def14a
UNITED
STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the
Registrant o
Check the
appropriate box:
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o Preliminary
Proxy Statement
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o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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þ Definitive
Proxy Statement
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o Definitive
Additional Materials
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o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
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Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in
its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy
Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(4)
and 0-11.
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 0-11
(Set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined):
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(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by
Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2)
and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its
filing.
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(1) |
Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TWEETER
HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
40 Pequot Way
Canton, MA 02021
Dear Stockholder:
You are cordially invited to attend Tweeter Home Entertainment
Group, Inc.s (Tweeter or the
Company) annual meeting of stockholders on
January 25, 2007. The meeting will begin promptly at
10:30 AM at the offices of Goulston &
Storrs, P.C., 400 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts.
The official Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and form of
proxy are included with this letter. The matters listed in the
Notice of Meeting are described in detail in the proxy
statement. This year we are asking stockholders to elect three
Directors and to approve the selection of Tweeters
accountants.
The vote of every stockholder is important. Whether or not you
expect to attend the meeting in person, you are urged to submit
your proxy as soon as possible. You may submit your proxy
(1) over the Internet, (2) by telephone, or
(3) by signing, dating, and returning the enclosed proxy
card and mailing it in the postage-prepaid envelope provided.
The Board of Directors and management look forward to greeting
those stockholders who are able to attend.
Sincerely,
Joseph McGuire
President and Chief Executive Officer
TWEETER
HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
40 Pequot Way
Canton, MA 02021
December 28,
2006
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The annual meeting of stockholders (the Annual
Meeting) of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. will be
held at the offices of Goulston & Storrs, P.C., 400
Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, on January 25,
2007, at 10:30 AM, for the following purposes:
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1.
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To elect three Directors, each to serve for a three-year term or
until the election and qualification of their respective
successors.
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2.
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To act upon the approval of the designation of
Deloitte & Touche LLP to audit the books, records and
accounts of Tweeter for fiscal year 2007.
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3.
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To consider and act upon all other matters which may properly
come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or
adjournments thereof.
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The Board of Directors has set the close of business on Friday,
December 15, 2006, as the record date for the purpose of
determining the stockholders entitled to notice of, and to vote
at, the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof, and only
stockholders of record on that date will be entitled to notice
of and to vote at said meeting.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please fill in,
date, sign and return the enclosed proxy promptly in the return
envelope provided. Alternatively, if you have shares registered
directly with Tweeters transfer agent, Computershare, you
may choose to vote those shares via the Internet at
Computershares voting Web site
(http://www.computershare.com/expressvote),
or you may vote telephonically, within the U.S. and Canada only,
by calling Computershare at 1-800-652-8683 (toll free). If you
hold Tweeter shares with a broker or bank, you may also be
eligible to vote via the Internet or to vote telephonically if
your broker or bank participates in the proxy-voting program
provided by ADP Investor Communication Services. If your Tweeter
shares are held in an account with a broker or bank
participating in the ADP Investor Communication Services
program, you may be able to vote those shares via the Internet
at ADP Investor Communication Services voting Web site
(www.proxyvote.com) or telephonically by calling the telephone
number shown on your voting form. See Voting Via the
Internet or By Telephone in the proxy statement for
further details. You are cordially invited to attend the meeting.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Gregory Hunt
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
TWEETER
HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
PROXY
STATEMENT
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. (Nasdaq:
TWTR) for the annual meeting of stockholders to be
held on January 25, 2007. Only stockholders of record at
the close of business on December 15, 2006 are entitled to
notice of and to vote at the meeting. On or about
December 28, 2006, the proxy statement and form of proxy
will be sent to all stockholders of record.
Returning your completed proxy will not prevent you from voting
in person at the meeting should you be present and wish to do so.
Unless contrary instructions are indicated on the proxy, all
valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation (and not
revoked before they are voted) will be voted FOR the election of
the nominees for Director named herein and FOR the approval of
the designation of Deloitte & Touche LLP to audit
Tweeters books, records and accounts for fiscal year 2007.
If a stockholder specifies a different choice on the proxy, such
stockholders shares of common stock will be voted in
accordance with such specifications.
Any person giving a proxy in the form accompanying this proxy
statement has the power to revoke it at any time before its
exercise. A proxy may be revoked by filing with Tweeters
Secretary an instrument revoking it, by presenting an executed
proxy bearing a later date at the Annual Meeting, or by
attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person.
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by Tweeter.
Solicitations may be made by mail, personal interview, telephone
and/or
telegram by Tweeters Directors, officers and employees,
without additional compensation for such solicitation
activities. Tweeter will make arrangements with its transfer
agent, Computershare, to forward solicitation material to the
beneficial owners of Tweeters common stock held of record.
Tweeter will reimburse banks, brokerage firms, other custodians,
nominees and fiduciaries for reasonable expenses incurred in
sending proxy material to beneficial owners of common stock held
in their respective names.
Tweeter has retained the services of a proxy solicitation firm,
The Altman Group, Inc., for a fee of $1,900 plus reasonable out
of pocket expenses.
Copies of Tweeters 2006 Annual Report are being mailed to
stockholders together with this proxy statement. The Annual
Report contains Tweeters financial statements for the
fiscal years ended September 30, 2006, September 30,
2005 and September 30, 2004.
VOTING
SECURITIES
Holders of record of Tweeters common stock at the close of
business on Friday, December 15, 2006 (the Record
Date) have the right to receive notice of and to vote at
the Annual Meeting and any adjournments of the meeting. At the
Record Date, there were 25,492,178 shares of common stock
issued and outstanding. Each share of common stock entitles the
holder of that share to one vote on each matter submitted to a
vote at the Annual Meeting.
Under Tweeters bylaws, the presence, in person or by
proxy, of stockholders holding a majority in interest of the
issued and outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote
at the Annual Meeting is necessary to constitute a quorum.
Abstentions and broker non-votes are each included for purposes
of determining the presence or absence of a sufficient number of
shares to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
With respect to the approval of any particular proposal,
abstentions and broker non-votes are not counted in determining
the number of votes cast. Other than the election of Directors,
which requires a plurality of the votes cast in person or by
proxy, each matter to be submitted to the stockholders requires
the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast in person
or by proxy at the meeting.
Proposal 1:
Election of Directors
Nominees
for Director, Directors Continuing in Office and Executive
Officers
Tweeters bylaws provide for a Board of Directors
consisting of such number of Directors as may be fixed from time
to time by the Board. The Board is divided into three classes,
with each class holding office for a term of three years and the
term of office of one class expiring each year. The Board has
fixed the number of Directors to constitute the full Board for
the ensuing year at seven, three of whom are to be elected at
the Annual Meeting for a
term expiring at the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, two
whose terms expire at the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders,
and two whose terms expire at the 2008 annual meeting of
stockholders. Jeffrey Bloomberg, a Director since 1989 whose
term expires at this years Annual Meeting, is not standing
for re-election at this years Annual Meeting. Michael
Cronin, a Director since 1995 whose term would have expired in
2009, has submitted his resignation from the Board of Directors
effective on January 25, 2007, immediately prior to the
Annual Meeting. John Mahoney, a Director since 2004, Joseph
McGuire, a Director since 2006, and Jeffrey Stone, a Director
since 1990, are in the class of Directors whose term expires at
this years Annual Meeting. The Board, upon recommendation
of Tweeters Nominating and Governance Committee, has
nominated Mr. Mahoney, Mr. McGuire and Mr. Stone
for election to the class of Directors whose term will expire in
2010.
The persons named as proxies in the proxy card will vote the
shares represented by your proxy for the election of
Mr. Mahoney, Mr. McGuire and Mr. Stone as
Directors unless your proxy card specifies otherwise. If either
of the nominees for election to the Board should, for any reason
not now anticipated, not be available to serve as a Director,
the persons named as proxies will vote the shares for such other
candidate as may be designated by the Board, unless the Board
reduces the number of Directors constituting the full Board in
order to eliminate the vacancy. The Board has no reason to
believe that Mr. Mahoney, Mr. McGuire and
Mr. Stone will be unable to serve if elected.
The table below sets forth certain information with respect to
the nominees for election to the Board of Directors, those
Directors whose terms of office will continue after the Annual
Meeting and Tweeters Executive Officers.
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Expiration of
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Current or
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Principal Occupation, Business Experience and
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First Elected
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Proposed
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Name and Age
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Other Business Affiliations
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Director
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Term of Office
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Samuel Bloomberg, 55
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Director and Chairman of the Board
of Tweeter. Mr. Bloomberg has served as Chairman of the
Board since 1986 and served as the Chief Executive Officer from
1983 until 2000. Mr. Bloomberg is a co-founder of Tweeter.
Mr. Bloomberg is also a Director of PRO, the buying group
of specialty consumer electronics retailers of which Tweeter is
a member.
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1972
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2009
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Steven Fischman, 65(1)(3)(4)
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Director of Tweeter. Since 1992,
Mr. Fischman has been the President of New England
Development (NED), a regional mall developer based in New
England. From 1996 to August 1999, Mr. Fischman also served
as a Managing Director of the General Partner of Wells Park
Group Limited Partnership, a mall management company formed by
NED and an unrelated partner. Prior to joining NED,
Mr. Fischman was a Director and shareholder in the Boston
law firm of Goulston & Storrs, P.C.,
Tweeters legal counsel. Mr. Fischman is a Director of
Partners Healthcare System and is also Chairman of the Board of
Trustees of Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
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1998
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2008
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2
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Expiration of
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Current or
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Principal Occupation, Business Experience and
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First Elected
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Proposed
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Name and Age
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Other Business Affiliations
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Director
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Term of Office
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John Mahoney, 55(1)(4)
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Director of Tweeter. On
January 30, 2006, Mr. Mahoney was promoted to Vice
Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Staples, Inc. from
Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and Chief
Financial Officer. Prior to joining Staples as Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer in 1996, Mr. Mahoney
was a Partner with Ernst & Young for 20 years and
served on their National Office Accounting and Auditing group.
Mr. Mahoney currently serves on the board of ADVO, Inc.
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2004
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2010
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Jeffrey Stone, 49
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Director of Tweeter. In April 2005
Mr. Stone became the President and Chief Operating Officer
of Tivoli Audio, LLC, a supplier to Tweeter. Mr. Stone
served as the Chief Operating Officer of Tweeter from 1990 to
2000, and as President and Chief Executive Officer from January
2000 to March 2005. From 1987 to 1990 Mr. Stone served as
the Executive Vice President of Bread & Circus, a
specialty natural foods supermarket chain, and from 1983 to 1987
served as Vice President of Human Resources and Training for
Scandinavian Design, a specialty furniture retailer.
Mr. Stone is also on the Board of Directors of two
privately held companies.
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1990
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2010
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John Esposito, 51(1)(4)
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Director of Tweeter elected
April 26, 2006. Mr. Esposito is President and CEO of
WEA Corp., Warner Music Groups U.S. sales and retail
marketing company. Mr. Esposito also oversees Warner Music
Groups Alternative Distribution Alliance and Asylum
Records, East West Records and Cordless Recordings.
Mr. Esposito joined Warner Music Group from The Island Def
Jam Music Group and prior to this he held a variety of executive
positions at PolyGram, Inc.
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2006
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2008
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Karen Kaplan, 46(2)(4)
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Director of Tweeter elected
April 26, 2006. Ms. Kaplan is President of the Boston
office of Hill, Holliday communications agency. Ms. Kaplan
is treasurer of the Massachusetts Womens Forum, vice chair
of the board of directors of the Massachusetts Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and serves as a member of the
board of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Ms. Kaplan is
a director of ADVO, Inc.
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2006
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2009
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3
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Expiration of
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Current or
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Principal Occupation, Business Experience and
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First Elected
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Proposed
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Name and Age
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Other Business Affiliations
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Director
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Term of Office
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Joseph McGuire, 46
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Director of Tweeter elected
April 26, 2006. Mr. McGuire has served as
Tweeters President and Chief Executive Officer since July
2005. Prior to this, Mr. McGuire had served as Senior Vice
President from July 2001 and Chief Financial Officer from May
1996. From May 1996 to June 2001, Mr. McGuire also served
in the capacities of Vice President and Chief Information
Officer of Tweeter. Prior to joining Tweeter, Mr. McGuire
was the Chief Financial Officer of Bryn Mawr
Radio &Television Centre, Inc., from 1987 to 1996.
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2006
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2010
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Gregory Hunt, 50
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On August 1, 2006,
Mr. Hunt joined Tweeter as Senior Vice President and on
September 1, 2006 he was appointed as Tweeters Chief
Financial Officer. Prior to joining Tweeter, Mr. Hunt had
been employed for three years as Co-Chief Executive Officer,
Director and Chief Financial Officer of Syratech Corporation.
For the three years prior to that Mr. Hunt served as Senior
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NRT Incorporated.
Mr. Hunt began his career as an auditor with Price
Waterhouse and went on to earn a CPA designation.
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Philo Pappas, 47
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On April 21, 2003,
Mr. Pappas joined Tweeter as Senior Vice President and
Chief Merchandising Officer. Prior to joining Tweeter,
Mr. Pappas had been employed as the Senior Vice President,
Merchandising for Staples, Inc. Prior to joining Staples,
Mr. Pappas spent eight years with Lechmere in progressive
merchandising and inventory management positions.
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Patrick Reynolds, 38
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On April 17, 2006,
Mr. Reynolds joined Tweeter as Senior Vice President and
Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining Tweeter,
Mr. Reynolds had been employed as Senior Vice President at
Publicis. Prior to that, Mr. Reynolds served as Senior Vice
President at Hill Holliday and held a high-level managerial
position at DDB Worldwide.
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4
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Expiration of
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Principal Occupation, Business Experience and
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Name and Age
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Other Business Affiliations
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Director
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Term of Office
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William Morrison, 47
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Mr. Morrison was appointed Senior
Vice President, Chief Information Officer on November 1st,
2006. Mr. Morrison joined Tweeter as Vice President, Chief
Information Officer in May of 2001. Before joining Tweeter,
Mr. Morrison was Vice President of Information Technology
at Bradlees, a discount merchandiser, for three years. Previous
to that position he held various positions at Hit or Miss, a
womens apparel retailer, for over 15 years.
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(1)
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Member of the Audit Committee.
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(2)
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Member of the Compensation
Committee.
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(3)
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Member of the Nominating and
Governance Committee.
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(4)
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The Board of Directors has
determined that these directors are independent as
such term is defined under Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq
Stock Market Marketplace Rules.
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5
GENERAL
INFORMATION RELATING TO
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board
of Directors
The Board of Directors held four meetings in the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2006. No member of the Board of
Directors attended less than 75% of the total number of meetings
of the Board and committees thereof upon which he served during
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006.
Committees
of the Board of Directors
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, whose purpose is
to oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of
the Company and the audits of the financial statements of the
Company, consisted of John Mahoney, Michael Cronin and
Steven Fischman and, after he joined the Board of Directors,
John Esposito during the fiscal year ended September 30,
2006 and will consist of John Mahoney, Steven Fischman and John
Esposito commencing on January 25, 2007. The Audit
Committee held four meetings during the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006. The Audit Committee appointed
Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as Tweeters
auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2007. The
Board of Directors has determined that John Mahoney is an
Audit Committee financial expert, as that term is
defined in Item 401 of
Regulation S-K,
serving on its Audit Committee. The full responsibilities of the
Audit Committee are set forth in its charter, which is reviewed
and updated annually and approved by the Board, and is attached
hereto as Appendix A.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, whose
purpose is to establish and implement compensation policies and
programs for Tweeters executive officers and to exercise
all powers of the Board of Directors in connection with
Tweeters incentive compensation and benefit plans,
consisted of Michael Cronin and Matthew Bronfman during the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 until
Mr. Bronfmans resignation from the Board in April
2006, and of Michael Cronin and Karen Kaplan commencing in April
2006. The Board plans to appoint at least one additional
independent Director to the Compensation Committee following the
effectiveness of Mr. Cronins resignation from the
Board on January 25, 2007. The Compensation Committee held
two meetings during the fiscal year ended September 30,
2006 and approved the incentive plan to be implemented in fiscal
year 2007. The full responsibilities of the Compensation
Committee are set forth in its charter, which is reviewed and
updated annually and approved by the Board, and is attached
hereto as Appendix B.
The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of
Directors, which was known as the Nominating Committee during
the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 and whose purpose
is to assist the Board in identifying individuals qualified to
become directors under criteria approved by the Board and
periodically review director compensation and benefits and
recommend to the Board any improvements to Tweeters
corporate governance guidelines as it deems appropriate,
consisted of Michael Cronin, Matthew Bronfman and Steven
Fischman during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006
until Mr. Bronfmans resignation from the Board in
April 2006. The Board plans to appoint at least one additional
independent Director to the Nominating and Governance Committee
following the effectiveness of Mr. Cronins
resignation from the Board on January 25, 2007. The
Nominating and Governance Committee held one meeting during the
fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 and assisted with the
selection of persons nominated by the Board for election at this
years Annual Meeting. The full responsibilities of the
Nominating and Governance Committee are set forth in its
charter, which is reviewed and updated annually and approved by
the Board, and is attached hereto as Appendix C.
It is a policy of the Nominating and Governance Committee that
candidates for director be determined to have unquestionable
integrity and honesty, the ability to exercise sound, mature and
independent business judgment in the best interests of the
stockholders as a whole, a background and experience in fields
which will complement the talents of the other Board members,
the willingness and capability to take the time to actively
participate in Board and committee meetings and related
activities, the ability to work professionally and effectively
with other Board members and Tweeter management, the ability to
remain on the Board long enough to make an effective
contribution, and no material relationships with competitors or
other third parties that could present realistic possibilities
of conflict of interest or legal issues.
The Nominating and Governance Committee also considers the
Boards current composition and Tweeters evolving
needs, including expertise, diversity and balance of inside,
outside and independent directors. In compiling its list of
possible candidates and considering their qualification, the
Nominating and Governance Committee makes its own inquiries,
solicits input from other directors, and may consult or engage
other sources, such as a professional search firm, if it deems
appropriate.
6
The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider director
candidates recommended by stockholders provided the stockholders
follow the procedures set forth below. The committee does not
intend to alter the manner in which it evaluates candidates,
including the criteria set forth above, based on whether the
candidate was recommended by a stockholder or otherwise.
Stockholders who wish to recommend individuals for consideration
by the Nominating and Governance Committee to become nominees
for election to the Board of Directors at the next Annual
Meeting of Stockholders may do so by submitting a written
recommendation to the committee, care of Tweeter, at 40 Pequot
Way, Canton, MA 02021, Attention: Joseph McGuire, in accordance
with the procedures set forth below under the heading
Deadline for Receipt of Stockholder Proposals. For
nominees for election to the Board of Directors proposed by
stockholders to be considered, the following information
concerning each nominee must be timely submitted in accordance
with the required procedures:
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The candidates name, age, business address, residence
address, principal occupation or employment, the class and
number of shares of Tweeters capital stock the candidate
beneficially owns, a brief description of any direct or indirect
relationships with Tweeter, and the other information that would
be required in a proxy statement soliciting proxies for the
election of the candidate as a director;
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A signed consent of the nominee to being named as a nominee, to
cooperate with reasonable background checks and personal
interviews and to serve as a director of Tweeter, if
elected; and
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As to the stockholder proposing such nominee, that
stockholders name and address, the class and number of
shares of Tweeters capital stock the stockholder
beneficially owns, a description of all arrangements or
understandings between the stockholder and the candidate and any
other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to
which the recommendation is being made, a list of all other
companies that the stockholder has recommended the candidate to
for election as a director in that fiscal year, and a
representation that the stockholder intends to appear in person
or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person named in its
notice.
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Compensation
of Directors
Tweeter currently pays each non-employee Director
$5,000 per quarter, provided such Director attends a
meeting of the Directors scheduled for such quarter either in
person or by telephone. The amount is not pro rated if a
Director does not attend all meetings. All Directors are
reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in attending
meetings, but are not paid a per meeting fee. In addition to the
quarterly payment, members of the Audit Committee are paid
$2,000 per meeting of the Audit Committee and members of
the Compensation Committee are paid $500 per meeting of the
Compensation Committee. Upon each election or re-election, each
Director who is not also an employee or affiliate of Tweeter is
granted options under Tweeters 2004 Long-Term Incentive
Plan exercisable for the purchase of 5,000 shares of common
stock, with an exercise price of equal to or greater than the
fair market value of the common stock at the date of grant.
These options vest upon grant. A sitting Director also will
receive annual grants of 5,000 shares each year of his or
her term, with an exercise price equal to or greater than the
fair market value of the common stock on the date of the grant
and these options also vest upon grant.
Board of
Directors Recommendation
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE
FOR THE ELECTION OF THE BOARDS NOMINEES, JOHN
MAHONEY, JOSEPH MCGUIRE AND JEFFREY STONE. A PLURALITY OF THE
VOTES CAST IN PERSON OR BY PROXY AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IS
REQUIRED TO ELECT EACH NOMINEE AS DIRECTOR.
7
Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of Tweeters common stock as of
December 15, 2006 by (i) each person (including any
group as that term is used in Section 13(d)(3)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act) known by Tweeter to be the beneficial
owner of more than 5% of Tweeters common stock,
(ii) each of Tweeters Named Executives (as defined
below) and Directors, and (iii) all of Tweeters
executive officers and Directors as a group. Except as otherwise
indicated in the footnotes to this table, Tweeter believes that
the persons named in this table have sole voting and investment
power with respect to all of the shares of common stock
indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficially Owned(1)
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
as of
|
|
of
|
Name
|
|
December 15, 2006
|
|
Class
|
|
Named Executive Officers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Samuel Bloomberg*
|
|
|
1,730,840(2)
|
|
|
6.6
|
%
|
40 Pequot Way
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canton, MA 02021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph McGuire*
|
|
|
143,560(3)
|
|
|
**
|
|
40 Pequot Way
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canton, MA 02021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Philo Pappas
|
|
|
279,195(4)
|
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
40 Pequot Way
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canton, MA 02021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Judy Quye
|
|
|
271,132(5)
|
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
40 Pequot Way
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canton, MA 02021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Richardson
|
|
|
|
|
|
**
|
|
40 Pequot Way
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Canton, MA 02021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors/Director Nominees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Michael Cronin
|
|
|
1,273,761(6)
|
|
|
5.0
|
%
|
200 Clarendon Street,
50th Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boston, MA 02116
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey Stone
|
|
|
518,964(7)
|
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
451 D Street, Suite 902
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boston, MA 02210
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jeffrey Bloomberg
|
|
|
356,101(8)
|
|
|
1.4
|
%
|
40 Broad Street, 11th Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boston, MA 02109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven Fischman
|
|
|
168,800(9)
|
|
|
**
|
|
One Wells Avenue
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Newton, MA 02159
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Mahoney
|
|
|
17,500(10)
|
|
|
**
|
|
500 Staples Drive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Framingham, MA 01702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Esposito
|
|
|
10,000(11)
|
|
|
**
|
|
75 Rockefeller Plaza
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Karen Kaplan
|
|
|
10,000(11)
|
|
|
**
|
|
200 Clarendon Street
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boston, MA 02116
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers
as a Group (15 people)
|
|
|
4,837,123(12)
|
|
|
17.8
|
%
|
Beneficial Owners of more than 5%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital Group International,
Inc.
|
|
|
2,558,980(13)
|
|
|
10.0
|
%
|
11100 Santa Monica Blvd.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Los Angeles, CA 90025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prentice Capital Management, LP
|
|
|
2,206,007(14)
|
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
623 Fifth Avenue, 32nd Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, New York 10022
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Stock
|
|
|
|
|
Beneficially Owned(1)
|
|
Percent
|
|
|
as of
|
|
of
|
Name
|
|
December 15, 2006
|
|
Class
|
|
Dimensional Fund Advisors
Inc.
|
|
|
2,095,936(13)
|
|
|
8.2
|
%
|
1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Santa Monica, CA 90401
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adage Capital Partners, L.P.
|
|
|
1,657,062(13)
|
|
|
6.5
|
%
|
200 Clarendon Street,
52nd Floor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boston, MA 02116
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Royce & Associates, LLC
|
|
|
1,377,000(13)
|
|
|
5.4
|
%
|
1414 Avenue of the Americas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New York, NY 10019
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Mr. Bloomberg and
Mr. McGuire are also Directors of Tweeter.
|
|
|
**
|
|
Represents less than 1% of class.
|
|
(1)
|
|
Includes the number of shares and
percentage ownership represented by such shares determined to be
beneficially owned by a person in accordance with the rules of
the Securities and Exchange Commission. The number of shares
beneficially owned by a person includes shares of common stock
that are subject to options or warrants held by that person that
are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of
the Record Date. Such shares are deemed outstanding for the
purpose of computing the percentage of outstanding shares owned
by such person. Such shares are not deemed outstanding, however,
for the purposes of computing the percentage ownership of any
other person.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Includes 67,025 shares held,
in the aggregate, by the Samuel Bloomberg Family Trusts for the
benefit of Mr. Bloombergs children and
14,454 shares held by Carolina Bloomberg, the wife of
Mr. Bloomberg. Mr. Bloomberg expressly disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares held by the Samuel Bloomberg
Family Trusts and Carolina Bloomberg. Also includes
612,895 shares subject to options granted by Tweeter to
Mr. Bloomberg exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Includes 126,095 shares
subject to options granted by Tweeter to Mr. McGuire
exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Includes 117,195 shares
subject to options granted by Tweeter to Mr. Pappas
exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date. In addition,
Mr. Pappas has entered into a pre-paid variable share
forward agreement with CIBC World Markets Corp. with respect to
162,000 of his shares.
|
|
(5)
|
|
Includes 271,132 shares
subject to options granted by Tweeter to Ms. Quye
exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
Ms. Quyes employment with Tweeter ended on
November 13, 2006.
|
|
(6)
|
|
Includes 1,195,147 shares held
by Weston Presidio Capital IV, L.P. and WPC Entrepreneur
Fund II, L.P. (collectively, the Weston Funds).
Mr. Cronin is the managing member or partner of the general
partners of the Weston Funds. Mr. Cronin disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares held by the Weston Funds,
except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Also
includes 78,614 shares subject to options granted by
Tweeter to Mr. Cronin exercisable within 60 days of
the Record Date. Mr. Cronin has submitted his resignation
from the Board of Directors effective on January 25, 2007,
immediately prior to the Annual Meeting.
|
|
(7)
|
|
Includes 340,164 shares
subject to options granted by Tweeter to Mr. Stone
exercisable within 60 days of the Record Date.
|
|
(8)
|
|
Includes 22,896 shares held,
in the aggregate, by trusts for the benefit of
Mr. Bloombergs children. Mr. Bloomberg expressly
disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares. Also includes
44,000 shares subject to options granted by Tweeter to
Mr. Bloomberg exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date.
|
|
(9)
|
|
Includes 120,000 shares held
by NED Leasing LLC. Mr. Fischman owns 25% of the equity and
is a manager of NED Leasing LLC. Mr. Fischman disclaims
beneficial ownership of the shares held by NED Leasing LLC,
except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Also
includes 48,800 shares subject to options granted by
Tweeter to Mr. Fischman exercisable within 60 days of
the Record Date.
|
|
(10)
|
|
Includes 15,000 shares subject
to options granted by Tweeter to Mr. Mahoney exercisable
within 60 days of the Record Date.
|
|
(11)
|
|
Includes 10,000 shares subject
to options granted by Tweeter to Mr. Esposito and
Ms. Kaplan exercisable within 60 days of the Record
Date.
|
|
(12)
|
|
Includes 1,701,351 shares in
the aggregate subject to options granted by Tweeter to
Tweeters directors and executive officers exercisable
within 60 days of the Record Date.
|
|
(13)
|
|
Information concerning beneficial
ownership was obtained from Schedules 13G filed in December 2005
and July 2006.
|
|
(14)
|
|
Information concerning beneficial
ownership was obtained from a Schedule 13G/A filed in December
2005.
|
Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended (the Exchange Act), requires Directors,
officers and persons who are beneficial owners of more than ten
percent of Tweeters common stock to file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission reports of their ownership of
Tweeters securities and changes in that ownership. To
Tweeters knowledge, based upon a review of copies of
reports so filed, all persons required to file such reports
regarding ownership and transactions during the fiscal year
ended September 30, 2006 did so no later than the date the
reports were due, except for Form 4 filings for John
Esposito and Karen Kaplan which were filed late.
9
Executive
Compensation
The following table sets forth the compensation earned by
Tweeters (i) Chief Executive Officer and each of the
other executive officers who earned more than $100,000 in salary
and bonus during fiscal 2006 and were executive officers at the
end of fiscal 2006, (ii) persons who were executive
officers at any time during fiscal 2006 who earned more than
$100,000 in salary and bonus during fiscal 2006 (the persons
referred to in clauses (i) and (ii) the Named
Executives) and (iii) persons who had been Named
Executives during fiscal 2005 or 2004.
Summary
Compensation Table
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-Term Compensation
|
|
|
|
|
Annual
|
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation(1)
|
|
Restricted
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
|
|
Bonus(2)
|
|
Stock Award
|
|
Options
|
|
Other
|
|
Samuel Bloomberg
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
$
|
445,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
122,500
|
|
|
$
|
14,206
|
(6)
|
Chairman of the Board
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
$
|
445,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
30,695
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
(3)
|
|
$
|
229,615
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Jeffrey Stone
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
President and Chief Executive
|
|
|
2005
|
(4)
|
|
$
|
405,000
|
|
|
$
|
46,800
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
70,764
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Officer
|
|
|
2004
|
(3)
|
|
$
|
504,231
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Joseph McGuire
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
$
|
565,385
|
|
|
$
|
36,313
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
122,500
|
|
|
$
|
3,892
|
(6)
|
President and Chief Executive
|
|
|
2005
|
(5)
|
|
$
|
410,000
|
|
|
$
|
43,800
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
30,695
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Officer
|
|
|
2004
|
(3)
|
|
$
|
323,077
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Philo Pappas
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
$
|
352,145
|
|
|
$
|
80,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
43,750
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Senior Vice President and
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
$
|
345,000
|
|
|
$
|
187,163
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
30,695
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Chief Merchandising Officer
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
$
|
345,000
|
|
|
$
|
100,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Judy Quye
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
$
|
360,000
|
|
|
$
|
80,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
43,750
|
|
|
$
|
10,200
|
(6)
|
Senior Vice President of
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
$
|
335,000
|
|
|
$
|
65,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
30,695
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Sales, Operation and
|
|
|
2004
|
(7)
|
|
$
|
154,615
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
222,937
|
|
|
$
|
62,965
|
(8)
|
Installation Services
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Richardson
|
|
|
2006
|
(9)
|
|
$
|
286,500
|
|
|
$
|
50,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
43,750
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Senior Vice President and
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
$
|
265,000
|
|
|
$
|
39,750
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
55,695
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Chief Brand Officer
|
|
|
2004
|
(7)
|
|
$
|
122,308
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
The compensation described in this
table does not include medical or other benefits received that
are generally available to all salaried employees of Tweeter.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Bonus payments paid relate to the
previous fiscal year results.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Mr. Bloomberg exchanged
$400,000 of salary for options to purchase 480,000 shares
of Tweeter common stock; Mr. Stone exchanged $150,000 of
salary for options to purchase 180,000 shares of Tweeter
common stock; Mr. McGuire exchanged $50,000 of salary for
options to purchase 60,000 shares of Tweeter common stock.
The reductions in salary were effected approximately 50% in
fiscal year 2003 and approximately 50% in fiscal year 2004.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Mr. Stone served as President
and Chief Executive Officer from October 1, 2004 through
March 21, 2005.
|
|
(5)
|
|
Mr. McGuire was appointed
interim President and Chief Executive Officer on March 21,
2005. On July 27, 2005, Mr. McGuire was appointed
President and Chief Executive Officer.
|
|
(6)
|
|
Represents compensation paid to
Mr. Bloomberg, Mr. McGuire and Ms. Quye for auto
allowance.
|
|
(7)
|
|
Represents compensation paid to
Ms. Quye and Mr. Richardson from April 5, 2004
through September 30, 2004.
|
|
(8)
|
|
Represents compensation paid to
Ms. Quye for moving expenses.
|
|
(9)
|
|
Represents compensation paid to or
earned by Mr. Richardson from October 1, 2005 through
April 14, 2006.
|
10
The following table sets forth information relating to grants of
stock options made during fiscal 2006 to each of the Named
Executive Officers under Tweeters 2004 Long-Term Incentive
Plan:
Option
Grants in Fiscal 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
Percent of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potential Realizable
|
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
|
Total Options
|
|
|
Exercise
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value at Assumed Annual
|
|
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
Granted to
|
|
|
Price
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rates of Stock Price
|
|
|
|
Options
|
|
|
Employees in
|
|
|
Per
|
|
|
Expiration
|
|
|
Appreciation for Option Term
|
|
Name
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
Fiscal Year
|
|
|
Share
|
|
|
Date
|
|
|
5%
|
|
|
10%
|
|
|
Samuel Bloomberg
|
|
|
122,500
|
(1)
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
3.60
|
|
|
|
10/4/2015
|
|
|
$
|
277,343
|
|
|
$
|
702,840
|
|
Joseph McGuire
|
|
|
122,500
|
(1)
|
|
|
14.8
|
%
|
|
$
|
3.60
|
|
|
|
10/4/2015
|
|
|
$
|
277,343
|
|
|
$
|
702,840
|
|
Philo Pappas
|
|
|
43,750
|
(1)
|
|
|
5.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
3.60
|
|
|
|
10/4/2015
|
|
|
$
|
99,051
|
|
|
$
|
251,014
|
|
Judy Quye
|
|
|
43,750
|
(1)
|
|
|
5.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
3.60
|
|
|
|
10/4/2015
|
|
|
$
|
99,051
|
|
|
$
|
251,014
|
|
Mark Richardson
|
|
|
43,750
|
(1)(2)
|
|
|
5.3
|
%
|
|
$
|
3.60
|
|
|
|
10/4/2015
|
|
|
$
|
99,051
|
|
|
$
|
251,014
|
|
The price of one share of Tweeter common stock acquired at $3.60
if compounded over 10 years at 5% and 10% would equal
approximately $5.86 and $9.34, respectively and if compounded
over 5 years at 5% and 10% would equal approximately $4.59
and $5.80, respectively.
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Number of shares issuable upon the
exercise of options granted on October 4, 2005 under the
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive
Plan.
|
|
(2)
|
|
These unvested shares were
cancelled during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006
upon the resignation of Mr. Richardson.
|
Aggregated
Option Exercises in Fiscal 2006 and Fiscal Year-End Option
Values
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
|
Value of Unexercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Options at
|
|
|
In-the-Money Options
|
|
|
|
Shares Acquired
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Fiscal Year End
|
|
|
at Fiscal Year End
|
|
Name
|
|
on Exercise
|
|
|
Realized
|
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
Unexercisable
|
|
|
Exercisable
|
|
|
Unexercisable
|
|
|
Samuel Bloomberg
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
563,895
|
|
|
|
122,500
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
441,000
|
|
Joseph McGuire
|
|
|
32,088
|
|
|
$
|
79,728
|
|
|
|
77,095
|
|
|
|
122,500
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
441,000
|
|
Philo Pappas
|
|
|
51,000
|
|
|
$
|
211,200
|
|
|
|
99,695
|
|
|
|
43,750
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
157,500
|
|
Judy Quye
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
253,632
|
|
|
|
43,750
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
157,500
|
|
Mark Richardson
|
|
|
105,695
|
|
|
$
|
130,432
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Employment/Severance
Agreements
The summaries of the various employment/severance agreements set
forth below are qualified in their entirety by reference to the
full text of such agreements, which are exhibits to Amendment
No. 1 to Tweeters Registration Statement on
Form S-1
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
June 8, 1998 or Tweeters Annual Reports on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2004,
September 30, 2005 and September 30, 2006.
Bloomberg
Agreement
Upon completion of Tweeters initial public offering in
July 1998, Tweeter entered into a five-year employment agreement
with Samuel Bloomberg. On June 1, 2003, Tweeter renewed the
agreement with Mr. Bloomberg for an additional three years.
The agreement provides that Mr. Bloomberg is to receive a
base salary of $445,000 per year through September 30,
2003 and thereafter at the annual rate of at least $445,000,
plus such increases as may be determined by the Board of
Directors. Mr. Bloomberg has the opportunity to earn
incentive bonuses based upon certain performance criteria, to be
determined by the Compensation Committee, and the opportunity to
receive stock options and other incentive awards under
Tweeters incentive plans.
The employment agreement provides for continued employment until
termination by either party. Tweeter, however, may terminate the
employment agreement with or without cause at any time. If
Mr. Bloombergs employment is terminated by Tweeter
without cause, Tweeter is obligated to pay him an amount equal
to his unvested accrued benefits under any stock option plan,
incentive plan or retirement plan plus severance pay equal to
two years of Mr. Bloombergs annual salary at the rate
in effect as of the termination of his employment. The
employment agreement also provides that if Tweeter and
Mr. Bloomberg do not renew the employment agreement upon
expiration, Tweeter may elect to pay Mr. Bloomberg two
years severance in exchange for a two-year non-competition
arrangement.
11
McGuire
Employment Agreement
Upon completion of Tweeters initial public offering in
July 1998, Tweeter entered into a three-year employment
agreement with Joseph McGuire. Tweeter renewed this agreement on
July 21, 2001 and again on May 1, 2004, each time for
an additional three years. Under the terms of the 2004
agreement, which commenced on July 1, 2004,
Mr. McGuire earns a base salary of $350,000 per year,
plus such increases as may be determined by the Board of
Directors. On March 21, 2005, the Board of Directors
appointed Mr. McGuire as interim President and Chief
Executive Officer and increased his base salary to $480,000. On
July 27, 2005, the Board of Directors appointed
Mr. McGuire to serve as President and Chief Executive
Officer with his base salary remaining at $480,000.
Mr. McGuire has the opportunity to earn incentive bonuses
based upon certain performance criteria, to be determined by the
Compensation Committee, and the opportunity to receive stock
options and other incentive awards under Tweeters
incentive plans.
The employment agreement provides for continued employment until
termination by either party. Tweeter, however, may terminate the
employment agreement with or without cause at any time. If
Mr. McGuires employment is terminated by Tweeter
without cause or by Mr. McGuire for good reason, Tweeter is
obligated to pay him an amount equal to one year of his base
salary in effect as of the termination of his employment
(payable for one year following termination of employment) and
an amount equal to the prior years paid bonus. The
employment agreement also provides that if Tweeter and
Mr. McGuire do not renew the employment agreement upon
expiration, Tweeter may elect to pay Mr. McGuire two years
severance in exchange for a two-year non-competition
arrangement. Additionally, all of Mr. McGuires stock
options will continue to vest during the period in which
severance pay is being paid, subject to the terms and conditions
of the applicable incentive plan and option agreement. On
March 14, 2005, the employment agreement was amended to
provide for the payment of two years annual salary in the
event he terminates his employment with Tweeter upon a change in
control of the Company.
Hunt
Employment Agreement
On August 1, 2006, Tweeter entered into an employment
agreement with Gregory Hunt, Senior Vice President. Under the
terms of the agreement, Mr. Hunt assumed the title and
duties of Chief Financial Officer effective September 1,
2006 and is entitled to a base salary of $350,000, a $25,000
commencement bonus and options for 100,000 shares of
Tweeter common stock. If Tweeter terminates the agreement
without cause or Mr. Hunt terminates the agreement for good
reason, Mr. Hunt will be entitled to receive one
years annual salary and, if such termination is on or
prior to the second anniversary of the commencement of
Mr. Hunts employment, such termination will cause
accelerated vesting of one-years worth of his options.
Pappas
Severance Agreement
On April 21, 2003, Tweeter entered into a severance
agreement with Philo Pappas, Senior Vice President and Chief
Merchandising Officer. Under the terms of the agreement,
Mr. Pappas is entitled to a base salary of $345,000, a
$100,000 commencement bonus, 270,000 shares of restricted
Tweeter common stock (at a purchase price of $.01 per
share) and options for 120,000 shares of Tweeter common
stock. In addition, Mr. Pappas received an annual bonus for
the period ending September 30, 2003 of $100,000 and
$187,163 for the period ending September 30, 2004.
Mr. Pappas also received 30,695 stock options to purchase
shares of Tweeter common stock in 2005. If Tweeter terminates
the agreement without cause or Mr. Pappas terminates the
agreement for good reason, Mr. Pappas will be entitled to
receive one years annual salary. On March 14, 2005,
the severance agreement was amended to provide for the payment
of two years annual salary in the event he terminates his
employment with Tweeter upon a change in control of the Company.
Quye
Employment Agreement
On April 1, 2004, Tweeter entered into an employment
agreement with Judy Quye, Senior Vice President. Under the terms
of the agreement, Ms. Quye is entitled to a base salary of
$335,000, a $65,000 commencement bonus and options for
222,937 shares of Tweeter common stock. If Tweeter
terminates the agreement without cause or Ms. Quye terminates
the agreement for good reason, Ms. Quye will be entitled to
receive one years annual salary. On March 14, 2005,
the employment agreement was amended to provide for the payment
of two years annual salary in the event she terminates her
employment with Tweeter upon a change in control of the Company.
November 13, 2006 was the last day of the engagement of
Ms. Quye as Tweeters Senior Vice President of Sales,
Operation and Installation Services.
12
Compensation
Committee Report Regarding Executive Compensation
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors makes
decisions regarding cash compensation paid and stock options and
other forms of equity-based compensation awarded to
Tweeters executive officers. The Compensation Committee
currently consists of two Directors, Michael Cronin and Karen
Kaplan, neither of whom has a relationship with any executive
officers of Tweeter. The Board plans to appoint at least one
additional independent Director to the Compensation Committee
following the effectiveness of Mr. Cronins
resignation from the Board on January 25, 2007. The
Compensation Committee has submitted the following report
concerning executive compensation:
Compensation
Philosophy
The Compensation Committee (the Committee), which is
composed entirely of outside independent Directors, reviews,
evaluates and approves the amount, design and implementation of
Tweeters compensation system for executive officers.
Tweeter believes that corporate performance and in turn,
stockholder value will be best enhanced by a compensation system
that supports and reinforces Tweeters key operating and
strategic goals while aligning the financial interests of
Tweeters executive officers with those of the
stockholders. Tweeter utilizes both short-term and long-term
incentive compensation programs to achieve these objectives.
Executive officer incentive compensation programs are tied to
company-wide achievement of annual financial and operational
goals and the market value of Tweeters stock. The
Committee believes that the use of company-wide performance in
setting goals promotes a unified vision for senior management
and creates common motivation among the executives. For other
salaried employees, the incentive compensation program is also
tied to divisional, departmental or store business goals and, in
some cases, individual performance.
For Tweeters 2006 fiscal year, the Committee made its
compensation decisions based on a review of Tweeters 2005
fiscal year performance, on Tweeters budget and other
projections for the 2006 fiscal year, and on Tweeters
performance in comparison to certain competitors. The Committee
also used information from an executive compensation survey
provided by an independent consulting firm.
Components
of the Executive Compensation Program
Tweeters compensation program for executive officers
consists generally of three components: base salary, an annual
performance-based cash bonus and long-term stock incentives. In
making compensation decisions, the Committee generally compares
the compensation of Tweeters executive officers with
compensation of officers at certain other retail companies and
has utilized a nationally known compensation consultant, as it
deemed necessary.
The Committee generally compares various short and long-term
performance measures, including total stockholder return, return
on average stockholders equity, sales, pre-tax net income
and earnings per share for Tweeter and other companies with
which it competes for executive talent. The Committee has not
established any particular level at which overall compensation
will be set in respect to the compensation peer group. The
Committee believes that the total compensation of the named
executive officers is supported by Tweeters competitive
comparisons on the short and long-term performance factors and
is appropriate given Tweeters overall performance. The
individual elements of the executive compensation program are
addressed below.
Annual
Salary
Each year the Committee establishes salaries for executive
officers. Such salaries are based on proposals submitted by
Tweeters Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for
annual salary for the executive officers other than himself. The
Committee sets the executive officer salaries for the 2006
fiscal year after reviewing the CEOs recommendations and
considering the information in the executive compensation
survey. The Committee believes that the current level of annual
salaries for executive officers is appropriate and that it also
provides for a large percentage of total compensation to be at
risk under the incentive programs. In evaluating individual
executive officers, the Committee may also consider, among other
factors, (1) a qualitative evaluation of the individual
executive officers performance provided by the CEO,
(2) the job responsibilities of the individual executive,
including changes in those responsibilities, and
(3) Tweeters performance in relation to its target
financial and operational goals for the prior fiscal year.
Annual
Performance-Based Bonus
Tweeters executive officers are eligible to receive cash
bonuses under an annual performance-based incentive program
(Incentive Program) established each year by the
Committee and approved by the Board of Directors.
13
The Incentive Program is designed to motivate Tweeters
employees to achieve Tweeters annual operating and
financial goals. The executive officers participate in the
Incentive Program. The Incentive Program allows the Committee to
establish operational objectives and performance goals based on
pre-tax earnings.
For the 2006 fiscal year, the Incentive Program measured
Tweeters achievement of its operating and financial goals.
The target goals were established early in the fiscal year as
part of Tweeters budgeting process and were approved by
the Committee. Consistent with the Committees compensation
philosophy of tying a large percentage of total compensation to
performance, the potential maximum bonus for each executive
officer was a significant percentage of that individuals
salary for the year. For the 2006 fiscal year, the target bonus
amounts ranged from 35 percent of base salary to
45 percent of base salary. The target bonus percentages
were based upon the results of the executive compensation survey
and the recommendations of an independent consulting firm.
The amount of bonus payments in each fiscal year depends upon
the extent to which Tweeter achieves its target financial and
operational goals for the prior fiscal year. For the 2005 fiscal
year, Tweeter achieved some of these key performance goals. As a
result, bonuses were paid in 2006 based on the 2005 fiscal year
performance in an amount less than would have been paid had all
of the goals been met.
Tweeters performance for the 2006 fiscal year did not meet
all the key performance goals set as requirements for all
payments of bonuses. As a result, only a portion of the bonuses
will be paid in the 2007 fiscal year relating to 2006 fiscal
year performance.
Long-Term
Incentive Compensation
Grants under Tweeters stock incentive plans provide
long-term incentive compensation and are a significant component
of total compensation. These programs are a part of
Tweeters performance-based incentive compensation
rewarding officers as total stockholder value increases. For
most executive officers, grants under the stock incentive plans
have been made in the form of incentive stock options. For
non-employee Directors, grants under the plan are in the form of
nonqualified stock options (since non-employee Directors do not
qualify as recipients of incentive stock options).
The Committee considers stock-based grants to be an important
means of ensuring that executive officers have a continuing
incentive to increase the long-term return to stockholders and
the value of Tweeters stock. Stock-based grants also aid
in the retention of executives.
Stock options generally vest and become exercisable ratably over
a period of zero to four years from the date of grant. The
number of stock options to be granted to a particular executive
officer is determined by the Committee. The Committee primarily
uses a formula based on an individuals target bonus for
the fiscal year and the market price of Tweeters stock, as
well as the results of compensation surveys, to determine the
appropriate grant size. Because the value of stock options is
entirely a function of increases in the value of Tweeters
stock, the Committee believes that this component of
Tweeters compensation arrangement closely aligns the
interests of the executive officers with those of Tweeters
stockholders.
Chairmans
and Chief Executive Officers Compensation
The Committee determined the compensation of Samuel Bloomberg,
Tweeters Chairman for the 2006 fiscal year, and Joseph
McGuire, who served as Tweeters CEO during the 2006 fiscal
year, in a manner consistent with the philosophy described above.
In establishing the Chairman and CEOs compensation, the
Committee has compared their compensation with the compensation
of the Chairmen and CEOs of the compensation peer group in
relation to the relative performance of Tweeter with respect to
the compensation peer group. The Committee also considered
Mr. Bloombergs and Mr. McGuires leadership
skills in assembling and developing a strong management team.
In setting the fiscal 2006 compensation, the Committee also
considered Tweeters performance during the 2005 fiscal
year. In the 2005 fiscal year, Tweeter did not achieve all the
goals set by the Committee as requirements for the payment of
bonuses to them. As a result, Mr. McGuire received a
portion of his bonus in fiscal 2006.
The Committee believes that Mr. Bloombergs and
Mr. McGuires compensation for the 2006 fiscal year
was appropriate in light of all of the above considerations.
Tweeters performance for the 2006 fiscal year partially
met the requirements set by the Committee for the payment of
bonuses to Mr. Pappas, Ms. Quye and Mr. Reynolds
in fiscal 2007 of $31,813, $35,000 and $9,023, respectively.
These bonuses will be paid in fiscal 2007. Mr. Bloomberg
and Mr. McGuire did not achieve the goals set by the
Committee as requirements for the payment of bonuses to them. As
a result, Mr. Bloomberg and Mr. McGuire will be not be
paid a bonus in the 2007 fiscal year with respect to 2006
performance.
14
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE
Michael
Cronin
Karen Kaplan
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None
Related
Party Transactions
Jeffrey Stone, a Tweeter Director is President and Chief
Operating Officer of Tivoli Audio, LLC, which is a supplier to
Tweeter. Michael Cronin, a Tweeter Director who has submitted
his resignation from the Board effective January 25, 2007
immediately prior to the Annual Meeting, also serves as a
Director of Tivoli Audio, LLC. For the years ended
September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 the Company purchased
$1.1 million, $1.6 million and $3.9 million,
respectively, of inventory from Tivoli. The Company also
received distributions from Tivoli of $1.0 million,
$1.6 million and $0.7 million for the years ended
September 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
On April 20, 2005, the Company entered into an agreement
with DJM Asset Management, LLC, (DJM) a Gordon
Brothers Group company, to negotiate possible lease
terminations, sublease, assignment or other disposition of
certain leases. Since 2001, Mr. Jeffrey Bloomberg, a member
of Tweeters Board of Directors, has been with Gordon
Brothers Group LLC in the Office of the Chairman.
Mr. Jeffrey Bloomberg and Samuel Bloomberg, Chairman of
Tweeters Board of Directors, are brothers. Tweeter paid
$0.4 million and $0 to DJM associated with this agreement
during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2006 and 2005,
respectively. Effective May 26, 2006 the Company terminated
the agreement with DJM. As of September 30, 2006 the
Company did not have any accruals outstanding related to DJM.
Mr. Jeffrey Bloomberg is not standing for re-election at
this years Annual Meeting.
Mr. Jeffrey Bloomberg is a member of the Board of Directors
of Nortek, Inc. (Nortek), which is a supplier for
Tweeter. The Company purchased inventory from Nortek and its
subsidiaries costing approximately $8.5 million and
$4.9 million during the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively and had amounts
payable to Nortek and its subsidiaries of approximately
$0.8 million and $0.9 million at September 30,
2006 and 2005, respectively. Mr. Jeffrey Bloomberg is not
standing for re-election at this years Annual Meeting.
On March 31, 2005, the Company entered into a
sale-leaseback arrangement with Samuel Bloomberg, Chairman of
Tweeters Board of Directors. Tweeter sold its Warwick,
Rhode Island retail location at 1301 Bald Hill Road, Warwick,
Rhode Island to Mr. Bloomberg for the sum of
$3.0 million and entered into a
15-year
operating lease agreement (with two successive five year options
of extension) with Mr. Bloomberg. The $3.0 million
sales price was determined based upon three separate valuations
performed by independent third parties. Under the new lease
agreement the Company will make rental payments of
$0.3 million in each of lease years one through ten, and
$0.4 million in each of the remaining five years of the
lease term. The Company recorded a $0.2 million loss on the
sale in its statement of operations for the year ended
September 30, 2005.
15
STOCK
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph compares the cumulative annual total
shareholder return on Tweeters common stock for the past
five fiscal years, assuming $100 was invested on the last
trading day of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001, to
the performance of two indexes. Since a nationally recognized
index that would represent an industry peer group is not
available, Tweeter has measured its stock performance against
the performance of the Russell 2000 Index, which is an index of
the small-cap segment of the U.S. publicly-traded common
equity. Tweeter believes that this index is representative of a
peer group because it is composed of companies with similar
market capitalization to Tweeters. In addition, Tweeter
has measured its stock performance against the performance of
the NASDAQ Composite Index. The NASDAQ Composite Index measures
all NASDAQ domestic and international issuers with common equity
listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market.
Proposal 2:
Ratification of Selection of Auditors
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected the
firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent registered
public accounting firm, to serve as auditors for the fiscal year
ending September 30, 2007. Deloitte & Touche LLP
served as Tweeters auditors for fiscal year 2006.
Principal
Accountant Fees and Services
Audit
Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the
member firms of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, and their respective
affiliates (collectively, Deloitte) for professional
services rendered for the audit of Tweeters annual
financial statements for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006 including procedures related to internal
controls over financial reporting for Sarbanes-Oxley
Section 404, the reviews of its financial statements
included in Tweeters Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q,
assistance with Securities Act filings and related matters and
consultations on financial accounting and reporting standards
arising during the course of the audit or reviews for that
fiscal year were $2.4 million. The increase in fees over
2005 is primarily related to the audit of internal controls over
financial reporting.
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for professional services
rendered for the audit of Tweeters annual financial
statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005
including the reviews of its financial statements included in
Tweeters Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q,
assistance with Securities Act filings and related matters and
consultations on financial accounting and reporting standards
arising during the course of the audit or reviews for that
fiscal year were $1.5 million.
16
Audit-Related
Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for assurance and related
services that are reasonably related to the performance of the
audit or review of Tweeters financial statements, and are
not reported above, were $0 for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2006 and $36,600 for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2005. Such services consisted of a benefit
plan audit in 2005 and Sarbanes-Oxley
Section 404-implementation
assistance in 2005.
Tax
Fees
The aggregate fees billed by Deloitte for professional services
rendered for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning were
$0.3 million for the fiscal year ended September 30,
2006 and $0.2 million for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 2005. Such services consisted of assistance
in the preparation of Federal and state income tax filings,
Federal and state tax examination assistance, benefit plan
services and other tax planning consultations.
All
Other Fees
There were no other fees billed by Deloitte for services
rendered to Tweeter, other than the services described above.
Since the enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Audit
Committee has pre-approved all non-audit services provided by
Deloitte.
A majority of the votes cast by the stockholders represented at
the meeting, in person or by proxy, is required to approve this
proposal. Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will
be present at the meeting to respond to appropriate questions,
and they will have an opportunity, if they desire, to make a
statement.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
AS AUDITORS.
Audit
Committee Report
The Audit Committee, (the Committee), of the Board
of Directors, composed entirely of independent directors (as
independence is defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq
Stock Market Marketplace Rules), met four times during the
fiscal year 2006. The purpose of the Audit Committee is to
oversee the accounting and financial reporting processes of the
company and the audits of the financial statements of the
company. The full responsibilities of the Committee are set
forth in its charter, which is reviewed and updated annually and
approved by the board, and is attached hereto as Appendix A.
In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Committee appointed
Deloitte & Touche LLP as the companys outside
auditors. In making this decision, the Committee:
|
|
|
|
|
Discussed with the auditors the matters to be discussed by SAS
61 and SAS 90 (Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards,
AU Section 380), as may be modified or supplemented;
|
|
|
|
Received the written disclosures and the letter from the
auditors required by Independence Standards Board Standard
No. 1 (Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1,
Independence Discussions with Audit Committee), as may be
modified or supplemented, and discussed with the auditors the
auditors independence;
|
|
|
|
Discussed the overall audit process, receiving and reviewing all
reports;
|
|
|
|
Involved the auditors in the Committees review of
Tweeters financial statements and related reports with
management;
|
|
|
|
Provided to the auditors full access to the Committee (and the
Board) to report on any and all appropriate matters;
|
|
|
|
Discussed with the independent auditors all matters required to
be reviewed by generally accepted auditing standards; and
|
|
|
|
Conducted an assessment of the competence and qualification of
Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as Tweeters
auditors.
|
The Committee met with selected members of management and the
auditors to review financial statements (including quarterly
reports), discussing such matters as the quality of earnings;
estimates, reserves and accruals; suitability of accounting
principles; highly judgmental areas; and audit adjustments
whether or not recorded.
17
In addition, the Committee considered the quality and adequacy
of the companys internal controls and the status of
pending litigation, taxation matters and other areas of
oversight of the financial reporting and audit process that the
Committee felt appropriate.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the
Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial
statements be included in Tweeters Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006. Subsequent to
such recommendation, the Board approved such Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The reports and opinions of Deloitte & Touche LLP are
filed separately in Tweeters Annual Report on
Form 10-K
and should be read in conjunction with the information contained
in this section of the proxy statement and the review of the
audited financial statements.
Based upon its work and the information received in the
inquiries outlined above, the Committee is satisfied that its
responsibilities under its charter for the period ending
September 30, 2006 were met and that the financial
reporting and audit processes of the company are functioning
effectively.
THE AUDIT
COMMITTEE
John
Mahoney
Michael Cronin
Steven Fischman
John Esposito
Code of
Ethics
Tweeter has adopted a code of ethics that applies to the
companys principal executive officer, principal financial
officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons
performing similar functions. A copy of the code of ethics is
filed as an exhibit to Tweeters Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003.
Other
Business
The Board of Directors of Tweeter is not aware of any matter,
other than those described above that may come before the
meeting. However, if any matters are properly presented to the
meeting for action, it is intended that the persons named in the
enclosed proxy will vote on such matters in accordance with
their best judgment.
Communications
with Directors
Tweeters Board of Directors has not established a formal
process for stockholders to send communications to the Board of
Directors and individual directors. The Board of Directors has
determined that it is appropriate for Tweeter to not have such a
formal process, as the names of all directors are available to
stockholders in this proxy statement. If Tweeter receives any
stockholder communication intended for the full Board of
Directors or any individual director, Tweeter will forward the
communication to the full Board of Directors or the individual
director, unless the communication is clearly of a marketing
nature or is unduly hostile, threatening, illegal, or similarly
inappropriate, in which case Tweeter has the authority to
discard the communication or take appropriate legal action
regarding the communication.
All members of the Board of Directors are encouraged, but not
required, to attend Tweeters annual meetings of
stockholders. At last years annual meeting of
stockholders, four of the directors then in office were in
attendance.
Deadline
For Receipt of Stockholder Proposals
In order for a stockholder proposal to be considered for
inclusion in Tweeters proxy materials for the 2008 annual
meeting of stockholders, it must be received by Tweeter at 40
Pequot Way, Canton, MA 02021, Attention: Joseph McGuire, no
later than August 24, 2007; provided, however, that if the
2008 annual meeting of stockholders is scheduled to take place
on a date more than 30 days before or after the anniversary
date of the 2007 annual meeting of stockholders, stockholder
proposals may be received on the later of (i) 120 days
prior to the date when Tweeter first mails to stockholders its
proxy statement for the meeting or (ii) the 15th day
following the day on which the public announcement of the date
of the meeting is first made by Tweeter. In addition,
stockholder
18
proposals intended to be considered at the 2008 annual meeting
of stockholders, but not included in Tweeters proxy
materials for that meeting, will be considered untimely if not
received by Tweeter at the above address by such date.
Annual
Report
A copy of Tweeters 2006 Annual Report to Stockholders is
being mailed with this proxy statement to each stockholder
entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders not
receiving a copy of such Annual Report may obtain one, without
charge, by writing to Gregory Hunt at Tweeters address set
forth in the preceding paragraph, calling him at
(781) 830-3995,
or contacting him by
e-mail at
ghunt@twtr.com.
Voting
via the Internet or by Telephone
For
Shares Directly Registered in the Name of the
Stockholder.
Stockholders with shares registered directly with Computershare
may vote those shares telephonically by calling Computershare at
1-800-652-8683 (within the U.S. and Canada only, toll-free), or
via the Internet at Computershares voting Web site
(www.computershare.com/expressvote).
For
Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or a
Bank.
A number of brokers and banks are participating in a program
provided through ADP Investor Communication Services that offers
telephone and Internet voting options. This program is different
from the program provided by Computershare for shares registered
directly in the name of the stockholder. If your shares are held
in an account with a broker or a bank participating in the ADP
Investor Communication Services program, you may be able to vote
those shares telephonically by calling the telephone number
shown on the voting form received from your broker or bank, or
via the Internet at ADP Investor Communication Services
voting Web site (www.proxyvote.com).
General
Information for All Shares Voted Via the Internet or By
Telephone.
Votes submitted via the Internet or by telephone must be
received by 12:00 AM E.S.T. on January 25, 2007.
Submitting your proxy via the Internet or by telephone will not
affect your right to vote in person should you decide to attend
the Annual Meeting. The telephone and Internet voting procedures
are designed to authenticate stockholders identities, to
allow stockholders to give their voting instructions and to
confirm that stockholders instructions have been recorded
properly. Stockholders voting via the Internet should understand
that there might be costs associated with electronic access,
such as usage charges from Internet access providers and
telephone companies that must be borne by the stockholder.
19
APPENDIX A
TWEETER
HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
AUDIT
COMMITTEE CHARTER
Organization
There shall be a committee of the Board of Directors to be known
as the Audit Committee (the Audit Committee). The
Audit Committee shall have at least three members. The Audit
Committee shall be composed solely of directors who are
independent in accordance with
Rule 10A-3
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange
Act) and The Nasdaq Stock Market Marketplace Rules for
determining the independence of directors (subject to any Nasdaq
exceptions), and otherwise meet The Nasdaq Stock Market
Marketplace Rules requirements for the membership of the Audit
Committee. Independent Audit Committee members shall be free of
any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors,
would interfere with their exercise of independent judgment as
committee members. In addition, all members of the Audit
Committee shall have a working familiarity with basic finance
and accounting practices (at the time of their appointment) and
at least one member of the Audit Committee shall be an
Audit Committee financial expert as defined in
Item 401 of
Regulation S-K
and as determined by the Board of Directors. All members of the
Audit Committee shall be able to read and understand fundamental
financial statements, including a balance sheet, cash flow
statement and income statement.
Statement
of Purpose
The purpose of the Audit Committee shall be to oversee the
accounting and financial reporting processes of the Corporation
and the audits of the financial statements of the Corporation.
In so doing, it is the responsibility of the Audit Committee to
maintain free and open means of communication between the
directors, the independent auditors, and the financial
management of the Corporation.
Responsibilities
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Audit Committee
believes its policies and procedures should remain flexible, in
order to best react to changing conditions and to ensure to the
directors and stockholders that the corporate accounting and
reporting practices of the Corporation are in accordance with
all requirements and are of the highest quality.
In carrying out these responsibilities, the Audit Committee will:
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Appoint, compensate, retain and oversee the work of the
independent auditors (including resolution of disagreements
between management and the auditors regarding financial
reporting) engaged by the Corporation for the purpose of
preparing or issuing an audit report or performing other audit,
review or attest services for the corporation, as well as to
ultimately approve all audit engagement fees and terms.
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Pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services in
accordance with Section 202 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002 (Sarbanes-Oxley) and the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) rules promulgated
thereunder.
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Meet with the independent auditors and financial management of
the Corporation to review the scope of the proposed audit for
the current year and the audit procedures to be utilized, and at
the conclusion thereof review such audit, including any comments
or recommendations of the independent auditors.
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Review with the independent auditors, and financial and
accounting personnel, the adequacy and effectiveness of the
accounting and financial controls of the Corporation, and elicit
any recommendations for the improvement of such internal control
procedures or particular areas where new or more detailed
controls or procedures are desirable. Particular emphasis should
be given to the adequacy of such internal controls to expose any
payments, transactions or procedures that might be deemed
illegal or otherwise improper, and to ensure that all reported
revenue and expenses will be recognized in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
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Review with management and the internal auditor the charter,
plans, activities, staffing and organizational structure of the
internal audit function of the Corporation. Review the
coordination of such plans with the independent auditors. Ensure
there are no unjustified restrictions or limitations, and review
and concur in the appointment, replacement or dismissal of the
internal auditor. Review the effectiveness of the internal audit
function, including compliance with relevant standards.
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Review the financial statements contained in the Annual Report
to stockholders with management and the independent auditors to
determine that the independent auditors are satisfied with the
disclosure and content of the financial statements to be
presented to the stockholders. Any changes in accounting
principles should be reviewed.
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Provide sufficient opportunity for the internal and independent
auditors to meet with the members of the Audit Committee without
members of management present. Among the items to be discussed
in these meetings are the independent auditors evaluation
of the Corporations financial, accounting, and auditing
personnel, and the cooperation that the independent auditors
received during the course of the audit.
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Review accounting and financial human resources and succession
planning within the Corporation.
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9.
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Submit the minutes of all meetings of the Audit Committee to, or
discuss the matters discussed at each Committee meeting with,
the Board of Directors.
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Receive from the corporations outside auditors a formal
written statement delineating all relationships between the
auditors and the Corporation, consistent with Independence
Standards Board Standard 1.
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Engage in an active dialogue with the outside auditors with
respect to any disclosed relationships or services that may
affect the objectivity and independence of the outside auditors.
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Ensure the independence of the outside auditors.
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Have the ultimate authority and responsibility to select an
outside auditor, subject to approval by the companys
stockholders at Tweeters annual meeting of stockholders,
and evaluate and, where appropriate, replace the outside
auditor; the outside auditor ultimately shall report and be
accountable to the Audit Committee.
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Review this Audit Committee Charter at least annually, and make
any changes deemed appropriate, subject to review and approval
of the full Board of Directors.
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Evaluate its own performance at least annually to determine
whether or not it is functioning effectively.
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Review and discuss with management the Corporations annual
and quarterly financial statements and all internal control
reports (or summaries thereof), and review other material
reports on financial information (excluding tax returns and
reports) submitted by the Corporation to any government body, or
the public, including management certifications as required by
Sarbanes-Oxley (Sections 302 and 906) and relevant
reports rendered by the outside auditors.
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Establish procedures, in accordance with Section 301 of
Sarbanes-Oxley and
Rule 10A-3
of the Exchange Act, for (a) the receipt, retention, and
treatment of complaints received by the Corporation regarding
accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters;
and (b) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees
of the Corporation of concerns regarding questionable accounting
or auditing matters.
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The Audit Committee shall have the resources and authority
appropriate to discharge its responsibilities, including the
authority to engage outside auditors for special audits, reviews
and other procedures and, in accordance with Section 301 of
Sarbanes-Oxley and
Rule 10A-3
of the Exchange Act, to retain independent counsel and other
experts, advisors or consultants as it determines is necessary
to carry out its duties, and to determine funding for payment of
(i) compensation to any such counsel, experts, advisors or
consultants, (ii) compensation to outside auditors engaged
by the Audit Committee and (iii) ordinary administrative
expenses of the Audit Committee.
A-2
APPENDIX B
TWEETER
HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
COMPENSATION
COMMITTEE CHARTER
Organization
There shall be a committee of the Board of Directors to be known
as the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee shall
have at least two members. The Compensation Committee shall be
composed of directors who are independent in
accordance with The Nasdaq Stock Market Marketplace Rules for
determining the independence of directors (subject to any Nasdaq
exceptions), and otherwise meet The Nasdaq Stock Market
Marketplace Rules requirements for the membership of the
Compensation Committee. Compensation Committee members shall be
free of any relationship that, in the opinion of the Board of
Directors, would interfere with their exercise of independent
judgment as Compensation Committee members.
The members of the Compensation Committee shall be selected by
the Board of Directors and shall serve until their successors
have been selected or their earlier resignation or removal. The
Board shall appoint the Chair of the Compensation Committee. For
the transaction of business at any meeting of the Compensation
Committee, a majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
Statement
of Purpose
The purpose of the Compensation Committee shall be to discharge
certain responsibilities of the Board of Directors relating to
compensation, including equity-based compensation, for the
executive officers of the Company, and to administer and oversee
incentive, equity-based and other compensatory, retirement and
pension plans.
Responsibilities
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Compensation Committee
believes its policies and procedures should remain flexible, in
order to best react to changing needs of the Company.
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Compensation Committee
will:
1. Review and approve corporate goals and objectives
relevant to the Chief Executive Officers (CEOs)
compensation, evaluate the CEOs performance in the light
of those goals and objectives, and either, as a committee or
together with the other independent directors (as directed by
the board), determine and approve the CEOs compensation
level and benefits based on this evaluation at least annually.
2. Annually review and approve the compensation and
benefits packages, as recommended by the Chief Executive
Officer, for the other executive officers of the Company.
3. Annually review and oversee the administration of the
Companys incentive, equity-based and other compensatory
plans, recommend changes
and/or the
adoption of new plans to the Board as appropriate, and review
and approve all incentive and variable plan payments and
equity-based awards provided to executive officers and other
employees, including the Chief Executive Officer.
4. Provide oversight on all other equity-based
arrangements, including, if applicable, the approval of an
annual budget of options to be granted under the Companys
incentive plans.
5. Annually review the Companys retirement plans,
pension and other special compensation programs that involve
significant cost to the Company.
6. Select, retain and terminate consultants, independent
counsel and such other advisors as the Compensation Committee
determines necessary to carry out its responsibilities, and
approve the fees and other terms of retention of any such
advisors.
7. Report the activities of the Compensation Committee to
the full Board of Directors on a regular basis.
8. Review this Compensation Committee charter at least
annually, and make any changes deemed appropriate, subject to
review and approval of the full Board of Directors.
9. Fulfill such other duties and responsibilities as may be
assigned to the Compensation Committee, from time to time, by
the Board.
10. Conduct any investigation it deems necessary or
appropriate to enable it to carry out its duties.
B-1
Procedures
and Administration
The Compensation Committee shall meet as often as it deems
necessary in order to perform its responsibilities. The
Compensation Committee shall keep such written minutes of all of
its meetings. In addition, the Compensation Committee has the
power to appoint subcommittees.
In connection with the performance of its duties, the
Compensation Committee shall have unrestricted access to the
independent public accountants, the internal auditors (if any),
internal and outside counsel, and anyone else in the Company,
and may require any officer or employee of the Company or the
Companys outside counsel or independent public accountants
to attend a meeting of the Compensation Committee or to meet
with any members of, or consultants or advisors to, the
Compensation Committee.
B-2
APPENDIX C
TWEETER
HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
NOMINATING
AND GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER
Organization
There shall be a committee of the Board of Directors to be known
as the Nominating and Governance Committee, (the
Committee or the Nominating and Governance
Committee). The Committee shall have at least two members.
The Committee shall be composed solely of directors who are
independent in accordance with The Nasdaq Stock
Market Marketplace Rules for determining the independence of
directors (subject to any Nasdaq exceptions), and otherwise meet
The Nasdaq Stock Market Marketplace Rules requirements for the
membership of the Committee. Independent Nominating and
Governance Committee members shall be free of any relationship
that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, would interfere
with their exercise of independent judgment as Nominating and
Governance Committee members.
Statement
of Purpose
The purpose of the Nominating and Governance Committee shall be
to assist the Board in identifying individuals qualified to
become Directors under criteria approved by the Board,
periodically review director compensation and benefits and
recommend to the Board any improvements to the Companys
corporate governance guidelines as it deems appropriate.
Responsibilities
In carrying out its responsibilities, the Committee believes its
policies and procedures should remain flexible, in order to best
react to changing needs of the Corporation.
In carrying out these responsibilities, the Committee will:
1. Evaluate the suitability of potential nominees for
membership on the Board, taking into consideration the
Boards current composition, including expertise,
diversity, and balance of inside, outside and independent
directors, and considering the general qualifications of the
potential nominees, such as:
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(a)
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Unquestionable integrity and honesty,
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(b)
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The ability to exercise sound, mature and independent business
judgment in the best interests of the shareholders as a whole,
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(c)
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A background and experience with retailing, operations, finance,
marketing or other fields which will complement the talents of
the other Board members,
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(d)
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Willingness and capability to take the time to actively
participate in the Board and the Committee meetings and related
activities,
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(e)
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Ability to work professionally and effectively with other Board
members and Company management,
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(f) Availability to remain on the Board long enough to make
an effective contribution, and
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(g)
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Absence of material relationships with competitors or other
third parties that could present realistic possibilities of
conflict of interest or legal issues;
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and see that all necessary and appropriate inquiries are made
into the backgrounds of such candidates.
2. Recommend to the Board the number and names of proposed
nominees for election as Director at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders and, in the case of a vacancy on the Board, the
name of an individual to fill the vacancy.
3. Submit the minutes of all meetings of the Nominating and
Governance Committee to, or discuss the matters discussed at
each committee meeting with, the Board of Directors.
4. Review the direct and indirect relationships of members
of the Board with the Company or its management and assist the
Board with its determination of the independence of its members.
C-1
5. To monitor trends and best practices in director
compensation, benefits and stock ownership guidelines and
recommend changes to the Board as it deems appropriate, taking
into consideration the interests of the corporation and its
shareholders, maintenance of the independence of a majority of
the members of the Board, the work load, time commitment and
responsibilities involved in the Board and Committee meeting
participation, and comparison with the compensation practices of
comparable companies.
6. Monitor trends and best practices in corporate
governance, periodically review the corporate governance
guidelines, and recommend changes as it deems appropriate in
those guidelines, in the corporate governance provisions of the
Companys By-Laws, and in the policies and practices of the
Board.
7. Review this Nominating and Governance Committee Charter
at least annually, and make any changes deemed appropriate,
subject to review and approval of the full Board of Directors.
8. Establish and maintain procedures for the submission of
unsolicited recommendations for nominees, including appropriate
deadlines and the type of information that must be provided with
recommendations.
Authority
and Resources
The Nominating and Governance Committee shall have the authority
and resources to:
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solicit ideas for director nominees from other members of the
Board, and to make its own inquiries;
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solicit suggestions for director nominees from management,
stockholders and other sources;
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engage outside search or other consultants to assist in
identifying potential director nominees; and
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determine funding for payment of compensation to any such
consultants and ordinary administrative expenses of the
Committee.
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All potential nominees must first be considered by the
Nominating and Governance Committee before being contacted as
possible nominees and before having their names formally
considered by the full Board.
C-2
Electronic Voting Instructions
You can vote by Internet or telephone!
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Instead of mailing your proxy, you may
choose one of the two voting methods outlined
below to vote your proxy.
VALIDATION DETAILS
ARE LOCATED BELOW IN THE TITLE BAR.
Proxies submitted by the Internet or telephone
must be received by 12:00 a.m., Eastern Time, on
January 25, 2007.
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Vote by Internet
Log on to the
Internet and go to
www.computershare.com/expressvote
Follow the steps outlined on the secured website.
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Vote by telephone
Call toll free 1-800-652-VOTE
(8683) within the United States, Canada
& Puerto Rico any time on a touch tone
telephone. There is NO CHARGE to you
for the call.
Follow the instructions
provided by the recorded message. |
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Using a black ink pen, mark your votes
with an X as shown in this example. Please
do not write outside the designated areas.
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x
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Annual Meeting Proxy Card
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123456 C0123456789 12345 |
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6
IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. 6
A Proposals The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all the nominees listed and FOR
Proposal 2.
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1.
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Election of Directors:
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For
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Withhold
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For
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Withhold
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For
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Withhold |
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01 - John Mahoney
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02 - Joseph McGuire
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03 - Jeffrey Stone
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For
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2.
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Ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as
independent auditors.
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3. In their discretion the proxies are authorized to vote upon any other business that may properly
come before the meeting.
B
Change of Address Please print new address below.
C Authorized Signatures This section must be completed for your vote to be counted. Date
and Sign Below
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. Executors,
administrators, trustees, guardians or other fiduciaries should give full title as such. If
signing for a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by a duly authorized officer.
Date (mm/dd/yyyy) Please print date below.
Signature 1 Please keep signature within the box.
Signature 2 Please keep signature within the box.
Dear Stockholder:
Please take note of the important information enclosed with this Proxy. There are a number of
issues related to Tweeters operation that require your immediate attention.
Your vote counts and you are strongly encouraged to exercise your right to vote your shares.
Please mark the boxes on the proxy card to indicate how your shares will be voted. Then sign the
card, detach it and return your proxy in the enclosed postage paid envelope.
Thank you in advance for your prompt consideration of these matters.
Sincerely,
Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc.
6 IF YOU HAVE NOT VOTED
VIA THE INTERNET OR TELEPHONE, FOLD ALONG THE PERFORATION, DETACH AND
RETURN THE BOTTOM PORTION IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
6
Proxy TWEETER HOME ENTERTAINMENT GROUP, INC.
40 Pequot Way
Canton, Massachusetts 02021
SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
The undersigned hereby appoints Joseph McGuire, with the power to appoint his substitute, and
hereby
authorizes them to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side, all shares of common
stock of Tweeter Home Entertainment Group, Inc. held of record by the undersigned on December 15,
2006 at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at the offices of Goulston & Storrs, P.C.,
400 Atlantic Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts at 10:30 a.m., local time, on January 25, 2007 and any
adjournments thereof.
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO DIRECTION IS GIVEN WITH RESPECT
TO A PARTICULAR PROPOSAL, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR SUCH PROPOSAL.
PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN, AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY, USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. NO
POSTAGE IS REQUIRED IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES.
CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE