UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

Current Report

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of report (date of earliest event reported):  October 12, 2017

Balchem Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland
1-13648
13-257-8432
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)
(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)

52 Sunrise Park Road, New Hampton, NY 10958
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (845) 326-5600

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 
 


Item 5.02
Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

On October 12, 2017, Balchem Corporation (the “ Company ”) announced that Terry Coelho has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective October 23. William Backus, the Company’s current Chief Financial Officer, will continue to serve as the Company’s Chief Accounting Officer, effective October 23, 2017. Additionally, Frank Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Administration, has notified the Company of his intent to retire as of December 31, 2017.
 
Terry Coelho, age 56, joins the Company from Diversey, Inc., where she was Chief Operating Officer since September 2017.  Prior to that role, Ms. Coelho was Vice President Finance and Global Commercial Excellence for Diversey Care, a division of Sealed Air Corporation, from February 2016 to September 2017 and Vice President Finance for Diversey Care from October 2014 to February 2016.   Diversey Care is a provider of solutions for cleaning and hygiene, including food safety and infection prevention.  Prior to joining Diversey Care, Ms. Coelho was the Global Head of Oncology Development Finance for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a multinational pharmaceutical company, from March 2010 to October 2014.  Ms. Coelho has also held numerous roles of increasing responsibility with Novartis from 2007 through 2014 and with Mars Inc., a global manufacturer of confectionery, pet food and other food products, from 1987 to 2007.  She received her bachelor’s degrees in International Studies and Economics, Summa Cum Laude, from the American University School of International Service and an MBA from IBMEC in Brazil.

The Company’s press release describing these events is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated by reference herein.

In connection with the hiring of Ms. Coelho as Chief Financial Officer, the Company and Ms. Coelho have entered into an offer letter that outlines her responsibilities and compensation. The offer letter provides for a base salary of $375,000 and a one-time sign-on bonus of $50,000. The offer letter also provides that Ms. Coelho will be eligible to participate in the Company’s Long Term Incentive Plan with a target award level of 100% of her base salary. Ms. Coelho will also receive 3,000 shares of Company restricted stock, which will vest four years after the date of grant.

The foregoing summary of the offer letter does not purport to be a complete description and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the offer letter, which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.01
Exhibits.
 
(d)
Exhibits .
 
Exhibit No.
Description
   
Offer Letter with Terry Coelho dated October 3, 2017
   
Press Release
 

SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 
BALCHEM CORPORATION
   
 
By:/s/ Frank Fitzpatrick
 
Frank Fitzpatrick, Vice President Administration
   
Dated: October 12, 2017
 
 
 


Exhibit 10.1
 
Corporate Headquarters
52 Sunrise Park Rd
New Hampton, NY 10958
(845) 326-5600  •  Fax (845) 326-5734
 
October 3, 2017

Terry Coelho
Charlotte, North Carolina

Dear Terry:

I am pleased to make the following offer to you for the position of Chief Financial Officer with Balchem Corporation (“Balchem” or the “Company”) a compensation package as described below:

Annual base salary:
$ 375,000
   
Date of Hire:
October 23, 2017 (Estimated)

·
Incentive Compensation:   As a key employee, you will also be eligible to participate in the Balchem Corporation Incentive Compensation Program (ICP).  Incentive goals, based on mutually agreed upon objectives, will be designed annually allowing you to earn up to 45% of your base salary.  In 2017, you will be eligible for a pro-rated payout based upon your actual start date.

·
Signing Bonus :  On your date of hire, you will receive 3,000 Restricted Shares of Balchem stock* as well as a one-time cash bonus payment of $50,000 , payable with your first paycheck with the Company.

*All 3,000 Restricted Shares “cliff vest” at four (4) years from the date of the grant. 
 
·
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP):  You will also be eligible to participate in Balchem’s Long Term Incentive Program (“ LTI ”), which provides for incentive compensation in the form of equity of Balchem, based upon achieving certain performance objectives defined annually, and similarly based upon the authorization of the Balchem’s Board of Directors or an authorized committee thereof.  Under the LTI, you may earn a Target Award of up to 100% of your Base Salary in Balchem stock options and Performance Award Restricted Shares (valued on the grant date) and in certain circumstances of performance, amounts exceeding the Target Award, subject to parameters defined in, and the terms and conditions of, the LTI, a copy of which will be provided to you.
 
If the Company (or any other successor thereto for which you shall thereupon become employed) shall terminate your employment with the Company (or such successor) for any reason, other than for Cause (as herein defined), less than four (4) years from the actual grant date of the 3,000 Restricted Shares granted to you as part of your signing bonus, the pro-rated portion of these shares will immediately vest upon the actual date of termination.  For the purposes of this agreement, “Cause” as used herein shall mean the following:
 
Excessive absence or lateness;
Gross insubordination or violation of the Company’s Code of Conduct
Failure to devote your efforts full-time to the Company’s business; or
Any job related action which constitutes a violation of any applicable criminal statute
 
·
401 (k): You will be eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on the first day of the month following 60 calendar days of employment.  Under the 401(k) plan, employees may contribute up to the 2017 annual IRS limit of $18,000. If you are 50 years of age or older, (or if you will reach age 50 by the end of the year), you may make a catch-up contribution of up to $6,000 in addition to the normal IRS annual limit. The Company matches 100% on the first 6% of your compensation that you contribute to the 401(k) plan.  Additionally, at its discretion, the Board of Directors may vote to make an annual Profit Sharing Contribution.

·
Vehicle Allowance Balchem will provide you with a $900 per month vehicle allowance.  The allowance will be included in your regular pay process each month.  Additionally, you will be reimbursed for your business mileage at the rate determined by Balchem, which is subject to change.
 

 
·
Relocation:   As this position will be based at the Company’s New Hampton, NY headquarters, it is expected that you will relocate to the New Hampton area by June, 2018 and the relocation will be supported by the company’s relocation policy.
 
·
Vacation / Time-Off Benefits:   You will be entitled to 160 hours of vacation, prorated during your first year of employment.  Sabbatical days are earned after one year of employment at the rate of one day per quarter.  Other portions of the paid time off plan include holidays and personal time, as described in the Summary of Benefits (a copy of which will be provided to you).
 
·
Group Medical and Dental insurance:    Participation in the group insurance plan is optional and it is a contributory plan.  You will be eligible to participate in the group insurance plan on the first day of the month following 60 calendar days of employment, with dependent coverage and eligibility as applicable.

·
COBRA:  Following any continuation/separation agreements with your previous employer, Balchem will reimburse your COBRA premium (you must submit proof of payment and the COBRA notice) for the period prior to your enrollment eligibility for the group insurance plans described above.  The reimbursement will be processed through payroll.

·
Business and Travel Insurance:   You will be provided with business travel accident insurance equal to five times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.

·
Non-contributory life insurance   with accidental death and dismemberment : You will be provided with this benefit equal to one times your base salary, whether or not you participate in the group health or dental programs.

·
Additional benefits include:   Short Term Disability, EAP, Educational Reimbursement, Contributory Supplemental Life, with detail and eligibility requirements as described in the Summary of Benefits.

In addition to this offer letter we have enclosed a copy of Balchem’s Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement,   Drug-Free Workplace-Applicants/Employees Policy , and Summary of Benefits for your review.  If acceptable, sign the letter and return to us, along with a signed copy of the Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement and the Receipt of Drug-Free Workplace Policy for Applicants/Employees form, both which are requirements of employment with Balchem.  You can return all documents via scan/e-mail to rmccomb@balchem.com, via fax to 845.326.5859, or to the following address:

 
Balchem Corporation
 
52 Sunrise Park Road
 
New Hampton, NY  10958
 
Attn: Renee’ McComb, Sr. Manager, Corporate Human Resources

Once the signed acceptance agreement is received you can identify a lab at www.labcorp.com to go to for your drug screen.  You just need to bring the attached Collection Authorization Form (labcorp.doc) with you.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference/background check, psychometric assessment and a negative intoxicant screen.    After all are successfully completed and a start date is determined, you will receive another e-mail directing you to begin the electronic on-boarding process, for which all sections must be completed prior to your first day.

I look forward to your acceptance of this offer and to welcoming you to Balchem.  If you have any questions about this offer, please do not hesitate to call me directly at 845-326-5663.  We are excited to have you on the Team!

Sincerely,

Brent Tignor
VP, Human Resources

 
Accepted by:
/s/ Terry. Coelho
10/3/2017
       
   
Terry Coelho
Date

Disclaimer:  Nothing in this offer is intended to be, nor should it be, construed as a guarantee that employment or any benefit will be continued for any period of time.  Employment is “at-will;” meaning that you have the right to terminate your employment at any time, with or without cause or notice, and the Company has the same right. Employment is contingent upon a negative drug screen, satisfactory completion of a psychometric assessment, satisfactory findings of any subsequent background or reference investigation and upon execution of the Balchem Corporation Confidentiality and Non-Competition Agreement.
 
 


Exhibit 99.1
 
NEW HAMPTON, NY – October 12, 2017– Balchem Corporation (NASDAQ: BCPC) announced today the appointment of Terry Coelho as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective October 23, 2017. Coelho will succeed William A. Backus in the CFO role and report to Theodore L. Harris, Chairman & CEO.

Coelho joins the Company from Diversey, Inc., where she was Chief Operating Officer since September 2017.  Prior to that role, Coelho was Vice President Finance & Global Commercial Excellence for Diversey Care, a division of Sealed Air Corporation.  Coelho also held positions of increasing responsibility at Mars Inc. and Novartis before joining Sealed Air.

"Terry brings over 30 years of experience as a multinational finance leader for both established and start-up businesses in various industries including consumer goods, food, and pharmaceutical ," said Harris. "We are confident in her ability to continue Balchem’s commitment to financial discipline and building value for our shareholders."

Today's announcement concludes an external search process conducted by the Company to ensure a seamless succession of the CFO role. As part of this plan, Backus, who has served as Balchem’s CFO since 2014, will remain with the Company in the role of Chief Accounting Officer.
 
“Bill’s contributions to Balchem in his time as CFO have been significant and I am thrilled that this move will enable us to continue leveraging his accounting expertise and broad business acumen,” said Harris.
 
The Company also announced that Frank J. Fitzpatrick, Vice President of Administration, will retire effective December 31, 2017.  Fitzpatrick served as CFO from 2004 to 2014.
 
“During Frank’s 20 years with Balchem, his leadership and financial stewardship have played an instrumental role in the extraordinary success and growth of the Company,” said Harris.
 
About Balchem Corporation
Balchem Corporation reports four business segments: Human Nutrition & Health; Animal Nutrition & Health; Specialty Products; and Industrial Products. The Human Nutrition & Health segment delivers customized food and beverage ingredient systems, as well as key nutrients into a variety of applications across the food, supplement and pharmaceutical industries. The Animal Nutrition & Health segment manufactures and supplies products to numerous animal health markets. Through Specialty Products, Balchem provides specialty-packaged chemicals for use in healthcare and other industries, and also provides chelated minerals to the micronutrient agricultural market. The Industrial Products segment manufactures and supplies certain derivative products into industrial applications.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect Balchem’s expectation or belief concerning future events that involve risks and uncertainties. Balchem can give no assurance that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements will prove correct and various factors could cause results to differ materially from Balchem’s expectations, including risks and factors identified in Balchem’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by the above cautionary statement. Balchem assumes no duty to update its outlook or other forward-looking statements as of any future date.