary (including the merger of a Subsidiary into the Company) will not be treated as a termination of his or her employment under this Plan. Likewise, the continuation of employment by a Participant with a corporation that is a Subsidiary will be deemed to be a termination of employment when the corporation ceases to be a Subsidiary.
Unless the Committee provides otherwise, vesting of Stock Incentives granted hereunder will be suspended during any unpaid leave of absence. A Participant will not cease to be an employee of the Company in the case of any leave of absence approved by the Company. For purposes of ISOs, no leave may exceed 90 days unless reemployment upon expiration of the leave is guaranteed by statute or contract. If reemployment upon expiration of a leave of absence approved by the Company is not so guaranteed, then three months following the 91st day of the leave any ISO held by the Participant will cease to be treated as an ISO and if exercised thereafter will be treated for tax purposes as a NQSO.
This Plan will be construed under the laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to principles of conflicts of law. Each Participant consents to the exclusive jurisdiction in the Hennepin County District Court for the determination of all disputes arising from this Plan and waives any rights to remove or transfer the case to another court.
To facilitate the Companys rights and obligations under this Plan, the Company reserves the right to appoint an escrow agent, who will hold the Shares owned by a Participant pursuant to this Plan.
If any of the Companys financial statements are required to be restated resulting from errors, omissions or fraud, the Committee may (in its sole discretion, but acting in good faith) direct that the Company recover all or a portion of any Stock Incentive with respect to any fiscal year of the Company the financial results of which are negatively affected by the restatement. The amount to be recovered from
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the Participant will be the amount by which the Stock Incentive exceeded the amount that would have been payable to the Participant had the financial statements been initially filed as restated, or any greater or lesser amount (including, but not limited to, the entire award) that the Committee may determine. In no event will the amount to be recovered by the Company be less than the amount required to be repaid or recovered as a matter of law. The Committee will determine whether the Company may effect any recovery
Without limiting in any way the generality of the Committees power to specify any terms and conditions of an Award consistent with law, and for greater clarity, the Committee may specify in an Stock Incentive Agreement that the Participants rights, payments, and benefits with respect to a Stock Incentive under this Plan may be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture, or recoupment upon the occurrence of certain specified events, in addition to any otherwise applicable vesting or performance conditions. These events may include, but will not be limited to, failure to accept the terms of the Stock Incentive Agreement, termination of employment or services under certain or all circumstances, violation of material Company policies, breach of noncompetition, confidentiality, nonsolicitation, noninterference, corporate property protection, or other agreement that may apply to the Participant, or other conduct by the Participant that the Committee determines is detrimental to the business or reputation of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
The Committee will have the authority to require that any Stock Incentive Agreement relating to a Stock Incentive in a jurisdiction outside of the United States contain terms as are required by local law in order to constitute a valid grant under the laws of the jurisdiction. This authority will continue even if the requirements of the local jurisdiction may be different from or more restrictive than the terms set forth in this Plan. No purchase or delivery of Shares pursuant to a Stock Incentive may occur until applicable restrictions imposed pursuant to this Plan or the applicable Stock Incentive have terminated.
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Exhibit B
Charter of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of
Angeion Corporation
June 2, 2003
I. Audit Committee Purpose
The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors to assist the Board in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities. The Audit Committees primary duties and responsibilities are to:
· Monitor the integrity of the Companys financial reporting process and systems of internal controls regarding finance, accounting and legal compliance.
· Select, engage and monitor the independence and performance of the Companys independent auditors.
· Provide an avenue of communication among the independent auditors, management and the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee has the authority to conduct any investigation appropriate to fulfilling its responsibilities and has direct access to the independent auditors, as well as anyone in the Company. The Audit Committee has the ability to retain, at the Companys expense, special legal, accounting, or other consultants or experts it deems necessary in the performance of its duties.
This Charter was first adopted by the Board of Directors effective June 1, 2000, and amended on March 27, 2002 and on June 2, 2003.
II. Audit Committee Composition and Meetings
Audit Committee members are appointed by the Board. The members of the Audit Committee will annually elect a Chair. If the Audit Committee Chair is not present, the members of the Committee present may designate a Chair by majority vote of the Committee membership.
The composition and function of the Audit Committee will meet the applicable rules and regulations of any exchange on which the Companys securities are listed or any system on which the Companys securities are quoted (the Market). Each member of the Audit Committee will be independent as such term is defined by the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) and the Market. The Audit Committee will be comprised of three or more directors as determined by the Board, each of whom shall be free from any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of his or her independent judgment.
All members of the Committee shall have a basic understanding of finance and accounting and be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, and at least one member of the Committee shall have accounting or related financial management expertise. If required by the Commission or the Market, the Board of Directors will designate at least one member of the Audit Committee as an Audit Committee Financial Expert as defined by the then applicable rules and regulations.
The Committee will meet at least four times annually, or more frequently as circumstances dictate. The Chair will prepare an agenda in advance of each meeting. The Committee should
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meet privately in executive session at least annually with management, the independent auditors, and as a committee to discuss any matters that the Committee or each of these groups believe should be discussed. In addition, the Committee, or at least its Chair, should communicate with management and the independent auditors quarterly to review the Companys financial statements and significant findings based upon the auditors limited review procedures.
III. Audit Committee Responsibilities and Duties
Review Procedures
1. Review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter at least annually. Submit the charter to the Board of Directors for approval and have the document published at least every three years in accordance with Commission regulations.
2. Review the Companys annual audited financial statements prior to filing or distribution and recommend to the Board of Directors the inclusion of the financial statements in the Companys annual report to be filed with the Commission. Review and comment upon the Companys annual report.
3. In consultation with the management and the independent auditors, consider the integrity of the Companys financial reporting processes and controls. Discuss significant financial risk exposures and the steps management has taken to monitor, control and report such exposures. Review significant findings prepared by the independent auditors together with managements responses. Meet with management at least quarterly to review managements disclosure of fraud or deficiencies, if any, in the design or operations of the Companys internal controls.
4. Review with financial management and the independent auditors the Companys quarterly financial results prior to the release of earnings and the Companys quarterly financial statements prior to filing or distribution. Review and comment upon the Companys quarterly reports. Discuss any significant changes to the Companys accounting principles and any items required to be communicated by the independent auditors in accordance with SAS 61 (see paragraph 10).
5. Review with management and the independent auditors, based on reports required from the independent auditors, all critical accounting policies and practices to be used; all alternative treatments of financial information within GAAP that have been discussed with management, ramifications of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatments; and other material written communications between the independent auditor and management.
Independent Auditors
6. Select and approve the engagement of the independent auditors and remove the independent auditors, all in the Audit Committees sole discretion. The Committee has sole authority and responsibility for the appointment, oversight, termination and compensation of the independent auditors. The independent auditors are ultimately accountable to the Audit Committee.
7. Approve all auditing services and permitted non-audit services provided by the independent auditors, and the fees and other significant compensation to be paid to the
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independent auditors.
8. On an annual basis, the Committee should review and discuss with the independent auditors all significant relationships they have with the Company that could impair the auditors independence.
9. Review the independent auditors audit plan discuss scope, staffing, locations, reliance upon management and general audit approach.
10. Prior to releasing the year-end earnings, discuss the results of the audit with the independent auditors. Discuss certain matters required to be communicated to audit committees in accordance with AICPA SAS 61.
11. Consider the independent auditors judgments about the quality and appropriateness of the Companys accounting principles as applied in its financial reporting.
12. On at least an annual basis, review with the Companys counsel, any legal matters that could have a significant impact on the organizations financial statements, the Companys compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and inquiries received from regulators or governmental agencies.
13. Receive reports from the Companys legal counsel regarding any dispute, litigation, regulatory matter or proceeding or any material violation of securities laws or breach of fiduciary duty or similar violation by the Company or any agent of the Company.
14. Resolve any disagreements between management and the independent auditors regarding financial reporting.
Other Audit Committee Responsibilities
15. Establish procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, including allowing for the submission of confidential and anonymous complaints.
16. Prepare reports to shareholders as required by the Commission or the Market.
17. Perform any other activities consistent with this Charter, the Companys by-laws, and governing law, as the Committee or the Board deems necessary or appropriate.
18. Maintain minutes of meetings and periodically report to the Board of Directors on significant results of the foregoing activities.
19. Periodically perform self-assessment of Audit Committee performance.
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ANGEION CORPORATION
350 Oak Grove Parkway
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55127-8599
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
2:00 p.m. Minnesota time
Angeion Corporation 350 Oak Grove Parkway Saint Paul, Minnesota 55127-8599 |
proxy |
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Rodney A. Young and Arnold A. Angeloni, or any of them, with power of substitution to each, as attorneys and proxies, and hereby authorizes them to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Angeion Corporation to be held at the Companys offices located at 350 Oak Grove Parkway, Saint Paul, Minnesota, on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Minnesota time, and at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, and to vote, as designated below, all shares of Common Stock of Angeion Corporation held of record by the undersigned on April 13, 2007 and which the undersigned would be entitled to vote at such Annual Meeting, hereby revoking all former proxies.
See reverse for voting instructions
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COMPANY # |
There are three ways to vote your Proxy |
Your telephone or internet vote authorizes the Named Proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.
VOTE BY PHONE TOLL FREE 1-800-560-1965 QUICK *** EASY *** IMMEDIATE
· Use any touch-tone telephone to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on May 22, 2007.
· Please have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number available. Follow the simple instructions the voice provides you.
VOTE BY INTERNET http://www.eproxy.com/angn/ QUICK *** EASY *** IMMEDIATE
· Use the Internet to vote your proxy 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until 12:00 p.m. (CT) on May 22, 2007.
· Please have your proxy card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number available. Follow the simple instructions to obtain your records and create an electronic ballot.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope weve provided or return it to Angeion Corporation, c/o Shareowner Services, P.O. Box 64873, St. Paul, MN 55164-0873.
If you
vote by Phone or by Internet, please do not mail your Proxy Card.
Please detach here
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Election of |
01 Arnold A. Angeloni |
04 John C. Penn |
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Vote for all nominees |
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Vote WITHHELD |
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Directors: |
02 John R. Baudhuin |
05 Philip I. Smith |
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(except as marked) |
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from all nominees |
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03 K. James Ehlen, M.D. |
06 Rodney A. Young |
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(Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, |
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write the number(s) of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.) |
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2. |
A Proposal to approve the Angeion Corporation 2007 Stock Incentive Plan. |
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o For |
o Against |
o Abstain |
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A Proposal to Ratify the Appointment of KPMG LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm, to audit the |
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financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2007 and to perform other accounting services as determined |
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by the Companys Audit Committee. |
o For |
o Against |
o Abstain |
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I plan to attend the meeting o |
Address Change? Mark Box o |
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Indicate changes below: |
Date: |
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Signature(s) in Box Please sign exactly as your name(s) appears on Proxy. If held in joint tenancy, all persons must sign. Trustees, administrators, etc. should include title and authority. Corporations should provide full name of corporation and title of authorized officer signing the Proxy. |