def14a
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o |
|
Preliminary Proxy Statement |
|
o |
|
Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
|
þ |
|
Definitive Proxy Statement |
|
o |
|
Definitive Additional Materials |
|
o |
|
Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Payment of filing fee (Check the appropriate box):
þ |
|
No fee required. |
|
|
|
Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
|
(1) |
|
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
|
(2) |
|
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
|
|
(3) |
|
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined): |
|
|
(4) |
|
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
|
|
(5) |
|
Total fee paid: |
|
|
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
|
|
|
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. |
|
(1) |
|
Amount previously paid: |
|
|
(2) |
|
Form, Schedule or Registration No.: |
|
|
(3) |
|
Filing Party: |
|
|
(4) |
|
Date Filed: |
September 7,
2010
Dear Shareholder:
Please join us for our Annual Meeting of Shareholders on
Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. (EST), at the
New York City Office of Goodwin Procter, LLP, The New York Times
Building, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York, 10018. You are
cordially invited to attend.
At this Annual Meeting, the agenda includes the election of five
(5) directors and the ratification of the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as our independent registered public
accounting firm for 2011. The Board of Directors unanimously
recommends that you vote FOR the election of the director
nominees and FOR ratification of the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual
Meeting in person. We are providing proxy material access to our
shareholders via the Internet. Accordingly, you can access proxy
materials and vote at www.proxyvote.com. Details
regarding the matters to be acted upon at this Annual Meeting
are described in the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy
Materials (the Notice) you received in the mail or
via E-mail.
Please give the proxy materials your careful attention.
You may vote via the Internet or by telephone by following the
instructions on your Notice and on that website. In order to
vote via the Internet or by telephone, you must have the
shareholder identification number which is provided in your
Notice. If you have requested a proxy card by mail, you may vote
by signing, voting and returning that proxy card in the envelope
provided. If you attend the Annual Meeting, you may vote in
person even if you have previously returned your proxy card or
have voted via the Internet or by telephone. Please review the
instructions for each voting option described in the Notice and
in this Proxy Statement. Your prompt cooperation will be greatly
appreciated.
A copy of Aastroms 2010 Annual Report and Proxy Statement
is also available at www.aastrom.com/annuals.cfm. The
Board of Directors and management team look forward to seeing
you at the Annual Meeting.
Sincerely,
Timothy M. Mayleben
President and Chief Executive Officer
TABLE
OF CONTENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
AASTROM
BIOSCIENCES, INC.
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby
K
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
|
|
|
TIME |
|
8:30 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time) on Thursday,
October 21, 2010 |
|
PLACE |
|
Goodwin Procter, LLP, The New York Times Building, 620 Eighth
Avenue, New York, New York 10018 |
|
ITEMS OF BUSINESS |
|
1. To elect five directors to each serve a term of one year
expiring at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. |
|
|
|
2. To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
Aastroms independent registered public accounting firm; and |
|
|
|
3. To consider such other business as may properly come before
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders and any adjournment thereof. |
|
RECORD DATE |
|
You may vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders if you were a
shareholder of record at the close of business on
August 26, 2010. |
|
VOTING BY PROXY |
|
If you cannot attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, you may
vote your shares over the Internet or by telephone by following
the instructions on the Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy
Materials (the Notice) you received in the mail or
via E-mail,
and which instructions are also provided on that website, or, if
you have requested a proxy card by mail, by signing, voting and
returning your proxy card to Broadridge Financial Solutions, 51
Mercedes Way, Edgewood, New York 11717. For specific
instructions on how to vote your shares, please review the
instructions for each of these voting options as detailed in
your Notice and in this Proxy Statement. If you attend the
Annual Meeting, you may vote in person even if you have
previously returned your proxy card or have voted via the
Internet or by telephone. |
|
AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS |
|
In addition to their availability at www.proxyvote.com,
this Proxy Statement and the Companys Annual Report to
Shareholders are available for viewing, printing and downloading
at www.aastrom.com/annuals.cfm. |
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE
PROMPTLY COMPLETE YOUR PROXY AS INDICATED ABOVE IN ORDER TO
ENSURE REPRESENTATION OF YOUR SHARES. PLEASE REVIEW THE
INSTRUCTIONS FOR EACH OF YOUR VOTING OPTIONS DESCRIBED IN
THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND THE NOTICE YOU RECEIVED IN THE MAIL.
By order of the Board of Directors,
Scott C. Durbin
Corporate Secretary
Ann Arbor, Michigan
September 7, 2010
1
AASTROM
BIOSCIENCES, INC.
24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby
K
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
PROXY
STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors (the
Board) of Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., a Michigan
corporation (the Company), for use at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Thursday, October 21,
2010 at 8:30 a.m. (EST), at the New York City Office of
Goodwin Procter, LLP, The New York Times Building, 620 Eighth
Avenue, New York, New York 10018, United States, or at any
adjournments or postponements thereof (the Annual
Meeting). An Annual Report to Shareholders, containing
financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2010, and
this Proxy Statement are being made available to all
shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. This Proxy
Statement and the form of proxy were first made available to
shareholders on or about September 7, 2010. Unless the
context requires otherwise, references to we,
us, our, the Company and
Aastrom refer to Aastrom Biosciences, Inc.
GENERAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEETING, SOLICITATION AND VOTING
What am I
voting on?
There are two proposals scheduled to be voted on at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders:
|
|
|
|
|
Election of directors; and
|
|
|
|
Ratification of the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
Aastroms independent registered public accounting firm for
the 2011 fiscal year.
|
Who is
entitled to vote?
Shareholders as of the close of business on August 26, 2010
(the Record Date) may vote at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. You have one vote for each share of common stock
you held on the Record Date, including shares:
|
|
|
|
|
Held directly in your name as shareholder of record
(also referred to as registered
shareholder); and
|
|
|
|
Held for you in an account with a broker, bank or other nominee
(shares held in street name). Street name holders
generally cannot vote their shares directly and must instead
instruct the brokerage firm, bank or nominee how to vote their
shares.
|
What
constitutes a quorum?
A majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, present
or represented by proxy, constitutes a quorum for the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders. Abstentions are counted as present and
entitled to vote for purposes of determining a quorum.
Broker non-votes (described below) are also counted
as present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining a
quorum. On the Record Date, 28,251,787 shares of Aastrom
common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote.
How many
votes are required to approve each proposal?
The following explains how many votes are required to approve
each proposal, provided that a majority of our shares is present
at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (in person or by proxy).
|
|
|
|
|
The five candidates for election who receive a plurality vote in
the affirmative will be elected; and
|
|
|
|
Ratifying PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Aastroms
independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year
2011 requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes
cast on the proposal.
|
2
How are
votes counted and who are the proxies?
You may either vote FOR or WITHHOLD
authority to vote for each nominee for the Board of Directors.
Shares present or represented and not so marked as to withhold
authority to vote for a particular nominee will be voted in
favor of a particular nominee and will be counted toward such
nominees achievement of a plurality. Shares present at the
meeting or represented by proxy where the shareholder properly
withholds authority to vote for such nominee in accordance with
the proxy instructions and broker non-votes will not
be counted toward such nominees achievement of plurality.
You may vote FOR, AGAINST or
ABSTAIN on the ratification of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. If you abstain from voting on the
proposal to ratify PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, it will have no
effect on the voting of the proposal. Brokers, bankers and other
nominees have discretionary voting power on this routine matter
and, accordingly, broker non-votes will have no
effect on the ratification.
The persons named as attorneys-in-fact in the proxies, Timothy
M. Mayleben and Scott C. Durbin, were selected by the Board of
Directors and are officers of the Company. All properly executed
proxies submitted in time to be counted at the Annual Meeting
will be voted by such persons at the Annual Meeting. Where a
choice has been specified on the proxy with respect to the
foregoing matters, the shares represented by the proxy will be
voted in accordance with the specifications. If no such
specifications are indicated, such proxies will be voted FOR the
election of the director nominees and FOR ratification of the
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys
independent registered public accounting firm for 2011.
What is a
broker non-vote?
If you hold your shares in street name and do not provide voting
instructions to your broker, your shares will not be voted on
any proposal on which your broker does not have discretionary
authority to vote (a broker non-vote). Shares held
by brokers who do not have discretionary authority to vote on a
particular matter and who have not received voting instructions
from their customers are counted as present for the purpose of
determining whether there is a quorum at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, but are not counted or deemed to be present or
represented for the purpose of determining whether shareholders
have approved that matter. Pursuant to applicable rules, brokers
will have discretionary authority to vote on the proposal to
ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
How does
the Board recommend that I vote?
Aastroms Board recommends that you vote your shares:
|
|
|
|
|
FOR each of the nominees to the Board; and
|
|
|
|
FOR the ratification of the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Aastroms independent
registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2011.
|
How do I
vote my shares without attending the meeting?
If you are a shareholder of record, you may vote by granting a
proxy. For shares held in street name, you may vote by
submitting voting instructions to your broker or nominee. In any
circumstance, you may vote:
|
|
|
|
|
By Internet or Telephone You may vote by
Internet or telephone by following the instructions on your
Notice and on www.proxyvote.com or as directed by
your broker or other nominee. In order to vote via the Internet
or by telephone, you must have the shareholder identification
number which is provided in your Notice.
|
|
|
|
By Mail If you have requested a proxy card by
mail, you may vote by signing, voting and returning that proxy
card in the envelope provided. You should sign your name exactly
as it appears on the proxy card. If you are signing in a
representative capacity (for example, as guardian, executor,
trustee, custodian, attorney or officer of a corporation), you
should indicate your name and title or capacity.
|
Internet and telephone voting facilities will close at
11:59 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, on October 20, 2010.
3
How do I
vote my shares in person at the meeting?
If you are a shareholder of record (also referred to as
registered shareholder) and prefer to vote your
shares in person at the meeting, bring proof of identification
and request a ballot to vote at the meeting. You may vote shares
held in street name only if you obtain a signed proxy from the
record holder (broker or other nominee) giving you the right to
vote the shares.
Even if you plan to attend the meeting, we encourage you to vote
in advance by Internet, telephone or mail so that your vote will
be counted even if you are unable to attend the meeting.
What does
it mean if I receive more than one Notice?
It generally means you hold shares registered in more than one
account. To ensure that all your shares are voted, vote
according to the instructions for each Notice you receive.
May I
change my vote?
Yes. Whether you have voted by mail, Internet or telephone, you
may change your vote and revoke your proxy by:
|
|
|
|
|
Sending a written statement to that effect to the Corporate
Secretary of Aastrom;
|
|
|
|
Voting by Internet or telephone at a later time;
|
|
|
|
Submitting a properly signed proxy card with a later
date; or
|
|
|
|
Voting in person at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
|
What are
the costs associated with the solicitation of proxies?
The cost of soliciting proxies will be borne by Aastrom. Aastrom
has retained Broadridge Financial Solutions
(Broadridge) to solicit registered shareholders and
to request banks and brokers, and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries, to solicit their customers who have stock of
Aastrom registered in the names of such persons, at a cost of
approximately $70,000, which includes mailing costs and
reimbursement of reasonable
out-of-pocket
expenses. Aastrom may supplement the original solicitation of
proxies by mail, telephone, electronic mail or personal
solicitation by our officers, directors, and other regular
employees, without additional compensation. Voting results will
be tabulated and certified by Broadridge. Aastrom may solicit
shareholders by mail through its regular employees, and will
request banks and brokers, and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries, to solicit their customers who have stock of
Aastrom registered in the names of such persons and will
reimburse them for their reasonable,
out-of-pocket
costs. Aastrom may use the services of its officers, directors,
and others to solicit proxies, personally or by telephone,
without additional compensation.
4
PROPOSAL 1
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Our Bylaws provide that the Board will consist of not less than
five nor more than nine members, as fixed from time to time by a
resolution of the Board and that all directors will be elected
annually. The Board currently consists of six directors,
however, George W. Dunbar, who has served as a director since
2006, has announced that he does not intend to stand for
re-election at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The
persons named below as nominees for director will, if elected,
each serve a term of one year expiring at the 2011 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are elected
and qualified.
The table below sets forth Aastroms directors and nominees
and their respective ages as of September 7, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director
|
Name
|
|
Position
|
|
Age
|
|
Since
|
|
Timothy M. Mayleben*
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
2005
|
Alan L. Rubino*
|
|
Director
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
2005
|
Nelson M. Sims*
|
|
Lead Director
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
2006
|
George W. Dunbar
|
|
Non-Executive Chairman
|
|
|
64
|
|
|
2006
|
Harold C. Urschel, Jr.*
|
|
Director
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
2009
|
Robert L. Zerbe*
|
|
Director
|
|
|
59
|
|
|
2006
|
Director
Nominees for election at the 2010 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders
The biographical description below for each director nominee
includes the specific experience, qualifications, attributes and
skills that led to the conclusion by the Board that such person
should serve as a director of Aastrom.
Timothy M. Mayleben, a Director since June 2005, has
served as Aastroms President and Chief Executive Officer
(the CEO) since December 2009. Mr. Mayleben
served as an advisor to life science and healthcare companies
through his advisory and investment firm, ElMa Advisors since
2004. Previously, he served as the President and Chief Operating
Officer and a Director of NightHawk Radiology Holdings, Inc.
from March 2005 to March 2008. Mr. Mayleben was formerly
the Chief Operating Officer of Esperion Therapeutics, which
later became a division of Pfizer Global Research &
Development. He joined Esperion in late 1998 as Chief Financial
Officer. While at Esperion, Mr. Mayleben led the raising of
more than $200 million in venture capital and institutional
equity funding and later negotiated the acquisition of Esperion
by Pfizer in December 2003. Mr. Mayleben holds a Masters of
Business Administration, with distinction, from the J.L. Kellogg
Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University, and a
Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University
of Michigan Ross School of Business. He is on the Advisory Board
for the Wolverine Venture Fund and serves as a director for
several private life science companies. The Board of Directors
believes Mr. Maylebens qualifications to sit on the
Companys Board of Directors include his years of
experience in the life sciences industry, including over a
decade of experience as an executive officer, and his deep
understanding of the Companys historical and current
business strategies, objectives and product candidates.
Alan L. Rubino, a Director since September 2005, has
served as the Chief Executive Officer and President of Akrimax
Pharmaceuticals, LLC, an integrated specialty pharmaceutical
company, since February 2008. Prior to this he served as
President and Chief Operating Officer of Pharmos Corporation, a
biopharmaceutical company, from November 2005 to December 2007.
Mr. Rubino has continued to expand upon a highly successful
and distinguished career that included Hoffmann-LaRoche, Inc., a
research-focused healthcare company, from 1977 to 2001, where he
was a member of the U.S. Executive and Operating Committees
and a Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, corporate
officer. During his Roche tenure, he held a series of key
executive positions in marketing, sales, business operations,
supply chain and human resource management. In addition, he was
assigned to various executive committee roles in the areas of
marketing, project management, and globalization of Roche
Holdings. Mr. Rubino also held senior executive positions
at PDI, Inc., a sales and marketing support company, and
Cardinal Health, a company focused on improving the
cost-effectiveness of health care, from 2001 to 2005. He
received
5
Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Rutgers University
with a minor in biology/chemistry and also completed
post-graduate educational programs at the University of Lausanne
and Harvard Business School. Additionally, he serves on the
Board of Rutgers University School of Business and the Lerner
Center for Pharmaceutical Studies. The Board of Directors
believes Mr. Rubinos qualifications to sit on the
Companys Board of Directors include his leadership roles
in the life sciences industry in a wide range of positions,
including positions focused on sales and marketing and SEC
matters.
Nelson M. Sims, Lead Director since December 2009, has
been a Director since February 2006 and was Chairman of the
Board from 2007 through 2009. He most recently served as the
President and Chief Executive Officer (from 2003 through
2005) of Novavax, Inc., an international health and life
science company. From 1973 through 2001, Mr. Sims served in
various executive positions in sales, marketing, business
development, and general management of Eli Lilly and Company, a
pharmaceutical company, including Executive Director of Alliance
Management, Vice President, Sales and Marketing of Hybritech,
Inc. (which was acquired by Eli Lilly) and President of Eli
Lilly Canada. Mr. Sims received a Bachelor of Science
degree in Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University,
and completed the Tuck Executive Program at the Amos Tuck School
of Business at Dartmouth College. In addition to serving as a
board member of companies where he also led the executive
management team, Mr. Sims has other significant board
experience serving both public and private companies, including
MDS, Inc., ATS Automation Tooling Systems, Inc. and Novavax,
Inc. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Simss
qualifications to sit on the Companys Board of Directors
include his significant contributions at global life sciences
companies.
Harold C. Urschel, Jr., M.D., a Director since
October 2009, has served as the Chair of
Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgical Research,
Education & Clinical Excellence at Baylor University
Medical Center since 2002. He has taught extensively since 1985
as Professor of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at the
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School.
Dr. Urschel has been a Visiting Professor at a number of
medical centers in the U.S. and abroad, and is an honorary
member of the Thoracic Surgery faculty of the University of
Toronto and the Harvard Medical School. He has been President of
five major medical and surgical societies: the Society of
Thoracic Surgeons, American College of Chest Physicians,
International Academy of Chest Physicians, Southern Thoracic
Surgical Association and Texas Surgical Society. He received a
Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University (cum laude)
and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School (cum laude).
Dr. Urschel trained in cardiac surgery at Massachusetts
General Hospital, and has served as Chief of Experimental
Surgery for the U.S. Navy, Consultant to the Atomic Energy
Commission, NASA, and the Surgeon General of the U.S. Air
Force. He served on the Board of Directors of Electronic Data
Systems from its inception until 1986, when it was acquired by
General Motors. As Chairman of the Residency Review Committee
for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery he established standards for
training heart surgeons in the U.S. and on the American
Board of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, which examines
trainees before they enter practice. As a Founding Member of the
U.S. Heart Surgeons he has been recognized as one of the
100 best cardiac surgeons in the United States. Honorary
Degrees have been awarded to Dr. Urschel as a Doctor of Law
(Pikeville College) and a Doctor of Science (Ohio State
University). The Board of Directors believes
Dr. Urschels qualifications to sit on the
Companys Board of Directors include his significant
contributions to the medical field and academia.
Robert L. Zerbe, M.D., a Director since January
2006, is the Chief Executive Officer of QUATRx Pharmaceuticals
Company, a venture-backed drug development company which he
co-founded in 2000. Prior to his role at QUATRx, Dr. Zerbe
held several senior executive management positions with major
pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly (from 1982 to
1993) and Pfizer (formerly Parke-Davis) (from 1993 to
2000). During his tenure at Eli Lilly, Dr. Zerbes
clinical research and development positions included Managing
Director, Lilly Research Center U.K., and Vice President of
Clinical Investigation and Regulatory Affairs. He joined Parke
Davis in 1993, becoming Senior Vice President of Worldwide
Clinical Research and Development. In this capacity he led the
clinical development programs for a number of key products,
including
Lipitor®
and
Neurontin®.
Dr. Zerbe received his M.D. from the Indiana University
School of Medicine, and has completed post-doctoral work in
internal medicine, endocrinology and neuroendocrinology at
Indiana University and the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Zerbe currently serves on the boards of directors of
two public companies, A.P. Pharma, Inc. (since 2002), a
specialty pharmaceutical company, and Optimer Pharmaceuticals,
Inc. (since 2009), a biopharmaceutical company. He also serves
on the board of directors of, Metabolex, Inc. a privately held
company that discovers and
6
develops novel therapeutics to treat diabetes. The Board of
Directors believes Dr. Zerbes qualifications to sit
on the Companys Board of Directors include his management
positions at major pharmaceutical companies, including the
experience he gleaned in his clinic development roles.
Vote
Required and Board of Directors Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a plurality of the total shares of
common stock represented in person or by proxy and entitled to
vote is required for the election of each of the nominees. It is
the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote such proxy
FOR the election of all nominees, unless otherwise directed by
the shareholder. The Board is currently evaluating candidates to
fill the vacancy that will be created at the 2010 Annual Meeting
and proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than
the number of nominees named in this Proxy Statement. The
Board of Directors knows of no reason why any of the nominees
would be unable or unwilling to serve, but if any nominee should
for any reason be unable or unwilling to serve, the proxies will
be voted for the election of such other person for the office of
director as the Board of Directors may recommend in the place of
such nominee.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote to
elect each of the nominees named in the above table.
Board
Meetings and Committees
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010, the Board of
Directors held 10 meetings. Each director serving on the Board
of Directors in fiscal year 2010 attended at least 75% of such
meetings of the Board of Directors and the Committees on which
he or she served.
Audit
Committee
Under the terms of its current Charter, the Audit
Committees responsibilities include reviewing with
Aastroms independent accountants and management the annual
financial statements and independent accountants opinion,
reviewing the scope and results of the examination of
Aastroms financial statements by the independent
accountants, reviewing all professional services performed and
related fees by the independent accountants, approving the
retention of the independent accountants and periodically
reviewing Aastroms accounting policies and internal
accounting and financial controls. The Audit Committee may
delegate duties or responsibilities to subcommittees or to one
member of the Audit Committee. Nelson Sims was a member of the
Audit Committee for the entire fiscal year 2010; Stephen G.
Sudovar was a member of the Audit Committee from July 2009 to
December 2009 when Alan L. Rubino replaced him on the committee.
Robert L. Zerbe joined the Audit Committee in September 2009
when Timothy M. Mayleben resigned from the committee upon his
agreement on September 3, 2009 to assume the roles of Chief
Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer
immediately after the Companys Annual Meeting of
Shareholders on December 14, 2009. During the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2010, the Audit Committee held 4 meetings.
All members of the Companys Audit Committee are
independent (as independence is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2)
and as required under Rule 5605(c)(2) of the NASDAQs
listing standards). During the fiscal year, Mr. Mayleben
was appointed Chair of the Audit Committee and was designated as
an audit committee financial expert as defined in the rules of
the SEC. Since September 2009, Mr. Sims has been the Chair
of the Audit Committee and has been designated as an audit
committee financial expert as defined in the rules of the SEC.
The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written charter, a
current copy of which is available on the Investor Relations
page at the Companys website, www.aastrom.com, and
by following the Corporate Governance link. For additional
information concerning the Audit Committee, see Report of
the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Compensation
Committee
Under the terms of its current Charter, the Compensation
Committees responsibilities include determining and
approving salary and bonus levels and stock option or restricted
stock grants with respect to executive officers, and determining
and approving stock option or restricted stock grants with
respect to all employees. In carrying out these
responsibilities, the Compensation Committee reviews all
components of executive officer compensation for consistency
with the Compensation Committees compensation philosophy
and strategy. The Compensation
7
Committee may delegate duties or responsibilities to
subcommittees or to one member of the Compensation Committee.
Alan L. Rubino was the Chair and a member of the Compensation
Committee for fiscal year 2010. Robert L. Zerbe was a member of
the Compensation Committee for the entire fiscal year 2010.
Stephen G. Sudovar was a member of the Compensation Committee
from July 2009 to December 2009 when Harold C. Urschel replaced
him on the committee. During the fiscal year ended June 30,
2010, the Compensation Committee held 6 meetings. All members of
the Companys Compensation Committee are independent (as
independence is defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the
NASDAQs listing standards). The Compensation Committee
acts pursuant to a written charter, a current copy of which is
available on the Investor Relations page at the Companys
website, www.aastrom.com, and by following the Corporate
Governance link.
Corporate
Governance and Nominating Committee
Under the terms of its current Charter, the Corporate Governance
and Nominating Committee (the Governance Committee)
responsibilities include assisting Aastroms Board of
Directors in fulfilling its responsibilities by reviewing and
reporting to the Board of Directors on (i) corporate
governance compliance mechanisms, (ii) corporate governance
roles amongst management and directors, and (iii) Board of
Directors process enhancement. The Governance Committee may
delegate duties or responsibilities to subcommittees or to one
member of the Governance Committee. The Governance Committee
also considers qualified candidates for appointment and
nomination for election to the Board of Directors and makes
recommendations concerning such candidates. Consistent with this
function, the Governance Committee encourages continuous
improvement of, and fosters adherence to, the Companys
corporate governance policies, procedures and practices at all
levels. Robert L. Zerbe was the Chair and a member of the
Governance Committee for fiscal year 2010. Nelson Sims was a
member of the Governance Committee for the entire fiscal year
2010. Alan Rubino was a member of the Governance Committee from
July 2009 to December 2009 when Harold C. Urschel replaced him
on the committee. During the fiscal year ended June 30,
2010, the Governance Committee held 3 meetings. All the members
of the Governance Committee are independent (as independence is
defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQs listing
standards). The Governance Committee acts pursuant to a written
charter, a current copy of which is available on the Investor
Relations page at the Companys website,
www.aastrom.com, and by following the Corporate
Governance link.
Director
Nominations
The Governance Committee evaluates and recommends to the Board
of Directors the nominees for each election of directors. In
fulfilling its responsibilities, the Governance Committee
considers the following factors:
|
|
|
|
|
the appropriate size of the Companys Board and its
committees
|
|
|
|
the needs of the Company with respect to the particular talents
and experience of its directors
|
|
|
|
the nominees interest in becoming an effective,
collaborative Board member, and the nominees ability to
work in a collegial style with other Board members
|
|
|
|
the knowledge, skills and experience of nominees, including
experience in the life sciences industry, medical products,
medical research, medicine, business, finance, administration or
public service
|
|
|
|
experience with accounting rules and practices
|
|
|
|
experience with regulatory and SEC requirements applicable to
public companies
|
|
|
|
experience with regulatory requirements applicable to the
Companys industry
|
|
|
|
appreciation of the relationship of the Companys business
to the changing needs of society
|
|
|
|
balance between the benefit of continuity and the desire for a
fresh perspective provided by new members
|
The Governance Committees goal is to assemble a Board that
brings to the Company a variety of perspectives and skills
derived from high quality business and professional experience.
In doing so, the Governance Committee also considers candidates
with appropriate non-business backgrounds.
8
Neither the Governance Committee nor the Board of Directors has
a specific policy with regard to the consideration of diversity
in identifying director nominees. However, both may consider the
diversity of background and experience of a director nominee in
the context of the overall composition of the Board of Directors
at that time, such as diversity of knowledge, skills,
experience, geographic location, age, gender, and ethnicity. In
general, the Governance Committee seeks director nominees with
the talents and backgrounds that provide the Board of Directors
with an appropriate mix of knowledge, skills and experience for
the needs of Aastroms business. The Governance Committee
and the Board of Directors discuss the composition of directors
on the Board, including diversity of background and experience,
as part of the annual Board evaluation process.
Other than the criteria listed above, there are no stated
minimum criteria for director nominees. The Governance Committee
does, however, recognize that under applicable regulatory
requirements at least one member of the Board must meet the
criteria for an audit committee financial expert as
defined by SEC rules, and that at least a majority of the
members of the Board must meet the definition of
independent director under NASDAQs listing
standards or the listing standards of any other applicable self
regulatory organization. The Governance Committee also believes
it appropriate for at least one member of the Companys
management to participate as a member of the Board.
The Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating
the current members of the Board willing to continue in service.
Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are
relevant to the Companys business and who are willing to
continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing
the value of continuity of service by existing members of the
Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of
the Board up for re-election at an upcoming annual meeting of
shareholders does not wish to continue in service, the
Governance Committee identifies the desired skills and
experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria above.
Current members of the Governance Committee and Board will be
polled for suggestions as to individuals meeting the criteria of
the Governance Committee. Research may also be performed to
identify qualified individuals. If the Governance Committee
believes that the Board requires additional candidates for
nomination, the Governance Committee may explore alternative
sources for identifying additional candidates. This may include
engaging, as appropriate, a third party search firm to assist in
identifying qualified candidates.
The Governance Committee will evaluate any recommendation for
director nominee proposed by a shareholder who (i) has
continuously held at least 1% of the outstanding shares of the
Companys common stock entitled to vote at the annual
meeting of shareholders for at least one year by the date the
shareholder makes the recommendation and (ii) undertakes to
continue to hold the common stock through the date of the
meeting. In order to be evaluated in connection with the
Companys established procedures for evaluating potential
director nominees, any recommendation for director nominee
submitted by a qualifying shareholder must be received by the
Company no later than 120 days prior to the anniversary of
the date proxy statements were made available to shareholders in
connection with the prior years Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. Any shareholder recommendation for director
nominee must be submitted to the Corporate Secretary, in writing
at 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby K, Ann Arbor, Michigan
48105 and must contain the following information:
|
|
|
|
|
a statement by the shareholder that
he/she is
the holder of at least 1% of the Companys common stock and
that the stock has been held for at least a year prior to the
date of the submission and that the shareholder will continue to
hold the shares through the date of the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders,
|
|
|
|
the candidates name, age, contact information and current
principal occupation or employment,
|
|
|
|
a description of the candidates qualifications and
business experience during, at a minimum, the last five years,
including the candidates principal occupation and
employment and the name and principal business of any
corporation or other organization in which the candidate was
employed, and
|
|
|
|
the candidates resume.
|
The Governance Committee will evaluate recommendations for
director nominees submitted by directors, management or
qualifying shareholders in the same manner, using the criteria
stated above.
9
All directors and director nominees will submit a completed form
of directors and officers questionnaire as part of
the nominating process. The process may also include interviews
and additional background and reference checks for non-incumbent
nominees, at the discretion of the Governance Committee.
Board
Leadership Structure
The Board of Directors general policy is that the position
of Chairman of the Board may be held by the CEO, but that if
those positions are held by the same individual or if the
Chairman is otherwise not independent, the Board shall appoint
an independent Lead Director. The CEO shall preside at all
meetings of the shareholders and, unless a Chairman has been
elected, at all meetings of the Board at which he is present. If
a Chairman has been elected, he shall preside at all Board
meetings at which he is present and, if independent, at all
executive sessions of the independent directors, and shall
perform such other powers and duties as may be assigned to him
by the Board. If the Chairman is not independent and a Lead
Director is appointed, he shall preside at executive sessions of
the independent directors and will bear such further
responsibilities as the full Board of Directors may designate
from time to time. Currently, the positions of Chairman of the
Board of Directors and CEO are held by different persons and,
because the Chairman is not independent, the Board has also
designated a Lead Director who is an independent director.
The independent members of the Board have periodically reviewed
this leadership structure and believe it is appropriate for the
Company at the current time as it provides an appropriate
balance among the three roles of CEO, Chairman and Lead
Director. The CEO is responsible for setting the strategic
direction for the Company and the
day-to-day
leadership and performance of the Company, while the Chairman
provides guidance to the CEO and sets the agenda for Board
meetings and presides over meetings of the full Board. The CEO
and Chairman provide leadership to the Board and work with the
Board to define its structure and activities in the fulfillment
of its responsibilities. The Lead Director presides over
executive sessions and ensures that no conflict of interest
arise between management and the functions of the Board and
facilitates communication among the directors. The Lead
Director, the Chairman and the CEO work together to provide an
appropriate information flow to the Board and the Lead Director
works with other Board members to provide strong, independent
oversight of the Companys management and affairs. Thus,
the Board believes that the current structure balances the needs
for the CEO to run the Company on a
day-to-day
basis with the benefit provided to the Company by significant
involvement and leadership of both an independent Lead Director
and a Chairman who has considerable familiarity with the
Companys objectives.
Shareholder
Communications with Directors
The Board has adopted a Shareholder Communications with
Directors Policy. The Shareholder Communications with Directors
Policy is available on the Investor Relations page at the
Companys website, www.aastrom.com, and by following
the Corporate Governance link.
Director
Attendance at Annual Meetings
The Board has adopted a Director Attendance at Annual Meetings
Policy. This policy is available on the Investor Relations page
at the Companys website, www.aastrom.com, and by
following the Corporate Governance link. All of the directors
then in office attended the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held
in December 2009.
Code of
Ethics
The Board has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that
applies to all of our employees, officers and directors as well
as a separate Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers.
These Codes of Ethics are available on the Investor Relations
page at the Companys website, www.aastrom.com, and
by following the Corporate Governance link. We will also make
information related to any amendments to, or waivers from these
Codes of Ethics available on the website.
10
Board
Member Independence
The Board has determined that all of the Board members, except
for Mr. Mayleben and Mr. Dunbar, are independent
within the meaning of the director independence standards of
NASDAQ and the SEC. Mr. Mayleben is not considered
independent because of his current employment by the Company and
Mr. Dunbar is not considered independent because of his
former role as the President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company until December 2009.
Risk
Oversight
Assessing and managing risk is the responsibility of
Aastroms management. The Board oversees and reviews
certain aspects of the Companys risk management efforts.
The Board is involved in risk oversight through direct
decision-making authority with respect to significant matters
and the oversight of management by the Board and its committees.
Among other areas, the Board is directly involved in overseeing
risks related to the Companys overall strategy, including
clinical and product development strategies, financing
strategies, business continuity, crisis preparedness and
corporate reputational risks.
The committees of the Board execute their oversight
responsibility for risk management as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
The Audit Committee has responsibility for overseeing the
Companys internal financial and accounting controls, work
performed by the Companys independent registered public
accounting firm and the Companys internal audit function.
As part of its oversight function, the Audit Committee regularly
discusses with management and the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm the Companys major
financial and controls-related risk exposures and steps that
management has taken to monitor and control such exposures. In
addition, the Company, under the supervision of the Audit
Committee, has established procedures available to all employees
for the anonymous and confidential submission of complaints
relating to any matter to encourage employees to report
questionable activities directly to the Companys senior
management and the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee also
reviews transactions between the Company and its officers,
directors, affiliates of officers and directors or other related
parties for conflicts of interest.
|
|
|
|
The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing risks
related to the Companys cash and
equity-based
compensation programs and practices and ensuring that executive
and employee compensation plans are appropriately structured so
as not to incent excessive risk taking and are not reasonably
likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company.
|
|
|
|
The Governance Committee is responsible for overseeing risks
related to the composition and structure of the Board of
Directors and its committees and the Companys corporate
governance and works to ensure that the Companys corporate
governance does not encourage or promote excessive risk taking
on the part of the Board or by employees of the Company.
|
11
PROPOSAL 2
RATIFICATION
OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Audit Committee has selected PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as
the Companys independent registered public accounting firm
to audit the consolidated financial statements of Aastrom for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has acted in such capacity since its
appointment in fiscal year 1997.
Shareholder ratification of the selection of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Companys independent
registered public accounting firm is not required by the
Companys Bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board is
submitting the selection of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to the
shareholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate
practice. If the shareholders fail to ratify the selection, the
Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that
firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in
its discretion may direct the appointment of different
independent auditors at any time during the year if they
determine that such a change would be in the best interests of
the Company and its shareholders.
As part of its duties, the Audit Committee considers whether the
provision of services, other than audit services, during the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 by PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP, the Companys independent auditor for that period, is
compatible with maintaining the auditors independence. The
following table sets forth the aggregate fees accrued to the
Company for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2010 and
June 30, 2009 by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
Audit Fees
|
|
$
|
258,100
|
(1)
|
|
$
|
286,880
|
(4)
|
Audit Related Fees
|
|
|
62,800
|
(2)
|
|
|
51,600
|
(5)
|
Tax Fees
|
|
|
25,000
|
(3)
|
|
|
|
|
All Other Fees
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
345,900
|
|
|
$
|
338,480
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The Audit Fees for the year ended June 30, 2010 were for
professional services rendered for the audits and reviews of the
consolidated financial statements of the Company, professional
services rendered for issuance of consents and assistance with
review of documents filed with the SEC. |
|
(2) |
|
The Audit Related Fees for the year ended June 30, 2010
were for professional services rendered for additional filings
and consents for registration statements and forms in
connections with equity offerings filed with the SEC. |
|
(3) |
|
The Tax Fees for the year ended June 30, 2010 were for
professional services rendered in connection with a grant
application with the IRS. |
|
(4) |
|
The Audit Fees for the year ended June 30, 2009 were for
professional services rendered for the audits and reviews of the
consolidated financial statements of the Company, professional
services rendered for a federal compliance audit, issuance of
consents and assistance with review of documents filed with the
SEC. |
|
(5) |
|
The Audit Related Fees for the year ended June 30, 2009
were for professional services rendered for additional filings
and consents for registration statements and forms in
connections with equity offerings filed with the SEC. |
12
The Audit Committee approves in advance the engagement and fees
of the independent registered public accounting firm for all
audit services and non-audit services, based upon independence,
qualifications and, if applicable, performance. The Audit
Committee may form and delegate to subcommittees of one or more
members of the Audit Committee the authority to grant
pre-approvals for audit and permitted non-audit services, up to
specific amounts. All audit services provided by
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP for the fiscal year 2010 were
pre-approved
by the Audit Committee.
Vote
Required and Board of Directors Recommendation
The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the
proposal on the ratification of this appointment, at the Annual
Meeting of Shareholders at which a quorum representing a
majority of all outstanding shares of common stock of Aastrom is
present, either in person or by proxy, is required for
ratification of this proposal. If you abstain from voting on
this Proposal, it has no effect on the voting of the proposal.
If you submit your proxy without indicating your voting
instructions, your shares will be voted FOR this
proposal.
The Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote
FOR the ratification of the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Aastroms Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ending
June 30, 2011.
13
STOCK
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information, as of
August 31, 2010, or as otherwise set forth below, with
respect to the beneficial ownership of Aastroms common
stock by (i) all persons known by Aastrom to be the
beneficial owners of more than 5% of the outstanding common
stock of Aastrom; (ii) each director and director nominee
of Aastrom, (iii) each executive officer of Aastrom named
in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iv) all executive
officers and directors of Aastrom as a group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares Owned(1)
|
|
|
|
|
Percentage of
|
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(2)
|
|
Number of Shares
|
|
Class(3)
|
|
RA Capital Management, LLC(4)
|
|
|
1,637,838
|
|
|
|
5.8
|
%
|
George W. Dunbar(5)
|
|
|
72,484
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Timothy M. Mayleben(6)
|
|
|
190,744
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Alan L. Rubino(7)
|
|
|
31,894
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Nelson M. Sims(8)
|
|
|
56,093
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Harold C. Urschel, Jr.(9)
|
|
|
6,306
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Robert L. Zerbe(10)
|
|
|
28,981
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
Scott C. Durbin
|
|
|
16,453
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
All officers and directors as a group (7 persons)(11)
|
|
|
402,955
|
|
|
|
1.4
|
%
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Represents less than 1% of the outstanding shares of
Aastroms common stock. |
|
(1) |
|
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules
of the SEC and includes voting and investment power with respect
to shares. Except as indicated in the footnotes to this table,
to the knowledge of the Company, the persons named in the table
have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares
of common stock shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to
community property laws, where applicable. The number of shares
owned and percentage ownership amounts include shares of
restricted stock granted under Aastroms 2004 Equity
Incentive Plan and Aastroms 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan
(the 2009 Plan). Pursuant to the rules of the SEC,
the number of shares of Aastroms common stock deemed
outstanding includes shares issuable pursuant to options held by
the respective person or group that are currently exercisable or
may be exercised within 60 days of August 31, 2010. |
|
(2) |
|
The address for each beneficial owner except RA Capital
Management LLC is 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, Lobby K, Ann
Arbor, MI 48105. The address for RA Capital Management, LLC is
20 Park Plaza, Suite 905, Boston, MA 02116. |
|
(3) |
|
Calculated on the basis of 28,251,787 shares of common
stock outstanding as of August 31, 2010. |
|
(4) |
|
Based solely on a Form 13F for the quarter ended
June 30, 2010, RA Capital Management, LLC beneficially owns
and has sole dispositive and voting power with respect to
1,637,838 shares of Aastroms common stock. Based
solely on a Schedule 13G/A filed on May 14, 2010 (the
Schedule 13G) by Peter Kolchinsky, RA Capital
Management, LLC, and RA Capital Healthcare Fund, L.P.
(collectively, the Reporting Persons), in the
aggregate, the Reporting Persons beneficially owned
1,418,724 shares of Aastrom common stock. Based solely on
the Schedule 13G, Mr. Kolchinsky (the Manager)
is the manager of RA Capital Management, LLC
(Capital), which is the investment adviser and sole
general partner of RA Capital Healthcare Fund, L.P.
(Fund) and serves as the investment adviser to a
separate discretionary account. The Fund has the power to vote
and dispose of the shares of common stock beneficially owned by
such entity (which at the time the Schedule 13G was filed
consisted of 825,657 shares of Aastrom common stock).
Capital, as the investment adviser and sole general partner of
the Fund and as the investment adviser to an account owned by a
separate investment vehicle which holds shares of Aastroms
common stock, has the sole authority to vote and dispose of all
of the shares of common stock (which at the time the
Schedule 13G was filed consisted of 1,418,724 shares
of Aastrom common stock). The Manager, by virtue of his position
as manager of Capital, has the sole authority to vote and
dispose of all of the shares of common stock (which at the time
the Schedule 13G was filed consisted of
1,418,724 shares of Aastrom common stock). |
14
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Includes 59,734 shares issuable upon exercise of options
held by Mr. Dunbar that are exercisable within the
60-day
period following August 31, 2010. |
|
(6) |
|
Includes 121,125 shares issuable upon exercise of options
held by Mr. Mayleben that are exercisable within the
60-day
period following August 31, 2010. |
|
(7) |
|
Includes 31,031 shares issuable upon exercise of options
held by Mr. Rubino that are exercisable within the
60-day
period following August 31, 2010. |
|
(8) |
|
Includes 26,718 shares issuable upon execution of options
held by Mr. Sims that are exercisable within the
60-day
period following August 31, 2010. |
|
(9) |
|
Includes 6,306 shares issuable upon exercise of options
held by Dr. Urschel that are exercisable within the
60-day
period following August 31, 2010. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 28,081 shares issuable upon execution of options
held by Dr. Zerbe are exercisable within the
60-day
period following August 31, 2010. |
|
(11) |
|
Includes 272,995 shares issuable upon exercise of options
that are exercisable within the
60-day
period following August 31, 2010. |
EXECUTIVE
COMPENSATION AND RELATED INFORMATION
Summary
Compensation Table
The following table summarizes all compensation awarded to,
earned by or paid to George W. Dunbar and Timothy M. Mayleben,
who each served as the Companys chief executive officer
during fiscal year 2010, and Scott C. Durbin, the Companys
chief financial officer (the named executive
officers) during fiscal year 2010.
2010
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Option
|
|
All Other
|
|
|
Name and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary($)
|
|
Bonus($)
|
|
Awards($)(1)
|
|
Compensation($)(2)
|
|
Total($)
|
|
George W. Dunbar,
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
$
|
171,875
|
(3)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
10,314
|
(4)
|
|
$
|
182,189
|
|
Former President, Former CEO and Former CFO
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
$
|
375,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
133,571
|
|
|
$
|
25,289
|
(4)
|
|
$
|
785,381
|
|
Timothy M. Mayleben,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President, CEO and Former CFO
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
$
|
233,428
|
(5)
|
|
$
|
120,000
|
(6)
|
|
$
|
822,015
|
|
|
$
|
76,926
|
(7)
|
|
$
|
1,231,744
|
|
Scott C. Durbin, CFO
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
$
|
18,750
|
(8)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
258,771
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
277,521
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amount reflects the grant date fair value of the named executive
officers stock options, calculated in accordance with FASB
ASC Topic 718. For purposes of this calculation, we have
disregarded forfeiture assumptions. For a discussion of the
assumptions used in calculating these values, see Note 3 to
our consolidated financial statements in our annual report on
Form 10-K
for our fiscal year ended June 30, 2010 filed with the SEC
on September 7, 2010. |
|
(2) |
|
The all other compensation column includes Aastrom contributions
to 401(k) Supplemental Retirement Plans (401(k) Plan) as
detailed in footnotes 4, 6. None of the named executive officers
received perquisites having an aggregate value of $10,000 or
more in fiscal year 2010 or 2009, as applicable. All other
compensation also includes the portion of medical, dental,
vision and long term disability premiums paid by Aastrom on
behalf of the named executive officers. These benefits are
offered to all full-time Aastrom employees. |
|
(3) |
|
Mr. Dunbar resigned as our President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer effective as of
December 14, 2009. This amount represents the amount earned
by Mr. Dunbar prior to his resignation. Fees paid and
option awards granted to Mr. Dunbar in his capacity as a
Director following his resignation as President, Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer are reflected in the
Director Compensation Table below. |
|
(4) |
|
These amounts include Aastrom contributions made to
Mr. Dunbars 401(k) Plan of $2,875 and $11,500 in 2010
and 2009, respectively. |
15
|
|
|
(5) |
|
Effective December 14, 2009, Mr. Mayleben was
appointed the Companys President, Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer. On June 7, 2010,
Mr. Mayleben resigned as Chief Financial Officer. This
amount represents the salary earned by Mr. Mayleben during
fiscal 2010 after his employment commenced. |
|
(6) |
|
Represents the cash performance bonus awarded to
Mr. Mayleben on June 4, 2010 based on the achievement
of goals for the Company and Mr. Mayleben set by the
Compensation Committee of the Board. |
|
(7) |
|
This amount includes Aastrom contributions made to
Mr. Maylebens 401(k) Plan of $5,313, a $50,000
lump-sum paid to Mr. Mayleben pursuant to a consulting
agreement prior to commencement of his employment (see
Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment and
Change of Control Arrangements below for a more detailed
discussion) and $20,625 in fees paid to Mr. Mayleben for
his service as a non-employee director through December 14,
2009. |
|
(8) |
|
Effective June 7, 2010, Mr. Durbin was appointed the
Companys Chief Financial Officer. This amount represents
the salary earned by Mr. Durbin during fiscal 2010 after
his employment commenced. |
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End
The table below reflects all outstanding equity awards made to
each of the named executive officers that are outstanding at the
end of fiscal year 2010. We currently grant stock-based awards
pursuant to our 2009 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the 2009
Plan) and have outstanding awards under our Amended and
Restated 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan).
OUTSTANDING
EQUITY AWARDS AT JUNE 30, 2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan Awards:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of
|
|
Number of
|
|
Number of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities
|
|
Securities
|
|
Securities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Underlying
|
|
Underlying
|
|
Underlying
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unexercised
|
|
Unexercised
|
|
Unexercised
|
|
Option
|
|
Option
|
|
|
|
|
Options (#)
|
|
Options (#)
|
|
Unearned
|
|
Exercise
|
|
Expiration
|
Name
|
|
Grant Date(1)
|
|
Exercisable(1)*
|
|
Unexercisable(1)*
|
|
Options (#)*
|
|
Price ($)*
|
|
Date
|
|
George W. Dunbar
|
|
|
3/11/2010
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.52
|
|
|
|
3/11/2020
|
|
|
|
|
12/14/2009
|
(3)
|
|
|
17,688
|
|
|
|
17,687
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.40
|
|
|
|
12/14/2019
|
|
|
|
|
10/31/2008
|
(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3.20
|
|
|
|
10/31/2018
|
|
Timothy M. Mayleben
|
|
|
3/11/2010
|
(4)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
234,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.52
|
|
|
|
3/11/2020
|
|
|
|
|
12/14/2009
|
(5)
|
|
|
45,900
|
|
|
|
329,100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.40
|
|
|
|
12/14/2019
|
|
|
|
|
12/8/2008
|
|
|
|
18,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.96
|
|
|
|
12/8/2018
|
|
|
|
|
10/17/2008
|
|
|
|
6,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2.32
|
|
|
|
10/17/2018
|
|
|
|
|
11/7/2007
|
|
|
|
6,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
7.60
|
|
|
|
11/7/2017
|
|
|
|
|
11/2/2006
|
|
|
|
6,875
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
12.24
|
|
|
|
11/2/2016
|
|
|
|
|
11/1/2005
|
|
|
|
3,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
17.84
|
|
|
|
11/1/2015
|
|
|
|
|
6/20/2005
|
|
|
|
1,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
23.60
|
|
|
|
6/20/2015
|
|
Scott C. Durbin
|
|
|
6/7/2010
|
(6)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
275,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1.44
|
|
|
|
6/7/2020
|
|
|
|
|
* |
|
Amounts include the impact of an
eight-for-one
reverse stock split effected on February 18, 2010 (the
Reverse Stock Split) |
|
(1) |
|
Unless otherwise noted, options vest over a period of four
years, with 25% vesting on the first anniversary of the date of
grant and 6.25% vesting each quarter thereafter. |
|
(2) |
|
These options vest in equal annual installments over a
three-year period beginning on the grant date. |
|
(3) |
|
These options vest in equal quarterly installments over a
one-year period beginning on the grant date. |
|
(4) |
|
These options vest in equal quarterly installments over a
four-year period beginning on the grant date. |
16
|
|
|
(5) |
|
These options vests in 48 equal monthly installments commencing
on the grant date. |
|
(6) |
|
25% of these options vest on the first anniversary of the grant
date. Thereafter, the remaining options vest in 36 equal monthly
installments. |
Employment
Contracts, including Termination of Employment and Change of
Control Arrangements
Mr. Dunbar resigned as Chief Executive Officer, President
and Chief Financial Officer of the Company immediately following
the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on December 14,
2009, and Mr. Mayleben became the new Chief Executive
Officer and President at that time. Additionally, on
June 4, 2010, the Board appointed Scott C. Durbin as the
Companys Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. The
following are summaries of the agreements that were executed in
connection with these changes during fiscal year 2010.
Mr. Dunbars
Agreement
Mr. Dunbars terms of employment as the Companys
Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer
had been governed by his employment agreement with the Company
which provided, among other things, that he would be eligible to
receive a discretionary cash bonus (as a participant in
Aastroms existing cash performance bonus program) based
upon his performance, as determined by the Board of Directors,
for up to 40% of his base salary, that he be granted an initial
stock option to purchase 312,500 shares (with an exercise
price of $11.04, the fair market value on July 17, 2006,
which is the date of grant) of which
(a) 250,000 shares are subject to time vesting (with
25% vesting on the first anniversary and the remaining 75%
vesting monthly over the following three years), and
(b) 62,500 shares were subject to vesting based upon
performance objectives as well as time vesting over four years.
The employment agreement also provided that, beginning in
September 2007, Mr. Dunbar would receive annual stock
option grants (targeted for 50,000 shares per year) subject
to both the time vesting and performance vesting. In the event
of his termination by the Company without Cause or by
Mr. Dunbar for Good Reason within one year following a
Change of Control (in each case, as those terms are defined in
Mr. Dunbars employment agreement), the vesting of all
his stock options would accelerate, with all options becoming
fully exercisable. Additionally, his employment agreement
provided that if his employment were terminated by the Company
without Cause after July 14, 2007 or if he were to
terminate his employment for Good Reason, one half of
Mr. Dunbars unvested stock options would become
exercisable. If Mr. Dunbars employment were
terminated without Cause or if he were to terminate his
employment for Good Reason (in each case, other than in
conjunction with a Change of Control), he would be entitled to a
severance payment equal to one year of his annual base salary at
termination. If Mr. Dunbars employment were
terminated within one year following a Change in Control, he
would be entitled to: (a) if the termination were by the
Company and is without Cause, a severance payment equal to two
times his base salary at termination plus one times his targeted
annual cash bonus, or (b) if he were to terminate his
employment for Good Reason, a severance payment equal to his
annual base salary at termination, plus one-half of his targeted
annual cash bonus.
Under an amendment to his employment agreement entered into
between Mr. Dunbar and the Company dated October 23,
2009, Mr. Dunbar terminated his employment with the Company
and resigned from all positions with the Company and its
affiliates, other than his membership on the Board of Directors,
effective immediately following the 2009 Annual Meeting of the
Shareholders held on December 14, 2009. In addition, the
Company agreed, subject to Mr. Dunbar executing a release
of claims against the Company, to extend the period for
exercising the options granted to Mr. Dunbar on
October 31, 2008, through the period ending on the earlier
of 24-months
from (i) the date that he ceases to be a member of the
Board of Directors or, if later, otherwise terminates his
Service (as defined in the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan) with the
Company or (ii) the original term of the option. All
remaining options granted to Mr. Dunbar prior to
October 31, 2008, whether vested or not, were forfeited.
Mr. Maylebens
Agreements
The following is a summary of Mr. Maylebens
employment agreement as entered into on October 23, 2009,
which became effective upon his assuming the roles of Chief
Executive Officer and President immediately following the 2009
Annual Meeting of the Shareholders. Also described below are the
terms of a Consulting Agreement dated October 23, 2009,
entered into by the Company and Mr. Mayleben that covered
the management transition period from its announcement on
September 3, 2009 until the date Mr. Mayleben assumed
his new roles.
17
Under an employment agreement with Mr. Mayleben for his
services as Chief Executive Officer and President,
Mr. Mayleben receives an initial annual base salary of
$425,000 and was eligible to receive a cash bonus (as a
participant in Aastroms existing cash performance bonus
program) based upon his performance, as determined by the Board
of Directors, for up to 45% of his base salary.
Mr. Mayleben was granted an initial stock option to
purchase 375,000 shares of Company common stock (with an
exercise price of $2.40, the fair market value on
December 14, 2009, which is the date of grant, adjusted for
the Reverse Stock Split). All 375,000 shares are subject to
time vesting and will vest in 48 equal monthly installments
commencing on the first day of the calendar month first
following the date of grant. In the event of his termination by
the Company without Cause or by Mr. Mayleben for Good
Reason within one year following a Change of Control (in each
case, as those terms are defined in Mr. Maylebens
employment agreement), the vesting of all his stock options will
accelerate, with all options becoming fully exercisable. In
addition, if Mr. Maylebens employment is terminated
without Cause or for Good Reason within one year following a
Change in Control, he will be entitled to a severance payment
equal to his one and one-half times his annual base salary at
termination. If Mr. Maylebens employment is
terminated without Cause or if he terminates his employment for
Good Reason (in each case, other than in conjunction with a
Change of Control), he will be entitled to a severance payment
equal to one year of his annual base salary at termination. In
addition, in the event of Mr. Maylebens termination
without Cause or for Good Reason, the Company will pay the costs
of his first 12 months of continued medical coverage under
COBRA. All severance payments under the Agreement, including any
accelerated vesting of options and the Companys payment of
Mr. Maylebens COBRA premiums, is conditioned upon
Mr. Mayleben executing a release of claims against the
Company.
Mr. Mayleben agrees not to disclose confidential
information of the Company; during the term of his agreement and
for a period of one year thereafter, not to solicit employees,
customers or vendors of the Company; and during the term of his
agreement and for a period of one year thereafter, not to
compete with the Company.
In the event of a Change in Control, if the payments to
Mr. Mayleben constitute excess parachute payments, he will
receive either (i) the entire benefit and pay the excise
taxes on the excess amount or (ii) reduced payments,
whichever will provide the greater amount of benefits to
Mr. Mayleben on an after-tax basis. If he chooses the
latter, the Company will not be entitled to a deduction for the
excess amounts on which Mr. Mayleben is required to pay
excise taxes.
In addition to the employment agreement entered into between
Mr. Mayleben and the Company, on October 23, 2009, the
Company and Mr. Mayleben entered into a Consulting
Agreement, which covered the management transition period from
its announcement on September 3, 2009 until the date of the
2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders when Mr. Mayleben
assumed his new roles. Under the Consulting Agreement,
Mr. Mayleben was paid a lump sum of $50,000 on the
commencement of his employment as Chief Executive Officer and
President of the Company, for the time, effort and consulting
services provided by Mr. Mayleben during the term of the
Consulting Agreement in preparing to take on and getting
involved in day to day activities of the Company prior to
assuming his new roles. The Company determined that the
Consulting Agreement was desirable in order to better assure
that the transition from Mr. Dunbar to Mr. Mayleben
went as smoothly as possible. During this period
Mr. Mayleben continued as an independent contractor to the
Company and not as an employee.
Mr. Durbins
Agreement
Mr. Durbins employment agreement provides that
Mr. Durbin will receive an initial annual base salary of
$275,000 and his base salary shall be redetermined annually by
the Companys CEO in consultation with the Compensation
Committee. Under his employment agreement, Mr. Durbin will
also be eligible to receive cash incentive compensation as
determined by the CEO in consultation with the Compensation
Committee from time to time. Mr. Durbins target
annual incentive compensation shall be 35% of his then-current
base salary.
In accordance with the employment agreement and as approved by
the Board, Mr. Durbin was granted an initial stock option
to purchase 275,000 shares of the Companys common
stock at an exercise price of $1.44 (the Initial
Option). All 275,000 shares are subject to time
vesting with 25% of the shares vesting on the first anniversary
of the date of the employment agreement and the remaining shares
vesting monthly in equal tranches over the following
36 months. Subject to approval by the Board,
Mr. Durbin will be eligible to receive an additional option
grant to purchase 80,000 shares of the Companys
common stock based on Mr. Durbins performance during
18
the twelve month period following the date of the employment
agreement as determined by the Board in its discretion and at an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of the
Companys common stock on the effective date of grant (the
Subsequent Option). The Initial Option and the
Subsequent Option shall be subject to the terms and conditions
of the Companys 2009 Plan and form of stock option
agreement.
In the event of his termination by the Company without Cause or
by Mr. Durbin for Good Reason (as such terms are defined in
Mr. Durbins employment agreement), and subject to
Mr. Durbins signing a general release of claims, the
Company shall pay Mr. Durbin an amount equal to nine months
of his then-current base salary in nine substantially equal
monthly installments. Additionally, all stock options and other
stock-based awards which would have vested had Mr. Durbin
remained employed for an additional nine months following the
date of termination shall become exercisable as of the date of
termination. Mr. Durbin would also be entitled to continued
participation in the Companys group health, dental and
vision programs for nine months following the date of
termination.
In the event of his termination by the Company without Cause or
by Mr. Durbin for Good Reason within twelve months
following a Change in Control (as such term is defined in
Mr. Durbins employment agreement), and subject to
Mr. Durbins signing a general release of claims, the
Company shall pay to Mr. Durbin a lump-sum cash payment in
an amount equal to twelve months of his then-current base salary
(or his base salary in effect immediately prior to the Change in
Control, if higher). Additionally and notwithstanding anything
to the contrary in any applicable option agreement or
stock-based award agreement, all stock options and other
stock-based awards held by Mr. Durbin shall immediately
accelerate and become exercisable as of the termination date.
Mr. Durbin would also be entitled to continued
participation in the Companys group health, dental and
vision programs for twelve months following the date of
termination.
If any payments to Mr. Durbin, calculated in a manner
consistent with Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the Code), would be subject to
the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code, he will
receive either the entire benefit or reduced payments, which
alternative will be determined by a nationally recognized
accounting firm selected by the Company.
In addition, during his employment and after termination of the
employment agreement, Mr. Durbin has agreed to keep the
Companys confidential information in confidence and trust
and has agreed not to use or disclose such confidential
information without the Companys written consent except as
necessary in the ordinary course of performing his duties to the
Company. During the term of his employment agreement and for a
period of twelve months thereafter Mr. Durbin also agrees
not to compete with the Company and not to solicit employees,
customers or suppliers of the Company.
Acceleration
of Vesting Under Stock Option Plans
Generally, in the event of a Change in Control of Aastrom (as
defined in the Companys 2009 Stock Plan) if awards under
the 2009 Stock Plan are not assumed or substituted, awards shall
vest on the day prior to the Change in Control and terminate on
the day of the Change in Control. If assumed or substituted and
the participants board membership or services to the
Company are terminated by the Company within 12 months of
the Change in Control, the awards shall become fully vested and
exercisable and may be exercised at any time prior to the
earlier of the expiration date of the award or within three
months of the date of termination. However, if the fair market
value on the date of the Change in Control is less than the
exercise price of the option or stock appreciation right, such
option or stock appreciation right shall then terminate on the
date of the Change in Control.
For awards issued under the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan, in the
event of a Change in Control of Aastrom (as defined in the
Companys 2004 Equity Incentive Plan), if such awards are
not assumed, cashed-out or substituted, then the awards shall
vest as of ten days prior to the date of the Change in Control
and terminate on the day of the Change in Control. In general,
options granted to executive officers of Aastrom will become
fully exercisable if such officer is terminated following a
Change in Control and options granted to non-employee directors
will become fully vested and immediately exercisable upon a
Change in Control.
19
Equity
Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information about the securities
authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as
of June 30, 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No. of
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Securities to be
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issued Upon
|
|
|
|
Number of Securities
|
|
|
Exercise of
|
|
Weighted-Average
|
|
Remaining Available
|
|
|
Outstanding
|
|
Exercise Price of
|
|
for Future Issuance
|
|
|
Options, Warrants
|
|
Outstanding Options,
|
|
Under Equity
|
Plan Category
|
|
and Rights
|
|
Warrants and Rights
|
|
Compensation Plans
|
|
Equity compensation plans/arrangements approved by shareholders
|
|
|
3,323,344
|
|
|
$
|
3.51
|
|
|
|
1,332,202
|
|
Equity compensation plans/arrangements not approved by
shareholders
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
Total
|
|
|
3,323,344
|
|
|
$
|
3.51
|
|
|
|
1,332,202
|
|
Compensation
of Directors
The Director Compensation table reflects all compensation
awarded to, earned by or paid to the Companys non-employee
directors during fiscal year 2010.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fees Earned
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
or Paid
|
|
Stock
|
|
Option
|
|
Compensation
|
|
|
Name
|
|
in Cash ($)
|
|
Awards ($)
|
|
Awards ($)(1)
|
|
($)
|
|
Total ($)
|
|
George W. Dunbar
|
|
$
|
25,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
81,641
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
106,641
|
|
Alan L. Rubino
|
|
$
|
37,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
55,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
93,266
|
|
Nelson M. Sims
|
|
$
|
52,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
55,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
108,266
|
|
Stephen G. Sudovar(2)
|
|
$
|
17,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
17,500
|
|
Harold C. Urschel, Jr.
|
|
$
|
17,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
57,858
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
75,358
|
|
Robert L. Zerbe
|
|
$
|
40,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
55,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
95,766
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
The discussion below provides details as to the aggregate number
of option awards outstanding at fiscal year end. |
|
(2) |
|
Mr. Sudovar elected not to stand for re-election at our
2009 Annual Meeting of Directors which was held on
December 14, 2009. |
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash. The Chairman of
the Board of Directors received an annual fee of $50,000 paid in
equal quarterly increments during fiscal year 2010. Each
non-employee director receives an annual fee of $25,000 paid in
equal quarterly increments. The chairperson of each standing
committee receives an additional annual fee of $7,500 and each
non-chair committee member receives an additional annual fee of
$5,000, payable quarterly. Following the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, the Company expects to continue to pay an annual
fee of $50,000 to the Chairman and a supplemental fee of $7,500
to the Lead Director, each paid in equal quarterly increments.
Stock and Option Awards. Each non-employee
director who continues to serve beyond an Annual Meeting of
Shareholders will receive a stock option to purchase
55,000 shares granted on the date of each Annual Meeting of
Shareholders, with an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of the common stock on the date of grant, vesting in equal
quarterly increments over a period of one year. In addition, the
Chairman of the Board of Directors received in 2010 a grant of
stock options with an exercise price equal to $45,000. It is
expected that the Chairman appointed following the 2010 Annual
Meeting of Shareholders will be granted the right to receive
either: (i) restricted stock
20
equal to $45,000 on the date of each Annual Meeting or,
(ii) an equivalent value of stock options with an exercise
price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the
date of grant, in either case vesting over a period of one year.
Newly elected directors joining the Board during the period
between Annual Meetings of Shareholders will receive a grant for
a pro rata amount of the 55,000 shares subject to option
(reflecting the period of time until the next Annual Meeting of
Shareholders). These equity grants will be made under the terms
of the existing equity compensation plans, as previously
approved by the shareholders. Amounts in the stock and option
awards columns represent the aggregate grant date fair value
computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 (disregarding
forfeiture assumptions). For a discussion of the assumptions
used in calculating the dollar amount recognized, see
Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements in our
annual report on
Form 10-K
for fiscal year 2010 filed with the SEC on September 7,
2010.
Previously, stock options issued to directors terminated and
could no longer be exercised after the first to occur of
(a) the expiration date of the option, (b) at any time
prior to the expiration of three months after the date on which
the service to the Company was terminated or (c) a change
in control to the extent provided in the stock option agreement.
On October 5, 2009, the Board of Directors determined that
stock options already issued to directors shall terminate and no
longer be exercised after the first to occur of (a) the
expiration date of the option, (b) at any time prior to the
expiration of 24 months after the date on which the service
to the Company is terminated or (c) a change in control to
the extent provided in the stock option agreement. This revision
was made by the Board upon the recommendation of the
Compensation Committee after it had consulted with its
independent compensation consultant who recommended the change.
The independent compensation consultant advised that by
lengthening the period the directors could exercise their
options, it would neutralize market timing on their service
decisions.
Option Holdings. Non-employee directors held
the following stock options as of June 30, 2010:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Options
|
|
George W. Dunbar
|
|
|
125,875
|
|
Alan L. Rubino
|
|
|
78,250
|
|
Nelson M. Sims
|
|
|
73,937
|
|
Harold C. Urschel, Jr.
|
|
|
53,525
|
|
Robert L. Zerbe
|
|
|
75,300
|
|
Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions
The Board is committed to upholding the highest legal and
ethical conduct in fulfilling its responsibilities and
recognizes that related party transactions can present a
heightened risk of potential or actual conflicts of interest.
Accordingly, as a general matter, it is Aastroms
preference to avoid related party transactions.
Aastroms Audit Committee Charter requires that members of
the Audit Committee, all of whom are independent directors,
review and approve all related party transactions for which such
approval is required under applicable law, including SEC and
NASDAQ rules. All related party transactions shall be disclosed
in Aastroms applicable filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission as required under SEC rules.
There were no such reportable relationships or related party
transactions during fiscal year 2009 or 2010.
Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, requires Aastroms executive officers, directors
and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of Aastroms
common stock to file initial reports of ownership and reports of
changes in ownership with the SEC. Such persons are required by
the SEC regulations to furnish Aastrom with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms filed by such persons.
Based solely on Aastroms review of such forms furnished to
it and written representations from certain reporting persons,
Aastrom believes its executive officers, directors and more than
10% shareholders have complied with all filing requirements.
21
REPORT OF
THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Audit Committee oversees Aastroms financial reporting
process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the
primary responsibility for the financial statements and the
reporting process, including internal control systems.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is responsible for expressing an
opinion as to the conformity of our audited financial statements
with generally accepted accounting principles and an opinion on
our internal control over financial reporting. The Audit
Committee acts pursuant to a written charter that has been
adopted by the Board of Directors.
The Audit Committee consists of three directors, each of whom,
in the judgment of the Board, is an independent
director as defined in Rule 5605(a)(2) of the NASDAQ
listing standards. Nelson Sims was a member of the Audit
Committee for the entire fiscal year 2010; Stephen G. Sudovar
was a member of the Audit Committee from July 2009 to December
2009 when Alan L. Rubino replaced him on the committee. Robert
L. Zerbe joined the Audit Committee in September 2009 when
Timothy M. Mayleben resigned from the committee upon his
agreement on September 3, 2009 to assume the roles of Chief
Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer
immediately after the Companys Annual Meeting of
Shareholders on December 14, 2009.
The Committee has discussed and reviewed with the independent
registered public accountants all matters required to be
discussed by the Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(Communication with Audit Committees), as amended (AICPA,
Professional Standards, Vol.1, AU section 380), as adopted
by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the
PCAOB) in Rule 3200T. The Committee has
received written disclosures and a letter from
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP confirming their independence, as
required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the
independent accountants communications with the Committee
concerning independence, and has discussed with
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the accountants independence.
The Committee has met with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, with and
without management present, to discuss the overall scope of the
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP audit, the results of its audits, its
evaluations of Aastroms internal controls and the overall
quality of its financial reporting. The Committee reviewed the
performance and fees of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP prior to
recommending their appointment. The Committee reviewed the
Companys financial statements and discussed them with
management and with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the
Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that
Aastroms audited financial statements be included in
Aastroms Annual Report on
Form 10-K
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.
AUDIT
COMMITTEE
Nelson M.
Sims, Chair
Alan L. Rubino
Robert L. Zerbe
22
SHAREHOLDER
PROPOSALS TO BE PRESENTED
AT NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Under Aastroms Bylaws, in order for business and director
nominations to be properly brought before a meeting by a
shareholder, such shareholder must have given timely notice
thereof in writing to the Corporate Secretary of Aastrom. To be
timely, such notice must be received at Aastroms principal
executive offices not less than 120 calendar days in advance of
the one year anniversary of the date Aastroms proxy
statement was released to shareholders in connection with the
previous years Annual Meeting of Shareholders, except that
(i) if no Annual Meeting was held in the previous year,
(ii) if the date of the annual meeting has been changed by
more than thirty calendar days from the date contemplated at the
time of the previous years proxy statement or
(iii) in the event of a special meeting, then notice must
be received not later than the close of business on the tenth
day following the day on which notice of the date of the meeting
was mailed or public disclosure of the meeting date was made.
If none of the events described in (i) through
(iii) above occur, then the deadline for submitting
shareholder proposals or nominations for directors for inclusion
in the Companys proxy statement and form of proxy pursuant
to
Rule 14a-8
of the SECs proxy rules for the next Annual Meeting of
shareholders will be May 10, 2011 and shareholder proposals
submitted outside the processes of
Rule 14a-8
received after May 10, 2011 will be considered untimely
under Aastroms Bylaws. In order to be brought before the
next Annual Meeting, any such proposal or nomination must
include the relevant information as required under the
Companys Bylaws and must otherwise meet applicable
requirements of the SECs proxy rules if such proposal or
nomination is to be included in the Companys proxy
statement for the next Annual Meeting.
Shareholder proposals and director nominations should be
delivered to: Aastrom Biosciences, Inc., 24 Frank Lloyd Wright
Drive, P.O. Box 376, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48106,
Attention: Secretary. Aastrom recommends that such proposals be
sent by certified mail, return receipt requested.
TRANSACTION
OF OTHER BUSINESS
At the date of this Proxy Statement, the only business which the
Board of Directors intends to present or knows that others will
present at the meeting is as set forth above. If any other
matter or matters are properly brought before the meeting, or
any adjournment thereof, it is the intention of the persons
named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the proxy on
such matters in accordance with their best judgment.
By order of the Board of Directors,
Scott C. Durbin
Corporate Secretary
September 7, 2010
23
AASTROM BIOSCIENCES, INC.
ATTN: Kimberli OMeara,
P.O. BOX 376
24 FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT DRIVE
ANN ARBOR, MI 48105
VOTE BY INTERNET - www.proxyvote.com
Use the Internet to
transmit your voting instructions and for electronic delivery of information up until 11:59 P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site and follow the instructions to obtain your records and to create an electronic voting instruction form.
Electronic Delivery of Future PROXY MATERIALS
If you would like to reduce the costs incurred by our company in mailing proxy materials, you can consent to receiving all future proxy statements, proxy cards and annual reports electronically via e-mail or the Internet. To sign up for electronic delivery, please follow the instructions above to vote using the Internet and, when prompted,
indicate that you agree to receive or access proxy materials electronically in future years.
VOTE BY PHONE - 1-800-690-6903
Use any touch-tone telephone to transmit your voting instructions up until 11:59
P.M. Eastern Time the day before the cut-off date or meeting date. Have your proxy card in hand when you call and then follow the instructions.
VOTE BY MAIL
Mark, sign and date your proxy card and return it in the postage-paid envelope we have provided or return it to Vote Processing, c/o Broadridge, 51 Mercedes Way, Edgewood, NY 11717.
TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:
KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For |
|
Withhold |
|
For All |
|
|
|
|
All |
|
All |
|
Except |
The board of directors recommends a vote
For the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.
|
|
Election of Directors |
|
o |
|
o |
|
o |
|
|
Nominees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee(s), mark For All Except and write
the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
01 Timothy M. Mayleben
02 Alan L. Rubino
03 Nelson M. Sims
04 Harold C. Urschel, Jr.
05 Robert L. Zerbe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE FOLLOWING PROPOSAL: |
|
For |
|
Against |
|
Abstain |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as Aastroms Independent
Registered Public Accounting Firm for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.
|
|
o
|
|
o
|
|
o |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
NOTE: Even if you are planning to attend the meeting in person, you are urged to sign and mail
the Proxy in the return envelope so that your stock may be represented at the meeting. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yes |
|
No |
Please indicate if you plan to attend this meeting
|
|
o
|
|
o |
|
|
|
|
|
Please sign exactly as your name(s)
appear(s) hereon. When signing as attorney,
executor, administrator, or other fiduciary,
please give full title as such. Joint owners
should each sign personally. All holders
must sign. If a corporation or partnership,
please sign in full corporate or partnership
name, by authorized officer. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX]
|
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Signature (Joint Owners)
|
|
Date |
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting: The Proxy Statement/10K Wrap is/are available at
www.proxyvote.com.
AASTROM BIOSCIENCES, INC.
Proxy for Annual Meeting of Shareholders
Solicited by the Board of Directors
The undersigned hereby appoints Timothy M. Mayleben and Scott C. Durbin, and each of them, with full power of substitution to represent the undersigned and to vote all of the shares of stock of Aastrom Biosciences, Inc. (the Company) which undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company to be held at Goodwin Procter, LLP, The New York Times Building, 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, New York, 10018, on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. (EST), and at
any adjournment thereof (i) as hereinafter specified upon the proposals listed below and as more particularly described in the Company's Proxy Statement, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and (ii) in their discretion upon such other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
The shares represented hereby shall be voted as specified. If no specification is made, such shares shall be voted FOR proposal 1. If you abstain from voting on proposal 2, it will have no effect on the voting of the proposal.
Continued and to be signed on reverse side