pre14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (As Permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12 |
CONVERTED ORGANICS 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):
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No fee required |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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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
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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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Amount Previously Paid: |
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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Date Filed: |
Converted Organics Inc.
137A Lewis Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
617 624 0111
Dear Shareholder:
The 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Converted Organics Inc. (the
Company) will be held at The Marriotts Long Wharf, 296 State Street, Boston, MA
02109, on June 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. local time.
The attached material includes the Notice of Annual Meeting and the Proxy
Statement, which describes the business to be transacted at the meeting. We ask that
you give them your careful attention.
We will be reporting on your Companys activities and you will have an
opportunity to ask questions about its operations.
We hope that you are planning to attend the Annual Meeting personally, and we
look forward to seeing you. It is important that your shares be represented at the
meeting whether or not you are able to attend in person. Accordingly, the return of the
enclosed proxy as soon as possible will be greatly appreciated and will ensure that
your shares are represented at the Annual Meeting. If you do attend the Annual Meeting,
you may, of course, withdraw your proxy if you wish to vote in person.
The Board of Directors recommends that you approve the proposals set forth in
this proxy.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for your
continued support and confidence.
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Sincerely,
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/s/ Edward J. Gildea
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Edward J. Gildea |
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President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board |
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Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials
for the Annual Shareholder Meeting to be Held on June 13, 2011:
The Proxy Statement and the Annual Report on Form 10-K are available at
http://ir.convertedorganics.com/annuals.cfm
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Converted Organics Inc.
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Converted
Organics Inc. (the Company) will be held at Boston, Massachusetts as follows:
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Date:
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June 13, 2011 |
Time:
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9:30 a.m. |
Place:
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The Marriotts Long Wharf |
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296 State Street |
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Boston, Massachusetts 02109 |
The purpose of the meeting is to vote on the following matters:
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To elect two members to the Companys Board of Directors; |
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To ratify the selection of CCR LLP as the Companys
independent public accountant for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011; |
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To amend the Companys Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of shares of common stock that the Company is
authorized to issue from 250,000,000 to 500,000,000; |
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To approve a further amendment to the Companys Certificate of
Incorporation, which would authorize a reverse stock split of the Companys
issued and outstanding stock at a ratio within a range of 1 for 2 to 1 for 10 to be determined
by the Board of Directors (the Reverse Stock Split); |
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To approve the issuance of 20% or more of our common stock
related to the Notes that were issued in the closing pursuant to the
Securities Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company on April 1, 2011
(the Purchase Agreement); |
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To approve any future adjustments of the exercise prices for
both the Series A and Series C Warrants below their floor prices in
accordance with the terms of such warrants that were issued pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement; |
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To approve any future adjustments of the exercise prices of
certain of the Companys currently outstanding Class E and Class F
Warrants; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before
the meeting. |
Further information about the meeting is contained in the accompanying Proxy
Statement. All stockholders of record on April 18, 2011 may vote at this meeting.
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By Order of the Board of Directors
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/s/ Edward J. Gildea
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Edward J. Gildea |
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President, Chief Executive Officer and
Chairman of the Board |
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Boston, Massachusetts
May 2, 2011
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Your vote is important.
If you do not plan to attend the meeting, please sign, date and promptly return
the enclosed proxy. A postage-paid reply envelope is enclosed for your convenience. A
stockholder who submits a proxy may revoke it at any time before the vote is taken at
the meeting, or by voting in person at the meeting.
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Converted Organics Inc.
137A Lewis Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual Meeting of Shareholders
June 13, 2011
Introduction
This proxy statement contains information about the 2011 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders (the Annual Meeting) of Converted Organics Inc. (the Company) to be
held at The Marriotts Long Wharf, 296 State Street, Boston, MA 02109, on June 13,
2011, at 9:30 a.m. local time, and at any postponements or adjournments thereof. The
Companys Board of Directors is using this proxy statement to solicit proxies for use
at the Annual Meeting. This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card are being
mailed on or about May 2, 2011 to stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
Purpose of the Annual Meeting
The purpose of the meeting is to vote on the following matters:
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To elect John DeVillars and Marshall Sterman to the Board of
Directors to serve until their terms expire in 2014 or until their
successors are duly elected and qualified; |
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To ratify the appointment of CCR LLP as the Companys
independent public accountant for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011; |
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To amend the Companys Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of shares of common stock that the Company is
authorized to issue from 250,000,000 to 500,000,000; |
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To approve a further amendment to the Companys Certificate of
Incorporation, which would authorize a reverse stock split of the Companys
issued and outstanding stock at a ratio within a range of 1 for 2 to 1 for 10 to be determined
by the Board of Directors (the Reverse Stock Split); |
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To approve the issuance of 20% or more of our common stock
related to the Notes that were issued pursuant to the
Securities Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company on April 1, 2011
(the Purchase Agreement); |
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To approve any future adjustments of the exercise prices for
both the Series A and Series C Warrants below their floor prices in
accordance with the terms of such warrants that were issued pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement; |
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To approve any future adjustments of the exercise prices of
certain of the Companys currently outstanding Class E and Class F
Warrants; and |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before
the meeting. |
As of the date of this proxy statement, the Company is not aware of any business
to come before the meeting other than the items noted above.
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Who Can Vote
Shareholders of record as of the close of business on April 18, 2011 (the Record
Date) are entitled to receive notice of, to attend, and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
As of April 18, 2011, there were 104,153,974 shares of Company common stock issued and
outstanding. Holders of Company common stock are entitled to one vote per share.
Cumulative voting is not permitted. The enclosed proxy card shows the number of shares
that you are entitled to vote.
How to Vote
You may give instructions on how your shares are to be voted by marking, signing,
dating and returning the enclosed proxy card in the accompanying postage-paid envelope.
A proxy, when executed and not revoked, will be voted in accordance with its
instructions. If no choice is indicated on the proxy, the shares will be voted:
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FOR each of the nominees of the Board of Directors (Proposal No. 1); |
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FOR ratification of the appointment of the Independent Public Accountant
(Proposal No. 2); |
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FOR amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number
of authorized shares of common stock from 250,000,000 to 500,000,000
(Proposal No. 3); |
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FOR approval of the amendment authorizing the Board to effect the
Reverse Stock Split (Proposal No. 4); |
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FOR approval of the issuance of 20% or more of our common stock related
to the Notes that were issued pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement (Proposal No. 5); |
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FOR approval of any future adjustments of the exercise prices for both
the Series A and Series C Warrants below their floor prices in accordance
with the terms of such warrants that were issued pursuant to the Purchase
Agreement (Proposal No. 6); |
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FOR approval of any future adjustments of the exercise prices of certain
of the Companys currently outstanding Class E and Class F Warrants; and |
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as the proxy holders may determine in their discretion with respect to
any other matters that properly come before the meeting. |
Revoking a Proxy
A stockholder may revoke any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation by
attending the Annual Meeting and voting in person, or by delivering to the Companys
Corporate Secretary at the Companys principal executive offices referred to above,
prior to the Annual Meeting, a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy
bearing a date later than that of the previously submitted proxy. Please note that a
stockholders mere attendance at the Annual Meeting will not automatically revoke that
stockholders previously submitted proxy.
Quorum and Voting Requirements
A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will
exist if stockholders holding one-third (1 / 3) of the outstanding shares of common
stock entitled to vote are present at the meeting in person or by proxy. Shares of
common stock that are voted FOR, AGAINST or
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ABSTAIN are treated as being present
at the meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum. If a quorum is not present, the
meeting may be adjourned until a quorum is obtained.
Broker non-votes (i.e., votes from shares of common stock held as of the Record
Date by brokers or other custodians as to which the beneficial owners have given no
voting instructions) will be counted for purposes of determining the presence or
absence of a quorum for the transaction of business, but will not be counted for
purposes of determining the number of votes cast with respect to certain of the
proposals, as described below, on which the broker has expressly not voted.
Votes shall be counted by one or more persons who shall serve as the inspectors of
election. The inspectors of election will canvas the shareholders present in person at
the meeting, count their votes and count the votes represented by proxies presented.
Abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for purposes of determining the number of
shares represented at the meeting, but are deemed not to have voted on the proposal.
Broker non-votes occur when a broker nominee (who has voted on one or more matters at
the meeting) does not vote on one or more other matters at the meeting because it has
not received instructions to so vote from the beneficial owner and does not have
discretionary authority to so vote. Broker non-votes will have no effect on Proposals
1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 but will have the effect of an AGAINST vote on Proposals 3 and 4.
Abstentions will have no effect on Proposal 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 but will have the effect
of an AGAINST vote on Proposals 3 and 4.
For purposes of determining the votes cast with respect to any matter presented
for consideration at the meeting, only those votes cast FOR or AGAINST are
included. However, if a proxy is signed but no specification is given, the shares will
be voted FOR Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
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Dissenters Rights of Appraisal
No action will be taken in connection with the proposals described in this Proxy
Statement for which Delaware law, our Certificate of Incorporation or Bylaws provide a
right of a shareholder to dissent and obtain appraisal of or payment for such
shareholders shares.
Proxy Solicitation Costs and Methods
We will pay all costs of soliciting proxies. In addition to mailing proxy
solicitation material, our management, employees and agents also may solicit proxies in
person, by telephone, or by other electronic means of communication. We have retained
Innisfree M&A Inc. (Innisfree) to assist it in soliciting proxies. We have agreed to
pay Innisfree a fee of $10,000, plus expenses, for its services in connection with the
special meeting.
Communication with the Board of Directors
The Company has no formal written policy regarding communication with the Board of
Directors. However, if a shareholder wishes to communicate with the Board of Directors
(or any individual member), they may send a letter directed to the Corporate Secretary,
Converted Organics Inc., 137A Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. The Corporate Secretary
will forward to the directors all communications that, in his or her judgment, are
appropriate for consideration by the directors. Examples of communications that would
not be appropriate for consideration by the directors include commercial solicitations
and matters not relevant to the stockholders, to the functioning of the Board, or to
the affairs of the Company.
The Companys Annual Report
A copy of the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2010 is enclosed with this proxy statement, and the contents of and exhibits to that
annual report, including any amendments thereto, are incorporated by reference herein.
Upon written or oral request, the Company
will provide copies of the exhibits to the annual report at no charge; such
requests should be directed to Converted Organics Inc., 137A Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA
02110.
Directors, Executive Officers and Key Employees
The Companys executive officers and directors and certain information about them,
including their ages as of April 18, 2011, are as follows:
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Edward J. Gildea |
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President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board |
David R. Allen |
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Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice-President of Administration |
Robert E. Cell |
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Director |
John P. DeVillars* |
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Director |
Marshall S. Sterman* |
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Director |
Edward A. Stoltenberg |
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Director |
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Nominee for election at annual meeting. |
The following is a brief description of the principal occupation and recent
business experience of each of our directors and executive officers:
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Edward J. Gildea has been our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
since January 2006. From 2001 to 2005, he held several executive positions including
Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development,
and General Counsel of Quality Metric Incorporated, a private health status measurement
business. During that period, Mr. Gildea was also engaged in the private practice of
law representing business clients and held management positions in our predecessor
companies. He holds an A.B. degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a J.D. degree
from Suffolk University Law School. The Company believes that Mr. Gildeas financial
and business expertise, including a diversified background of counseling and managing
both public and private companies, gives him the qualifications and skills to serve as
a Director.
David R. Allen has been our Chief Financial Officer since March 2007. He was
previously a director of the Company from June 2006 to March 2007, where he served as
our audit committee chairman. From 1999 to 2004, he served as first the Chief Financial
Officer and then as Chief Executive Officer of The Millbrook Press Inc., a publicly
held publisher of childrens books. From 2004 until 2007, Mr. Allen has acted as a
management consultant and advisor to small public companies. Mr. Allen holds a B.S.
degree in Accounting and an M.S. degree in Taxation from Bentley University in Waltham,
Massachusetts. Mr. Allen is a Certified Public Accountant.
Robert E. Cell has been a director since June 2006. In 2006, he became the
President and Chief Executive Officer of MyBuys.com, a preference-based marketing
company. From 2004 to 2005, he was the Chief Executive Officer of Cool Sign Media Inc.,
a provider of digital advertising and signage. From 2000 to 2004, he held several
executive positions, including Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, at
Blue Martini Software, Inc., a publicly held provider of client relationship management
software applications. Mr. Cell has acted as a consultant to several public and private
companies. Mr. Cell holds a B.S. degree and an M.B.A. from the University of Michigan.
The Company believes that Mr. Cells financial and business expertise, including a
diversified background of managing, directing and consulting to software and other
public companies, gives him the qualifications and skills to serve as a Director.
John P. DeVillars has been a director since June 2006. In March 2010, he became
the Senior Vice President within the National Sales Organization for TRC Companies,
Inc., an engineering, consulting, and construction management firm. He was a founder
and managing partner of BlueWave Strategies LLC, an environmental and renewable energy
consulting firm established in 2003 and sold to TRC Companies Inc in 2010. He is
currently a managing partner of BlueWave Capital and is also a director of Clean
Harbors Inc., a hazardous waste management company. Until 2003, Mr. DeVillars held the
position of Lecturer in Environmental Policy in the Department of Urban Studies and
Planning at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. DeVillars continues to
lecture at MIT, the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Kennedy School of
Government. Mr. DeVillars holds a B.A. degree from the University of Pennsylvania and
an M.P.A. from Harvard University. The Company believes that Mr. DeVillars financial
and business expertise, including a diversified background of managing and directing
public environmental companies gives him the qualifications and skills to serve as a
Director.
Marshall S. Sterman joined Converted Organics Board of Directors in July of 2010
after working with the Company as a consultant since November of 2009. Mr. Sterman has
advised numerous companies on issues related to mergers and acquisitions and other
capital markets matters during his fifty-year career in investment banking and
consulting. In addition, Mr. Sterman has extensive experience managing and helping
develop and execute the growth strategies for public companies. He is the founder of
The Mayflower Group, Ltd., a consulting firm that has served as an active principle to
many start-up companies, and was recently honored by the Sino-American Pharmaceuticals
Professional Association for his presentations on entrepreneurialism at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Mr. Sterman is also currently Chairman of the
Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Acting
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Chief Financial Officer of Urban Ag Corp,
which licenses Converted Organics TerraSphere technology. Sterman holds a B.A. from
Brandeis University and an MBA from Harvard University.
Edward A. Stoltenberg has been a director since March 2007. He is a Managing
Director of Phoenix Financial Services, an investment banking firm which provides
financial services to middle market public and private companies. He has been with
Phoenix since 1999. Mr. Stoltenberg is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a B.A
from Ohio Wesleyan University and an M.B.A from the University of Michigan. The Company
believes that Mr. Stoltenbergs financial and business expertise, including a
diversified background of managing financial service firms and providing investment
services for public companies gives him the qualifications and skills to serve as a
Director.
There are no family relationships among our officers and directors.
Board Classifications, Committees and Meetings
Our Board of Directors comprises five members divided into three classes as nearly
equal in number as possible. Currently, Messrs. Stoltenberg and Cell serve as Class 1
directors, whose terms expire in 2013; Messrs. DeVillars and Sterman serve as Class 2
directors, whose terms expires in 2011; and Mr. Edward Gildea serves as a Class 3
director, whose term expires in 2012.
Our Board of Directors is subject to the independence requirements of the NASDAQ
Stock Market. Pursuant to the requirements, the Board undertook its annual review of
director independence. During this review, the Board considered transactions and
relationships between each director or any member of his or her immediate family and
the Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates. The purpose of this review was to
determine whether any such relationships or transactions existed that were inconsistent
with a determination that the director is independent. Of the five members of the
Board, Messrs. Cell, DeVillars, Sterman, and Stoltenberg were determined to be
independent directors as defined by the
NASDAQ Stock Market. In making an independence determination with regard to Mr.
Sterman, the Board considered his relationship with Urban Ag Corp., which is a
TerraSphere licensee.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, the Board of Directors held
twenty-five meetings in person or telephonically and acted by written consent on twelve
occasions. In addition to these meetings and actions, during fiscal year 2010 the Audit
Committee of the Board of Directors met four times, the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors met three times and acted by written consent on four occasions, and
the Nominating and Governance Committee met twice. Each of our directors attended
greater than 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the board of
directors and the total number of meetings held by all committees of the board on which
he served.
Our Board of Directors has three standing committees: an Audit Committee, a
Compensation Committee, and a Nominating and Governance Committee.
Audit Committee. Our Audit Committee oversees our accounting and financial
reporting processes, internal systems of accounting and financial controls,
relationships with independent public accountants, and audits of financial statements.
The Audit Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board. The current
Audit Committee charter may be viewed by accessing the Investor Relations link on the
Company website (http://www.ConvertedOrganics.com). Specific responsibilities
include the following:
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appointing, evaluating and terminating our independent public accountants; |
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evaluating the qualifications, independence and performance of our
independent public accountants; |
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approving the audit and non-audit services to be performed
by the independent public accountants; |
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reviewing the design, implementation, adequacy and
effectiveness of our internal controls and critical
accounting policies; |
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overseeing and monitoring the integrity of our financial
statements and our compliance with legal and regulatory
requirements as they relate to financial statements or
accounting matters; |
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with management and our independent public accountants,
reviewing any earnings announcements and other public
announcements regarding our results of operations; and |
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preparing the report that the Securities and Exchange
Commission requires in our annual proxy statement. |
Our Audit Committee comprises Messrs. Stoltenberg, DeVillars and Cell. Mr.
Stoltenberg serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee. The Board has determined that
all members of the Audit Committee are independent under the rules of the Securities
and Exchange Commission and the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Board has determined that Mr.
Stoltenberg qualifies as an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the rules
of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Compensation Committee. Our Compensation Committee assists our Board of
Directors in determining the development plans and compensation of our officers,
directors and employees. Specific responsibilities include the following:
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approving the compensation and benefits of our executive officers; |
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reviewing the performance objectives and actual performance of our officers; and |
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administering our stock option and other equity compensation plans. |
Our Compensation Committee comprises Messrs. Cell, DeVillars and Stoltenberg. Mr.
Cell serves as Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Board has determined that
all members of the Compensation Committee are independent under the rules of the NASDAQ
Stock Market.
Nominating and Governance Committee. Our Nominating and Governance Committee
assists the Board by identifying and recommending individuals qualified to become
members of our Board of Directors, reviewing correspondence from our stockholders, and
establishing, evaluating and overseeing our corporate governance guidelines. Specific
responsibilities include the following:
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evaluating the composition, size and
governance of our Board of Directors
and its committees and make
recommendations regarding future
planning and the appointment of
directors to our committees; |
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determining procedures for selection of the CEO and other senior management; and |
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evaluating and recommending candidates for election to our Board of Directors. |
Our Nominating and Governance Committee comprises Messrs. DeVillars, Cell, and
Stoltenberg. Mr. DeVillars serves as Chairman of our Nominating and Governance
Committee. The Board has
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determined that all members of the Nominating Committee are
independent under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market.
Nomination of Director Candidates
The Company receives suggestions for potential director nominees from many
sources, including members of the Board, advisors, and stockholders. Any such
nominations, together with appropriate biographical information, should be submitted to
the Chairperson of the Companys Nominating and Governance Committee in the manner
discussed below. Any candidates submitted by a stockholder or stockholder group are
reviewed and considered in the same manner as all other candidates.
Nominating and selection procedures are described in the written charter of the
Companys Nominating and Governance Committee, a copy of which is available on the
Companys website at www.convertedorganics.com. Qualifications for consideration as a
Board nominee may vary according to the particular areas of expertise being sought as a
complement to the existing board composition. However, minimum qualifications include
high level leadership experience in business activities, breadth of knowledge about
issues affecting the Company, experience on other boards of directors, preferably
public company boards, and time available for meetings and consultation on Company
matters. The Nominating and Governance Committee does not have a formal policy with
regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director candidates, but seeks
a diverse group of candidates who possess the background, skills and expertise to make
a significant contribution to the Board, to the Company and its stockholders.
Candidates whose evaluations are favorable are then chosen by the Nominating and
Governance Committee to be recommended for selection by the full Board. The full Board
selects and recommends candidates for nomination as directors for stockholders to
consider and vote upon at the annual meeting.
A stockholder wishing to nominate a candidate for election to the Companys Board
of Directors at any annual meeting at which the Board of Directors has determined that
one or more directors will be elected shall submit a written notice of his or her
nomination of a candidate to the Chairperson of the Companys Nominating and Governance
Committee (c/o the Corporate Secretary), providing the candidates name, biographical
data and other relevant information together with a consent from the nominee. The
submission must be received at the Companys principal executive offices a reasonable
time before the Company begins to print and mail its proxy materials so as to permit
the Nominating and Governance Committee and, if necessary, the Board of Directors, to
evaluate the qualifications of the nominee.
The Company currently does not employ an executive search firm, or pay a fee to
any other third party, to locate qualified candidates for director positions.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Our Board does not have a policy regarding the separation of the roles of Chief
Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board as the Board believes it is in the best
interests of the Company to make that determination based on the position and direction
of the Company and the membership of the Board. The Board has determined that having
the Companys Chief Executive Officer serve as Chairman is in the best interest of the
Companys shareholders at this time. The Company believes this structure makes the best
use of the Chief Executive Officers extensive knowledge of the Company and its
industry.
Our Board of Directors has risk oversight responsibility for the Company and
administers this responsibility directly. Our Board of Directors oversees our risk
management process through regular discussions of the Companys risks with senior
management both during and outside of regularly
14
scheduled Board of Directors meetings.
In addition, our Board of Directors administers our risk management process with
respect to risks relating to the Companys accounting and financial controls.
Board Member Attendance at Annual Meetings
All current Board members and all nominees for election to our Board of Directors
are required to attend our annual meetings of stockholders, provided, however, that
attendance shall not be required if personal circumstances affecting the Board member
or director nominee make his or her attendance impracticable or inappropriate. Two out
of four of our then directors attended the 2010 annual meeting of stockholders.
Compensation Committee and Insider Participation
None of the members of our Compensation Committee is one of our officers or
employees. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has
served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity
that has one or more executive officers serving on our Board of Directors or
Compensation Committee.
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth certain information concerning total compensation
received by our Chief Executive Officer and the other most highly compensated officer
(named executives) during 2010 for services rendered to Converted Organics in all
capacities for the last two fiscal years.
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Nonqual. |
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Name and |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
Deferred |
|
All |
|
|
Principal |
|
Fiscal |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive |
|
Comp. |
|
Other |
|
|
Position |
|
Year |
|
Salary ($) |
|
Bonus ($) |
|
Awards |
|
Awards ($)(1) |
|
Plan Comp. |
|
Earnings |
|
Comp. |
|
Total ($) |
Edward J. Gildea, |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
221,800 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
256,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
478,200 |
|
President and
Chief Executive Officer |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
222,879 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
272,879 |
|
David Allen, |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
176,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
128,200 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
304,400 |
|
Chief Financial
Officer |
|
|
2009 |
|
|
|
152,376 |
|
|
|
15,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
207,876 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the full grant date fair value of the option grant
calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For the
purposes of making the option calculation, the assumptions set
forth in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included in the Companys Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2010 were utilized; provided that we excluded the
assumed forfeiture rate for the purposes of the calculations in
the table. |
Director Compensation
In fiscal 2010, our independent directors received options to purchase an
aggregate of 450,000 shares and an aggregate of $210,000 in fees for their service on
the Board of Directors, which included meeting fees of $1,500 per meeting. Directors
who are also employees do not receive compensation for their services as directors.
15
|
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Fees Earned or |
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|
|
|
Name |
|
Paid in Cash |
|
Option Awards (1) |
|
Total |
Edward A. Stoltenberg |
|
$ |
68,500 |
|
|
$ |
76,920 |
(2) |
|
$ |
145,420 |
|
Robert Cell |
|
$ |
68,500 |
|
|
$ |
76,920 |
(3) |
|
$ |
145,420 |
|
John DeVillars |
|
$ |
59,250 |
|
|
$ |
76,920 |
(4) |
|
$ |
136,170 |
|
Marshall Sterman |
|
$ |
13,750 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
(5) |
|
$ |
13,750 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the full grant date fair value of the option grant calculated in
accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For the purposes of making the option
calculation, the assumptions set forth in Note 12 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements included in the Companys Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2010 were utilized; provided that we excluded the assumed forfeiture
rate for the purposes of the calculations in the table. |
|
(2) |
|
As of December 31, 2010, Mr. Stoltenberg held options to purchase 194,000
shares of common stock. |
|
(3) |
|
As of December 31, 2010, Mr. Cell held options to purchase 194,000 shares of
common stock. |
|
(4) |
|
As of December 31, 2010, Mr. DeVillars held options to purchase 194,000
shares of common stock. |
|
(5) |
|
As of December 31, 2010, Mr. Sterman held no options to purchase shares of
common stock. |
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End-2010
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|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
Option Exercise |
|
|
|
|
Options (#) |
|
Price |
|
Option Expiration |
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
($ per share) |
|
Date |
Edward J. Gildea |
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
3.75 |
|
|
June 15, 2011 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
5.02 |
|
|
June 27, 2018 |
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0.68 |
|
|
January 4, 2020 |
David R. Allen |
|
|
10,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
3.75 |
|
|
June 15, 2011 |
|
|
|
71,195 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
5.02 |
|
|
June 27, 2018 |
|
|
|
50,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
1.10 |
|
|
June 25, 2019 |
|
|
|
250,000 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
$ |
0.68 |
|
|
January 4, 2020 |
Stock Option Plan
At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on June 30, 2010, shareholders approved the
Omnibus Stock Compensation Plan (2010 Plan), pursuant to which there were 3,458,047
shares authorized for issuance, subject to adjustment. Commencing January 1, 2011 and
on the first day of each fiscal year thereafter, the number of shares authorized for
issuance under the 2010 Plan is automatically recalculated to be equal to 20% of the
shares of the Companys common stock outstanding on the last day of the prior fiscal
year, less any issuances made under both the 2006 Plan and the 2010 Plan. The 2010 Plan
replaced the 2006 Plan and no additional shares will be issued under the 2006 Plan,
however the Company reserved the right to issue pursuant to the 2006 Plan, new options
to the extent that, and in the amount of, any currently outstanding options are
forfeited under that plan.
Under the Plan, the Compensation Committee may grant awards in the form of
incentive stock options, as defined in Section 422 of the Code, as well as options
which do not so qualify, stock units, stock awards, stock appreciation rights and other
stock-based awards.
Other awards may be granted that are based on or measured by common stock to employees,
consultants and non-employee directors, on such terms and conditions as the
Compensation Committee deems appropriate. Other stock-based awards may be granted
subject to achievement of performance goals or other conditions and may be payable in
common stock or cash, or in a combination of the two.
16
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our officers (including our
principal executive, financial and accounting officers), directors, employees and
consultants. The text of our code of ethics can be found on our Internet website at
www.ConvertedOrganics.com.
Compensation Committee Composition and Responsibility
All members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors in accordance
with the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. There are currently three directors who
serve on the Compensation Committee: Robert E. Cell, as Chair, Edward Stoltenberg, and
John DeVillars.
The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter approved by the Board.
The current Compensation Committee charter may be viewed by accessing the Investor
Relations link on the Company website (http://www.ConvertedOrganics.com). The
Compensation Committee has, as stated in its charter, two primary responsibilities: (i)
assisting the Board in carrying out its responsibilities in determining the
compensation of the CEO and executive officers of the Company; and (ii) establishing
compensation policies that will attract and retain qualified personnel through an
overall level of compensation that is comparable to, and competitive with, others in
the industry and in particular, peer institutions.
The Compensation Committee, subject to the provisions of our 2010 Omnibus Stock
Compensation Plan, also has authority in its discretion to determine the employees of
the Company to whom stock options or other awards shall be granted, the number of
shares or awards to be granted to each employee, and the time or times at which options
or awards should be granted. The CEO makes recommendations to the Compensation
Committee about equity awards to the employees of the Company (other than the CEO). The
Compensation Committee also has authority to interpret the 2010 Plan and the 2006 Plan
and to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plans.
The CEO reviews the performance of the executive officers of the Company (other
than the CEO) and, based on that review, the CEO makes recommendations to the
Compensation Committee about the compensation of executive officers (other than the
CEO). The CEO does not participate in any deliberations or approvals by the
compensation committee or the Board with respect to his own compensation. The
Compensation Committee makes recommendations to the Board about all compensation
decisions involving the CEO and the other executive officers of the Company. The Board
reviews and votes to approve all compensation decisions involving the CEO and the
executive officers of the Company. The Compensation Committee and the Board will use
data, showing current and historic elements of compensation, when reviewing executive
officer and CEO compensation.
In 2008, the Company utilized the services of Pearl Meyer & Partners (Pearl
Meyer), an executive compensation consulting firm, to assist the Compensation
Committee in making compensation decisions. Pearl Meyer was engaged by the Company in
order to determine whether executive compensation and non-employee Board of Directors
compensation were competitive with industry standards for similarly situated public
companies. Pearl Meyer was instructed to research and develop an Executive Compensation
Competitive Analysis and a Board of Director Compensation Competitive Analysis for
non-employee Board members. Pearl Meyer was also instructed to review and
update the Companys compensation peer group for comparison purposes. The
Companys compensation program is based on providing competitive salaries based upon
Pearl Meyers survey data. The Company considered and analyzed the comparable companies
in its peer group and created a new list of comps based upon the advice of Pearl Meyer.
In 2009, the Company utilized an identical Director compensation peer group as the 2008
group provided by Pearl Meyer, and internally, using publically available information,
updated the survey data to reflect the most recent annual compensation
17
paid as Director
compensation. The salaries of current employees and the CEO were considered, however,
the Company decided not to make any changes because of its financial condition.
Employment Agreements
Effective as of April 20, 2011, the Company entered into severance agreements with
Mr. Gildea and Mr. Allen, under which, should a change in control of the Company occur,
Messrs. Gildea and Allen shall be entitled to a continuation of payment of their base
salary for a term of thirty-six months, payable in bi-weekly installments in
accordance with the Companys regular payroll practices. Change of Control, shall
mean the consummation of any of the following events: (i) a sale, lease or disposition
of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or (ii) a merger or
consolidation (in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of the
Company with or into any other corporation or corporations or other entity, or any
other corporate reorganization, where the stockholders of the Company immediately prior
to such event do not retain (in substantially the same percentages) beneficial
ownership, directly or indirectly, of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting power
of and interest in the successor entity or the entity that controls the successor
entity; provided, however, that a Change in Control shall not include a sale, lease,
transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the capital stock, assets,
properties or business of the Company (by way of merger, consolidation, reorganization,
recapitalization, sale of assets, stock purchase, contribution or other similar
transaction) that involves the Company, on the one hand, and Converted Organics Inc. or
any Converted Organics Subsidiary.
In the event a Change in Control occurs, and the employment of either Mr. Gildea
or Mr. Allen is terminated (i) by the Company for a reason other than for Cause (as
defined below) or (ii) by the Executive for Good Reason (as defined below), then the
Executive shall be eligible for severance pay as described above.
Resignation for good reason means the occurrence of any of the following
conditions without the Executives consent, which condition continues after notice by
the Executive to the Company and a reasonable opportunity to cure such condition: (i) a
decrease in the Executives base salary, (ii) relocation of the Executives work place
to a location more than 50 miles from the Executives business location at the time of
the Change of Control, or (iii) the Executives assignment to a position where the
duties of the position are outside his area of professional competence.
Cause means a good faith finding by the Company of: (i) gross negligence or
willful misconduct by the Executive in connection with the Executives employment
duties, (ii) failure by the Executive to perform his duties or responsibilities
required pursuant to the Executives employment after written notice and a 30-day
opportunity to cure, (iii) misappropriation by the Executive for the Executives
personal use of the assets or business opportunities of the Company, or its affiliates,
(iv) embezzlement or other financial fraud committed by the Executive, (v) the
Executive knowingly allowing any third party to commit any of the acts described in any
of the preceding clauses (iii) or (iv), or (vi) the Executives indictment for,
conviction of, or entry of a plea of no contest with respect to, any felony.
Mr. Gildea and Mr. Allen have no employment contracts other than the above
described severance agreements, and as such are at-will employees.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Set forth below is information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common
stock, as of April 18, 2011 by (i) each person whom we know owned, beneficially, more
than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (ii) each of our directors,
(iii) each of our named executive officers, and (iv) all of the current directors and
executive officers as a group. We believe that, except as otherwise
18
noted below, each
named beneficial owner has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares
listed. Unless otherwise indicated herein, beneficial ownership is determined in
accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, and includes
voting or investment power with respect to shares beneficially owned. Shares of common
stock to be received upon conversion of preferred stock, or subject to options or
warrants currently exercisable or exercisable on or within 60 days of the date of this
proxy statement, are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage ownership of the
person holding such options or warrants, but are not deemed outstanding for computing
the percentage ownership of any other person.
Officers and Directors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name of |
|
No. of Shares |
|
|
Beneficial |
|
Beneficially |
|
|
Owner(1) |
|
Owned |
|
Percent of Class (2) |
Edward J. Gildea |
|
|
3,409,815 |
(3) |
|
|
3.2 |
|
David R. Allen |
|
|
710,417 |
(4) |
|
|
* |
|
Robert E. Cell |
|
|
573,340 |
(5) |
|
|
* |
|
John P. DeVillars |
|
|
573,340 |
(5) |
|
|
* |
|
Marshal S. Sterman |
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
* |
|
Edward A. Stoltenberg |
|
|
578,208 |
(6)(7) |
|
|
* |
|
All directors and officers as a group (six persons) |
|
|
5,855,120 |
|
|
|
5.5 |
|
5% Shareholders |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. |
|
|
32,228,361 |
(8) |
|
|
19.9 |
(8) |
|
|
|
* |
|
Less than 1% |
|
(1) |
|
The address of all persons named in this table, with the exception of
Oppenheimer Funds, Inc. is: c/o Converted Organics Inc., 137A Lewis
Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. |
|
(2) |
|
Assumes 104,153,974 shares as of April 18, 2011. |
|
(3) |
|
Includes 1,400 Class B Warrants and options to purchase 1,260,178 shares. |
|
(4) |
|
Includes options to purchase 536,333 shares. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes options to purchase 388,670 shares. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes options to purchase 378,670 shares. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 2,965 shares beneficially owned and held in trust. |
|
(8) |
|
Consists of 17,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock that
is convertible into 32,228,361 shares of common stock; provided that we
are not permitted to effect any conversion of the preferred stock, and
the holder does not have the right to convert any portion of the
preferred stock, to the extent that, after giving effect to the
conversion the holder (together with any of holders affiliates would
beneficially own in excess of 19.9% of the total issued and outstanding
shares of our common stock as of October 18, 2010. |
Transactions With Related Persons, Promoters, and Certain Control Persons
As payment for compensation accrued and not paid since April 1, 2006 and expenses
incurred but not reimbursed since April 1, 2006, we intend to pay in the future, out of
available cash, a total of $150,000 to the following current and former executive
officers, directors and consultants, each of whom will receive $50,000: Edward J.
Gildea, John A. Walsdorf and William A. Gildea. Marshal S. Sterman is also currently
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, and Acting Chief Financial Officer of
Urban Ag Corp, which licenses Converted Organics TerraSphere
technology.
We believe the transactions described above were made on terms at least as
favorable as those generally available from unaffiliated third parties. The
transactions have been ratified by a majority of the members of our Board of Directors
who are independent directors. Future transactions with our officers, directors or
greater than five percent stockholders will be on terms no less favorable to us than
could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties, and all such transactions will be
reviewed and subject to approval by our Audit Committee, which will have access, at our
expense, to our or independent legal counsel.
19
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Under the securities laws of the United States, the Companys directors, its
officers and any persons holding more than 10% of the Companys Common Stock (10%
holders) are required to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
initial reports of beneficial ownership and reports of changes in beneficial ownership
of shares of Common Stock and other equity securities of the Company. Specific filing
deadlines of these reports have been established and the Company is required to
disclose in this Proxy Statement any failure to file by these dates during the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2010. The Company is not aware of any late filers for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, except for the late filing of a Form 3 when Mr.
Sterman was elected to the Board of Directors in July of 2010. Although this election
was disclosed in a Form 8-K, the requisite Form 3 filing was not made until April 2011.
In making these statements, the Company has relied solely on written representations
of its directors, officers and 10% holders and copies of the reports that they filed
with the SEC.
Independent Public Accountants |
CCR LLP served as the Companys independent public accountant in fiscal 2010
and has been engaged as the Companys independent public accountant for fiscal 2011.
The Audit Committee of the Board intends to meet with the auditor in August 2011 to
discuss the audit engagement for fiscal 2011. The following table shows the fees paid
or accrued by the Company for the audit and other services provide CCR LLP for 2010 and
2009.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
FY 2010 |
|
FY 2009 |
Audit Fees |
|
$ |
142,500 |
|
|
$ |
174,200 |
|
Audit Fees (acquisition targets) |
|
$ |
267,944 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
Tax Fees |
|
$ |
18,500 |
|
|
$ |
0 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
$ |
117,755 |
|
|
$ |
106,790 |
|
Totals |
|
$ |
546,699 |
|
|
$ |
280,990 |
|
Audit fees of CCR LLP for fiscal 2010 and 2009 consisted of the examination
of the consolidated financial statements of the Company. Other fees include charges
related to required procedures in association with consent for the filings of Forms
S-3, review of our 2010 Proxy statement and our October 2009 Secondary Offering, as
well as performing audits of two potential acquisition targets in 2010.
The Audit Committee, consisting entirely of independent directors, pre-approves
all audit and non-audit services provided by the independent public accountants. These
services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other
services as allowed by law or regulation. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to
one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of
services and is generally subject to a specifically approved amount. The independent
public accountants and management are required to periodically report to the Audit
Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent public
accountants in
accordance with this pre-approval and the fees incurred to date. The Audit
Committee, or one of its members to whom authority has been delegated by the Audit
Committee, may also pre-approve particular services on a case-by-case basis. The Audit
Committee pre-approved all of the Companys audit fees, audit-related fees, tax fees,
and all other fees for services by the independent public accountants during fiscal
2010.
20
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The following is the report of the Audit Committee with respect to the Companys
audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. The
information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be soliciting material or
to be filed with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference
into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, except to the extent that the Company specifically
incorporates the information by reference in such filing.
The Audit Committee currently includes three non-employee directors. Mr.
Stoltenberg serves as Chairman of the Audit Committee, and Messrs. Cell and DeVillars
serve as members. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the members of the
Audit Committee is independent as defined by the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market and
the SEC. The Board also determined that each member of the Audit Committee is
financially literate and has accounting or related financial management expertise.
The Board also determined that Mr. Stoltenberg is an audit committee financial expert
as defined by SEC rules through his business and professional experience.
The purpose of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in its
general oversight of the Companys financial reporting, internal controls and audit
functions. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, retention,
evaluation, compensation, oversight and termination of the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm.
The Audit Committee reviews the results and scope of audit and other services
provided by the independent public accountants and reviews the accounting principles
and auditing practices and procedures to be used in the Companys financial reporting
process, including its systems of internal control, and in the preparation of
consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles. The Companys independent registered public accounting firm for the last
fiscal year, CCR LLP is responsible for performing an independent audit of those
financial statements. As more fully explained in the Audit Committees charter, the
Audit Committees responsibility is to provide oversight of and to review those
processes. The Audit Committee does not conduct auditing or accounting reviews or
procedures, and relies on information and representations provided by management and
the independent public accountants. The Audit Committee has relied on managements
representation that the financial statements have been prepared with integrity and
objectivity and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America and on the representations of the independent public
accountants included in their report on the Companys financial statements.
Audited Financial Statements
The Audit Committee has reviewed the audited financial statements prepared for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed
those audited financial statements with members of the management of the Company.
The Audit Committee has discussed the audited financials for fiscal 2010 with CCR
LLP, and has discussed with CCR LLP the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as
amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, Vo1. 1. AU section 380), as adopted by the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB, in Rule 3200T. The Audit Committee
has received from CCR LLP a letter and other written disclosures required by applicable
requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent accountants communications with
the Board concerning independence. The Audit Committee had discussions with CCR LLP in
advance of the Annual Meeting regarding the independence of CCR LLP as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm.
21
Management is responsible for the Companys internal controls and the financial
reporting process. The Companys independent registered public accountants are
responsible for performing an independent audit of the Companys consolidated financial
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and to issue a
report thereon. The Audit Committees responsibility is to monitor and oversee these
processes. After review of all discussions and correspondence described above, as well
as such other matters deemed relevant and appropriate by the Audit Committee, the Audit
Committee recommended that the audited financial statements for the last fiscal year be
included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Audit Committee
Edward Stoltenberg, Chairman
Robert E. Cell
John DeVillars
22
PROPOSAL NO. 1
ELECTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Our Certificate of Incorporation provides that the Board of Directors be
divided into three classes. Each director serves a term of three years. At each annual
meeting, the stockholders elect directors for a full term or the remainder thereof, as
the case may be, to succeed those, whose terms have expired. Each director holds office
for the term for which elected or until his or her successor is duly elected.
Currently, Messrs. Stoltenberg and Cell serve as Class 1 directors, whose terms expire
in 2013; Messrs. DeVillars and Sterman serve as Class 2 directors, whose terms expire
in 2011; and Mr. Edward Gildea serves as a Class 3 director, whose term expires in
2012. The Board of Directors has nominated Messrs. John DeVillars and Marshall Sterman
to serve as Class 2 directors until 2014 or until their respective successors are
elected and qualified.
Vote Required
The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes cast in favor of his
election shall be elected as director.
Recommendation
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the election of Messrs. John
DeVillars and Marshall Sterman.
Unless marked otherwise, proxies received will be voted FOR the election of
the nominees.
PROPOSAL NO. 2
RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF CCR LLP AS
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT
The Board of Directors appointed CCR LLP as the Companys independent public
accounting firm for 2011. CCR LLP has served as the Companys independent public
accountant since 2005.
In the past five fiscal years there have been no disagreements with CCR LLP
on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or
auditing scope of procedure.
One or more representatives of CCR LLP will attend the Annual Meeting and be
available to respond to appropriate questions.
The Board recommends the shareholders ratify the appointment of CCR LLP as
the Companys independent public accountant for the year 2011. If the shareholders do
not ratify the appointment, other independent public accountants will be appointed by
the Board upon recommendation of the Audit Committee.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock
present at the meeting and entitled to vote is required is required to approve the
selection of CCR LLP as independent public accountant.
Recommendation
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the ratification of the
selection of CCR LLP as the Companys independent public accountant for the year 2011.
PROPOSAL NO. 3
AMEND THE COMPANYS CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO INCREASE
THE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES THAT THE COMPANY MAY ISSUE
TO 500,000,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
23
General
The Companys Board of Directors unanimously approved and recommended for adoption
by the shareholders the Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation (the Amended
Certificate), the text of which is attached to this Proxy Statement as Annex A. The
following proposal is to approve the increase in the number of shares of common stock
authorized in our Amended Certificate from 250,000,000 shares to 500,000,000 shares,
but does not approve any issuance of shares of common stock.
Background and Reasons for the Proposed Amended and Restated Articles
As of Record Date, there were 250,000,000 shares of our common stock authorized,
of which, 100,670,127 shares were issued and outstanding and 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, of which 17,500 shares were issued and outstanding. In addition, the
Company has approximately 135,302,682 shares reserved for issuance upon exercise of
outstanding options and warrants and in connection with existing share-based
compensation and benefit plans and financing arrangements. To the extent Proposal 4 is
approved and the Company effects a reverse stock split, the Companys outstanding
shares would be reduced proportionately and the shares reserved for issuance would also
be reduced proportionately.
The approval of this proposal would increase the number of shares of the Companys
common stock that it is authorized to issue from 250,000,000 shares to 500,000,000
shares of common stock. The par value of the Companys common stock will not be
affected by the amendment.
The Company seeks shareholder approval to increase the number of authorized shares
because doing so will allow the Company to maintain sufficient shares of common stock
for future business and financial purposes. Authorized but unissued shares of common
stock may be used by the Company for any purpose permitted under Delaware law,
including but not limited to, paying stock dividends to stockholders, raising capital,
providing equity incentives to employees, officers and directors, and
entering into transactions that the Board of Directors believes provide the
potential for growth and profit. Furthermore, the Company may utilize its securities to
make future acquisitions; acquisitions are a key component of growth and, from time to
time, consideration for acquisitions may include the issuance of common stock.
The issuance of Company common stock may be dilutive to the Companys current
common stockholders. The Company may complete any financings prior to the annual
meeting by the issuance of securities currently authorized and available for issuance.
If the proposed amendment is approved, to the extent the Company has previously issued
all of the shares of common stock currently authorized, the Company may issue the newly
authorized shares of Company common stock without a further vote of the stockholders of
the Company, except as provided under the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. These
future issuances may be dilutive to the Companys current common stockholders and may
cause a reduction in the market price of the Companys common stock.
The increase in the authorized shares of common stock will not have any immediate
effect on the rights of existing stockholders. If the stockholders approve the proposed
amendment, the Board of Directors may cause the issuance of additional shares without
further vote of the stockholders of the Company, except as provided under the rules of
the NASDAQ Stock Market. Current holders of common stock do not have preemptive or
similar rights, which means that current stockholders do not have a prior right to
purchase any new issue of capital stock of the Company in order to maintain their
proportionate ownership. The issuance of additional shares of common stock would
decrease the
24
proportionate equity interest of the Companys current stockholders and,
depending upon the price paid for such additional shares, could result in dilution to
the Companys current stockholders.
The proposed amendment could, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover
effect, although this is not the intention of this proposal. For example, in the event
of a hostile attempt to take over control of the Company, it may be possible for the
Company to endeavor to impede the attempt by issuing shares of common stock, which
would dilute the voting power of the other outstanding shares and increase the
potential cost to acquire control of the Company. The proposed amendment therefore may
have the effect of discouraging unsolicited takeover attempts, potentially limiting the
opportunity for the Companys stockholders to dispose of their shares at a premium,
which is often offered in takeover attempts, or that may be available under a merger
proposal. The proposed amendment may have the effect of permitting the Companys
current management, including the current Board of Directors, to retain its position,
and place it in a better position to resist changes that stockholders may wish to make
if they are dissatisfied with the conduct of the Companys business. However, the Board
of Directors is not aware of any attempt to take control of the Company, and the Board
of Directors has not presented this proposal with the intent that it be utilized as a
type of anti-takeover device.
In addition to periodic discussions regarding fund raising opportunities, the
Company also engages in periodic discussions with potential partners, strategic
investments and acquisition candidates, as part of the Companys business model. If any
of these discussions came to a definitive understanding and if the proposed amendment
is adopted, it is possible that the Company could use some of the newly authorized
shares in connection with one or more such transactions subsequent to the increase in
the number of authorized shares. The Company also plans to continue to issue shares of
common stock pursuant to its stock incentive plans subsequent to the increase in the
number of authorized shares. The Company currently has no plan, commitment,
arrangement, understanding or agreement, regarding the issuance of common stock in
connection with one or more such strategic transactions subsequent to the increase in
the number of authorized shares, except for such transactions that would require a
separate vote by the Companys shareholders, including the matters being voted on at
the Annual Meeting.
If the proposed amendment is adopted, it will become effective upon filing of the
Amended Certificate with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. However, if
the Companys stockholders approve the proposed amendment, the Board of Directors
retains discretion under Delaware law not to implement the proposed amendment. If the
Board of Directors were to exercise such discretion, the number of authorized shares
would remain unchanged.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock, as
of the Record Date, is required to increase the number of authorized shares of common
stock.
Recommendation
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR increasing the number of
authorized shares of common stock.
PROPOSAL NO. 4
AMEND THE COMPANYS CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO AUTHORIZE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO
EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
General
25
The Companys Board of Directors has adopted a resolution approving and
recommending for approval to the Companys shareholders an amendment to the Companys
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, authorizing a reverse stock split of the
Companys common stock, at a ratio, within a range of 1:2 to 1:10, to be determined by
the Board. The Companys authorized but unissued stock would not be reduced in
accordance with this ratio, and, if Proposal 3 is approved, the Companys authorized
shares would be increased to 500,000,000 shares. The authority to effect the reverse
split would be granted to the Board for a period of twelve months from the date of the
2011 Annual Meeting. Should the Board of Directors decide to implement the reverse
stock split, it would become effective upon the filing of an amendment to the Companys
Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware.
With the exception of adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares (as described below), each Stockholder will retain the same percentage of common
stock outstanding immediately following the reverse stock split as that Stockholder
held immediately prior to the reverse stock split.
The form of the Certificate of Amendment to be filed with the Secretary of State
of the State of Delaware to accomplish the reverse stock split is represented in Annex
B.
Background and Reasons for the Proposed Amended and Restated Articles
Our common stock is currently listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol
COIN. On June 27, 2010, we received notice from the NASDAQ Stock Market stating that
the closing bid price of our common stock had fallen below $1.00 for thirty consecutive
business days and that therefore, we were not in compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule
5550(a)(2). On December 27, 2010, we were provided with a 180-day grace period, through
June 27, 2011, to regain compliance with the Rule, and NASDAQ has notified us that we
are ineligible for another such grace period. To regain compliance, the bid price for
our common stock must close at $1.00 or higher for a minimum of ten consecutive
business days within the grace period. If we are unable to do so, we will receive a
delisting notice from NASDAQ with respect to our common stock.
The Board is seeking stockholder approval for the reverse stock split for the
primary purpose of regaining and/or maintaining or compliance with NASDAQ listing
requirements. The Board believes that the reverse split is desirable because it may
assist us in meeting the requirements for continued listing on NASDAQ by helping to
raise the market bid price of our common stock to $1.00 or more. If NASDAQ delists our
common stock, trading in our common stock would thereafter be conducted in the
over-the-counter market on the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board or in the pink sheets.
Trading through the OTC Electronic Bulletin Board or the pink sheets will likely reduce
the liquidity of our common stock and could result in lower prices for our common stock
than might otherwise prevail, increased spreads between the bid and asked prices for
our common stock and increased transaction costs inherent in trading such shares.
Additionally, certain investors will not purchase securities that are not listed on a
national exchange or quoted on NASDAQ, which could materially impair our ability to
raise funds through the issuance of our common stock or other securities convertible
into our common stock.
In addition, if our common stock were removed from listing on NASDAQ and the
trading price of our common stock remained below $5.00 per share, trading in our common
stock would also be subject to the requirements of certain rules under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which require additional disclosure by broker-dealers
in connection with any trades involving a stock defined as a penny stock (generally,
any equity security that is traded other than on a national securities exchange and has
a market bid price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions). The
additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by such requirements could discourage
broker-dealers
26
from making a market, seeking or generating interest in our common stock and
otherwise effecting transactions in our common stock, which could severely limit the
market liquidity of our common stock and the ability of investors to trade our common
stock.
IF OUR STOCKHOLDERS DO NOT APPROVE THE REVERSE STOCK SPLIT PROPOSAL, WE WOULD
LIKELY BE DELISTED FROM THE NASDAQ CAPITAL MARKET DUE TO OUR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A
MINIMUM BID PRICE FOR OUR COMMON STOCK OF $1.00 PER SHARE AS REQUIRED BY NASDAQS
LISTING RULES.
While we believe that the reverse split would initially help increase the market
bid price of our common stock to at least $1.00 per share, the effect of a reverse
split on the market bid price of our common stock cannot be predicted with any
certainty, and the historical results of similar reverse splits for companies in
similar circumstances is varied. There can be no assurance that:
|
|
the market bid price of our common stock would rise in proportion to the reduction in
the number of shares of our common stock outstanding following the reverse split; |
|
|
|
we would be successful in maintaining the market bid price of our common stock above
$1.00 per share for any extended period of time, even if the reverse split succeeded in
raising the market bid price of our common stock above $1.00 per share; |
|
|
|
we would be able to continue to meet NASDAQs other quantitative continued listing
criteria; or |
|
|
|
our common stock would not be delisted by NASDAQ for other reasons. |
Additionally, even though the reverse split, by itself, would not impact our
assets or prospects, the reverse split could be followed by a decrease in the aggregate
market value of our common stock. The market bid price of our common stock may be based
also on other factors that may be unrelated to the number of shares outstanding,
including our future performance. The reverse stock split may result in some
stockholders owning odd-lots of less than 100 shares of our common stock. Brokerage
commissions and other costs of transactions in odd-lots are generally higher than the
costs of transactions in round-lots of even multiples of 100 shares.
Potential Effects of Proposed Reverse Split
General
After the effective date of the reverse split, each holder of our common stock
will own a reduced number of shares of our common stock. However, the reverse split
will affect all holders of our common stock uniformly and will not affect any
shareholders percentage ownership interests in the Company or proportionate voting
power, except to the extent that the reverse split results in any of our shareholders
owning a fractional share. In lieu of issuing fractional shares, each holder of our
common stock who would otherwise have been entitled to a fraction of a share upon
surrender of such holders certificates will have the number of shares he receives
rounded up to the nearest whole share.
Effect on Authorized and Outstanding Shares
The Company currently is authorized to issue a maximum of 250,000,000 shares of
our common stock. As of the record date, there were 100,670,127 shares issued and
outstanding. In addition, the Company has approximately 135,302,682 shares reserved
for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options and warrants and in connection with
existing share-based compensation and benefit plans and financing arrangements.
Although the number of authorized shares of common stock will not change as
27
a result of the reverse split, the number of issued and outstanding shares of our
common stock will be reduced to a number that will be approximately equal to the number
of shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective
date divided by the reverse split ratio. The number will not be exact due to the
treatment of any fractional shares, as described below.
The proposal will not change the terms of our common stock. The shares of new
common stock will have the same voting rights and rights to dividends and distributions
and will be identical in all other respects to the common stock now outstanding. We do
not anticipate that the reverse split will result in any material reduction in the
number of holders of common stock. Each shareholders percentage ownership of the new
common stock will not be altered except for the effect of eliminating fractional shares
as described below. The common stock issued pursuant to the reverse split will remain
fully paid and non-assessable. The reverse split is not intended as, and will not have
the effect of, a going private transaction in accordance with Rule 13e-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We will continue to be subject to the
periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Following the effective date, it is not anticipated that the Companys financial
condition, the percentage ownership of management, the number of shareholders, or any
aspect of the Companys business would materially change as a result of the reverse
split.
Accounting Matters
The reverse split will not affect the par value of our common stock. As a result,
on the effective date of the reverse split, the stated capital on our balance sheet
attributable to the common stock will be reduced in proportion to the fraction by which
the number of shares of common stock are reduced, and the additional paid-in capital
account shall be credited with the amount by which the stated capital is reduced. The
per share net income or loss and net book value of our common stock will be
retroactively increased for each period because there will be fewer shares of our
common stock outstanding.
Potential Anti-Takeover Effect
While the Board of Directors believes it advisable to authorize and approve the
reverse split for the reasons set forth above, the Board is aware that the increase in
the number of authorized but unissued shares of common stock may have a potential
anti-takeover effect. Our ability to issue additional shares could be used to thwart
persons, or otherwise dilute the stock ownership of shareholders seeking to control the
Company. The reverse stock split is not being recommended by the Board as part of an
anti-takeover strategy.
Increase of Shares of Common Stock Available for Future Issuance
Because our authorized common stock will not be reduced, the overall effect will
be an increase in our authorized but unissued shares of common stock as a result of the
reverse split. These shares may be issued by our Board of Directors in its discretion.
Any future issuances will have the effect of diluting the percentage of stock ownership
and voting rights of the present holders of common stock.
Summary Table
For illustration purposes only, the following table shows the effects of potential
reverse stock split ratios of between 1-for-2 and 1-for-10, without giving effect to
any adjustments for fractional shares, on our authorized and issued shares of common
stock, shares of common stock reserved for issuance and authorized
28
but unissued and unreserved shares of common stock. The information presented
below is as of April 15, 2011 and assumes no changes between April 15, 2011 and the
effective date of any split.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of common |
|
Shares of common |
|
Shares of common |
|
|
|
|
stock authorized and |
|
stock reserved for |
|
stock authorized but |
|
Total number of |
Reverse split ratio |
|
issued |
|
issuance(1) |
|
unissued(2) |
|
authorized shares(3) |
No split |
|
|
104,153,974 |
|
|
|
135,302,682 |
|
|
|
260,543,344 |
|
|
|
500,000,000 |
|
1-for-2 |
|
|
52,076,987 |
|
|
|
67,651,341 |
|
|
|
380,271,672 |
|
|
|
500,000,000 |
|
1-for-4 |
|
|
26,038,494 |
|
|
|
33,825,671 |
|
|
|
440,135,836 |
|
|
|
500,000,000 |
|
1-for-6 |
|
|
17,358,996 |
|
|
|
22,550,447 |
|
|
|
460,090,557 |
|
|
|
500,000,000 |
|
1-for-8 |
|
|
13,019,247 |
|
|
|
16,912,835 |
|
|
|
470,067,918 |
|
|
|
500,000,000 |
|
1-for-10 |
|
|
10,415,397 |
|
|
|
13,530,268 |
|
|
|
476,054,334 |
|
|
|
500,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Assumes the passage of Proposal No. 5. |
|
(2) |
|
Assumes the passage of Proposal Nos. 3 and 5. |
|
(3) |
|
Assumes the passage of Proposal No. 3. |
Effective Time
The proposed reverse stock split would become effective as of 11:59 p.m., Eastern
time (the Effective Time) on the date of filing of the Certificate of Amendment with
the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Except as explained
below with respect to fractional shares, on the Effective Time, shares of our common
stock issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto will be combined, automatically
and without any action on the part of our stockholders, into one share of our common
stock in accordance with the reverse stock split ratio of between 1-for-2 and 1-for-10.
After the Effective Time, our common stock will have a new CUSIP number, which is
a number used to identify our equity securities, and stock certificates with the older
CUSIP numbers will need to be exchanged for stock certificates with the new CUSIP
numbers.
Board Discretion to Implement the Reverse Stock Split Amendment
If stockholder approval is obtained for this proposal, the Board expects to select
an appropriate ratio and implement the reverse stock split promptly. However, the Board
reserves the authority to decide, in its discretion, to delay or abandon the reverse
stock split after such vote and before the effectiveness of the reverse stock split if
it determines that the reverse stock split is no longer in the best interests of the
Company and its stockholders. The Board will, however, implement the reverse stock
split, if at all, prior to our next annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2012.
Fractional Shares
No fractional shares of common stock will be issued in connection with the reverse
stock split. Fractional shares will be rounded up to the nearest whole share.
The Board recommends that stockholders vote FOR the proposal to amend the
Companys Certificate of Incorporation to authorize the Board of Directors to effect a
reverse stock split.
PROPOSAL NO. 5
APPROVAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF 20% OR MORE OF OUR COMMON STOCK
RELATED TO THE CONVERTIBLE NOTES ISSUED PURSUANT TO THE PURCHASE
AGREEMENT
29
NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d) requires shareholder approval of a transaction other
than a public offering involving the sale, issuance or potential issuance of common
stock (or securities convertible into or exercisable for common stock) at a price that
is less than the greater of book or market value of the stock, if the number of shares
of common stock to be issued is or may be equal to 20% or more of the common stock, or
20% or more of the voting power, outstanding before the issuance (the 20% Share
Limitation).
On April 1, 2011, we entered into the Purchase Agreement with an institutional
investor (the Buyer), pursuant to which we agreed to sell to Buyer a Note (defined
below) and Warrants (defined below). The following is a summary of the terms of the
Purchase Agreement, as well as a summary of certain provisions of the Purchase
Agreement that would require us to exceed the 20% Share Limitation. Until we receive
shareholder approval for the proposals set forth in this proxy statement, we are not
permitted to exceed the 20% Share Limitation.
Description of Note
Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we sold to Buyer a convertible
note in the aggregate original principal amount of $3,850,000 (the Note), which Note
is convertible into shares of our common stock. The Note was issued with an original
issue discount of approximately 9.1%, and the purchase price of the Note will be
$3,500,000. The Note is not interest bearing, unless we are in default on the Note, in
which case the Note carries an interest rate of 18% per annum.
The Note is initially convertible into shares of common stock at a conversion
price of $0.40 per share, provided that if we make certain dilutive issuances (with
limited exceptions), the conversion price of the Note will be lowered to the per share price for the dilutive issuances. We are required to repay the Note in five equal
installments commencing July 31, 2011, either in cash or in shares of our common stock.
If we choose to utilize shares of our common stock for the payment, we must make an
irrevocable decision to use shares 23 trading days prior to the installment payment
date, and the value of our shares will be equal to 85% of the average of the three
lowest closing sale prices of our common stock during the 20 trading day period prior
to payment of the installment amount (the Installment Conversion Price). If we
choose to make an installment payment in shares of common stock, we must make a
pre-installment payment of shares (the Pre-Installment Shares) to the Note holder 20
trading days prior to the applicable installment date based on the value of our shares equal to 85% of the average of the three lowest closing sale prices of our common stock
during the 20 trading day period prior to payment of the installment amount. On the
installment date, to the extent we owe the Note holder additional shares in excess of
the Pre-Installment Shares to satisfy the installment payment, we will issue the Note
holder additional shares, and to the extent we have issued excess shares, such shares will be applied to future payments.
If an event of default occurs under the Note, we must redeem the Note in cash at
the greater of 135% of the unconverted principal amount or 135% of the greatest equity
value of the shares of common stock underlying the Note from the date of the default
until the redemption is completed.
The conversion price of the Note is subject to adjustment in the case of stock
splits, stock dividends, combinations of shares and similar recapitalization
transactions. The convertibility of the Note may be limited if, upon exercise, the
holder or any of its affiliates would beneficially own more than 4.9% of our common
stock.
Description of Warrants
30
Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we also agreed to issue to the
Buyer warrants to acquire shares of common stock, in the form of three warrants: (i)
Series A Warrants, (ii) Series B Warrants and (iii) Series C Warrants
(collectively, the Warrants).
The Series B Warrants are exercisable six months and one day after issuance and
expire nine months after the date we obtain shareholder approval of this proposal
pursuant to this proxy statement. The Series B Warrants provide that the holders are
initially entitled to purchase an aggregate of 9,143,750 shares at an initial exercise
price of $0.4125 per share. If we make certain dilutive issuances (with limited
exceptions), the exercise price of the Series B Warrants will be lowered to the per
share price for the dilutive issuances. In addition, the exercise price of the Series
B Warrants will adjust to the average of the Installment Conversion Prices used to
repay the Note (see above for a discussion of the Note installment payments). The
floor price for the exercise price of the Series B Warrants is $0.34. The number of shares underlying the Series B Warrants will adjust whenever the exercise price
adjusts, such that at all times the aggregate exercise price of the Series B Warrants
will be $3,771,797.
To the extent we enter into a fundamental transaction (as defined in the Series B
Warrants and which include, without limitation, our entering into a merger or
consolidation with another entity, our selling all or substantially all of our assets,
or a person acquiring 50% of our common stock), we have agreed to purchase the Series B
Warrants from the holders at their Black-Scholes value.
If our common stock trades at a price at least 200% above the Series B Warrants
exercise price for a period of 10 trading days at any time after we obtain shareholder
approval of this proposal pursuant to this proxy statement, we may force the exercise
of the Series B Warrants if we meet certain conditions.
The Series A and Series C Warrants are exercisable six months and one day after
issuance and have a five year term commencing on the initial exercise date. The Series
A Warrants provide that the holders are initially entitled to purchase an aggregate of
4,812,500 shares at an initial exercise price of $0.40 per share. The Series C Warrants
provide that the holders are initially entitled to purchase an aggregate of 4,343,285
shares at an initial exercise price of $0.425 per share. If on the expiration date of
the Series B Warrants, a holder of such warrant has not exercised such warrant for at
least 50% of the shares underlying such warrant, we have the right to redeem from such
holder its Series C Warrant for $1,000 under certain circumstances.
If we make certain dilutive issuances (with limited exceptions), the exercise
price of the Series A and Series C Warrants will be lowered to the per share price for
the dilutive issuances. In addition, the exercise price of the Series A and Series C
Warrants will adjust to the average of the Installment Conversion Prices used to repay
the Note (see above for a discussion of the Note installment payments). Until we
obtain shareholder approval (as discussed below), the floor price of the Series A and
Series C Warrants is $0.34. The number of shares underlying the Series A and Series C
Warrants will not be adjusted due to an adjustment of the exercise price pursuant to
the preceding two sentences.
To the extent we enter into a fundamental transaction (as defined in the Series A
and Series C Warrants and which include, without limitation, our entering into a merger
or consolidation with another entity, our selling all or substantially all of our
assets, or a person acquiring 50% of our common stock), we have agreed to purchase the
Series A and Series C Warrants from the holder at their Black-Scholes value.
The exercise price of all the Warrants is subject to adjustment in the case of
stock splits, stock dividends, combinations of shares and similar recapitalization
transactions. The exercisability of the Warrants may be limited if, upon exercise, the
holder or any of its affiliates would beneficially own more than 4.9% of our common
stock. The Note may not be converted if the total number of shares
that would be issued would exceed 19.99% of our common stock on the date the
Purchase Agreement
31
was executed prior to our receiving shareholder approval of this
proposal pursuant to this proxy statement.
Issuance of 20% or More of the Outstanding Common Stock
On April 1, 2010 and immediately after the execution of the Purchase Agreement,
there were 100,670,127 shares of common stock issued and outstanding, which under
NASDAQ Listing Rule 5635(d) would prohibit us from issuing more than 20,134,025 shares
of common stock without shareholder approval. Shareholder approval was not sought in
advance of entering into the Purchase Agreement due to the fact that such approval was
not required pursuant to NASDAQ rules and regulations and would have unnecessarily
delayed the execution of the transaction documents and our receipt of the proceeds from
the offering.
Consequences of Failure to Receive Shareholder Approval
Shareholder approval is required to enable us to issue more than 20,134,025 shares
of our common stock pursuant to the transaction documents. In connection with the Note,
to the extent we utilize our shares of common stock to pay the installments required
under the Note, our inability to issue greater than 20,134,025 shares may require us to
utilize our cash to repay the Note, which would reduce the amount of cash available to
us to operate our business.
To the extent that are unable to receive shareholder approval of proposals 3-7 set
forth in this proxy statement, we agreed in the Purchase Agreement to cause an
additional shareholder meeting to be held every three months thereafter until such
approval is obtained. As such, our failure to receive shareholder approval of proposals
3-7 set forth in this proxy statement will require us to incur the costs of holding one
or more additional shareholder meetings until we receive such approvals.
Risks Associated with Approval of Proposals
If we receive shareholder approval of the proposals set forth in this proxy
statement, and if we were to issue shares of our common stock in excess of the
20,134,025 shares currently permitted to be issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement,
such issuances may affect the rights of existing holders of our common stock to the
extent that future issuances of common stock reduce each existing shareholders
proportionate ownership and voting rights. In addition, possible dilution caused by
future issuances of common stock could lead to a decrease in our net income per share
in future periods and a resulting decline in the market price of our common stock.
Assuming we receive shareholder approval of the proposals set forth in this proxy
statement and assuming we choose to repay the Note solely in shares of our common stock
(we may repay the Note in cash), the following table shows the number of shares that
would be issuable under the Note and Warrants at various assumed Installment Conversion
Prices:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumed |
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
average |
|
shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
Installment |
|
required |
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
proceeds |
|
Number of |
|
proceeds |
|
|
|
|
Conversion |
|
to repay |
|
Total |
|
shares |
|
to us upon |
|
shares |
|
to us upon |
|
Total |
|
|
Price for |
|
the Note |
|
proceeds |
|
underlying |
|
exercise of |
|
underlying |
|
exercise of |
|
shares to |
|
Total |
repayment |
|
solely in |
|
to us from |
|
the Series |
|
the Series |
|
the Series |
|
the Series |
|
be issued |
|
proceeds to |
of the Note |
|
common |
|
sale of the |
|
B |
|
B |
|
A and C |
|
A and C |
|
in |
|
us from |
(1) |
|
stock |
|
Note |
|
Warrants |
|
Warrants |
|
Warrants |
|
Warrants |
|
financing |
|
financing |
$0.20 |
|
|
19,250,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
18,858,985 |
|
|
$ |
3,771,797 |
|
|
|
9,155,785 |
|
|
$ |
1,831,157 |
|
|
|
47,264,770 |
|
|
$ |
9,102,954 |
|
$0.30 |
|
|
12,833,333 |
|
|
$ |
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
12,572,657 |
|
|
$ |
3,771,797 |
|
|
|
9,155,785 |
|
|
$ |
2,746,736 |
|
|
|
34,561,775 |
|
|
$ |
10,018,532 |
|
$0.40 |
|
|
9,625,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
9,429,493 |
|
|
$ |
3,771,797 |
|
|
|
9,155,785 |
|
|
$ |
3,662,314 |
|
|
|
28,210,278 |
|
|
$ |
10,934,111 |
|
$0.75 |
|
|
5,133,333 |
|
|
$ |
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
5,029,063 |
|
|
$ |
3,771,797 |
|
|
|
9,155,785 |
|
|
$ |
3,770,896 |
|
|
|
19,318,181 |
|
|
$ |
11,042,693 |
|
$1.00 |
|
|
3,850,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
3,771,797 |
|
|
$ |
3,771,797 |
|
|
|
9,155,785 |
|
|
$ |
3,770,896 |
|
|
|
16,777,582 |
|
|
$ |
11,042,693 |
|
32
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Installment Conversion Price is 85% of the average of the three lowest closing sale
prices of our common stock during the 20 trading day period prior to payment of the
installment amount. |
|
(2) |
|
Assuming all Warrants are exercised and the Notes are repaid solely in common stock. |
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the common stock present at the meeting and
entitled to vote is required to approve the issuance of 20% or more of our common stock
related to the Note that was issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
Recommendation
The Board recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the approval of the issuance
of 20% or more of our common stock related to the Note that was issued pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement.
PROPOSAL NO. 6
APPROVAL OF ANY FUTURE ADJUSTMENTS OF THE EXERCISE PRICES FOR
BOTH THE SERIES A AND SERIES C WARRANTS BELOW THEIR FLOOR PRICES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE TERMS OF SUCH WARRANTS THAT WERE ISSUED
PURSUANT TO THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
General
Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, we also issued to the Buyer
Series A Warrants and Series C Warrants. The Series A and Series C Warrants are
exercisable six months and one day after issuance and have a five year term commencing
on the initial exercise date. The Series A Warrants provide that the holders are
initially entitled to purchase an aggregate of 4,812,500 shares at an initial exercise
price of $0.40 per share. The Series C Warrants provide that the holders are initially
entitled to purchase an aggregate of 4,343,285 shares at an initial exercise price of
$0.425 per share. If on the expiration date of the Series B Warrants, a holder of such
warrant has not exercised such warrant for at least 50% of the shares underlying such
warrant, we have the right to redeem from such holder its Series C Warrant for $1,000
under certain circumstances.
Floor Price Elimination
If we make certain dilutive issuances (with limited exceptions), the exercise
price of the Series A and Series C Warrants will be lowered to the per share price for
the dilutive issuances. In addition, the exercise price of the Series A and Series C
Warrants will adjust to the average of the Installment Conversion Prices used to repay
the Initial Notes (see Proposal 5 above for a discussion of the Note installment
payments). The floor price of the Series A and Series C Warrants is currently $0.34.
Pursuant to Nasdaqs guidance regarding the implementation of Listing Rule 5635(d), we
were required to set the initial exercise date for the Series A and C Warrants at six
months and one day after the Initial Closing and establish the floor price of $0.34,
which was equal to the consolidated closing bid price of our common stock on the date
of the Purchase Agreement, or we would have been required to obtain shareholder
approval for the issuance of the Series A and C Warrants. In the Purchase Agreement, we
agreed to solicit shareholder approval to allow issuances below the floor price for the
Series A and C Warrants, and this approval is being sought at the special meeting
pursuant to this Proposal 6.
Consequences of Failure to Receive Shareholder Approval for the Elimination of the
Floor Prices
33
In connection with the Series A and C Warrants, our inability to allow issuances
below the floor price of the warrants, may prevent the warrant holders from exercising
the Series A and C warrants to the extent the exercise price of the warrants exceeds
the market price of our common stock, which would lessen the amount of cash provided to
us from this financing transaction.
To the extent that are unable to receive shareholder approval of proposals 3-7 set
forth in this proxy statement, we agreed in the Purchase Agreement to cause an
additional shareholder meeting to be held every three months thereafter until such
approval is obtained. As such, our failure to receive shareholder approval of proposals
3-7 set forth in this proxy statement will require us to incur the costs of holding one
or more additional shareholder meetings until we receive such approvals.
Risks Associated with Approval of the Elimination of the Floor Prices
If we receive shareholder approval to eliminate the floor prices for the Series A
and C warrants, there will be no floor for the exercise prices of the warrants. To the
extent we have dilutive issuances at less than the floor price or to the extent the
Installment Conversion Prices used to repay the Note is less than the floor price, the
holders of the Series A and C warrants will be permitted to exercise their warrants at
prices that are less than the current floor price, and that may be less than the market
price of our common stock on the date of exercise. Such below-market exercises, or the
perception in the market that such below-market exercises could occur, may cause the
price of our common stock to decrease. In addition, if the warrant holders exercise the
Series A and C warrants at prices below the then market price and then sell their shares of common stock, such sales could cause the price of our common stock to
decrease.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the common stock present at the meeting and
entitled to vote is required to approve any future adjustments of the exercise prices
for both the Series A and Series C Warrants below their floor prices in accordance with
the terms of such warrants that were issued pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
Recommendation
The Board recommends that the stockholders vote FOR the approval of any future
adjustments of the exercise prices for both the Series A and Series C Warrants below
their floor prices in accordance with the terms of such warrants that were issued
pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
PROPOSAL NO. 7
APPROVAL OF ANY FUTURE ADJUSTMENTS OF THE EXERCISE PRICES OF CERTAIN
OF THE COMPANYS CURRENTLY OUTSTANDING CLASS E AND CLASS F WARRANTS
General
Pursuant to the Purchase Agreement, we agreed to ask for shareholder approval to
allow us to adjust the exercise prices of 533,333 Class E Warrants and 585,000 Class F
Warrants held by Buyer (the Buyer Warrants). If this proposal is approved, we will
have the right, at our option, to permit Buyer to exercise the Buyer Warrants at a
lower price specified by us. We are not required to exercise this right, and would only
do so if we believe making such election would encourage the Buyer to exercise the
Buyer Warrants for cash. For example, we may elect to lower the exercise price of the
Buyer Warrants below the market price of our common stock in order to incentivize the
Buyer to
34
exercise the Buyer Warrants. The option to exercise the Buyer Warrants rests
solely with Buyer, and there is no assurance that Buyer would exercise their rights if
we lowered the exercise prices. The price and volume of our common stock has been
volatile in the past, which may cause the Buyer to choose not to elect an exercise of
the Buyer Warrants even at a reduced price.
Pursuant to NASDAQs Listing Rule 5635(d), we were required to fix the exercise
prices for the Buyer Warrants at a price that was equal to or greater than the
consolidated closing bid price of our common stock on the date we agreed to issue such
warrants, or we would have been required to obtain shareholder approval for the
issuance of the Buyer Warrants. We originally established the price of the Class E and
Class F warrants at $1.63 and $1.25 per share, respectively, which was equal to or
greater than the consolidated closing bid price of our common stock on the date we
agreed to issue such warrants. This proposal is being submitted to allow us to lower
the exercise price of the Buyer Warrants to a price that may be less than the
consolidated closing bid prices on the dates we originally agreed to issue such
warrants.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the common stock present at the meeting and
entitled to vote is required to approve any future adjustments of the exercise prices
of certain of the Companys currently outstanding Class E and Class F warrants held by
Buyer.
OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
If any business not described herein should properly come before the meeting, your
proxy will vote the shares represented in accordance with his or her best judgment. At
this time the proxy statement went to press, the company knew of no other matters which
might be presented for shareholder action at the meeting.
* * * * *
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Should a shareholder desire to include in next years proxy statement a proposal
other than those made by the Board, such proposal must be sent to the Corporate
Secretary of the Company at 137A Lewis Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. Shareholder proposals
must be received at our principal executive offices no later than 120 days prior to the
first anniversary of the date of this proxy statement. All shareholder proposals
received after this date will be considered untimely and will not be included in the
proxy statement for the 2012 annual meeting. The deadline for submission of shareholder
proposals that are not intended to be included in our proxy statement is 45 days prior
to the first anniversary of the date of this proxy statement.
The above Notice and Proxy Statement are sent by order of the Board of
Directors.
35
Annex A
Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of
CONVERTED ORGANICS INC.
Under Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
Converted Organics Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws
of the State of Delaware (the Corporation) hereby certifies as follows:
1. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended by
changing the article there of numbered fourth so that, as amended, said Article 4
shall be and read as follows:
The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation
shall have authority to issue is five hundred million (500,000,000) shares of
common stock, having a par value of $0.0001 per share, and ten million
(10,000,000) shares of preferred stock, having a par value of $0.0001 per share.
Authority is hereby expressly granted to the board of directors to fix by
resolution or resolutions any of the designations and the powers, preferences
and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions that are
permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware in respect of any class or
classes of preferred stock or any series of any class of preferred stock of the
Corporation.
2. The foregoing amendment has been duly adopted in accordance with the
provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation law of the State of Delaware
by the vote of a majority of each class of outstanding stock of the Corporation
entitled to vote thereon.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this Certificate this day of June, 2011.
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EDWARD J. GILDEA |
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President and CEO |
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A-1
Annex B
Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of
CONVERTED ORGANICS INC.
Under Section 242 of the Delaware General Corporation Law
Converted Organics Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws
of the State of Delaware (the Corporation) hereby certifies as follows:
1. The Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended by
changing the article there of numbered fourth so that, as amended, said Article 4
shall be and read as follows:
The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation
shall have authority to issue is five hundred million (500,000,000) shares of
common stock, having a par value of $0.0001 per share, and ten million
(10,000,000) shares of preferred stock, having a par value of $0.0001 per share.
Authority is hereby expressly granted to the board of directors to fix by
resolution or resolutions any of the designations and the powers, preferences
and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions that are
permitted by the General Corporation Law of Delaware in respect of any class or
classes of preferred stock or any series of any class of preferred stock of the
Corporation.
Upon this Certificate of Amendment becoming effective pursuant to the
General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the Effective Date), each
share of issued and outstanding common stock, par value $0.0001 per share (the
Old Common Stock), shall be reclassified as one-___ (1/__) of a share of
common stock (the New Common Stock), with a par value of $0.0001 per share.
Each outstanding stock certificate that represented one or more shares of Old
Common Stock shall thereafter, automatically and without the necessity of
surrendering the same for exchange, represent the number of whole shares of New
Common Stock determined by multiplying the number of shares of Old Common Stock
represented by such certificate immediately prior to the Effective Date by
one-___ (1/__), and shares of Old Common Stock held in uncertificated form shall
be treated in the same manner. Stockholders who would otherwise be entitled to
receive fractional share interests of Common Stock shall instead have those
fractional shares be rounded up to the nearest whole share.
2. The foregoing amendment has been duly adopted in accordance with the
provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation law of the State of Delaware
by the vote of a majority of each class of outstanding stock of the Corporation
entitled to vote thereon.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I
have signed this Certificate this day of June, 2011.
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EDWARD J. GILDEA |
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President and CEO |
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B-1
CONVERTED ORGANICS INC.
PROXY
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS JUNE 13, 2011
Proposals The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR Proposal 1, FOR
Proposal 2, FOR Proposal 3, FOR Proposal 4, FOR Proposal 5, FOR
Proposal 6, and FOR Proposal 7.
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1. |
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To elect two members to the Companys Board of Directors; |
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John P.
DeVillars Foro
Withholdo |
|
Marshall S. Sterman Foro
Withholdo |
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2. |
|
To ratify the selection of CCR LLP as the Companys
independent public accountant for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2011; |
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For o
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Against o
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Abstain o |
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3. |
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To amend the Companys Certificate of Incorporation to
increase the number of shares of common stock that the
Company is authorized to issue from 250,000,000 to
500,000,000; |
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For o
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Against o
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Abstain o |
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4. |
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To approve a further amendment to the Companys
Certificate of Incorporation authorizing the Board of
Directors to effect a reverse split of the Companys
issued and outstanding shares; |
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For o
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Against o
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Abstain o |
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5. |
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To approve the issuance of 20% or more of our common stock related to
the Notes that were issued in the closing pursuant to the Securities
Purchase Agreement entered into by the Company on April 1, 2011; and |
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For o
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Against o
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Abstain o |
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6. |
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To approve any future adjustments of the exercise prices of certain of
the Companys currently outstanding Class E and Class F Warrants. |
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For o
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Against o
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Abstain o |
[Sign, date and return the Proxy Card promptly using the enclosed envelope.]
The undersigned stockholder of Converted Organics hereby appoints Edward J. Gildea as proxy with
the power of substitution, and he is hereby authorized to represent and vote the shares of the
undersigned, with all the powers which the undersigned would possess if personally present, at the
Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Converted Organics to be held at the Marriott Long Wharf located
at 296 State Street Boston, MA 02109 on June 13, 2010 at 9:30 am EST, or at any postponement or
adjournment thereof.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein. If no such
direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the Board of Directors
recommendations.
Dated: , 2011
SIGNATURE(S) should be exactly as the name or names appear on this Proxy. If stock is held
jointly, each holder should sign. If signing is by attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or
guardian, please give full title.
Signature
Print Name
Signature
Print Name