defm14a
SCHEDULE 14A
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to
Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
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Handleman Company
500 Kirts Boulevard
Troy, Michigan 48084
Notice of 2008
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
and Proxy Statement
James B. Nicholson
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Handleman Company
500 Kirts Boulevard
Troy, MI 48084
September 5, 2008
Dear Shareholders:
We cordially invite you to attend our 2008 annual meeting of shareholders. We will hold the meeting
on Wednesday, October 1, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., Eastern Time, at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big
Beaver, Troy, Michigan 48084.
At this meeting, you will be asked to approve the plan of liquidation and dissolution (the Plan of
Liquidation) of Handleman Company (Handleman or the Company). If the Plan of Liquidation is
approved, Handleman will sell its remaining assets, discharge its liabilities, wind up its affairs,
and distribute any proceeds of the liquidation remaining thereafter pro rata to its shareholders.
This meeting is particularly significant in that shareholders must approve the Plan of Liquidation
in order for Handleman to be authorized to complete the liquidation of its assets and make any
final distribution to its shareholders. It is important that your shares are voted at this
meeting.
Please vote your shares regardless of whether you plan to attend in person. We are pleased to offer
multiple options for voting your shares. As detailed in the Questions and Answers section of the
Proxy Statement (Appendix A) you can vote using any of the following methods: sign and date the
proxy card or voting instruction card and return it in the prepaid envelope; vote by telephone or
the Internet; or vote in person at the meeting.
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Sincerely, |
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James B. Nicholson |
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Chairman of the Board of Directors |
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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HANDLEMAN COMPANY
NOTICE OF THE 2008
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held October 1, 2008
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Handleman Company (the Company) will be held on Wednesday,
October 1, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time, at the Somerset Inn, 2601 West Big Beaver Road, Troy,
Michigan 48084. The proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting are as follows:
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The election of two Directors. Nominees are: |
Eugene A. Miller
Adam D. Sexton
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To approve the proposed Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution, a copy of which is set
forth in Appendix C (the Plan of Liquidation) to the accompanying proxy statement; |
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To authorize Handleman Companys board of directors (the Board of Directors) or its
Chairman of the Board, in their discretion, to adjourn or postpone the meeting for further
solicitation of proxies if there are not sufficient votes at the originally scheduled time
of the meeting to approve proposal 2; |
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To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending May 2, 2009; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any
adjournment thereof. |
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR its nominees for Directors, FOR approval of the
Plan of Liquidation, FOR authorization of the adjournment proposal and FOR the ratification of
the Audit Committees appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending May 2, 2009. The Board or proxy holders will use
their discretion on other matters that may arise at the Annual Meeting.
The record date for determination of the shareholders entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the
Annual Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, was August 4, 2008.
If you have any questions about the Annual Meeting, please contact:
Corporate Secretary
Handleman Company
500 Kirts Boulevard
Troy, MI 48084
248-362-4400
By Order of the Handleman Company Board of Directors
1
HANDLEMAN COMPANY
500 Kirts Boulevard
Troy, Michigan 48084
PROXY STATEMENT FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held October 1, 2008
GENERAL INFORMATION
The approximate mailing date for this Proxy Statement and the proxy is September 5, 2008. A copy
of the Annual Report of the Company for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008 accompanies this Notice.
It is important that your shares be represented at the meeting. We encourage you to read the Proxy
Statement and vote your shares as soon as possible. The proxy is solicited by the Board of
Directors of the Company. The shares represented by valid proxies in the enclosed form will be
voted if received in time for the Annual Meeting. Expenses incurred in connection with the
solicitation of proxies will be paid by the Company and may include requests by mail and personal
contact by its directors, officers and employees. In addition, the Company has retained BNY Mellon
Investor Services LLC, 480 Washington Boulevard, 29th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310 to
aid in the solicitation of proxies from brokers, banks and other nominees at a fee not to exceed
$5,500 plus out-of-pocket expenses. The Company will reimburse brokers or other nominees for their
expenses in forwarding proxy materials to shareholders. Any person giving a proxy has the power to
revoke it at any time before it is voted.
For additional information regarding voting your shares, see Questions and Answers, which is
attached as Appendix A.
VOTING SECURITIES
Only shareholders of record of $.01 par value common stock (the Common Stock) at the close of
business on August 4, 2008 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or at any
adjournment or adjournments thereof, each share having one vote. As of August 4, 2008, the date of
record, the Company had issued and outstanding 20,450,893 shares of Common Stock.
2
I. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors is divided into three classes. At each Annual Meeting, the term of one
class expires. Directors in each class serve for three-year terms, or until the Directors
resignation, removal or retirement. Two Directors are to be elected by shareholders at the 2008
Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated Eugene A. Miller and Adam D. Sexton to be elected for
three-year terms expiring in 2011. Two Directors whose terms expire at the 2008 Annual Meeting, P.
Daniel Miller and Irvin D. Reid, have chosen not to stand for re-election. In order to distribute
directors as evenly as possible among the three classes, Adam D. Sexton who was first elected to
the Board of Directors at the September 5, 2007 Annual Shareholders Meeting for a term to expire
at the 2009 Annual Meeting, has been nominated to serve a three-year term expiring in 2011.
Following each Directors name is (1) the year he or she was first elected a Director, (2) his or
her age as of the date of the Annual Meeting, and (3) an account of the Directors business
experience.
Nominees for Terms to Expire at the 2011 Annual Meeting:
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Eugene A. Miller
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Director since 2002 |
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Age 70 |
Mr. Miller served as Chairman of the Board of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank from January
2002 through his retirement in October 2002. From June 1999 through December 2001, Mr. Miller
served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica
Bank. From June 1993 until June 1999, Mr. Miller served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of
Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank. Mr. Millers banking career began in 1955 with The
Detroit Bank, forerunner of Comerica Bank. He rose to chairman, president and chief executive
officer of Comerica Incorporated and Comerica Bank prior to the merger of Comerica Incorporated and
Manufacturers National Corporation. Mr. Miller earned a bachelor of business administration degree
with honors from the Detroit Institute of Technology. Mr. Miller is also a director of DTE Energy,
Inc., TriMas Corporation and Amerisure Companies.
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Adam D. Sexton
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Director since 2007 |
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Age 44 |
Mr. Sexton has over 15 years of experience in marketing and management in the mobile, music, and
technology industries. Mr. Sexton currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer of Skyfire, developer
of the first mobile browser that delivers full PC internet performance on mobile phones. Prior to
Skyfire, Mr. Sexton held the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Groove Mobile, Inc., a world
leader in over-the-air download music stores, whose clients included Sprint, 3UK, Vodafone, and
Bell Mobility. Prior to joining Groove Mobile, Mr. Sexton was employed by Macrovision, Supertracks,
Arista Records, EMI Records and BMG International where he held various executive positions. Mr.
Sexton holds a BA degree in Government from Harvard College and an MBA in Marketing/Management from
Columbia Business School.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR ITS NOMINEES
3
CONTINUING DIRECTORS
Directors Whose Terms Expire at the 2009 Annual Meeting:
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James B. Nicholson
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Director since 1991 |
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Age 65 |
Mr. Nicholson has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of PVS Chemicals, Inc.
since 1979. PVS manufactures, markets and distributes chemicals for water treatment and industrial
use. Operations include six manufacturing facilities and a highly diversified product distribution
network. In addition to an extensive customer base in the United States, PVS has established
itself in markets throughout the world, most notably in Belgium, Canada and Thailand. A 1965
graduate of Stanford University, Mr. Nicholson holds an undergraduate degree in Economics. He
earned an MBA degree from the University of Chicago in 1967 and an MS degree in Economics from the
London (England) School of Economics in 1968. Mr. Nicholson worked at the London, England branch of
the First National Bank of Chicago from 1967 to 1970. From 1970 to 1972, he was manager of a
Dublin, Ireland office of the same bank. In 1972, Mr. Nicholson joined PVS as a Vice President and
assumed the additional duties of Treasurer in 1977. He became President of PVS in 1979 and has
served as Chief Executive Officer since that date. Mr. Nicholson is Chairman of the Board of
Amerisure Companies.
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Lloyd E. Reuss
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Director since 1993 |
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Age 71 |
Mr. Reuss served as General Motors Corporations Executive Vice President of New Vehicles and
Systems from April 1992 until January 1993. Mr. Reuss served as President of General Motors
Corporation from August 1990 until April 1992. Mr. Reuss retired from GM in January 1993 after 36
years of service. In January 1993 he became a member of the GM Corporate Advisory Council. In May
1993, he was named the Executive Dean of the Center for Advanced Technologies at Focus: HOPE in
Detroit, Michigan where he serves without compensation. In his capacity as Executive Dean, Mr.
Reuss also serves as the Chairman of the Coalition for New Manufacturing Education and on the
steering committee for the Focus: HOPE Capital Campaign. Mr. Reuss received a BSME degree from the
University of Missouri in 1957. He is also a graduate of the Senior Executive Course at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. In April 1992, Mr. Reuss received the Engineering Society of
Detroit Foundations prestigious Leadership Award and was honored for his significant contributions
to the engineering profession and his outstanding leadership in the fields of science and
engineering. In February 1995, Mr. Reuss received the Society of Automotive Engineers Medal of
Honor for his leadership in technical and educational activities. Mr. Reuss is also a director of
International Speedway Corporation and U.S. Sugar Corporation.
Directors Whose Terms Expire at the 2010 Annual Meeting:
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Elizabeth A. Chappell
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Director since 1999 |
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Age 50 |
Ms. Chappell has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Detroit Economic Club since
April 2002. From January 2001 until April 2002, Ms. Chappell served as a business consultant in
private practice. Ms. Chappell served as Executive Vice President Corporate Communications and
Investor Relations of Compuware Corporation from January 2000 to January 2001. Ms. Chappell was
formerly President and Chief Executive Officer of The Chappell Group Inc., a consulting firm she
founded in 1995 that specialized in strategic planning, organizational development, sales and
marketing strategies and the design of customer centered processes. Prior to forming The Chappell
Group, Ms. Chappell was employed by AT&T where she held several positions of varying
responsibility. Her last position with AT&T was Global Service Vice President. Ms. Chappell holds a
BA degree in Marketing from Michigan State University. Ms. Chappell also attended the Executive
Management Program at the University of California, Berkeley. Ms. Chappell is also a director of
American Axle and Manufacturing.
4
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Ralph J. Szygenda
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Director since 2003 |
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Age 60 |
Mr. Szygenda has served as Group Vice President and Chief Information Officer of General Motors
Corporation since January 2000. Mr. Szygenda joined General Motors Corporation in June 1996 as Vice
President and Chief Information Officer. Mr. Szygenda is a member of GMs Automotive Strategy
Board and is responsible for the Information Systems & Services organization. Accountable for the
management of all information technology efforts within General Motors, he is directly responsible
for developing and implementing GMs global digital business strategy. Before joining GM, Mr.
Szygenda was Vice President and Chief Information Officer at Bell Atlantic Corporation, in
Arlington, Virginia, a position he held since June 1993. His main initiatives involved
reengineering Bell Atlantics business processes and delivering information systems to meet the new
electronic generation. Mr. Szygenda has been recognized for his business and technology
leadership through awards that include Industry Weeks 2001 Technology Leader of the Year,
Information Weeks 2002 Chief Information Officer of the Year and CIO Magazines 20/20 Vision
Award recognizing his contributions in driving the information age. In 2003, he was inducted in the
CRN Computer Industry Hall of Fame; in 2005, he received the Computerworld Honors Program
Leadership Award; in 2006, he received the Automotive News Industry All Star Award and, in 2007, he
was inducted into the CIO Hall of Fame. Mr. Szygenda holds a BS degree in computer science from
the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1970 and a masters degree in electrical engineering from the
University of Texas in 1975. Mr. Szygenda also received an honorary professional degree and
honorary doctorate degree in engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla.
BOARD INFORMATION
Board Meetings:
During the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008, Handleman Companys Board of Directors (the Board) held
a total of nine meetings. During fiscal 2008, each Director of the Company attended at least 75% of
the aggregate number of meetings of the Board and of all committees of the Board on which such
Director served. The Annual Meeting of Shareholders is held in conjunction with a regularly
scheduled Board meeting, and Directors are expected to attend. Eight of the nine Directors attended
the September 5, 2007 Annual Meeting.
Handleman Companys independent Directors met without the Chief Executive Officer seven times
during the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008.
Board Committees:
Audit Committee: The Audit Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company to
provide assistance to the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to
the Companys financial statements and financial reporting processes; the systems of internal
accounting and financial controls; the internal audit function; the annual independent audit of the
Companys financial statements; any financially-related legal compliance or ethics programs as
established by the Board; and any other areas specified by the Board of potential significant
financial risk to the Company.
All members of the Audit Committee are financially literate, as the Companys Board has interpreted
such qualification in its business judgment. The Board of Directors has determined that Eugene A.
Miller satisfies the standard for audit committee financial expert in compliance with the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
The Audit Committee Charter is available on the Companys website, www.handleman.com, under
Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.
The Audit Committee held five meetings during the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008. Members: Mr.
Eugene A. Miller, Chairman, Ms. Elizabeth A. Chappell, Dr. Irvin D. Reid and Mr. Ralph J. Szygenda.
5
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee: The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
considers the performance of incumbent Directors and makes recommendations to the Board for
nominees for election as Directors. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee also
considers nominees for Directors recommended by shareholders. Recommendations for the 2009 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders should be submitted to the attention of the Chairman of the Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee at the Companys executive offices no later than May 8, 2009.
The Board of Directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines recommended by the Committee.
The Committee annually reviews and monitors the guidelines.
The guidelines establish corporate governance standards, outline the respective responsibilities of
management and the Board and provide a process for evaluating the performance of the Board. A copy
of the guidelines is attached as Appendix B to this Proxy Statement. The Board believes that it is
important that the Companys shareholders and others are able to review its corporate governance
practices. Accordingly, the Company publishes its Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of
Business Conduct and Ethics on the Companys website, www.handleman.com, under Investor
Relations/Corporate Governance.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter is available on the Companys website,
www.handleman.com, under Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee held six meetings during the fiscal year ended
May 3, 2008. Members: Mr. Lloyd E. Reuss, Chairman, Mr. Eugene A. Miller, Mr. P. Daniel Miller,
Mr. James B. Nicholson, and Dr. Irvin D. Reid.
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Process for Identifying and Evaluating Nominees:
The Directors and the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee (the Committee) are
responsible for recommending candidates for membership on the Board. In assessing potential new
Directors, the Committee considers individuals from various disciplines and diverse professional
backgrounds. The Committee considers Board candidates based upon various criteria, such as their
broad-based business skills and experiences, a global business and social perspective, concern for
the interests of the shareholders, and personal integrity and judgment. In addition, Directors
must have time available to devote to Board activities. To assist in the identification and
evaluation of qualified director candidates the Company has, on occasion, engaged the services of a
search firm.
Compensation Committee: The duties of the Compensation Committee are: recommending to the Board of
Directors the remuneration arrangements for senior management; recommending to the Board of
Directors compensation plans in which officers are eligible to participate; recommending to the
Board of Directors director compensation programs; and granting stock options, performance shares,
performance units and restricted stock awards under the Companys Stock Plans. The functions of
the Compensation Committee are listed in the Compensation Committee Charter. The Compensation
Committee Charter is available on the Companys website, www.handleman.com, under Investor
Relations/Corporate Governance.
The Compensation Committee held six meetings during the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008. Members:
Mr. James B. Nicholson, Chairman, Ms. Elizabeth A. Chappell and Mr. Lloyd E. Reuss.
Corporate Governance Documents:
The Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee
Charters, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are available in
print to any shareholder or interested party who requests them by contacting the Corporate
Secretary, Handleman Company, 500 Kirts Blvd., Troy, MI 48084.
6
Communications with the Board:
Shareholders may communicate with the Chairman of the Board or with the non-employee Directors as a
group by sending a letter by regular or express mail addressed to the Corporate Secretary,
Handleman Company, 500 Kirts Blvd., Troy, MI 48084, Attention: Chairman of the Board or
Non-Employee Directors. All such non-frivolous correspondence sent to that address will be
delivered to those Directors on a quarterly basis, unless management determines by individual case
that it should be sent more promptly. All correspondence to Directors will be acknowledged by the
Corporate Secretary and may also be forwarded within Handleman Company to the subject matter expert
for attention and/or investigation if appropriate.
The process of communicating with the Chairman of the Board or with the non-employee Directors as a
group, as outlined above, is not limited to shareholders and may be utilized by interested parties
who wish to communicate with the Chairman of the Board or with the non-employee Directors as a
group.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions:
Payments to AP Services, LLC
Mr. Albert Koch, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, has served in those
capacities since November 2007 through the Companys engagement of AP Services, LLC (AP
Services), a Michigan limited liability company. AP Services is affiliated with AlixPartners, a
financial advisory firm, of which Mr. Koch is Vice Chairman and has served as a Managing Director
since 1995 and partner since 2007. Upon commencement of the agreement a retainer of $250,000 was
paid to AP Services to be applied against expenses of AP Services personnel upon the completion of
the engagement.
During the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008, Handleman Company paid $1,273,439 (exclusive of the
retainer noted above and the success fee discussed below) to AP Services for interim management
services provided by AP Services personnel, including the services of its employee, Albert Koch.
Mr. Koch is a partner in AlixPartners and thus an indirect equity owner in AP Services. His
ownership in AP Services amounts to less than 10% of its total equity.
Per the agreement with AP Services Handleman also agreed to pay AP Services a success fee that is
equal to 5% (five percent) of the increase in shareholder market capitalization from the inception
the agreement through the payment due date. Approximately $113,124 was accrued by the Company as of
May 3, 2008 for the success fee. On May 29, 2008, Handleman and AP Services amended their agreement
with respect to the success fee. The Amendment provides that in lieu of the success fee previously
agreed to, Handleman will pay AP Services a success fee based on 5% (five percent) of the fair
value of cash and/or other assets that is distributed to shareholders. The success fee shall be
paid in cash, concurrent with the date or dates that distributions are made to Handlemans
shareholders.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance:
Federal securities law requires that Directors and Executive Officers of the Company must report to
the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Company, within certain periods, the number of
shares of the Companys equity securities they own and any changes in such ownership. Based upon
information furnished by the Directors and Executive Officers, all required Section 16(a) filings
for fiscal year 2008 have been made in a timely manner.
7
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Companys Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (Committee) administers the
Companys executive compensation program. As reflected in its charter, the Committee has overall
responsibility for setting the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) compensation and for approving,
with the recommendation of the CEO, the executive officers compensation packages including the
Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
The compensation of the CEO has been determined pursuant to the Companys agreement with AP
Services, LLP, which is described under Certain Relationships and Related Transactions on page
seven of this proxy statement. The Committee thus exercises no ongoing discretion with respect to
the compensation of the CEO.
The Committee is also responsible for the oversight of the Companys retirement plans and health
and welfare benefit plans. Additionally, the Committee administers the Companys various equity
compensation plans, and exercises general oversight over the Companys compensation practices. A
complete description of the Committees responsibilities and functions is set forth in its charter,
which can be found on the Companys website at www.handleman.com under Investor
Relations/Corporate Governance.
To assist the Committee in performing its duties, the Board of Directors has authorized the
Committee to retain an independent compensation consultant, which reports to the Committee
Chairperson, to provide consultation on Committee duties and responsibilities. The Board of
Directors granted the Committee the authority to determine the scope of the consultants services
and the Committee may terminate the consultants engagement at any time. The consultant reports to
the Committee Chairman. For additional information on the Committees members and duties, see
Compensation Committee on page six of this proxy statement.
Summary Compensation Table
Summary Compensation Table for the Fiscal Year Ended May 3, 2008
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Compensation |
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Total |
Name & Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Albert A. Koch |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
588,015 |
(1) |
|
|
588,015 |
|
President and CEO |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Khaled Haram |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
282,826 |
|
|
|
68,875 |
|
|
|
24,930 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,201 |
(10) |
|
|
402,832 |
|
Senior VP and CFO (18) |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
112,994 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
419,636 |
(11) |
|
|
907,630 |
|
Mark Albrecht Senior VP
Human Resources and Organizational |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
224,231 |
|
|
|
27,500 |
|
|
|
64,324 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,235 |
|
|
|
36,967 |
(12) |
|
|
358,257 |
|
Development |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
217,644 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
128,020 |
|
|
|
28,830 |
|
|
|
22,000 |
|
|
|
31,204 |
|
|
|
21,456 |
(13) |
|
|
449,154 |
|
Former Executive Officers of the Company: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen Strome Former |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
584,308 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
253,406 |
|
|
|
7,025 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
373,815 |
|
|
|
1,138,779 |
(14) |
|
|
2,357,333 |
|
Chairman and CEO (2) |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
713,269 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
508,954 |
|
|
|
79,949 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
609,580 |
|
|
|
58,798 |
(15) |
|
|
1,970,550 |
|
Thomas C. Braum, Jr. Former |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
305,346 |
|
|
|
63,750 |
|
|
|
57,934 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,307 |
|
|
|
90,830 |
(16) |
|
|
544,167 |
|
Executive VP and CFO (3) |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
|
329,230 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
199,587 |
|
|
|
19,977 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
136,091 |
|
|
|
19,820 |
(17) |
|
|
704,705 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Koch is not a Handleman Company employee. AP Services, LLC, a subsidiary of AlixPartners,
LLP, provided his services to us under contract. The amount shown under All Other Compensation is
the amount expensed in fiscal 2008 for fees to AP Services, LLC for Mr. Kochs services in all
capacities. |
8
|
|
|
|
(2) |
|
On November 28, 2007, Handleman Company (Handleman) announced that on November 27, 2007, it
accepted the resignation of Mr. Stephen Strome as Chief Executive Officer and as a member of the
Board of Directors. Handleman and Mr. Strome entered into a Consulting Agreement dated November 27,
2007 (Consulting Agreement). For his consulting services that begin January 7, 2008 and end on
March 31, 2010, Handleman will pay Mr. Strome $506,667 annually. Handleman also paid Mr. Strome
$800,000 in exchange for his agreement not to work for any business that competes with Handleman or
solicits Handleman employees. Mr. Strome is also eligible for his full payout, if any is awarded,
pursuant to his outstanding award under Handlemans Long Term Incentive Plan for the May 1, 2005
through May 3, 2008 performance period, the May 1, 2006 through May 2, 2009 performance period and
the April 29, 2007 through May 1, 2010 performance period if performance goals are met (see
Outstanding Equity Awards as of Fiscal Year End May 3, 2008). Handleman will also maintain Mr.
Stromes healthcare benefits until June 30, 2011. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
On February 18, 2008, Handleman announced that it accepted the resignation of Mr. Thomas C.
Braum, Jr. from his position as Handlemans Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer and that Mr.
Khaled Haram would serve as Handlemans Senior VP and Chief Financial Officer. Handleman agreed to
provide Mr. Braum with salary and health benefits for a severance period of 36 weeks from
February 18, 2008 through October 24, 2008 and with professional outplacement services. In
addition, Handleman agreed to provide Mr. Braum a payment under the Long-Term Incentive Plan for
the May 1, 2005 through May 3, 2008 performance period if performance goals are met (refer to
Outstanding Equity Awards as of Fiscal Year End May 3, 2008). Handleman also agreed to provide
Mr. Braum a payment under the Companys Management Incentive Plan, should results warrant a payout. |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Reflects salary earned in fiscal 2008. Mr. Harams base salary was increased to $290,000 upon
his promotion to Senior VP and CFO. Upon the date of his resignation Mr. Harams salary was
$400,000. Mr. Albrechts base salary was $220,000. Mr. Stromes base salary prior to his retirement
was $720,000. Mr. Braums base salary prior to leaving the Company was $340,000. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
On May 22, 2007, Handleman Companys (Handleman) Compensation Committee adopted Handleman
Companys Key Employee Retention Plan (KERP) for executive officers and certain other employees.
The bonus amounts reported for fiscal 2008 for Messrs. Albrecht and Braum represent KERP payments
made to them during the fiscal year. The bonus amount shown for Mr. Haram for fiscal 2008 includes
a KERP payment of $31,250 plus a discretionary bonus of $37,625. The amount reported for Khaled
Haram for fiscal 2007 includes a sign-on bonus of $50,000 paid in fiscal 2007 plus a guaranteed
bonus of $75,000 paid in July 2007. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
Includes full grant date fair value of all stock-based awards (including performance shares,
restricted stock and phantom stock). Grant date fair value is computed under FAS 123(R), applying
same valuation model and assumptions as used for financial reporting purposes. Assumptions are
disclosed in Handleman Companys Form 10K under Stock Based Compensation. |
|
|
(7) |
|
The amount reported in 2008 for Mr. Strome is based on the option grant made in June 2004. The
cost of the stock option grants are based on the grant date fair value determined under the
provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial accounting Standards No.
123, Share Based Payment (FAS 123R). The June 2004 option has an exercise price of $22.46 and a
grant-date fair value of $8.14. The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model to calculate this
grant-date fair value were; an expected life of 5 years, a volatility rate of 39.47 percent, a
risk-free interest rate of 3.96 percent and a dividend yield of 1.25 percent. |
|
(8) |
|
The value in this column reflects awards earned through the management incentive plan. |
|
|
(9) |
|
Includes annual change in the actuarial present value of accumulated pension and Supplemental
Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) benefits in fiscal 2008. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Includes company car benefits, annual physical benefits, financial consulting, moving costs,
amounts paid for certain life and health insurance benefits and amounts contributed to the named
Executive Officers 401(k) Plan account for the Company matching of employee contributions of
$7,928; $1,825; $1,428; $996; $3,049 and $10,975 respectively. |
|
9
|
|
|
|
(11) |
|
Includes company car benefits, annual physical benefits, amounts paid for certain life and
health insurance benefits and amounts contributed to the named Executive Officers 401(k) Plan
account for the Company matching of employee contributions of $3,738; $1,825; $420 and $8,971
respectively. The amount reported also includes moving and housing costs of $50,682 and a sales
assistance loss of $354,000. |
|
|
|
(12) |
|
Includes company car benefits, annual physical benefits, financial consulting, amounts paid
for certain life and health insurance benefits, amounts contributed to the named Executive
Officers 401(k) Plan account for the Company matching of employee contributions and a retirement
account contribution of $8,655; $1,500; $3,809; $3,426; $10,594 and $8,983 respectively. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Includes company car benefits, annual physical benefits, financial consulting, amounts paid
for certain life and health insurance benefits and amounts contributed to the named Executive
Officers 401(k) Plan account for the Company matching of employee contributions of $8,750; $1,500;
$5,093; $630 and $5,483 respectively. |
|
|
|
(14) |
|
Includes company car benefits, annual physical benefits, financial consulting, club dues,
amounts paid for certain life and health insurance benefits, amounts contributed to Stephen
Stromes 401(k) Plan account for the Company matching of employee contributions, retirement account
contribution, consulting fee payment and covenant not to compete payment of $10,526; $1,265;
$2,932; $9,154; $3,939; $9,773; $57,600; $243,590 and $800,000 respectively. |
|
|
|
(15) |
|
Includes company car benefits, annual physical benefits, financial consulting, club dues,
amounts paid for certain life and health insurance benefits and amounts contributed to the named
Executive Officers 401(k) Plan account for the Company matching of employee contributions of
$15,120; $1,265; $6,366; $14,000; $9,074 and $12,973 respectively. |
|
|
|
(16) |
|
Includes company car benefits, amounts paid for certain life and health insurance benefits,
amounts contributed to Mr. Braums 401(k) Plan account for the Company matching of employee
contributions, retirement account contribution and severance payment of $8,069; $3,493; $14,657;
$18,842 and $45,769 respectively. |
|
|
|
(17) |
|
Includes company car benefits, amounts paid for certain life and health insurance benefits and
amounts contributed to the named Executive Officers 401(k) Plan account for the Company matching
of employee contributions of $9,990; $1,242 and $8,588 respectively. |
|
|
|
(18) |
|
Subsequent to year end, on June 30, 2008, Handleman Company accepted the resignation of Mr.
Khaled Haram from his position as Handlemans Senior VP and CFO effective July 2, 2008. Handleman
awarded Mr. Haram a one-time $100,000 bonus for his contributions to Handlemans sale of the U.S.
music business to Anderson Merchandising, as announced on June 2, 2008, and his other contributions
related to Handlemans business objectives. On July 2, 2008, Handleman appointed Ms. Rozanne Kokko
as its Senior V P and CFO. |
|
|
|
(19) |
|
As of November 1, 2006, the amounts accrued in the Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (the
SERP) were frozen for all participants. The SERP covered a select group of management employees
of the Company. The computation of benefits under the SERP was based upon a formula that takes into
consideration retirement age, years of service up to a maximum of 30 years, and average annual
compensation during the highest five consecutive years within the last 10 years of employment. The
compensation covered by the SERP includes all earnings from the Company as reported on the
employees W-2 form, for base pay, overtime, and bonus payments, plus salary deferrals. No maximum
was applied to compensation covered under the SERP. A Trust, established when the SERP was first
formed in May 1994 was fully funded to meet SERP obligations. During the fiscal year ended May 3,
2008 SERP payouts were made to settle SERP obligations. Messrs. Albrecht, Strome and Braum received
payouts amounting to $54,923; $3,692,787 and $342,376, respectively. |
|
10
Outstanding Equity Awards as of Fiscal Year-End May 3, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market or |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
|
|
|
|
Payout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
Value of |
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
Equity Incentive |
|
Unearned |
|
|
Securities |
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
or Units |
|
Plan Awards: |
|
Shares, |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
of Stock |
|
Number of |
|
Units, or |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares or Units |
|
that |
|
Unearned Shares, |
|
Other |
|
|
Options |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
|
|
|
of Stock that |
|
Have |
|
Units, or Other |
|
Rights that |
|
|
Exercisable |
|
Options |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Option |
|
Have Not |
|
Not |
|
Rights that Have |
|
Have Not |
|
|
(12), (13) |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Options |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Not Vested (7) |
|
Vested |
Name & Principal Position |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
Albert A. Koch
President and CEO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Khaled Haram |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
(5) |
|
|
3,850 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
(8) |
|
|
11,550 |
|
Senior VP and CFO |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,500 |
(6) |
|
|
1,925 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Albrecht |
|
|
2,667 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.93 |
|
|
|
06/09/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,800 |
(9) |
|
|
16,786 |
|
Senior VP, HR & Org. Dev. |
|
|
7,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.46 |
|
|
|
06/07/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Former Executive
Officers of the Company: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stephen Strome Former |
|
|
71,100 |
(3) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15.75 |
|
|
|
06/12/2011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
85,800 |
(10) |
|
|
66,066 |
|
Chairman and CEO |
|
|
47,403 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.83 |
|
|
|
06/03/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,200 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.93 |
|
|
|
06/09/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.46 |
|
|
|
06/07/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thomas C. Braum, Jr Former |
|
|
3,667 |
(4) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11.83 |
|
|
|
06/03/2012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
(11) |
|
|
7,700 |
|
Executive VP and CFO |
|
|
4,600 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16.93 |
|
|
|
06/09/2013 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,000 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22.46 |
|
|
|
06/07/2014 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Options were granted June 10, 2003 and vested 33.3 percent per year over three years after date
of grant. |
|
(2) |
|
Options were granted June 8, 2004 and vested 33.3 percent per year over three years after date
of grant. |
|
(3) |
|
Options were granted June 13, 2001 and vested 33.3 percent per year over three years after date
of grant. |
|
(4) |
|
Options were granted June 4, 2002 and vested 33.3 percent per year over three years after date
of grant. |
|
(5) |
|
Restricted stock granted on April 10, 2006. Vests on June 15, 2008. |
|
|
(6) |
|
Phantom stock granted on April 10, 2006. Each share of phantom stock is equal to the economic
equivalent of one share of Handleman Company stock. Mr. Haram will received a cash payment equal to
the value 2,500 shares of Handleman Company Common Stock on June 15, 2008 based on his being in the
employ of Handleman Company on that date. |
|
|
(7) |
|
Number of shares that are subject to performance conditions. Number reported is based on
achieving target. |
|
|
(8) |
|
Includes 6,800 performance shares which vest at the end of the May 1, 2006 through May 2, 2009
performance period and 8,200 performance shares which vest at the end of the April 29, 2007 to the
May 1, 2010 performance period if performance goals are met. |
|
|
|
(9) |
|
Includes 6,800 performance shares which vest at the end of the May 1, 2005 through May 3, 2008
performance period, 6,800 performance shares which vest at the end of the May 1, 2006 through May
2, 2009 performance period and 8,200 performance shares which vest at the end of the April 29, 2007
to May 1, 2010 performance period if performance goals are met. |
|
|
|
(10) |
|
Includes 26,800 performance shares which vest at the end of the May 1, 2005 through May 3,
2008 performance period, 26,800 performance shares which vest at the end of the May 1, 2006 through
May 2, 2009 performance period and 32,200 performance shares which vest at the end of the April 29,
2007 to May 1, 2010 performance period if performance goals are met. |
|
11
|
|
|
(11) |
|
Includes 10,000 performance shares which vest at the end of the May 1, 2005 through May 3,
2008 performance period if performance goals are met. |
|
|
(12) |
|
Mr. Stromes right to exercise his exercisable stock options expires on the option expiration
date. |
|
|
|
(13) |
|
Mr. Braums right to exercise his exercisable stock options expires 180 days after his
February 18, 2008 resignation. |
|
Board Compensation
Officers of the Company who are Directors do not receive additional compensation for services as a
Director. During fiscal 2008, non-employee Directors received an annual cash retainer of $25,000
payable in four quarterly installments of $6,250.
During fiscal 2008, each Director received meeting fees of $1,500 for each Board of Directors
meeting attended. In addition, each member on a Committee was paid at the rate of $1,500 for each
Committee meeting attended, with the exception of the Audit Committee Chairman who received Audit
Committee meeting fees of $2,500 for each meeting attended and the Compensation Committee Chairman
who received Compensation Committee meeting fees of $2,000 for each meeting attended. Non-committee
member Directors who are requested in advance to participate in any Committee meeting are also paid
the committee meeting fee. In addition, the Chief Executive Officer has the discretion to approve
payments up to $500 to independent Directors for incremental services. During fiscal 2008, each
Committee Chairman received an annual fee of $3,500.
Directors are reimbursed for travel and other expenses related to attendance at Board and Committee
meetings. In addition, during fiscal year 2008 the Presiding Director is paid an annual fee of
$6,000. Currently, Handleman Companys Chairman of the Board is an outside Director (the Chairman
and the Chief Executive Officer are independent roles). During the period that the Chairman is an
outside Director there will not be a Presiding Director. During this period the Chairman will be
paid the Presiding Director fee.
The 2004 Stock Plan allows restricted stock grants to non-employee Directors. In September 2007,
each non-employee Director received a 2,000 share grant of restricted Handleman Company stock.
These shares vest in equal increments over three years. In addition, non-employee Directors
receive a one-time stock grant of 500 shares when first joining the Board. This grant vests 100%
three years from the date the Director first joins the Board.
Under resolutions of the Board of Directors presently in effect, if certain Corporate, Division or
Subsidiary Officers should die while serving in such capacity, the Company will pay to the
surviving spouse, or if there is no surviving spouse then to the decedents estate, the equivalent
of one years salary (excluding bonuses) based upon the amount being received by the decedent at
the time of his or her death, in 24 equal monthly installments commencing one month after death.
In the event a Director should die while serving the Company in such position, the Company shall
pay to the deceaseds surviving spouse, or if there is no surviving spouse to the deceaseds
estate, the equivalent of one years cash retainer plus any accrued but unpaid board and committee
meeting fees that the deceased was entitled to receive for such services from the Company at the
time of his or her death, such amount to be paid in a lump sum one month from the date of death.
In addition, the deceased Directors outstanding restricted stock grants shall immediately vest.
12
The following table provides information on Handleman Companys director compensation for
non-employee directors in fiscal 2008:
Director compensation during the Fiscal Year Ended May 3, 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned or Paid |
|
Stock |
|
|
|
|
in Cash (1) |
|
Awards (4) |
|
Total |
Name |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
Elizabeth A. Chappell |
|
|
52,000 |
|
|
|
15,133 |
|
|
|
67,133 |
|
Eugene A. Miller (2) |
|
|
61,500 |
|
|
|
15,133 |
|
|
|
76,633 |
|
P. Daniel Miller (5) |
|
|
47,000 |
|
|
|
16,345 |
|
|
|
63,345 |
|
James B. Nicholson (2), (3) |
|
|
66,000 |
|
|
|
15,133 |
|
|
|
81,133 |
|
Irvin D. Reid |
|
|
51,500 |
|
|
|
15,133 |
|
|
|
66,633 |
|
Lloyd E. Reuss (2), (3) |
|
|
59,500 |
|
|
|
15,133 |
|
|
|
74,633 |
|
Adam D. Sexton (6) |
|
|
20,000 |
|
|
|
3,623 |
|
|
|
23,623 |
|
Ralph J. Szygenda |
|
|
45,500 |
|
|
|
15,133 |
|
|
|
60,633 |
|
Thomas S. Wilson |
|
|
46,500 |
|
|
|
1,584 |
|
|
|
48,084 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
449,500 |
|
|
$ |
112,350 |
|
|
$ |
561,850 |
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Includes all fees paid in cash during the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008, including annual
retainer fees, committee and chairman fees, and meeting fees. |
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Fees paid in cash include the additional retainer for serving as a Board Committee Chairperson
paid to Messrs. Eugene A. Miller, James B. Nicholson and Lloyd E. Reuss, each of whom served as a
Committee Chairperson during fiscal 2008. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Fees paid in cash include the additional retainer paid to Messrs. Lloyd E. Reuss and James B.
Nicholson during fiscal 2008 for serving as Presiding Director. For James B. Nicholson the amount
includes fees earned as Chairman. (During the period that an outside Director serves as Chairman
there is no Presiding Director position. During this period the Chairman will be paid the fee
normally paid to the Presiding Director.) |
|
|
|
(4) |
|
Amounts include the aggregate fair value of shares of restricted stock granted in fiscal 2005
through fiscal 2008 recognized as compensation costs for financial reporting purposes for the
fiscal year ended May 3, 2008. The grant date fair value for each share for the fiscal 2005 and
fiscal 2006 grants of $21.40 and $14.54, respectively, were based on the average of the high and
low price of Handleman Company stock on the date of grant. The grant date fair value for each
share for the fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008 grants of $7.00 and $3.26, respectively, were based on
the closing price of Handleman Company stock on the date of grant. At May 3, 2008, Ms. Elizabeth A.
Chappell and Messrs. Eugene A. Miller, P. Daniel Miller, James B. Nicholson, Irvin D. Reid, Lloyd
E. Reuss and Ralph J. Szygenda each held 5,333 restricted shares. Mr. Adam D. Sexton had 2,500
restricted shares. Mr. Thomas S. Wilson resigned from the Board of Directors on March 25, 2008. As
a result 4,001 unvested restricted shares held by Mr. Wilson were cancelled. |
|
|
|
(5) |
|
The stock award amount includes the aggregate fair value of shares of a one time 500 share
grant to P. Daniel Miller in fiscal 2006 recognized as compensation costs for financial reporting
purposes for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008. The grant date fair value for each share for Mr.
Millers fiscal 2006 grant of $14.54 was based on the average of the high and low price of
Handleman Company stock on the date of grant. |
|
|
|
(6) |
|
The stock award amount includes the aggregate fair value of shares of a one time 500 share
grant to Adam D. Sexton in fiscal 2008 recognized as compensation costs for financial reporting
purposes for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008. The grant date fair value for each share for Mr.
Sextons fiscal 2008 grant of $3.07 was based on the average of the high and low price of Handleman
Company stock on the date of grant. |
|
POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON A CHANGE IN CONTROL
At the end of the Companys 2008 fiscal year, the Company had entered into Change in Control
Agreements (the Agreements) with Khaled Haram and Mark Albrecht in the event their employment
were terminated as a result of, or in connection with, a change in control (as defined in the
Agreements). The Agreements expire December 31, 2008 and are automatically renewed to December 31
of each subsequent year unless and until the Company or the named Executive Officer sends a written
notice of termination to the other party by September 1st. Mr. Haram has left the Company since
the end of the 2008 fiscal year and is no longer eligible to be paid benefits under his Change in
Control Agreement.
13
In the event of termination of employment or other specified changes in the employment relationship
beginning 90 days before and ending two years after a change in control, the Agreements generally
provide for payments of:
(a) All amounts earned or accrued by the Executive through the termination date but not paid as of
the termination date, including base salary or compensation, reimbursement for reasonable and
necessary expenses incurred by the Executive on behalf of the Company during the period ending on
the termination date, vacation pay and sick leave; and
(b) A pro rata bonus for the Companys current fiscal year in an amount equal to (I) the average of
the annual bonus accrued on behalf of the Executive during the Companys three (3) full fiscal
years ended prior to the Effective Date, multiplied by (2) a fraction, the numerator of which is
the number of days in the current fiscal year through the Termination Date and the denominator of
which is 365; and
(c) The Company shall pay the Executive as severance pay and in lieu of any further compensation
for periods subsequent to the termination date, in a single payment, an amount (the Severance
Amount) in cash equal to I (one) times the sum of (I) the Executives base salary at the highest
rate in effect at any time within one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the Effective Date, and
(2) the average of the annual bonus accrued on behalf of the Executive during the three (3) full
fiscal years ended prior to the Effective Date; and
(d) For twelve (12) months following the Termination Date, the Company shall at its expense
continue on behalf of the Executive and his dependents and beneficiaries the life insurance,
disability, medical, prescription, dental and hospitalization benefits provided to the Executive at
any time during the ninety (90) day period prior to the Effective Date.
In addition, all restrictions on any outstanding incentive awards (including restricted stock and
rights to performance shares and performance units) granted to the Executive under any incentive
plan or arrangement shall lapse and such incentive award shall become 100% vested and all stock
options granted to the Executive under any incentive plan or arrangement will become 100% vested
and immediately exercisable.
Based on current salaries and prior bonuses, if Messrs. Haram and Albrecht had terminated their
employment as of May 3, 2008 under circumstances entitling them to severance pay as described
above, they would have been entitled to receive lump sum cash payments of $425,000 and $236,000
respectively. The cost of life and health insurance benefits for three years following the
termination date for Messrs. Haram and Albrecht would have been $44,100 and $42,600 respectively.
Subsequent to year end, on June 30, 2008, Handleman Company accepted the resignation of Mr. Haram
from his position as Handlemans Senior Vice President and CFO effective July 2, 2008. Handleman
awarded Mr. Haram a one-time $100,000 bonus for his contributions to Handlemans sale of the U.S.
music business to Anderson Merchandising, as announced on June 2, 2008, and his other contributions
related to Handlemans business objectives. Mr. Harams Change in Control Agreement expired
effective with his resignation. On July 2, 2008, Handleman appointed Ms. Rozanne Kokko as its
Senior Vice President and CFO.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee of the Handleman Company Board of Directors is composed of four independent
directors. The Audit Committee is governed by the Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Board of
Directors. The Audit Committee Charter is available on the Companys website,
www.handleman.com, under Investor Relations/Corporate Governance.
As set forth in the Audit Committee Charter, the Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors
to, among other duties and responsibilities, provide assistance to the Board of Directors in
fulfilling its oversight responsibility relating to the Companys financial statements and the
financial reporting processes; the systems of internal accounting and financial controls; the
internal audit function; the annual independent audit of the Companys financial statements; the
adequacy and effectiveness of the Companys financially-related legal, regulatory, and ethical
compliance programs; and any other areas specified by the Board of Directors of potential
significant financial risk to the Company. The Committee is also responsible for hiring,
retaining and terminating the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. The
Committee reports its activities to the Board of Directors on a regular basis.
14
Management has responsibility for the Companys financial statements and financial reporting
processes, including the systems of internal accounting and financial controls. The independent
registered public accounting firm is responsible for performing an independent audit of the
Companys consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards and issuing a report thereon.
The Committee reviews the Companys financial statements and financial reporting processes on
behalf of the Board of Directors. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Committee has met and
held discussions with management, the internal auditors, and the independent registered public
accounting firm. Management represented to the Committee that the Companys consolidated financial
statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The
Committee has reviewed and discussed the audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal
year ended May 3, 2008, with management and the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Committee discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the matters required
to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, Communications with Audit Committees, as
amended. In addition, the Committee has discussed with the independent registered public
accounting firm their independence from the Company and its management, including the letter
regarding its independence provided to the Committee as required by Independence Standards Board
Standard No. 1, Independence Discussions with Audit Committees.
The Committee also discussed with the Companys internal auditors and independent registered public
accounting firm the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Committee met with
the internal auditors and independent registered public accounting firm, with and without
management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluations of the Companys
internal controls, and the overall quality of the Companys financial reporting. The Committee
also reviewed and discussed with the independent registered public accounting firm the fees paid to
the independent registered public accounting firm.
The Companys Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer also reviewed with the Committee
the certifications that each such officer will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC) pursuant to the requirements of Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and
the rules and regulations issued by the SEC pursuant thereto. Management also reviewed with the
Committee the policies and procedures it has adopted to ensure the accuracy of such certifications.
By the members of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Handleman Company:
Eugene A. Miller, Chairman, Elizabeth A. Chappell, Irvin D. Reid and Ralph J. Szygenda
15
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The table below reflects the number of shares beneficially owned by (1) each Director and Director
Nominee of the Company; (2) each Executive Officer of the Company named in the Summary Compensation
Table; (3) all Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers as a group; and (4) each person
or group owning more than five percent of the outstanding shares of Handleman Company Common
Stock. Unless otherwise noted, the information is stated as of August 4, 2008 and the beneficial
owners exercise sole voting and/or investment power over their shares.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Shares Owned |
|
Percent of Class |
Albert A. Koch |
|
|
21,213 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Khaled Haram |
|
|
7,713 |
(b) |
|
|
* |
|
Mark J. Albrecht |
|
|
33,794 |
(a), (b) |
|
|
* |
|
Elizabeth A. Chappell |
|
|
29,049 |
(c) |
|
|
* |
|
Eugene A. Miller |
|
|
27,452 |
(c) |
|
|
* |
|
P. Daniel Miller |
|
|
6,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
James B. Nicholson |
|
|
37,214 |
(c) |
|
|
* |
|
Irvin D. Reid |
|
|
15,452 |
(c) |
|
|
* |
|
Lloyd E. Reuss |
|
|
26,482 |
(c) |
|
|
* |
|
Adam D. Sexton |
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Ralph J. Szygenda |
|
|
11,972 |
(c) |
|
|
* |
|
All Directors, Director Nominees and Executive
Officers as a Group (12 persons) |
|
|
237,892 |
(d) |
|
|
|
|
Third Avenue Management LLC |
|
|
4,220,000 |
(e) |
|
|
20.6 |
% |
Joseph Harrosh |
|
|
2,030,700 |
(e) |
|
|
9.9 |
% |
Aegis Financial |
|
|
1,595,800 |
(e) |
|
|
7.8 |
% |
Berg & Berg Enterprises |
|
|
1,550,000 |
(e) |
|
|
7.6 |
% |
Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc. |
|
|
1,290,000 |
(e) |
|
|
6.3 |
% |
Donald Smith & Co., Inc. |
|
|
1,247,100 |
(e) |
|
|
6.1 |
% |
White Pine Investment Company |
|
|
1,030,000 |
(e) |
|
|
5.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1 % of the Companys outstanding shares of Common Stock. |
|
|
|
(a) |
|
The number shown above as beneficially owned by Mr. Albrecht includes 9,667 shares which he has
the right to acquire within 60 days of August 4, 2008 pursuant to the Companys stock option plans
(assuming that the stock price reaches certain levels). |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
The number shown above as beneficially owned by Messrs. Haram and Albrecht includes 771 and
2,765 shares, respectively, which have been credited to them under the Companys 401(k) Plan. |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
The number shown above as beneficially owned by Ms. Elizabeth A. Chappell, Mr. Eugene A.
Miller, Mr. James B. Nicholson, Dr. Irvin D. Reid, Mr. Lloyd E. Reuss and Mr. Ralph J. Szygenda
includes 11,500; 5,000; 10,000; 2,501; 8,168, and 2,500 shares, respectively, which they have the
right to acquire within 60 days of August 4, 2008 pursuant to the Companys stock option plans
(assuming that the stock price reaches certain levels). |
|
|
|
(d) |
|
All Directors, Director nominees, and Executive Officers as a group (12 persons) beneficially
owned 237,892 shares (1.2%) of the Companys outstanding Common Stock as of August 4, 2008,
including shares that they have the right to acquire within 60 days of that date pursuant to the
Companys stock option plans and shares that have been credited to them under the Companys 401(k)
Plan. |
|
16
|
|
|
|
(e) |
|
Based on information filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, (1) Third Avenue
Management LLC, 622 Third Avenue, 32nd Floor, New York, New York 10017-6715, owns
4,220,000 shares (20.6%) of the Companys outstanding Common Stock, (2) Joseph L. Harrosh 1457 Via
Di Salerno, Pleasanton, CA 94566, owns 2,030,700 shares (9.9%) of the Companys outstanding Common
Stock, (3) Aegis Financial Corporation,1100 North Glebe Road, Suite 1040, Arlington, VA 22201-4798,
owns 1,595,800 shares (7.8%) of the Companys outstanding Common Stock, (4) Berg & Berg
Enterprises, LLC, 10050 Bandley Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014-2188, owns 1,550,000 shares (7.6%) of
the Companys outstanding Common Stock, (5) Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc., 1299 Ocean Avenue,
11th Floor, Santa Monica, California 90401-1005, owns 1,290,000 shares (6.3%) of the
Companys outstanding Common Stock, (6) Donald Smith & Co., Inc., 152 West 57th Street,
22nd Floor, New York, NY 10019-3310, owns 1,247,100 shares (6.1%) of the Companys
outstanding Common Stock, and (7) White Pine Investment Company, 17199 Laurel Park Drive, N. Suite
#209, Livonia, MI 48152, owns 1,030,000 shares (5.0%) of the Companys outstanding Common Stock.
Management does not know of any other person who, as of August 4, 2008, beneficially owned more
than 5% of the Companys Common Stock. |
|
II. PROPOSAL TO APPROVE THE LIQUIDATION AND DISSOLUTION OF HANDLEMAN COMPANY
Background of the Proposal
Handleman Company, a Michigan corporation, is the successor to a proprietorship formed in 1934, and
to a partnership formed in 1937. From that time, Handleman Company operated as a category manager
and distributor of prerecorded music and console video game hardware, software and accessories to
leading retailers in the United States (U.S.), United Kingdom (UK) and Canada.
In recent years, music industry sales have declined at double-digit rates as the industry was
impacted by digital distribution, downloading and piracy. In addition, the Companys gross margins
were compressed because lower-margin promotional products became a greater proportion of annual
sales. This level of continued erosion of CD music sales is expected to continue into the
foreseeable future. In response to this dramatic decline, the Company implemented significant cost
reduction plans to reduce expenses and streamline operations. These plans included work force
reductions; the consolidation of the operations of two U.S. automated distribution facilities into
one facility; the reduction of benefits programs and realignment of medical plans; initiatives to
reduce customer product returns; and various other cost cutting initiatives. However, the
reduction in music sales volume and loss of gross margin outpaced the Companys ability to reduce
overhead costs and the Company experienced steep operating losses in the past two fiscal years.
The Companys customers have responded to the decline in music industry sales by contracting the
amount of retail space devoted to music sales. Additionally, the Company violated certain debt
covenants within its credit agreements in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008, which ended May 3,
2008. Those violations were cured soon thereafter by an amendment to the credit facilities. In
recent months, trade creditors have expressed concern about whether the Company might be
contemplating or be required to file a bankruptcy proceeding. As a result, the Company became
concerned about whether it would have access to sufficient financing and vendor credit to meet its
business needs.
The continuing decline of the music distribution industry in North America and Europe has caused a
reduction in the Companys gross margins and its ability to meet all of its debt obligations.
Although the Company has taken numerous steps to reduce its cost structure, it has been unable to
reduce costs to the extent required to achieve profitable operations.
As a result of concerns about the prospects for the music business and the availability of
financing, on June 2, 2008, Handleman announced that it was exiting the music business in North
America and that it had sold a portion of its U.S. inventory and its U.S. music business related to
Wal-Mart to Anderson Merchandising (Anderson). Handleman also announced that it would work with
its other non-Wal-Mart U.S. customers to achieve a smooth transition to another music supplier.
This transition occurred prior to the end of August 2008. Further, Handleman announced that it had
executed a definitive agreement with Anderson for the sale of all of the inventory and fixed assets
and all operations of its Canadian subsidiary, Handleman Canada. The sale of the assets of
Handleman Canada received the required Canadian regulatory approval in August 2008. The closing
occurred on September 2, 2008.
17
Further, Handleman has reached an agreement in principle with Tesco Stores Limited (Tesco) in the
UK regarding the sale of certain of its Handleman UK assets and operations. The closing is
scheduled to occur in September 2008. In addition, Handleman closed on the sale of A2M assets in
July 2008 for $357,000, which primarily included inventory and intellectual property.
As a public company, the Companys administrative cost structure is, in the judgment of management
and the Board of Directors, too great to support the reduced operations of the Company. After
careful consideration of all relevant factors, the Board of Directors has come to the unanimous
determination that a dissolution of the Company is fair to and in the best interests of Handleman
and its shareholders. The Board has further determined that the best way to maximize shareholder
value is through the adoption of the Plan of Liquidation set forth in Appendix C to this proxy
statement. Such Plan of Liquidation authorizes the Company to sell or otherwise dispose of all of
its remaining property and assets upon terms set by the Board of Directors. The proceeds of any
transactions consummated under the Plan of Liquidation will then be used to pay all of the
Companys claims and obligations, with any remainder distributed to the Companys shareholders.
Shareholder approval of the Companys dissolution is required by Michigan law, pursuant to which
the Company is organized. The affirmative vote of a majority of Handlemans outstanding Common
Stock will be required to approve the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation.
The Board of Directors has unanimously approved the dissolution of Handleman, has declared it
advisable and unanimously recommends that you vote or give instruction to vote FOR the
dissolution and Plan of Liquidation.
Summary of the Plan of Liquidation
This summary briefly describes the material terms of Handlemans proposed dissolution and Plan of
Liquidation. This information is provided to assist shareholders in reviewing this proxy statement
and considering the proposed dissolution and Plan of Liquidation, but it does not include all of
the information contained elsewhere in this proxy statement and may not contain all of the
information that is important to you. To understand fully the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation
being submitted for shareholder approval, you should carefully read this proxy statement, including
the accompanying copy of the Plan of Liquidation attached as Appendix C in its entirety.
The Plan of Liquidation authorizes the Company to sell or otherwise dispose of all of its property
and assets. This liquidation is expected to commence as soon as practicable after approval of the
dissolution and Plan of Liquidation by the Companys shareholders. Any sales of Company assets
will be made in private or public transactions and on such terms as are approved by the Companys
Board of Directors. The Company does not anticipate soliciting any further votes of the
shareholders with respect to the approval of the specific terms of any particular sale of assets
approved by the Companys Board of Directors.
If the Plan of Liquidation is approved by the shareholders, the Company anticipates that the
Companys activities will be limited to actions the Company deems necessary or appropriate to
accomplish the following:
|
|
|
|
selling, collecting, or otherwise realizing the value of the Companys remaining assets; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as provided in the Plan of Liquidation, paying or adequately providing for the payment
of all claims and obligations of the Company; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
if there are insufficient assets to satisfy the Companys known and unknown
liabilities, paying all such liabilities according to their priority and, among claims
of equal priority, ratably to the extent of assets legally available; |
|
|
|
|
|
filing a Certificate of Dissolution with the Department of Labor and Economic Growth of
the State of Michigan; |
|
|
|
|
distributing to the Companys shareholders, ratably in proportion to their interests,
any proceeds remaining after the distribution of those funds necessary to satisfy
claims and obligations against the Company; |
|
|
|
|
winding up the Companys remaining business activities; and |
|
|
|
|
making tax and other regulatory filings. |
18
Pursuant to the Plan of Liquidation, the Company will use the proceeds of such sales to pay or
make provision for payment of the entirety of the Companys indebtedness and other obligations,
prior to any distributions being made to the Companys shareholders.
The Company does not anticipate that any significant regulatory approvals will be required in
connection with the Plan of Liquidation.
If the Companys shareholders do not vote to approve Handlemans dissolution and Plan of
Liquidation, the Board of Directors will explore what, if any, alternatives are available for the
future of Handleman. The Board of Directors believes, however, the dissolution and liquidation of
the Company pursuant to the Plan of Liquidation is the best alternative available.
Other Information Relating to the Proposal.
Approval of Handlemans dissolution and Plan of Liquidation will require the affirmative vote of
holders of a majority of Handlemans outstanding Common Stock. Approval of Proposal III
(adjourning the meeting if necessary) requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of
Common Stock present or represented by proxy at the annual meeting and voting on the proposal.
The Company cannot assure you that the proceeds it receives from the liquidation contemplated under
the Plan of Liquidation will be sufficient to pay or provide for the claims and obligations of the
Company. As such, the Company cannot assure you that you will receive any of such proceeds.
If you do not want the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation to be approved, you must abstain, not
vote or vote against it. Shares represented by proxy cards received in time for the annual meeting
that are properly signed, dated and returned without specifying choices will be voted FOR this
proposal. You should be aware, however, that if the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation are not
approved, Handleman will not be authorized to dissolve and liquidate. Whether or not you vote
against it, if the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation are approved, all Company shareholders will
be entitled to their pro rata portion of proceeds, if any, distributed to shareholders pursuant to
the Plan of Liquidation.
If the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation are not approved, Handleman will not be authorized to
dissolve and liquidate. If sufficient votes to approve the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation are
not available at the meeting, or if a quorum is not present in person or by proxy, the Board of
Directors or Chairman of the Board may seek to adjourn or postpone the meeting to continue to seek
such approval.
ABSTAINING FROM VOTING OR NOT VOTING, EITHER IN PERSON OR BY PROXY OR BY VOTING INSTRUCTION, WILL
HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS A VOTE AGAINST THE DISSOLUTION AND PLAN OF LIQUIDATION PROPOSAL.
If your broker holds your shares in its name and you do not give the broker voting instructions,
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority rules prohibit your broker from voting your shares on the
dissolution and Plan of Liquidation proposal or the proposal to adjourn or postpone the annual
meeting to solicit additional proxies. This is known as a broker non-vote. Abstentions or broker
non-votes will have the same effect as a vote against the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation
proposal. Abstentions or broker non-votes will not be counted as votes for or against the proposal
to authorize management to adjourn or postpone the annual meeting, as the vote required to approve
this discretionary authority is a majority of the common shares present in person or by proxy and
entitled to vote.
If your shares are held in street name, consult your broker, bank or other nominee for
instructions on how to revoke your proxy or change your vote. If an executed proxy card is
returned by a broker, bank or other nominee holding Common Stock that indicates that it does not
have discretionary authority to vote on the proposals, the Common Stock will be considered present
at the meeting for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but will not be considered to
have been voted on the proposals. Your broker, bank or other nominee will vote your shares only if
you provide instructions on how to vote by following the information provided to you by such
broker, bank or other nominee.
Under Michigan law, shareholders are not entitled to dissenters rights of appraisal in connection
with Handlemans dissolution and liquidation.
19
Status of Current Asset Sale Activity
Handlemans remaining operations include Crave Entertainment Group, Inc. (Crave), a full-service
distributor of video game software, hardware and related accessories, and a specialty video game
publisher; Handleman UK Limited (Handleman UK), a UK-based distributor and store merchandiser of
music, video, books, computer games and other products; Artist to Market Distribution (A2M), an
independent music distributor that works directly with branded artists and artists management to
streamline the supply chain and deliver new music product to the marketplace at a lower cost; and
REPS LLC (REPS), a national in-store merchandiser.
Handleman retained the investment banking firm W.Y. Campbell & Company in April 2008 for the
purpose of exploring a possible sale or other strategic options for Crave. In June 2008, an
Offering Memorandum was completed and the Company began actively marketing Crave for sale at that
time. In the first quarter of fiscal 2009, the Company also broadened the scope for W.Y. Campbell
& Company to include strategic initiatives related to REPS as well.
Further, Handleman has reached an agreement in principle with Tesco Stores Limited (Tesco) in the
UK regarding the sale of certain of its Handleman UK assets and operations. The closing is
scheduled to occur in September 2008. In addition, Handleman closed on the sale of A2M assets in
July 2008 for $357,000, which primarily included inventory and intellectual property.
Risk Factors to Be Considered in Connection With the Plan of Liquidation
There are a number of factors that the Companys shareholders should consider when deciding whether
to vote to approve Handlemans dissolution and Plan of Liquidation, many of which could have
substantial effects on the value (or existence) of distributions ultimately made to the
shareholders pursuant to the Plan of Liquidation. Such factors include the following:
The
Company cannot determine with certainty whether there will be
distributions to shareholders.
The Company cannot determine at this time the amount of distributions to its shareholders pursuant
to the Plan of Liquidation. This determination depends on a variety of factors, including, but not
limited to, the amount required to settle known and unknown debts and liabilities, the resolution
of litigation, and other contingent liabilities, the net proceeds, if any, from the sale of our
remaining assets, and other factors. As a result, we cannot determine with certainty the amount of
distributions to our shareholders.
Handleman cannot assure that distributions to shareholders will not be delayed.
If the Companys shareholders approve Handlemans dissolution and Plan of Liquidation, the Company
intends to promptly sell or collect on its assets and pay its liabilities. There are a number of
factors that could delay any distribution to shareholders, including the following:
|
|
|
delays in payment, or arrangement for payment or compromise, of
Handlemans liabilities or obligations, if any; |
|
|
|
|
lawsuits or other claims asserted against the Company; and |
|
|
|
|
unanticipated legal, regulatory or administrative requirements. |
The Board of Directors may delay implementation of the Plan of Liquidation, even if dissolution is
approved by the Companys shareholders.
Even if Handlemans dissolution is approved by the Companys shareholders, the Board of Directors
has reserved the right, in its discretion, to delay implementation of the Plan of Liquidation if it
determines that doing so is in the best interests of Handleman and its shareholders. The Board of
Directors is, however, unaware of any circumstances under which it would do so, unless obligated to
do so by law, regulation or court order.
20
The Company may not be able to settle all of its obligations to creditors.
The Company has current and future obligations to creditors. As part of the wind-down process, the
Company will attempt to settle those obligations with its creditors. The Company cannot assure you
that it will be able to settle all of these obligations or that they can be settled for the amount
it has estimated for purposes of calculating the likely distribution to shareholders. If the
Company is unable to reach an agreement with a creditor relating to an obligation, that creditor
may bring a lawsuit against the Company. Amounts required to settle obligations or defend lawsuits
in excess of the amounts estimated by the Company will reduce the amount of remaining capital
available for distribution to shareholders.
Handleman cannot assure that it will have adequate financing arrangements with its lenders.
Handleman believes that cash provided from operations and the sale of assets could provide
sufficient liquidity to fund the Companys day-to-day operations provided that the Company is able
to sell its remaining assets within a reasonable period of time. If the Company is unable to sell
its assets in a reasonable period of time, or if the Company receives substantially less than
anticipated, the Company could be forced to seek protection under bankruptcy laws.
Handleman cannot assure the successful sale of its remaining assets or that the sale of its assets
will be at anticipated terms.
While Handleman is reasonably confident that it will be able to successfully sell its remaining
assets, it cannot make any assurances that there will be a reasonable demand for these assets.
With the decline in the music and video industries, Handleman faces risks that further declines of
sales in its operating markets will hinder its ability to successfully sell its assets.
Handleman anticipates that sales of its remaining assets will be made on terms that are approved by
the Board of Directors and may be conducted by competitive bidding, public sales or privately
negotiated sales. The prices at which the Company will be able to sell these assets will depend
largely on factors beyond the Companys control, including, without limitation, the condition of
financial markets, the availability of financing to prospective purchasers of the assets, public
market perceptions and limitations on transferability of certain assets. Because some of the
Companys remaining assets, particularly intellectual property assets, may decline in value over
time, the consummation of the sale of these assets in time to generate meaningful value is
critical. In addition, the Company may not obtain as high a price for its illiquid assets as might
have been obtained were the Company not seeking strategic alternatives for its various business
operations.
Handleman must resolve matters related to its Pension Plans.
Handlemans U.S. and Canadian pension plans are at risk related to the current economic downturn.
To the extent that Handlemans pension plans have investments in volatile instruments, Handleman is
at risk that its pension plans will be underfunded at any given time. Handleman is currently in
the process of immunizing its pension funds thereby removing a significant portion of the economic
risk. Handleman will increase the funds investments in bonds, decreasing the funds equity
exposure. This significantly reduces asset/liability mismatch risk. While immunization would
reduce Handlemans risk related to the fluctuating market, Handleman will still be subject to
certain risks. If Handleman elects to terminate its pension plans, Handleman faces the risk that
the pension plans would be significantly underfunded. If the pension plans are underfunded, then
Handleman would be required to contribute cash to meet the shortfall. If Handleman elects not to
terminate the funds, but does not want to continue to actively fund the pension plans, then
Handleman would be required to purchase a non-participating group annuity contract for all
participants. If Handleman purchases a non-participating group annuity contract, Handleman would be
required to pay a large amount of cash to do so. Handlemans options, with the exception of
purchasing a non-participating group annuity contract, increase Handlemans regulatory risk that
Government regulators may force the plans termination, which would require a large cash
contribution to the Plan.
21
Handleman foreign subsidiaries will have to pass a Solvency Test in order to remit a dividend to
Handleman Company, the parent company.
As foreign operations are sold and cash is generated, Handleman must establish that its foreign
subsidiaries are solvent prior to them paying a dividend to Handleman. To the extent that
Handleman Company is relying on this dividend as part of its cash management efforts, a foreign
subsidiarys inability to remit the dividend could create substantial financial risks for
Handlemans liquidity. As the insolvency test relates to Handleman Canada, Handleman may have to
meet its obligations related to the Canadian pension plan prior to the Canadian subsidiary
remitting a dividend. As it relates to Handleman UK, Handleman Company may have to resolve all
outstanding vendor payment disputes prior to the UK subsidiary remitting a dividend to Handleman.
If foreign subsidiaries remit a dividend to Handleman during a period when such foreign
subsidiaries are considered insolvent, then the Directors of those subsidiaries may be subjected to
legal consequences, for which Handleman would have to provide them with indemnification.
Handlemans inability to retain the services of its current personnel may impact its ability to
successfully sell the assets of the Company.
Handlemans ability to successfully sell the assets of the Company is dependent, in large part,
upon its ability to retain its remaining personnel. The retention of qualified personnel is
particularly difficult under the current circumstances. While Handleman has offered its critical
employees retention and severance plans, there is no legal obligation that would require the
employee to remain employed at Handleman. In the event critical employees decided to terminate
their employee relationships with Handleman, Handleman would have to retain outside consultants to
perform their duties or offer a premium salary in order to hire employees to work for the Company.
Handleman may eventually rely on outside consultants and advisors to perform critical functions.
As Handleman progresses in the sale of its assets, it may become more dependent on outside
consultants and advisors to perform critical functions. While Handleman anticipates that it will
maintain Handleman employees in certain critical accounting, finance and tax positions, Handleman
may have to rely on consultants, outside legal counsel and other contractors to perform day-to-day
tasks. There is a risk that these non-Handleman employees will have interests and arrangements
that may be different from our shareholders interests, including, but not limited to, other client
priorities and relationships with entities that we may do business with in the future.
Dissolution Under Michigan Law
Section 804 of the Michigan Business Corporation Act (the MBCA) provides that a corporation may
dissolve upon the recommendation of dissolution by the corporations Board of Directors followed by
a favorable vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the corporation entitled
to vote. Following such approval, the dissolution will be effected by filing a certificate of
dissolution with the State of Michigan. Once a Michigan corporation is dissolved, its existence is
automatically continued solely for the purpose of winding up its business. The process of winding
up includes:
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Collecting its assets; |
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|
|
Selling or otherwise transferring assets which are not to be distributed to the shareholders; |
|
|
|
|
Paying its debts and other liabilities; and |
|
|
|
|
Doing all other acts incident to the liquidation of its business and affairs. |
22
Subject to the limitation that the existence of the Company after the filing of the certificate of
dissolution is to be limited to purposes related to the winding-up of the business, pursuant to
Section 834 of the MBCA the day-to-day corporate governance of the Company will remain largely
unaffected. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the filing of the certificate of
dissolution does not in any way affect the following:
|
|
|
The duties of the Directors (directors of the corporation are not
deemed to be trustees of the Companys assets and shall be held to no
greater standard than existed prior to the filing of the Certificate
of Dissolution); |
|
|
|
|
Title to the corporations assets; |
|
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|
The corporations pre-Certificate of Dissolution voting requirements; |
|
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|
The ability of the corporations shares to be transferred; or |
|
|
|
|
Legal suits or actions brought by or against the corporation. |
The MBCA includes procedures pursuant to which written notice may be given to existing claimants of
a dissolved corporation. Such notice must include a description of the information that must be
included in a claim, the mailing address where claims may be sent, the deadline, not later than six
months after the effective date of the notice, by which the dissolved corporation must receive the
claim and a statement that claims will be barred if not received by the deadline. The MBCA also
includes procedures pursuant to which the dissolved corporation may publish notice of dissolution,
stating that claims that are not brought within one year of the publication date will be barred.
Subject to certain specified exceptions, claims that are not brought within such periods will be
barred.
Under Section 855a of the MBCA, before making a distribution to its shareholders, a dissolved
corporation must pay or make provision for its debts, obligations and liabilities. Provision must
also be made for the payment of debts, obligations and liabilities anticipated to arise after the
effective date of the dissolution, but no provision need be made for any claim reasonably expected
to be barred after notice or publication as provided above. After payment or provision for debts,
obligations and liabilities, the remaining assets of the dissolved corporation are to be
distributed to shareholders in accordance with their respective interests.
Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion is a general summary of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences of
the Plan of Liquidation to Handleman and to current holders of the Companys common shares who are
United States persons, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code),
and who hold such shares as capital assets, as defined in the Code. The discussion does not
purport to be a complete analysis of all of the potential tax effects of the Plan of Liquidation.
Tax considerations applicable to a particular shareholder will depend on that shareholders
individual circumstances. The discussion addresses neither the tax consequences that may be
relevant to particular categories of shareholders subject to special treatment under certain U.S.
federal income tax laws (such as dealers in securities, banks, insurance companies, tax-exempt
organizations, mutual funds, financial institutions, broker-dealers, regulated investment
companies, real estate investment companies, real estate mortgage investment conduits and foreign
individuals and entities) nor any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or
foreign jurisdiction. In addition, the discussion does not consider the tax treatment of
partnerships or other pass-through entities or persons who hold the Companys shares through such
entities.
The discussion is based upon the Code, U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations, rulings of the
Internal Revenue Service (the IRS) and judicial decisions now in effect, all of which are subject
to change or to varying interpretation at any time. Any such changes or varying interpretations
may also be applied retroactively. The following discussion has no binding effect on the IRS or the
courts, and assumes that the Company will liquidate substantially in accordance with the Plan of
Liquidation.
The Company can give no assurance that the tax treatment described herein will remain unchanged. No
ruling has been requested from the IRS with respect to the anticipated tax treatment of the Plan of
Liquidation, and the Company will not seek either such a ruling or an opinion of counsel with
respect to the anticipated tax treatment. If any tax consequences or facts prove not to be as
anticipated and described herein, the result could be increased taxation at the shareholder level.
23
This discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax consequences was not intended or written to be
used as, and cannot be used by you, in the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed on
you. This discussion was written to support the solicitation of your vote or as instructions to
vote your Common Stock.
Shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the specific tax consequences to
them in connection with the Companys dissolution and the Plan of Liquidation, including tax
reporting requirements, the applicability and effect of foreign, federal, state, local and other
applicable tax laws and the effect of any proposed changes in the tax laws.
Consequences to Handleman
Handleman may recognize gain or loss on the sale or other taxable disposition of any of its assets
(including most in-kind liquidation distributions to its shareholders, if any) pursuant to the Plan
of Liquidation to the extent of the difference between the amount realized on such sale (or the
fair market value of the asset) and its tax basis in such asset.
Consequences to Shareholders
Gain or Loss on Liquidation. Amounts received by shareholders pursuant to the liquidation will be
treated as full payment in exchange for their Common Stock. As a result of the Companys
liquidation, a shareholder generally will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between
(i) the amount of cash and/or fair market value of property distributed to such shareholder,
reduced by any known liabilities assumed by the shareholder or to which the distributed property is
subject, and (ii) such shareholders tax basis in the Common Stock.
A shareholders gain or loss will be computed on a per share basis, so that gain or loss is
calculated separately for blocks of Common Stock acquired at different dates or for different
prices. Each liquidation distribution will be allocated proportionately to each share of Common
Stock owned by a shareholder and will be applied first to recover a shareholders tax basis with
respect to such share of Common Stock. Gain will be recognized in connection with a liquidation
distribution allocated to a share of Common Stock only to the extent that the aggregate value of
all liquidation distributions received by a shareholder with respect to that share exceeds such
shareholders tax basis for that share. Any loss generally will be recognized only when a
shareholder receives the Companys final distribution to shareholders and then only if the
aggregate value of the liquidation distributions with respect to a share of Common Stock is less
than the shareholders tax basis for that share. If a shareholder is required to return any
distribution, any payments by a shareholder in satisfaction of any contingent liabilities of the
Company which are described in greater detail elsewhere in this proxy statement, would produce a
loss in the year paid. Gain or loss recognized by a shareholder in connection with the Companys
liquidation generally will be capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss if
the share has been held for more than one year, and short-term capital gain or loss if the share
has not been held for more than one year. Long-term capital gain of non-corporate taxpayers may be
subject to more favorable tax rates than ordinary income or short-term capital gain. The
deductibility of capital losses is subject to various limitations.
Back-Up Withholding. Unless a shareholder complies with certain reporting and/or Form W-9
certification procedures or is an exempt recipient under applicable provisions of the Code and
Treasury Regulations, he, she or it may be subject to back-up withholding tax with respect to any
payments received pursuant to the liquidation. The back-up withholding tax is currently imposed at
a rate of 28%. Back-up withholding generally will not apply to payments made to some exempt
recipients such as a corporation or financial institution or to a shareholder who furnishes a
correct taxpayer identification number or provides a certificate of foreign status and provides
certain other required information. If back-up withholding applies, the amount withheld is not an
additional tax, but is credited against the shareholders U.S. federal income tax liability.
The Board of Directors has unanimously adopted the Plan of Liquidation and unanimously recommends
that you vote FOR the approval of Plan of Liquidation.
24
III. THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
The adjournment proposal allows the Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board, in their
discretion, to submit a proposal to adjourn the annual meeting to a later date or dates, if
necessary, to permit further solicitation of proxies in the event, based on the tabulated votes,
there are not sufficient votes at the time of the annual meeting to approve the dissolution and
Plan of Liquidation.
Consequences if Adjournment Proposal is not Approved
If an adjournment proposal is presented at the meeting and is not approved by the shareholders, the
Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board may not be able to adjourn the annual meeting to a
later date in the event, based on the tabulated votes, there are not sufficient votes at the time
of the annual meeting to approve the dissolution and Plan of Liquidation. In such event, Handleman
will not be able to dissolve and liquidate.
Required Vote
Adoption of the adjournment proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the issued and
outstanding shares of Common Stock represented in person or by proxy at the annual meeting.
The Companys Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the Companys shareholders vote FOR
the approval of the adjournment proposal.
IV. RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Grant Thornton LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP served as the independent registered public
accounting firms for the Company. Grant Thornton LLP reported on the Companys consolidated
financial statements for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP reported on
the interim consolidated financial statements for the first, second, and third quarters of the
fiscal year ended May 3 2008 and reported on the Companys consolidated financial statements for
the fiscal year ended April 28, 2007. For fiscal years 2008 and 2007, the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm was appointed by the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors
concurred with that selection in an advisory capacity.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires that each corporations audit committee be directly responsible for
appointing the independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee has selected
Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal
year ending May 2, 2009. The Board of Directors has concurred in an advisory capacity with that
selection.
As a matter of good corporate governance, the Audit Committee has elected to submit its selection
of the independent registered public accounting firm to the shareholders for ratification.
In the event the shareholders do not ratify this appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider
whether to engage Grant Thornton LLP, but may ultimately determine to engage Grant Thornton LLP or
another independent registered public accounting firm without re-submitting the matter to the
shareholders.
Even if the appointment is ratified by the shareholders, the Audit Committee, in its discretion,
may appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year
if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of the Company
and its shareholders.
The Audit Committee considers Grant Thornton LLP well qualified, with offices or affiliates in or
near the Companys locations in the U.S. and other countries where the Company operates.
The lead and concurring partners of Grant Thornton LLP assigned to audit the Company rotate off the
engagement after five years, and may not recur on the engagement for five years.
25
Representatives from Grant Thornton LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and
will be provided the opportunity to make a statement at the meeting if they desire, and will also
be available to respond to appropriate questions.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP
AS THE COMPANYS INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING MAY 2,
2009.
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees:
The following table presents fees for professional audit services performed by Grant Thornton LLP
and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the audit of the Companys annual consolidated financial
statements for fiscal year 2008 and 2007 and for the review of the Companys interim consolidated
financial statements for each quarter in fiscal years 2008 and 2007 and for tax and all other
services performed in fiscal years 2008 and 2007:
|
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Fiscal Year Ended |
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|
Fiscal Year Ended |
|
|
|
May 3, 2008 (5) |
|
|
April 28, 2007 (5) |
|
Audit Fees (1) |
|
$ |
1,375,976 |
|
|
$ |
1,831,029 |
|
Audit-Related Fees (2) |
|
|
151,712 |
|
|
|
164,982 |
|
Tax Fees (3) |
|
|
102,567 |
|
|
|
127,570 |
|
All Other Fees (4) |
|
|
1,500 |
|
|
|
15,965 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,631,755 |
|
|
$ |
2,139,546 |
|
|
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|
|
|
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|
|
(1) |
|
Includes recurring audit of consolidated financial statements including statutory audits in
accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States);
services related to SEC registration statements and financial reporting; and fees related to
Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404. |
|
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(2) |
|
Audits of employee benefit plans and accounting consultations. |
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(3) |
|
Includes tax return review and tax planning services. |
|
(4) |
|
Comperio subscription fee. |
|
|
(5) |
|
Included in the audit amounts shown above is $803,000 for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008 for
services performed by Grant Thornton LLP. Included in the audit-related amounts shown above are
$151,712 and $51,000 for the fiscal year ended May 3, 2008 and the fiscal year ended April 28,
2007, respectively, for services performed by Grant Thornton LLP. |
|
The Audit Committees current practice on approval of services performed by the independent
registered public accounting firm is to pre-approve all audit services and permissible non-audit
services to be provided, providing the opportunity to assess the impact of the service on the
auditors independence. In addition, the Audit Committee has delegated authority to grant certain
pre-approvals to the Audit Committee Chairman. Pre-approvals granted by the Audit Committee
Chairman are reported to the full Audit Committee at its next
regularly scheduled meeting.
In fiscal
2008 all non-audit services were pre-approved by the Audit
Committee.
The Audit Committee determined that the non-audit services provided (and the fees billed for such
services) by Grant Thornton LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP during fiscal 2008 and 2007 were
compatible with maintaining their independence.
26
V. OTHER MATTERS
Other Proposals:
Neither the Company nor the members of its Board of Directors intend to bring before the Annual
Meeting any matters other than those set forth in the Notice of Annual Meeting, and they have no
present knowledge that any other matters will be presented for action at the meeting by others.
However, if any other matters properly come before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons
named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote in accordance with their best judgment.
Shareholder Proposals for the 2009 Annual Meeting:
A shareholder proposal that is intended to be presented at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders
must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices by May 8, 2009.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
James B. Nicholson
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Dated: September 5, 2008
PLEASE VOTE. YOUR VOTE IS VERY IMPORTANT.
Promptly returning your proxy will help to reduce the cost of this solicitation.
27
Appendix A
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING AND VOTING
Below are commonly asked questions relating to the purpose of a Proxy Statement and specific
questions relating to Handleman Companys Annual Shareholders Meeting. We hope the answers that
follow provide you with the information you need to vote your shares.
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Number |
What is a proxy? |
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1 |
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What is a Proxy Statement? |
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2 |
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Who can vote? |
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3 |
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What is the quorum requirement of the Annual Meeting? |
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4 |
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What am I voting on? |
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5 |
|
What are the voting recommendations of the Board? |
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6 |
|
What if other matters are presented for determination at the Annual Meeting? |
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7 |
|
What vote is required to elect the Directors? |
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8 |
|
What shares are covered by my proxy card? |
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9 |
|
What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record
and as a beneficial owner? |
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10 |
|
How do I vote? |
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11 |
|
What is the effect of not voting? |
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12 |
|
What can I do if I change my mind after I vote my shares? |
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|
13 |
|
How do participants in the Handleman Company 401(k) Plan vote their shares? |
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14 |
|
How do shareholders of record vote their shares if they are also participants
in the Handleman Company 401(k) Plan? |
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|
15 |
|
What does it mean if I get more than one proxy card? |
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16 |
|
Will there be a management presentation at the Annual Meeting? |
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17 |
|
Who can attend the Annual Meeting? |
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18 |
|
What do I need to attend the Annual Meeting? |
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|
19 |
|
Can I bring a guest? |
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|
20 |
|
Who will count the vote? |
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|
21 |
|
How much did this proxy solicitation cost? |
|
|
22 |
|
How do I recommend someone to be a candidate for election as a Director at the
2009 Annual Meeting? |
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23 |
|
When are shareholder proposals due for the 2009 Annual Meeting? |
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|
24 |
|
Where can I find a copy of the Audit Committee Charter, Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter, Corporate
Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Handleman
Company? |
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|
25 |
|
Can I access the Proxy Statement and 2008 annual report on the Internet
instead of receiving paper copies? |
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|
26 |
|
How do I obtain more information about Handleman Company? |
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27 |
|
A-1
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A:
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A proxy is another person that you legally designate to vote your shares. If
you designate someone as your proxy in a written document that document is also called
a proxy or proxy card. |
2. |
|
Q: What is a Proxy Statement? |
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|
|
A:
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|
It is a document that SEC regulations require Handleman Company to give to you
when we ask you to sign a proxy card to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting. The
Proxy Statement summarizes the information you need to know to intelligently vote your
shares. |
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A:
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|
You can vote at the Annual Meeting if you were a shareholder of record as of
the close of business on August 4, 2008. If you own the Companys Common Stock, then
you are entitled to one vote per share. |
4. |
|
Q: What is the quorum requirement of the Annual Meeting? |
|
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|
A:
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A majority of the outstanding shares on August 4, 2008 constitutes a quorum for
voting at the Annual Meeting. If you vote or attend the meeting, your shares will be
part of the quorum. On the record date, 20,450,893 shares of Handleman Companys
Common Stock were outstanding. |
5. |
|
Q: What am I voting on? |
|
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A:
|
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You are voting on the: |
|
(1) |
|
proposal to elect two nominees for Director: Eugene A.
Miller and Adam D. Sexton for three-year terms expiring in 2011, |
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(2) |
|
proposal to adopt the Plan of Liquidation, |
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(3) |
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proposal to adjourn the Annual Meeting in the
discretion of the Board if there are not sufficient votes to approve the
Plan of Liquidation, and |
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|
(4) |
|
ratification of the appointment Grant Thornton LLP as
the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. |
6. |
|
Q: What are the voting recommendations of the Board? |
|
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A:
|
|
The Board of Directors is soliciting the proxy and recommends a vote
FOR each of its
Nominees for Directors, FOR the adoption of the Plan of Liquidation, FOR the
adjournment proposal, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton
LLP as the Companys independent registered public accounting firm. |
A-2
7. |
|
Q: What if other matters are presented for determination at the Annual Meeting? |
|
|
|
A:
|
|
Other than the proposal to elect two nominees for Director, the proposal to
adopt the Plan of Liquidation, the adjournment proposal and the ratification of the
appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm, the Company does not expect any other matters to be presented for a
vote at the Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the proxy holders (James B.
Nicholson, Lloyd E. Reuss and Ralph J. Szygenda) will use their judgment in voting your
shares on other matters that may arise at the meeting. |
8. |
|
Q: What vote is required to elect the Directors? |
|
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A:
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The two individuals who receive the most votes, even if not a majority, will be elected. |
9. |
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Q: What shares are covered by my proxy card? |
|
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A:
|
|
The shares covered by your proxy card represent shares of Handleman Company
stock that you own either as a: |
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shareholder of record; or |
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|
|
participant in the Handleman stock fund within the Companys 401(k) Plan; or |
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beneficial owner of shares held in street name. |
10. |
|
Q: What is the difference between holding shares as a shareholder of record and as a
beneficial owner? |
|
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A:
|
|
If your shares are registered directly in your name with Handleman Companys
transfer agent, BNY Mellon Shareholder Services, you are considered the shareholder of
record. The Proxy Statement, 2008 annual report and proxy card have been sent
directly to you by Handleman Company c/o BNY Mellon Shareholder Services. |
|
|
|
If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee,
you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name. The Proxy
Statement and 2008 annual report have been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or
nominee, which is considered the shareholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you
have the right to direct your broker, bank or nominee how to vote your shares by
using the voting instruction card included in the mailing or by following their
instructions for voting by telephone or the Internet. |
A-3
|
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A:
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You may vote using any of the following methods: |
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|
proxy card or voting instruction card. Be sure to sign and date the card and
return it in the prepaid envelope. If you are a shareholder of record and you
return your signed proxy card but do not indicate your voting preferences, the
persons named in the proxy card will vote FOR each of its Nominees for
Directors, FOR the Plan of Liquidation, FOR the adjournment proposal and
FOR the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm; or |
|
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|
|
|
by telephone or the Internet. The telephone and Internet voting procedures
established by Handleman Company for shareholders of record are designed to
authenticate your identity, to allow you to give your voting instructions and to
confirm that these instructions have been properly recorded. The availability
of telephone and Internet voting for beneficial owners will depend on the voting
process of your broker, bank or nominee. Therefore, we recommend that you
follow the voting instructions in the materials you receive; or |
|
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|
|
in person at the Annual Meeting. All shareholders may vote in person at the
Annual Meeting. If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you must obtain a
legal proxy from your broker, bank or nominee and present it to the inspector of
election with your ballot when you vote at the meeting. |
12. |
|
Q: What is the effect of not voting? |
|
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A:
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|
It will depend on how your share ownership is registered. If you own shares as
a shareholder of record and do not return a signed proxy card, your shares will not
count toward the quorum and will not be voted. |
|
|
|
If you are a beneficial owner and do not vote, your broker may represent your shares
at the meeting for purposes of obtaining a quorum. In the absence of your voting
instructions, your broker may or may not vote your shares in its discretion depending
on the proposals before the meeting. |
|
|
|
Your broker may vote your shares in its discretion and your shares will count toward
the quorum requirement on routine matters. Regarding non-routine matters, your
broker may not be able to vote your shares in its discretion. The election of
Directors and the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered
public accounting firm are routine matters on which brokers are permitted to vote on
behalf of their clients if no voting instructions are furnished. |
A-4
13. |
|
Q: What can I do if I change my mind after I vote my shares? |
|
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A:
|
|
If you are a shareholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time
before it is voted at the Annual Meeting by one of the following actions: |
|
|
|
send written notice of revocation to the Office of the Corporate Secretary,
Handleman Company, 500 Kirts Boulevard, Troy, MI 48084; or |
|
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|
|
submit a new proxy by telephone, Internet or paper ballot, after the date of
the revoked proxy; or |
|
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|
|
attend the Annual Meeting and vote in person. |
If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may submit new voting instructions by
contacting your broker, bank or nominee. You may also vote in person at the Annual
Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy as described in the answer to the previous
question.
14. |
|
Q: How do participants in the Handleman Company 401(k) Plan vote their shares? |
|
|
|
A:
|
|
As a participant in the Handleman Company 401(k) Plan, you have the right to
direct Fidelity Management Trust Company how to vote the shares of Handleman Company
credited to your account. |
|
|
|
You have been sent a Proxy Statement, 2008 annual report and proxy card from
Handleman Company c/o BNY Mellon Shareholder Services. BNY Mellon Shareholder
Services will transmit your voting instructions to Fidelity Management Trust Company
who will vote the shares on your behalf. |
|
|
|
The shares credited to your account will be voted as directed; if the proxy card is
not received by September 26, 2008 the shares credited to your account will not be
voted. |
15. |
|
Q: How do shareholders of record vote their shares if they are also participants in the
Handleman Company 401(k) Plan? |
|
|
|
A:
|
|
Shareholders of record who also own shares in the Handleman Company 401(k) Plan
and maintain the same registration for both accounts will receive one proxy card for
their total shares. The Proxy Statement, 2008 annual report and proxy card have been
sent directly to you by Handleman Company c/o BNY Mellon Shareholder Services. |
|
|
|
For the shares credited to your 401(k) Plan account, BNY Mellon Shareholder Services
will transmit your voting instructions to Fidelity Management Trust Company, who will
vote the shares on your behalf. The shares will be voted as directed; if your proxy
card is not received by September 26, 2008, the shares credited to your 401(k) Plan
account will not be voted. |
A-5
16. |
|
Q: What does it mean if I get more than one proxy card? |
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A: |
|
It means your shares are in more than one account. You should vote the shares
on all your proxy cards. If you are shareholder of record we encourage you to have all
your shares registered in the same name and address. |
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To register all your shares in the same name or if you have other questions about
your stock holdings please contact BNY Mellon Shareholder Services by telephone by
calling: |
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U.S. Shareholders:
|
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(800) 851-1713 |
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TDD for U.S. Hearing Impaired Shareholders:
|
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(800) 231-5469 |
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Foreign Shareholders:
|
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(201) 680-6578 |
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TDD for Foreign Hearing Impaired Shareholders:
|
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(201) 680-6610 |
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If you wish to communicate with BNY Mellon Shareholder Services by e-mail you can do
so by contacting them at shrrelations@bnymellon.com. Shareholders can view
their certificate history or make address changes on BNY Mellon Shareholder Services
website www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/ISD |
|
17. |
|
Q: Will there be a management presentation at the Annual Meeting? |
|
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|
A:
|
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Albert A. Koch, President and Chief Executive Officer, will report on the
Company and respond to appropriate questions from shareholders. |
18. |
|
Q: Who can attend the Annual Meeting? |
|
|
|
A:
|
|
All shareholders of record as of the close of business on August 4, 2008 can
attend. Seating at the Annual Meeting will be on a first arrival basis. |
19. |
|
Q: What do I need to attend the Annual Meeting? |
|
|
|
A:
|
|
To attend the Annual Meeting, please follow these instructions: |
|
|
|
to enter the Annual Meeting, bring your proof of ownership and identification; or |
|
|
|
|
if a broker or other nominee holds your shares, bring proof of your ownership
with you to the Annual Meeting. |
20. |
|
Q: Can I bring a guest? |
|
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|
A:
|
|
Shareholders can bring a guest. Seating availability will be on a first arrival basis. |
A-6
21. |
|
Q: Who will count the vote? |
|
|
|
A:
|
|
The Handleman Company Corporate Secretary will tabulate the votes and act as inspector
of election at the Annual Meeting. |
22. |
|
Q: How much did this proxy solicitation cost? |
|
|
|
|
A:
|
|
The Company will solicit proxies by mail and will cover the expense of such
solicitation. BNY Mellon Investor Services LLC, 480 Washington Boulevard,
29th Floor, Jersey City, NJ 07310 will help us solicit proxies from brokers,
banks and other nominees at a cost of $5,500 plus out-of-pocket expenses. We may
reimburse brokers or other nominees for reasonable expenses they incur in sending these
proxy materials to you if you are a beneficial owner. |
|
23. |
|
Q: How do I recommend someone to be a candidate for election as a Director at the
2009 Annual Meeting? |
|
|
|
|
A:
|
|
You may recommend any person to be a Director by writing to the Corporate
Secretary of the Company. The Companys By-laws require that shareholders send written
notice no later than May 8, 2009, in order to recommend an individual for consideration
as a Director at the 2009 Annual Meeting. In accordance with the Companys By-laws, the
notice must set forth (a) as to each person whom the shareholder proposes to nominate
for election (1) the name, age, business, address and residence address of such person,
(2) the principal occupation or employment of such person, (3) the class and number of
shares of the corporation that are beneficially owned by such person and (4) such
persons written consent to being named in the Proxy Statement as a nominee and to
serve as a Director if elected; and (b) as to the shareholder giving the notice (1) the
name and address, as they appear on the corporations books, of such shareholder and
(2) the class and number of shares of the corporation that are beneficially owned by
such shareholder. |
|
24. |
|
Q: When are shareholder proposals due for the 2009 Annual Meeting? |
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A:
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Shareholder proposals must be presented by May 8, 2009 to be included in the
Companys proxy materials for the 2009 Annual Meeting. |
|
A-7
25. |
|
Q: Where can I find a copy of the Audit Committee Charter, Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee Charter, Compensation Committee Charter,
Corporate Governance
Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Handleman Company? |
|
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A:
|
|
The Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and
Compensation Committee Charters, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics are also posted on the Companys web site,
www.handleman.com, under
Investor Relations/Corporate Governance. |
|
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|
The Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Compensation
Committee Charters, Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics are also available in print to any shareholder or interested party who
requests them by contacting the Corporate Secretary, Handleman Company, 500 Kirts
Blvd., Troy, MI 48084. |
26. |
|
Q: Can I access the Proxy Statement and 2008 annual report on the Internet instead of
receiving paper copies? |
|
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|
A:
|
|
This Proxy Statement and the 2008 annual report are located on Handleman
Companys web site. Shareholders can access future Proxy Statements and annual reports
on the Internet instead of receiving paper copies in the mail. |
|
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|
If you are a shareholder of record, you can choose this option by marking the
appropriate box on your proxy card or by following the instructions if you vote by
telephone or the Internet. If you choose to access future Proxy Statements and annual
reports on the Internet, you will receive a proxy card in the mail next year with
instructions containing the Internet address for those materials. Your choice will
remain in effect until you advise Handleman Company otherwise. |
|
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If you are a beneficial owner, please refer to the information provided by your
broker, bank or nominee for instructions on how to elect to access future Proxy
Statements and annual reports on the Internet. Most beneficial owners who elect
electronic access will receive an e-mail message next year containing the Internet
address for access to the Proxy Statement and annual report. |
27. |
|
Q: How do I obtain more information about Handleman Company? |
|
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A:
|
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You may obtain additional information about Handleman Company in one of the
following manners: |
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contact the Vice President, Investor Relations, at 1-248-362-4400, Extension
211; or |
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go to the website at www.handleman.com; or |
|
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write to: |
Handleman Company
Attention: Investor Relations
500 Kirts Blvd.
Troy, MI 48084
A-8
Appendix B
HANDLEMAN COMPANY
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
These Corporate Governance Guidelines, together with the Charters of the Audit Committee,
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee and the Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics, provide the framework for the governance of Handleman Company (Handleman).
The Guidelines, Committee Charters and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics are available on
Handlemans website, www.handleman.com.
Handleman best serves its stakeholders interests through the perpetuation of a growing,
financially sound business enterprise that is committed to sound operating principals and values.
Handlemans Board of Directors (Board) is responsible for determining that Handlemans management
operates Handleman in such a way to ensure this result. This must be an active, as opposed to
passive, responsibility. The Board has the responsibility to ensure that management is capably
executing its responsibilities, and to regularly monitor the effectiveness of management policies
and decisions, including the execution of its strategies.
In addition to fulfilling its obligations for increased shareholder value, the Board has
responsibility to Handlemans customers, employees, suppliers and to the communities where it
operates all of whom are essential to a successful business. Handleman best meets these
responsibilities through sound business operations.
These guidelines and amendments require the Board of Directors approval. The Boards Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee (Committee) has been empowered by its charter to review and
recommend Handlemans corporate governance practices and policies, which may include benchmarking
Handlemans corporate governance practice against the best practices of other public companies and
making recommendations to the Board to assure that Handleman meets or exceeds the established best
practices. In this regard, the Committee reviews guidelines or practices adopted by other leading
public companies, surveys and trend information. The Committee will report its findings and
recommendations for action by the Board.
1. |
|
Selection of Chairperson and CEO; Presiding Director: Currently, Handlemans Chairperson of
the Board (Chairperson) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) are independent roles. When the
Board does not designate the Chairperson of the Board as the CEO, then the President by virtue
of his office is the CEO. |
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|
The Board has no policy respecting the need to separate or combine the offices of Chairperson
and CEO. The Board believes that this issue is part of the succession planning process and that
it is in Handlemans best interests to make a determination each time it appoints the CEO. |
|
|
|
In the event that the Chairperson of the Board is the Chief Executive Officer, then the Board
would designate an independent Director to serve as Presiding Director. Duties and
responsibilities of the Presiding Director include: |
|
a. |
|
Presiding over executive sessions of the independent Board members. |
|
|
b. |
|
Advising the CEO of appropriate feedback from the executive session
including any actions to be taken, as well as any issues or concerns raised by the
independent Directors. |
|
|
c. |
|
Advising on the agenda for the Board meetings. |
|
|
d. |
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Meeting with senior officers, if deemed appropriate, to discuss the business
and issues facing Handleman. |
|
|
e. |
|
Working with the Chairperson of the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee in the selection of the Committee Chairs. |
|
|
f. |
|
Meeting with shareholders, if appropriate, to discuss their concerns. |
The Chairs of the Compensation Committee, Audit Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee would rotate annually in the position of Presiding Director.
B-1
2. |
|
Meeting without CEO: If the Chairperson of the Board does not serve as the CEO, then the
Chairperson of the Board will chair any meetings of the independent directors. If the
Chairperson of the Board serves as the CEO, then the Presiding Director will chair the
meetings of the independent directors. |
3. |
|
Number of Committees: The Board has the following committees: Audit Committee, Compensation
Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Board has the authority to
form a new committee or disband a current committee. It is the Boards policy that only
independent Directors serve on the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee. |
4. |
|
Assignment and Rotation of Committee Members: The Chairperson of the Corporate Governance and
Nominating Committee with the assistance of the either the independent Chairperson of the
Board or the Presiding Director recommends the appointment of members to the committees, the
composition of which is discussed and ratified by the Board, taking into account the desires
and suggestions of individual Directors. It is the belief of the Board that committee
rotation is a desirable principle, but should not be mandated as a policy because there may be
reasons that justify maintaining an individual Directors committee membership for longer or
shorter periods, including the time it takes a Director to gain the substantive knowledge to
become an active contributor. |
5. |
|
Committee Independence: The Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee are to be comprised entirely of independent Directors. |
6. |
|
Committee Structure: The Audit, Compensation, and Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committees will adopt written charters that specify each Committees responsibilities and
duties. |
7. |
|
Frequency and Length of Committee Meetings: The Chair of each committee, in consultation with
its members, determines the frequency and length of the meetings of the committee. |
8. |
|
Committee Agenda: The Chair of each committee, in consultation with the appropriate Officers,
will develop the committees agenda. At the beginning of the Board year (from annual
shareholders meeting to annual shareholders meeting), each committee will establish a schedule
of agenda subjects to be discussed during the year (to the extent these can be foreseen); the
schedule for each committee will be furnished to all Directors. The Chair of each committee
will distribute the agenda for each meeting to all Directors in advance and solicit
suggestions for changes or additions. |
9. |
|
Selection of Agenda Items for Board Meetings: At the beginning of the Board year, the
Chairperson will establish a schedule of agenda subjects for the Directors to discuss during
the year (to the extent the Chairperson and the Board can foresee these subjects). In the
instance of a Chairperson/CEO, the then Chairperson/CEO will establish the agenda for each
Board meeting and distribute it to the Presiding Director in advance and solicit suggestions
for changes or additions. Each Board member is free to suggest the inclusion of items on the
agenda. The agenda will include reports from each committee that has held a meeting. At least
one Board meeting each year will be a Board retreat, the principal purpose of which will be
a Board review of long-term strategic plans and the principal issues that Handleman will face
in the future. The Board will have a minimum of six scheduled meetings per Board year and
will be on call for additional meetings as needed. |
10. |
|
Board Materials: The Chairperson will distribute to the Board in writing information and data
that are important to the Boards understanding of the business at least one week before the
scheduled Board meeting (where practical). The Chairperson will assure that the material
submitted by Handleman Officers (Officers) is concise yet comprehensive, and will make an
ongoing effort to solicit suggestions from independent Directors on how best to meet their
information needs. The Chairperson, and/or Handlemans Chief Financial Officer will send the
Directors interim financial and operational reports monthly. |
11. |
|
Retention of Consultants: The Board has full authority to retain such financial, legal, or
other consultants, as it deems appropriate. Handleman will make the necessary funds available
to pay for such services. |
12. |
|
Director Responsibilities: Handleman expects the Directors to use their best efforts to attend all
Board, and committee meetings on which such Director serves, and the Annual Shareholders
Meeting. Attendance by phone is acceptable if a Director cannot attend meetings due to travel
problems, schedule conflicts or similar causes. Directors must, however, be present for the
majority of the meeting in order to achieve a present attendance status and compensation for
the meeting. |
B-2
13. |
|
Regular Attendance of Non-Directors at Board Meetings: The Chairperson and/or CEO will invite
the appropriate Officers and Handleman employees to attend certain meetings when the
Chairperson and/or CEO determine that their presence will significantly enhance the quality of
Board decisions. Generally, the Chairperson and/or CEO will request the attendance of
non-Directors when the Chairperson and/or CEO determine that the Board requires their
expertise or when their attendance furthers the goals as stated in Item 15 herein (e.g., at
the Board retreat). |
14. |
|
Executive Sessions of Independent Directors: The independent Directors will meet in executive
session during each scheduled Board meeting. Where the Chairperson does not serve as the CEO,
then the Chairperson will preside over the meeting. Where the Chairperson also serves as CEO,
the Presiding Director will preside over the executive session and will report to the
Chairperson and CEO on the nature of the discussion immediately following the Board meeting.
If the Presiding Director is unavailable to preside over an executive session, the Director
designated to follow in the rotation as Presiding Director shall serve as Presiding Director
for that meeting. |
15. |
|
Board Access to Senior Management: The Board Chairperson, or Presiding Director, if
applicable, will have complete access to Handlemans Officers and counsel and will communicate
issues brought up by management with the other outside Directors. It is assumed that the
Presiding Director will use appropriate judgment to be sure that this contact is not
distracting to Handlemans business operation and that such contact, if in writing, be copied
to the Chairperson and CEO under normal circumstances. Furthermore, the Board encourages the
Chairperson and CEO, from time to time, to bring executives into Board meetings who: (a) can
provide additional insight into the items being discussed because of personal involvement in
these areas or (b) represent executives with future potential that the Chairperson and CEO
believes should be given exposure to the Board. The Board may retain outside counsel of its
choice with respect to any issue relating to its activities. Handleman will advise the
Chairperson and CEO if it selects a law firm on the Boards behalf and of the issues that the
law firm will address. |
16. |
|
Board Compensation Review: Only non-employee Directors receive payment for serving in the
Board. The Compensation Committee is responsible for annually evaluating and recommending
Director compensation programs, including retainers, fees and stock grants, for discussion and
concurrence by the full Board. Given the conflict inherent with Directors setting their own
pay levels, these recommendations will be based upon information in relation to other
comparable U.S. companies and in consideration of the most current best practices provided by
outside consultants and/or director compensation surveys. |
17. |
|
Size of the Board: It is the opinion of the Board that the optimal size of the Board under
normal circumstances is 3 to 10 members. This size permits both a diversity of skills and
views available to contribute to the duties of the Board and its Committees as well as the
coordination and participation of all Directors in Board deliberations. However, the Board
would be willing to deviate from the optimal size of the Board to either a smaller size
reflective of Handlemans financial and business status or to a larger size in order to
accommodate the availability of an outstanding candidate. |
18. |
|
Mix of Inside and Outside Directors: The Board believes that, as a matter of policy, there
should be a majority of independent Directors on the Handleman Board. |
19. |
|
Definition of Independent Director: Handleman has adopted the following definition of an
independent Director: one who (a) is not and has not been employed by Handleman or its
subsidiaries in an executive capacity; (b) is not an advisor or consultant to Handleman (c) is
not affiliated with a significant customer of or supplier to Handleman (d) does not have a
personal services contract or arrangement with Handleman; (e) is not affiliated with a
tax-exempt entity that receives significant contributions from Handleman; and (f) is not a
spouse, parent, sibling or child of a Board member or senior executive of Handleman. The
Board believes that all present outside Directors are independent. Compliance with the
definition of independence is reviewed annually by the Corporate Governance and Nominating
Committee. |
|
|
|
The Board will establish and maintain standards used to determine which directors are
independent. These standards shall consider the definition of (i) an independent director as
defined under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, as may be amended from time to time (ii)
a Non-Employee Director, as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under Section 16 of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and (iii) an outside director under
Regulation Section 1.162-27 promulgated under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended. |
B-3
|
|
In addition, to be independent of management of Handleman, a Board member cannot have engaged in
any transaction or have been involved in any business relationship or otherwise that is
described or set forth in Item 404 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission. |
|
|
Each independent Director shall notify the Chairperson and CEO and the Chairperson of the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, as soon as practical, of any event, situation or
condition that may affect the Boards evaluation of his or her independence. |
20. |
|
Stock Ownership of Outside Directors: The Board requires that each outside Director own
Handleman stock. The Boards policy is that each outside Director should, within five years
of first election to the Board, own 5,500 shares of Handleman stock. |
21. |
|
Loans to Directors and Executive Officers: It is Handlemans policy not to make any personal
loans to its Directors and Officers. |
22. |
|
Former Chief Executive Officers Board Membership: The Board believes this is a matter to be
decided in each individual instance. It is assumed that when the Chief Executive Officer
resigns from that position, he/she should offer his/her resignation from the Board at the same
time. Whether the individual continues to serve on the Board is a matter for discussion at
that time with the new CEO and the Board. |
23. |
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Board Membership Criteria: The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible
for reviewing with the Board periodically the appropriate skills and characteristics required
of Board members in the context of the current make-up of the Board. This assessment should
include issues of diversity, age, skills such as understanding of marketing, finance,
regulation and public policy, international background, other time demands (including service
on other boards), commitment to Handlemans shared values, etc. all in the context of an
assessment of Handlemans perceived needs and the Board at that point in time. |
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In order to optimize Directors ability to represent the interest of the Handlemans
shareholders and other constituencies, the Board has established a guideline whereby individuals
nominated to serve as a Handleman Director can serve as a director on a maximum of five other
public company boards. Directors should advise the Chairperson and CEO and the Chairperson of
the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee in advance of accepting an invitation to serve
on another companys Board of Directors. |
24. |
|
Identifying New Director Candidates/Extending Invitations to Board: The Board itself should
be responsible, in fact as well as procedure, for soliciting input from shareholders or
others, for identifying new members and for recommending them for election by the
shareholders. The Board delegates the screening process involved to the Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee and the Board Chairperson or Presiding Director, if applicable, with
direct input from the Chairperson and CEO. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
is responsible for evaluating and recommending criteria for Board membership. The Chairperson,
CEO and the Chair of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee should extend the
invitation to join the Board. |
25. |
|
Assessing the Boards Performance: The Board commits to participate in a process of
self-evaluation annually, led by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. This will
be discussed annually with the full Board. This assessment should be of the Boards
contribution as a whole and should specifically review areas in which the Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee or the Chairperson and/or CEO believe it could make a better
contribution. Its purpose is to increase the effectiveness of the Board. The purpose of the
evaluation will be to discover if there are changes to the Boards structure and operations,
which will maximize the value that the Board provides to Handleman. |
26. |
|
Directors Who Change Their Present Job Responsibility: It is the sense of the Board that individual
Directors who change in a substantial way the business responsibility they held when they were
elected to the Board, or who develop a conflict as a Handleman Director with the persons
position in, or role with, another entity should inform the Chairperson and CEO and the Chair
of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the change. In addition, they must
volunteer to resign from the Board. It is not the sense of the Board that the Directors who
retire from or change substantially the position they held when they became a Director should
necessarily leave the Board. There should, however, be an opportunity of the Board via the
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee to review the continued appropriateness of Board
membership under these circumstances. |
B-4
27. |
|
Director Tenure: The Board comprises three classes of
Directors, with approximately one-third
of the Directors assigned to each class. The members of each class are elected for a term of
three years. |
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The Board does not believe that it should establish term limits. While term limits could help
ensure that there are fresh ideas and viewpoints available to the Board, in some cases term
limits may disadvantage the Board because it risks losing the contribution of Directors who have
been able to develop over a period of time increasing insight into Handleman and its operations
and, therefore, provide an increasing contribution to the Board as a whole. As an alternative
to strict term limits, the Directors and Corporate Governance Committee, in conjunction with the
Chairperson and CEO, reviews each Directors continuation on the Board at the expiration of his
or her term. This also allows each Director the opportunity to confirm his/her desire to
continue as a member of the Board and to access whether the Board member is providing meaningful
contributions to the Board based on the Handlemans direction and strategy. |
28. |
|
Retirement Age: Directors will submit a written resignation to the Board not later than the
annual meeting of shareholders that follows their seventysecond birthday. Directors may stand
for reelection even though the Boards retirement policy would prevent them from completing a
full three year term. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee will review the
desirability of continued service by that Director in light of Handlemans needs at that time
and make a recommendation to the Board. If continued service is requested, that Director will
then annually submit a written resignation to be considered by the Board. |
29. |
|
Voting for Directors: In an uncontested election, any nominee for Director who receives a
greater number of votes withheld from his or her election than votes for such election (a
Majority Withheld Vote) shall promptly tender his or her resignation following certification
of the shareholder vote. |
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The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee shall consider the resignation and recommend
to the Board whether to accept it. The Board will act on the Committee recommendation within
90 days following the shareholder meeting. Board action on the matter will require the approval
of a majority of the independent Directors. |
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Handleman will disclose the Boards decision on a Form 8-K furnished to the Securities and
Exchange Commission within four business days after its reaches the decision to reject the
Directors resignation and the reasons why the Board rejected the Directors resignation. |
|
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Any Director who tenders his or her resignation pursuant to this provision shall not participate
in the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees deliberations regarding whether to accept
or reject the resignation offer. |
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If each member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee receives a Majority Withheld
Vote at the same election, then the independent Directors who do not receive a Majority Withheld
Vote shall appoint a committee amongst themselves to consider the resignations and recommend to
the Board whether to accept them. |
30. |
|
Formal Evaluation of the CEO: At the beginning of each fiscal year, the CEO will set forth in
writing to the Chair of the Compensation Committee the CEOs personal goals for the
performance of his duties and responsibilities during such fiscal year. The independent
Directors should make this evaluation annually, and it should be communicated to the CEO by
the Chair of the Compensation Committee. The evaluation should be based on objective
criteria, including comparison of the CEOs goals for the year against actual results,
performance of the business, accomplishment of long-term strategic objectives, management
development, and the like. The evaluation will be used by the Compensation Committee in the
course of its deliberations when considering the compensation of the CEO. |
31. |
|
Succession Planning: There will be an annual report by the CEO to the Board on succession
planning. There should also be available, on a continuing basis, the CEOs recommendations as
to a successor should the CEO be unexpectedly disabled. |
32. |
|
Management Development: There will be an annual report to the Board by the Chairperson and
CEO on Handlemans program for management development. This report should be given to the
Board at the same time as the succession planning report. |
B-5
33. |
|
Board Interaction with Institutional Investors, the Press, Customers, etc.: The Board
believes that, in general, it is optimal for the appropriate Officers to speak on Handlemans
behalf and to communicate such feedback to the Board. If applicable, the Presiding Director
and individual outside Board members may, from time to time, meet or otherwise communicate
with various constituencies that are involved with Handleman, including investors. Handleman
expects that Board members would do this with the knowledge of the Chairperson and CEO and
absent unusual circumstances, only at the request of the Chairperson and CEO. |
|
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Shareholders wishing to communicate with the Board Chairperson or the Presiding Director, if
applicable, or with the non-employee Directors as a group may send a letter by regular or
express mail addressed to: Secretary, Handleman Company, 500 Kirts Blvd., Troy, MI 48084,
Attention: Board Chairperson or Presiding Director or Non-Employee Directors. The Corporate
Secretary will deliver all correspondence to those Directors on a quarterly basis, unless
management determines by individual case that it should send the correspondence more promptly.
Handlemans Corporate Secretary will acknowledge all correspondence to Directors and may also
forward it within Handleman to the subject matter expert for an investigation. |
34. |
|
Adherence to Code of Business Conduct and Ethics: Each Director shall be familiar with and
adhere to Handlemans Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Directors shall annually
acknowledge in writing that the Director has complied with the Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics as it applies to the Director. If an actual or potential conflict arises for a
Director, the Director shall promptly inform the Presiding Director and Chairperson of the
Audit Committee. If a significant conflict exists that cannot be resolved, the Director will
submit a letter of resignation. |
|
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Additionally, a Financial Integrity and Controls Hotline will be maintained for employees to
report questionable accounting policies or practices, on an anonymous basis. Management will
report all such reports directly to the Audit Committee. |
35. |
|
Board Orientation: Each new Director will participate in an orientation program to be
acquainted with the business, the financial position, compliance policies, and other policies
relevant to Directors. In addition, Handleman distributes a Director Information Book to
each Director that contains information on director compensation, indemnification, meeting
schedules, Handlemans SEC filings and corporate by-laws. |
36. |
|
Continuing Education for Directors: One of Handlemans core values is continuous learning and
improvement. Handleman encourages and supports this value throughout all levels of the
organization. Board members also believe continuous learning is important to ensure the
Boards ongoing effectiveness. The Board encourages each Director to participate in at least
one continuing education program during each Board term. Annually, management will provide
the Board a list of certified continuing education programs available during the calendar
year. |
37. |
|
Transparency: The Board believes that it is important that Handlemans stakeholders and
others are able to review its corporate governance practices. Accordingly, Handleman will
publish its Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and Committee
Charters on Handlemans website. |
As amended March 2008
B-6
Appendix C
Plan of Final Liquidation and Dissolution of Handleman Company
This Plan of Final Liquidation and Dissolution (the Plan) is for the purpose
of effecting the complete liquidation and dissolution of Handleman Company, a
Michigan corporation (the Company) in accordance with the Michigan Business
Corporation Act (the MBCA) and Section 331 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the Code).
I. ADOPTION OF THE PLAN. The board of directors of the Company (the Board)
has adopted this Plan, and has directed that it be submitted it to approval by
shareholders at a meeting thereof for such purpose. If duly approved by a vote
of a majority of shares entitled to vote, the Plan shall therefore constitute
the adopted Plan of the Company as of the date of the Boards adoption of the
Plan (the Adoption Date). The date on which the Company files a certificate
of dissolution under MBCA § 804 shall be the Dissolution Date.
II. LIQUIDATION OF ASSETS. The Company shall determine whether and when to
sell, exchange, transfer, lease, license or otherwise dispose of all of its
remaining property and assets, including the Companys intangible assets, in
one or more transactions upon such terms and conditions as the Board, in its
absolute discretion, deems expedient and in the best interests of the Company
and the shareholders. The Company will not be required to obtain appraisals or
other third party opinions as to the value of its properties and assets in
connection with the liquidation. As part of the liquidation of its property
and assets, the Company shall collect, or make provision for the collection of,
all accounts receivable, debts and claims owing to the Company. In connection
with and for the purpose of implementing and assuring completion of this Plan,
the Company may, in the absolute discretion of the Board, pay any brokerage,
agency, professional and other fees and expenses of persons rendering services
to the Company in connection with the collection, sale, exchange or other
disposition of the Companys property and assets and the implementation of this
Plan.
III. PAYMENT OF DEBTS. Prior to making any distributions to the shareholders,
the Company shall pay, or as determined by the Board, make reasonable provision
to pay, all claims and obligations of the Company.
IV. DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS. Following the payment or the provision for
the payment of the Companys claims and obligations as provided above, the
Company shall distribute pro rata to the shareholders all remaining assets,
including the cash proceeds of any sale, exchange or disposition. The Company
shall distribute substantially all of its net assets to shareholders in
accordance with their respective interests within one year after the date of
the closing of the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of its
property and assets.
V. POWERS OF BOARD AND OFFICERS. The Board may interpret the provisions of
this Plan, make, execute and deliver such other agreements, conveyances,
assignments, transfers, certificates and other documents and take such other
action as the Board and the officers of the Company deem necessary or desirable
in order to carry out the provisions of this Plan. Prior to the filing of a
certificate of dissolution, the Board shall have full authority to abandon and
revoke the dissolution as the Board deems appropriate without further
shareholder action.
C-1
Pink Sheets: HDLM www.handleman.com
The sha r e s r e presented by thi s prox y will be voted in accordance with the spe cif ic ati ons
made here n i . If no specificatio ns are made, thi s proxy wil l be vote d FOR it s nomi nees o f
r Di re ctors, FOR appro val of the Pl an of Liquidation, FOR Ple ase authorizatio n of h t e adj
ournment proposal and FOR t h e rati fic atio n of the Audi t Commit t e e s ap poi ntm en t of
Gra nt Thorn ton LLP as t h e Comp anys independen t register ed public accoun ting ifrm for t he
f i scal year ending May 2, 2009. Mark He re f o r Address Change or Comments |
The Board of Dir ectors recommends a vote FOR ts i nomi nees o f r Directors, FOR approval of
the Plan of Liquidation, FOR authorization of the adjournment proposal and FOR the ratif icatio
n of h t e Audit Committee s appointment of Gra nt Thornton LLP as the Companys in depen dent
register ed publi c accounting if rm f o r the fis cal year ending May 2, 2009. FOR AGAINST ABSTAI
N |
I t em 1 -The el ection of t w o Dir ectors. Ite m 2 -To approve the proposed Plan of Liquidation
and Dissolu tio n. |
Nominees for Terms o t Exp ire at t h e 2011 Annual Meeting are:
01 Eugene A. Miller Ite m 3 -To authori ze Handle man Compan ys board of directors or its
FOR AGAINST ABSTAI N |
FOR all WITHHOLD Chairman of h t e Board , in h t ei r discr etion,
to adjo urn or postpone |
02 Adam D. Sexton nominees AUTHORITY listed t o h t e left to vote o f r all the meeti
ng o f r f u rther soli ci a t t i on of proxies if there are not ( e xcept as marked
nominees liste d sufficient vote s at the orig inally schedule d time of the meetin g o t
t o h t e contrary below) t o t h e e l ft approve I t em 2. FOR AGAINST ABSTAI N |
Ite m 4 -To rati y f h t e appoin tmen t
of Grant Thornto n LLP as h t e Companys
independent registered public accounting
firm for h t e fiscal year ending May 2,
2009. |
( I NSTR U CT ION : o T withhol d aut hority o t v o te or f a ny n i idvi d u al n o m ne i ,e wri
e t hat t no min e s n a me in the pace s pr ovi d e d below) t I em 5 -To transact such other bu
siness as may pro perly come before t h e Annual Meeti ng and any adjournment thereof. |
Signature Sig nature Dated , 2008
The sig nature(s) of shareholder(s) should correspond exactly with t h e name(s) stenciled hereon.
Joint owners should sign individually. When signing as attorney, executor, admin istrator, trustee
or guardian, please give your u f ll it tle as such. Please date, sign and mail t h is proxy n i t
h e enclosed envelope. |
WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IN TERNET OR TELEPHONE VOTING, BOTH ARE AVAILABLE 24
HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK. |
Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day prior to the October 1, 2008 annual meeting day. |
Your Internet or telephone vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the
same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card. |
IN TERNET TELEPHONE http://www.p roxyvoting.com/hdl 1-866-540-5760 |
Use the in t e rnet to vote your proxy. OR Use any touch-tone telephone to Have
your proxy card in hand vote your proxy. Have your proxy when you access the web
site . card in hand when you call. |
If you vote your proxy by n I ternet or by e t lephone, you do NOT need to mail back
your proxy card. To vote by mail, mark, sign and date your proxy card and r e turn t i n i
the enclosed postage-paid envelope. |
Choose MLinkSM for a f st, easy and secure 24/7 online access to your future proxy
materials, in vestment plan statements, tax documents and more. Simply log on t o Investor
ServiceDirect® at www.bnymellon.com/shareowner/isd where step-by-step n i structions
will prompt you t h rough enrollment. I understand t h at costs normally associated with
electronic delivery, such as usage and t e lephone charges as well as any costs I may n i cur in
printi ng documents , will be my responsibility. I |
understand that the Company may no o l nger distribute printed materials to me for any f u t u re
shareholder meeting until such consent is revoked. I understand h t at I may revoke my consent at
any t i me by contacting t h e Companys t r ansfer agent, BNY Mel on Shareowner Services, Jersey
City, NJ. |
You can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement on the in ternet at
www.handleman.com Reference Investor Relations/Key Financials |
HANDLEMAN COMPANY
ANNUAL MEETIN G OF SHAREHOLDERS
October 1, 2008
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS OF
HANDLEMAN COMPANY
James B. Nic holson, Lloyd E. Reuss
and Ralph J. Szygenda and each of h t em, are hereby authorized o t
repre sent and vote h t e stock
of h t e undersigned at the Annual Meeting
of Shareholders t o be held October 1,
2008, and at any adjournment h
t ereof. The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy
or proxies heretofore given
to vote such stock,
and hereby ratifies and confir ms all h t at said attorneys
and pr
oxies, or their substitutes,
may do by virtue hereof. I f
only one attorney and proxy shall be present and acting, then t h
at one shall have
and may exercise all h t
e powers of said at orneys and proxies.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges
receip t of the Notice of said Annual ng of Shareholders, the
Meeti
Pro
xy Statement relating thereto and t h e Annual Report o f r 2008.
(Continued and o t be signed on h t e oth er side) |
Address Change/Comments M ( ark the co r esponding box on the reve rse side) |
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
You can ow n
a cces s our y Hand lema n
Company ccou a n t n o line.
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shareholder account. |
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i V si t s u on
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To commence printin
g on this proxy card please sign,
date and fax this card to: 212-691-9013 |
SIGNATURE: ___DATE: ___TIME: ___ |
Registered Quantity (common) 3750 Broker Quantity 100 |