UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.
FORM 10-K/A
Amendment No. 1
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______ to_______
Commission file number 1-2257
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 13-1394750
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
445 Park Avenue, Suite 2001, New York, NY 10022
(Address of registrants principal executive offices) (Zip code)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (800) 243-5544
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.001 par value
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes No X
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes No X
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.)
Yes X No
CONTINUED
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
2015 Form 10-K/A Cover Page Continued
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12(b)-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer___ Accelerated filer___ Non-accelerated filer___ Smaller reporting company X
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes No X
The aggregate market value of the registrants voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based upon the last sale price of the registrants Common Stock reported on OTCQB on June 30, 2015, was approximately $5,018,000, which value solely for the purposes of this calculation excludes shares held by the registrants officers and directors. Such exclusion should not be deemed a determination by the registrant that all of such individuals are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant. The registrant has no non-voting common stock.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrants Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, as of the latest practicable date, on April 28, 2016, was 1,710,671 shares of Common Stock.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
None.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A amends our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, which was filed with the SEC on March 29, 2016 (the Original Filing). We are filing this Amendment solely for the limited purpose of amending Part III, Items 10 14 to reflect the inclusion of the information required by Form 10-K. The Original Filing contemplated the incorporation by reference of such information from the Corporations definitive proxy statement relating to the Corporations 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The Corporations definitive proxy statement will not be filed within the requisite 120 days after the Corporations 2015 fiscal year end, and accordingly, the Corporation is including the information required by Part III, Items 10 14 of Form 10-K through this Amendment as contemplated by instruction G (3) to Form 10-K.
Except as contained herein, this Amendment speaks as of the filing date of the Original Filing and does not modify or update disclosures contained in the Original Filing. Accordingly, this Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Original Filing.
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
2015 Form 10-K/A Annual Report
Amendment No. 1
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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
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Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
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DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The directors of Trans-Lux Corporation (the "Corporation" or the "Company") and their ages are as follows:
Name |
Age |
Jean-Marc (J.M.) Allain |
46 |
Marco Elser |
57 |
Ryan J. Morris |
31 |
Alan K. Greene |
76 |
George W. Schiele |
84 |
Alberto Shaio |
67 |
Yaozhong Shi |
47 |
Salvatore J. Zizza |
70 |
Directors:
J.M. Allain became the President and CEO of the Corporation on February 16, 2010 and has served as a director since June 2011. Mr. Allain served as President of Panasonic Solutions Company from July 2008 through October 2009; Vice President of Duos Technologies from August 2007 through June 2008; General Manager of Netversant Solutions from October 2004 through June 2005; and Vice President of Adesta, LLC from May 2002 through September 2004. Mr. Allain has familiarity with the operational requirements of complex organizations and has experience dealing with reorganizations and turnarounds. Mr. Allains experience and deep understanding of the operations of the Corporation allow him to make valuable contributions to the Board.
Marco M. Elser has served as a director since May 25, 2012. Since 2015, Mr. Elser currently serves as a partner with Lonsin Capital, a London-based investment banking firm. Mr. Elser also serves on the Board of Directors of Protalex, a Florham Park, NY-based biotechnology company, since 2014. He is also one of the independent directors of North Hills Signal Processing Corporation, a Long Island, NY based technology company. Mr. Elser previously had been a partner with AdviCorp Plc, a London-based investment banking firm; served as International Vice President of Northeast Securities, managing distressed funds for family offices and small institutions from 1994 to 2001; and served as a first Vice President of Merrill Lynch Capital Markets in Rome and London until 1994. Mr. Elser was formerly Chairman of the Board of Pine Brook Capital, a Shelton, CT based engineering company and has served in that role for over five years. Mr. Elser was also the president of the Harvard Club of Italy until 2014, an association he founded in 2002 with other Alumni in Italy where he has been living since 1984. He received his BA in Economics from Harvard College in 1981. Mr. Elsers extensive knowledge of international finance and commerce allows him to make valuable contributions to the Board.
Ryan J. Morris was appointed as an independent director on April 23, 2016. Mr. Morris serves as President of Meson Capital Partners LLC, a San Francisco-based investment partnership, which he founded in February 2009. Mr. Morris currently serves on the board of directors of InfuSystem Holdings, Inc. since April 2012 (and served as Executive Chairman from April 2012 to May 2015) and Sevcon, Inc. since December 2013. Previously, Mr. Morris served as a director of Lucas Energy, Inc. from October 2012 to October 2014 (and was Chairman of the Board from December 2012 to November 2013). From June 2011 to July 2012, Mr. Morris served as a member of the equity committee of HearUSA, Inc., responsible for maximizing value to the stockholders. Mr. Morris extensive knowledge of finance and his service to other boards of directors allow him to make valuable contributions to the Board.
Alan K. Greene has served as an independent director since October 2, 2013. Mr. Greene has previously served as a Partner of Price Waterhouse from 1974 to 1995, acting at various times as Managing Partner for cross border transactions and as National Director of tax services for M&A, and in connection with foreign banks and mutual funds with respect to acquisition and investment strategies. Currently, Mr. Greene serves on the board of directors of Intellicorp, Inc. (since 2001) and RAVE, Inc. (since 2005). Previously, he was a director of Connecticut Innovations, Inc. from 2005 until 2015, the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund from 2007 until 2011, Metromedia International Group, Inc. from 2007 until 2011, Enduro Medical Technologies LLC from 2005 until 2013 and Greene Rees Technologies, LLC from 1995 until 2013. Mr. Greene has also held prior board positions at Fortistar Capital, Oswego Hydro, Access Shipping and various other public and private companies through the years. Mr. Greenes experience serving as chairman of various audit committees of many of these organizations and strong aptitude for technologies allow him to provide valuable contributions to the Board.
1
George W. Schiele has served as a director since 2009. Mr. Schiele was elected Chairman of the Board (a non-executive position) of the Corporation on September 29, 2010. Mr. Schiele currently serves as President of George W. Schiele, Inc., a trust management and private investment company and has held such position since 1974. He is also President of four other private companies since 1999, 2005, 2006, 2009, and 2015, respectively; from 2003 until 2013 he was a Director of Connecticut Innovations, Inc., one of the nations five most active venture capital firms, and was Chairman of its Investment Advisory and Investment Committees from 2004 until 2013, responsible during his tenure for more than 200 VC investments. Mr. Schiele additionally serves as Trustee of ten private trusts since 1974 through the present. Mr. Schiele serves as an officer of two charitable foundations since 2006 and is Managing Partner of two investment partnerships since 2008, and as a Director of The Yankee Institute since 1998. Mr. Schieles long experience in previous start-ups and corporate restructurings and his service to other boards of directors allow him to make valuable contributions to the Board.
Alberto Shaio became the Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation on October 6, 2014 and has served as a director since October 2, 2013. He also serves on the Board of Advisors of Scorpion Capital. Previously, Mr. Shaio served as President and CEO of Craftsmen Industries from January 1, 2011 through September 1, 2013. Previously he held various posts with Farrel Corporation (Ansonia CT and Rochdale England) from 1986 until December 31, 2010, including the role of President and CEO since 2003. Mr. Shaio was a Director of the HF Mixing Group (Germany) from 2002 until 2010. From 1970 through 1986, Mr. Shaio was General Manager, Vice President or President of various companies such as Pavco, Filmtex (Columbia SA), and the Interamerican Investment Group. He has served on the board of directors of New Energy Corporation, Farrel Corporation, Interactive Systems, Polifilm, Filmtex, PAVCO SA, and Harburg Freudenberg Maschinenbau GmbH (Germany). Mr. Shaios extensive international experience and service to numerous other boards of directors allow him to provide valuable contributions to the Board.
Yaozhong Shi has served as a director since June 29, 2014. Mr. Shi was appointed as a director of the Corporation pursuant to the terms of that certain Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of June 27, 2014 between the Company and Transtech LED Company Limited ("Transtech"). Mr. Shi has over 25 years of experience in the LED industry. Mr. Shis contributions to Transtech have resulted in a successful, well-known brand in the LED display total solution industry that provides solutions for multiple indoor & outdoor applications primarily in the media, entertainment and sports sectors. Mr. Shis strong business knowledge and extensive history and resources in the LED display arena allow him to provide valuable contributions to the Board.
Salvatore J. Zizza has served as an independent director since 2009. Mr. Zizza was elected Vice Chairman of the Board (a non-executive position) of the Corporation on September 29, 2010. Mr. Zizza has previously served as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of General Employment Enterprises Inc. from December 23, 2009 until December 26, 2012. Mr. Zizza had served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Bion Environmental Technologies Inc. from January 13, 2003 until December 31, 2005, and has served as Non Executive Chairman of Harbor BioSciences, Inc. since March 27, 2009. He currently serves as the Chairman of Zizza & Associates, LLC. Mr. Zizza serves as the Chairman of Bethlehem Advanced Materials. Additionally, Mr. Zizza serves as a Director of GAMCO Westwood Funds. He has been an Independent Trustee of GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust by Gabelli since November 2005 and serves as a Director/trustee of 26 funds in the fund complex of Gabelli Funds. He has been Director of General Employment Enterprises Inc. since January 8, 2010 and has been an Independent Trustee of Gabelli Dividend & Income Trust since 2003. Mr. Zizza has been Independent Director of Gabelli Convertible & Income Securities Fund Inc. since April 24, 1991 and has been a Director of Gabelli Equity Trust, Inc. since 1986 and a Trustee of Gabelli Utility Trust since 1999. He served as Lead Independent Director of Hollis-Eden Pharmaceuticals from March 2006 to March 2009 and as a Director of Earl Scheib Inc. from March 1, 2004 to April 2009. As previously disclosed in the Companys Prospectus filed on October 14, 2015, the SEC issued a cease and desist order which provides that Mr. Zizza violated Rule 13b2.2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in connection therewith Mr. Zizza agreed to pay a $150,000 fine. Mr. Zizza received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and his Master of Business Administration in Finance from St. John's University, which also has awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in Commercial Sciences. Mr. Zizzas extensive experience and service to numerous other boards of directors allow him to provide valuable contributions to the Board. In addition, Mr. Zizza also serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee and is the audit committee financial expert as required under the rules of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC).
2
Meetings of the Board of Directors and Certain Committees:
The Board of Directors held five meetings during 2015. All directors attended 60% or more of such meetings and of the committee meetings for which they were members. The Corporation does not have a formal policy regarding directors attendance at annual stockholders meetings, but strongly encourages and prefers that directors attend regular and special Board meetings as well as the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in person, although attendance by teleconference is considered adequate. The Corporation recognizes that attendance of the board members at all meetings may not be possible and excuses absences for good cause.
Non-employee directors (other than our Chairman and Vice Chairman) are due to receive an annual fee of $10,000, as well as $1,000 for each meeting of the Board attended in person and $500 for each telephonic meeting attended, while employee directors are not entitled to receive any fees for their attendance to any meetings. Mr. George W. Schiele and Mr. Salvatore J. Zizza, the Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, receive an annual fee of $15,000 each, monthly fees of $3,000 each, $1,500 for each meeting of the Board attended in person and $750 for each telephonic meeting attended. Fees for members of the Board and Committees are determined annually by the entire Board of Directors based on review of compensation paid by other similar size companies, the amounts currently paid by the Company, the overall policy for determining compensation paid to officers and employees of the Company and the general financial condition of the Company. During 2015 and 2014, certain board members deferred payment of their fees. In lieu of a cash payment, certain board members and former board members have agreed to receive restricted shares of Common Stock of the Company or a combination of cash and restricted shares of Common Stock of the Company, which such restricted shares shall contain a legend under the Securities Act of 1933 and shall not be transferable unless and until registered or otherwise in accordance with applicable securities laws. Certain of these restricted shares were issued in December 2013.
Corporate Governance Policies and Procedures
The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Guidelines (the Ethics Code) that applies specifically to board members and executive officers. The Ethics Code is designed to promote compliance with applicable laws and regulations, to promote honest and ethical conduct, including full, fair, accurate and timely disclosure in reports and communications with the public. The Ethics Code is available for viewing on the Corporations website at www.trans-lux.com. Any amendments to, or waivers from, the Ethics Code will be posted on the website. In addition, the Board of Directors adopted a Whistle Blowing policy, which provides procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters, as well as the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing practices.
Corporate Leadership Structure
Two separate individuals serve as the Corporations Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. The Chairman is not an executive officer. The Chairman provides leadership to the Board in the fulfillment of his responsibilities in presiding over Board meetings. The Chairman also presides over all meetings of the stockholders. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for directing the operational activities of the Corporation.
Risk Management
Our Board of Directors and its Audit Committee are actively involved in risk management. Both the Board and Audit Committee regularly review the financial position of the Corporation and its operations, and other relevant information, including cash management and the risks associated with the Corporations financial position and operations.
3
Communication with the Board of Directors
Security holders are permitted to communicate with the members of the Board by forwarding written communications to the Corporations Chief Financial Officer at the Corporations headquarters in New York, New York. The Chief Financial Officer will present all communications, as received and without screening, to the Board at its next regularly scheduled meeting.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has appointed a Compensation Committee, an Audit Committee, an Executive Committee and a Nominating Committee.
Compensation Committee
The members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors are Messrs. Elser, Greene and Zizza. The Compensation Committee operates under a formal written charter approved by the Compensation Committee and adopted by the Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee reviews compensation and other benefits. The Compensation Committee did not hold any meetings in 2015. None of the members of the Compensation Committee is or has been an officer or employee of the Corporation. There are no Compensation Committee interlock relationships with respect to the Corporation. Members of said Committee receive a fee of $320 for each meeting of the Committee they attend and the Chairman, Mr. Greene, receives an annual fee of $1,600.
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors are Messrs. Greene and Zizza. The Audit Committee operates under a formal written charter approved by the Committee and adopted by the Board of Directors, a copy of which is available on the Corporations website at http://www.trans-lux.com/about/investor-information. The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Greene and Zizza, are independent directors. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Zizza meets the definition of audit committee financial expert set forth in Item 407 of Regulation S-K, as promulgated by the SEC. The Audit Committee held 4 telephonic meetings with the independent auditors in 2015. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm, review of the audit function and the material aspects thereof with the Corporations independent registered public accounting firm, and compliance with the Corporations policies and applicable laws and regulations. Members of said Committee receive a fee of $400 for each meeting of the Committee they attend (other than the quarterly telephonic meetings held with the independent auditors) and the Chairman, Mr. Zizza, receives an annual fee of $2,400 and a fee of $100 for his participation in each quarterly telephonic meeting held with the independent auditors.
Executive Committee
The members of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors are Messrs. Elser, Schiele and Zizza. The Executive Committee operates under a formal written charter approved by the Committee and adopted by the Board of Directors. Messrs. Schiele and Zizza are independent, meeting the requirements of Section 952 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. Each of the members of the Executive Committee qualify as "non-employee directors" for the purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Messrs. Schiele and Zizza qualify as "outside directors" for the purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. The primary purpose of the Executive Committee is to provide the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company with a confidential sounding board for insights and advice, and to provide the Board with a more active formal interface with management and its day to day policy and actions. Additionally, the secondary objective of the Executive Committee is to exercise the powers and authority of the Board, subject to certain limitations set forth in the charter, during the intervals between meetings of the Board, when, based on the business needs of the Company, it is desirable for the Board to meet but the convening of a special board meeting is not warranted as determined by the Chairman of the Board. It is the general intention that all substantive matters in the ordinary course of business be brought before the full Board for action, but the Board recognizes the need for flexibility to act on substantive matters where action may be necessary between Board meetings, which, in the opinion of the Chairman of the Board, should not be postponed until the next previously scheduled meeting of the Board. The Executive Committee did not hold any meetings in 2015. Members of the Executive Committee do not receive any fees for their participation.
4
Nominating Committee
The members of the Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors are Messrs. Elser, Schiele and Shaio. The Nominating Committee operates under a formal written charter approved by the Committee and adopted by the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee recommends for consideration by the Board of Directors, nominees for election of directors at the Corporations Annual Meeting of Stockholders. Director nominees are considered on the basis of, among other things, experience, expertise, skills, knowledge, integrity, understanding the Corporations business and willingness to devote time and effort to Board responsibilities. Members of the Nominating Committee do not receive any fees for their participation. The Nominating Committee does not have a separate policy regarding diversity of the Board.
Corporate Governance Committee
The Board of Directors has not established a corporate governance committee. The Board of Directors acts as the corporate governance committee.
Independence of Non-Employee Directors
While the Corporations Common Stock is traded on the OTCQB, the Corporation follows the NYSE MKT Company Guide regarding the independence of directors. A director is considered independent if the Board of Directors determines that the director does not have any direct or indirect material relationship with the Corporation. Mr. Allain and Mr. Shaio are employees of the Corporation and therefore have been determined by the Board to fall outside the definition of independent director. Messrs. Elser, Greene, Morris, Schiele, Shi and Zizza are non-employee directors of the Corporation. Mr. Elser, via Carlisle Investments, Inc. ("Carlisle") over which he exercised voting and dispositive power as investment manager, and Mr. Schiele have made loans to the Corporation and therefore have been determined by the Board to fall outside the definition of independent director. Mr. Shi is a Director of Transtech, which is the Corporations main supplier of LED modules and therefore has been determined by the Board to fall outside the definition of independent director. The Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Greene, Morris and Zizza are independent directors since they had no relationship with the Corporation other than their status and payment as non-employee directors and as stockholders. The Board of Directors has determined that its two Audit Committee members, Messrs. Greene and Zizza, are independent directors.
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
The Board of Directors has previously established a Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan which, as amended, covers a maximum of 800 shares for grant. Such options are granted for a term of six years and are priced at fair market value on the grant date. The determination as to the amount of options to be granted to directors is based on years of service, and are calculated on a yearly basis as follows: a minimum of 20 stock options are granted for each director; an additional 20 stock options are granted if a director has served for five years or more; an additional 20 stock options are granted if a director has served for ten years or more; and an additional 40 stock options are granted if a director has served for twenty years or more. Such options are exercisable at any time upon the first anniversary of the grant date. The Corporation grants additional stock options upon the expiration or exercise of any such option if such exercise or expiration occurs no earlier than four years after date of grant, in an amount equal to the number of options that have been exercised or that have expired. In addition to the foregoing, the shareholders approved a proposal to grant warrants to purchase 20,000, 20,000 and 2,000 shares to Messrs. Zizza and Schiele and Ms. Firstenberg, respectively, which warrants were granted in 2013.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
The Corporations executive officers and directors are required under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Copies of those reports must also be furnished to the Corporation. Based solely on a review of the copies of reports furnished to the Corporation for the year ended December 31, 2015, the Corporations executive officers and directors have complied with the Section 16(a) filing requirements, except that purchases in November 2015 by Mr. Shaio, Mr. Greene and Mr. Schiele of 252, 252 and 250 shares, respectively, of the Companys Series B Preferred Stock were reported on Form 5s filed in February 2016 rather than Form 4s filed within two business days of the purchase.
5
The following executive officers were elected by the Board of Directors for the ensuing year and until their respective successors are elected:
Name |
Office |
Age |
Jean-Marc (J.M.) Allain |
President and Chief Executive Officer |
46 |
Robert J. Conologue |
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
67 |
Alberto Shaio |
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
67 |
Alexandro Gomez |
Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer |
46 |
Todd Dupee |
Vice President and Controller |
43 |
The biographical information for Mr. Allain and Mr. Shaio is provided at the beginning of Item 10. Mr. Conologue became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation on May 29, 2014. Mr. Conologue has previously served as Chief Financial Officer for Utrecht Art Supplies from June 2012 to November 2013. Prior to that, he worked at Twinlab Corporation in the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from May 2005 to December 2011. Mr. Gomez became Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of the Corporation on October 13, 2014. Mr. Alex Gomez previously worked for xclr8 Media from 2011 to 2014, Van Wagner Sports and Entertainment form 2003 to 2011, One-On-One Sports Radio Network from 2000 to 2001, Foot Locker Worldwide from 1998-2000 and News Corporations Fox Sports and Fox Video from 1992 to 1998. Mr. Dupee became Vice President of the Corporation in 2009, has been Controller since 2004 (except when he served as Chief Financial Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer between December 3, 2012 and May 29, 2014) and has been with the Company since 1994.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Compensation of Executive Officers
Compensation Discussion and Analysis . All matters concerning executive compensation for the Chief Executive Officer and other executive officers whose annual base salaries are over $200,000 per year are considered by the Corporations Compensation Committee. Our compensation structure for our executives is designed to attract individuals with the skills necessary for us to achieve our business plan, to reward those individuals for successful performance over time, and to retain those executives who continue to perform at or above our expectations, without incurring risk-taking incentives that may adversely affect the Corporation. Our executives compensation has three primary components: a base salary, cash incentive bonuses and equity awards.
Base Salary . We fix the base salary of each of our executives at a level we believe enables us to hire and retain individuals in a competitive environment and rewards satisfactory individual performance and a satisfactory level of contribution to our overall business goals. We also take into account the base salaries paid by similarly sized companies and the base salaries of other companies with which we believe we compete for talent. Named executive officer compensation currently reflects amounts of cash consistent with periods of economic stress and lower earnings, as we focus on actions to stabilize the Company and to position it for a continued recovery.
Cash Incentive Bonuses . We design the cash incentive bonuses for our executives to focus the executive on achieving key financial and/or operational objectives within a yearly time horizon, as described in more detail below. Cash incentive bonuses for our executives are established as part of their respective individual employment agreements, as applicable. Currently, J.M. Allain, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Alberto Shaio, our Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, are the only executive officers of the Corporation entitled to a cash incentive bonuses; their cash incentive bonuses are determined in accordance with the terms of their employment agreements with the Company. As a general matter, the Compensation Committee is responsible for determining all criteria for the provision of any cash incentive bonuses awarded by the Corporation, and any such decisions by the Compensation Committee must be approved by the Board of Directors at the time any employment agreement contemplating a cash incentive bonus is entered into. Based on the financial standing of the Corporation, no cash incentive bonuses were paid for the year ended December 31, 2015.
6
Equity Awards . We occasionally grant stock options, restricted stock or warrants relating to employment agreements and/or to reward long-term performance. We believe that such compensation incentivizes each executive to create value for the Corporation, and ties executive performance directly to the financial performance of the Corporation as a whole. We take into consideration the executives tenure with the Corporation, as well as the availability of equity awards, in addition to the executives performance in determining grants of equity awards.
We view the three primary components of our executive compensation as related but distinct. Although we review total compensation, we do not believe that significant compensation derived from one component of compensation should negate or reduce compensation from other components. We determine the appropriate level for each compensation component based in part, but not exclusively, on our view of internal equity and consistency, individual performance and other information we deem relevant. We believe that salary and cash incentive bonuses are primary considerations and that equity awards are secondary considerations. Except as described below, we have not adopted any formal policies or guidelines for allocating compensation between long-term and currently paid out compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation, or among different forms of compensation. This is due to the small size of our executive team, and our need to remain flexible and to tailor each executives award to attract and retain that executive.
Other Benefits . In addition to the three primary components of compensation described above, we provide our executives with benefits that are generally available to our salaried employees. Our executives are eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, such as medical, group life and disability insurance, flexible spending plans, and our 401(k) plan, in each case on the same basis as our other employees. Additionally, as a special perquisite for our executives we provide additional life insurance benefits which are paid for the Company. If there is a Change in Control of the Company, as defined in their employment agreements, Mr. Allain and Mr. Shaio would also be entitled to severance payments equal to their current annual salaries of $300,000 and $250,000, respectively.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement . In accordance with the former President and Chief Executive Officers agreement, he was due a supplemental executive retirement payment on July 1, 2010 in the amount of $353,000 plus tax effect of approximately $170,000, but has not yet been paid.
Compensation Consultants . The Corporation has not engaged the services of any outside compensation consultant for 2015.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee has recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
This report is submitted by the Compensation Committee. Its members are:
Alan L. Greene, Chairperson
Marco Elser
Salvatore J. Zizza
7
Compensation of Executive Officers
The following table provides certain summary information for the last two fiscal years of the Corporation concerning compensation paid or accrued by the Corporation and its subsidiaries to or on behalf of the Corporations Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other Named Executive Officers of the Corporation whose compensation exceeded $100,000:
Summary Compensation Table
Annual Compensation
Name and
|
Year |
Salary ($) |
Bonus
|
Stock Awards
|
Option Awards ($) |
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($) |
Change in Pension Value of Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($) |
All Other Compensation
|
Total
|
|||||||||
J.M. Allain |
2015 |
301,405 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
18,000 |
319,405 |
|||||||||
President and Chief Executive Officer |
2014 |
285,576 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
18,000 |
303,576 |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Robert J. Conologue (2) . |
2015 |
195,522 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
195,522 |
|||||||||
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
2014 |
105,924 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
105,924 |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Alberto Shaio (3) |
2015 |
180,002 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
180,002 |
|||||||||
Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
2014 |
41,539 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13,000 |
54,539 |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Alexandro Gomez (4) |
2015 |
150,003 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
150,003 |
|||||||||
Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer |
2014 |
31,732 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
31,732 |
(1)
See All Other Compensation below for further details.
(2)
Elected an Executive Officer on May 29, 2014.
(3)
Elected an Executive Officer on November 4, 2014.
(4)
Elected an Executive Officer on November 4, 2014.
8
All Other Compensation
During 2015 and 2014, All Other Compensation consisted of director fees and other items. The following is a table of amounts per named individual:
Name |
Year |
Director and/or Trustee Fees
|
Other
|
Total All Other Compensation ($) |
||||
J.M. Allain (1) |
2015 |
- |
18,000 |
18,000 |
||||
|
2014 |
- |
18,000 |
18,000 |
||||
Robert J Conologue |
2015 |
- |
- |
- |
||||
|
2014 |
- |
- |
- |
||||
Alberto Shaio |
2015 |
- |
- |
- |
||||
|
2014 |
13,000 |
- |
13,000 |
||||
Alexandro Gomez |
2015 |
- |
- |
- |
||||
|
2014 |
- |
- |
- |
(1) Other consists of vehicle allowance.
Stock Option Plans and Stock Options
2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Company has adopted the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan to allow for an aggregate of 200,000 shares of Common Stock that may be issued under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan was adopted by the Corporations Board of Directors on July 2, 2010, with amendments adopted by the Corporations Board of Directors on December 21, 2011, and approved by the Corporations stockholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders held on June 26, 2012. No awards have been issued to any employees or directors under the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
The Company also had a Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, which as amended, covered a maximum of 1,200 shares for grant and which provided for the grant of incentive stock options priced at fair market value as of the date of grant. Options are for a period of six years from date of grant, are granted at fair market value on date of grant, may be exercised at any time after one year from date of grant while a director and are based on years of service, with a minimum of 20 stock options for each director, an additional 20 stock options based on five or more years of service, another 20 stock options based on 10 or more years of service and an additional 40 stock options based on 20 or more years of service. Additional stock options are granted upon the expiration or exercise of any such option, which is no earlier than four years after date of grant, in an amount equal to such exercised or expired options. The plan has expired. No stock options are currently outstanding.
There were no stock options granted in fiscal 2015 to the named executive officers or any directors, and no stock options were exercised in fiscal 2015.
There have been no stock options issued to the named executive officers so there have been no values realized relating to the exercise of stock options, there are no fiscal year end option values and there are no unexercised option or equity incentive plan awards as of the end of the fiscal year.
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
In 2015, the Company made the required $1.2 million of cash contributions to the Companys defined benefit pension plan for all eligible employees and the eligible individuals listed in the Summary Compensation Table. The Company has been granted, subject to certain conditions, its requests for waivers of the 2009, 2010 and 2012 minimum funding standard as permitted under 412(d) of the Internal Revenue Code and section 303 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
9
The Companys defined benefit pension plan, prior to being frozen, covered all salaried employees over age 21 with at least one year of service who are not covered by a collective bargaining agreement to which the Company is a party. Retirement benefits are based on the final average salary for the highest five of the ten years preceding retirement. For example, estimated annual retirement benefits payable at normal retirement date, which normally is age 65, is approximately $15,000 for an individual with ten years of credited service and with a final average salary of $100,000; and approximately $120,000 for an individual with 40 years of credited service and with a final average salary of $200,000. Currently, $260,000 is the legislated annual cap on determining the final average salary and $210,000 is the maximum legislated annual benefit payable from a qualified pension plan.
Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement
In accordance with the former President and Chief Executive Officers employment agreement, he was due a supplemental executive retirement payment on July 1, 2010 in the amount of $353,000 plus tax effect of approximately $170,000, but has not yet been paid.
Employment Agreements
The Corporation executed an employment agreement with J.M. Allain, President and Chief Executive Officer, effective on February 16, 2015 which expires on February 16, 2018. The agreement provides for compensation at the annual rate of $300,000 per annum. The agreement entitles Mr. Allain to twenty days paid vacation per year, a vehicle allowance, key person insurance, business expense reimbursement (including a business club membership) and certain employee benefits generally available to employees of the Corporation. The agreement provides for certain severance benefits depending on whether Mr. Allain leaves the employ of the Corporation for Cause, Good Reason or Without Cause and for Good Reason prior to the termination of the agreement. The agreement contains standard non-disparagement, confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions. The foregoing is merely a summary of the agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the agreement as filed as Exhibit 10.5 of Form 10-K dated April 1, 2015.
The Corporation executed an employment agreement with Alberto Shaio, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, effective on March 30, 2016 which expires on March 30, 2018. The agreement provides for compensation at the annual rate of $250,000 per annum. The agreement entitles Mr. Shaio to twenty days paid vacation per year, business expense reimbursement (including a business club membership) and certain employee benefits generally available to employees of the Corporation. The agreement provides for certain severance benefits depending on whether Mr. Shaio leaves the employ of the Corporation for Cause, Good Reason or Without Cause and for Good Reason prior to the termination of the agreement. The agreement contains standard non-disparagement, confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions. The foregoing is merely a summary of the agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the agreement as filed herewith as Exhibit 10.7.
The Corporation executed an employment agreement with David Pavlik, President of the Corporations TL Energy division, effective on May 27, 2014 which expires on May 27, 2016. The agreement provides for compensation at the annual rate of $150,000 per annum. The agreement entitles Mr. Pavlik to twenty days paid vacation per year, business expense reimbursement and certain employee benefits generally available to employees of the Corporation. The agreement contains standard non-disparagement, confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions. The foregoing is merely a summary of the agreement and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of the agreement as filed as Exhibit 4.02 of Form 8-K dated May 27, 2014.
Director Compensation
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
The Board of Directors has previously established a Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan which, as amended, covers a maximum of 1,200 shares for grant. Such options are granted for a term of six years and are priced at fair market value on the grant date. The determination as to the amount of options to be granted to directors is based on years of service, and are calculated on a yearly basis as follows: a minimum of 20 stock options are granted for each director; an additional 20 stock options are granted if a director has served for five years or more; an additional 20 stock options are granted if a director has served for ten years or more; and an additional 40 stock options are granted if a director has served for twenty years or more. Such options are exercisable at any time upon the first anniversary of the grant date. The Corporation grants additional stock options upon the expiration or exercise of any such option if such exercise or expiration occurs no earlier than four years after date of grant, in an amount equal to the number of options that have been exercised or that have expired. In addition to the foregoing, the Corporation received shareholder approval of a proposal to grant warrants to purchase 20,000, 20,000 and 2,000 shares to Salvatore J. Zizza, George W. Schiele and Jean Firstenberg, respectively, which warrants were granted in 2013.
10
Compensation of Directors
The following table represents director compensation for 2015:
Name |
Year |
Fees Earned
|
Stock Awards
|
Option Awards
|
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation
|
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
|
All Other Compensation
|
Total
|
||||||||
J.M. Allain |
2015 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||
Marco Elser |
2015 |
13,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
13,000 |
||||||||
Alan K. Greene |
2015 |
14,600 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
14,600 |
||||||||
Ryan J. Morris (1) |
2015 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||
George W. Schiele (2) |
2015 |
57,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
57,000 |
||||||||
Alberto Shaio |
2015 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
||||||||
Yaozhong Shi (3) |
2015 |
6,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
6,000 |
||||||||
Salvatore J. Zizza (2) |
2015 |
60,550 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
60,550 |
(1)
Mr. Morris was appointed a director by the Board of Directors on April 25, 2016.
(2)
As of December 31, 2015, also holds warrants to purchase 20,000 shares of the Companys Common Stock from a prior year award.
(3)
Mr. Shi was appointed a director by the Board of Directors on June 29, 2014 and was hired as an employee on July 22, 2015.
11
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth information as of March 29, 2016 (or such other date specified) with respect to (A) the beneficial ownership of Common Stock or shares issuable within 60 days of such date by (i) each person known by the Corporation to own more than 5% of the Common Stock and who is deemed to be such beneficial owner of Common Stock under Rule 13d-3(a)(ii); (ii) each person who is a director of the Corporation or a nominee for director of the Corporation; (iii) each named executive in the Summary Compensation Table and (iv) all persons as a group who are executive officers and directors of the Corporation, and (B) the percentage of outstanding shares held by them on that date:
Name, Status and Mailing Address |
|
Number of Shares Beneficially Owned |
|
Percent Of Class (%) |
||||
5% Stockholders : |
|
|
|
|||||
Gabelli Funds, LLC One Corporate Center Rye, NY 10580-1434 |
|
744,234 |
(1) |
37.0 |
||||
Transtech LED Company Limited Unit 27, 13/F Shing Yip Industrial Building 19-21 Shing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong |
|
366,666 |
(2) |
21.0 |
||||
Carlisle Investments Inc. Trident Chambers Wickhams Cay P.O. Box 146 Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands |
|
180,366 |
(3) |
10.5 |
||||
Bard Associates, Inc |
|
100,730 |
(4) |
5.9 |
||||
135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3700 Chicago, IL 60603 |
|
|
|
|
||||
Non-Employee Directors : |
|
|
|
|
||||
Marco Elser |
|
206,189 |
(5) |
12.1 |
||||
Alan K. Greene |
|
13,373 |
(6) |
* |
||||
Ryan J. Morris |
|
- |
|
* |
||||
George W. Schiele |
|
58,653 |
(7) |
3.4 |
||||
Yaozhong Shi |
|
366,666 |
(8) |
21.0 |
||||
Salvatore J. Zizza |
|
13,200 |
(9) |
* |
||||
|
|
|
|
|||||
Named Executive Officers : |
|
|
|
|
||||
J.M. Allain |
|
2,144 |
|
* |
||||
Robert J. Conologue |
|
- |
|
* |
||||
Alberto Shaio |
|
13,373 |
(6) |
* |
||||
Alexandro Gomez |
|
- |
|
* |
||||
Todd Dupee |
|
- |
|
* |
||||
All directors and executive officers as a group |
|
673,598 |
(10) |
37.7 |
*Represents less than 1% of total number of outstanding shares.
12
(1)
Based on Schedule 13D, as amended, dated November 23, 2015 by Mario J. Gabelli, Gabelli Funds, LLC, Teton Advisors, Inc., Gamco Investors, Inc., GGCP, Inc., and Gamco Asset Management Inc., which companies are parent holding companies and/or registered investment advisers. All securities are held as agent for the account of various investment company fund accounts managed by such reporting person. Except under certain conditions, Gabelli Funds, LLC has beneficial ownership of such shares. On January 26, 2016, Gabelli Equity Series Funds, Inc. The Gabelli Small Cap Growth Fund filed a Schedule 13G relating to 404,250 of the aforementioned 744,234 shares. The amount includes 302,200 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of 15,110 shares of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (the Series B Preferred Stock), which is convertible into Common Stock at any time.
(2)
Based on a Schedule 13D filied November 13, 2015. The amount includes 33,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of vested warrants. Mr. Shi, a director of the Corporation, is a director of Transtech.
(3)
Based on a Schedule 13D dated June 20, 2014. Mr. Elser, a director of the Corporation, exercises voting and dispositive power as investment manager of Carlisle.
(4)
Based on a Schedule 13G dated January 29, 2016. Bard Associates, Inc. has sole voting power over 12,280 of such shares and sole dispositive power over all of such shares.
(5)
The amount includes 190,244 shares of Common Stock owned by Carlisle, Elser & Co. and Advicorp plc, of which Mr. Elser exercises voting and dispositive power as investment manager.
(6)
The amount includes 5,040 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of 252 shares of Series B Preferred Stock.
(7)
The amount includes 5,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of 250 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The amount also includes 13,200 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of vested warrants. This amount does not include 6,800 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that are not yet vested or exercisable.
(8)
Based on a Schedule 13D filed November 13, 2015. The amount includes 333,333 shares of Common Stock owned by Transtech and 33,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of vested warrants owned by Transtech. Mr. Shi is a director of Transtech.
(9)
Mr. Zizza disclaims any interest in the shares set forth in footnote 1 above. The amount includes 13,200 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of vested warrants. This amount does not include 6,800 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that are not yet vested or exercisable.
(10)
The amount includes 74,813 shares of Common Stock, as set forth in footnotes above, which members of the group have the right to acquire upon conversion of Series B Preferred Stock or exercise of vested warrants. This amount does not include 13,600 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants that are not yet exercisable.
Equity Compensation Plan Information |
|||
December 31, 2015 |
Securities to be issued upon exercise |
Weighted average exercise price |
Securities available for future issuance |
Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders |
- |
- |
200,800 |
13
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Certain Transactions
Yaozhong Shi, a director of the Company, is the Chairman of Transtech, which is our primary LED supplier. The Company purchased $3.5 million and $2.4 million of product from Transtech in 2015 and 2014, respectively, at prices that approximate fair market value. Amounts payable by the Company to Transtech were $145,000 and $89,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
On June 27, 2014, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Transtech, pursuant to which Transtech purchased 333,333 shares of the Companys Common Stock for a purchase price of $2,000,000. In connection with the agreement, the Company issued warrants to purchase 33,333 shares of the Companys Common Stock to Transtech at an exercise price of $8.00 per share, which expire on June 27, 2016.
Marco Elser, a director of the Company, provided $500,000 of funding to BFI Capital Fund II, LLC, with whom the Company entered into a Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement) on April 23, 2015 for a $1.5 million credit line at a fixed rate of interest of 12.00%, with a maturity date of May 1, 2016. The Company had borrowed $1.0 million under the Credit Agreement, which has been used for working capital. The Credit Agreement was satisfied and terminated on November 23, 2015.
On April 27, 2016, the Company received a $500,000 loan from Carlisle at a fixed interest rate of 12.00%, which is due to mature on April 27, 2019 with a bullet payment of all principal due at such time. Interest is payable monthly. Marco Elser exercises voting and dispositive power as investment manager of Carlisle.
On December 3, 2013, the Company received a $1.0 million loan from Carlisle at a fixed interest rate of 10.00%, which was due to mature on June 1, 2014 with a bullet payment of all principal and accrued interest due at such time, which maturity date was subsequently extended to July 1, 2014. Marco Elser exercises voting and dispositive power as investment manager of Carlisle. On June 20, 2014, this loan was converted into shares of the Companys Common Stock at an exchange rate of 1 share for every $6.00 of principal, resulting in the issuance of 166,666 shares of Common Stock to Carlisle. On September 3, 2014, the interest was converted into shares of the Companys Common Stock at an exchange rate of 1 share for every $6.00 of interest, resulting in the issuance of 9,178 shares of Common Stock to Carlisle. As a result of the conversion to Common Stock, the loan has been satisfied in full.
In connection with the Companys rights offering consummated in November 2015, George W. Schiele, Alan K. Greene and Alberto Shaio, each a director of the Company, exercised rights to purchase 250, 252 and 252 of Series B Preferred Stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $200 per share. Each share of Series B Preferred Stock is convertible into 20 shares of Common Stock.
In June 2014, the Company received a $200,000 loan from Mr. Schiele at a fixed interest rate of 10.00%, which was due to mature on July 1, 2014 with a bullet payment of all principal and accrued interest due at such time. On June 20, 2014, this loan was converted into shares of the Companys Common Stock at an exchange rate of 1 share for every $6.00 of principal, resulting in the issuance of 33,333 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Schiele. As a result of the conversion to Common Stock, the loan has been satisfied in full.
On August 27, 2014, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Mr. Greene, pursuant to which Mr. Greene purchased 8,333 shares of the Companys Common Stock for a purchase price of $50,000.
On August 27, 2014, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with Mr. Shaio, pursuant to which Mr. Shaio purchased 8,333 shares of the Companys Common Stock for a purchase price of $50,000.
14
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Marcum LLP (Marcum) have served as our independent registered public accounting firm since December 8, 2015, when the Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors approved their engagement to audit the Companys financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015. The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Marcum as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2016. The proposal to appoint Marcum as the independent registered public accounting firm will be approved if, at the Annual Meeting at which a quorum is present, the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the votes cast opposing the proposal. Representatives of Marcum may be present at the Annual Meeting to answer appropriate questions and to make a statement if they wish.
There are no disagreements between management and Marcum regarding accounting principles and their application or otherwise.
Change in Auditors: As previously reported in Form 8-K dated December 10, 2015, on December 8, 2015, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Registrant retained BDO as the Registrant's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015 to replace BDO USA, LLP (BDO) as the Registrant's independent registered public accounting firm. There were no disagreements with BDO on any matter of accounting principles and their application or otherwise.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Independent Auditor Services: All audit services provided by Marcum for 2015 and by BDO for 2015 and 2014 were approved by the Audit Committee in advance of the work being performed.
Audit Fees : Marcum audit fees were $144,000 in 2015. Marcum audit fees include fees and expenses associated with the annual audit of the Companys financial statements. BDO audit fees were $55,000 in 2015 and $254,000 in 2014. BDO audit fees in 2015 include fees and expenses associated with the reviews of the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. BDO audit fees in 2014 include fees and expenses associated with the annual audit of the Companys financial statements and the reviews of the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.
Audit-Related Fees: Neither Marcum nor BDO provided any audit-related serviced services in 2015 or 2014.
Tax Fees: Neither Marcum nor BDO provided any tax services in 2015 or 2014.
All Other Fees : Neither Marcum nor BDO provided any non-audit services in 2015 or 2014.
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
1
Consolidated Financial Statements of Trans-Lux Corporation:
Report of Marcum LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as of
December 31, 2015
Report of BDO USA, LLP Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm as of
December 31, 2014
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Deficit for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
15
2
Financial Statement Schedules: Not applicable.
3
Exhibits:
3 (a)
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K dated July 2, 2012).
(b)
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Form 8-K dated March 9, 2012).
(c)
Certificate of Designations of Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K dated October 14, 2015).
4 (a)
Indenture dated as of December 1, 1994 (form of said indenture is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6 of Schedule 13E-4 Amendment No. 2 dated December 23, 1994).
(b)
Indenture dated as of March 1, 2004 (form of said indenture is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 12(d) of Schedule TO dated March 2, 2004).
10.1
Form of Indemnity Agreement - Directors (form of said agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Registration No. 333-15481).
10.2
Form of Indemnity Agreement - Officers (form of said agreement is incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Registration No. 333-15481).
10.3
Amended and Restated Pension Plan dated January 1, 2016 (filed herewith).
10.4 **
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan with Michael R. Mulcahy dated January 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K dated January 6, 2009).
10.5 **
Employment Agreement with Jean-Marc Allain dated February 15, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of Form 10-K dated April 1, 2015).
10.6 **
Employment Agreement with David Pavlik dated May 27, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 of Form 8-K dated June 3, 2014).
10.7 **
Employment Agreement with Alberto Shaio dated March 30, 2016 (filed herewith).
10.8 **
Trans-Lux Corporation 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Form 8-K dated July 2, 2012).
10.9
Master Agreement for Sale and Assignment of Leases with AXIS Capital, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of Form 8-K dated June 11, 2013).
10.10
Securities Purchase Agreement with Carlisle Investments Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of Form 8-K dated June 23, 2014) and the amendment thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.01 of Form 8-K dated September 2, 2014).
10.11
Securities Purchase Agreement with George W. Schiele (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 of Form 8-K dated June 23, 2014) and the amendment thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.02 of Form 8-K dated September 2, 2014).
10.12
Securities Purchase Agreement with Alan K. Greene (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.03 of Form 8-K dated September 2, 2014).
16
10.13
Securities Purchase Agreement with Alberto Shaio (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.04 of Form 8-K dated September 2, 2014).
10.14
Form of Exchange Agreement with Note Holders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of Form 8-K dated December 24, 2015).
10.15
Promissory Note in favor of Carlisle Investments, Inc. (filed herewith).
16.1
Letter from former independent registered public accounting firm BDO USA, LLP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 of Form 8-K dated December 10, 2015).
21
List of Subsidiaries, filed herewith.
31.1
Certification of Jean-Marc Allain, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
31.2
Certification of Robert J. Conologue, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
32.1
Certification of Jean-Marc Allain, President and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
32.2
Certification of Robert J. Conologue, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, filed herewith.
101
The following interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T from Trans-Lux Corporations Annual Report on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 31, 2015 are formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Deficit for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. *
*
Furnished herewith. Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the interactive data files in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Section 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and is deemed not filed for purpose of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.
**
Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
17
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized:
|
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION |
|
|
|
|
|
By: |
/s/ Robert J. Conologue |
|
|
Robert J. Conologue |
|
|
Senior Vice President and Chief |
|
|
Financial Officer |
|
|
|
|
By: |
s/ Todd Dupee |
|
|
Todd Dupee |
|
|
Vice President and Controller |
Dated: April 29, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the date indicated:
* |
|
April 29, 2016 |
George W. Schiele, Chairman of the Board |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
April 29, 2016 |
Salvatore J. Zizza, Vice Chairman of the Board |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
April 29, 2016 |
J.M. Allain, Director, President and Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
(Principal Executive Officer) |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
April 29, 2016 |
Marco Elser, Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
April 29, 2016 |
Alan K. Greene, Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
April 29, 2016 |
Alberto Shaio, Director, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Ryan J. Morris |
|
April 29, 2016 |
Ryan J. Morris, Director |
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
April 29, 2016 |
Yaozhong Shi, Director |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Robert J. Conologue |
|
April 29, 2016 |
Robert J. Conologue, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
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(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
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By /s/ Robert J. Conologue |
Robert J. Conologue |
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Attorney-in-fact |
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Exhibit 10.7
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as this Agreement or the Employment Agreement ) is made as of the 30th day of March, 2016, between TRANS-LUX CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (the Company ), and ALBERTO SHAIO (the Employee ).
WHEREAS, the parties hereto wish to enter into an employment agreement to employ the Employee as the Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and representations contained herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:
The Company will employ the Employee, and the Employee will serve the Company, under the terms of this Agreement for an initial term of two (2) years (the Initial Term ) commencing on March 30, 2016 (the Effective Date) . Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Employees employment hereunder may be earlier terminated in accordance with Section 5 below. The period of time between the commencement and the termination of the Employees employment (including the expiration of this Agreement) hereunder shall be referred to herein as the Employment Period .
Employee represents and warrants that the Employee is not subject to a contract or restrictive covenant that would preclude the Employee from performing under this Agreement as of the Effective Date.
All notices, requests and other communications pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given, if delivered in person or by courier, telegraphed, telexed or by facsimile transmission or sent by express, registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:
Each party may change its address by written notice in accordance with this Section 13.
This Agreement shall be construed and enforced under and in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without regard to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
At Companys sole and absolute discretion, this Agreement may be binding upon Companys successors and assigns and Company may require any successor or assign to expressly assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent that Company would be required to perform if no such succession or assignment had taken place. The term Company as used herein includes such successors and assigns. The term successors and assigns as used herein means any person or entity that acquires all or substantially all of Companys assets and business (including this Agreement) whether by operation of law or otherwise. This Agreement, with respect to Employee, is for personal services, and is therefore not assignable.
To the extent any provision of this Agreement or portion thereof shall be invalid or unenforceable, it shall be considered deleted therefrom and the remainder of such provision and of this Agreement shall be unaffected and shall continue in full force and effect.
This Agreement and its exhibits constitute the entire agreement by the Company and the Employee with respect to the subject matter hereof and except as specifically provided herein, supersedes any and all prior agreements or understandings between the Employee and the Company with respect to the subject matter hereof, whether written or oral. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a written instrument executed by the Employee and the Company.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date set forth above.
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION |
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By: |
/s/ J.M. Allain |
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Name: J.M. Allain |
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Title: Chief Executive Officer, President & Director |
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/s/ Alberto Shaio |
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Alberto Shaio |
Exhibit 10.15
THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE ACT), AND MAY NOT BE SOLD, OFFERED FOR SALE, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED OR OTHERWISE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT OR AN OPINION OF COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO BORROWER THAT REGISTRATION IS NOT REQUIRED UNDER THE ACT OR UNLESS SOLD PURSUANT TO RULE 144 UNDER THE ACT .
PROMISSORY NOTE
$500,000 |
April 27, 2016 |
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, TRANS-LUX CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ( Borrower ), hereby promises to pay to the order of CARLISLE INVESTMENTS INC. ( Lender ), the principal sum of FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($500,000) (the Principal Amount ), in lawful money of the United States of America and in immediately available funds.
1. Interest. The unpaid Principal Amount shall bear interest at a rate of one percent (1.00%) per month from the date hereof until the Principal Amount is paid in full. Interest shall be payable in arrears on the last day of each calendar month commencing on the first such date to occur after the date hereof. Interest shall be computed on the basis of a 365 or 366-day year, as applicable, and the actual number of days elapsed. If any payment under this Note becomes due and payable on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday under the laws of the United States of America or the State of New York, or both, the due date thereof shall be extended to the next business day.
2. Maturity. The unpaid Principal Amount plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon shall be due and payable on the three (3) year anniversary of the date hereof.
3. Optional Prepayment. Borrower may prepay this Note, in full or in part, without penalty or premium, at any time or from time to time upon at least fifteen (15) days prior written notice to Lender; provided, however, that any such prepayment must be made effective as of the end of a calendar month. All payments hereon shall be applied first to the payment of accrued and unpaid interest, with the balance applied to the unpaid Principal Amount.
4. Representations and Warranties of Borrower . As a material inducement of the Lender to make the loan evidenced by this Note, the Borrower represents and warrants to the Lender that:
(a) Organization; Powers . The Borrower: (i) is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of Delaware; (ii) has all requisite corporate power, and has all material governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals necessary to own its assets and carry on its business as now being or as proposed to be conducted; and (iii) is qualified to do business and is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the nature of the business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary, except (with respect to subsections (ii) and (iii)) where the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to result in a material adverse effect on the property, business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, liabilities or capitalization of the Borrower.
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(b) Authorization; Enforceability . Borrower has all necessary corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Note; the execution, delivery and performance by Borrower of this Note have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on its part (including, without limitation, any required stockholder approvals); and this Note has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Borrower and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against Borrower in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws of general applicability affecting the enforcement of creditors rights and (ii) the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(c) Approvals . No authorizations, approvals or consents of, and no filings or registrations with, any governmental authority or agency, or any securities exchange, are necessary for the execution, delivery or performance by Borrower of this Note or for the legality, validity or enforceability hereof or thereof, except for filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC ) required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 1934 Act ).
(d) No Breach . None of the execution and delivery of this Note, the consummation of the transactions herein contemplated or compliance with the terms and provisions hereof will conflict with or result in a breach of, or require any consent under, the certificate of incorporation or by-laws of Borrower, or any applicable law or regulation, or any order, writ, injunction or decree of any court or governmental authority or agency, or any agreement or instrument to which Borrower is a party or by which Borrower or any of its property is bound or to which it is subject, or constitute a default under any such agreement or instrument, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien upon any property of the Borrower pursuant to the terms of any such agreement or instrument.
(e) Litigation . Except as disclosed in the Borrowers 1934 Act filings with the SEC, there are no legal or arbitral proceedings, or any proceedings by or before any governmental authority, now pending or (to the knowledge of Borrower) threatened against Borrower that, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected (either individually or in the aggregate) to have a material adverse effect on the property, business, operations, condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, liabilities or capitalization of the Borrower.
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5. Representations and Warranties of Lender . As a material inducement of the Borrower to issue the securities evidenced by this Note, the Lender represents and warrants to the Borrower that:
(a) Organization; Powers . Lender is a duly organized and validly existing corporation, is in good standing under the laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation, and has all requisite corporate power and authority to purchase this Note.
(b)
Authorization; Enforceability
. Lender has all necessary corporate power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Note; the execution, delivery and
performance by Lender of this Note have been duly authorized by all necessary action on its part (including, without limitation, any required stockholder approvals); and this Note has been duly and validly executed and delivered by Lender and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligations, enforceable against Lender in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws of general applicability affecting the enforcement of creditors rights and (ii) the application of general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).
(c) Purchase Entirely for Own Account . The securities to be received by Lender hereunder will be acquired for Lenders own account, not as nominee or agent, and not with a view to the resale or distribution of any part thereof in violation of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1933 Act ), and Lender has no present arrangement or intention of selling, granting any participation in, or otherwise distributing the same in violation of the 1933 Act without prejudice, however, to Lenders right at all times to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of such securities in compliance with applicable federal and state securities laws. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed a representation or warranty by Lender to hold the securities for any period of time. Lender is not a broker-dealer registered with the SEC under the 1934 Act or an entity engaged in a business that would require it to be so registered.
(d) Investment Experience . Lender acknowledges that it can bear the economic risk and complete loss of its investment in the securities and has such knowledge, sophistication and experience in financial or business matters that it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of the investment contemplated hereby.
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(e) Disclosure of Information . Lender has had an opportunity to receive all information related to the Borrower requested by it (including all of Borrowers 1934 Act filings with the SEC) and to ask questions of and receive answers from the Borrower regarding the Borrower, its subsidiaries, their respective businesses and the terms and conditions of the offering of the securities. Neither such inquiries nor any other due diligence investigation conducted by Lender shall modify, limit or otherwise affect Lenders right to rely on the Borrowers representations and warranties contained in this Note.
(f) Restricted Securities . Lender understands that the securities are characterized as restricted securities under the U.S. federal securities laws inasmuch as they are being acquired from the Borrower in a transaction not involving a public offering and that under such laws and applicable regulations such securities may be resold without registration under the 1933 Act only in certain limited circumstances.
(g) Accredited Investor . At the time Lender was offered the securities it was, and at the date hereof it is, an accredited investor as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D, as amended, under the 1933 Act.
(h) No General Solicitation . Lender did not learn of the investment in the securities as a result of any general solicitation or general advertising.
6. Events of Default . The occurrence of any of the following events shall constitute an Event of Default :
(a) Borrower shall fail, for any reason, to pay (i) the Principal Amount when due or (ii) interest when due and such failure continues for five (5) consecutive days;
(b) a proceeding or case shall be commenced, without the application or consent of Borrower, in any court of competent jurisdiction, seeking (i) Borrowers reorganization, liquidation, dissolution, arrangement or winding-up, or the composition or readjustment of Borrowers debts, (ii) the appointment of a receiver, custodian, trustee, examiner, liquidator or the like of Borrower or of all or any substantial part of Borrowers assets, or (iii) similar relief in respect of Borrower under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, winding-up or composition or adjustment of debts, and such proceeding or case shall continue undismissed, or an order, judgment or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered and continue unstayed and in effect, for a period of sixty (60) or more days;
(c) an order for relief against Borrower shall be entered in an involuntary case under the Federal Bankruptcy Code of 1978, as amended from time to time, presently codified as Title 11 of the United States Code (the Bankruptcy Code );
(d) Borrower shall (i) apply for or consent to the appointment of, or the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee, examiner or liquidator of itself or of all or a substantial part of its assets, (ii) make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors, (iii) commence a voluntary case under the Bankruptcy Code, (iv)
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file a petition seeking to take advantage of any other law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, liquidation, dissolution, arrangement or winding-up or composition or readjustment of debts, (v) fail to controvert in a timely and appropriate manner, or acquiesce in writing to, any petition filed against it in an involuntary case under the Bankruptcy Code or (vi) take any action for the purpose of effecting any of the foregoing;
(e) Borrower breaches any of its representations or warranties contained in this Note in any material respect and such breach is not cured within ten (10) days after written notice thereof to Borrower.
7. Remedies .
(a) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default described in Section 6(b), (c) or (d) (any such Event of Default, an Insolvency Event ), (i) all amounts payable by Borrower pursuant to this Note shall become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, notice, protest or other requirements of any kind (all of which are hereby expressly waived by Borrower) and (ii) Lender shall be entitled to exercise any and all remedies available to Lender at law or in equity.
(b) Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default other than an Insolvency Event, (i) Lender may, by written notice to Borrower, declare all amounts payable by Borrower pursuant to this Note to be due and payable, and all such amounts shall immediately become due and payable and (ii) Lender shall be entitled to exercise any and all remedies available to Lender at law or in equity. Written notice pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall be sufficient if it is addressed to Borrower and states that such an Event of Default has occurred and Lender is providing notice that all amounts due and payable pursuant to this Note are immediately due and payable in accordance with this Section 7(b).
8. Notices. Any notice, demand, communication or other document required, permitted, or desired to be given under this Note shall be in writing and shall be delivered personally or sent by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, by Federal Express or other reputable overnight courier, by facsimile (with confirmation of receipt) or by electronic mail (with confirmation of receipt), and addressed to the party at the respective numbers and/or addresses set forth below, and the same shall be deemed given and effective (i) upon receipt or refusal if delivered personally or by hand delivered messenger service, (ii) the date received or refused if sent by Federal Express or other reputable overnight courier, (iii) the date received or refused if mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, and (iv) the date received if sent by facsimile or electronic mail during normal business hours of the recipient and on the next business day if sent after normal business hours of the recipient. A party may change its address for receipt of notices by service of a notice of such change in accordance herewith.
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If to Lender:
Carlisle Investments Inc.
Trident Chambers
Wickhams Cay
P.O. Box 146
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
Facsimile: [_____]
Electronic mail: elser@lonsincap.com
Attention: Marco Elser
If to Borrower:
Trans-Lux Corporation
445 Park Avenue, Suite 2001
New York, NY 10022
Facsimile: 212-308-0697
Electronic mail: JMAllain@trans-lux.com
Attention: J. M. Allain
9. Captions; Interpretation . The captions and headings of Sections and paragraphs of this Note are for convenience only and are not to be considered as defining or limiting in any way, the scope or intent of the provisions hereof. The term Borrower shall include each person and entity now or hereafter liable hereunder, whether as maker, successor, assignee or endorsee, each of whom shall be jointly, severally and primarily liable for all of the obligations set forth herein.
10. Merger . This Note constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated herein, and all prior discussions, negotiations and document drafts with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby are merged herein.
11. Expenses . All costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Note and the transactions contemplated herein shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower agrees to pay or reimburse the Lender for all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of the Lender (including, without limitation, fees and expenses of legal counsel) in connection with (i) any Event of Default and any enforcement or collection proceedings resulting therefrom, including, without limitation, all manner of participation in or other involvement with (x) bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership, foreclosure, winding up or liquidation proceedings, (y) judicial or regulatory proceedings and (z) workout, restructuring or other negotiations or proceedings (whether or not the workout, restructuring or transaction contemplated thereby is consummated) and (ii) the enforcement of this Section 11.
12. Modification; Waiver . No modification, waiver, amendment, discharge or change of this Note shall be valid unless the same is in writing and signed by the Lender. No waiver of any breach or default hereunder shall constitute or be construed as a waiver by Lender of any subsequent breach or default or of any breach or default of any other provision of this Note, unless specifically set forth in a writing executed by Lender. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Borrower waives all rights and benefits of any statute of limitations, moratorium, reinstatement, marshalling, forbearance, valuation, stay, extension, redemption, appraisement or exemption now provided or which may hereafter be provided by law, both as to itself and as to all of its properties, real and personal, against the enforcement and collection of the indebtedness evidenced hereby.
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13. Governing Law . MATTERS OF CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND PERFORMANCE UNDER OR RELATING TO THIS NOTE AND THE OBLIGATIONS ARISING HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK APPLICABLE TO CONTRACTS MADE AND PERFORMED IN SUCH STATE (WITHOUT REGARD TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS) AND ANY APPLICABLE LAW OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
14. Consent to Jurisdiction . BORROWER HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION AND VENUE IN THE FEDERAL OR STATE COURTS IN NEW YORK COUNTY, NEW YORK, AND AGREES THAT ALL DISPUTES BASED ON OR ARISING OUT OF THIS NOTE SHALL ONLY BE SUBMITTED TO AND DETERMINED BY SAID COURTS, WHICH SHALL HAVE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION.
15. Time is of the Essence . Time is hereby declared to be of the essence of this Note and every portion hereof and thereof.
16. Severability . If any provision or provisions, or if any portion of any provision or provisions, in this Note is found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be in violation of any applicable law, and if such court declares such portion, provision, or provisions of this Note to be illegal, invalid, unlawful, void or unenforceable as written, then it is the intent of all parties hereto that such portion, provision, or provisions shall be given force to the fullest possible extent that they are legal, valid and enforceable, and that the remainder of this Note shall be construed as if such illegal, invalid, unlawful, void, or unenforceable portion, provision, or provisions were not contained herein or therein, and that the rights, obligations, and interests of Borrower and Lender under the remainder of this Note shall continue in full force and effect.
17. Assignment and Transfer . Neither Borrower nor Lender may assign or transfer this Note without the prior written consent of the other party.
18. Savings Clause . Nothing contained in this Note shall be deemed to establish or require the payment of a rate of interest or other charges in excess of the maximum interest rate permitted by applicable law. In the event that the rate of interest required to be paid or other charges hereunder exceed the maximum interest permitted by such law, any payments in excess of such maximum shall be credited against amounts owed by Borrower to Lender.
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the undersigned parties have caused the due execution of this Note as of the day and year first herein above written.
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TRANS-LUX CORPORATION,
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By: |
/s/ Robert J. Conologue |
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Name: |
Robert J. Conologue |
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Title: |
CFO |
AGREED AND ACCEPTED BY: |
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CARLISLE INVESTMENTS INC. |
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By: |
/s/ Marco Elser |
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Name: |
Marco Elser |
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Title: |
Manager |
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EXHIBIT 31.1
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT
I, Jean-Marc Allain, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Trans-Lux Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Not applicable;
4. The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
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designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
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b)
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designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
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c)
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evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
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d)
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disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
a)
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all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
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b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. | |
/s/ Jean-Marc Allain | |||
Date: April 29, 2016 | Jean-Marc Allain | ||
President and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 31.2
TRANS-LUX CORPORATION
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) UNDER THE EXCHANGE ACT
I, Robert J. Conologue, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Trans-Lux Corporation;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Not applicable;
4. The registrants other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15 (f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
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designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
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b)
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designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; |
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c)
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evaluated the effectiveness of the registrants disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and |
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d)
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disclosed in this report any change in the registrants internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrants most recent fiscal quarter (the registrants fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrants internal control over financial reporting; and |
5. The registrants other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrants auditors and the audit committee of the registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
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all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and |
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b) | any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrants internal control over financial reporting. | |
/s/ Robert J. Conologue
Date: April 29, 2016
Robert J. Conologue
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), I, Jean-Marc Allain, President and Chief Executive Officer of Trans-Lux Corporation (the Registrant ), do hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge that:
(1) The Registrant s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Report ) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
This Certification accompanies this Form 10-K as an exhibit, but shall not be deemed as having been filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or as a separate disclosure document of the Registrant or the certifying officer.
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/s/ J.M. Allain |
Date: April 29, 2016 |
Jean-Marc Allain |
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President and Chief Executive Officer |
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (subsections (a) and (b) of section 1350, chapter 63 of title 18, United States Code), I, Robert J. Conologue, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Trans-Lux Corporation (the Registrant ), do hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge that:
(1) The Registrant s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Report ) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.
This Certification accompanies this Form 10-K as an exhibit, but shall not be deemed as having been filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or as a separate disclosure document of the Registrant or the certifying officer.
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/s/ Robert J. Conologue |
Date: April 29, 2016 |
Robert J. Conologue |
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Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |