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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
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[ ] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
Northfield Laboratories Inc.
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
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PERSONS WHO POTENTIALLY ARE TO RESPOND TO THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION
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SEC 1913 (02-02)
PRELIMINARY PROXY MATERIALS
NORTHFIELD LABORATORIES INC.
1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1000
Evanston, Illinois 60201-4800
----------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
to be held
September 29, 2005
----------------------------
TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF NORTHFIELD LABORATORIES INC:
The Annual Meeting of the stockholders of Northfield Laboratories Inc. (the
"Company") will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2005 at 10:00 A.M., local
time, at The Deer Path Inn, 255 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045
for the following purposes:
1. To elect seven directors to hold office until the next Annual Meeting of
the stockholders of the Company;
2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent auditors of the
Company to serve for the Company's 2006 fiscal year;
3. To approve a proposal to amend the Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of the
Company's Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, from 30,000,000 to
60,000,000 shares;
4. To approve an amendment to the Northfield Laboratories Inc. 2003 Equity
Compensation Plan to increase the number of shares available for awards
under the Plan from 750,000 to 2,250,000 shares; and
5. To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual
Meeting.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on August 11, 2005
as the record date for determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and
to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
Stockholders are requested to complete and sign the enclosed Proxy, which
is solicited by the Board of Directors, and promptly return it in the
accompanying envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors
JACK J. KOGUT
Secretary
Evanston, Illinois
August , 2005
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR STOCK BE REPRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING REGARDLESS
OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU HOLD. PLEASE COMPLETE, SIGN AND MAIL THE ENCLOSED
PROXY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE EVEN IF YOU INTEND TO BE PRESENT AT THE
ANNUAL MEETING. RETURNING THE PROXY WILL NOT LIMIT YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IN PERSON
OR TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, BUT WILL ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION IF YOU
CANNOT ATTEND. THE PROXY IS REVOCABLE AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO ITS USE.
NORTHFIELD LABORATORIES INC.
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PROXY STATEMENT
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This document is being furnished to holders of the common stock of
Northfield Laboratories Inc. in connection with the solicitation of proxies by
our board of directors for use at Northfield's annual meeting of stockholders to
be held on Thursday, September 29, 2005, commencing at 10:00 A.M., local time,
at The Deer Path Inn, 255 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045 and
at any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purpose of considering and
acting upon the matters set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting
of Stockholders.
This document is first being mailed to holders of common stock on or about
August , 2005.
Our principal executive offices are located at 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite
1000, Evanston, Illinois 60201-4800. Our telephone number is (847) 864-3500. We
also maintain an Internet website at www.northfieldlabs.com. The information
contained on our website is not deemed to be soliciting material and is not
incorporated by reference in this document.
VOTING AND RECORD DATE
Only holders of record of common stock as of the close of business on
August 11, 2005, the record date for the annual meeting, are entitled to notice
of and to vote at the annual meeting. As of August 11, 2005, there were
26,751,397 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to be voted at the
annual meeting.
QUORUM
The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the
outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the annual meeting is
necessary to constitute a quorum at the annual meeting. Shares that are present
and entitled to vote on any of the proposals to be considered at the annual
meeting will be considered to be present at the annual meeting for purposes of
establishing the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of
business. A "broker non-vote" occurs if a broker indicates on the enclosed proxy
that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a
particular proposal, but otherwise has authority to vote at the annual meeting.
Abstentions and shares subject to broker non-votes will be considered as present
for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum at the annual
meeting.
REQUIRED VOTE
Each holder of record of shares who is entitled to vote may cast one vote
per share held on all matters properly submitted for the vote of our
stockholders at the annual meeting.
Directors are elected by plurality vote and the seven nominees who receive
the greatest number of votes will be elected. Withheld votes and abstentions
will not be taken into account for purposes of determining the outcome of the
election of directors.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by
proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on such proposal will be
required to ratify the appointment of our independent auditors. Abstentions will
have the effect of negative votes with respect to this proposal.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares outstanding as of the
record date will be required to approve the proposal to amend Northfield's
Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Abstentions will have the effect of
negative votes with respect to this proposal.
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or by
proxy at the annual meeting and entitled to vote on such proposal will be
required to approve the proposal to amend the Northfield Laboratories Inc. 2003
Equity Compensation Plan. Broker non-votes will not be taken into account for
purposes of determining the outcome of the voting on this proposal. Abstentions
will have the effect of negative votes with respect to this proposal.
PROXIES
All shares entitled to vote and represented by properly executed proxies
received and not revoked prior to the annual meeting will be voted at the annual
meeting in accordance with the instructions indicated on those proxies. If no
instructions are indicated on a properly executed proxy, the shares represented
by that proxy will be voted as recommended by the board of directors.
If any other matters are properly presented at the annual meeting for
consideration, including, among other things, consideration of a motion to
adjourn the annual meeting to another time or place, the persons named in the
enclosed form of proxy will have discretion to vote on those matters in
accordance with their best judgment to the same extent as the person signing the
proxy would be entitled to vote. It is not currently anticipated that any other
matters will be raised at the annual meeting.
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person
giving it at any time before it is voted. A proxy may be revoked by filing with
Northfield's Corporate Secretary, at or before the taking of the vote at the
annual meeting, a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy, in
either case later dated than the prior proxy relating to the same shares. A
proxy may also be revoked by attending the annual meeting and voting in person,
although attendance at the annual meeting will not itself revoke a proxy. Any
written notice of revocation or subsequent proxy should be sent so as to be
delivered to Northfield Laboratories Inc., 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1000,
Evanston, Illinois 60201-4800, Attention: Corporate Secretary, or hand delivered
to the Corporate Secretary, at or before the taking of the vote at the annual
meeting.
We will bear all of the expenses of this solicitation. In addition to
solicitation by mail, our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies
personally and by telephone, internet and telegraph, all without extra
compensation.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our 2005 fiscal year,
including financial statements, has been sent simultaneously with this document
or has been previously provided to all stockholders entitled to vote at the
annual meeting.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The board of directors recommends a vote FOR each of the proposals to be
considered at the annual meeting.
2
ITEM 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The number of directors comprising our full board of directors is currently
fixed at seven. All of our directors stand for election each year at our annual
meeting. Directors elected at this year's annual meeting will hold office until
the next annual meeting or until their earlier resignation or removal.
Northfield's board of directors, based on the recommendation of its
nominating and corporate governance committee, has nominated the following
nominees for election at the annual meeting. In the event any of the nominees
should become unavailable for election, the nominating and corporate governance
committee may designate substitute nominees, in which event shares represented
by all proxies returned will be voted for the substitute nominees unless an
indication to the contrary is included on the proxies. The board of directors
recommends a vote FOR the election of each of the following director nominees.
DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND
NAME SINCE OFFICE BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
---- -------- ------ ------------------------
Steven A. Gould, M.D. ...... 1993 Chairman and Dr. Gould, age 58, is a founding member of
Chief Executive Northfield's scientific team and has served
Officer as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Northfield since July 2002. From July
1993 to July 2002, Dr. Gould served as
President and a director of Northfield.
Prior to that time, Dr. Gould served as a
Consultant and Principal Investigator for
Northfield's clinical trials. From 1989 to
1993, Dr. Gould served as Chief of the
Department of Surgery of Michael Reese
Hospital. Since 1990, Dr. Gould has also
served as Professor of Surgery, nonsalaried,
at the University of Illinois College of
Medicine. From 1979 through 1989, Dr. Gould
was Assistant Professor and then Associate
Professor in the Department of Surgery at
The University of Chicago School of
Medicine. Dr. Gould has been involved in
development of national transfusion policy
through his participation in the activities
of the National Heart Lung Blood Institute,
the National Blood Resource Education Panel,
the Department of Defense, the American
Association of Blood Banks, the American
College of Surgeons and The American Red
Cross. Dr. Gould received his M.D. degree
from the Boston University School of
Medicine in 1973.
John F. Bierbaum............ 2002 Director Mr. Bierbaum, age 61, has served as a
director of Northfield since September 2002.
Currently, he is serving as Chief Financial
Officer, Archdiocese of Saint Paul and
Minneapolis. Mr. Bierbaum has since March
2003 served as the Executive Vice President
of Pohlad Companies. Prior to that, Mr.
Bierbaum served as a senior officer of
PepsiAmericas, Inc. and its predecessors.
Mr. Bierbaum is a C.P.A. and received his
B.S. degree from the University of Minnesota
in 1967.
3
DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND
NAME SINCE OFFICE BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
---- -------- ------ ------------------------
Bruce S. Chelberg........... 1989 Director Mr. Chelberg, age 71, has served as a
director of Northfield since 1989. Mr.
Chelberg served from May 1992 through
November 2000 as the Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of PepsiAmericas, Inc.,
formerly known as Whitman Corporation. Mr.
Chelberg is also a director of First Midwest
Bancorp, Inc. and Snap-On Incorporated. Mr.
Chelberg received his LLB degree from the
University Of Illinois College of Law in
1958.
Paul M. Ness, M.D. ......... 2002 Director Dr. Ness, age 59, has served as a director
of Northfield since September 2002. Dr. Ness
is Professor of Pathology, Medicine and
Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine and has been Director of
the School's Transfusion Medicine Division
since 1979. Dr. Ness previously served as
Chief Executive Officer, Senior Medical
Director and Scientific Director of the
American Red Cross Blood Services Greater
Chesapeake and Potomac Region. Dr. Ness
served on the Blood Products Advisory
Committee of the Food and Drug
Administration, or FDA, from 1996 to 1998
and has also served on numerous FDA advisory
panels. He was the president of the American
Association of Blood Banks in 1999 and
became Editor of the journal TRANSFUSION in
2003. Dr. Ness received his M.D. degree from
the State University of New York in 1971.
Jack Olshansky.............. 1989 Director Mr. Olshansky, age 76, has served as a
director of Northfield since 1989. Mr.
Olshansky is an independent consultant to
companies in the healthcare industry. From
1983 to July 2000, Mr. Olshansky was a
founding general partner of Montgomery
Medical Ventures, L.P. Prior to that time,
Mr. Olshansky served as President of McGaw
Laboratories, a division of American
Hospital Supply Corporation, and as Vice
President of the Medical Division of Cutter
Laboratories. Mr. Olshansky serves as
Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Emergent Respiratory Products Corporation
and a director of Med-Design Corporation.
Mr. Olshansky received his B.A. degree from
Brooklyn College in 1950.
David A. Savner............. 1998 Director Mr. Savner, age 61, has served as a director
of Northfield since April 1998. Mr. Savner
has since April 1998 been the Senior Vice
President and General Counsel of General
Dynamics Corporation. From 1987 to 1998, Mr.
Savner was a senior partner in the law firm
of Jenner & Block. Mr. Savner received his
J.D. degree from Northwestern University Law
School in 1968.
4
DIRECTOR PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION AND
NAME SINCE OFFICE BUSINESS EXPERIENCE
---- -------- ------ ------------------------
Edward C. Wood, Jr.......... -- Director Edward C. Wood, Jr., age 60, has been
Nominee nominated to serve as a director of
Northfield. Currently, he is serving as
Chief Executive Officer of Summit
Roundtable, consultants to medical products
companies. Prior to 2000, Mr. Wood served as
President of COBE BCT Inc., now Gambro BCT
Inc., a blood component therapy company. Mr.
Wood is also a director of MonoGen, Inc.,
Engineering and Research Associates, Inc.
(SEBRA) and CytoLogic, Inc. Mr. Wood
received his M.B.A. from the University of
Colorado in 1972.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our board of directors has three standing committees: the audit committee,
nominating and corporate governance committee and compensation committee.
The following directors currently serve as members of these committees:
Audit Committee -- John F. Bierbaum (Chairman)
Bruce Chelberg
Jack Olshansky
Nominating and Corporate -- David Savner (Chairman)
Governance Committee Paul M. Ness
Compensation Committee -- Jack Olshansky (Chairman)
Bruce S. Chelberg
DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The board of directors has determined that each of the non-management
directors and director nominees, Messrs. Bierbaum, Chelberg, Olshansky, Ness,
Savner and Wood, is an independent director as defined in Rule 4200 of the
Nasdaq listing standards and, therefore, that a majority of our board of
directors is independent as so defined.
The foregoing independence determination also included the conclusion of
the board of directors that each of the members of the audit committee is
independent for purposes of membership on the audit committee under Rule 4350(d)
of the Nasdaq listing standards, which includes the independence requirements of
Rule 4200 and additional independence requirements under SEC Rule 10A-3(b), and
that each of the members of the nominating and corporate governance committee
and compensation committee is independent under the Nasdaq listing standards
applicable for purposes of membership on those committees.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Our independent directors participate in regularly scheduled executive
sessions at which only independent directors are present. During our 2005 fiscal
year, our independent directors participated in two executive sessions, all of
which were held in conjunction with regularly scheduled board meetings.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Meetings. During our 2005 fiscal year, the audit committee met six times.
Each of the members of the audit committee participated in at least 75 percent
of the meetings of the committee.
5
Charter and Purposes. The charter of the audit committee is available on
our Internet website as described below under "Corporate Governance and Website
Information." The primary purposes of the audit committee are to oversee on
behalf of the board of directors:
- our accounting and financial reporting processes and the integrity of our
financial statements;
- the audits of our financial statements and the appointment, compensation,
qualifications, independence and performance of our independent auditors;
and
- our internal control over financial reporting.
Members. The board of directors has determined that the members of the
audit committee are independent as described above under "Director
Independence." The board of directors has also determined that all of the
members of the audit committee meet the requirement of the Nasdaq listing
standards that each member be able to read and understand fundamental financial
statements, including a company's balance sheet, income statement and cash flow
statement. Additionally, the board of directors has determined that Mr. Bierbaum
meets the requirement of the Nasdaq listing standards that at least one member
of the committee has past employment experience in finance or accounting,
requisite professional certification in accounting, or other comparable
experience or background which results in the individual's financial
sophistication.
Audit Committee Financial Expert. The board of directors has not
determined that any of the members of the audit committee is an "audit committee
financial expert" as defined in SEC Regulation S-K Item 401(h). Our board of
directors believes that the current members of its audit committee have
requisite levels of financial literacy and financial sophistication to enable
the audit committee to be effective in relation to the purposes outlined in its
charter and in light of the scope and nature of our company's business and
financial statements. The board of directors accordingly does not believe it is
necessary at this time to recruit a new board member in order to name an audit
committee financial expert.
NOMINATING AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE AND DIRECTOR NOMINATION PROCESS
Meetings. During our 2005 fiscal year, the nominating and corporate
governance committee met once. Each of the members of the nominating and
corporate governance committee attended this meeting.
Charter and Purposes. The charter of the nominating and corporate
governance committee is available on our Internet website as described below
under "Corporate Governance and Website Information." The primary purposes of
the committee are to:
- select the individuals qualified to serve on the board of directors for
election by our stockholders at each annual meeting of stockholders and
to fill vacancies on the board of directors; and
- develop, assess and recommend to the board of directors corporate
governance policies for our company.
Members. The board of directors has determined that the members of the
nominating and corporate governance committee are independent as described above
under "Director Independence."
Process for Identifying Director Candidates. The committee's current
process for identifying and evaluating nominees for director consists of general
periodic evaluations of the size and composition of the board of directors with
a goal of maintaining continuity of appropriate industry expertise and knowledge
of our company.
Director Nominations Made by Stockholders. The nominating and corporation
governance committee will consider nominations timely made by stockholders
pursuant to the requirements of our bylaws referred to below under "Procedure
for Submitting Stockholder Proposals and Nominations." The committee has not
formally adopted any specific elements of this policy, such as minimum specific
qualifications or specific qualities or skills that must be possessed by
qualified nominees, beyond the committee's willingness to consider candidates
proposed by stockholders. The committee expects to monitor developments in this
area in the future and may or may not consider adopting a more detailed policy.
6
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Meetings. During our 2005 fiscal year, the compensation committee met two
times. Each of the members of the compensation committee attended all of these
meetings.
Charter and Purposes. The charter of the compensation committee is
available on our Internet website as described below under "Corporate Governance
and Website Information." The primary purposes of the committee are to:
- review and approve the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and
other executive officers;
- review the performance of our Chief Executive Officer and other executive
officers; and
- make recommendations to the board of directors with respect to
compensation, incentive compensation plans and equity-based plans
applicable to our executive officers and employees.
Members. The board of directors has determined that the members of the
compensation committee are independent as described above under "Director
Independence."
STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The audit committee has undertaken on behalf of the board of directors to
be the recipient of communications from stockholders relating to our company. If
particular communications are directed to the full board, independent directors
as a group, or individual directors, the audit committee will route these
communications to the appropriate directors or committees so long as the
intended recipients are clearly stated. You may send communications intended to
be anonymous by mail, without indicating your name or address, to Northfield
Laboratories Inc., 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1000, Evanston, Illinois
60201-4800, Attention: Chairman of the Audit Committee. Communications not
intended to be made anonymously may be made by mail to the above address,
including whatever identifying or other information you wish to communicate.
Communications from employees or agents of our company will not be treated
as communications from our stockholders unless the employee or agent clearly
indicates that the communication is made solely in the person's capacity as a
stockholder. Stockholder proposals and director nominations intended to be
presented at a meeting of stockholders by inclusion in our company's proxy
statement under SEC Rule 14a-8 or intended to be brought before a stockholders
meeting in compliance with our bylaws are subject to specific notice and other
requirements referred to under "Procedure for Submitting Stockholder Proposals
and Nominations." The communications process for stockholders described above
does not modify or relieve any requirements for stockholder proposals or
nominations intended to be presented at a meeting of stockholders. If you wish
to make a stockholder proposal or nomination to be presented at a meeting of
stockholders, you may not communicate such proposals anonymously and may not use
the audit committee communication process described above in lieu of following
the notice and other requirements that apply to stockholder proposals or
nominations intended to be presented at a meeting of stockholders.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
The board of directors has adopted a set of corporate governance guidelines
which, along with the charters of the board's committees, establish the
framework for Northfield's corporate governance. These guidelines address a
range of governance issues, including the responsibilities, composition,
operations and structure of the board of directors and its committees, director
and executive compensation, and Northfield's code of business conduct and
ethics. The board of directors reviews these guidelines and other aspects of
Northfield's governance practices periodically and may make changes in these
guidelines in the future. Our corporate governance guidelines are available on
our Internet website as described below under "Corporate Governance and Website
Information."
Our corporate governance guidelines provide that it is Northfield's general
policy not to nominate individuals who have reached the age of 72 for election
to our board of directors. Individuals over the age of 72 years may stand for
election as directors with the approval of the nominating and corporate
governance
7
committee and a two-thirds vote of the directors then in office and for
circumstances of significant benefit to Northfield. Based on the recommendation
of the nominating and corporate governance committee, the board of directors has
unanimously approved the nomination of Jack Olshansky for election at the annual
meeting. The board of directors based its determination to nominate Mr.
Olshansky on his extensive experience in the healthcare industry and his
valuable continuing contributions as a Northfield director. Mr. Olshansky has
advised the company that this would be his final term as a Northfield director.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND WEBSITE INFORMATION
We believe that we are in presently in compliance with the corporate
governance requirements of the Nasdaq listing standards and will continue to be
in compliance with these requirements as of the date of the annual meeting,
assuming the nominees for director are elected and the absence of circumstances
beyond our control that would adversely affect compliance. The principal
elements of these governance requirements as implemented by our company are:
- an affirmative determination by the board of directors that a majority of
the directors is independent;
- regularly scheduled executive sessions of independent directors;
- an audit committee, nominating and corporate governance committee and
compensation committee comprised of independent directors and having the
purposes and charters described above under the separate committee
headings;
- specific audit committee authority and procedures outlined in the charter
of the audit committee; and
- a code of business conduct and ethics applicable to directors, officers
and employees of our company that meets the definition of a code of
ethics set forth in SEC Regulation S-K Item 406. This code also contains
provisions that constitutes a code of ethics specifically applicable to
our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other members of
the our finance department based on their special role in promoting fair
and timely public reporting of financial and business information about
our company.
The charters of our three independent board committees, our audit
committee's pre-approval policy for services provided by our auditors, our
corporate governance guidelines and our code of business conduct and ethics are
available without charge on our Internet website at www.northfieldlabs.com.
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
We compensate our outside directors for their participation at board of
director meetings and at committee meetings of the board of directors at a rate
of $1,000 per meeting. Directors are also reimbursed for their expenses for
attending meetings of the board of directors and committees. In addition,
non-employee directors receive an annual grant of 10,000 stock options, the
share equivalent of $15,000 in stock and an annual cash retainer of $10,000 per
year. The stock options provide for an exercise price equal to the market price
of our common stock on the date of grant and are immediately exercisable. The
stock grants are immediately vested on date of grant.
Dr. Ness has provided consulting services to Northfield relating to FDA
regulatory matters and the sourcing of red blood cells from major blood banking
organizations. Dr. Ness received $60,000 from Northfield as payment for his
consulting services during our 2005 fiscal year.
DIRECTOR ATTENDANCE
During our 2005 fiscal year, our board of directors held five meetings.
Each of our directors attended 75 percent or more of these meetings.
We encourage our directors to attend our annual meeting of stockholders,
but we have not adopted a formal policy requiring attendance. At our 2004 annual
meeting three of our six directors were in attendance.
8
MANAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The board of directors will elect our executive officers at its first
meeting following the annual meeting. Our executive officers are as follows:
NAME POSITION
---- --------
Steven A. Gould, M.D. .................... Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer
Jack J. Kogut............................. Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
Marc D. Doubleday......................... Vice President and General Manager
Eva C. Essig, Ph.D. ...................... Vice President Regulatory Affairs and Quality
George A. Hides........................... Vice President Clinical Operations
Robert L. McGinnis........................ Vice President Planning and Resource Development
Laurel A. Omert, M.D. .................... Chief Medical Officer
Sophia H. Twaddell........................ Vice President Corporate Communications
-------------------------
A biographical summary of the business experience of Dr. Gould is included
under "Election of Directors."
Mr. Kogut, age 58, has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer since January 2003. From 1986 to December 2002, Mr. Kogut served as Vice
President Finance. Mr. Kogut has also served as Northfield's Secretary and
Treasurer since January 1994. From 1982 to 1986, he was the Group Controller --
Health Products for Sybron Corporation and also served as President of Sybron
Asia. Mr. Kogut received his M.B.A. degree from Loyola University of Chicago in
1972.
Mr. Doubleday, age 46, has served as Vice President and General Manager
since February 2003. From December 1994 through February 2003, Mr. Doubleday
served as Northfield's Vice President Process Engineering. Prior to December
1994, he served as Northfield's Plant Manager and Senior Process Engineer.
Before joining Northfield in 1988, Mr. Doubleday was employed in various
capacities with Davy McKee, Millipore Corporation and Abbott Laboratories, Inc.
Mr. Doubleday received his M.M. degree from Northwestern University in 1991.
Dr. Essig, age 40, has served as Vice President Regulatory Affairs and
Quality since September 2003. From 1993 to 2003, Dr. Essig served in various
capacities at Searle-Pharmacia, now Pfizer Inc., with her most recent position
being Director Worldwide Regulatory Affairs with global responsibility for
Celebrex. Her career in Regulatory Affairs began at Hoechst Canada Inc., now
Sanofi-Aventis in 1990. Dr. Essig received her Ph.D. degree in Neuropharmacology
from Bristol University, Bristol, U.K. in 1990.
Mr. Hides, age 38, has served as Vice President Clinical Operations since
January 2005. Prior to January 2005, Mr. Hides served as Senior Director of
Clinical and Regulatory Affairs, as well as various roles on Northfield's
clinical development team. Before joining Northfield in 1995, Mr. Hides was
employed in various clinical and research capacities at Columbia/HCA -- Michael
Reese Hospital. Mr. Hides received his BA degree from De Pauw University in
1989.
Mr. McGinnis, age 41, has served as Vice President Planning and Resource
Development since February 2003. Prior to that time, Mr. McGinnis served as Vice
President Manufacturing Development since August 1997. From 1995 to 1997, Mr.
McGinnis was a Project Manager for Raytheon Engineering and Construction. Prior
to 1995, Mr. McGinnis was employed by the John Brown division of Trafalgar House
as a Project Manager and Engineer. Mr. McGinnis received his MBA degree from the
University of Chicago in 1995.
9
Dr. Omert, age 48, has served as Northfield's Chief Medical Officer since
January 2005. From 1997 to January 2005, Dr. Omert served as an Associate
Professor of Surgery at Drexel University and as Associate Director of Trauma at
Allegheny General Hospital. Prior to 1997, Dr. Omert served as Associate
Professor of Surgery in the Division of Trauma at West Virginia University. Dr.
Omert received her M.D. degree from the Loyola University/Stritch School of
Medicine in 1982.
Ms. Twaddell, age 53, has served as Vice President Corporate Communications
since January 2003. From 1999 to 2002, Ms. Twaddell was Senior Vice President
and Partner and Global Biotechnology Practice Leader at Fleishman-Hillard. Prior
to joining Fleishman-Hillard, Ms. Twaddell was Vice President Investment Banking
at Prudential Vector Healthcare Group and held various positions at American
Hospital Supply Corporation, Baxter Healthcare Corporation and Boots
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. She received an M.A. degree from Northwestern University
in 1978.
10
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table summarizes all compensation paid for our last three
completed fiscal years to our Chief Executive Officer and our four other most
highly compensated executive officers.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM COMPENSATION
AWARDS
-----------------------------
ANNUAL COMPENSATION SECURITIES
--------------------------- OTHER ANNUAL RESTRICTED STOCK UNDERLYING
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR(1) SALARY BONUS COMPENSATION(2) AWARDS($) OPTIONS(#)
--------------------------- ------- ------- ------- --------------- ---------------- ----------
Steven A. Gould, M.D. ...... 2005 341,216 100,000 42,809 -- 100,000
Chairman and Chief 2004 318,938 -- 36,541 112,500 100,000
Executive Officer 2003 308,465 -- 32,239 -- 100,000
Jack J. Kogut............... 2005 269,921 50,000 34,528 -- 50,000
Senior Vice President and 2004 253,125 -- 27,940 56,250 50,000
Chief Financial Officer 2003 244,124 -- 27,453 -- 50,000
Eva C. Essig, Ph. D......... 2005 196,385 15,000 11,929 25,800 25,000
Vice President Regulatory 2004 141,539 10,000 1,097 -- 25,000
Affairs and Quality 2003(3) -- -- -- -- --
Marc D. Doubleday........... 2005 190,796 -- 12,751 12,900 25,000
Vice President and 2004 178,869 -- 11,528 11,250 25,000
General Manager 2003 171,784 -- 10,454 -- 20,000
Sophia H. Twaddell.......... 2005 163,573 25,000 9,916 -- 25,000
Vice President Corporate 2004 150,196 -- 8,473 11,250 25,000
Communications 2003 61,154 -- 1,586 -- 10,000
-------------------------
(1) Our fiscal year begins on June 1 and ends on May 31. Our 2005 fiscal year
ended May 31, 2005.
(2) The indicated amounts represent life insurance premiums paid by Northfield,
contributions made by Northfield to the indicated executive officer's 401(k)
plan account and reimbursement of tax consulting expenses.
(3) Dr. Essig became an executive officer of Northfield in September 2003.
The following table sets forth all options granted to our Chief Executive
Officer and other named executive officers during our last completed fiscal
year.
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
POTENTIAL REALIZABLE
PERCENT OF VALUE AT ASSUMED
NUMBER OF TOTAL ANNUAL RATES OF STOCK
SECURITIES OPTIONS PRICE APPRECIATION FOR
UNDERLYING GRANTED TO EXERCISE OPTION TERM(1)
OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PRICE EXPIRATION -----------------------
NAME GRANTED FISCAL YEAR ($/SH) DATE 5% 10%
---- ---------- ------------ -------- ---------- -- ---
Steven A. Gould, M.D....... 100,000 27% 18.55 1/28/2015 1,166,600 2,956,392
Jack J. Kogut.............. 50,000 14% 18.55 1/28/2015 583,300 1,478,196
Eva C. Essig, Ph.D. ....... 25,000 7% 12.90 9/1/2014 202,819 513,982
Marc D. Doubleday.......... 25,000 7% 12.90 9/1/2014 202,819 513,982
Sophia H. Twaddell......... 25,000 7% 18.55 1/28/2015 291,650 739,098
-------------------------
(1) The potential realizable value amounts shown illustrate the values that
might be realized upon exercise immediately prior to the expiration of their
term using five percent and ten percent appreciation rates as required to be
used in this table by the Securities and Exchange Commission, compounded
annually, and are not intended to forecast possible future appreciation, if
any, of our stock price. Additionally, these
11
values do not take into consideration the provisions of the options
providing for nontransferability or termination of the options following
termination of employment.
The following table sets forth information regarding number of stock
options exercised by our Chief Executive Officer and other named executive
officers during our 2005 fiscal year and the aggregate value as of May 31, 2005
of unexercised stock options held by these individuals.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
NUMBER OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED OPTIONS IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
SHARES AT FISCAL YEAR-END AT FISCAL YEAR-END(1)
ACQUIRED VALUE ------------------------- -------------------------
NAME EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE/UNEXERCISABLE
---- ----------- ----------- ------------------------- -------------------------
Steven A. Gould, M.D. ........ -- -- 180,000/225,000 812,450/889,000
Jack J. Kogut................. -- -- 124,500/112,500 430,160/408,000
Eva C. Essig, Ph.D. .......... -- -- 6,250/43,750 34,313/106,938
Marc D. Doubleday............. 6,000 40,980 70,750/56,250 180,550/217,300
Sophia H. Twaddell............ -- -- 11,250/48,750 81,950/151,450
---------------
(1) These figures are based on a fair market value for our common stock at May
31, 2005 of $13.06 per share, the closing price of the common stock as
reported by the Nasdaq National Market as of that date. May 31, 2005
represents the last trading day in our 2005 fiscal year.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The compensation committee of the board of directors consists of Messrs.
Chelberg and Olshansky. Neither of the members of the compensation committee is
a current or former Northfield officer or employee or was a party to any
disclosable related party transaction involving Northfield during our 2005
fiscal year.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
We have employment agreements with Steven A. Gould, M.D., our Chief
Executive Officer, and Jack J. Kogut, our Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer. In accordance with the terms of
these employment agreements, during our 2005 fiscal year Dr. Gould and Mr.
Kogut, respectively, received:
- base salaries of $341,216 and $269,921;
- cash bonuses of $100,000 and $50,000; and
- stock options for 100,000 and 50,000 shares under the terms of the
Northfield Laboratories Inc. 2003 Equity Compensation Plan.
Dr. Gould and Mr. Kogut were also permitted to participate in all other
employee benefit plans and programs we make available generally to our
employees.
In accordance with the terms of their employment agreements, Dr. Gould and
Mr. Kogut may become entitled to annual cash bonuses, payable beginning in our
2006 fiscal year, contingent on achieving certain agreed upon performance goals.
For the 2006 fiscal year, the target bonus payments for Dr. Gould and Mr. Kogut
are 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively, of their annual base salary. For
superior performance, the maximum bonus opportunity is 150 percent and 100
percent, respectively, of each executive's annual base salary. The employment
agreements also provide for cash bonus payments equal to 150 percent and 100
percent, respectively, of each executive's annual base salary, as then in
effect, upon the approval by Food and Drug Administration of the commercial sale
of PolyHeme(R) in the United States.
12
The employment agreements provide for certain payments following a
termination of employment by the executive officer due to death, disability or
for cause. Additionally, if we terminate the executive officer's employment
other than by reason of death, disability or for cause, or if the executive
officer terminates his employment for good reason, then we generally will be
obligated to make a lump sum payment within five business days after notice of
termination of an amount equal to two times the executive officer's highest
annual base salary in effect at any time during the preceding twelve months,
plus any bonus that would have been payable through the employment term. In
addition, for two years after the notice of termination, the executive officer
will remain eligible to participate in our insurance and similar plans.
If following a change in control of our company, we terminate the executive
officer's employment other than by reason of death, disability or for cause or
if the executive officer terminates his employment for good reason, any unvested
stock options held by the executive officer will be fully vested and exercisable
as of the date of termination.
INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENTS
We have written indemnification agreements with each of our directors and
senior executive officers. These agreements require us to indemnify our
directors and senior executive officers to the maximum extent permitted by law
and to advance all expenses they may reasonably incur in connection with the
defense of any claim or proceeding in which they may be involved as a party or
witness. The agreements specify certain procedures and assumptions applicable in
connection with requests for indemnification and advancement of expenses and
also require us to continue to maintain directors and officers and fiduciary
liability insurance for a six-year period following any change in control
transaction. The rights provided to our directors and senior executive officers
under their indemnification agreements are in addition to any other rights such
individuals may have under our restated certificate of incorporation or bylaws,
applicable law or otherwise.
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
We currently have four equity compensation plans under which shares of our
common stock are authorized for issuance. The following table sets forth certain
information regarding our existing equity compensation plans as of May 31, 2005,
the end of our last completed fiscal year.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF SHARES NUMBER OF SHARES
TO BE ISSUED WEIGHTED-AVERAGE EXERCISE REMAINING AVAILABLE FOR
UPON EXERCISE OF PRICE OF OUTSTANDING FUTURE ISSUANCE UNDER
PLAN CATEGORY OUTSTANDING STOCK OPTIONS STOCK OPTIONS EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
Equity compensation plans
approved by
stockholders............. 616,500 12.29 84,240
Equity compensation plans
not approved by
stockholders............. 761,125 9.26 272,500(1)
--------- ----- -------
Total...................... 1,377,625 10.61
========= =====
---------------
(1) The grant of additional options is prohibited under our stock option plans
other than the Northfield Laboratories Inc. 2003 Equity Compensation Plan
and the New Employee Stock Option Plan.
Our existing equity compensation plans provide for the grant of stock
options and, in the case of the Northfield Laboratories 2003 Equity Compensation
Plan, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other forms of equity
compensation. Individual grants to directors, officers and employees under our
plans have generally been made pursuant to individual grant agreements that
contain additional terms and conditions, such as vesting requirements and
restrictions on exercise of the granted options after termination of employment.
The compensation committee of our board of directors acts as the administrator
of each of our equity compensation plans.
The Northfield Laboratories Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan provides for the
granting of stock options to purchase up to 500,000 shares of common stock to
directors, officers, key employees and consultants. As of
13
May 31, 2005, options to purchase a total of 308,000 shares of common stock at
prices between $9.56 and $15.41 were outstanding under the 1996 plan. These
options expire between 2006 and 2010, ten years after the date of grant.
The Northfield Laboratories Inc. 1999 Stock Option Plan was established
effective June 1, 1999. The 1999 plan provides for the granting of stock options
to purchase up to 500,000 shares of common stock to directors, officers, key
employees and consultants. As of May 31, 2005, options to purchase a total of
328,125 shares of common stock at prices between $3.62 and $14.17 were
outstanding under the 1999 plan. These options expire between 2011 and 2013, ten
years after the date of grant.
The Northfield Laboratories Inc. New Employee Stock Option Plan was
established effective January 1, 2003. The new employee plan provides for the
granting of stock options to purchase up to 350,000 shares of common stock to
newly-hired employees. As of May 31, 2005, options to purchase a total of 65,000
shares common stock at prices between $3.62 and $22.02 per share were
outstanding under the new employee plan. These options expire between 2013 and
2015, ten years after the date of grant.
Our Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors provides for the
granting of stock options to purchase up to 200,000 shares of common stock to
directors who are neither employees of nor consultants to Northfield and who
were not directors on June 1, 1994. As of May 31, 2005, options to purchase a
total of 60,000 shares of common stock at prices between $4.09 and $13.38 per
share were outstanding under this plan. These options expire between 2008 and
2012.
The Northfield Laboratories Inc. 2003 Equity Compensation Plan provides for
the granting of stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and
other forms of equity compensation to our non-employee directors, employees and
consultants. As of May 31, 2005, restricted stock awards covering a total of
18,250 shares of common stock were outstanding under this plan. As of May 31,
2005, options to purchase a total of 616,500 shares of common stock at prices
between $5.94 and $18.55 per share were outstanding under this plan. These
options expire between 2013 and 2015.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
We sponsor a defined contribution 401(k) savings plan covering each of our
employees satisfying certain minimum length of service requirements. We make
discretionary contributions to this plan subject to certain maximum contribution
limitations. Our expenses incurred under this plan for the years ended May 31,
2005, 2004 and 2003 were $202,838, $169,758 and $145,307, respectively.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires that our
directors, executive officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of
our common stock file with the Securities and Exchange Commission initial
reports of beneficial ownership of the common stock and reports of changes in
their beneficial ownership.
To our knowledge, based solely upon a review of copies of reports furnished
to us and written representations that no other reports were required during the
fiscal year ended May 31, 2005, our officers, directors and greater than 10%
beneficial owners complied during our last fiscal year with all applicable
Section 16(a) filing requirements.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
This report of the compensation committee of the board of directors
discusses our executive compensation policies and the bases for the compensation
paid to our Chief Executive Officer during our last completed fiscal year.
14
COMPENSATION POLICY
Our policy with respect to executive compensation has been designed to
compensate executive officers fairly and adequately in relation to their
responsibilities, capabilities and contributions to Northfield. We have also
sought to align the interests of senior management with those of our
stockholders with respect to long-term increases in the price of our stock. The
compensation committee considers it essential to our success that the
compensation paid to executive officers remain competitive with similar or
competitive companies in order to attract and retain the talented senior
management necessary to achieve our business objectives.
COMPONENTS OF COMPENSATION
The components of compensation paid for our last completed fiscal year to
our executive officers consisted of base salary, stock option and restricted
stock grants, cash bonuses and certain other benefits. During our last completed
fiscal year, we had employment agreements which provided for specified annual
salaries with Steven A. Gould, M.D., our Chief Executive Officer, and Jack J.
Kogut, our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer. See "Management -- Employment Agreements." The annual salaries
provided in these employment agreements were determined based principally on the
compensation levels for similar or competitive companies, including companies in
the pharmaceutical and biomedical industries, as well as the levels of
responsibility and experience of the individual executive.
During our last completed fiscal year, we granted 225,000 stock options and
made restricted stock grants covering 3,000 shares of common stock to our named
executive officers. These grants were made in recognition of these officers'
significant contributions to the clinical development of PolyHeme. We also paid
cash bonuses to four of our named executive officers during our last completed
fiscal year totaling $190,000. The other benefits provided to our executive
officers consist of enhanced life and disability insurance coverage. Executive
officers are also eligible for coverage under our general medical and life
insurance programs and may participate in our defined contribution 401(k)
savings plan on the same terms as other employees.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER COMPENSATION
During our 2005 fiscal year, our Chief Executive Officer, Steven A. Gould,
M.D., received $341,216 in base salary, a $100,000 cash bonus and a grant of
100,000 stock options. The amount and composition of Dr. Gould's compensation
during our 2005 fiscal year were determined based principally on compensation
levels applicable to the chief executive officers of similar or competitive
companies and secondarily on Dr. Gould's prior contributions to Northfield and
his high level of experience and involvement with the development and clinical
testing of PolyHeme.
Members of the Compensation Committee
Jack Olshansky
Bruce S. Chelberg
15
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
Our audit committee has (i) reviewed and discussed our audited financial
statements with management, (ii) discussed with our independent auditors the
matters required to be discussed by SAS 61 (Codification of Statements of
Auditing Standards, AU Section 380), as amended, (iii) received the written
disclosures and the letter from our independent accountants required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Standards Board No. 1,
Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), as amended, and (iv) discussed
with our independent accountants the accountants' independence. Based on the
review and discussions referred to above, the audit committee has recommended to
our board of directors that our audited financial statements be included in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2005 for filing
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Members of the Audit Committee
John F. Bierbaum
Bruce S. Chelberg
Jack Olshansky
16
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the cumulative total return on our common
stock from May 31, 2000 through May 31, 2005 with the CRSP Total Return Index
for the Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. Companies) and the Nasdaq Pharmaceutical
Index. The total stockholder return assumes that $100 was invested in our common
stock and each of the two indexes on May 31, 2000 and also assumes the
reinvestment of any dividends. The return on our common stock is calculated
using the closing price for the common stock on May 31, 2005, as quoted on the
Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. Past financial performance may not be a reliable
indicator of future performance, and investors should not use historical trends
to anticipate results or trends in future periods.
(Stock Performance Graph)
NASDAQ PHARMACEUTICALS
STOCKS SIC 2830-2839 US NORTHFIELD LABORATORIES, NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (US
& FOREIGN INC. COMPANIES)
----------------------- ------------------------ -----------------------
May 31, 2000 100.00 100.00 100.00
May 31, 2001 106.40 149.30 62.10
May 31, 2002 78.00 37.00 47.80
May 30, 2003 86.80 57.90 47.50
May 28, 2004 98.30 118.20 59.00
May 31, 2005 93.70 117.40 61.80
-------------------------
The Report of the Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation, the
Audit Committee Report and the Stock Performance Graph are not deemed to be
soliciting material or to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, or incorporated by reference in any document so filed.
17
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL
STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information known to us with respect to the
beneficial ownership of our common stock as of July 31, 2005, for (i) each of
our current executive officers named under "Management -- Executive Officers,"
(ii) each of our current directors and director nominees, (iii) each other
person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent
of our outstanding common stock and (iv) all of our current directors, director
nominees and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, the
address of each person named in the following table is c/o Northfield
Laboratories Inc., 1560 Sherman Avenue, Suite 1000, Evanston, Illinois
60201-4800.
PERCENTAGE
NUMBER OF BENEFICIALLY
NAME OF STOCKHOLDER SHARES OWNED(1)
------------------- --------- ------------
Steven A. Gould, M.D. ...................................... 723,450(2) 2.7%
Jack J. Kogut............................................... 211,810(3) *
Marc D. Doubleday........................................... 84,500(4) *
Eva C. Essig, Ph.D. ........................................ 20,750(5) *
George A. Hides............................................. 13,375(6) *
Robert L. McGinnis.......................................... 71,000(7) *
Laurel Omert, M.D. ......................................... --(8) *
Sophia H. Twaddell.......................................... 14,000(9) *
John F. Bierbaum............................................ 28,652(10) *
Bruce S. Chelberg........................................... 28,652(11) *
Paul M. Ness, M.D. ......................................... 28,652(12) *
Jack Olshansky.............................................. 59,952(13) *
David A. Savner............................................. 45,652(14) *
Edward C. Wood, Jr. ........................................ -- *
PepsiAmericas, Inc. ........................................ 1,502,345(15) 5.6%
60 South Sixth Street
Suite 3880
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
All current directors and executive officers as a group (14
persons).................................................. 1,330,445 4.9%
-------------------------
* Less than one percent
(1) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and generally includes voting or
investment power with respect to securities. Shares of common stock subject
to stock options and warrants currently exercisable or exercisable within
60 days are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of
the person holding the options and the percentage ownership of any group of
which the holder is a member, but are not deemed outstanding for computing
the percentage ownership of any other person. Except as indicated by
footnote, and subject to community property laws where applicable, the
persons named in the table have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them.
(2) Includes 180,000 shares of common stock which Dr. Gould is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Also includes 492,130 shares held in a personal trust and
43,820 shares held in a family trust. Does not include 225,000 shares
acquirable pursuant to stock options not currently exercisable or
exercisable within 60 days.
(3) Includes 124,500 shares of common stock which Mr. Kogut is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Also includes 64,805 shares held in a personal trust. Does
not include 112,500 shares acquirable pursuant to stock options not
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
18
(4) Includes 79,500 shares of common stock which Mr. Doubleday is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include 47,500 shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(5) Includes 18,750 shares of common stock which Dr. Essig is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include 31,250 shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(6) Includes 12,375 shares of common stock which Mr. Hides is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include 33,125 shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(7) Includes 69,500 shares of common stock which Mr. McGinnis is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include 47,500 shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(8) Does not include 25,000 shares acquirable pursuant to stock options not
currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(9) Includes 11,250 shares of common stock which Ms. Twaddell is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include 48,750 shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(10) Includes 25,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Bierbaum is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include any shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(11) Includes 25,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Chelberg is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include any shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(12) Includes 25,000 shares of common stock which Dr. Ness is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include any shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(13) Includes 50,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Olshansky is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days. Does not include any shares acquirable pursuant to stock
options not currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days.
(14) Includes 40,000 shares of common stock which Mr. Savner is entitled to
acquire pursuant to stock options currently exercisable or exercisable
within 60 days.
(15) Based on the information reported in the Schedule 13G filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission by PepsiAmericas, Inc.
19
ITEM 2. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
The audit committee of our board of directors has selected KPMG LLP as
Northfield's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending May 31, 2006 and
has further directed that the selection of independent auditors be submitted for
approval by our stockholders at the annual meeting. KPMG has served as
Northfield's independent auditors since 1985. The audit committee believes that
KPMG is knowledgeable about our operations and accounting practices and is
qualified to act in the capacity of our principal independent auditors.
During our fiscal 2004 and 2005 fiscal years, the following fees were
billed to us by KPMG:
2004 2005
-------- --------
Audit Fees.................................................. $ 79,000 $116,950
Audit Related Fees.......................................... 106,100 73,650
Tax Fees.................................................... 17,525 17,869
All Other Fees.............................................. -- --
Audit fees consist of fees billed for professional services rendered for
the audit of Northfield's financial statements and review of the interim
financial statements included in quarterly filings and services that are
normally provided by KPMG in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or
engagements, except those not required by statute or regulation.
Audit-related fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related
services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review
of Northfield's financial statements and are not reported under "Audit Fees."
These services include accounting consultations and attest services related to
financial reporting that are not required by statute or regulation and
consultations concerning financial accounting and reporting standards.
Tax fees consist of fees billed for professional services related to
federal and state tax compliance, tax advice and assistance with tax audits and
appeals.
The audit committee considered whether the non-audit services rendered by
KPMG were compatible with maintaining KPMG's independence as auditors of our
financial statements, and concluded that they were. The audit committee has
adopted a written pre-approval policy with respect to the services provided to
us by our auditors. A copy of this policy is available our Internet website as
described above under "Corporate Governance and Website Information." All of the
services provided to us by our auditors during our 2004 and 2005 fiscal years
were approved by our audit committee.
We expect a representative of KPMG to attend the annual meeting. The
representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires
and also will be available to respond to appropriate questions. If the selection
of KPMG is not approved by the stockholders, our board of directors will
consider such a vote as advice to select other independent auditors for the 2007
fiscal year, rather than the 2007 fiscal year, because of the difficulty and
expense involved in changing independent auditors on short notice.
The board of directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of the
appointment of KPMG as independent auditors for fiscal 2006.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
SUMMARY OF THE AMENDMENT
The board of directors has determined that our Restated Certificate of
Incorporation should be amended to increase the number of authorized shares of
our common stock from 30,000,000 to 60,000,000 shares. Specifically, upon
approval of this proposed amendment by our stockholders, Article 5 of our
Restated Certificate of Incorporation would be amended and restated as set forth
in Annex A, which is located at the end of this document. The other terms and
provisions of our Restated Certificate of Incorporation would remain unchanged.
20
As of August 11, 2005, the record date for the annual meeting, 26,751,397
shares of our common stock were outstanding and 1,408,625 shares were reserved
for issuance under our stock option plans, leaving only 1,627,586 shares
available for issuance for other purposes. If this proposed amendment is
approved, 30,000,000 additional shares of our common stock will be available for
future issuance or sale without further stockholder approval. However,
stockholder approval of particular transactions may at the time be required by
law or by the rules or policies of the Nasdaq Stock Market, upon which our
common stock is currently quoted, or any other exchange or market upon which
shares of our common stock may be traded or quoted in the future.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF THE AMENDMENT
Upon approval of this proposed amendment by our stockholders, 30,000,000
additional shares of our common stock would be authorized but unissued and
unreserved. The board of directors believes that it is in the best interest of
Northfield and our stockholders to have additional shares of our common stock
available for various general corporate purposes, including financing
transactions, strategic partnership arrangements, stock splits, stock dividends,
equity compensation plans or acquisitions. The board of directors believes that
the additional authorized common stock would give Northfield greater flexibility
by allowing us to issue shares of our common stock without the expense and delay
of a stockholders meeting to authorize additional shares if and when the need
arises.
We currently have no plans for the issuance of additional shares of common
stock. We have determined, however, that securing stockholder approval of
30,000,000 additional authorized shares of our common stock is appropriate in
order to provide us with the flexibility to consider possible actions that might
require the future issuance of additional shares of our common stock.
If the board of directors deems it to be in the best interest of Northfield
and our stockholders to issue additional shares of common stock in the future,
the board of directors generally will not seek further authorization by vote of
our stockholders, unless such authorization is otherwise required by law or by
the rules or policies of the Nasdaq Stock Market or any other exchange or market
upon which shares of our common stock may be traded or quoted in the future.
The issuance of the additional shares of our common stock may have a
dilutive effect on our earnings per share and, for stockholders that do not
purchase additional shares to maintain their pro rata interest in Northfield, on
their percentage of voting power. In addition, the issuance of additional shares
of our common stock authorized by the proposed amendment could have an
anti-takeover effect. For example, the issuance of the additional shares of our
common stock could discourage a potential acquiror by increasing the number of
shares of our common stock necessary to gain control of Northfield, permitting
us, through the public or private issuance of shares of our common stock, to
dilute the stock ownership of the potential acquiror, or permitting us to
privately place shares of our common stock with purchasers who would side with
our board of directors in opposing a takeover bid. This proposed amendment is
not being recommended in response to any specific effort of which our management
is aware to accumulate shares or obtain control of Northfield or for a specific
purpose other than general corporate purposes.
If this proposed amendment is approved by our stockholders, then the
amendment to our Restated Certificate of Incorporation will become effective
upon the filing of a Certificate of Amendment with the Secretary of State of the
State of Delaware, which will occur as soon as practicable following the
approval of this proposed amendment by our stockholders. Our stockholders have
no dissenters' rights with respect to this proposed amendment and will have no
preemptive rights in connection with the issuance of any new shares of our
common stock.
The board of directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the amendment of
our Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized
shares of common stock.
21
ITEM 4. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT TO THE NORTHFIELD LABORATORIES INC.
2003 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN
At Northfield's 2003 annual meeting, our stockholders approved the
Northfield Laboratories Inc. 2003 Equity Compensation Plan. The board of
directors has adopted an amendment to the 2003 plan that would increase the
number of shares of common stock available for awards under the plan from
750,000 to 2,250,000 shares. The board of directors is recommending that
stockholders approve this amendment to the 2003 plan at the annual meeting. We
believe that the continued availability of shares for awards under the 2003 plan
will be integral to our continuing efforts to attract and retain qualified
employees, non-employee directors and consultants while continuing to preserve
our financial resources.
As of July 31, 2005, a total of 1,404,125 stock options were outstanding
under the 2003 plan and our other equity compensation plans. If all of these
outstanding stock options were exercised, they would represent approximately 5.0
percent of our outstanding shares of common stock.
If the proposed amendment to the 2003 plan is approved by Northfield's
stockholders, a total of 1,827,740 shares will be available for future awards
under the 2003 plan and our New Employee Stock Option Plan, under which option
grants are limited to new employees joining Northfield. Each of our other equity
compensation plans has been amended to prohibit future awards. If we were to
award all of the available shares under the 2003 plan and the New Employee Stock
Option Plan, and all of our 1,404,125 outstanding stock options were exercised,
the total would represent approximately 10.8 percent of our outstanding shares
of common stock.
The 2003 plan permits stock option grants, stock grants, restricted stock
grants, restricted stock unit grants, performance stock grants, performance unit
grants, stock appreciation rights grants and cash awards. We refer to awards and
grants under the 2003 plan as "benefits." Those eligible for benefits under the
2003 plan are referred to as "participants." Participants include all employees,
consultants and non-employee directors of Northfield.
A summary of the principal features of the 2003 plan is provided below, but
is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the 2003 plan that
was filed electronically with this proxy statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission and is attached to this proxy statement as Annex B. A copy
of the 2003 plan is also available from our company's Secretary at the address
on the cover of this document.
SHARES AVAILABLE FOR ISSUANCE
If the proposed amendment to the 2003 plan is approved by Northfield's
stockholders, the aggregate number of shares of our common stock that may be
issued under the 2003 plan will not exceed 2,250,000 (subject to the adjustment
provisions discussed below).
ADMINISTRATION AND ELIGIBILITY
The 2003 plan is administered by compensation committee of our board of
directors. The committee approves the aggregate benefits and the individual
benefits for the most senior elected officers and non-employee directors. The
committee may delegate some of its authority under the 2003 plan in accordance
with the terms of the 2003 plan.
No participant may receive in any calendar year:
- stock options relating to more than 100,000 shares;
- restricted stock or restricted stock units that are subject to the
attainment of performance goals (as described below) relating to more
than 50,000 shares;
- stock appreciation rights relating to more than 100,000 shares; or
- performance shares relating to more than 50,000 shares.
22
No non-employee director may receive in any calendar year stock options
relating to more than 50,000 shares or restricted stock units relating to more
than 25,000 shares.
Each of the above limits is subject to the adjustment provisions discussed
below. The maximum amount that may be earned under performance unit awards by
any participant who is a covered employee within the meaning of Section 162(m)
of the Code in any calendar year may not exceed $500,000.
BENEFITS
Stock Options
Grants of Options
The committee is authorized to grant stock options to participants, or
"optionees," which may be either incentive stock options, or "ISOs," or
nonqualified stock options, or "NSOs." We refer to NSOs and ISOs collectively as
"stock options." The exercise price of any stock option must be equal to or
greater than the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant. The
term of our stock options cannot exceed 10 years. ISOs may not be granted more
than 10 years after the date that the 2003 plan was originally adopted by our
board of directors.
For purposes of the 2003 plan, fair market value is determined in a manner
that the committee may deems equitable, or as required by applicable law or
regulation. Generally, fair market value means the closing price per share for
our common stock on the last trading day preceding the day of the transaction,
as reported for the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. in the Wall Street Journal.
Exercisability and Termination
At the time of grant, the committee in its sole discretion determines when
options are exercisable and when they expire.
Payment of Option Price
Payment for shares purchased upon exercise of a stock option must be made
in full at the time of purchase. Payment may generally be made in cash, by the
transfer to Northfield of shares owned by the participant having a fair market
value on the date of transfer equal to the option exercise price, or in such
other manner as may be authorized by the committee.
SARs
The committee has the authority to grant stock appreciation rights, or
"SARs," to participants and to determine the number of shares subject to each
SAR, the term of the SAR, the time or times at which the SAR may be exercised,
and all other terms and conditions of the SAR. A SAR is a right, denominated in
shares, to receive, upon exercise of the right, in whole or in part, without
payment to Northfield an amount, payable in shares, in cash or a combination
thereof, that is equal to the excess of the fair market value of our common
stock on the date of exercise of the right over the fair market value of our
common stock on the date of grant of the right, multiplied by the number of
shares for which the right is exercised. The committee also may, in its
discretion, substitute SARs which can be settled only in common stock for
outstanding stock options at any time when Northfield is subject to fair value
accounting. The terms and conditions of any substitute SAR will be substantially
the same as those applicable to the stock option that it replaces and the term
of the substitute SAR may not exceed the term of the stock option that it
replaces.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
Restricted stock consists of shares which are transferred or sold by
Northfield to a participant, but are subject to substantial risk of forfeiture
and to restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant.
Restricted stock units are the right to receive shares at a future date in
accordance with the terms of such grant upon the attainment of certain
conditions specified by the committee which include substantial risk of
23
forfeiture and restrictions on their sale or other transfer by the participant.
The committee determines the eligible participants to whom, and the time or
times at which, grants of restricted stock or restricted stock units will be
made, the number of shares or units to be granted, the price to be paid, if any,
the time or times within which the shares covered by such grants will be subject
to forfeiture, the time or times at which the restrictions will terminate, and
all other terms and conditions of the grants. Restrictions or conditions could
include the attainment of performance goals, as described below, continuous
service with Northfield, the passage of time or other restrictions or
conditions.
Performance Stock
A participant who is granted performance stock has the right to receive
shares or cash or a combination of shares and cash equal to the fair market
value of such shares at a future date in accordance with the terms of such grant
and upon the attainment of performance goals specified by the committee. The
award of performance stock to a participant will not create any rights in such
participant as a stockholder of Northfield until the issuance of our common
stock with respect to an award.
Performance Units
A participant who is granted performance units has the right to receive a
payment in cash upon the attainment of performance goals specified by the
committee. The committee may substitute actual shares of our common stock for
the cash payment otherwise required to be made pursuant to a performance unit
award.
Performance Goals
Awards of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance stock,
performance units and other incentives under the 2003 plan may be made subject
to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more business criteria
within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, including the attainment of
specified regulatory, scientific or business milestones, increases in the price
of our common stock or other goals. Any performance criteria may be used to
measure the performance of Northfield as a whole or any business unit of
Northfield and may be measured relative to a peer group or index.
Stock Awards
The committee may award shares of our common stock to participants without
payment as additional compensation for service to Northfield. Stock awards may
be subject to other terms and conditions, which may vary from time to time and
among participants, as the committee determines to be appropriate.
Cash Awards
A cash award consists of a monetary payment made by Northfield to a
participant as additional compensation for his or her services to Northfield. A
cash award may be made in tandem with another benefit or may be made
independently of any other benefit. Cash awards may be subject to other terms
and conditions, which may vary from time to time and among participants, as the
committee determines to be appropriate.
AMENDMENT OF THE 2003 PLAN
Our board of directors or the committee has the right and power to amend
the 2003 plan. Neither the board nor the committee, however, may amend the 2003
plan in a manner which would impair or adversely affect the rights of the holder
of a benefit without the holder's consent. No material amendment of the 2003
plan may be made without stockholder approval.
TERMINATION OF THE 2003 PLAN
Our board of directors may terminate the 2003 plan at any time. Termination
will not in any manner impair or adversely affect any benefit outstanding at the
time of termination.
24
COMMITTEE'S RIGHT TO MODIFY BENEFITS
The committee may grant benefits on terms and conditions different than
those specified in the 2003 plan to comply with the laws and regulations of any
foreign jurisdiction, or to make the benefits more effective under such laws and
regulations. The committee may permit or require a participant to have amounts
or shares of our common stock that otherwise would be paid or delivered to the
participant as a result of the exercise or settlement of an award under the 2003
plan credited to a deferred compensation or stock unit account established for
the participant by the committee on our company's books of account. Neither our
board of directors nor the committee may cancel any outstanding stock option for
the purpose of reissuing the option to the participant at a lower exercise
price, or to reduce the option price of an outstanding option, in each case
without obtaining prior stockholder approval.
CHANGE IN CONTROL
The committee has the right, in connection with the issuance of benefits to
individual participants under the 2003 plan, to include provisions that modify
the terms of the benefit upon the occurrence of a change in control of
Northfield. These modifications may include, among others, the acceleration of
the exercisability of stock options and SARs and the termination of restrictions
on shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units. The 2003 plan includes
provisions that require the exercise or forfeiture of stock options and SARs in
connection with certain change in control transactions. Alternatively, the
committee has the option under the 2003 plan to cause the continuing or
successor entity following a change in control transaction to assume the
obligations of Northfield under the 2003 plan.
ADJUSTMENTS
If there is any change in our common stock by reason of any stock split,
stock dividend, spin-off, split-up, spin-out, recapitalization, merger,
consolidation, reorganization, combination or exchange of shares, the total
number of shares available for benefits, the maximum number of shares which may
be subject to an award in any calendar year and the number of shares subject to
outstanding benefits, and the price of each of the foregoing, as applicable,
will be equitably adjusted by the committee in its discretion.
REUSAGE
If a stock option granted under the 2003 plan expires or is terminated,
surrendered or canceled without having been fully exercised or if restricted
stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or SARs granted under the 2003
plan are forfeited or terminated without the issuance of all of the shares
subject thereto, the shares covered by such benefits will again be available for
use under the 2003 plan. Shares covered by a benefit granted under the 2003 plan
are not counted as used unless and until they are actually issued and delivered
to a participant. Any shares of common stock covered by a SAR are counted as
used only to the extent shares are actually issued to the participant upon
exercise of the SAR. The number of shares that are transferred to Northfield by
a participant to pay the exercise or purchase price of a benefit are subtracted
from the number of shares issued with respect to such benefit for the purpose of
counting shares used. Shares withheld to pay withholding taxes in connection
with the exercise or payment of a benefit are not counted as used. Shares
covered by a benefit granted under the 2003 plan that is settled in cash are not
counted as used.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
We have been advised by counsel that the federal income tax consequences as
they relate to benefits are as follows:
NSOs
An optionee does not recognize taxable income upon the grant of an NSO.
Upon the exercise of such a stock option, the optionee recognizes ordinary
income to the extent the fair market value of the shares received upon exercise
of the NSO on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price. Northfield
receives an income tax
25
deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income that the optionee recognizes
upon the exercise of the stock option.
ISOs
An optionee does not generally recognize taxable income upon the grant or
upon the exercise of an ISO. Upon the sale of ISO shares, the optionee
recognizes income in an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the
exercise price of the ISO shares and the fair market value of those shares on
the date of sale. The income is taxed at long-term capital gains rates if the
optionee has not disposed of the stock within two years after the date of the
grant of the ISO and has held the shares for at least one year after the date of
exercise and Northfield is not entitled to a federal income tax deduction. The
holding period requirements are waived when an optionee dies. The exercise of an
ISO may in some cases trigger liability for the alternative minimum tax. If an
optionee sells ISO shares before having held them for at least one year after
the date of exercise and two years after the date of grant, the optionee
recognizes ordinary income to the extent of the lesser of the gain realized upon
the sale or the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value
of the shares on the date of exercise. Any additional gain is treated as
long-term or short-term capital gain depending upon how long the optionee has
held the ISO shares prior to disposition. In the year of disposition, Northfield
receives a federal income tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary
income that the optionee recognizes as a result of the disposition.
Restricted Stock
A participant who receives an award of restricted stock does not generally
recognize taxable income at the time of the award. Instead, the participant
recognizes ordinary income in the first taxable year in which his or her
interest in the shares becomes either freely transferable or no longer subject
to substantial risk of forfeiture. The amount of taxable income is equal to the
fair market value of the shares less the cash, if any, paid for the shares. A
participant may elect to recognize income at the time he or she receives
restricted stock in an amount equal to the fair market value of the restricted
stock, less any cash paid for the shares, on the date of the award. Northfield
receives a compensation expense deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary
income recognized by the participant in the taxable year in which restrictions
lapse, or in the taxable year of the award if, at that time, the participant had
filed a timely election to accelerate recognition of income.
Other Benefits
In the case of an exercise of an SAR or an award of restricted stock units,
performance stock, performance units, common stock or cash, the participant will
generally recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to any cash received and
the fair market value of any shares received on the date of payment or delivery.
In that taxable year, Northfield will receive a federal income tax deduction in
an amount equal to the ordinary income which the participant has recognized.
MILLION DOLLAR DEDUCTION LIMIT
Northfield may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 that is paid
to an individual who, on the last day of the taxable year, is either our chief
executive officer or is among one of the four other most highly-compensated
officers for that taxable year as reported in our proxy statement. The
limitation on deductions does not apply to certain types of compensation,
including qualified performance-based compensation. We believe that benefits in
the form of stock options, performance stock, performance units, SARs,
performance-based restricted stock and restricted stock units and cash payments
under management incentive awards constitute qualified performance-based
compensation and, as such, will be exempt from the $1,000,000 limitation on
deductible compensation.
MISCELLANEOUS
A new benefits table is not provided because no grants have been made with
respect to the additional shares of common stock proposed to be included under
the 2003 plan and all future benefits are discretionary.
26
If stockholders fail to approve the proposed amendment to the 2003 plan, then
the terms of the 2003 plan as originally approved by stockholders at
Northfield's 2003 annual meeting will continue in effect.
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD
The board of directors recommends a vote FOR approval of amendment to the
Northfield Laboratories Inc. 2003 Equity Compensation Plan.
PROCEDURE FOR SUBMITTING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND NOMINATIONS
Stockholders may present proper proposals for inclusion in Northfield's
proxy statement and for consideration at the next annual meeting of our
stockholders by submitting their proposals to us in a timely manner. In order to
be included in our proxy statement for our next annual meeting, stockholder
proposals must be received by us no later than April , 2006, and must
otherwise comply with the requirements of the applicable rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
In addition, our bylaws establish an advance notice procedure with regard
to certain matters, including stockholder nominations for director and
stockholder proposals not included in our proxy statement, to be brought before
any annual meeting of stockholders. In general, notice must be received by our
corporate secretary not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the
date of the annual meeting, except if less than 70 days' notice or prior public
disclosure of the date of the meeting is given or made to our stockholders, in
which event notice by the stockholders to be timely must be received no later
than the close of business on the tenth day following the date on which notice
of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or public disclosure was made. It
is currently expected that our 2006 annual meeting of stockholders will be held
on or about September 30, 2006. Therefore, the deadline under our bylaws for
timely submission of director nominations and stockholder proposals for
consideration at our 2006 annual meeting is currently expected to be July 31,
2006. Stockholder nominations for director are also required under our bylaws to
include certain information regarding the director nominee and the stockholder
making the nomination.
All notice of proposals by stockholders, whether or not to be included in
our proxy materials, should be sent to Northfield Laboratories Inc., 1560
Sherman Avenue, Suite 1000, Evanston, Illinois 60201-4800, Attention: Corporate
Secretary.
GENERAL
The board of directors does not know of any other matters to be presented
at the annual meeting. If any additional matters are properly presented, the
persons named in the proxy will have discretion to vote in accordance with their
own judgment on these matters.
27
ANNEX A
ARTICLE 5 OF THE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF NORTHFIELD LABORATORIES INC.
INDICATING PROPOSED AMENDMENT
5. Authorized Capital Stock. The total number of shares of stock which the
Corporation shall have authority to issue is 65,000,000 shares, consisting of
60,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common
Stock"), and 5,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Preferred Stock").
A-1
ANNEX B
NORTHFIELD LABORATORIES INC.
2003 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN
AS AMENDED AND RESTATED EFFECTIVE AS OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2005
1. Purpose. The purposes of the Northfield Laboratories Inc. 2003 Equity
Compensation Plan (the "Plan") are to (a) encourage outstanding individuals to
accept or continue service as employees, consultants and directors of Northfield
Laboratories Inc. (the "Company") and (b) to furnish additional incentives to
those persons to achieve the Company's business goals and objectives and to
strengthen the mutuality of interest between those persons and the Company's
stockholders by providing them stock options and other stock and cash
incentives.
2. Administration. The Plan will be administered by a Committee (the
"Committee") of the Company's Board of Directors consisting of two or more
directors as the Board may designate from time to time, each of whom will
satisfy such requirements as:
(a) the Securities and Exchange Commission may establish for administrators
acting under plans intended to qualify for exemption under Rule 16b-3
or its successor under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act");
(b) the Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc. may establish pursuant to its rule-making
authority; and
(c) the Internal Revenue Service may establish for outside directors acting
under plans intended to qualify for exemption under Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
The Committee will have the authority to construe and interpret the Plan
and any benefits granted thereunder, to establish and amend rules for plan
administration, to change the terms and conditions of options and other benefits
at or after grant, and to make all other determinations which it deems necessary
or advisable for the administration of the Plan. The determinations of the
Committee will be made in its sole discretion in accordance with its judgment as
to the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and in accordance with
the purposes of the Plan. A majority of the members of the Committee will
constitute a quorum, and all determinations of the Committee will be made by a
majority of its members. Any determination of the Committee under the Plan may
be made without notice or meeting of the Committee, in writing signed by all the
Committee members. The Committee may authorize one or more officers of the
Company to select employees to participate in the Plan and to determine the
number of option shares and other rights to be granted to such participants,
except with respect to awards to officers subject to Section 16 of the Exchange
Act or officers who are or may become "covered employees" within the meaning of
Section 162(m) of the Code ("Covered Employees"), and any reference in the Plan
to the Committee will include such officer or officers.
3. Participants. Participants will consist of all employees, consultants
and non-employee directors of the Company. Designation of a participant in any
year will not require the Committee to designate that person to receive a
benefit in any other year or to receive the same type or amount of benefit as
granted to the participant in any other year or as granted to any other
participant in any year. The Committee may consider all factors that it deems
relevant in selecting participants and in determining the type and amount of
their respective benefits.
4. Shares Available under the Plan. There is hereby reserved for issuance
under the Plan an aggregate of 2,250,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock,
par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"). If there is a lapse, expiration,
termination or cancellation of any Stock Option issued under the Plan prior to
the issuance of shares thereunder or if shares of Common Stock are issued under
the Plan and thereafter are reacquired by the Company, the shares subject to the
Stock Option and the reacquired shares will be added to the shares available for
benefits under the Plan. Shares covered by a benefit granted under the Plan will
not be counted as used unless and until they are actually issued and delivered
to a participant. Any shares covered by
B-1
a Stock Appreciation Right will be counted as used only to the extent shares are
actually issued to the participant upon exercise of the right. In addition, any
shares of Common Stock exchanged by an optionee as full or partial payment to
the Company of the exercise price under any Stock Option exercised under the
Plan, any shares retained by the Company pursuant to a participant's tax
withholding election, and any shares covered by a benefit which is settled in
cash will be added to the shares available for benefits under the Plan. All
shares issued under the Plan may be either authorized and unissued shares or
issued shares reacquired by the Company. Under the Plan, no participant may
receive in any calendar year (a) Stock Options relating to more than 100,000
shares, (b) Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units that are subject to the
attainment of Performance Goals (as defined in Section 12) relating to more than
50,000 shares, (c) Stock Appreciation Rights relating to more than 100,000
shares or (d) Performance Shares relating to more than 50,000 shares. No
non-employee director may receive in any calendar year Stock Options relating to
more than 50,000 shares or Restricted Stock Units relating to more than 25,000
shares. The shares reserved for issuance and the limitations set forth above
will be subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 13. All of the
available shares may, but need not, be issued pursuant to the exercise of
Incentive Stock Options.
5. Types of Benefits. Benefits under the Plan will consist of Stock
Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units,
Performance Stock, Performance Units and Other Stock or Cash Awards, all as
described below.
6. Stock Options. Stock Options may be granted to participants, at any
time as determined by the Committee. The Committee will determine the number of
shares subject to each option and whether the option is an Incentive Stock
Option. The option price for each option will be determined by the Committee but
will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
date the option is granted. Each option will expire at such time as the
Committee will determine at the time of grant. Options will be exercisable at
such time and subject to such terms and conditions as the Committee will
determine; provided that no option will be exercisable later than the tenth
anniversary of its grant. The option price, upon exercise of any option, will be
payable to the Company in full by (a) cash payment or its equivalent, (b)
tendering previously acquired shares (held for at least six months) having a
fair market value at the time of exercise equal to the option price or
certification of ownership of such previously-acquired shares, (c) delivery of a
properly executed exercise notice, together with irrevocable instructions to a
broker to promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale proceeds from the
option shares or loan proceeds to pay the exercise price and any withholding
taxes due to the Company and (d) such other methods of payment as the Committee
deems appropriate. In no event will the Committee cancel any outstanding Stock
Option for the purpose of reissuing the option to the participant at a lower
exercise price or reduce the option price of an outstanding option, in each case
without prior stockholder approval.
7. Stock Appreciation Rights. Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted to
participants at any time as determined by the Committee. A Stock Appreciation
right may be granted in tandem with a Stock Option granted under the Plan or on
a free-standing basis. The Committee also may substitute Stock Appreciation
Rights which can be settled only in stock for outstanding Stock Options at any
time. The grant price of a tandem or substitute Stock Appreciation Rights will
be equal to the option price of the related option. The grant price of a
free-standing Stock Appreciation Rights will be equal to the fair market value
of the Common Stock on the date of its grant. A Stock Appreciation Right may be
exercised upon such terms and conditions and for the term as the Committee
determines; provided that the term will not exceed the option term in the case
of a tandem or substitute Stock Appreciation Rights or ten years in the case of
a free-standing Stock Appreciation Right and the terms and conditions applicable
to a substitute Stock Appreciation Right will be substantially the same as those
applicable to the Stock Option which it replaces. Upon exercise of a Stock
Appreciation Right, the participant will be entitled to receive payment from the
Company in an amount determined by multiplying the excess of the fair market
value of a share of Common Stock on the date of exercise over the grant price of
the Stock Appreciation Right by the number of shares with respect to which the
Stock Appreciation Right is exercised. The payment may be made in cash or stock,
at the discretion of the Committee, except in the case of a substitute Stock
Appreciation Right, which may be made only in stock.
B-2
8. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. Restricted Stock and
Restricted Stock Units may be awarded or sold to participants under such terms
and conditions as may be established by the Committee. Restricted Stock and
Restricted Stock Units will be subject to such restrictions as the Committee
determines, including, without limitation, any of the following:
(a) a prohibition against sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation
or other encumbrance for a specified period; or
(b) a requirement that the holder forfeit (or in the case of shares or
units sold to the participant resell to the Company at cost) such
shares or units in the event of termination of employment during the
period of restriction.
All restrictions will expire at such times as the Committee may specify.
9. Performance Stock. The Committee may designate the participants to whom
long-term performance stock ("Performance Stock") is to be awarded and determine
the number of shares, the length of the performance period and the other terms
and conditions of each such award. Each award of Performance Stock will entitle
the participant to a payment in the form of shares of Common Stock upon the
attainment of performance goals and other terms and conditions specified by the
Committee. Notwithstanding satisfaction of any performance goals, the number of
shares issued under a Performance Stock award may be adjusted by the Committee
on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee may determine;
provided that the Committee may not, in any event, increase the number of shares
earned upon satisfaction of any performance goal by any participant who is a
Covered Employee. The Committee may make a cash payment equal to the fair market
value of shares of Common Stock otherwise required to be issued to a participant
pursuant to a Performance Stock award.
10. Performance Units. The Committee may designate the participants to
whom long-term performance units ("Performance Units") are to be awarded and
determine the number of units and the terms and conditions of each such award.
Each Performance Unit award will entitle the participant to a payment in cash
upon the attainment of performance goals and other terms and conditions
specified by the Committee. Notwithstanding the satisfaction of any performance
goals, the amount to be paid under a Performance Unit award may be adjusted by
the Committee on the basis of such further consideration as the Committee will
determine; provided that the Committee may not, in any event, increase the
amount earned under Performance Unit awards upon satisfaction of any performance
goal by any participant who is a Covered Employee and the maximum amount earned
by a Covered Employee in any calendar year may not exceed $500,000. The
Committee may substitute actual shares of Common Stock for the cash payment
otherwise required to be made to a participant pursuant to a Performance Unit
award.
11. Other Stock or Cash Awards. In addition to the incentives described in
Sections 6 through 10, the Committee may grant other incentives payable in cash
or in Common Stock under the Plan as it determines to be in the best interests
of the Company and its stockholders and subject to such other terms and
conditions as it deems appropriate.
12. Performance Goals. Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units,
Performance Stock, Performance Units and other incentives under the Plan may be
made subject to the attainment of performance goals relating to one or more
business criteria within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code ("Performance
Criteria"). Any Performance Criteria may be used to measure the performance of
the Company as a whole or any business unit of the Company and may be measured
relative to a peer group or index. Performance Criteria may be calculated in
accordance with the Company's financial statements, generally accepted
accounting principles or under a methodology established by the Committee prior
to the issuance of an award which is consistently applied and identified in the
audited financial statements, including footnotes, or the Management Discussion
and Analysis section of the Company's annual report.
13. Adjustment Provisions. If the Company at any time changes the number
of issued shares of Common Stock by stock dividend, stock split, spin-off,
split-off, spin-out, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, reorganization,
combination or exchange of shares, the total number of shares reserved for
issuance under the Plan, the maximum number of shares which may be made subject
to an award in any calendar year, and
B-3
the number of shares covered by each outstanding award and the price therefor,
if any, will be equitably adjusted by the Committee.
14. Terminating Events. The Company, at its option, may give any or all of
the participants at least 10 business days written notice (or, if such notice
period is not practicable, such shorter notice period as the Company determines
in good faith is practicable) prior to the anticipated date of the consummation
of a Terminating Event. Upon receipt of such notice, and for a period of five
business days thereafter (or such other period as may be specified in the
Company's notice with respect to the Terminating Event), each participant
receiving such notice will be permitted to exercise, in whole or in part, the
vested and unexercised portion of each Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right
held by such participant in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Plan
and the award agreement relating to such Stock Option or Stock Appreciation
Right. Upon the consummation of the Terminating Event, all Stock Options and
Stock Appreciation Rights will be canceled and forfeited to the extent they have
not been exercised in accordance with the provisions of this Section 14. If the
Terminating Event is not consummated, all Stock Options and Stock Appreciation
Rights exercised pursuant to the Company's notice of the Terminating Event will
be deemed not to have been exercised and will thereafter be exercisable to the
same extent and on the same terms and conditions as if notice of the Terminating
Event had not been given by the Company. In lieu of delivering notice of a
Terminating Event pursuant to this Section 14, the Company, at its option, may
cause the successor or acquiring corporation in connection with any Terminating
Event or, if applicable, the corporate parent of any such corporation (the
"Successor Corporation"), to assume in writing the obligations of the Company
under the Plan and the outstanding award agreements entered into pursuant to the
Plan. In such event, the number and kind of shares acquirable upon the exercise
of the Stock Options and Stock Appreciation Rights and the exercise price
applicable thereto will be adjusted appropriately and the Stock Options and
Stock Appreciation Rights as so adjusted will be deemed solely to represent
rights to acquire shares of the Successor Corporation in the manner provided in
the agreements between the Company and the Successor Corporation. For purposes
of this Section 14, "Terminating Event" means any (a) sale, lease, exchange or
other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of all
or substantially all of the Company's assets or (b) consolidation or merger of
the Company in which the Company is not the surviving or continuing corporation,
or pursuant to which shares of the Company's Common Stock would be converted
into cash, securities or other property, other than a merger of the Company in
which the holders of Common Stock immediately prior to the merger have, directly
or indirectly, at least an 80% ownership interest in the outstanding Common
Stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the merger.
15. Nontransferability. Each benefit granted under the Plan will not be
transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and
each Stock Option and Stock Appreciation Right will be exercisable during the
participant's lifetime only by the participant or, in the event of disability,
by the participant's personal representative. In the event of the death of a
participant, exercise of any benefit or payment with respect to any benefit will
be made only by or to the executor or administrator of the estate of the
deceased participant or the person or persons to whom the deceased participant's
rights under the benefit will pass by will or the laws of descent and
distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may permit the
transfer of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right by the participant,
subject to such terms and conditions as may be established by the Committee.
16. Taxes. The Company will be entitled to withhold the amount of any tax
attributable to any amounts payable or shares deliverable under the Plan, after
giving the person entitled to receive such payment or delivery notice and the
Company may defer making payment or delivery as to any award, if any such tax is
payable until indemnified to its satisfaction. A participant may pay all or a
portion of any required withholding taxes arising in connection with the
exercise of a Stock Option or Stock Appreciation Right or the receipt or vesting
of shares hereunder by electing to have the Company withhold shares of Common
Stock, having a fair market value equal to the amount required to be withheld.
17. Duration, Amendment and Termination. No award of any benefit under the
Plan will be made more than ten years after the date of adoption of the Plan by
the Board of Directors; provided that the terms and conditions applicable to any
option granted on or before such date may thereafter be amended or modified by
mutual agreement between the Company and the participant, or such other person
as may then have an
B-4
interest therein. The Board of Directors or the Committee may amend the Plan
from time to time or terminate the Plan at any time; provided that no such
action will reduce the amount of any existing award or change the terms and
conditions thereof without the participant's consent. No material amendment of
the Plan will be made without stockholder approval.
18. Fair Market Value. The fair market value of the Common Stock at any
time will be determined in such manner as the Committee may deem equitable or as
required by applicable law or regulation.
19. Other Provisions. The award of any benefit under the Plan may also be
subject to other provisions (whether or not applicable to the benefit awarded to
any other participant) as the Committee determines appropriate, including
provisions intended to comply with federal or state securities laws and stock
exchange requirements, understandings or conditions as to the participant's
employment, requirements or inducements for continued ownership of Common Stock
after exercise or vesting of benefits, acceleration of benefits upon the
occurrence of a change in control of the Company or other events determined by
the Committee, forfeiture of awards in the event of termination of employment
after exercise or vesting, or breach of noncompetition or confidentiality
agreements following termination of employment, or provisions permitting the
deferral of the receipt of a benefit for such period and upon such terms as the
Committee may determine. If any benefit under the Plan is granted to an employee
who is employed or providing services outside the United States and who is not
compensated from a payroll maintained in the United States, the Committee may
modify the provisions of the Plan as they pertain to such individuals to comply
with applicable law, regulation or accounting rules. The Committee may permit or
require a participant to have amounts or shares of Common Stock that otherwise
would be paid or delivered to the participant as a result of the exercise or
settlement of an award under the Plan credited to a deferred compensation or
stock unit account established for the participant by the Committee on the
Company's books of account.
20. Governing Law. The Plan and any actions taken in connection herewith
will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of
Delaware without regard to applicable conflict of law principles.
21. Stockholder Approval. The Plan was originally adopted by the Board of
Directors on July 10, 2003 and approved by the stockholders of the Company on
September 17, 2003. An amendment and restatement of the Plan to increase the
number of shares available under the Plan from 750,000 to 2,250,000 shares of
Common Stock was adopted by the Board of Directors on July 14, 2005, subject to
stockholder approval. The foregoing amendment to the Plan will not become
effective if stockholder approval is not obtained at the Company's next annual
meeting of stockholders and, in such event, the Plan as originally adopted and
approved will continue in full force and effect.
B-5
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Proxy - Northfield Laboratories Inc.
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ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - SEPTEMBER 29, 2005
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of Northfield Laboratories Inc. hereby
appoints Jack J. Kogut and Steven Fleck, and each of them, attorneys and proxies
with full power of substitution, to vote at the Annual Meeting of the
Stockholders of Northfield Laboratories Inc. to be held on Thursday, September
29, 2005, at 10:00 A.M., local time, at The Deer Path Inn, 255 East Illinois
Road, Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045, and at any adjournment or postponement
thereof, in the name of the undersigned and with the same force and effect as if
the undersigned were present and voting such shares, on the following matters
and in the following manner.
THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE SPECIFICATIONS MADE HEREON. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS MADE, THE SHARES
REPRESENTED BY THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY EACH OF THE ABOVE PERSONS, FOR EACH
OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND FOR SUCH OTHER
MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING AS THE ABOVE PERSONS MAY
DEEM ADVISABLE.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY USING THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side.)
+
Northfield Laboratories Inc. 000000 0000000000 0 0000
000000000.000 ext
MR A SAMPLE 000000000.000 ext
DESIGNATION (IF ANY) 000000000.000 ext
ADD 1 000000000.000 ext
ADD 2 000000000.000 ext
ADD 3 000000000.000 ext
ADD 4 000000000.000 ext
ADD 5
ADD 6 HOLDER ACCOUNT NUMBER
C 1234567890 J N T
[BAR CODE]
// Mark this box with
an X if you have
made changes to your
name or address
details above.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL MEETING PROXY CARD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE REFER TO THE REVERSE SIDE FOR TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING
INSTRUCTIONS.
A ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
1. The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the listed nominees.
FOR WITHHOLD FOR WITHHOLD
01 - Steven A. Gould, M.D. // // 05 - Jack Olshansky // //
02 - John F. Bierbaum // // 06 - David A. Savner // //
03 - Bruce S. Chelberg // // 07 - Edward C. Wood, Jr. // //
04 - Paul M. Ness, M.D. // //
B PROPOSALS
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the following proposals.
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP
as independent auditors of the // // // I plan to
Company to serve for the Company's attend the
2006 fiscal year. Meeting in
person. //
3. To approve a proposal to amend the // // //
Company's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of
authorized shares of the Company's Common
Stock, par value $.01 per share, from
30,000,000 to 60,000,000 shares.
// // //
4. To approve an amendment to the Northfield
Laboratories Inc. 2003 Equity Compensation
Plan to increase the number of shares available
for awards under the Plan from 750,000 to
2,250,000 shares.
5. In their discretion, to act in any // // //
other matters which may properly come
before the Annual Meeting and any
adjournment or postponement thereof.
C AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES - SIGN HERE - THIS SECTION MUST BE COMPLETED FOR YOUR
INSTRUCTIONS TO BE EXECUTED.
NOTE: Sign exactly as your name(s) appear hereon. When signing as attorney,
administrator, trustee, guardian or any other representative capacity, please so
indicate. Please sign in the box(s) below to validate this proxy.
Signature 1 - Please keep signature within the box
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signature 2 - Please keep signature within the box
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date (mm/dd/yyyy)
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/ /
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[] 1 UPX HHH PPPP 004041 +
TELEPHONE AND INTERNET VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
YOU CAN VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET! AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY 7 DAYS A
WEEK!
Instead of mailing your proxy, you may choose one of the two voting methods
outlined below to vote your proxy.
[PHONE LOGO] To vote using the Telephone (within the U.S. and Canada)
- Call toll free 1-866-601-0658 in the
United States or Canada any time on
a touch tone telephone.
There is NO CHARGE to you for the call.
- Follow the simple instructions provided
by the recorded message.
[COMPUTER MOUSE LOGO] To vote using the Internet
- Go to the following web site:
WWW.COMPUTERSHARE.COM/US/PROXY
- Enter the information requested on
your computer screen and follow the
simple instructions.
HOLDER ACCOUNT NUMBER C0123456789 PROXY ACCESS NUMBER 12345
If you vote by telephone or the Internet, please DO NOT mail back this proxy
card. Proxies submitted by the Internet must be received by 1:00 a.m., Central
Time, on September 29, 2005. THANK YOU FOR VOTING