UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

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DEHAIER MEDICAL SYSTEMS LIMITED

(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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DEHAIER MEDICAL SYSTEMS LIMITED
Suite 501, JiuZhou PLAZA
83 Fuxing Road
HAIDIAN DISTRICT, BEIJING, 100856
PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

PROXY STATEMENT AND NOTICE OF
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

 

To the shareholders of
Dehaier Medical Systems Limited
  June 30, 2014
Beijing, China

 

To our shareholders:

 

It is my pleasure to invite you to our Annual Meeting of Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 on July 28, 2014, at 9:00 P.M., Eastern Time. The meeting will be held at our executive offices at Suite 501, Jiuzhou Plaza, 83 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100856, PRC.

 

The matters to be acted upon at the meeting are described in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement.

 

YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY BY TELEPHONE, THE INTERNET OR BY MAIL. IF YOU ARE A REGISTERED SHAREHOLDER AND ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY AND VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON. IF YOU HOLD YOUR SHARES THROUGH A BANK OR BROKER AND WANT TO VOTE YOUR SHARES IN PERSON AT THE MEETING, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR BANK OR BROKER TO OBTAIN A LEGAL PROXY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

 

  By order of the Board of Directors,
  /s/ Ping Chen
  Ping Chen
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 
 

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013
DEHAIER MEDICAL SYSTEMS LIMITED

 

TIME: 9:00 P.M., Eastern Time, on July 28, 2014

 

PLACE: Suite 501, Jiuzhou Plaza, 83 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100856, PRC

 

ITEMS OF BUSINESS:

 

  (1)      To elect two Class I members of the Board of Directors, to serve a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2017 or until their successors are duly elected and qualified;

 

  (2)      To ratify the appointment of Friedman LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014;

 

  (3)      To approve the Company’s 2014 Share Incentive Plan; and

 

  (4)      To transact any other business properly coming before the meeting.

 

WHO MAY VOTE: You may vote if you were a shareholder of record on June 12, 2014.

 

ANNUAL REPORT: A copy of our 2013 Annual Report on Form 20-F is enclosed.

 

DATE OF MAILING: This notice and the proxy statement are first being mailed to shareholders on or about June 30, 2014.

 

  By order of the Board of Directors,
  /s/ Ping Chen
  Ping Chen,
  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

 

 
 

 

ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013

 

What am I voting on?

 

You will be voting on the following:

 

  (1) The election of two Class I members of the Board of Directors, to serve a term expiring at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2017 or until their successors are duly elected and qualified;
     
  (2) The ratification of the appointment of Friedman LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014;
     
  (3) The approval of the Company’s 2014 Share Incentive Plan; and
     
  (4) The transaction of any other business properly coming before the meeting.

 

Who is entitled to vote?

 

You may vote if you owned common shares of the Company as of the close of business on June 12, 2014. Each common share is entitled to one vote. As of June 12, 2014, we had 5,616,700 common shares outstanding.

 

How do I vote before the meeting?

 

If you are a registered shareholder, meaning that you hold your shares in certificate form, you have three voting options:

 

  (1) By Internet, which we encourage if you have Internet access, at the address shown on your proxy card;
     
  (2) By phone, at 1-800-652-VOTE (1-800-652-8683) using any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions; or
     
  (3) By mail, by completing, signing and returning the enclosed proxy card.

 

If you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker, your ability to vote by the Internet depends on their voting procedures. Please follow the directions that your bank or broker provides.

 

May I vote at the meeting?

 

If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote in person at the meeting. If you hold your shares through an account with a bank or broker, please follow the directions provided to you by your bank or broker. If you wish to vote in person at the meeting, please contact your bank or broker to learn the procedures necessary to allow you to vote your shares in person. Even if you plan to attend the meeting, we encourage you to vote your shares by proxy. You may vote by proxy through the Internet, by telephone or by mail.

 

Can I change my mind after I return my proxy?

 

You may change your vote at any time before the polls close at the conclusion of voting at the meeting. You may do this by (1) signing another proxy card with a later date and returning it to us before the meeting, (2) voting again over the Internet prior to 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on July 27, 2014, (3) voting again via the telephone prior to 12:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on July 27, 2014, or (4) voting at the meeting if you are a registered shareholder or have followed the necessary procedures required by your bank or broker.

 

1
 

 

What if I return my proxy card but do not provide voting instructions?

 

Proxies that are signed and returned but do not contain instructions will be voted in favor of Proposals 1, 2, and 3 in accordance with the best judgment of the named proxies on any other matters properly brought before the meeting.

 

What does it mean if I receive more than one proxy card or instruction form?

 

It indicates that your common shares are registered differently and are in more than one account. To ensure that all shares are voted, please either vote each account by telephone or on the Internet, or sign and return all proxy cards. We encourage you to register all your accounts in the same name and address. Those holding shares through a bank or broker should contact their bank or broker and request consolidation.

 

Will my shares be voted if I do not provide my proxy or instruction form?

 

If you are a registered shareholder and do not provide a proxy, you must attend the meeting in order to vote your shares. If you hold shares through an account with a bank or broker, your shares may be voted even if you do not provide voting instructions on your instruction form. Brokerage firms have the authority to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on certain routine matters. The ratification of Friedman LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 is considered a routine matter for which brokerage firms may vote without specific instructions. However, election of directors is no longer considered a routine matter for which brokerage firms may vote without specific instructions. When a proposal is not a routine matter and the brokerage firm has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner of the shares with respect to that proposal, the brokerage firm cannot vote the shares on that proposal. Shares that a broker is not authorized to vote are counted as “broker non-votes.”

 

How can I attend the meeting?

 

The meeting is open to all holders of the Company’s common shares as of June 12, 2014.

 

May shareholders ask questions at the meeting?

 

Yes. Representatives of the Company will answer questions of general interest at the end of the meeting. You may also submit questions in advance via email to investors@dehaier.com.cn. Such questions will also be addressed at the end of the meeting.

 

How many votes must be present to hold the meeting?

 

Your shares are counted as present at the meeting if you attend the meeting and vote in person or if you properly return a proxy by internet, telephone or mail. In order for us to conduct our meeting, one-half (1/2) of our outstanding common shares as of June 12, 2014 must be present in person or by proxy. This is referred to as a quorum. Abstentions and broker non-votes will be counted for purposes of establishing a quorum at the meeting.

 

How many votes are needed to approve the Company’s proposals?

 

Proposal 1. The nominees receiving the highest number of “For” votes will be elected as directors. This number is called a plurality. Shares not voted will have no impact on the election of directors. The proxy given will be voted “For” each of the nominees for director unless a properly executed proxy card is marked “Withhold” as to a particular nominee or nominees for director.

 

Proposal 2. The ratification of the appointment of Friedman LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014 requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted “For” the proposal. A properly executed proxy card marked “Abstain” with respect to this proposal will not be voted.

 

Proposal 3. The approval of the Company’s 2014 Share Incentive Plan requires that a majority of the votes cast at the meeting be voted “For” the proposal. A properly executed proxy card marked “Abstain” with respect to this proposal will not be voted. 

 

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PROPOSAL ONE
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS AND DIRECTOR BIOGRAPHIES
(ITEM 1 ON THE PROXY CARD)

 

A brief biography of each Director in each Class follows. You are asked to vote for nominees to serve as Class I members of the Board of Directors. All candidates for the Board have consented to serve if elected. The terms of the Class II members of the Board of Directors continue until 2015 and the terms of the Class III member of the Board of Directors continues until 2016.

 

Nominees for election as Class I members of the Board of Directors to serve three-year term expiring in 2017:

 

Mingwei Zhang

Independent Director Nominee

Age – 61

Director since 2012

 

Mr. Zhang has extensive knowledge and experience in accounting from the perspective as an academic and a practicing accountant. From 2007 to 2013, Mr. Zhang as Chief Financial Officer and a Director of Sino-Global Shipping America, Ltd. (NASDAQCM: SINO). From July 2007 through July 2010, Mr. Zhang also served as a professor and head of the School of Accounting at Tianjin University of Finance and Economics. From May 2001 until December 2007, Mr. Zhang was a partner in Baker Tilly China, an international public accounting firm. From July 1994 to June 2003, he served as a Lecturer at Monash University in Australia. Mr. Zhang received a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Accounting from Tianjin University of Finance and Economics. He also received a Master’s degree in Commerce from the University of Newcastle. Mr. Zhang is a Certified Management Accountant in Australia. Mr. Zhang was chosen as a director because of his financial experience.

 

Genhui Chen

Independent Director Nominee

Age – 51

Director since 2011

 

Dr. Chen is president of Beijing Wenfeng Medical Technology Ltd. (“BWMT”), a privately-held pharmaceutical research and development company focusing on novel cancer and dermatological products. Dr. Chen has over 15 years of experience, from 1993 to 2008, in the pharmaceutical industry in the areas of clinical research, regulatory compliance, corporate development and management, for a variety of companies ranging from start-ups to public companies, both in Canada and in China. Prior to joining BWMT in 2010, Dr. Chen was a founder, president and chief executive officer of Welichem Biotech Inc., a Canadian pharmaceutical company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange since 2008. From 1999 until he founded Welichem, Dr. Chen was a senior scientist at Terragen Discovery Inc., a subsidiary of Cubist Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Chen received his M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in biology from Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, Canada in 1988 and 1991, respectively. Dr. Chen was chosen as a director because of his extensive experience in research and development, regulatory compliance, corporate development and management.

 

Class II members of the Board of Directors whose term continues to 2015:

 

Yunxiang (Phil) Fan

Independent Director

Age – 49

Director since 2009

 

Mr. Fan has served as a director since 2009. In 2003, Mr. Fan co-founded Tri-Tech Holding Inc., a company operating in the water pollution remediation, software and engineering industry in China (“Tri-Tech”). He currently serves as the Co-President and a director of Tri-Tech. Prior to founding Tri-Tech, Mr. Fan provided technical, engineering and management services in several U.S. engineering firms, including Black and Veatch, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc., and Chastain-Skillman, Inc. From 2003 through 2005, Mr. Fan was the Asia Regional Sales Manager for Met-Pro Corporation. Mr. Fan earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental engineering from Hunan University and a master’s degree in civil engineering from Louisiana State University. Mr. Fan has been a registered professional engineer in the United States since 2001. Mr. Fan was chosen as a director because we believe we can benefit from the guidance of the president of a Chinese company publicly traded in the U.S.

 

3
 

 

Huili (Alisa) Li
Director
Age – 33
With Dehaier since 2013; Director since 2013

 

Ms. Li, 33, has served as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer since April 2014. Prior to her appointment as Chief Financial Officer, she served as the Company’s financial manager since 2013. She is a certified public accountant and is familiar with US GAAP, PRC GAAP, IFRS and Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance. She previously worked as an auditor in the professional services department of LehmanBrown’s Beijing office from 2010 to 2013 and in the assurance department of the Beijing office of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) from 2007 to 2009. Ms. Li earned a master’s degree in Technological Economy and Management from Beijing Information Science & Technology University in 2007, a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from China University of Geosciences in 2004 and a second bachelor’s degree in Science & Technology English from Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2014. Ms. Li has been chosen to serve as a director because of her experience with financial matters and her familiarity with the Company’s operations.

 

Class III member of the Board of Directors whose terms continue to 2016:

 

Ping Chen
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Age – 51

Director since 2003

 

Mr. Chen is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. Prior to his service as Chief Executive Officer, from 1993-2000, Mr. Chen served as the CEO of Beijing Chengcheng Medical Electronic Equipment Co. Prior to 1993, Mr. Chen served as an engineer at the No. 2 Academy, Ministry of Aeronautics and Astronautics from 1987 to 1991 and moved up to the Head of the Civilian Products Division there from 1991-1993. Mr. Chen founded Beijing Dehaier Technology Company Limited (“BTL”) in 2001 and has served as CEO since that time. Mr. Chen received his bachelor’s degree in 1984 from the National University of Defense Technology and his master’s degree in 1987 from the Ministry of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Mr. Chen has been chosen as a director because he is the Company’s CEO, the leader of the Company and a key experienced member of management.

 

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

To the best of our knowledge, none of our directors or executive officers has been convicted in a criminal proceeding, excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors, or has been a party to any judicial or administrative proceeding during the past ten years that resulted in a judgment, decree or final order enjoining the person from future violations of, or prohibiting activities subject to, federal or state securities laws, or a finding of any violation of federal or state securities or commodities laws, any laws respecting financial institutions or insurance companies, any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud in connection with any business entity or been subject to any disciplinary sanctions or orders imposed by a stock, commodities or derivatives exchange or other self-regulatory organization, except for matters that were dismissed without sanction or settlement. None of our directors, director nominees or executive officers has been involved in any transactions with us or any of our directors, executive officers, affiliates or associates which are required to be disclosed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

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Board Leadership Structure

 

Mr. Ping Chen currently holds both the positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board. These two positions have not been consolidated into one position; Mr. Chen simply holds both positions at this time. The Board of Directors believes that Mr. Chen’s service as both Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board is in the best interests of the Company and its shareholders. Mr. Chen possesses detailed and in-depth knowledge of the issues, opportunities and challenges facing the Company and its business and is thus best positioned to develop agendas that ensure that the Board’s time and attention are focused on the most critical matters. His combined role enables decisive leadership, ensures clear accountability, and enhances the Company’s ability to communicate its message and strategy clearly and consistently to the Company’s shareholders, employees, customers and suppliers.

 

We do not have a lead independent director because of the foregoing reasons and also because we believe our independent directors are encouraged to freely voice their opinions on a relatively small company board. We believe this leadership structure is appropriate because we are a smaller reporting company that recently became listed on a public exchange; as such we deem it appropriate to be able to benefit from the guidance of Mr. Chen as both our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board.

 

Risk Oversight

 

Our Board of Directors plays a significant role in our risk oversight. The Board of Directors makes all relevant Company decisions. As such, it is important for us to have our Chief Executive Officer serve on the Board as he plays a key role in the risk oversight of the Company. As a smaller reporting company with a small board of directors, we believe it is appropriate to have the involvement and input of all of our directors in risk oversight matters.

 

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE
CLASS I NOMINEES TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

 

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PROPOSAL TWO
RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF FRIEDMAN LLP
(ITEM 2 ON THE PROXY CARD)

 

What am I voting on?

 

A proposal to ratify the appointment of Friedman LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2014. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Friedman LLP to serve as the Company’s fiscal 2014 independent registered public accounting firm. Although the Company’s governing documents do not require the submission of this matter to shareholders, the Board of Directors considers it desirable that the appointment of Friedman LLP be ratified by shareholders.

 

Has the Company changed its independent registered public accounting firm during its two most recent fiscal years?

 

No. Friedman LLP served as the Company’s independent registered public accountant for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

What services does Friedman LLP provide?

 

Audit services provided by Friedman LLP for fiscal 2014 will include the examination of the consolidated financial statements of the Company and services related to periodic filings made with the SEC.

 

Will a representative of Friedman LLP be present at the meeting?

 

One or more representatives of Friedman LLP will be present at the meeting. The representatives will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire and will be available to respond to questions from shareholders.

 

What if this proposal is not approved?

 

If the appointment of Friedman LLP is not ratified, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment.

 

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF
FRIEDMAN LLP AS THE COMPANY’S FISCAL 2014 INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.

 

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PROPOSAL THREE

APPROVAL OF THE 2014 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

(ITEM 3 ON THE PROXY CARD)

 

What am I voting on?

 

The Board of Directors adopted the Dehaier Medical Systems Limited 2014 Share Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”) on June 26, 2014, subject to approval by the shareholders of the Company. The Board of Directors believes that the 2014 Plan will advance the long-term success of the Company by encouraging share ownership among key employees and members of the Board who are not employees.

 

How is the 2014 Plan administered?

 

The 2014 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The 2014 Plan provides the Compensation Committee with flexibility to design compensatory awards that are responsive to the Company’s needs. Subject to the terms of the 2014 Plan, the Compensation Committee has the discretion to determine the terms of each award. The Compensation Committee may delegate to one or more officers of the Company the authority to grant awards to participants who are not directors, executive officers or 5% shareholders of the Company.

 

What kind of awards may be granted?

 

Awards under the 2014 Plan may be in the form of incentive stock options, nonqualified incentive stock options or share awards.

 

Who is eligible to receive awards?

 

Employees of the Company, officers, employee and non-employee directors, consultants, independent contractors and advisors may all be selected by the Compensation Committee to receive awards under the 2014 Plan. The benefits or amounts that may be received by or allocated to participants under the 2014 Plan will be determined at the discretion of the Compensation Committee and are not presently determinable.

 

How many shares are available for issuance under the 2014 Plan?

 

The maximum number of shares as to which awards may be granted under the 2014 Plan shall not exceed ten percent of the number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock as of December 31st of the immediately preceding fiscal year. The number of issued and outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock as of December 31, 2013, was 4,668,000.

 

Upon what terms may options be awarded?

 

Options may be either incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, provided that only employees may be granted incentive stock options. All options must be evidenced by an award agreement approved by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall determine the number of shares subject to the option, the per share exercise price under the option, the period during which the option may be exercised, and all other terms and conditions of the option, subject to certain restrictions enumerated in the 2014 Plan, attached as Exhibit A hereto.

 

Upon what terms may shares be awarded?

 

An award of shares involves the immediate transfer from the Company to a participant of ownership of a specific number of ordinary shares in return for the performance of services. The participant is entitled immediately to voting, dividend and other ownership rights in such shares, subject to the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The transfer may be made without additional consideration from the participant. The Compensation Committee shall determine the number of shares to be awarded. If the share award is being earned upon the satisfaction of performance goals pursuant to a award agreement, then the Compensation Committee shall: (a) determine the nature, length and starting date of any performance period for each share award; (b) select from among any performance factors to be used to measure the performance, if any; and (c) determine the number of shares that may be awarded. The Compensation Committee may also specify performance objectives that must be achieved for any restrictions on the shares to lapse.

 

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Are awards made under the 2014 Plan transferable?

 

Except as provided below, no award under the 2014 Plan may be transferred by a participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and options and stock appreciation rights may be exercised during the participant’s lifetime only by the participant or, in the event of the participant’s legal incapacity, the guardian or legal representative acting on behalf of the participant. The Compensation Committee may expressly provide in an award agreement (other than an incentive stock option) that the participant may transfer the award to a spouse or lineal descendant, a trust for the exclusive benefit of such family members, a partnership or other entity in which all the beneficial owners are such family members, or any other entity affiliated with the participant that the Compensation Committee may approve. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any shares awarded (subject to any vesting requirements in a given grant) may be transferred in accordance with applicable law.

 

When does the 2014 Plan terminate?

 

The Compensation Committee may terminate the 2014 Plan at any time. If not sooner terminated by the Board of Directors, the 2014 Plan will terminate on the tenth anniversary of its effective date.

 

How can the 2014 Plan be amended?

 

The 2014 Plan may be amended by the Board of Directors, but without further approval by the shareholders of the Company, the Board shall not amend the 2014 Plan in any manner that requires shareholder approval under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. The Board may condition any amendment on the approval of the shareholders if such approval is necessary or deemed advisable with respect to the applicable listing or other requirements of a national securities exchange or other applicable laws, policies or regulations.

 

What are the tax consequences of the 2014 Plan?

 

The following is a brief summary of certain of the federal income tax consequences of certain transactions under the 2014 Plan. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive and does not describe state or local tax consequences.

 

In general, an optionee will not recognize income at the time a nonqualified stock option is granted. At the time of exercise, the optionee will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the difference between the option price paid for the shares and the fair market value of the shares on the date of exercise. At the time of sale of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, any appreciation (or depreciation) in the value of the shares after the date of exercise generally will be treated as capital gain (or loss).

 

An optionee generally will not recognize income upon the grant or exercise of an incentive stock option. If shares issued to an optionee upon the exercise of an incentive stock option are not disposed of in a disqualifying disposition within two years after the date of grant or within one year after the transfer of the shares to the optionee, then upon the sale of the shares any amount realized in excess of the option price generally will be taxed to the optionee as long-term capital gain and any loss sustained will be a long-term capital loss. If shares acquired upon the exercise of an incentive stock option are disposed of prior to the expiration of either holding period described above, the optionee generally will recognize ordinary income in the year of disposition in an amount equal to any excess of the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise (or, if less, the amount realized on the disposition of the shares) over the option price paid for the shares. Any further gain (or loss) realized by the optionee generally will be taxed as short-term or long-term capital gain (or loss) depending on the holding period.

 

Subject to certain exceptions for death or disability, if an optionee exercises an incentive stock option more than three months after termination of employment, the exercise of the option will be taxed as the exercise of a nonqualified stock option. In addition, if an optionee is subject to federal “alternative minimum tax,” the exercise of an incentive stock option will be treated essentially the same as a nonqualified stock option for purposes of the alternative minimum tax.

 

8
 

 

A recipient of restricted stock generally will be subject to tax at ordinary income rates on the fair market value of the restricted stock (reduced by any amount paid by the recipient) at such time as the shares are no longer subject to a risk of forfeiture or restrictions on transfer for purposes of Code Section 83. However, a recipient who so elects under Code Section 83(b) within 30 days of the date of transfer of the restricted stock will recognize ordinary income on the date of transfer of the shares equal to the excess of the fair market value of the restricted stock (determined without regard to the risk of forfeiture or restrictions on transfer) over any purchase price paid for the shares. If a Code Section 83(b) election has not been made, any dividends received with respect to restricted stock that are subject at that time to a risk of forfeiture or restrictions on transfer generally will be treated as compensation that is taxable as ordinary income to the recipient.

 

To the extent that a participant recognizes ordinary income in the circumstances described above, the Company or subsidiary for which the participant performs services will be entitled to a corresponding deduction, provided that, among other things, the income meets the test of reasonableness, is an ordinary and necessary business expense, is not an “excess parachute payment” within the meaning of Code Section 280G and is not disallowed by the $1,000,000 limitation on certain executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

Where can I get a copy of the 2014 Plan?

 

This summary is not a complete description of all provisions of the 2014 Plan. A copy of the 2014 Plan is attached hereto as Exhibit A .

 

WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE 2014 PLAN.

 

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE INFORMATION

 

What if a nominee is unwilling or unable to serve?

 

The nominee listed in the Proxy Statement has agreed to serve as a director, if elected. If for some unforeseen reason a nominee becomes unwilling or unable to serve, proxies will be voted for a substitute nominee selected by the Board of Directors.

 

How are directors compensated?

 

All directors hold office until the expiration of their respective terms and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified. There are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers. Officers are elected by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Employee directors do not receive any compensation for their services. Non-employee directors are entitled to receive $4,000 per meeting for serving as directors and may receive option grants from the Company. In addition, non-employee directors are entitled to receive compensation for their actual travel expenses for each Board of Directors meeting attended, up to a maximum of $6,000 per meeting or $12,000 per year.

 

Summary Director Compensation Table

 

 

Name   Fees earned or
paid in cash
    Option awards     Total (1)  
Ping Chen (2)   $     $     $  
Yunxiang (Phil) Fan   $ 4,000     $     $ 4,000  
Genhui Chen   $ 4,000     $     $ 4,000  
Weibing Yang (2)(3)   $     $     $  
Mingwei Zhang   $ 4,000     $     $ 4,000  
Jingli (Charles) Li (2)(4)   $     $     $  
Huili (Alisa) Li (5)   $     $     $  

 

(1) None of the directors received any common share awards, option awards, nonqualified deferred compensation earnings or non-equity incentive plan compensation in fiscal year 2013.
(2) Mr. Ping Chen, Mr. Yang and Mr. Li received compensation in their capacity as officers of our company and/or subsidiaries/affiliates but did not receive any compensation for serving as directors of our company.
(3) Mr. Yang ceased to be a director of our company on March 30, 2013.
(4) Mr. Li ceased to be a director of our company on April 8, 2014.
(5) Ms. Li became a director of our company on April 8, 2014.

 

How does the Board determine which directors are independent?

 

The Board of Directors reviews the independence of each director yearly. During this review, the Board of Directors considers transactions and relationships between each director (and his or her immediate family and affiliates) and the Company and its management to determine whether any such relationships or transactions are inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent in light of applicable law, listing standards and the Company’s director independence standards. The Company believes that it maintains a majority of independent directors who are deemed to be independent under the definition of independence provided by NASDAQ Listing Rule 5605(a)(2).

 

What role does the Nominating Committee play in selecting nominees to the Board of Directors?

 

Two of the primary purposes of the Board’s Nominating Committee are (i) to develop and implement policies and procedures that are intended to ensure that the Board of Directors will be appropriately constituted and organized to meet its fiduciary obligations to the Company and its shareholders and (ii) to identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and to recommend to the Board of Directors the director nominees for the annual meeting of shareholders. The Nominating Committee is also responsible for considering candidates for membership on the Board of Directors submitted by eligible shareholders. The Nominating Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website at www.dehaier.com.cn under Investor Relations and in print upon request. The Nominating Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors was the only entity or person to nominate and/or recommend any of the director nominees.

 

10
 

 

Are the members of the Nominating Committee independent?

 

Yes. All members of the Nominating Committee have been determined to be independent by the Board of Directors.

 

How does the Nominating Committee identify and evaluate nominees for director?

 

The Nominating Committee considers candidates for nomination to the Board of Directors from a number of sources. Current members of the Board of Directors are considered for re-election unless they have notified the Company that they do not wish to stand for re-election. The Nominating Committee also considers candidates recommended by current members of the Board of Directors, members of management or eligible shareholders. From time to time the Board may engage a firm to assist in identifying potential candidates, although the Company did not engage such a firm to identify any of the nominees for director proposed for election at the meeting. The Nominating Committee evaluates all candidates for director, regardless of the person or firm recommending such candidate, on the basis of the length and quality of their business experience, the applicability of such candidate’s experience to the Company and its business, the skills and perspectives such candidate would bring to the Board of Directors and the personality or “fit” of such candidate with existing members of the Board of Directors and management. The nominating committee does not have a specific policy in place with regard to the consideration of diversity when identifying director nominees; however, the nominating committee does consider diversity of opinion and experience when nominating directors.

 

What are the Nominating Committee’s policies and procedures for considering director candidates recommended by shareholders?

 

The Nominating Committee will consider all candidates recommended by shareholders. A shareholder wishing to recommend a candidate must submit the following documents to the Secretary of the Company at Dehaier Medical Systems Limited, Suite 501, Jiuzhou Plaza, 83 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100856, People’s Republic of China:

 

  a recommendation that identifies the name and address of the shareholder and the person to be nominated;

 

  the written consent of the candidate to serve as a director of the Company, if elected;

 

  a description of all arrangements between the shareholders and such nominee pursuant to which the nomination is to be made; and

 

  such other information regarding the nominee as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the SEC.

 

If the candidate is to be evaluated by the Nominating Committee, the Secretary will request a detailed resume, an autobiographical statement explaining the candidate’s interest in serving as a director of the Company, a completed statement regarding conflicts of interest, and a waiver of liability for a background check from the candidate.

 

What are the minimum qualifications required to serve on the Company’s Board of Directors?

 

All members of the Board of Directors must possess the following minimum qualifications as determined by the Nominating Committee:

 

  A director must demonstrate integrity, accountability, informed judgment, financial literacy, creativity and vision;

 

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  A director must be prepared to represent the best interests of all Company shareholders, and not just one particular constituency;

 

  A director must have a record of professional accomplishment in his or her chosen field; and

 

  A director must be prepared and able to participate fully in Board activities, including membership on committees.

 

What other considerations does the Nominating Committee consider?

 

The Nominating Committee believes it is important to have directors from various backgrounds and professions in order to ensure that the Board of Directors has a wealth of experiences to inform its decisions. Consistent with this philosophy, in addition to the minimum standards set forth above, business and managerial experience and an understanding of financial statements and financial matters are very important.

 

How may shareholders communicate with the members of the Board of Directors?

 

Shareholders and others who are interested in communicating directly with members of the Board of Directors, including communication of concerns relating to accounting, internal accounting controls or audit matters, or fraud or unethical behavior, may do so by writing to the directors at the following address:

 

Name of Director or Directors
c/o Secretary
Dehaier Medical Systems Limited
Suite 501, Jiuzhou Plaza, 83 Fuxing Road,

Haidian District, Beijing, 100856
People’s Republic of China

 

Does the Company have a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct?

 

The Company has adopted a Code of Business Ethics and Conduct, which is applicable to all directors, officers and associates of the Company, including the principal executive officer and the principal financial and accounting officer. The complete text of the Code of Business Ethics and Conduct is available on the Company’s web site at www.dehaier.com.cn and is also available in print upon request. The Company intends to post any amendments to or waivers from its Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (to the extent applicable to the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial and accounting officer) at this location on its web site.

 

How often did the Board meet in 2013?

 

The Board of Directors met a total of 2 times during 2013. The Compensation Committee, the Audit Committee and the Nominating Committee each met 2 times during 2013. Each incumbent director attended all of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the standing committees of which he or she was a member during 2013. The Board invites, but does not require, directors to attend the annual meeting of shareholders.

 

What are the committees of the Board?

 

During fiscal 2013, the Board of Directors had standing Audit, Nominating, and Compensation Committees. The members of each of the Committees as of June 30, 2013, their principal functions and the number of meetings held during the year ended December 31, 2013 are shown below.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The members of the Compensation Committee are:

 

Yunxiang (Phil) Fan, Chairman

Mingwei Zhang

Genhui Chen

 

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The Compensation Committee held 2 meetings during the year ended December 31, 2013. The Compensation Committee’s charter is available on the Company’s website at www.dehaier.com.cn under Investor Relations and in print upon request. The Compensation Committee’s principal responsibilities include:

 

  Making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning executive management organization matters generally;

 

  In the area of compensation and benefits, making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning employees who are also directors of the Company, consult with the CEO on matters relating to other executive officers, and make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning policies and procedures relating to executive officers;

 

  Making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding all contracts of the Company with any officer for remuneration and benefits after termination of regular employment of such officer;
     
  Making recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning policy matters relating to employee benefits and employee benefit plans, including incentive compensation plans and equity based plans; and

 

  Administering the Company’s formal incentive compensation programs, including equity based plans.

 

The Compensation Committee may not delegate its authority to other persons. Similarly, the Compensation Committee has not engaged a compensation consultant to assist in the determination of executive compensation issues. While the Company’s executives will communicate with the Compensation Committee regarding executive compensation issues, the Company’s executive officers do not participate in any executive compensation decisions.

 

Audit Committee

 

The members of the Audit Committee are:

 

Mingwei Zhang, Chairman

Yunxiang (Phil) Fan

Genhui Chen

  

The Audit Committee held 2 meetings during the year ended December 31, 2013. The primary responsibility of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in monitoring the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and the independence of its external auditors. The Company believes that each of the members of the Audit Committee is “independent” and that Mr. Zhang qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with applicable NASDAQ Capital Market listing standards. In carrying out its responsibility, the Audit Committee undertakes to:

 

  Review and recommend to the directors the independent auditors to be selected to audit the financial statements of the Company;

 

  Meet with the independent auditors and management of the Company to review the scope of the proposed audit for the current year and the audit procedures to be utilized, and at the conclusion thereof review such audit, including any comments or recommendations of the independent auditors;

 

  Review with the independent auditors and financial and accounting personnel the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial controls of the Company. The Audit Committee elicits recommendations for the improvement of such internal control procedures or particular areas where new or more detailed controls or procedures are desirable. The Audit Committee emphasizes the adequacy of such internal controls to expose any payments, transactions, or procedures that might be deemed illegal or otherwise improper;

 

13
 

 

  Review the internal accounting function of the Company, the proposed audit plans for the coming year and the coordination of such plans with the Company’s independent auditors;

 

  Review the financial statements contained in the annual report to shareholders with management and the independent auditors to determine that the independent auditors are satisfied with the disclosure and contents of the financial statements to be presented to the shareholders;

 

  Provide sufficient opportunity for the independent auditors to meet with the members of the Audit Committee without members of management present. Among the items discussed in these meetings are the independent auditors’ evaluation of the Company’s financial, accounting, and auditing personnel, and the cooperation that the independent auditors received during the course of the audit;

 

  Review accounting and financial human resources and succession planning within the Company;

 

  Submit the minutes of all meetings of the Audit Committee to, or discuss the matters discussed at each committee meeting with, the Board of Directors; and

 

  Investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties, with the power to retain outside counsel for this purpose, if, in its judgment, that is appropriate.

 

The Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, including procedures for the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

 

Nominating Committee

 

The members of the Nominating Committee are:

 

Genhui Chen, Chairman

Yunxiang (Phil) Fan

Mingwei Zhang

 

The Nominating Committee held 2 meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013. All members of the Nominating Committee are independent, as such term is defined by the NASDAQ Capital Market listing standards. The Nominating Committee undertakes to:

 

  Identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors and to make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to candidates for nomination for election at the next annual meeting of shareholders or at such other times when candidates surface and, in connection therewith, consider suggestions submitted by shareholders of the Company;

 

  Determine and make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the criteria to be used for selecting new members of the Board of Directors;

 

  Oversee the process of evaluation of the performance of the Company’s Board of Directors and committees;

 

  Make recommendations to the Board of Directors concerning the membership of committees of the Board and the chairpersons of the respective committees;

 

  Make recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the remuneration paid and benefits provided to members of the Board in connection with their service on the Board or on its committees; and

 

  Evaluate Board and committee tenure policies as well as policies covering the retirement or resignation of incumbent directors.

 

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The Board of Directors has determined to provide a process by which shareholders may communicate with the Board as a whole, a Board committee or individual director. Shareholders wishing to communicate with the Board as a whole, a Board committee or an individual member may do so by sending a written communication addressed to the Board of Directors of the Company or to the committee or to an individual director, c/o Secretary, Dehaier Medical Systems Limited, Suite 501, Jiuzhou Plaza, 83 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100856, People’s Republic of China. All communications will be compiled by the Secretary of the Company and submitted to the Board of Directors or the addressee not later than the next regular Board meeting. 

 

MANAGEMENT — BUSINESS HISTORY OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

For information as to the business history of our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Chen, and our Chief Financial Officer, Ms. Li, see the section “Proposal One: Election of Directors” elsewhere in this Proxy Statement.

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS WITH THE COMPANY’S
NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

Under Chinese law, we may only terminate employment agreements without cause and without penalty by providing notice of non-renewal one month prior to the date on which the employment agreement is scheduled to expire. If we fail to provide this notice or if we wish to terminate an employment agreement in the absence of cause, then we are obligated to pay the employee one month’s salary for each year we have employed the employee. We are, however, permitted to terminate an employee for cause without penalty to our company, where the employee has committed a crime or the employee’s actions or inactions have resulted in a material adverse effect to us.

 

Our employment agreements with our executive officers generally provide for a term of three (3) years and a salary to be paid monthly. The agreements also provide that executive officers are to work an average of forty hours per week and are entitled to all legal holidays as well as other paid leave in accordance with PRC laws and regulations and our internal work policies. Under such agreements, our executive officers can be terminated for cause without further compensation. The employment agreements also provide that we will pay for all mandatory social security programs for our executive officers in accordance with PRC regulations. During the agreement and for one (1) year afterward, our executive officers are subject to keep trade secrets confidential.

 

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SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

The following table shows the annual compensation paid by us for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 to Ping Chen, our principal executive officer. No other officer had a salary during either of the previous two years of more than $100,000.

 

Summary Executive Compensation Table

 

Name
and
principal
position
  Year   Salary     Bonus     Option
Awards
    All Other
Compensation
    Total  
Ping Chen,   2013   $ 29,662     $ 0     $ 209,574 (1)   $ 0     $ 239,236  
Principal Executive Officer   2012   $ 36,520     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0     $ 36,520  

 

  (1)

On October 7, 2013, 94,000 share options were awarded to Mr. Chen, which options vest over a period of five years, the first 20% of which will vest on October 7, 2014. The grant date fair value of the options was $2.30 per underlying share. Although we disclose the entire amount of the grant in the year of grant in the Summary Executive Compensation Table, we have amortized $9,761 of such grant in the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

On December 29, 2011, 150,000 share options were awarded to Mr. Chen, which options vest over a period of five years, 40% of which were vested as of December 29, 2013. The grant date fair value of the options is $1.22 per underlying share. The options granted in 2011 are not reflected in the summary executive compensation table.

 

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

 

    Option Awards (1)  
Name   Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable
    Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable
    Option
exercise
price
($)
    Option
expiration
date
(a)   (b)     (c)     (e)     (f)
Ping Chen, Principal Executive Officer     60,000       90,000       1.45     12/29/2016
            94,000       2.30     10/01/2018

 

  (1) Our Company has not made any stock awards. For this reason, we have excluded the following columns from this table: (g) Number of shares or units of stock that have not vested (#); (h) Market value of shares of units of stock that have not vested ($); (i) Equity incentive plan awards: Number of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested (#); and (j) Equity incentive plan awards: Market or payout value of unearned shares, units or other rights that have not vested ($).

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

Plan category   Number of securities
to
be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
    Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
 (b)
    Number of securities
remaining
available for future issuance
under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in
column (a)) (c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders     442,000     $ 1.63       0  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders                  

 

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT AND FEES PAID TO
INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Who served on the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors during fiscal year 2013?

 

The members of the Audit Committee as of December 31, 2013 were Mingwei Zhang, Chairman, Yunxiang (Phil) Fan, and Genhui Chen. Each member of the Audit Committee is independent under the rules of the SEC and the NASDAQ Capital Market. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Zhang, who is an independent director, is an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.

 

What document governs the activities of the Audit Committee?

 

The Audit Committee acts under a written charter, which sets forth its responsibilities and duties, as well as requirements for the Audit Committee’s composition and meetings. The Audit Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website at www.dehaier.com.cn under Investor Relations.

 

How does the Audit Committee conduct its meetings?

 

During fiscal 2013, the Audit Committee met with the senior members of the Company’s financial management team and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee’s agenda was established by the Chairman. At each meeting, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed various financial and regulatory issues. The Audit Committee also had private, separate sessions from time to time with representatives of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, at which meetings candid discussions of financial management, accounting and internal control issues took place.

 

Does the Audit Committee review the periodic reports and other public financial disclosures of the Company?

 

The Audit Committee reviews each of the Company’s quarterly and annual reports, including Management’s Discussion of Results of Operations and Financial Condition. As part of this review, the Audit Committee discusses the reports with the Company’s management and considers the audit and review reports prepared by the independent registered public accounting firm about the Company’s quarterly and annual reports, as well as related matters such as the quality (and not just the acceptability) of the Company’s accounting principles, alternative methods of accounting under generally accepted accounting principles and the preferences of the independent registered public accounting firm in this regard, the Company’s critical accounting policies and the clarity and completeness of the Company’s financial and other disclosures.

 

What is the role of the Audit Committee in connection with the financial statements and controls of the Company?

 

Management of the Company has primary responsibility for the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. The independent registered public accounting firm has responsibility for the audit of the Company’s financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. The responsibility of the Audit Committee is to oversee financial and control matters, among other responsibilities fulfilled by the Audit Committee under its charter. The Audit Committee meets regularly with the independent registered public accounting firm, without the presence of management, to ensure candid and constructive discussions about the Company’s compliance with accounting standards and best practices among public companies comparable in size and scope to the Company. The Audit Committee also regularly reviews with its outside advisors material developments in the law and accounting literature that may be pertinent to the Company’s financial reporting practices.

 

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What has the Audit Committee done with regard to the Company’s audited financial statements for fiscal 2013?

 

The Audit Committee has:

 

  reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with the Company’s management; and

 

  discussed with Friedman LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the 2013 fiscal year, the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communication with Audit Committees, as amended.

 

Has the Audit Committee considered the independence of the Company’s auditors?

 

The Audit Committee has received from Friedman LLP the written disclosures and the letter required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees, and the Audit Committee has discussed with Friedman LLP their independence. The Audit Committee has concluded that Friedman LLP is independent from the Company and its management.

 

Has the Audit Committee made a recommendation regarding the audited financial statements for fiscal 2012?

 

Based upon its review and the discussions with management and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited consolidated financial statements for the Company be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F for fiscal 2013.

 

Has the Audit Committee reviewed the fees paid to the independent registered public accounting firm during fiscal 2013?

 

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the fees paid to Friedman LLP during 2013 for audit, audit-related, tax and other services, which are set forth below under “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.” The Audit Committee has determined that the provision of non-audit services is compatible with Friedman LLP’s independence.

 

What is the Company’s policy regarding the retention of the Company’s auditors?

 

The Audit Committee has adopted a policy regarding the retention of the independent registered public accounting firm that requires pre-approval of all services by the Audit Committee.

 

Who prepared this report?

 

This report has been furnished by the members of the Audit Committee:

 

Mingwei Zhang, Chairman

Yunxiang (Phil) Fan

Genhui Chen

 

FEES PAID TO INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Audit Fees

 

During fiscal 2013 and 2012, Friedman LLP’s fees for the annual audit of our financial statements and the quarterly reviews of the financial statements were $135,000 and $181,000, respectively.

 

Audit Related Fees

 

The Company has not paid Friedman LLP for audit related services in fiscal 2013 and 2012.

 

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Tax Fees

 

The Company has not paid Friedman LLP for tax services in fiscal 2013 and 2012.

 

All Other Fees

 

The Company has not paid Friedman LLP for any other services in fiscal 2013 and 2012.

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies

 

Before Friedman LLP was engaged by the Company to render audit or non-audit services, the engagement was approved by the Company’s audit committee. All services rendered by Friedman LLP have been so approved.

 

Percentage of Hours

 

The percentage of hours expended on the principal accountants’ engagement to audit our consolidated financial statements for 2013 that were attributed to work performed by persons other than Friedman LLP’s full-time permanent employees was approximately 60%.

 

BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to beneficial ownership of our common shares as of June 29, 2014 by:

 

  Each person who is known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common shares;

 

  Each of our current directors and named executive officers; and

 

  All directors and named executive officers as a group.

 

The number and percentage of common shares beneficially owned are based on 5,616,700 common shares outstanding as of June 29, 2014. Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished by each director, officer or beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common shares. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and generally requires that such person have voting or investment power with respect to securities. In computing the number of common shares beneficially owned by a person listed below and the percentage ownership of such person, common shares underlying options, warrants or convertible securities held by each such person that are exercisable or convertible within 60 days of November 19, 2013 are deemed outstanding, but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, or as required by applicable community property laws, all persons listed have sole voting and investment power for all common shares shown as beneficially owned by them. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the address for each principal shareholder is in the care of BDL, Suite 501, Jiuzhou Plaza, 83 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100856, People’s Republic of China. As of the date of this filing, we had six (6) shareholders of record.

 

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Named Executive Officers and Directors   Amount of Beneficial Ownership (1)     Percentage Ownership (2)  
Ping Chen, CEO, Director     1,164,742 (3)     21.14 %
Mingwei Zhang, Director            
Genhui Chen, Director     8,000 (4)     *  
Yunxiang (Phil) Fan, Director     16,000 (5)     *  
Huili (Alisa) Li, Chief Financial Officer, Director     (6)      
                 
Named executive officers and directors as a group (5 members)     1,188,742       25.47 %
                 
Holders of More than 5% of Outstanding Shares                
Chen Ping Ltd.     1,104,742 (7)     23.91 %
Weibing Yang     283,471 (8)     6.07 %

 

* Less than 1%

 

  (1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC and includes voting or investment power with respect to the common shares and any options exercisable within 60 days after the date of this proxy.
  (2) The number of our common shares outstanding used in calculating the percentage for each listed person includes the common shares underlying options held by such person to the extent such options are exercisable within 60 days after the date of this proxy. For example, for Ping Chen, we divide 1,164,742 shares held by Mr. Chen by 4,680,000 total shares (4,620,000 outstanding plus 60,000 underlying options held by Mr. Chen that are exercisable within 60 days after the date of this proxy).
  (3) Represents (a) 1,104,742 shares held by Chen Ping Ltd, of which Ping Chen has the sole power to direct the voting and disposition and (b) shares underlying options to purchase 60,000 shares that vest within 60 days after the date of this proxy. Does not include shares underlying options to purchase 90,000 shares that vest more than 60 days after the date of this proxy.
  (4) Represents shares underlying options to purchase 8,000 shares that vest within 60 days after the date of this proxy. Does not include shares underlying options to purchase 12,000 shares that vest more than 60 days after the date of this proxy.
  (5) Represents shares underlying options to purchase 16,000 shares that vest within 60 days after the date of this proxy. Does not include shares underlying options to purchase 24,000 shares that vest more than 60 days after the date of this proxy.
  (6) Represents shares underlying options to purchase 2,000 shares that vest within 60 days after the date of this proxy. Does not include shares underlying options to purchase 3,000 shares that vest more than 60 days after the date of this proxy. Mr. Li became a director and officer on April 8, 2014.
  (7) Does not include the options described above in footnote (3), either for purposes of calculating the total beneficial ownership or the percentage ownership.
  (8) Represents (a) 263,471 shares held by Weibing Yang and (b) shares underlying options to purchase 20,000 shares that vest within 60 days after the date of this proxy. Does not include shares underlying options to purchase 30,000 shares that vest more than 60 days after the date of this proxy. Mr. Yang ceased to be a director on March 30, 2013.

 

GENERAL

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

None of the members of the Board of Directors who served on the Compensation Committee during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 were officers or employees of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or had any relationship with the Company requiring disclosure under SEC regulations.

 

Availability of Annual Report to Shareholders

 

Rules promulgated by the SEC require us to provide an Annual Report to Shareholders who receive this Proxy Statement. We will also provide copies of the Annual Report to brokers, dealers, banks, voting trustees and their nominees for the benefit of their beneficial owners of record. Additional copies of the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013 (without exhibits or documents incorporated by reference), are available without charge to shareholders upon written request to Secretary, Dehaier Medical Systems Limited, Suite 501, Jiuzhou Plaza, 83 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100856, People’s Republic of China, by calling +86 (10) 5166-0080 or via the Internet at www.dehaier.com.cn .

 

Shareholder Proposals

 

To be considered for inclusion in next year’s Proxy Statement or considered at next year’s annual meeting but not included in the Proxy Statement, shareholder proposals must be submitted in writing no later than March 2, 2015. All written proposals should be submitted to: Secretary, Dehaier Medical Systems Limited, Suite 501, Jiuzhou Plaza, 83 Fuxing Road, Haidian District, Beijing, 100856, People’s Republic of China.

 

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Other Proposed Actions

 

If any other items or matters properly come before the meeting, the proxies received will be voted on those items or matters in accordance with the discretion of the proxy holders.

 

Solicitation by Board; Expenses of Solicitation

 

Our Board of Directors has sent you this Proxy Statement. Our directors, officers and associates may solicit proxies by telephone or in person. We will also reimburse the expenses of brokers, nominees and fiduciaries that send proxies and proxy materials to our shareholders.

 

21
 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

DEHAIER MEDICAL SYSTEMS LIMITED

 

2014 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1. Purpose and Effective Date .

 

(a) The purpose of the Dehaier Medical Systems Limited 2014 Share Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) is to further the long term stability and financial success of Dehaier Medical Systems Limited (the “Company”) by attracting and retaining personnel, including employees, non-employee directors, and consultants, through the use of stock incentives. It is believed that ownership of Company stock will stimulate the efforts of those employees upon whose judgment, interest and efforts the Company is and will be largely dependent for the successful conduct of its business.

 

(b) The Plan was recommended for approval by the Board of Directors on June 26, 2014. The Plan was approved by the shareholders of the Company on ______ __, 2014 (the “Effective Date”).

 

2.  Definitions .

 

(a)  Act . The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

(b)  Affiliate . The meaning assigned to the term “affiliate” under Rule 12b-2 of the Act.

 

(c)  Applicable Withholding Taxes . The aggregate amount of federal, state and local income and payroll taxes that the Company is required to withhold (based on the minimum applicable statutory withholding rates) in connection with any exercise of an Option or the award, lapse of restrictions or payment with respect to Restricted Stock.

 

(d)  Award . The award of an Option or Restricted Stock under the Plan.

 

(e)  Beneficiary . The person or persons entitled to receive a benefit pursuant to an Award upon the death of a Participant.

 

(f)  Board . The Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(g)  Cause . Dishonesty, fraud, misconduct, gross incompetence, gross negligence, breach of a material fiduciary duty, material breach of an agreement with the Company, unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information or trade secrets, or conviction or confession of a crime punishable by law (except minor violations), in each case as determined by the Committee, which determination shall be binding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if “Cause” is defined in an employment agreement between a Participant and the Company, “Cause” shall have the meaning assigned to it in such agreement.

 

(h)  Change of Control .

 

(i) The acquisition by any unrelated person of beneficial ownership (as that term is used for purposes of the Act) of 50% or more of the then outstanding common shares of the Company or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors. The term “unrelated person” means any person other than (x) the Company and its subsidiaries, (y) an employee benefit plan or related trust sponsored by the Company or its subsidiaries, and (z) a person who acquires stock of the Company pursuant to an agreement with the Company that is approved by the Board in advance of the acquisition. For purposes of this subsection, a “person” means an individual, entity or group, as that term is used for purposes of the Act;

 

(ii) Any tender or exchange offer, merger or other business combination, sale of assets or any combination of the foregoing transactions, and the Company is not the surviving corporation; and

 

 
 

 

(iii) A liquidation of the Company.

 

(i)  Code . The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(j)  Committee . The Compensation Committee of the Board.

 

(k)  Company . Dehaier Medical Systems Limited

 

(l)  Company Stock . The common shares of the Company. In the event of a change in the capital structure of the Company (as provided in Section 12 below), the shares resulting from such a change shall be deemed to be Company Stock within the meaning of the Plan.

 

(m)  Consultant . A person rendering services to the Company who is not an “employee” for purposes of employment tax withholding under the Code.

 

(n)  Corporate Change . A consolidation, merger, dissolution or liquidation of the Company, or a sale or distribution of assets or stock (other than in the ordinary course of business) of the Company; provided that, unless the Committee determines otherwise, a Corporate Change shall only be considered to have occurred with respect to Participants whose business unit is affected by the Corporate Change.

 

(o)  Date of Grant . The date as of which an Award is made by the Committee.

 

(p)  Disability or Disabled . As to an Incentive Stock Option, a Disability within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3). As to all other Incentive Awards, the Committee shall determine whether a Disability exists and such determination shall be conclusive.

 

(q)  Fair Market Value .

 

(i) If Company Stock is traded on a national securities exchange, the average of the highest and lowest registered sales prices of Company Stock on such exchange;

 

(ii) If Company Stock is traded in the over-the-counter market, the average between the closing bid and asked prices as reported by the NASDAQ Stock Market; or

 

(iii) If shares of Company Stock are not publicly traded, the Fair Market Value shall be determined by the Committee using any reasonable method in good faith.

 

Fair Market Value shall be determined as of the applicable date specified in the Plan or, if there are no trades on such date, the value shall be determined as of the last preceding day on which Company Stock is traded.

 

(r)  Incentive Stock Option . An Option intended to meet the requirements of, and qualify for favorable Federal income tax treatment under, Code Section 422.

 

(s)  Nonstatutory Stock Option . An Option that does not meet the requirements of Code Section 422, or that is otherwise not intended to be an Incentive Stock Option and is so designated.

 

(t)  Option . A right to purchase Company Stock granted under the Plan, at a price determined in accordance with the Plan.

 

(u)  Participant . Any individual who receives an Award under the Plan.

 

(v)  Restricted Stock . Company Stock awarded upon the terms and subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 7 below.

 

 
 

 

(w)  Rule 16b-3 . Rule 16b-3 of the Act, including any corresponding subsequent rule or any amendments to Rule 16b-3 enacted after the effective date of the Plan.

 

(x)  10% Shareholder . A person who owns, directly or indirectly, stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company or an Affiliate. Indirect ownership of stock shall be determined in accordance with Code Section 424(d).

 

3.  General . Awards of Options and Restricted Stock may be granted under the Plan. Options granted under the Plan may be Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options.

 

4.  Stock . The maximum number of shares of Company Stock that may be granted pursuant to this Plan shall not exceed ten percent of the number of issued and outstanding shares of Company Stock as of December 31 of the immediately preceding fiscal year. Subject to Section 12 of the Plan, there shall be reserved for issuance under the Plan that number of unissued shares of Company Stock equal to ten percent of the number of issued and outstanding shares of Company Stock. Shares allocable to Options granted under the Plan that expire or otherwise terminate unexercised and shares that are forfeited pursuant to restrictions on Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan may again be subjected to an Award under this Plan. For purposes of determining the number of shares that are available for Awards under the Plan, such number shall, if permissible under Rule 16b-3, include the number of shares surrendered by a Participant or retained by the Company (a) in connection with the exercise of an Option or (b) in payment of Applicable Withholding Taxes.

 

5.  Eligibility .

 

(a) Any employee of, non-employee director of, or Consultant to the Company or its affiliates, who, in the judgment of the Committee, has contributed or can be expected to contribute to the profits or growth of the Company is eligible to become a Participant. The Committee shall have the power and complete discretion, as provided in Section 14, to select eligible Participants and to determine for each Participant the terms, conditions and nature of the Award and the number of shares to be allocated as part of the Award; provided, however, that any award made to a member of the Committee must be approved by the Board. The Committee is expressly authorized to make an Award to a Participant conditioned on the surrender for cancellation of an existing Award.

 

(b) The grant of an Award shall not obligate the Company to pay an employee any particular amount of remuneration, to continue the employment of the employee after the grant or to make further grants to the employee at any time thereafter.

 

(c) Non-employee directors and Consultants shall not be eligible to receive the Award of an Incentive Stock Option.

 

6.  Stock Options .

 

(a) Whenever the Committee deems it appropriate to grant Options, notice shall be given to the Participant stating the number of shares for which Options are granted, the Option price per share, whether the options are Incentive Stock Options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, and the conditions to which the grant and exercise of the Options are subject. This notice, when duly accepted in writing by the Participant, shall become a stock option agreement between the Company and the Participant.

 

(b) The Committee shall establish the exercise price of Options. The exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such shares on the Date of Grant, provided that if the Participant is a 10% Shareholder, the exercise price of an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of such shares on the Date of Grant. The exercise price of a Nonstatutory Stock Option Award shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of the shares of Company Stock covered by the Option on the Date of Grant.

 

 
 

 

(c) Options may be exercised in whole or in part at such times as may be specified by the Committee in the Participant’s stock option agreement. The Committee may impose such vesting conditions and other requirements as the Committee deems appropriate, and the Committee may include such provisions regarding a Change of Control or Corporate Change as the Committee deems appropriate.

 

(d) The Committee shall establish the term of each Option in the Participant’s stock option agreement. The term of an Incentive Stock Option shall not be longer than ten years from the Date of Grant, except that an Incentive Stock Option granted to a 10% Shareholder may not have a term in excess of five years. No option may be exercised after the expiration of its term or, except as set forth in the Participant’s stock option agreement, after the termination of the Participant’s employment. The Committee shall set forth in the Participant’s stock option agreement when, and under what circumstances, an Option may be exercised after termination of the Participant’s employment or period of service; provided that no Incentive Stock Option may be exercised after (i) three months from the Participant’s termination of employment with the Company for reasons other than Disability or death, or (ii) one year from the Participant’s termination of employment on account of Disability or death. The Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend a previously granted Incentive Stock Option to provide for more liberal exercise provisions, provided however that if the Incentive Stock Option as amended no longer meets the requirements of Code Section 422, and, as a result the Option no longer qualifies for favorable federal income tax treatment under Code Section 422, the amendment shall not become effective without the written consent of the Participant.

 

(e) An Incentive Stock Option, by its terms, shall be exercisable in any calendar year only to the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the Date of Grant) of Company Stock with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable by the Participant for the first time during the calendar year does not exceed $100,000 (the “Limitation Amount”). Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan and all other plans of the Company and any parent or Subsidiary of the Company shall be aggregated for purposes of determining whether the Limitation Amount has been exceeded. The Board may impose such conditions as it deems appropriate on an Incentive Stock option to ensure that the foregoing requirement is met. If Incentive Stock Options that first become exercisable in a calendar year exceed the Limitation Amount, the excess Options will be treated as Nonstatutory Stock Options to the extent permitted by law.

 

(f) If a Participant dies and if the Participant’s stock option agreement provides that part or all of the Option may be exercised after the Participant’s death, then such portion may be exercised by the personal representative of the Participant’s estate during the time period specified in the stock option agreement.

 

(g) If a Participant’s employment or services is terminated by the Company for Cause, the Participant’s Options shall terminate as of the date of the misconduct.

 

7.  Restricted Stock Awards .

 

(a) Whenever the Committee deems it appropriate to grant a Restricted Stock Award, notice shall be given to the Participant stating the number of shares of Restricted Stock for which the Award is granted and the terms and conditions to which the Award is subject. This notice, when accepted in writing by the Participant, shall become an Award agreement between the Company and the Participant. Certificates representing the shares shall be issued in the name of the Participant, subject to the restrictions imposed by the Plan and the Committee. A Restricted Stock Award may be made by the Committee in its discretion without cash consideration.

 

(b) The Committee may place such restrictions on the transferability and vesting of Restricted Stock as the Committee deems appropriate, including restrictions relating to continued employment and financial performance goals. Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may provide performance or Change of Control or Corporate Change acceleration parameters under which all, or a portion, of the Restricted Stock will vest on the Company’s achievement of established performance objectives. Restricted Stock may not be sold, assigned, transferred, disposed of, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise encumbered until the restrictions on such shares shall have lapsed or shall have been removed pursuant to subsection (c) below.

 

 
 

 

(c) The Committee may provide in a Restricted Stock Award, or subsequently, that the restrictions will lapse if a Change of Control or Corporate Change occurs. The Committee may at any time, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time at which any or all restrictions will lapse or may remove restrictions on Restricted Stock as it deems appropriate.

 

(d) A Participant shall hold shares of Restricted Stock subject to the restrictions set forth in the Award agreement and in the Plan. In other respects, the Participant shall have all the rights of a shareholder with respect to the shares of Restricted Stock, including, but not limited to, the right to vote such shares and the right to receive all cash dividends and other distributions paid thereon. Certificates representing Restricted Stock shall bear a legend referring to the restrictions set forth in the Plan and the Participant’s Award agreement. If stock dividends are declared on Restricted Stock, such stock dividends or other distributions shall be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying shares of Restricted Stock.

 

8.  Method of Exercise of Options .

 

(a) Options may be exercised by giving written notice of the exercise to the Company, stating the number of shares the Participant has elected to purchase under the Option. Such notice shall be effective only if accompanied by the exercise price in full in cash; provided that, if the terms of an Option so permit, the Participant may (i) deliver Company Stock that the Participant has owned for at least six months (valued at Fair Market Value on the date of exercise), or (ii) exercise any applicable net exercise provision contained therein. Unless otherwise specifically provided in the Option, any payment of the exercise price paid by delivery of Company Stock acquired directly or indirectly from the Company shall be paid only with shares of Company Stock that have been held by the Participant for more than six months (or such longer or shorter period of time required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes).

 

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Awards shall always be granted and exercised in such a manner as to conform to the provisions of Rule 16b-3.

 

9.  Applicable Withholding Taxes . Each Participant shall agree, as a condition of receiving an Award, to pay to the Company, or make arrangements satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, all Applicable Withholding Taxes with respect to the Award. Until the Applicable Withholding Taxes have been paid or arrangements satisfactory to the Company have been made, no stock certificates (or, in the case of Restricted Stock, no stock certificates free of a restrictive legend) shall be issued to the Participant. As an alternative to making a cash payment to the Company to satisfy Applicable Withholding Tax obligations, the Committee may establish procedures permitting the Participant to elect to (a) deliver shares of already owned Company Stock (subject to such restrictions as the Committee may establish, including a requirement that any shares of Company Stock so delivered shall have been held by the Participant for not less than six months) or (b) have the Company retain that number of shares of Company Stock that would satisfy all or a specified portion of the Applicable Withholding Taxes. Any such election shall be made only in accordance with procedures established by the Committee and in accordance with Rule 16b-3.

 

10.  Nontransferability of Awards .

 

(a) In general, Awards, by their terms, shall not be transferable by the Participant except by will or by the laws of descent and distribution or except as described below. Options shall be exercisable, during the Participant’s lifetime, only by the Participant or by his guardian or legal representative.

 

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of (a) and subject to federal and state securities laws, the Committee may grant Nonstatutory Stock Options that permit a Participant to transfer the Options to one or more immediate family members, to a trust for the benefit of immediate family members, or to a partnership, limited liability company, or other entity the only partners, members, or interest-holders of which are among the Participant’s immediate family members. Consideration may not be paid for the transfer of Options. The transferee of an Option shall be subject to all conditions applicable to the Option prior to its transfer. The agreement granting the Option shall set forth the transfer conditions and restrictions. The Committee may impose on any transferable Option and on stock issued upon the exercise of an Option such limitations and conditions as the Committee deems appropriate.

 

 
 

 

11.  Termination, Modification, Change . If not sooner terminated by the Board, this Plan shall terminate at the close of business on the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date. No Awards shall be made under the Plan after its termination. The Board may terminate the Plan or may amend the Plan in such respects as it shall deem advisable; provided that, if and to the extent required by Rule 16b-3, no change shall be made that increases the total number of shares of Company Stock reserved for issuance pursuant to Awards granted under the Plan (except pursuant to Section 12), expands the class of persons eligible to receive Awards, or materially increases the benefits accruing to Participants under the Plan, unless such change is authorized by the shareholders of the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may unilaterally amend the Plan and Awards as it deems appropriate to ensure compliance with Rule 16b-3 and to cause Incentive Stock Options to meet the requirements of the Code and regulations thereunder. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, a termination or amendment of the Plan shall not, without the consent of the Participant, adversely affect a Participant’s rights under an Award previously granted to him.

 

12.  Change in Capital Structure .

 

(a) In the event of a stock dividend, stock split or combination of shares, spin-off, reclassification, recapitalization, merger or other change in the Company’s capital stock (including, but not limited to, the creation or issuance to shareholders generally of rights, options or warrants for the purchase of common shares or preferred stock of the Company), the number and kind of shares of stock or securities of the Company to be issued under the Plan (under outstanding Awards and Awards to be granted in the future), the exercise price of options, and other relevant provisions shall be appropriately adjusted by the Committee, whose determination shall be binding on all persons. If the adjustment would produce fractional shares with respect to any Award, the Committee may adjust appropriately the number of shares covered by the Award so as to eliminate the fractional shares.

 

(b) In the event the Company distributes to its shareholders a dividend or sells or causes to be sold to a person other than the Company or a Subsidiary shares of stock in any corporation (a “Spinoff Company”) which, immediately before the distribution or sale, was a majority owned Subsidiary of the Company, the Committee shall have the power, in its sole discretion, to make such adjustments as the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee may make adjustments in the number and kind of shares or other securities to be issued under the Plan (under outstanding Awards and Awards to be granted in the future), the exercise price of Options, and other relevant provisions, and, without limiting the foregoing, may substitute securities of a Spinoff Company for securities of the Company. The Committee shall make such adjustments as it determines to be appropriate, considering the economic effect of the distribution or sale on the interests of the Company’s shareholders and the Participants in the businesses operated by the Spinoff Company, and subject to the proviso that any such adjustments or new options shall not be made or granted, respectively, that would result in subjecting the Plan to variable plan accounting treatment. The Committee’s determination shall be binding on all persons. If the adjustment would produce fractional shares with respect to any Award, the Committee may adjust appropriately the number of shares covered by the Award so as to eliminate the fractional shares.

 

(c) To the extent required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes, adjustments made by the Committee pursuant to this Section 12 to outstanding Awards shall be made so that both (i) the aggregate intrinsic value of an Award immediately after the adjustment is not greater than or less than the Award’s aggregate intrinsic value before the adjustment and (ii) the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market value per share is not reduced.

 

(d) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may take the foregoing actions without the consent of any Participant, and the Committee’s determination shall be conclusive and binding on all persons for all purposes. The Committee shall make its determinations consistent with Rule 16b-3 and the applicable provisions of the Code.

 

 
 

 

13.  Change of Control . In the event of a Change of Control or Corporate Change, the Committee may take such actions with respect to Awards as the Committee deems appropriate. These actions may include, but shall not be limited to, the following:

 

(a) At the time the Award is made, provide for the acceleration of the vesting schedule relating to the exercise or realization of the Award so that the Award may be exercised or realized in full on or before a date initially fixed by the Committee;

 

(b) Provide for the purchase or settlement of any such Award by the Company for any amount of cash equal to the amount which could have been obtained upon the exercise of such Award or realization of a Participant’s rights had such Award been currently exercisable or payable;

 

(c) Make adjustments to Awards then outstanding as the Committee deems appropriate to reflect such Change of Control or Corporate Change; provided, however, that to the extent required to avoid a charge to earnings for financial accounting purposes, such adjustments shall be made so that both (i) the aggregate intrinsic value of an Award immediately after the adjustment is not greater than or less than the Award’s aggregate intrinsic value before the Award and (ii) the ratio of the exercise price per share to the market value per share is not reduced; or

 

(d) Cause any such Award then outstanding to be assumed, or new rights substituted therefore, by the acquiring or surviving legal entity in such Change of Control or Corporate Change.

 

14.  Administration of the Plan .

 

(a) The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, who shall be appointed by the Board. The Board may designate the Compensation Committee of the Board, or a subcommittee of the Compensation Committee, to be the Committee for purposes of the Plan. If and to the extent required by Rule 16b-3, all members of the Committee shall be “Non-Employee Directors” as that term is defined in Rule 16b-3, and the Committee shall be comprised solely of two or more “outside directors” as that term is defined for purposes of Code section 162(m). If any member of the Committee fails to qualify as an “outside director” or (to the extent required by Rule 16b-3) a “Non-Employee Director,” such person shall immediately cease to be a member of the Committee and shall not take part in future Committee deliberations. The Board of Directors may from time to time may appoint members of the Committee and fill vacancies, however caused, in the Committee.

 

(b) The Committee shall have the authority to impose such limitations or conditions upon an Award as the Committee deems appropriate to achieve the objectives of the Award and the Plan. Without limiting the foregoing and in addition to the powers set forth elsewhere in the Plan, the Committee shall have the power and complete discretion to determine (i) which eligible persons shall receive an Award and the nature of the Award, (ii) the number of shares of Company Stock to be covered by each Award, (iii) whether Options shall be Incentive Stock options or Nonstatutory Stock Options, (iv) the Fair Market Value of Company Stock, (v) the time or times when an Award shall be granted, (vi) whether an Award shall become vested over a period of time, according to a performance-based vesting schedule or otherwise, and when it shall be fully vested, (vii) the terms and conditions under which restrictions imposed upon an Award shall lapse, (viii) whether a Change of Control or Corporate Change exists, (ix) the terms of incentive programs, performance criteria and other factors relevant to the issuance of Incentive Stock or the lapse of restrictions on Restricted Stock or Options, (x) when Options may be exercised, (xi) whether to approve a Participant’s election with respect to Applicable Withholding Taxes, (xii) conditions relating to the length of time before disposition of Company Stock received in connection with an Award is permitted, (xiii) notice provisions relating to the sale of Company Stock acquired under the Plan, and (xiv) any additional requirements relating to Awards that the Committee deems appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no “tandem stock options” (where two stock options are issued together and the exercise of one option affects the right to exercise the other option) may be issued in connection with Incentive Stock Options.

 

 
 

 

(c) The Committee shall have the power to amend the terms of previously granted Awards so long as the terms as amended are consistent with the terms of the Plan and, where applicable, consistent with the qualification of an option as an Incentive Stock Option. The consent of the Participant must be obtained with respect to any amendment that would adversely affect the Participant’s rights under the Award, except that such consent shall not be required if such amendment is for the purpose of complying with Rule 16b-3 or any requirement of the Code applicable to the Award.

 

(d) The Committee may adopt rules and regulations for carrying out the Plan. The Committee shall have the express discretionary authority to construe and interpret the Plan and the Award agreements, to resolve any ambiguities, to define any terms, and to make any other determinations required by the Plan or an Award agreement. The interpretation and construction of any provisions of the Plan or an Award agreement by the Committee shall be final and conclusive. The Committee may consult with counsel, who may be counsel to the Company, and shall not incur any liability for any action taken in good faith in reliance upon the advice of counsel.

 

(e) A majority of the members of the Committee shall constitute a quorum, and all actions of the Committee shall be taken by a majority of the members present. Any action may be taken by a written instrument signed by all of the members, and any action so taken shall be fully effective as if it had been taken at a meeting.

 

15.  Issuance of Company Stock . The Company shall not be required to issue or deliver any certificate for shares of Company Stock before (i) the admission of such shares to listing on any stock exchange on which Company Stock may then be listed, (ii) receipt of any required registration or other qualification of such shares under any state or federal securities law or regulation that the Company’s counsel shall determine is necessary or advisable, and (iii) the Company shall have been advised by counsel that all applicable legal requirements have been complied with. The Company may place on a certificate representing Company Stock any legend required to reflect restrictions pursuant to the Plan, and any legend deemed necessary by the Company’s counsel to comply with federal or state securities laws. The Company may require a customary written indication of a Participant’s investment intent. Until a Participant has been issued a certificate for the shares of Company Stock acquired, the Participant shall possess no shareholder rights with respect to the shares.

 

16.  Rights Under the Plan . Title to and beneficial ownership of all benefits described in the Plan shall at all times remain with the Company. Participation in the Plan and the right to receive payments under the Plan shall not give a Participant any proprietary interest in the Company or any Affiliate or any of their assets. No trust fund shall be created in connection with the Plan, and there shall be no required funding of amounts that may become payable under the Plan. A Participant shall, for all purposes, be a general creditor of the Company. The interest of a Participant in the Plan cannot be assigned, anticipated, sold, encumbered or pledged and shall not be subject to the claims of his creditors.

 

17.  Beneficiary . A Participant may designate, on a form provided by the Committee, one or more beneficiaries to receive any payments under Awards of Restricted Stock or Incentive Stock after the Participant’s death. If a Participant makes no valid designation, or if the designated beneficiary fails to survive the Participant or otherwise fails to receive the benefits, the Participant’s beneficiary shall be the first of the following persons who survives the Participant: (a) the Participant’s surviving spouse, (b) the Participant’s surviving descendants,  per stirpes , or (c) the personal representative of the Participant’s estate.

 

18.  Notice . All notices and other communications required or permitted to be given under this Plan shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if delivered personally or mailed first class, postage prepaid, as follows: (a) if to the Company—at its principal business address to the attention of the Secretary; (b) if to any Participant—at the last address of the Participant known to the sender at the time the notice or other communication is sent.

 

19.  Interpretation . The terms of this Plan and Awards granted pursuant to the Plan are subject to all present and future regulations and rulings of the Secretary of the Treasury relating to the qualification of Incentive Stock Options under the Code or compliance with Code section 162(m), to the extent applicable, and they are subject to all present and future rulings of the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to Rule 16b-3. If any provision of the Plan or an Award conflicts with any such regulation or ruling, to the extent applicable, the Committee shall cause the Plan to be amended, and shall modify the Award, so as to comply, or if for any reason amendments cannot be made, that provision of the Plan and/or the Award shall be void and of no effect.