DEF 14A: Definitive proxy statements
Published on April 18, 2019
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant
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[X]
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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[ ]
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Check the appropriate box:
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[ ]
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Preliminary Proxy Statement
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[ ]
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Confidential, For Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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[X]
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Definitive Proxy Statement
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[ ]
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Definitive Additional Materials
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[ ]
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-12
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BIORESTORATIVE THERAPIES, 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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[X]
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No fee required
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[ ]
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11
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1)
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Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
not applicable
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2)
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Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
not applicable
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3)
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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 it was determined):
not applicable
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4)
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Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
not applicable
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5)
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Total fee paid:
not applicable
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[ ]
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
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[ ]
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
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1)
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Amount previously paid:
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2)
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Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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3)
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Filing Party:
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4)
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Date Filed:
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BIORESTORATIVE THERAPIES, INC.
40 Marcus Drive, Suite One
Melville, New York 11747
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 30, 2019
To the Stockholders of BioRestorative Therapies, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of BioRestorative Therapies, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), will be held on May 30, 2019 at 90 Merrick Avenue, 9th Floor, East Meadow, New York, at 4:00 p.m., local time, for the
following purposes:
1.
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To elect two Class II directors to hold office until the 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
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2.
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To hold a non-binding advisory vote on the Company’s executive compensation.
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3.
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To amend the Company’s Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 75,000,000 to
150,000,000.
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4.
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To approve an amendment to the Company’s 2010 Equity Participation Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common
stock authorized to be issued pursuant to the Plan from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000.
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5.
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To approve amendments to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, and authorize the Board of Directors of the Company to
select and file one such amendment, to effect a reverse stock split of the Company’s common stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-2 and not more than 1-for-20, with the Board of Directors of the Company having the discretion as to
whether or not the reverse stock split is to be effected, and with the exact ratio of any reverse stock split to be set at a whole number within the above range as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in its discretion (the
“Reverse Stock Split Proposal”).
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6.
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To authorize the Board of Directors of the Company, in the event the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved, in its discretion,
to reduce the number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued by the Company in proportion to the percentage decrease in the number of outstanding shares of common stock resulting from the reverse split (or a lesser decrease in
authorized shares of common stock as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors in its discretion) (the “Authorized Shares Proposal”).
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7.
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To ratify the selection of Marcum LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2019.
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8.
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To authorize the adjournment of the meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies, if necessary or appropriate, if sufficient
votes are not represented at the meeting to approve any of the foregoing proposals.
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9.
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting.
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Only stockholders of record at the close of business on April 2, 2019 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting
or at any adjournment thereof.
Important
notice regarding the availability of Proxy Materials: The proxy statement and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 are available electronically to the Company’s stockholders of record as of
the close of business on April 2, 2019 at www.proxyvote.com.
Mark Weinreb
Chief Executive Officer
Melville, New York
April 18, 2019
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR PROXY OR VOTING INSTRUCTIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
FOR SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO VOTE YOUR SHARES, PLEASE REFER TO THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THE NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS YOU RECEIVED IN THE MAIL OR, IF YOU REQUESTED TO RECEIVE PRINTED PROXY MATERIALS, YOUR
ENCLOSED PROXY CARD. ANY STOCKHOLDER MAY REVOKE A SUBMITTED PROXY AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE MEETING BY WRITTEN NOTICE TO SUCH EFFECT, BY SUBMITTING A SUBSEQUENTLY DATED PROXY OR BY ATTENDING THE MEETING AND VOTING IN PERSON. THOSE VOTING BY
INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE MAY ALSO REVOKE THEIR PROXY BY VOTING IN PERSON AT THE MEETING OR BY VOTING AND SUBMITTING THEIR PROXY AT A LATER TIME BY INTERNET OR BY TELEPHONE.
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BIORESTORATIVE THERAPIES, INC.
40 Marcus Drive, Suite One
Melville, New York 11747
____________________________
PROXY STATEMENT
____________________________
SOLICITING, VOTING AND REVOCABILITY OF PROXY
This proxy statement is being mailed or made available to all stockholders of record at the close of
business on April 2, 2019 in connection with the solicitation by our Board of Directors of proxies to be voted at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 30, 2019 at 4:00 p.m., local time, or any adjournment thereof. Proxy
materials for the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders were mailed or made available to stockholders on or about April 18, 2019.
All shares represented by proxies duly executed and received will be voted on the matters presented
at the meeting in accordance with the instructions specified in such proxies. Proxies so received without specified instructions will be voted as follows:
(i)
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FOR the nominees named in the
proxy to our Board of Directors.
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(ii)
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FOR the approval of the
compensation of our named executive officers.
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(iii)
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FOR the proposal to amend our
Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 75,000,000 to 150,000,000.
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(iv)
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FOR the proposal to approve an
amendment to our 2010 Equity Participation Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued pursuant to the Plan from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000.
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(v)
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FOR the proposal to approve
amendments to our Certificate of Incorporation, and the authorization of our Board of Directors to select and file one such amendment, to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-2 and not more than
1-for-20, with our Board of Directors having the discretion as to whether or not the reverse stock split is to be effected, and with the exact ratio of any reverse stock split to be set at a whole number within the above range as determined
by our Board of Directors in its discretion (the “Reverse Stock Split Proposal”).
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(vi)
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FOR the proposal to authorize
our Board of Directors, in the event the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved, in its discretion, to reduce the number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued by us in proportion to the percentage decrease in the number of
outstanding shares of common stock resulting from the reverse split (or a lesser decrease in authorized shares of common stock as determined by our Board of Directors in its discretion) (the “Authorized Shares Proposal”).
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(vii)
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FOR the ratification of the
selection of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.
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(viii)
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FOR the proposal to adjourn
the meeting to permit further solicitation of proxies, if necessary or appropriate, if sufficient votes are not represented at the meeting to approve any of the foregoing proposals.
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If you are a beneficial owner of shares held in street name and you do not provide specific voting instructions to the
organization that holds your shares, the organization will be prohibited under the current rules of the New York Stock Exchange from voting your shares on “non-routine” matters. This is commonly referred to as a “broker non-vote”. Proposals 3, 5, 6
and 7 are each considered a routine matter. Each remaining proposal is considered a “non-routine” matter and therefore may not be voted on by your bank or broker absent specific instructions from you. Please instruct your bank or broker so your
vote can be counted.
Our Board does not know of any other matters that may be brought before the meeting nor does it
foresee or have reason to believe that the proxy holder will have to vote for a substitute or alternate nominee to the Board. In the event that any other matter should come before the meeting or either nominee is not available for election, the
person named in the enclosed proxy will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies not marked to the contrary with respect to such matters in accordance with his best judgment.
The total number of shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote as of the close of
business on April 2, 2019 was 14,946,874. The shares of common stock are the only class of securities entitled to vote on matters presented to our stockholders, each share being entitled to one vote. The holders of one-third of the shares of
common stock outstanding as of the close of business on April 2, 2019, or 4,982,292 shares of common stock, must be present at the meeting in person or by proxy in order to constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
With regard to the election of directors, votes may be cast in favor or withheld. The directors shall
be elected by a plurality of the votes cast in favor. Accordingly, based upon there being two nominees, each person who receives one or more votes will be elected as a director. Shares of common stock as to which a stockholder withholds voting
authority in the election of directors and broker non-votes will not be counted as voting thereon and therefore will not affect the election of the nominees receiving a plurality of the votes cast.
Stockholders may expressly abstain from voting on Proposals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 by so indicating
on the proxy. Abstentions are counted as present in the tabulation of votes on Proposals 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. Since Proposals 3, 5 and 6 require the affirmative approval of a majority of the shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to
vote (assuming a quorum is present at the meeting), abstentions will have the effect of a negative vote. Since Proposals 2, 4, 7 and 8 require the affirmative approval of a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by
proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote (assuming a quorum is present at the meeting), abstentions will have the effect of a negative vote while broker non-votes will have no effect.
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Any person giving a proxy in the form accompanying this proxy statement has the power to revoke it at
any time before its exercise. The proxy may be revoked by filing with us written notice of revocation or a fully executed proxy bearing a later date. The proxy may also be revoked by affirmatively electing to vote in person while in attendance at
the meeting. However, a stockholder who attends the meeting need not revoke a proxy given and vote in person unless the stockholder wishes to do so. Written revocations or amended proxies should be sent to us at 40 Marcus Drive, Suite One,
Melville, New York 11747, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Those voting by Internet or by telephone may also revoke their proxy by voting in person at the meeting or by voting and submitting their proxy at a later time by Internet or by telephone.
The proxy is being solicited by our Board of Directors. We will bear the cost of the solicitation of
proxies, including the charges and expenses of brokerage firms and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for forwarding proxy materials to beneficial owners of our shares. Solicitations will be made primarily by Internet availability of proxy
materials and by mail, but certain of our directors, officers or employees may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, fax or email without special compensation.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth all compensation earned in all capacities during the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 by (i) our principal executive officer, (ii) our two most highly compensated executive officers, other than our principal executive officer, who were serving as executive officers as of December 31, 2018 and whose
total compensation for the 2018 fiscal year, as determined by Regulation S-K, Item 402, exceeded $100,000, and (iii) a person who would have been included as one of our two most highly compensated executive officers, other than our principal
executive officer, but for the fact that he was not serving as one of our executive officers as of December 31, 2018 (the individuals falling within categories (i), (ii) and (iii) are collectively referred to as the “Named Executive Officers”):
Name and Principal
Position
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Year
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Salary
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Bonus (1)
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Option
Awards
Earned (2)
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All
Other
Compensation
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Total
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Mark Weinreb,
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2018
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$
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400,000
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$
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-
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$
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291,800
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(3)
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$
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7,200
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(4)
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$
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699,000
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(4)
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Chief Executive Officer
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2017
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$
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400,000
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$
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32,000
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$
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784,700
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(5)
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$
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7,200
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(6)
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$
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1,223,900
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(6)
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Adam Bergstein
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2018
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$
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264,538
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$
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-
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$
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1,491,300
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(7)
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$
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-
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$
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1,755,838
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Senior VP, Planning and Business Development(8)
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2017
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$
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-
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$
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-
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$
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-
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$
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-
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$
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-
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Francisco Silva,
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2018
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$
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287,500
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$
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23,000
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$
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107,800
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(9)
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$
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-
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$
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418,300
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VP, Research and Development
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2017
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$
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250,000
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$
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6,000
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$
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200,400
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(10)
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$
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-
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$
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456,400
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Robert Paccasassi,
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2018
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$
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201,250
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$
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32,703
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$
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53,900
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(11)
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$
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-
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$
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287,853
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VP, Quality and Compliance(12)
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2017
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$
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-
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$
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-
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$
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-
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$
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-
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$
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-
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___________________
(1)
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Represents bonus amounts earned pursuant to the achievement of certain performance goals.
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(2)
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The amounts reported in this column represent the grant date fair value of the option awards granted during the years ended
December 31, 2018 and 2017, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a detailed discussion of the assumptions used in estimating fair values, see Note 10 – Stockholders' Deficiency in the notes that accompany our
consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 incorporated into this proxy statement by reference.
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(3)
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During 2018, Mr. Weinreb was granted a ten-year option under the Plan for the purchase of 275,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $1.23 per share. Such option is exercisable to the extent of 91,667 shares as of each of the date of grant and the first anniversary of the date of grant and 91,666 shares as of the second
anniversary of the date of grant. See "Employment Agreements" below for a discussion of certain provisions relating to the options granted to Mr. Weinreb.
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(4)
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Of the aggregate $699,000 earned during 2018, $291,800 represents the grant date value of non-cash stock-based
compensation awards, irrespective of the vesting period of those awards. Of the $407,200 earned cash compensation, $406,761and $439 were paid in cash during 2018 and 2019 (prior to the date of the filing of this proxy statement),
respectively, and none remains unpaid for 2018. All Other Compensation represents an automobile allowance paid to Mr. Weinreb in 2018.
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(5)
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During 2017, Mr. Weinreb was granted a ten-year option under the Plan for the purchase of 275,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $3.35 per share. Such option is exercisable to the extent of 91,667 shares as of each of the date of grant and the first anniversary of the date of grant and 91,666 shares as of the second
anniversary of the date of grant. See “Employment Agreements” below for a discussion of certain provisions relating to the options granted to Mr. Weinreb.
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(6)
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Of the aggregate $1,223,900 earned during 2017, $784,700 represents the grant date value of non-cash
stock-based compensation awards, irrespective of the vesting period of those awards. Of the $439,200 earned cash compensation, $178,113 and $261,087 were paid in cash during 2017 and 2018, respectively, and none remains unpaid for 2017.
All Other Compensation represents an automobile allowance paid to Mr. Weinreb in 2017.
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(7)
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During 2018, Mr. Bergstein was granted a ten-year option under the Plan for the purchase of 500,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $3.40 per share. Such option was exercisable upon the satisfaction of a certain condition. As a result of Mr. Bergstein’s resignation on October 28, 2018, such option has terminated.
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(8)
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Mr. Bergstein resigned as an officer on October 28, 2018.
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(9)
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During 2018, Mr. Silva was granted a ten-year option under the Plan for the purchase of 100,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $1.23 per share. Such option is exercisable to the extent of 33,334 shares as of the first anniversary of the date of the grant and 33,333 shares as of each of the second and third anniversaries of
the date of grant.
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(10)
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During 2017, Mr. Silva was granted a ten-year option under the Plan for the purchase of 80,000 shares of common
stock at an exercise price of $2.80 per share. Such option is exercisable to the extent of 26,667 shares as of each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant and 26,666 shares as of the third anniversary of the date of
grant.
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(11)
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During 2018, Mr. Paccasassi was granted a ten-year option under the Plan for the purchase of 50,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $1.23 per share. Such option is exercisable to the extent of 16,667 shares as of each of the first and second anniversaries of the date of grant and 16,666 shares as of the third anniversary of the
date of grant.
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(12)
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Mr. Paccasassi was not a Named Executive Officer during 2017.
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Employment Agreements
In March 2015, we entered into an employment agreement with Mark Weinreb, our Chief Executive Officer. Pursuant to the
employment agreement, which expires on December 31, 2019, Mr. Weinreb is entitled to receive a salary of $400,000 per annum. Mr. Weinreb was entitled to receive an annual bonus for 2015 equal to 50% of his annual base salary and was entitled to
receive an annual bonus for 2016, 2017 and 2018 of up to 40%, 50% and 50%, respectively, of his annual base salary, in the event certain performance goals, as determined by our Compensation Committee, were satisfied. Mr. Weinreb is entitled to
receive an annual bonus for 2019 of up to 50% of his annual base salary in the event certain performance goals, as determined by our Compensation Committee, are satisfied. Pursuant to the employment agreement, in the event that Mr. Weinreb's
employment is terminated by us without "cause", or Mr. Weinreb terminates his employment for "good reason" (each as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Weinreb would be entitled to receive severance in an amount equal to one time his then
annual base salary and certain benefits, plus $100,000 (in lieu of bonus). In addition, pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Weinreb would be entitled to receive such severance in the event that the term of his employment agreement is not
extended beyond December 31, 2019 and, within three months of such expiration date, his employment is terminated by us without "cause" or if Mr. Weinreb terminates his employment for any reason. Further, in the event that Mr. Weinreb's employment
is terminated by us without "cause", or Mr. Weinreb terminates his employment for "good reason", following a "change in control" (as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Weinreb would be entitled to receive severance in an amount equal to one
and one-half times his then annual base salary and certain benefits, plus $300,000 (in lieu of bonus). Pursuant to the employment agreement, with respect to options granted to Mr. Weinreb during the term of his employment with us, such options
shall vest and become exercisable if Mr. Weinreb is entitled to receive severance based upon a termination of his employment as set forth above. In addition, pursuant to the employment agreement, to the extent that an option granted to Mr. Weinreb
during his term of his employment with us becomes exercisable (whether due to the passage of time or otherwise), such option shall remain exercisable until its expiration date notwithstanding any termination of employment with us.
Effective January 16, 2018, we entered into an at will employment agreement with Adam D. Bergstein,
Senior Vice President, Planning and Business Development. Pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Bergstein was entitled to receive a base annual salary of $250,000 during the initial three months of employment. Thereafter, his base salary
increased to $350,000. In addition, pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Bergstein was entitled to receive an annual bonus of up to 30% of his annual salary based on the satisfaction of certain performance goals. The employment agreement
also provided for the payment of three months severance under certain circumstances. Mr. Bergstein resigned his employment with us effective October 28, 2018.
7
Effective April 5, 2011, we entered into an at will employment agreement with Francisco Silva, our
Vice President of Research and Development. Pursuant to the employment agreement, as amended, Mr. Silva is currently entitled to receive a salary of $287,500 per annum. In addition, pursuant to the employment agreement, as amended, Mr. Silva is
entitled to receive an annual bonus of up to 20% of his annual salary (up to 16% of his annual salary for 2016) based on the satisfaction of certain performance goals. Further, pursuant to the employment agreement, as amended, in the event that
Mr. Silva’s employment with us is terminated without cause, Mr. Silva would be entitled to receive severance in an amount equal to 50% of his then annual base salary.
Effective September 2, 2015, we entered into an at will employment agreement with Robert Paccasassi,
our Vice President of Quality and Compliance. Pursuant to the employment agreement, as amended, Mr. Paccasassi is currently entitled to receive a salary of $201,250 per annum. In addition, pursuant to the employment agreement, Mr. Paccasassi is
entitled to receive an annual bonus of up to 25% of his annual salary based upon the satisfaction of certain performance goals.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
The following table provides information on outstanding equity awards as of December 31, 2018 to the Named Executive
Officers:
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Option Awards
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Stock Awards
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Equity
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incentive
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plan
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Equity
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awards:
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incentive
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plan
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payout
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incentive
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awards:
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value of
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plan awards:
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Number of
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unearned
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Number of
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Number of
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Number of
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unearned
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shares,
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securities
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securities
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securities
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of shares
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underlying
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underlying
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underlying
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or units of
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shares of
|
|
|
units or
|
|
|
other
|
|
||||||||
|
|
unexercised
|
|
|
unexercised
|
|
|
unexercised
|
|
|
Option
|
|
|
Option
|
|
stock that
|
|
|
units
|
|
|
other rights
|
|
|
rights
|
|
||||||||
|
|
options
|
|
|
options
|
|
|
unearned
|
|
|
exercise
|
|
|
expiration
|
|
have not
|
|
|
that have
|
|
|
that have
|
|
|
that have
|
|
||||||||
Name
|
|
exercisable
|
|
|
unexercisable
|
|
|
options
|
|
|
price (1)
|
|
|
date
|
|
vested
|
|
|
not vested
|
|
|
not vested
|
|
|
not vested
|
|
||||||||
Mark Weinreb
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
12/14/2020
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Weinreb
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
2/10/2022
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Weinreb
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
12/7/2022
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Weinreb
|
|
|
12,500
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
10/4/2023
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Weinreb
|
|
|
50,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
2/18/2024
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Weinreb
|
|
|
150,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
10/23/2024
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
Mark Weinreb
|
208,000
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
4.70
|
9/4/2025
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Weinreb
|
275,000
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
3.73
|
6/10/2026
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Weinreb
|
183,334
|
91,666
|
(2) |
-
|
$
|
3.35
|
6/23/2027
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Weinreb
|
91,667
|
183,333
|
(3)
|
-
|
$
|
1.23
|
10/29/2028
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
8
Adam D. Bergstein
|
-
|
500,000
|
(4)
|
-
|
$
|
3.40
|
1/19/2028
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
4/4/2021
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
150
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
6/23/2021
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
1,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
11/16/2021
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
2/10/2022
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
4,500
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
3,000
|
(5)
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
5/2/2022
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
12/7/2022
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
10/4/2023
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
12,500
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
2/18/2024
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
2,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
3/12/2024
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Francisco Silva
|
|
|
37,500
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
10/23/2024
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Francisco Silva
|
25,000
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
4.70
|
9/4/2025
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Francisco Silva
|
40,000
|
20,000
|
(6)
|
-
|
$
|
3.73
|
6/10/2026
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Francisco Silva
|
26,667
|
53,333
|
(7)
|
-
|
$
|
2.80
|
7/12/2027
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Francisco Silva
|
-
|
100,000
|
(8)
|
-
|
$
|
1.23
|
10/29/2028
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Robert Paccasassi
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
4.70
|
|
|
8/13/2025
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Paccasassi
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
(9)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
3.73
|
|
|
6/10/2026
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Paccasassi
|
|
|
13,334
|
|
|
|
26,666
|
(10)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
2.80
|
|
|
7/12/2027
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Robert Paccasassi
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
50,000
|
(11)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
1.23
|
|
|
10/29/2028
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
In March 2019, the exercise price of each of the options was reduced to $0.75 per share.
|
(2)
|
Option is exercisable on June 23, 2019.
|
|
|
(3)
|
Option is exercisable to the extent of 91,667 shares on October 29, 2019 and 91,666 shares on October 29, 2020.
|
|
|
(4)
|
Option was exercisable subject to the satisfaction of a certain condition. As a result of Mr. Bergstein’s resignation on October 28,
2018, such option has terminated.
|
|
|
(5)
|
Options are exercisable commencing on the date (provided that such date is during Mr. Silva’s employment with us), if any, on which
either (i) the FDA approves a biologics license application made by us with respect to any biologic product or (ii) a 510(k) Premarket Notification submission is made by us to the FDA with respect to a certain device.
|
|
|
(6)
|
Option is exercisable on June 10, 2019.
|
|
|
(7)
|
Option is exercisable to the extent of 26,667 shares on July 12, 2019 and 26,666 shares on July 12, 2020.
|
9
(8)
|
Option is exercisable to the extent of 33,334 shares on October 29, 2019 and 33,333 shares on each of October 29, 2020 and October 29,
2021.
|
(9)
|
Option is exercisable on June 10, 2019.
|
(10)
|
Option is exercisable to the extent of 13,333 shares on each of July 12, 2019 and July 12, 2020.
|
(11)
|
Option is exercisable to the extent of 16,667 shares on each of October 29, 2019 and October 29, 2020 and 16,666 shares on October
29, 2021.
|
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the compensation of our non-employee directors for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2018:
Name
|
Fees Earned
or Paid in Cash
|
Stock Awards
|
Option
Awards (1)
|
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation
|
Nonqualified
Deferred Compensation Earnings
|
All Other Compensation |
Total
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Robert B. Catell
|
$
|
40,000
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
79,600
|
(2)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
119,600
|
|||||||||||||
John M. Desmarais
|
$
|
40,000
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
79,600
|
(3)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
119,600
|
|||||||||||||
A. Jeffrey Radov
|
$
|
40,000
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
79,600
|
(4)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
119,600
|
|||||||||||||
Charles S. Ryan
|
$
|
40,000
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
79,600
|
(5)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
119,600
|
|||||||||||||
Paul Jude Tonna
|
$
|
40,000
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
79,600
|
(6)
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
-
|
$
|
119,600
|
____________________
(1)
|
The amounts reported in this column represent the grant date fair value of the option awards granted during the year ended December
31, 2018, calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. For a detailed discussion of the assumptions used in estimating fair values, see Note 10 – Stockholders’ Deficiency in the notes that accompany our consolidated financial
statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 incorporated into this proxy statement by reference.
|
(2)
|
As of December 31, 2018. Mr. Catell held options for the purchase of 219,000 shares of common stock.
|
(3)
|
As of December 31, 2018, Mr. Desmarais held options for the purchase of 250,000 shares of common stock.
|
(4)
|
As of December 31, 2018, Mr. Radov held options for the purchase of 566,000 shares of common stock.
|
(5)
|
As of December 31, 2018, Dr. Ryan held options for the purchase of 256,000 shares of common stock.
|
(6)
|
As of December 31, 2018, Mr. Tonna held options for the purchase of 364,000 shares of common stock.
|
10
Each of Messrs. Catell, Desmarais, Radov and Tonna and Dr. Ryan, our non-employee directors, is entitled to receive, as
compensation for his services as a director, $30,000 per annum plus $10,000 per annum for all committee service, in each case payable quarterly (subject to our cash needs). Our non-employee directors also receive stock options, from time to time, in consideration of their services.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock, as of April 2,
2019, known by us, through transfer agent records, to be held by: (i) each person who beneficially owns 5% or more of the shares of common stock then outstanding; (ii) each of our directors; (iii) each of our Named Executive Officers (as defined
above); and (iv) all of our directors and executive officers as a group.
The information in this table reflects “beneficial ownership” as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). To our knowledge, and unless otherwise indicated, each shareholder has sole voting power and investment power over the shares listed as beneficially owned by such shareholder, subject to community property
laws where applicable. Percentage ownership is based on 14,946,874 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 2, 2019.
Beneficial Owner
|
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
|
Approximate
Percent of Class
|
Dale Broadrick
3003 Brick Church Pike
Nashville, Tennessee
|
3,161,452 (1)
|
19.8%
|
John M. Desmarais
230 Park Avenue
New York, New York
|
2,029,574 (2)
|
12.3%
|
SCG Capital, LLC
Steven Geduld
21200 NE 38th Avenue
Aventura, Florida
|
1,573,485 (3)
|
9.99%
|
Westbury (Bermuda) Ltd.
Westbury Trust Victoria Hall 11 Victoria Street Hamilton, HMEX Bermuda |
1,151,661 (4)
|
7.6%
|
Mark Weinreb
40 Marcus Drive, Suite One Melville, New York |
1,124,501 (5)
|
7.0%
|
A. Jeffrey Radov
|
486,834 (6)
|
3.2%
|
Paul Jude Tonna
|
339,834 (7)
|
2.2%
|
Robert B. Catell
|
305,399 (8)
|
2.0%
|
Charles S. Ryan
|
251,001 (9)
|
1.7%
|
11
Francisco Silva
|
168,562(10)
|
1.1%
|
Robert Paccasassi
|
28,334(11)
|
*
|
Adam Bergstein
|
2
|
*
|
All directors and executive officers
as a group (10 persons) |
4,931,423(12)
|
25.8%
|
_____________________
*
|
Less than 1%
|
(1)
|
Based upon Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Includes 1,000,000 shares of common stock
issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable warrants.
|
|
|
(2)
|
Based upon Schedule 13D filed with the SEC and other information known to us. Includes 1,536,176 shares of common stock issuable upon
the exercise of currently exercisable options and warrants (including warrants for the purchase of 40,000 shares of common stock held by a trust for which Mr. Desmarais and his wife serve as the trustees and which was established for the
benefit of his immediate family).
|
|
|
(3)
|
Based upon Schedule 13G filed with the SEC and other information known to us. Includes 803,728 shares of common stock issuable upon
the conversion of a currently convertible note and the exercise of currently exercisable warrants. The shares, convertible note and warrants are owned directly by SCG Capital, LLC, or SCG. Steven Geduld as President of SCG has an indirect
beneficial ownership in the securities held by SCG . SCG has rights, under a convertible promissory note, to own an aggregate number of shares of our common stock which, except for a contractual cap on the amount of outstanding shares of
the common stock that SCG may own, could exceed such a cap. SCG’s ownership cap under the convertible promissory note is 9.99% of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Therefore, based on 14,946,874 shares of common stock
outstanding as of April 2, 2019 (15,750,602 shares of common stock outstanding giving effect to the shares issuable pursuant to the warrants and the convertible note, subject to the cap), the number of shares of our common stock
beneficially owned by SCG as of April 2, 2019 was 1,573,485 shares of common stock.
|
(4)
|
Based upon Schedule 13D filed with the SEC and other information known to us. Includes 199,182 shares of common stock issuable upon
the exercise of currently exercisable warrants. The shares and warrants are owned directly by Westbury (Bermuda) Ltd. which is 100% owned by Westbury Trust.
|
(5)
|
Includes 1,044,501 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options.
|
|
|
(6)
|
Includes 474,334 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options.
|
12
|
|
(7)
|
Represents (i) 1,500 shares of common stock held jointly with Mr. Tonna’s wife and (ii) 303,834 shares of common stock issuable upon
the exercise of currently exercisable options and warrants.
|
|
|
(8)
|
Includes 224,533 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options and warrants.
|
|
|
(9)
|
Includes 208,084 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options and warrants.
|
|
|
(10)
|
Includes (i) 170 shares of common stock held in an individual retirement account for the benefit of Mr. Silva and (ii) 164,317 shares
of common stock issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options.
|
(11)
|
Represents shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options.
|
(12)
|
Includes 4,181,497 shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of currently exercisable options and warrants.
|
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
John M. Desmarais
In June 2016, we borrowed $500,000 from Tuxis Trust, a trust for which John M. Desmarais, one of our non-employee
directors and principal stockholders, and his wife serve as the trustees and which was established for the benefit of Mr. Desmarais’s immediate family. The promissory note evidencing the loan (the “Tuxis Trust Note”) provided for the payment of
the principal amount, together with interest at the rate of 10% per annum, in July 2017. In July 2017, we and Tuxis Trust agreed to amend the Tuxis Trust Note to provide for a maturity date of December 1, 2017 and an increase in the interest rate
to 15% per annum effective July 1, 2017. In the event that, prior to the maturity date of the Tuxis Trust Note, we receive net proceeds of $10,000,000 from a single equity or debt financing (as opposed to a series of related or unrelated
financings), Tuxis Trust has the right to require that we prepay the amount due under the Tuxis Trust Note (subject to the consent of the party that provided the particular financing). In consideration of the loan, we issued to Tuxis Trust a
five-year warrant for the purchase of 40,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share.
In December 2016, we borrowed $60,000 from Mr. Desmarais. The promissory note evidencing the loan provided for the
payment of $65,000 on January 31, 2017. In consideration of the loan, we further extended the expiration dates of the warrants held by Mr. Desmarais for the purchase of 444,444 and 400,000 shares of our common stock to December 31, 2018. In
February 2017, we entered into an exchange agreement with Mr. Desmarais pursuant to which Mr. Desmarais exchanged the principal amount of the promissory note, together with accrued interest, for 21,731 shares of our common stock at an exchange
price of $3.00 per share and, in consideration thereof, received a five year warrant for the purchase of 21,731 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share.
13
In July 2017, we borrowed $175,000 from Mr. Desmarais. The promissory note evidencing the loan (the “Desmarais Note”)
provides for the payment of the principal amount, together with interest at the rate of 15% per annum, on December 1, 2017. In the event that, prior to the maturity date of the Desmarais Note, we receive net proceeds of $10,000,000 from a single
equity or debt financing (as opposed to a series of related or unrelated financings), Mr. Desmarais has the right to require that we prepay the amount due under the Desmarais Note (subject to the consent of the party that provided the particular
financing). The payment of the Desmarais Note is secured by the grant of a security interest in our equipment and intellectual property. Concurrently, we agreed that the payment of the Desmarais Trust Note is also secured by the grant of such
security interest.
In November 2017, we and Mr. Desmarais agreed that the due date for the payment of the Desmarais Note was extended to
December 1, 2018. Concurrently, we agreed with Tuxis Trust that the due date for the payment of the Tuxis Trust Note was also extended to December 1, 2018. In consideration of the note extensions by Mr. Desmarais and Tuxis Trust, we agreed to
reduce the exercise prices of certain warrants held by Mr. Desmarais for the purchase of an aggregate of 775,000 shares of our common stock from $5.00 per share to $4.00 per share and the exercise price of a certain warrant held by Mr. Desmarais
for the purchase of 444,444 shares of our common stock from $4.50 per share to $4.00 per share.
In November 2018, we and Mr. Desmarais agreed that the due date for the payment of the Desmarais Note was extended to
December 31, 2019. Concurrently, we agreed with Tuxis Trust that the due date for the payment of the Tuxis Trust Note was also extended to December 31, 2019. In consideration of the note extensions by Mr. Desmarais and Tuxis Trust, we agreed to
reduce the exercise prices of certain warrants held by Mr. Desmarais for the purchase of an aggregate of 844,444 shares of our common stock from $4.00 per share to $1.50 per share and to extend the expiration date of such warrants from December 31,
2018 to December 31, 2019.
Others
In August 2016, we borrowed $100,000 from
Robert B. Catell, one of our non-employee directors. The promissory note evidencing the loan (the “Catell Note”) provided for the payment of the principal amount, together with interest at the rate of 10% per annum, on February 5, 2017. In
consideration of the loan, we issued to Mr. Catell a five-year warrant for the purchase of 8,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share. In August 2017, we and Mr. Catell agreed that the outstanding principal amount of
the Catell Note of $50,000 will be payable on February 5, 2018. In consideration of such extension of the maturity date, we issued to Mr. Catell a five-year warrant for the purchase of 5,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.00
per share. In April 2018, we and Mr. Catell agreed that the outstanding principal amount of the Catell Note of $45,000 will be payable on December 31, 2018. On February 8, 2019, we and Mr. Catell agreed that the outstanding principal amount of the
Catell Note of $30,000 will be payable on December 31, 2019. In the event that, prior to the maturity date of the Catell Note, we receive net proceeds of $10,000,000 from a single equity or debt financing (as opposed to a series of related or
unrelated financings), Mr. Catell has the right to require that we prepay the amount due under the Catell Note (subject to the consent of the party that provided the particular financing).
14
In December 2016, we borrowed $30,000 from Mr. Catell. The promissory note evidencing the loan provided for the payment
of $32,500 on January 31, 2017. In February 2017, we entered into an exchange agreement with Mr. Catell pursuant to which Mr. Catell exchanged the principal amount of the promissory note, together with accrued interest, for 10,866 shares of our
common stock at an exchange price of $3.00 per share and, in consideration thereof, received a five year warrant for the purchase of 10,866 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share.
In February 2017, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors reduced the exercise price of outstanding options
for the purchase of an aggregate of 1,219,450 shares of our common stock (with exercise prices ranging between $5.70 and $30.00 per share) to $4.70 per share, which was the closing price for our common stock on the day prior to the determination,
as reported by the OTCQB. The exercise price reduction related to options held by, among others, our Named Executive Officers and directors with respect to the following number of shares: (i) Mark Weinreb, our President, Chief Executive Officer
and Chairman of the Board: 494,500 shares, (ii) A. Jeffrey Radov, one of our directors: 238,000 shares, (iii) Paul Jude Tonna, one of our directors: 100,000 shares, (iv) Dr. Charles S. Ryan, one of our directors: 35,000 shares, (v) Francisco
Silva, our Vice President of Research and Development: 100,650 shares, and (vi) Edward L. Field, then President of our Disc/Spine Division: 50,000 shares.
In March 2017, we entered into exchange agreements with Messrs. Catell, Desmarais, Ryan and Tonna, each a non-employee
director, pursuant to which accrued director fees were exchanged for our common stock at an exchange price of $3.00 per share and, in consideration thereof, we issued to them five year warrants for the purchase of our common stock at an exercise
price of $4.00 per share as follows: (i) Mr. Catell: $45,000 for 15,000 shares and 15,000 warrants; (ii) Mr. Desmarais: $50,000 for 16,667 shares and 16,667 warrants; (iii) Dr. Ryan: $80,000 for 26,667 shares and 26,667 warrants; and (iv) Mr.
Tonna: $90,000 for 30,000 shares and 30,000 warrants.
In August 2017,
we borrowed $125,000 from Robert Austin Sperling, Jr., one of our then principal stockholders. The promissory note evidencing the loan provided for the payment of the principal amount, together with interest at the rate of 12% per annum, on May
23, 2018. In the event that, prior to the maturity date of the note, we receive net proceeds of $10,000,000 from a single equity or debt financing (as opposed to a series of related or unrelated financings), Mr. Sperling has the right to
require that we prepay the amount due under the note (subject to the consent of the party that provided the particular financing). In consideration of the loan, we issued to Mr. Sperling a five-year warrant for the purchase of 15,000 shares of
our common stock at an exercise price of $4.00 per share.
In February 2019, we borrowed $450,000 from Harvey P. Alstodt and Melody Alstodt. The convertible promissory note issued to the lenders provides for the payment of the principal amount, together with interest at the rate of 15% per
annum, six months from the date of issuance. The note is convertible, at the option of the lenders, into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $0.60 per share, subject to adjustment, and a five year warrant for the purchase of a
number of shares equal to the number of shares issued upon the conversion of the principal amount of the note. The warrant provides for an exercise price of $0.80 per share, subject to adjustment. The lenders are the parents of Lance Alstodt,
our Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.
15
In March 2019, our Board of Directors reduced the exercise price of outstanding options for the purchase of an aggregate
of 4,631,700 shares of our common stock (with exercise prices ranging between $1.00 and $4.70 per share) to $0.75 per share, which was the closing price for our common stock on the day prior to the determination, as reported by the OTCQB market.
The exercise price reduction related to options held by, among others, our Named Executive Officers and directors with respect to the following number of shares: (i) Mr. Weinreb: 1,319,500 shares, (ii) Mr. Radov: 566,000 shares, (iii) Mr. Tonna:
364,000 shares, (iv) Dr. Ryan: 256,000 shares, (v) Mr. Desmarais: 250,000 shares, (vi) Mr. Catell: 219,000 shares, (vii) Mr. Silva: 340,650 shares, and (viii) Robert Paccasassi, our Vice President of Quality and Compliance: 110,000 shares.
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Two Class II directors are to be elected at the meeting to serve until the 2022 annual meeting of
stockholders and until their respective successors shall have been elected and have qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.
Nominees for Class II Director
Each nominee is currently a member of our Board of Directors. The following table sets forth each
nominee's age as of the date of the annual meeting, the positions and offices presently held with us, and the year in which he became a director.
Name
|
Age
|
Positions Held
|
Director Since
|
Paul Jude Tonna
|
60
|
Director
|
June 2014
|
John M. Desmarais
|
55
|
Director
|
December 2015
|
Paul Jude Tonna
Paul Jude Tonna became a member of our Board and Chair of our Compensation Committee in June 2014. Mr. Tonna is a highly
regarded community leader and an accomplished businessman with an extensive history of public service. From 1994 to 2005 he served as a Suffolk County, New York Legislator, and from 2000 through 2002 was its Presiding Officer. He currently serves
as Executive Director and a member of the Board of Advisors for The Energeia Partnership at Molloy College, a leadership academy based in Rockville Centre, New York, dedicated to identifying and addressing the serious, complex and multi-dimensional
issues challenging the Long Island region. Mr. Tonna is a former Adjunct Professor in Theology & Religious Studies at St. John’s University. He served as Chairman of the Suffolk County Industrial Development Agency, and currently serves as
Trustee of the Long Island State Parks & Recreation Commission and as Public Trustee of the Stationary Engineers Industry Stabilization Fund. Mr. Tonna is a board member of The Advanced Energy Research & Technology Center at Stony Brook
University, The Long Island Index Advisory Board and Erase Racism’s College of Advisors. He also serves as the Executive Director of the Suffolk County Village Officials Association and the United States Green Building Council-Long Island Chapter.
Mr. Tonna is a founding director of Empire National Bank and Chairman and Commissioner of the South Huntington Water District. Mr. Tonna holds an undergraduate degree in Philosophy from New York University and a Master’s degree in Theology from
Immaculate Conception Seminary, and he conducted doctoral studies in Systemic Theology at Fordham University. We believe that Mr. Tonna’s executive-level management experience and his extensive experience in the Long Island community give him the
qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
16
John M. Desmarais
John M. Desmarais became a member of our Board of Directors in December 2015. Mr. Desmarais is the founding partner of
Desmarais LLP, an intellectual property trial boutique established in 2010, and the founder and owner of Round Rock Research LLC, and Sound View Innovations LLC, patent licensing companies. From 1997 to 2009, he was a partner at the international
law firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP and served as a member of the firm’s Management Committee from 2004 to 2009. Prior to joining Kirkland, and after practicing in the area of intellectual property litigation and counseling for several years, he
left private practice to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York, where for three years he represented the federal government in criminal jury trials. Mr. Desmarais is a member of the bars of California,
New York and Washington, D.C., the United States Supreme Court, the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals, and various other federal district courts and courts of appeal. He is also registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark
Office. Mr. Desmarais has been recognized by numerous publications as one of the nation’s leading intellectual property litigators. Mr. Desmarais obtained a degree in Chemical Engineering from Manhattan College and a law degree from New York
University. We believe that Mr. Desmarais’ business and legal experience, including his extensive experience in the area of intellectual property, give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
Directors Not Standing For Election
Name
|
Age
|
Positions Held
|
Director Since
|
Class/Term Expiration
|
Mark Weinreb
|
66
|
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board
|
October 2010
|
Class III/2020
|
A. Jeffrey Radov
|
67
|
Director
|
April 2011
|
Class III/2020
|
Robert B. Catell
|
82
|
Director
|
February 2016
|
Class I//2021
|
Charles S. Ryan
|
54
|
Director
|
December 2015
|
Class I/2021
|
Mark Weinreb
Mark Weinreb has served as our Chief Executive Officer since October 2010, as our President since February 2012 and as our
Chairman of the Board since April 2011. From February 2003 to January 2006, he served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Phase III Medical, Inc. where he orchestrated the acquisition of an adult stem cell
collection company that became NeoStem, Inc. (now Caladrius Biosciences, Inc. - NASDAQ: CLBS), a public international biopharmaceutical company engaged in, among other things, adult stem cell-related science. From June 2006 through October 2009,
Mr. Weinreb served as President and a director of NeoStem. In 1976, Mr. Weinreb joined Bio Health Laboratories, Inc., a state-of-the-art medical diagnostic laboratory providing clinical testing services for physicians, hospitals, and other medical
laboratories. He became the laboratory administrator in 1978 and then an owner and the laboratory's Chief Operating Officer in 1982. In such capacity, he oversaw all technical and business facets, including finance and laboratory science
technology. In 1989, Bio Health Laboratories was acquired by Enzo Biochem (NYSE: ENZ). From 1992 to 2002, Mr. Weinreb pursued entrepreneurial and consulting interests. Mr. Weinreb received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University
and a Master of Science degree in Medical Biology from C.W. Post, Long Island University. We believe that Mr. Weinreb's executive-level management experience, his extensive experience in the adult stem cell sector and his service on our Board since
October 2010 give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
17
A. Jeffrey Radov
A. Jeffrey Radov became a member of our Board and Chair of our Audit Committee in April 2011. Mr. Radov is an
entrepreneur and businessman with more than 35 years of experience in media, communications and financial endeavors. Since 2002, he has served as the Managing Partner of Walworth Group, which provides consulting and advisory services to a variety
of businesses, including hedge funds, media, entertainment and Internet companies, financial services firms and early stage ventures. Mr. Radov is also a registered representative of Young America Capital, LLC, a broker-dealer. From 2008 to 2010,
Mr. Radov was a Principal and Chief Operating Officer at Aldebaran Investments, LLC, a registered investment advisor. From 2005 to 2008, Mr. Radov was Chief Operating Officer at EagleRock Capital Management, a group of hedge funds. Prior to
joining EagleRock, Mr. Radov was a founding investor in and Board member of Edusoft, Inc., an educational software company. From 2001 to 2002, Mr. Radov was a Founder-in-Residence at SAS Investors, an early-stage venture fund. From 1999 to 2001,
Mr. Radov was CEO and co-founder of VocaLoca, Inc., an innovator in consumer-generated audio content on the Internet. Mr. Radov was a founding executive of About.Com, Inc., an online information source, and was its EVP of Business Development and
Chief Financial Officer from its inception. In 1996, prior to founding About.Com, Mr. Radov was a Director at Prodigy Systems Company, a joint venture of IBM and Sears. Mr. Radov was also a principal in the management of a series of public
limited partnerships that invested in the production and distribution of more than 130 major motion pictures. From 1982 to 1984, Mr. Radov was the Director of Finance at Rainbow Programming Enterprises, a joint venture among Cablevision Systems
Corporation, Cox Broadcasting and Daniels & Associates. From 1977 to 1981, Mr. Radov was Director of Marketing at Winklevoss & Associates. Mr. Radov earned a Masters of Business Administration from The Wharton School of the University of
Pennsylvania and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell University. We believe that Mr. Radov’s executive-level management experience and his extensive experience in the finance industry give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one
of our directors.
Robert B. Catell
Robert B. Catell became a member of our Board of Directors in February 2016. Mr. Catell served as Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of KeySpan Corporation and KeySpan Energy Delivery, the former Brooklyn Union Gas, from 1998 to 2007. His career with Brooklyn Union Gas started in 1958. Following National Grid’s acquisition of KeySpan Corporation in 2007, Mr.
Catell became Chairman of National Grid, U.S. and Deputy Chairman of National Grid plc. Mr. Catell currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Advanced Energy Research and Technology Center (AERTC) at Stony Brook University, New York State
Smart Grid Consortium, Cristo Rey Brooklyn High School, Futures in Education Endowment Fund, and the National Offshore Wind Research and Development Consortium. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a company that
uses biotechnology as a forensic foundation in creating unique security solutions addressing the challenges of modern commerce. In addition, Mr. Catell serves as a board member of a number of other business, governmental and not-for-profit
organizations. Mr. Catell holds both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from City College of New York. We believe that Mr. Catell’s executive-level management experience and his extensive experience in the Long Island
community give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors.
18
Charles S. Ryan
Dr. Charles S. Ryan became a member of our Board in April 2015 and has served as Chair of our Nominating Committee since
August 2018. Since February 2018, Dr. Ryan has served as Chief Executive Officer of Neurotrope Bioscience, Inc., a company that develops novel therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and developmental disorders. From October
2016 to February 2018, Dr. Ryan served as Chief Executive Officer of Orthobond, Inc., a company that seeks to improve the performance and safety of medical devices through the use of proprietary non-polymer technology. From March 2015 to May 2016,
Dr. Ryan served as Vice President, General Counsel of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a not-for-profit research and education institution at the forefront of molecular biology and genetics, with research programs focusing on cancer, neuroscience,
plant biology, genomics and quantitative biology. From 2003 to 2014, he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel at Forest Laboratories, Inc., a New York Stock Exchange company that developed and marketed
pharmaceutical products in a variety of therapeutic categories including central nervous system, cardiovascular, anti-infective, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and pain management medicine. Dr. Ryan has over 20 years experience in managing all
aspects of intellectual property litigation, conducting due diligence investigations and prosecuting patent and trademark applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. He also serves as a director of Applied DNA Sciences, Inc., a
company that uses biotechnology as a forensic foundation in creating unique security solutions addressing the challenges of modern commerce. Dr. Ryan earned a doctorate in Oral Biology and Pathology from Stony Brook University and a law degree from
Western New England University. We believe that Dr. Ryan's executive-level management and legal experience give him the qualifications and skills to serve as one of our directors
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers and directors.
Term of Office
Each Class II director will hold office until the 2022 annual meeting of stockholders and until his
respective successor shall have been elected and have qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal. Each Class III director will hold office until the 2020 annual meeting of stockholders and until his respective successor shall have been
elected and have qualified or until his earlier resignation or removal. Each Class I director will hold office until the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders and until his respective successor shall have been elected and have qualified or until his
earlier resignation or removal. Each executive officer will hold office until the initial meeting of the Board of Directors following the next annual meeting of stockholders and until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or
her earlier resignation or removal.
19
Committees
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing our accounting and
financial reporting processes and the services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. The responsibilities and duties of the Audit Committee include the following:
● |
assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities by reviewing the financial reports provided
by us to the SEC, our stockholders or to the general public, and our internal financial and accounting controls;
|
● |
oversee the appointment, compensation and retention of, and the work performed by, any independent registered
public accounting firm engaged by us;
|
●
|
recommend, establish and monitor procedures designed to improve the quality and reliability of the disclosure
of our financial condition and results of operations;
|
●
|
recommend, establish and monitor procedures designed to facilitate:
|
●
|
the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints relating to accounting, internal accounting controls or
auditing matters; and
|
●
|
the receipt of confidential, anonymous submissions by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting
or auditing matters.
|
The members of our Board’s Audit Committee currently are Messrs. Radov and Tonna and Dr. Ryan. Our
Board has adopted a written charter for the Audit Committee. A copy of the charter is available on our website, www.biorestorative.com.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for assisting the Board in
identifying and recruiting qualified individuals to become Board members and selecting director nominees to be presented for Board and/or stockholder approval. The members of the Nominating Committee currently are Dr. Ryan and Messrs. Radov and
Tonna. Our Board has adopted a written charter for the Nominating Committee. A copy of the charter is available on our website, www.biorestorative.com.
While the Nominating Committee does not have a formal policy on diversity for members of the Board of Directors, the Nominating Committee considers diversity of background, experience and qualifications in evaluating prospective Board members. The
Nominating Committee will consider qualified director candidates recommended by stockholders if such recommendations are provided in accordance with the procedures set forth in the section entitled “Stockholder Proposals - Stockholder Nominees”
below. The Nominating Committee evaluates all candidates based upon, among other factors, a candidate’s financial literacy, knowledge of our industry, other relevant background experience, judgment, skill, integrity, the interplay of a candidate’s
experience with the experience of other Board members, ‘independence’ (for purposes of compliance with the NASDAQ Marketplace Rules), and willingness, ability and availability for service. After conducting an initial evaluation of a prospective
nominee, the Nominating Committee will interview that candidate if it believes the candidate might be suitable to be a director. The Nominating Committee may also ask the candidate to meet with management. If the Nominating Committee believes a
candidate would be a valuable addition to our Board of Directors, it may recommend to the full Board that candidate's nomination and election. At this time, the Nominating Committee has not adopted minimum criteria for consideration of a proposed
candidate for nomination.
20
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for the management of our
business and affairs with respect to the compensation of our employees. The responsibilities and duties of the Compensation Committee include the following:
●
|
review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer,
evaluate the Chief Executive Officer's performance in light of those goals and objectives, and determine and approve the Chief Executive Officer's compensation level based on this evaluation;
|
●
|
make recommendations to the Board with respect to non-Chief Executive Officer compensation;
|
●
|
approve any new equity compensation plan or any material change to an existing plan, approve grants pursuant
to equity compensation plans and administer such plans;
|
●
|
in consultation with management, oversee regulatory compliance with respect to compensation matters; and
|
●
|
make recommendations to the Board with respect to any severance or similar termination payments proposed to be
made to any current or former executive officer or member of senior management.
|
The members of the Compensation Committee currently are Messrs. Tonna, Catell and Radov. Our Board
has adopted a written charter for the Compensation Committee. A copy of the charter is available on our website, www.biorestorative.com.
The Compensation Committee may form and delegate authority to subcommittees and may delegate
authority to one or more designated members of the Compensation Committee. Our Chief Executive Officer assists the Compensation Committee from time to time by advising on a variety of compensation matters, such as assisting the Compensation
Committee in determining appropriate salaries and bonuses for our executive officers. The Compensation Committee has the authority to consult with management to assist it in its efforts.
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Pursuant to its charter, the Compensation Committee also has the sole authority to retain and
terminate outside compensation consultants, as well as to approve the consultant’s fees and any other terms of the engagement.
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
Our Board of Directors as a whole is responsible for our risk oversight. Our executive officers
address and discuss with our Board of Directors our risks and the manner in which we manage or mitigate such risks. While our Board of Directors has the ultimate responsibility for our risk oversight, our Board of Directors works in conjunction
with its committees on certain aspects of its risk oversight responsibilities. In particular, our Audit Committee focuses on financial reporting risks and related controls and procedures and our Compensation Committee strives to create compensation
practices that do not encourage excessive levels of risk taking that would be inconsistent with our strategies and objectives.
Since October 2010, Mark Weinreb has served as our Chief Executive Officer. Since April 2011, he has
also served as our Chairman of the Board. We do not currently have a lead independent director. At this time, our Board believes that Mr. Weinreb’s combined role as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board enables us to benefit from Mr.
Weinreb’s significant institutional and industry knowledge and experience, while at the same time promoting unified leadership and direction for our Board and executive management without duplication of effort and cost. Given our history, position,
Board composition and the relatively small size of our company and management team, at this time, our Board believes that we and our stockholders are best served by our current leadership structure.
Report of the Audit Committee
In overseeing the preparation of the financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and
2017, for the years then ended, the Audit Committee met with management to review and discuss all financial statements prior to their issuance and to discuss significant accounting issues. Management advised the Audit Committee that all financial
statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the Audit Committee discussed the statements with management. The Audit Committee also discussed with Marcum LLP, the Company’s independent registered public
accounting firm, the matters required to be discussed by Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing Standard No. 1301, Communications with
Audit Committees, as currently in effect.
The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from Marcum required by
applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding Marcum’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence and the Audit Committee discussed Marcum’s independence with Marcum.
On the basis of these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, for filing with the SEC.
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Members of the Audit Committee
A. Jeffrey Radov
Charles S. Ryan
Paul Jude Tonna
Meetings
Our Board of Directors held twelve meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors held four meetings during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2018.
The Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors held one meeting during the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2018.
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors held eleven meetings during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2018.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, all of our then directors attended at least 75% of
the aggregate of the total number of meetings of the Board and the total number of the meetings of all committees of the Board on which they served.
We do not have a formal policy regarding director attendance at our annual meeting of stockholders.
However, all directors are encouraged to attend. Mr. Weinreb was in attendance at last year’s annual meeting of stockholders.
Communications with Board of Directors
Any security holder who wishes to communicate with our Board of Directors or a particular director
should send the correspondence to the Board of Directors, BioRestorative Therapies, Inc., 40 Marcus Drive, Suite One, Melville, New York 11747, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Any such communication so addressed will be forwarded by the Corporate
Secretary to the members or a particular member of the Board.
Audit Committee Financial Expert
Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Radov is an “audit committee financial expert,” as
defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K. Mr. Radov is an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16 of the Exchange Act requires that reports of beneficial ownership of common stock and
changes in such ownership be filed with the SEC by Section 16 “reporting persons,” including directors, certain officers, holders of more than 10% of the outstanding common stock and certain trusts of which reporting persons are trustees. We are
required to disclose in this proxy statement each reporting person whom we know to have failed to file any required reports under Section 16 on a timely basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018. To our knowledge, based solely on a
review of copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 filed with the SEC and written representations that no other reports were required, during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, our officers, directors and 10% stockholders complied with all Section 16(a)
filing requirements applicable to them.
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Director Independence
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is currently comprised of Mark Weinreb (Chairman), Robert B. Catell, John M.
Desmarais, A. Jeffrey Radov, Charles S. Ryan and Paul Jude Tonna. Each of Messrs. Catell, Desmarais, Radov and Tonna and Dr. Ryan is currently an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of the
listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
Audit Committee
The members of our Board’s Audit Committee currently are Messrs. Radov (Chairman) and Tonna and Dr.
Ryan, each of whom is an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) under the Exchange Act.
Nominating Committee
The members of our Board’s Nominating Committee currently are Dr. Ryan (Chairman) and Messrs. Radov
and Tonna, each of whom is an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
Compensation Committee
The members of our Board’s Compensation Committee currently are Messrs. Tonna (Chairman), Catell and
Radov, each of whom is an “independent director” based on the definition of independence in Listing Rule 5605(a)(2) of the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market.
Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers
Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Ethics for our principal executive officer, principal
financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Ethics is posted on our website, www.biorestorative.com.
We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05(c) of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, our Code of Ethics by posting such information on our website, www.biorestorative.com.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR both Class II
nominees.
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PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION
OF THE COMPANY’S NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
As required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and Section 14A of the Exchange Act, we are
providing our stockholders with the opportunity to cast a non-binding advisory vote on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. This proposal, commonly known as a “say-on-pay” proposal, gives our
stockholders the opportunity to express their views on the compensation of our Named Executive Officers. In accordance with the advisory vote conducted at our 2013 annual meeting of stockholders on the frequency of future say-on-pay votes, we are
currently conducting say-on-pay votes every three years. The next advisory vote on the frequency of say-on-pay votes will be conducted at our 2022 annual meeting of stockholders.
The compensation structure established by our Compensation Committee is designed to attract and retain motivated
executives who substantially contribute to our long-term success and the creation of stockholder value, to reward executives when we perform financially or operationally well, to align the financial interests of our executives with the interests of
our stockholders, and to be competitive within our industry. We believe that our philosophy and practices have resulted in executive compensation decisions that are appropriate and that have benefited us over time.
We are requesting stockholder approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this proxy
statement. This “say-on-pay” proposal gives our stockholders the opportunity to express their views on our Named Executive Officers’ compensation.
We are asking our stockholders to indicate their support for our named executive officer compensation through the
following resolution:
“RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve the compensation paid to the Company’s named executive
officers, as disclosed pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K, including the compensation tables and narrative discussion in the Company’s proxy statement for its 2019 annual meeting.”
Because this stockholder vote is advisory, it is not binding on us or our Board of Directors. However, our Board and the
Compensation Committee, which is responsible for designing and administering our executive compensation program, value the opinions that our stockholders express in their votes. The Compensation Committee will review the results of the stockholder
votes on this “say on pay” proposal and consider whether to recommend any changes or modifications to our executive compensation policies and practices as a result of such votes.
Vote Required
The approval of the
compensation of our Named Executive Officers as disclosed in this proxy statement requires the affirmative vote of stockholders who hold a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and
entitled to vote.
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Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the compensation of our Named Executive Officers
as disclosed in this proxy statement.
PROPOSAL 3: AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
TO INCREASE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
Our Board of Directors has adopted resolutions approving and submitting to a vote of the stockholders an amendment to
Article FOURTH of our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 75,000,000 to 150,000,000.
Our Board of Directors believes that the availability of additional authorized shares of common stock will provide us
with the flexibility in the future to issue shares of our common stock (i) for general corporate purposes, including raising additional capital and settling outstanding obligations, (ii) in connection with present and future employee benefit
programs and (iii) in connection with acquisitions of companies or assets. We have no plans, arrangements or understandings, whether written or oral, to issue any of the common stock that will be newly available following the approval of this
proposal by our stockholders except as discussed under Proposal 5: “Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Effect a Reverse Stock Split-Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split-Contemplated Public Offering”.
Our Board of Directors will determine whether, when and on what terms the issuance of shares of our common stock may be
warranted in connection with any future actions. No further action or authorization by our stockholders will be necessary before the issuance of the additional shares of our common stock authorized under our Certificate of Incorporation, except
as may be required for a particular transaction by applicable law or regulatory agencies or by the rules of any stock market or exchange on which our common stock may then be listed.
Our Certificate of Incorporation currently authorizes the issuance of 75,000,000 shares of common stock, par value
$0.001 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of April 2, 2019, there were 14,946,874 shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. In addition, as of April 2, 2019,
9,384,376 shares of common stock were issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and warrants and 58,554,518 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance in connection with the conversion of outstanding promissory notes (such reserve
being substantially in excess of the number of shares of common stock currently issuable upon such conversion).
Although our Board has no current plans to utilize the additional authorized shares of common stock to entrench present
management, it may, in the future, be able to use the additional common stock as a defensive tactic against hostile takeover attempts. The authorization of such additional common stock will have no current anti-takeover effect. No hostile
take-over attempts are, to our management’s knowledge, currently threatened. There are no provisions in our Certificate of Incorporation or bylaws or other material agreements to which we are a party that would, in our management’s judgment, have
a significant anti-takeover effect; however, as described under “Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” our Certificate of Incorporation provides for a classified Board of Directors and, as described under “Stockholder Proposals”, our bylaws contain
certain advance notification requirements for nominations of persons for election to our Board and proposals by stockholders at our annual meeting of stockholders. In addition, as indicated above, we are authorized to issue up to 20,000,000
shares of preferred stock. Although our Board has no current plans to utilize the shares of preferred stock to entrench present management, it may, in the future, be able to use the preferred stock as a defensive tactic against hostile takeover
attempts. Further, our Certificate of Incorporation and by-laws contain certain provisions that may delay or prevent takeover attempts. Such provisions include the requirement that special meetings of our stockholders be called only by our
Board of Directors or the Chairman of the Board, stockholders are not permitted to act by written consent unless otherwise approved by our Board of Directors, and supermajority voting requirements to remove members of our Board of Directors,
amend our by-laws and amend certain provisions of our Certificate of Incorporation.
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The relative rights and limitations of the common stock would remain unchanged under the amendment. Our stockholders do
not currently possess, nor upon the approval of the proposed authorized share increase will they acquire, preemptive rights, that would entitle such persons, as a matter of right, to subscribe for the purchase of any shares, rights, warrants or
other securities or obligations convertible into, or exchangeable for, our securities. Therefore, the proposed increase in authorized shares of common stock could result in the dilution of the ownership interest of existing stockholders upon
future issuances.
Vote Required
The approval of the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of
authorized shares of common stock requires the affirmative vote of stockholders who hold a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the proposed amendment to our Certificate of
Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 75,000,000 to 150,000,000.
PROPOSAL 4: AMENDMENT TO THE COMPANY'S 2010 EQUITY PARTICIPATION PLAN
Our Board of Directors has approved an amendment to our 2010 Equity Participation Plan (the "Plan") to increase the
number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued thereunder from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000. The amendment to the Plan is being submitted to the stockholders for approval.
The Plan was originally adopted by our Board on November 17, 2010. Pursuant to the Plan, up to 100,000 shares of common
stock were initially authorized to be issued. Stockholder approval of the Plan was obtained effective as of December 15, 2010. Between March 2011 and August 2018, our Board and stockholders have approved, from time to time, increases in the
number of shares authorized to be issued under the Plan to 10,000,000. On March 25, 2019, our Board increased the number of shares authorized to be issued under the Plan from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000, subject to stockholder approval.
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As of April 2, 2019, options for the purchase 4,782,535 shares of common stock (net of cancellations) had been granted
pursuant to the Plan. In addition, as of such date, 45,000 shares of restricted stock had been granted pursuant to the Plan and 5,172,465 shares were reserved for future grants under the Plan (without giving effect to the amendment to the Plan
increasing the number of shares authorized to be issued under the Plan to 20,000,000). See "Plan Benefits" below for additional details.
The Plan plays an important role in our efforts to attract and retain employees of outstanding ability and to align the
interests of employees with those of the stockholders through increased stock ownership. In order to continue to provide appropriate equity incentives to employees in the future, our Board has approved an increase in the number of authorized
shares under the Plan. As discussed below, the Plan is also designed to provide incentives to our non‑employee directors, consultants and advisors.
The following statements include summaries of certain provisions of the Plan. The statements do not
purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the provisions of the Plan, a copy of which is available at our offices.
Purpose
The purpose of the Plan is to advance our interests by inducing individuals or entities of outstanding ability and
potential to join and remain with, or provide consulting or advisory services to, us by encouraging and enabling eligible employees, non-employee directors, consultants and advisors to acquire proprietary interests in our company, and by
providing the participating employees, non-employee directors, consultants and advisors with an additional incentive to promote our success.
Administration
The Plan provides for its administration by the Board of Directors or by a Committee (the "Committee") consisting of at
least two persons chosen by the Board each of whom is intended to be an "outside independent director" to the extent required by the rules and regulations of any established stock market exchange or national market system, including, without
limitation, The Nasdaq Stock Market, and an "outside director" to the extent required by Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"). The following discussion of the Plan assumes that the Plan is administered by the
Committee.
The Committee has authority (subject to certain restrictions) to select from the group of eligible employees,
non-employee directors, consultants and advisors the individuals or entities to whom awards will be granted under the Plan, and to determine the times at which awards will be granted and the terms of such grants. The Committee is authorized to
interpret the Plan and the interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provision of the Plan or of any award granted under the Plan shall be final and conclusive. The receipt of awards under the Plan by directors or any members of the
Committee shall not preclude their vote on any matters in connection with the administration or interpretation of the Plan.
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Eligibility
Subject to certain limitations as set forth in the Plan, options to purchase shares may be granted thereunder to persons
or entities who, in the case of incentive stock options, are employees of our company or, in the case of nonstatutory stock options, are employees or non‑employee directors of, or certain consultants or advisors to, our company. Subject to
certain limitations as set forth in the Plan, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, and stock bonus awards may be granted thereunder to persons or entities who are employees or non-employee directors of, or certain consultants or advisors
to, us.
As of April 2, 2019, nine employees, five non-employee directors, eight members of our Scientific Advisory Board and
persons providing certain consulting services to us were eligible to receive awards under the Plan.
Options
Nature of Options
The Committee may grant options under the Plan which are intended to either qualify as "incentive stock options" within
the meaning of Section 422 of the Code or not so qualify. We refer to options that do not so qualify as "nonstatutory stock options." The Federal income tax consequences relating to the grant and exercise of incentive stock options and
nonstatutory stock options are described below under "Federal Income Tax Consequences."
Option Price
The option price of the shares subject to an incentive stock option or a nonstatutory stock option may not be less than
the fair market value (as such term is defined in the Plan) of the common stock on the date upon which such option is granted. In addition, in the case of a recipient of an incentive stock option who, at the time the option is granted, owns more
than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of our stock or of a parent or of any of our subsidiaries, the option price of the shares subject to such option must be at least 110% of the fair market value of the common stock on the
date upon which such option is granted.
On April 15, 2019, the last reported sale price for our common stock on the OTCQB Market was $0.78 per share.
Exercise of Options
An option granted under the Plan shall be exercised by the delivery by the holder to our Secretary at our principal
office of a written notice of the number of shares with respect to which the option is being exercised. The notice must be accompanied, or followed within ten days, by payment of the full option price of such shares which must be made by the
holder's delivery of (i) a check in such amount, (ii) previously acquired common stock, the fair market value of which shall be determined as of the date of exercise, or (iii) if provided for in a stock option agreement pursuant to which the
option is granted, and subject to applicable law, a check in an amount equal to the par value of the common stock being acquired and a promissory note in an amount equal to the balance of the exercise price, or a combination of (i), (ii) and
(iii). Alternatively, if provided for in the award agreement, the holder may elect to have us reduce the number of shares otherwise issuable by a number of shares having a fair market value equal to the exercise price of the option being
exercised (a "Net Exercise").
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Duration of Options
No incentive stock option granted under the Plan shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of
its grant. However, if an incentive stock option is granted to a 10% stockholder, the option shall not be exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date of its grant.
Nonstatutory stock options granted under the Plan shall be exercisable for a period of up to ten years from the date of
their grant.
Reload Options
The Committee may grant options with a reload feature. A reload feature shall only apply when the option price is paid
by delivery of common stock or by having us reduce the number of shares otherwise issuable to a grantee (in the case of a Net Exercise). A reload stock option will cover the number of shares tendered in payment of the exercise price (or not
issued in the case of a Net Exercise) and will have a per share exercise price not less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant of the reload stock option and, with respect to incentive stock options granted to 10%
stockholders, 110% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant of the reload option. The term of the reload option shall be equal to the remaining option term of the option which gave rise to the reload option.
Non-Transferability
Options granted under the Plan are not transferable otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and
such options are exercisable, during a holder's lifetime, only by the grantee; provided, however, that a nonstatutory stock option granted under the Plan may, upon the approval of the Committee be transferred in whole or in part during a
grantee's lifetime to certain family members of a grantee through a gift or domestic relations offer.
Death, Disability or Termination of Employment
Subject to the terms of the agreement pursuant to which the options are granted, if the employment of an employee or the
services of a non-employee director, consultant or advisor shall terminate other than by reason of death or disability, such option may be exercised at any time within three months after such termination, but in no event after the expiration of
the option.
Subject to the terms of the agreement pursuant to which the options are granted, if an option holder under the Plan (i)
dies while employed by us or while serving as a non‑employee director of, or consultant or advisor to, us, or (ii) dies within three months after the termination of his employment or services for any reason, then such option may be exercised by
the estate of the employee, non‑employee director, consultant or advisor, or by a person who acquired such option by bequest or inheritance from the deceased option holder, at any time within one year after his death.
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Subject to the terms of the stock option agreement pursuant to which the options are granted, if the holder of an option
under the Plan ceases employment or services because of permanent and total disability (within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the Code) while employed by, or while serving as a non‑employee director of, or consultant or advisor to, us, then
such option may be exercised at any time within one year after his termination of employment, termination of directorship, or termination of consulting or advisory arrangement or agreement due to the disability. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in
the event we are a party to an employment, consulting or advisory agreement with a holder of an option and such agreement provides for termination of employment or engagement based upon a disability or other incapacity, then, for such holder, a
termination of employment or engagement for disability or other incapacity pursuant to the provisions thereof shall be considered to be a termination based upon permanent and total disability.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Committee may grant stock appreciation rights (an "SAR") to such persons eligible under the Plan as selected from
time to time. SARs shall be granted at such times, in such amounts and under such other terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. An SAR entitles the grantee to exercise the SAR, in whole or in part, in exchange for payment of
shares of our common stock, cash or a combination thereof, as determined by the Committee, equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of our common stock underlying the SAR, determined on the date of exercise, over the
fair market value of our common stock underlying the SAR on the date of grant.
No SAR granted under the Plan shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the date of its grant.
Restricted Stock Grants
The Committee may grant restricted stock under the Plan to any individual or entity eligible to receive restricted
stock. A restricted stock award is an award of shares of our common stock that is subject to certain conditions on vesting and to certain restrictions on transferability.
Shares granted pursuant to a grant of restricted stock shall vest as determined by the Committee. Except as otherwise
provided in the award agreement, a grantee shall forfeit all shares not previously vested, if any, at such time as the grantee is no longer employed by, or serving as a director of, or rendering consulting or advisory services to, us.
In determining the vesting requirements with respect to a grant of restricted stock, the Committee may impose such
restrictions on any shares granted as it may deem advisable including, without limitation, restrictions relating to length of service, corporate performance, attainment of individual or group performance goals and federal or state securities
laws. During the period that the restricted stock is unvested, the grantee will be the record owner of the restricted stock and shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such shares while they are so
restricted. However, if any dividends or distributions are paid in shares of our stock, cash and/or other property during an applicable period of restriction, the shares, cash and/or other property deliverable shall be held by us or a third
party custodian or trustee and will be subject to the same restrictions as the restricted stock with respect to which they were issued.
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No shares granted pursuant to a grant of restricted stock may be sold, transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise
alienated or hypothecated until, and only to the extent that, such shares are vested.
Stock Bonus Grants
The Committee may grant stock bonus awards to such persons eligible under the Plan as the Committee may select from time
to time. Stock bonus awards shall be granted at such times, in such amounts and under such other terms and conditions as the Committee shall determine. Shares granted pursuant to a stock bonus shall vest as determined by the Committee. Except
as otherwise provided in the award agreement, a grantee shall forfeit the right to receive all shares not previously vested, if any, at such time as the grantee is no longer employed by, or serving as a director of, or rendering consulting or
advisory services to, us.
Amendment and Termination
The Plan (but not the options previously granted thereunder) shall terminate on November 17, 2020, ten years from the
date that it was adopted by our Board. Subject to certain limitations, the Plan may be amended or modified from time to time or terminated at an earlier date by our Board or by the stockholders.
Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion is intended only as a brief summary of the federal income tax rules relevant to stock options
granted under the Plan. These rules are highly technical and subject to change. The following discussion is limited to the federal income tax rules relevant to us and to the individuals who are citizens or residents of the United States. The
discussion does not address state, local or foreign income tax consequences.
Nonstatutory Stock Options
Under the Code and the Treasury Department Regulations, a nonstatutory stock option does not ordinarily have a readily
ascertainable fair market value when it is granted. This rule will apply to our grant of nonstatutory stock options. Consequently, the grant of a nonstatutory stock option to an optionee will result in neither income to him or her nor a
deduction to us. Instead, the optionee will recognize compensation income at the time he or she exercises the nonstatutory stock option in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the then fair market value of the shares transferred to the
optionee over the option price. Subject to the applicable provisions of the Code and the Treasury Department Regulations regarding withholding of tax, a deduction will be allowable to us in the year of exercise in the same amount as is
includable in the optionee's income.
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For purposes of determining the optionee's gain or loss on the sale or other disposition of the shares transferred to
him or her upon exercise of a nonstatutory stock option, the optionee's basis in such shares will be the sum of the optionee’s option price plus the amount of compensation income recognized by him or her on exercise. Such gain or loss will be
capital gain or loss and will be long-term or short-term depending upon whether the optionee held the shares for more than one year or one year or less. No part of any such gain will be an item of tax preference for purposes of the alternative
minimum tax.
Incentive Stock Options
Options granted under the Plan which qualify as incentive stock options under Section 422 of the Code will be treated as
follows:
Except to the extent that the alternative minimum tax rule described below applies, no tax consequences will result to
the optionee or us from the grant of an incentive stock option to, or the exercise of an incentive stock option by, the optionee. Instead, the optionee will recognize gain or loss when he or she sells or disposes of the shares transferred to him
or her upon exercise of the incentive stock option. For purposes of determining such gain or loss, the optionee's basis in such shares will be his or her option price. If the date of sale or disposition of such shares is at least two years after
the date of the grant of the incentive stock option, and at least one year after the transfer of the shares to the optionee upon exercise of the incentive stock option, the optionee will realize long-term capital gain treatment upon their sale or
disposition.
Generally, we will not be allowed a deduction with respect to an incentive stock option. However, if an optionee fails
to meet the foregoing holding period requirements (a so-called disqualifying disposition), any gain recognized by the optionee upon the sale or disposition of the shares transferred to him or her upon exercise of an incentive stock option will
be treated in the year of such sale or disposition as ordinary income, rather than capital gain, to the extent of the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the shares at the time of exercise (or, if less, in certain cases the amount
realized on such sale or disposition) over their option price, and in that case we will be allowed a corresponding deduction.
For purposes of the alternative minimum tax, the amount, if any, by which the fair market value of the shares
transferred to the optionee upon such exercise exceeds the option price will be included in determining the optionee's alternative minimum taxable income. In addition, for purposes of such tax, the basis of such shares will include such excess.
To the extent that the aggregate fair market value (determined at the time the option is granted) of the stock with
respect to which incentive stock options are exercisable for the first time by the optionee during any calendar year exceeds $100,000, such options will not be incentive stock options. In this regard, upon the exercise of an option which is
deemed, under the rule described in the preceding sentence, to be in part an incentive stock option and in part a nonstatutory stock option, under existing Internal Revenue Service guidelines, we may designate which shares issued upon exercise of
such options are incentive stock options and which shares are nonstatutory stock options. In the absence of such designation, a pro rata portion of each share issued is to be treated as issued pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock
option and the balance of each share treated as issued pursuant to the exercise of a nonstatutory stock option.
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New Plan Benefits
The benefits that will be awarded or paid under the Plan are not currently determinable. Awards granted under the Plan
are within the discretion of the Committee, and the Committee has not determined future awards or who might receive them.
Plan Benefits
The following table sets forth certain information regarding options granted under the Plan (net of forfeitures), as of
April 2, 2019, to (i) each person listed in the Summary Compensation Table under Executive Compensation, (ii) all current executive officers as a group, (iii) all current directors who are not executive officers as a group, (iv) each nominee for
election as a director, (v) each associate of any such directors, executive officers or nominees, (vi) each other person who received 5% of the options granted and (vii) all employees, including current officers who are not executive officers, as
a group:
Name and Position
|
Common Stock
Underlying
Options Granted
|
Weighted Average
Exercise Price
Per Share
|
Mark Weinreb
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board
|
1,319,500
|
$0.75
|
Lance Alstodt
Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer
|
500,000
|
$0.75
|
Francisco Silva
Vice President of Research and Development
|
340,650
|
$0.75
|
Robert Paccasassi
Vice President of Quality and Compliance
|
110,000
|
$0.75
|
Adam D. Bergstein
Senior Vice President, Planning and Business Development(1)
|
-
|
$-
|
A. Jeffrey Radov
Director
|
566,000
|
$0.75
|
Paul Jude Tonna
Director
|
364,000
|
$0.75
|
Charles S. Ryan
Director
|
256,000
|
$0.75
|
John M. Desmarais
Director
|
250,000
|
$0.75
|
Robert B. Catell
Director
|
219,000
|
$0.75
|
34
All current executive officers as a group
|
2,270,150
|
$0.75
|
All current directors who are not executive officers as a group
|
1,655,000
|
$0.75
|
All employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group
|
2,498,201
|
$0.75
|
____________________
(1)
|
Mr. Bergstein resigned as an officer on October 28, 2018.
|
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2018 with respect to compensation plans (including
individual compensation arrangements) under which our shares of common stock are authorized for issuance, aggregated as follows:
|
●
|
All compensation plans previously approved by security holders; and
|
|
●
|
All compensation plans not previously approved by security holders.
|
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of securities
|
|
|||
|
|
Number of securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
remaining available for
|
|
|||
|
|
to be issued upon
|
|
|
Weighted-average
|
|
|
future issuance under
|
|
|||
|
|
exercise of
|
|
|
exercise price of
|
|
|
equity compensation plans
|
|
|||
|
|
outstanding options
|
|
|
outstanding options
|
|
|
(excluding securities
|
|
|||
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
reflected in column (a))
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Equity compensation plans approved
by security holders
|
|
|
4,703,785
|
|
|
$
|
3.21
|
|
|
|
5,251,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
4,703,785
|
|
|
$
|
3.21
|
|
|
|
5,251,215
|
|
Vote Required
The approval of the amendment to the Plan requires the affirmative vote of stockholders who hold a
majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR approval of the amendment to the Plan to increase the
number of shares authorized to be issued from 10,000,000 to 20,000,000.
35
PROPOSAL 5: AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO EFFECT A REVERSE STOCK SPLIT
Our Board of Directors has adopted and is recommending that our stockholders approve proposed amendments to our
Certificate of Incorporation, and thereby authorize the Board of Directors to select and file one such amendment, to effect a reverse stock split of our outstanding shares of common stock. Holders of our common stock are being asked to approve the
proposal that Article Four of our Certificate of Incorporation be amended to effect a reverse stock split of our common stock at a ratio of not less than 1-for-2 and not more than 1-for-20, with the Board of Directors having the discretion as to
whether or not the reverse stock split is to be effected, and with the exact ratio to be determined in the discretion of our Board of Directors. Pursuant to the law of the State of Delaware, our state of incorporation, the Board of Directors must
adopt the amendments to our Certificate of Incorporation and submit the amendments to stockholders for their approval. The form of the proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to effect the reverse stock split is attached as Appendix
A to this proxy statement.
By approving this proposal, stockholders will (i) approve a series of amendments to
our Certificate of Incorporation pursuant to which any whole number of outstanding shares between and including two (2) and twenty (20) would be combined into one share of our common stock and (ii) authorize our Board of Directors to file only one
such amendment, as determined by our Board of Directors in the manner described herein, and to abandon each amendment not selected by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors believes that stockholder approval of amendments granting our
Board of Directors this discretion, rather than approval of a specified ratio, provides our Board of Directors with maximum flexibility to react to then-current market conditions and, therefore, is in the best interests of the Company and its
stockholders. The Board of Directors may effect only one reverse stock split as a result of this authorization. The Board of Directors may also elect not to effect any reverse stock split. In determining whether to implement the reverse stock
split following the receipt of stockholder approval, our Board of Directors may consider, among other things, factors such as:
●
|
the historical trading price and trading volume of our common stock;
|
●
|
the then prevailing trading price and trading volume of our common stock and the anticipated impact of the reverse stock split on
the trading market for our common stock;
|
●
|
our ability to have our shares of common stock listed on a stock exchange such as The Nasdaq Stock Market;
|
●
|
the anticipated impact of the reverse stock split on our ability to raise additional financing (see “Reasons for the Reverse Stock
Split-Contemplated Public Offering” below);
|
●
|
which alternative split ratio would result in the greatest overall reduction in our administrative costs; and
|
●
|
prevailing general market and economic conditions.
|
Although our stockholders may approve the reverse stock split, we will not effect
the reverse stock split if the Board of Directors does not deem it to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The reverse stock split, if authorized pursuant to this resolution and if deemed by the Board of Directors to be in
the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, will be effected, if at all, at a time that is not later than one year from the date of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
36
If our Board of Directors determines that effecting the reverse stock split is in
our best interest, the reverse stock split will become effective upon filing of an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The amendment filed thereby will set forth the number of shares
to be combined into one share of our common stock within the limits set forth in this proposal. Except for adjustments that may result from the treatment of fractional shares as described below, each stockholder will hold the same percentage of
our outstanding common stock immediately following the reverse stock split as such stockholder holds immediately prior to the reverse stock split.
Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split
Our Board of Directors believes that a reverse stock split is desirable for three reasons. First, the Board of Directors
believes that a reverse stock split could improve the marketability and liquidity of our common stock. Second, the Board of Directors believes that a reverse stock split may facilitate the listing of our common stock on a stock exchange such as
The Nasdaq Stock Market. Third, our Board of Directors believes that a reverse split would assist in facilitating the public offering of our common stock that we are seeking to accomplish.
Marketability
Our Board of Directors believes that the increased market price of our common stock expected as a result of implementing a
reverse stock split could improve the marketability and liquidity of our stock and could encourage interest and trading in our stock. Theoretically, the number of shares outstanding and the per share price should not, by themselves, affect the
marketability of our common stock, the type of investor who acquires them, or our reputation in the financial community. However, in practice, we believe this is not necessarily the case, as we believe that many investors view low-priced stocks
(which we believe constitute stocks that trade and/or quote, as applicable, at or below $5.00 per share) as speculative and generally avoid the purchase of such securities. Our Board of Directors believes that there is a reluctance of many
brokerage firms to recommend low-priced stocks to their retail clients (whether due to internal restrictions and/or limitations or otherwise). Further, we believe that certain brokerage house policies and practices tend to discourage individual
brokers who administer brokerage accounts within those firms from encouraging their clients to transact trades in low-priced stocks. In addition, institutional investors, pursuant to internal policies, often are restricted and/or limited from
investing in companies whose stocks trade at less than $5.00 per share. Stockbrokers are also subject to certain restrictions on their ability to recommend stocks to their retail clients trading at less than $5.00 per share because of what we
believe to be a general presumption in the industry that such securities are highly speculative. In addition, the structure of trading commissions tends to have an adverse impact upon purchasers of low-priced stocks because the brokerage
commission on a sale of such securities generally represents a higher percentage of the purchase/sales price than the commission on a relatively higher-priced issue.
The reverse stock split is intended, in part, to result in a price level for our common stock that will increase investor
interest and possibly eliminate, or at the least reduce, the resistance of brokerage firms. On April 15, 2019, the closing bid price for our common stock, as reported by the OTCQB market, was approximately $0.78 per share. No assurances can be
given that the market price for our common stock will increase in the same proportion as the reverse stock split or, if increased, that such price will be maintained. In addition, no assurances can be given that the reverse stock split will
increase the price of our common stock to a level in excess of the $5.00 threshold discussed above or otherwise to a level that is attractive to brokerage houses and retail and institutional investors.
37
Stock Exchange Requirements
Our common stock is currently traded on the OTCQB Market. Such trading market is considered to be less efficient than
that provided by a stock exchange such as The Nasdaq Stock Market. Our Board of Directors is currently considering whether to seek to have our common stock listed on a stock exchange such as The Nasdaq Stock Market. In order for us to list our
common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market, we must fulfill certain listing requirements. Set forth below are certain minimum quantitative listing requirements that we must meet, together with a comparison of how we currently stand with regard to the
requirements.
Category
|
Nasdaq Requirement
|
BioRestorative Therapies, Inc.
|
Stockholders’ equity (deficiency)
|
$5,000,000 (3)
|
($8,641,038)
(as of December 31, 2018)
|
Minimum bid price
|
$4 (4)
|
$0.78
(as of April 15, 2019)
|
Publicly-held shares (1)
|
1,000,000
|
11,914,124
(as of April 2, 2019)
|
Market value of publicly-held shares (1)
|
$15,000,000 (3)
|
$9,471,729
(as of April 2, 2019)
|
Stockholders (round lot holders) (2)
|
300
|
265
(as of April 2, 2019)
|
_______________
(1)
|
“Publicly-held shares” is defined as total shares outstanding less any shares held by officers, directors and beneficial owners of
10% or more of our outstanding shares.
|
(2)
|
Round lot holders are record or beneficial holders of 100 shares or more. The number of round lot holders of BioRestorative
Therapies, Inc. shown only reflects record holders of shares and does not take into account the number of round lot holders who are beneficial holders of shares.
|
(3)
|
Nasdaq’s listing rules provide for an alternative $4,000,000 stockholders’ equity requirement, but that threshold must be met in
combination with a requirement that either (a) the market value of our outstanding common stock be at least $50,000,000 (the “Market Value Standard”) or (b) we have net income from continuing operations of $750,000 in the latest fiscal
year or two of the last three fiscal years and at least a $5,000,000 market value of publicly held shares.
|
|
|
38
(4)
|
Nasdaq’s listing rules provide for an alternative $3 minimum closing price requirement, but that threshold must be met in
combination with a requirement that we have (a) average annual revenues of $6,000,000 for three years or (b) net tangible assets of $5,000,000 or (c) net tangible assets of $2,000,000 and a three year operating history (the “Alternative
Price Requirements”). Nasdaq’s listing requirements also provide for an alternative $2 minimum closing price requirement, but that threshold must be met in combination with the Market Value Standard and the Alternative Price
Requirements.
|
The
Nasdaq Stock Market also requires that an applicant have at least three market makers and comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including having at least three Audit Committee members (each of whom must be independent), at
least two Compensation Committee members (each of whom must be independent) and a Board of Directors with a majority of independent members. In addition, director nominees must be selected, or recommended to the Board of Directors for selection,
either by independent directors constituting a majority of the Board of Directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate or by a Nominating Committee comprised solely of independent directors. Currently, we satisfy the Audit
Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating Committee and Board of Directors composition and independence requirements.
No assurance can be given that, even if we satisfy the above listing requirements, we will apply to have our common stock
listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market, or that, if we do so apply, our application will be approved, or that, if our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market, we will be able to satisfy the maintenance requirements for continued listing.
Contemplated Public Offering
We have entered into a letter of intent with a broker/dealer for an underwritten public offering of our shares of common
stock. The letter of intent contemplates the listing of our common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market and the offering of such gross dollar amount of shares of our common stock that would enable us to satisfy the $5,000,000 stockholders’ equity
requirement for a Nasdaq Stock Market listing. Since a reverse split would help facilitate the possible listing of our common stock on The Nasdaq Stock Market, we believe it would facilitate the contemplated public offering. No assurances can be
given as to the timing of the contemplated public offering, that it will be consummated upon the above terms or otherwise or that our shares of common stock will be listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market. The foregoing discussion with regard to the
contemplated public offering is not an offer of our securities for sale or the solicitation of an offer to buy our securities nor should it be interpreted that the contemplated public offering will ever occur. Such offer or solicitation may only be
made by a prospectus.
Effects of the Reverse Stock Split
If the reverse stock split is approved and implemented, the principal effect will be to proportionately decrease the
number of outstanding shares of our common stock based on the reverse stock split ratio selected by our Board of Directors. We have registered our common stock as a class under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, and we are subject to the periodic
reporting and other requirements of the Exchange Act. Our shares of common stock currently trade on the OTCQB market under the symbol “BRTX”. The reverse stock split will not affect the registration of our common stock under the Exchange Act or
the listing of our common stock on the OTCQB market. Following the reverse stock split, our common stock will continue to be listed on the OTCQB market under the
symbol “BRTX,” although it will be considered a new listing with a new CUSIP number. See, however, “Stock Exchange Requirements” and “Contemplated Public Offering” above.
39
Proportionate voting rights and other rights and preferences of the holders of our
common stock will not be affected by the proposed reverse stock split (other than as a result of the payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares as described below). For example, a holder of 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our
common stock immediately prior to the effectiveness of the reverse stock split will generally continue to hold 2% of the voting power of the outstanding shares of our common stock immediately following the reverse stock split. Moreover, the number
of stockholders of record will not be affected by the reverse stock split (except to the extent any stockholders are cashed out as a result of holding fractional shares). After the reverse stock split, the shares of our common stock will have the
same voting rights and rights to dividends and distributions as, and will be identical in all other respects to, our common stock now authorized.
Risks Associated with the Reverse Stock Split
There are risks associated with the reverse stock split, including that the reverse
stock split may not result in a sustained increase in the per share price of our common stock. There is no assurance that:
|
● |
|
the market price per share of our common stock after the reverse stock split will rise in proportion to the reduction in the number
of shares of our common stock outstanding;
|
|
● |
|
the reverse stock split will result in a per share price that will attract brokers and investors who do not trade in lower priced
stocks;
|
|
● |
|
the market price per share will either exceed or remain in excess of the minimum bid price required by The Nasdaq Stock Market, or
that we will otherwise meet the requirements of The Nasdaq Stock Market; or
|
● |
the contemplated public offering will be consummated following the reverse stock split.
|
||
Board Discretion to Implement or Abandon Reverse Stock Split
The reverse stock split will be
effected, if at all, only upon a determination by our Board of Directors that the reverse stock split (with a ratio determined by our Board of Directors as
described above) is in our best interest. Such determination shall be based upon certain factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to meet stock exchange listing requirements, existing and expected marketability and liquidity of our
common stock and the expense of effecting the reverse stock split. Notwithstanding approval of the reverse stock split by our stockholders, our Board of Directors may, in its sole discretion, abandon the proposal and determine, prior to the effectiveness of any filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware,
not to effect the reverse stock split. If our Board of Directors fails to implement the reverse stock split on or prior to the one year anniversary of this meeting, stockholder approval again would be required prior to implementing any reverse stock split.
40
Reduction in Authorized Common Stock
In the event the Reverse Stock Split Proposal is approved, then, subject to stockholder approval of Proposal 6: “Amendment
to Certificate of Incorporation to Reduce Number of Authorized Shares of Common Stock”, we intend to reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock, as discussed in Proposal 6.
Potential Anti-Takeover Effects of a Reverse Stock Split
Release No. 34-15230 of the staff of the SEC requires disclosure and discussion of the effects of any action, including
the proposals discussed herein, that may be used as an anti-takeover mechanism. As discussed in Proposal 6: “Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Reduce Number of Authorized Shares of Common Stock”, the reverse stock split, if effected, may
result in a relative increase in the number of authorized but unissued shares of our common stock vis-à-vis the outstanding shares of our common stock and, could, under certain circumstances, have an anti-takeover effect, although this is not the
purpose or intent of our Board of Directors. A relative increase in the number of authorized shares of common stock could have other effects on our stockholders, depending upon the exact nature and circumstances of any actual issuances of
authorized but unissued shares. A relative increase in our authorized shares could potentially deter takeovers, including takeovers that our Board of Directors has determined are not in the best interest of our stockholders, in that additional
shares could be issued (within the limits imposed by applicable law) in one or more transactions that could make a change in control or takeover more difficult. For example, we could issue additional shares so as to dilute the stock ownership or
voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control without our agreement. Similarly, the issuance of additional shares to certain persons allied with our management could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove our current management
by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to cause such removal. The reverse stock split therefore may have the effect of discouraging unsolicited takeover attempts. By potentially discouraging initiation of any such
unsolicited takeover attempts, the reverse stock split may limit the opportunity for our stockholders to dispose of their shares at the higher price generally available in takeover attempts or that may be available under a merger proposal.
However, the Board of Directors is not aware of any attempt to take control of our Company and the Board of Directors has not considered the reverse stock split to be a tool to be utilized as a type of anti-takeover device.
Effective Date
If
implemented by our Board of Directors, the reverse stock split would become effective upon the filing of an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. Except as explained below with
respect to fractional shares, on the effective date, shares of common stock issued and outstanding immediately prior thereto will be combined and converted, automatically and without any action on the part of the stockholders, into new shares of common stock in accordance with the reverse stock split ratio determined by the Board of Directors within the limits set forth in this proposal.
41
Fractional Shares
No fractional shares of common stock will be issued as a result of the reverse stock split. Instead, stockholders who otherwise would be entitled to receive fractional shares will be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to the product
obtained by multiplying (i) the closing price of our shares of common stock on the day immediately preceding the effective date of the reverse stock split, as
reported on the OTCQB market (or, if the closing price of our common stock is not then reported on the OTCQB market, then the fair market value of our shares of common stock as determined by the Board of Directors) by (ii) the number of shares of
our common stock held by such stockholder that would otherwise have been exchanged for such fractional share interest.
Effect on Outstanding Stock Options and Warrants
All outstanding options and warrants to purchase shares of our common stock, including any held by our officers and
directors, would be adjusted as a result of the reverse stock split. In particular, the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of each instrument would be reduced, and the exercise price per share would be increased, in accordance with the
terms of each instrument and based on the ratio of the reverse stock split.
Our 2010 Equity Participation Plan (the “Plan”) is designed primarily to provide
stock-based incentives to employees and non-employee directors. There are currently 10,000,000 shares of common stock authorized to be issued pursuant to the Plan, of which 45,000 shares have been issued and 4,782,535 shares are issuable upon the
exercise of outstanding options. If Proposal 4: “Amendment to the Company’s 2010 Equity Participation Plan” is approved by the stockholders of the Company, there will be 20,000,000 shares of common stock authorized to be issued pursuant to the
Plan. If the reverse stock split is approved by our stockholders and our Board of Directors decides to implement the reverse stock split, as of the effective date, the number of shares issuable pursuant to the Plan will be proportionately adjusted
downward using the reverse stock split ratio selected by our Board of Directors.
Other Effect
If approved, the reverse stock split will result in some stockholders owning “odd-lots” of fewer than 100 shares of common stock. Brokerage commissions and other costs of transactions in odd-lots are generally somewhat higher than the
costs of transactions in “round-lots” of even multiples of 100 shares.
Exchange of Stock Certificates
As soon as practicable after the effective date, stockholders will be notified that
the reverse stock split has been effected. Our transfer agent will act as exchange agent for purposes of implementing the exchange of stock certificates. Holders
of pre-reverse stock split shares (“Old Shares”) will be asked to surrender to the exchange agent certificates representing pre-reverse stock split shares in exchange for certificates representing post-reverse stock split shares (“New
Shares”) in accordance with the procedures to be set forth in a letter of transmittal to be sent by us. No new certificates will be issued to a stockholder until such stockholder has surrendered such stockholder’s outstanding certificate(s)
together with the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal to the exchange agent. Stockholders should not destroy any stock certificate
and should not submit any certificates until requested to do so.
42
No Appraisal Rights
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, our stockholders are not entitled to
appraisal rights with respect to the proposed amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to effect the reverse stock split.
Tax Consequences
The proposed reverse stock split is being presented for approval based upon the expectation that, among other things, no gain or loss will be recognized by the holders of our common stock (except to the extent of cash, if any, received in lieu
of fractional shares) or by us. A holder who receives cash will generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the portion of the tax basis of the Old Shares allocated to the fractional share interest and the cash received.
Each stockholder will have a basis in the New Shares equal to the basis of the Old
Shares (except to the extent the basis is allocated to fractional shares). For purposes of determining whether gain or loss on a subsequent disposition is long-term or short-term, the holding period of the New Shares will include the period during
which the corresponding Old Shares were held, provided such corresponding Old Shares were held as a capital asset on the date of filing of the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation.
No ruling has been requested from the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the
foregoing tax matters. Stockholders should consult their own tax advisors as to the effect of the reverse stock split under applicable tax laws.
Vote Required
The approval and adoption of the proposal to authorize our Board of Directors to effect a reverse stock
split requires the affirmative vote of stockholders who hold a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors
recommends that stockholders vote FOR the approval of the proposal to authorize the Board of Directors to effect the reverse stock split, as described above.
43
PROPOSAL 6: AMENDMENT TO CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION TO REDUCE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
In the event the Board, pursuant to stockholder authority, determines to effect a reverse stock split, as discussed in
Proposal 5: “Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Effect a Reverse Stock Split” above, the number of shares of common stock that will be outstanding will be proportionately reduced based on the reverse stock split ratio selected. The
number of shares of common stock that were issued and outstanding as of April 2, 2019 was 14,946,874. The number of shares of common stock that we are authorized to issue is 75,000,000 (subject to adjustment to 150,000,000 as provided for in
Proposal 3: “Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Increase Number of Authorized Shares of Common Stock”).
The proposal being submitted to the stockholders provides that, in the event a reverse stock split is effected, our Board
will have the discretion to reduce the number of our authorized shares of common stock to a number which results in a ratio of authorized shares of common stock to issued and outstanding shares of common stock that most closely approximates the
ratio of our authorized common stock to issued and outstanding common stock immediately prior to the reverse stock split. Accordingly, assuming that our Board determines to implement a 1-for-10 reverse stock split (which, based on the number of
issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of April 2, 2019, would reduce the number of issued and outstanding shares to approximately 1,494,687), our Board would have the authority to reduce our authorized common stock in the same
proportion. Assuming the stockholders approve Proposal 3, our Board would have the authority to reduce the number of shares of common stock that we are authorized to issue from 150,000,000 to 15,000,000. However, our Board will have the sole
discretion to determine whether or not to implement such a reduction in authorized shares of common stock in connection with the reverse stock split. Alternatively, our Board will have the sole discretion to implement a reduction in authorized
shares of common stock to a lesser degree such that, following the reverse stock split, the ratio of authorized shares of common stock to issued and outstanding shares of common stock would be higher than that in effect prior to the reverse stock
split. Therefore, in the event that our Board determines to implement a reverse stock split but not to implement a proportionate reduction in authorized shares of common stock, we would, in effect, have authority to issue a greater number of shares
of common stock than prior to the reverse stock split. There are no written or oral plans, arrangements or understandings with respect to the issuance of any such additional shares of common stock except as discussed under Proposal 5: “Amendment to
Certificate of Incorporation to Effect a Reverse Stock Split – Reasons for the Reverse Stock Split – Contemplated Public Offering”. Also see Proposal 5: “Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation to Effect a Reverse Stock Split – Potential
Anti-Takeover Effects of a Reverse Stock Split”.
Vote Required
The approval of the amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to reduce the number of authorized
shares of common stock requires the affirmative vote of stockholders who hold a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote.
44
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of the proposal to authorize our Board of
Directors, in connection with a reverse stock split and in its discretion, to reduce the number of shares of common stock authorized to be issued.
PROPOSAL 7: RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors has selected Marcum LLP as our independent registered
public accounting firm to examine our financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.
Although ratification by stockholders is not required by our organizational documents or other
applicable law, our Board of Directors has determined that requesting ratification by stockholders of the appointment of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 is a matter of
good corporate practice. If stockholders do not ratify the selection, the Audit Committee of our Board may reconsider whether or not to retain Marcum LLP, but may still retain them. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee, in its
discretion, may change the appointment at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interests of us and our stockholders.
Marcum LLP served as our independent registered public accountants for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2018 and 2017.
It is not expected that a representative of Marcum LLP will attend the meeting.
The following is a summary of the fees billed or expected to be billed to us by Marcum LLP for
professional services rendered with respect to the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017:
Fee Category
|
|
2018
|
|
|
2017
|
|
||
Audit Fees(1)
|
|
$
|
110,846
|
|
|
$
|
144,551
|
|
Audit-Related Fees(2)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
Tax Fees(3)
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
|
9,000
|
|
All Other Fees(4)
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
-
|
|
|
|
$
|
120,846
|
|
|
$
|
153,551
|
|
________________
(1)
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Audit Fees consist of fees billed and expected to be billed for services rendered for the audit of our consolidated financial
statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and in connection with the filing of Forms S-1 and S-8 registration statements.
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(2)
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Audit-Related Fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the
audit of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.”
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(3)
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Tax Fees consist of fees billed for
professional services related to preparation of our U.S. federal and state income tax returns and tax advice.
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(4)
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Al Other Fees consist of fees billed for
products and services provided by our independent registered public accountants, other than those disclosed above.
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The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the independent
registered public accountants, and approves in advance any services to be performed by the independent registered public accountants, whether audit-related or not. The Audit Committee reviews each proposed engagement to determine whether the
provision of services is compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accountants. The fees shown above were pre-approved either by our Board or our Audit Committee.
Vote Required
The ratification of the selection of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019 requires the affirmative vote of stockholders who hold a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote.
Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR the ratification of
the selection of Marcum LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2019.
PROPOSAL 8: ADJOURNMENT TO SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES
Stockholders are being asked to grant authority to proxy holders to vote in favor of one or more
adjournments of the meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the meeting to adopt one or more of the foregoing proposals. If this proposal is approved, the meeting could be
successively adjourned to any date. In accordance with our bylaws, a vote on adjournments of the meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the meeting to adopt one or more of
the foregoing proposals may be taken in the absence of a quorum. We do not intend to call a vote on adjournments of the meeting to solicit additional proxies if the adoption of each of the foregoing proposals is approved at the meeting. If the
meeting is adjourned to solicit additional proxies, stockholders who have already submitted their proxies will be able to revoke them at any time prior to their use.
Vote Required
The
approval of authority to adjourn the meeting requires the affirmative vote of stockholders who hold a majority of the shares of common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote.
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Recommendation
The Board of Directors recommends that stockholders vote FOR adjournments of the
meeting, if necessary or appropriate, to solicit additional proxies if there are insufficient votes at the time of the meeting to adopt one or more of the foregoing proposals.
STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS
Stockholder proposals intended to be presented at our next annual meeting of stockholders pursuant to
the provisions of Rule 14a-8 of the SEC, promulgated under the Exchange Act, must be received at our offices in Melville, New York by December 19, 2019 for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy relating to such meeting.
The following requirements with respect to stockholder proposals and stockholder nominees to our
Board of Directors are included in our bylaws.
Stockholder Proposals
In order for a stockholder to make a proposal at an annual meeting of stockholders, under our bylaws, timely notice must
be received by us in advance of the meeting. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received by our Secretary at our principal executive offices not less than 45 days nor more than 75 days prior to the one-year
anniversary of the date on which we first mailed the proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that if the meeting is convened more than 30 days prior to or delayed more than 30 days after the
anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year, to be timely a stockholder’s notice must be received not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 90th day before
such annual meeting or (ii) the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.
A stockholder’s notice must set forth as to each matter the stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting
certain information regarding the proposal, including the following:
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a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest
(financial or other) of such stockholder in such business; and
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with respect to the stockholder proposing such business or the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made: (i)
the name and address of each such party; (ii) the class and number of shares that are beneficially owned by each such party; (iii) any derivative instruments that are beneficially owned by each such party and any other opportunity to profit
or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of our capital stock; (iv) any proxy or arrangement pursuant to which either party has a right to vote any shares; (v) any short interest in any of our securities;
(vi) any rights to dividends that are separated from our underlying shares; (vii) any proportionate interest in our capital stock or any derivative instruments held by a general or limited partnership in which either party is a general
partner or beneficially owns a general partner; (viii) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that each such party is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of our capital stock or any derivative
instruments; (ix) any other information relating to each such party that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement; and (x) a statement as to whether or not each such party will deliver a proxy statement and form of proxy to
holders of at least that percentage of voting power of all of our shares of capital stock required under applicable law to carry the proposal.
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Stockholder Nominees
In order for a stockholder to nominate a candidate for director at an annual meeting of stockholders, under our bylaws,
timely notice of the nomination must be received by us in advance of the meeting. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received by our Secretary at our principal executive offices not less than 45 days nor more
than 75 days prior to the one-year anniversary of the date on which we first mailed the proxy materials for the preceding year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that if the meeting is convened more than 30 days prior to or
delayed more than 30 days after the anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year, to be timely a stockholder’s notice must be so received not later than the close of business on the later
of (i) the 90th day before such annual meeting or (ii) the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.
The stockholder sending the notice of nomination must describe various matters, including the following:
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as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, all information relating to such person as
would be required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of such nominee as a director pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act;
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with respect to the stockholder proposing such nomination or the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made:
(i) the name and address of each such party; (ii) the class and number of shares that are beneficially owned by each such party; (iii) any derivative instruments that are beneficially owned by each such party and any other opportunity to
profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of our capital stock; (iv) any proxy or arrangement pursuant to which either party has a right to vote any shares; (v) any short interest in any of our
securities; (vi) any rights to dividends that are separated from our underlying shares; (vii) any proportionate interest in our capital stock or any derivative instruments held by a general or limited partnership in which either party is a
general partner or beneficially owns a general partner; (viii) any performance-related fees (other than an asset-based fee) that each such party is entitled to based on any increase or decrease in the value of our capital stock or any
derivative instruments; (ix) any other information relating to each such party that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement; and (x) a statement as to whether or not each such party will deliver a proxy statement and form of
proxy to holders of at least that percentage of voting power of all of the shares of our capital stock reasonably believed to be sufficient to elect the nominee or nominees proposed to be nominated; and
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the written consent by the nominee, agreeing to serve as a director if elected.
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These requirements are separate from and in addition to the requirements a stockholder must meet to have a proposal
included in our proxy statement.
Any notice given pursuant to the foregoing requirements must be sent to our Secretary at 40 Marcus
Drive, Suite One, Melville, New York 11747. The foregoing is only a summary of the provisions of our bylaws that relate to stockholder proposals and
stockholder nominations for director. Any stockholder desiring a copy of our bylaws will be furnished one without charge upon receipt of a written request therefor.
OTHER BUSINESS
While the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders provides for the transaction of such
other business as may properly come before the meeting, we have no knowledge of any matters to be presented at the meeting other than those listed as Proposals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 in the notice. However, the enclosed proxy gives discretionary
authority in the event that any other matters should be presented.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
This proxy statement is accompanied by a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2018 (the “Form 10-K”).
The following information from our Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act,
is hereby incorporated by reference into this proxy statement:
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“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included in Item 7 thereof;
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our audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 and for the years then ended, included in Item 8 thereof (found following Item
16 thereof); and
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“Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure,” included in Item 9 thereof.
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Any statement contained in a document incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded for
purposes of this proxy statement to the extent that a statement contained herein modifies or supersedes such statement. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this
proxy statement.
Mark Weinreb
Chief Executive Officer
Melville, New York
April 18, 2019
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APPENDIX A
FORM OF
CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF BIORESTORATIVE THERAPIES, INC.
It is hereby certified that:
1. The name of the corporation (hereinafter called the “Corporation”) is BioRestorative Therapies,
Inc. The date of the filing of its Certificate of Incorporation (the “Certificate of Incorporation”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware was December 22, 2014 under the name “BioRestorative Therapies, Inc.”, with an effective date
of January 1, 2015.
2. The Certificate of Incorporation is hereby amended to change the capitalization of the Corporation
by:
(i) Deleting the first sentence of Article FOURTH in its entirety and replacing it with the following
sentence: “The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is one hundred seventy million (170,000,000), consisting of one hundred fifty million (150,000,000) shares of Common Stock, par value
$.001 per share (the “Common Stock”), and twenty million (20,000,000) shares of Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the “Preferred Stock”).”
(ii) Adding the following to the end of Article FOURTH:
“Upon the effectiveness of the Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to effect
a plan of recapitalization of the Common Stock by effecting a 1-for-[ ] reverse stock split with respect to the issued and outstanding shares of the Common Stock (the “Reverse Stock Split”), without any change in the powers, preferences and
rights or qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, such that, without further action of any kind on the part of the Corporation or its stockholders, every [*] [( )]shares of Common Stock outstanding or held by the Corporation in its
treasury on the date of the filing of the Certificate of Amendment (the “Effective Date”) shall be changed and reclassified into one (1) share of Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, which shares shall be fully paid and nonassessable shares of
Common Stock. There shall be no fractional shares issued. A holder of record of Common Stock on the Effective Date who would otherwise be entitled to a fraction of a share shall, in lieu thereof, be entitled to receive cash in an amount equal to
the product obtained by multiplying (i) the closing price of the Common Stock on the day immediately preceding the Effective Date, as reported on the OTCQB market (or, if the closing price of the Common Stock is not then reported on the OTCQB
market, then the fair market value of the Common Stock as determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation) by (ii) the number of shares of Common Stock held by such stockholder that would otherwise have been exchanged for such fractional
share interest.”
3. The Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation herein certified has been duly adopted in
accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
EXECUTED, this day of , 2019.
BioRestorative Therapies, Inc.
By:
Mark Weinreb
Chief Executive Officer
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By approving this amendment, stockholders will approve the combination of any whole number of shares of common stock between and
including [ ] [( )] and [ ] [( )]into one (1) share. The certificate of amendment filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, if any, will include only that number determined by the Board of
Directors to be in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders. In accordance with these resolutions, the Board of Directors will not implement any amendment providing for a different reverse stock split ratio. By approving
this amendment, stockholders will also authorize the Board of Directors in its discretion to reduce the number of authorized shares of common stock in connection with the reverse stock split.
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