þ | No fee required. | |
o | 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: |
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(2) | Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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(3) | Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act
Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state
how it was determined):
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(4) | Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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(5) | Total fee paid: |
o | Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
o | 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: |
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(4) | Date Filed: |
1. | To elect three Class III directors, each to serve until the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified; | ||
2. | To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2011; and | ||
3. | To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. |
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Percentage of | ||||||||||||||||||||
Combined Voting | ||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares | Percentage of Shares | Power of All | ||||||||||||||||||
Beneficially Owned | Beneficially Owned | Classes of | ||||||||||||||||||
Name and beneficial owner | Class A | Class B | Class A | Class B | Common Stock | |||||||||||||||
Retail Ventures, Inc. |
| 27,382,667 | (1) | | 100 | % | 93.0 | % | ||||||||||||
4150 East Fifth Avenue |
||||||||||||||||||||
Columbus, Ohio 43219 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein |
2,066,635 | (2) | | 12.3 | % | | 0.9 | % | ||||||||||||
4300 East Fifth Avenue |
||||||||||||||||||||
Columbus, Ohio 43219 |
||||||||||||||||||||
SEI, Inc. |
1,292,900 | (2) | | 7.9 | % | | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||||
4300 East Fifth Avenue |
||||||||||||||||||||
Columbus, Ohio 43219 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Wellington Management Company, LLP |
1,429,502 | (3) | | 8.7 | % | | 0.6 | % | ||||||||||||
75 State Street |
||||||||||||||||||||
Boston, Massachusetts 02109 |
||||||||||||||||||||
JPMorgan Chase & Co. |
1,198,929 | (4) | | 7.3 | % | | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||||
270 Park Avenue |
||||||||||||||||||||
New York, NY 10017 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Valinor Management, LLC |
1,068,230 | (5) | | 6.5 | % | | 0.5 | % | ||||||||||||
90 Park Avenue, 40th Floor |
||||||||||||||||||||
New York, NY 10016 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Luther King Capital Management Corporation |
979,100 | (6) | | 6.0 | % | | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||||
301 Commerce Street, Suite 1600 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Fort Worth, TX 76102 |
||||||||||||||||||||
TAMRO Capital Partners LLC |
967,347 | (7) | | 5.9 | % | | 0.4 | % | ||||||||||||
1660 Duke Street, Suite 200 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Alexandria, VA 22314 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Kalmar Investments, Inc. |
807,750 | (8) | | 4.9 | % | | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||||
3701 Kennett Pike |
||||||||||||||||||||
Wilmington, DE 19807 |
(1) | Class B Common Shares of DSW held by Retail Ventures are exchangeable into a like number of Class A Common Shares of DSW. | |
(2) | As of March 22, 2010, Mr. Schottenstein beneficially owned 2,066,635 Class A Common Shares of DSW in the aggregate. This includes (i) 350,100 shares held by various family trusts for which Mr. Schottenstein serves as trustee and is therefore deemed to beneficially own such shares; (ii) 328,915 Class A Common Shares beneficially owned by Schottenstein RVI, LLC (SRVI), which are issuable upon the exercise of warrants (Mr. Schottenstein is the manager of SRVI); (iii) 1,292,900 Class A Common Shares beneficially owned by SEI, Inc. (SEI) (Mr. Schottenstein is a director and Chairman |
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of SEI, 58.95% of whose common stock is owned by trusts of which Mr. Schottenstein is a trustee or trust advisor); and (iv) 94,720 Class A Common Shares that Mr. Schottenstein has the right to acquire upon the exercise of stock options within 60 days of March 22, 2010. | ||
Mr. Schottenstein is also the sole beneficial owner of 165,300 Retail Ventures common shares and holds 52,500 Retail Ventures common shares through Glosser Brothers Acquisition, Inc., or GBA, of which Mr. Schottenstein is Chairman of the Board, President, a director and a trustee or co-trustee of family trusts that own 100% of the stock of GBA. Mr. Schottenstein has voting and investment power as co-trustee of a family trust that owns 30,000 Retail Ventures common shares. As of March 22, 2010, SSC and its affiliates owned approximately 51.9% of the outstanding shares and beneficially owned approximately 53.6% of the outstanding shares of Retail Ventures (assumes issuance of 1,731,460 Retail Ventures common shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants). | ||
(3) | Wellington Management may be deemed to beneficially own 1,429,502 Class A Common Shares on behalf of its clients. Wellington Management reported it had shared voting power over 1,004,262 Class A Common Shares and shared dispositive power over 1,429,502 Class A Common Shares. Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 12, 2010. | |
(4) | JPMorgan Chase & Co. is the beneficial owner of 1,198,929 Class A Common Shares on behalf of other persons known to have one or more of the following: (i) the right to receive dividends for such securities; (ii) the power to direct the receipt of dividends from such securities; (iii) the right to receive the proceeds from the sale of such securities; and (iv) the right to direct the receipt of proceeds from the sale of such securities. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reported it had sole voting power over 941,100 Class A Common Shares, shared voting power over 204 Class A Common Shares, and sole dispositive power over 1,198,929 Class A Common Shares. Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 28, 2010. | |
(5) | Valinor Management, LLC is the beneficial owner of 1,068,230 Class A Common Shares on behalf of its clients. Valinor reported that its clients (i) Valinor Capital Partners Offshore Master Fund, L.P beneficially owned 597,024 Class A Common Shares, over which it had shared voting and shared dispositive power over 597,024 Class A Common Shares; and (ii) David Gallo beneficially owned 1,068,230 Class A Common Shares over which he had shared voting and shared dispositive power over 1,068,230 Class A Common Shares. Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2010. | |
(6) | Luther King Capital Management Corporation may be deemed to beneficially own 979,100 Class A Common Shares. Luther King Capital Management Corporation reported it had sole voting and sole dispositive power over 979,100 Class A Common Shares. Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 5, 2010. | |
(7) | TAMRO Capital Partners LLC may be deemed to beneficially own 967,347 Class A Common Shares on behalf of its clients. TAMRO Capital Partners LLC reported it had sole voting power over 718,792 Class A Common Shares and shared dispositive power over 967,347 Class A Common Shares. Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 9, 2010. | |
(8) | Kalmar Investments, Inc. may be deemed to beneficially own 807,750 Class A Common Shares. Kalmar Investments, Inc. reported it had sole voting power over 724,971 Class A Common Shares and sole dispositive power over 807,750 Class A Common Shares. Based on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2010. |
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Percentage of | ||||||||||||||||||||
Combined Voting | ||||||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares | Percentage of Shares | Power of All | ||||||||||||||||||
Beneficially Owned(1) | Beneficially Owned(2) | Classes of | ||||||||||||||||||
Name | Class A | Class B | Class A | Class B | Common Stock | |||||||||||||||
Elaine J. Eisenman |
10,698 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Deborah L. Ferrée |
258,330 | | 1.6 | % | | * | ||||||||||||||
Carolee Friedlander |
20,040 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Joanna T. Lau |
9,601 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Michael R. MacDonald |
45,000 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Roger S. Markfield |
17,062 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Philip B. Miller |
25,523 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Harris Mustafa |
56,620 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Douglas J. Probst |
134,466 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Jon J. Ricker |
65,535 | * | | * | ||||||||||||||||
James D. Robbins |
21,971 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein (3) |
2,066,635 | | 12.3 | % | | * | ||||||||||||||
Harvey L. Sonnenberg |
17,087 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Allan J. Tanenbaum |
27,723 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
Heywood Wilansky |
25,000 | | * | | * | |||||||||||||||
All directors and executive
officers as a group (17 persons) |
2,919,838 | | 16.6 | % | | 1.3 | % |
* | Represents less than 1% of outstanding Common Shares. | |
(1) | Except as otherwise noted, the persons named in this table have sole power to vote and dispose of the shares listed. | |
Includes the following number of Class A Common Shares as to which the named person has the right to acquire beneficial ownership upon the exercise of stock options and the amount of restricted shares that could be issued within 60 days of March 22, 2010: |
Stock Options Exercisable within | Restricted Shares that could be issued | |||||||
Beneficial Owner | 60 days of March 22, 2010 | within 60 days of March 22, 2010 | ||||||
Elaine J. Eisenman |
| 10,698 | ||||||
Deborah L. Ferrée |
211,640 | 7,500 | ||||||
Carolee Friedlander |
| 17,040 | ||||||
Joanna T. Lau |
| 9,601 | ||||||
Michael R. MacDonald |
35,000 | | ||||||
Roger S. Markfield |
| 17,062 | ||||||
Philip B. Miller |
| 17,523 | ||||||
Harris Mustafa |
53,620 | 3,000 | ||||||
Douglas J. Probst |
117,120 | 4,000 | ||||||
Jon J. Ricker |
58,820 | 3,000 | ||||||
James D. Robbins |
| 15,971 | ||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein |
94,720 | | ||||||
Harvey L. Sonnenberg |
| 15,087 | ||||||
Allan J. Tanenbaum |
| 26,723 | ||||||
Heywood Wilansky |
| | ||||||
All directors and executive
officers as a group (17 persons) |
677,440 | 153,205 |
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(2) | The percent is based upon 16,387,491 Class A Common Shares and 27,382,667 Class B Common Shares outstanding, plus the number of shares a person has the right to acquire within 60 days of March 22, 2010. | |
(3) | Includes 350,100 Class A Common Shares held by family trusts, 1,292,900 Class A Common Shares held by SEI, Inc., and 328,915 Class A Common Shares that SRVI has the right to acquire from Retail Ventures pursuant to certain warrant agreements. As of March 22, 2010, Mr. Schottenstein was the beneficial owner of approximately 65.6% of the outstanding common shares of SSC. |
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Director | ||||||||||
Name | Age | Our Directors and Their Positions with Us/ Principal Occupations / Business Experience | Since | |||||||
Elaine J. Eisenman*
|
60 | Dr. Eisenman has served as Dean of Babson Executive Education since October 2005, the division of Babson College focused on providing education, consulting and applied research in innovation and leadership to corporations, executives, and educational and institutional non-profit enterprises. Dr. Eisenman also is responsible for the management of the Babson Executive Conference Center. Prior to that, Dr. Eisenman served as Senior Vice President Human Resources and Administration of The Childrens Place Retail Stores, Inc. since September 2003. Dr. Eisenman has also held senior executive positions at American Express, Enhance Financial Services Co. and private companies such as PDI International, a global consulting firm. With a background in human resources, Dr. Eisenman brings experience in executive compensation and succession planning to our Board and Compensation Committee. | 2008 | |||||||
Joanna T. Lau*
|
50 | Ms. Lau currently serves as CEO of Lau Technologies, an executive consulting and investment company focused on providing debt and equity financing and consulting to mid-range companies. Ms. Lau founded Lau Technologies in 1990 and has been responsible for managing all aspects of the company from financing growth to the quality of the performance of the products previously sold by the company. Ms. Lau held leadership positions with Digital Equipment Corporation and General Electric before founding Lau Technologies. Ms. Lau is a member of the Board of Directors of ITT Education Services (NYSE:ESI) since 2003 and currently serves on the Audit Committee of ESI. Ms. Lau served as a director of TD Banknorth, Inc. until July 2007. Ms. Lau brings a strong background in technology and executive leadership to our Board. | 2008 | |||||||
Roger S. Markfield
|
68 | Mr. Markfield is Vice-Chairman and Executive Creative Director of American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) and has served in this capacity since February 2009, and has served as a Director of AEO since March 1999. From February 2007 to December 2008, Mr. Markfield served AEO as a non-executive officer employee. He served AEO as Vice-Chairman from November 2003 to February 2007, as President from February 1995 to February 2006, and as Co- Chief Executive Officer from December 2002 to November 2003. Mr. Markfield also served AEO and its predecessors as Chief Merchandising Officer from February 1995 to December 2002 and as Executive Vice President of Merchandising from May 1993 to | 2008 |
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Director | ||||||||||
Name | Age | Our Directors and Their Positions with Us/ Principal Occupations / Business Experience | Since | |||||||
February 1995. Prior to joining AEO, he served as Executive Vice President-General Merchandising Manager for the Limited Stores Division of Limited Brands from May 1992 to April 1993. As a chief merchant of a high profile brand, Mr. Markfield brings a strong merchandising and brand development background to the Board. |
Director | ||||||||||
Name | Age | Our Directors and Their Positions with Us/ Principal Occupations / Business Experience | Since | |||||||
Carolee Friedlander*
|
68 | Ms. Friedlander serves as a founder and CEO of AccessCircles, a by- invitation global community of women providing connectivity, knowledge and information in the areas of health and wellness, financial expertise and life balance. Ms. Friedlander has held that position since August 2004. From July 2001 to August 2004, Ms. Friedlander served as Senior Vice President of Retail Brand Alliance, Inc., and as President and Chief Executive Officer of Carolee Designs, Inc., a subsidiary of Retail Brand Alliance. Prior to that, Ms. Friedlander served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Carolee Designs, a fashion accessory company she founded in 1973 and sold to Retail Brand Alliance in July 2001. Ms. Friedlanders long term service as a CEO of a retail company brings strong leadership experience and in-depth knowledge of marketing and merchandising to our Board. | 2005 | |||||||
Harvey L. Sonnenberg
|
68 | Mr. Sonnenberg was a partner in the certified public accounting firm, Weiser, LLP from 1994 to 2009, and currently serves as a Senior Director to that firm. Mr. Sonnenberg has been active in a number of professional organizations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and has long been involved in rendering audit and advisory services to the retail, apparel, and consumer products industries. Mr. Sonnenberg is a certified public accountant and was the partner-in-charge of his firms Sarbanes-Oxley and Corporate Governance practice. Mr. Sonnenberg has been a director of Retail Ventures (NYSE: RVI) since 2001. Mr. Sonnenbergs strong accounting background, particularly in the retail industry, brings accounting and related financial management experience to the Board. | 2005 | |||||||
Allan J. Tanenbaum*
|
63 | Mr. Tanenbaum has been General Counsel and Managing Partner of Equicorp Partners, LLC, an Atlanta-based private investment and advisory firm, since January 2006. From February 2001 to December 31, 2005, Mr. Tanenbaum served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for AFC Enterprises, Inc., a franchisor and operator of quick-service restaurants. From June 1996 to February 2001, Mr. Tanenbaum was a shareholder in Cohen Pollock Merlin Axelrod & Tanenbaum, P.C., an Atlanta, Georgia law firm, where he represented corporate clients in connection with mergers and acquisitions and other commercial transactions. With Mr. Tanenbaums legal background and services as a general counsel of a public company, Mr. Tanenbaum brings valuable board governance experience to our Board. | 2005 | |||||||
Heywood Wilansky
|
62 | Mr. Wilansky is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail Ventures. Mr. Wilansky served as a member of the Retail Ventures Board of Directors until July 2009 and as a member of the Board of Directors of Bertuccis until June 2009. Mr. Wilansky served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail Ventures | 2005 |
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Director | ||||||||||
Name | Age | Our Directors and Their Positions with Us/ Principal Occupations / Business Experience | Since | |||||||
from November 2004 through January 2009. Before joining Retail Ventures in November of 2004, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Filenes Basement, a subsidiary of Retail Ventures, from February 2003 to November 2004. Mr. Wilansky was a professor of marketing at the University of Maryland business school from August 2002 to February 2003. From August 2000 to January 2003, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Strategic Management Resources, LLC. From August 1995 to July 2000, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Bon Ton Stores. Mr. Wilansky brings more than 30 years of retail experience to the Board, including in-depth knowledge of the challenges of managing an expanding store base, store operations, marketing and merchandising. |
Director | ||||||||||
Name | Age | Our Directors and Their Positions with Us/ Principal Occupations / Business Experience | Since | |||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein
|
55 | Mr. Schottenstein has served as our Chairman of the Board of Directors since March 2005. Mr. Schottenstein previously served as our Chief Executive Officer from March 2005 to April 2009. He has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Retail Ventures, Inc., American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and SSC since March 1992 and was Chief Executive Officer of Retail Ventures from April 1991 to July 1997 and from July 1999 to December 2000. Mr. Schottenstein served as Vice Chairman of SSC from 1986 until March 1992 and as a director of SSC since 1982. He served in various executive capacities at SSC since 1976. Mr. Schottenstein has been a director of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) since 1992, and Retail Ventures, Inc. (NYSE: RVI) since 1992. Mr. Schottenstein also serves as the manager of Schottenstein RVI, LLC. Mr. Schottensteins extensive experience as a chairman and CEO of numerous companies brings strong leadership skills to our Board. Additionally, Mr. Schottensteins tenure with DSW provides the Board with a strong background in the shoe industry. | 2005 | |||||||
Michael R. MacDonald
|
58 | Mr. MacDonald has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since April 2009. Prior to joining DSW, Mr. MacDonald served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Shopko Stores from May 2006 to March 2009. Prior to that time, Mr. MacDonald held executive positions at Saks Incorporated from 1998 to 2006, most recently as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Northern Department Stores Group for six years. Prior to serving in that capacity, Mr. MacDonald held executive positions at Carson Pirie Scott, including the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. With over 30 years of business experience in all phases of retail, including managing merchandising, marketing, stores, operations and finance functions, Mr. MacDonald brings strong leadership abilities and in-depth retail knowledge to our Board. | 2009 | |||||||
Philip B. Miller*
|
71 | Mr. Miller is the President of Philip B. Miller Associates, a consulting firm, and an Operating Director of Tri-Artisan Capital Partners, a privately held merchant bank, and has held those positions since July 2001. Mr. Miller also serves on the Board of Directors of St. John Knits, a position he has held since December 2002. Mr. Miller served on the Board of Directors of Kellwood until January 2008. Mr. Miller served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saks Fifth Avenue, Inc. from 1993 until January 2000 and continued as Chairman of that company until July 2001. From 1983 to 1990, | 2005 |
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Director | ||||||||||
Name | Age | Our Directors and Their Positions with Us/ Principal Occupations / Business Experience | Since | |||||||
Mr. Miller served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Marshall Fields, Inc. Mr. Miller brings to the Board extensive experience in executive leadership and retail merchandising. | ||||||||||
James D. Robbins*
|
63 | Mr. Robbins currently holds a directorship in Huntington Preferred Capital, Inc. (NASDAQ:HPCCP), that he has held since November 2001. Mr. Robbins also serves as chairman of the audit committee of Huntington Preferred Capital, Inc. From 1993 until his retirement in June 2001, Mr. Robbins served as Managing Partner of the Columbus, Ohio office of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Mr. Robbins was on the Board of Directors of Dollar General from April 2002 until July 2007, during which time he chaired the audit committee. Mr. Robbins is a certified public accountant (inactive). With a 33-year background in public accounting, Mr. Robbins has developed strong accounting skills and significant retail industry experience, which are valuable assets to our Board, particularly in relation to the Audit Committee. | 2005 |
* | Independent Directors under New York Stock Exchange Rules. |
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| has no material relationship with us or our subsidiaries; | ||
| satisfies the other criteria specified by New York Stock Exchange listing standards; | ||
| has no business conflict with us or our subsidiaries; and | ||
| otherwise meets applicable independence criteria specified by law, regulation, exchange requirement or the Board of Directors. |
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Elaine J. Eisenman | ||
Carolee Friedlander | ||
Joanna T. Lau | ||
Philip B. Miller | ||
James D. Robbins | ||
Allan J. Tanenbaum |
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| independence; | ||
| judgment; | ||
| skill; | ||
| diversity; | ||
| strength of character; | ||
| age; | ||
| experience as an executive of, or advisor to, a publicly traded or private organization; | ||
| experience and skill relative to other Board members; | ||
| specialized knowledge or experience; | ||
| service on other boards; and | ||
| desirability of the candidates membership on the Board or any committees of the Board. |
| name, age, business address and residence address; | ||
| principal occupation or employment; | ||
| the class and number of DSW shares beneficially owned; and | ||
| any other information relating to the nominee that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act; and |
| name and record address; and | ||
| the class and number of our shares beneficially owned. |
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| the integrity of our financial statements; | ||
| compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; | ||
| the independent auditors qualifications and independence; and | ||
| performance of our internal audit function and independent auditor. |
| aligns with our business strategy; | ||
| enables the business to maximize benefits technology can provide; | ||
| resources are used responsibly; and | ||
| risks are managed a ppropriately. |
16
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| Delegation - The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its independent members provided that the member(s) to whom such authority is delegated promptly reports any pre-approval decisions to the other Audit Committee members. The Audit Committee has not delegated to management its responsibilities to pre-approve services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm. | ||
| Audit Services - Annual audit, review and attestation engagement terms and fees are subject to the specific pre-approval of the Audit Committee. Any changes in the terms, conditions or fees resulting from changes in the audit scope requires the Audit Committees approval. | ||
| Other Services - Unless a type of service to be provided by the independent registered public accounting firm has received general pre-approval, it will require specific pre-approval by the Audit Committee. | ||
| Tax Services - The Audit Committee believes that our independent registered public accounting firm can provide tax services to us such as tax compliance and certain tax advice without impairing its independence. In no event, however, will the independent registered public accounting firm be retained in connection with a transaction initially recommended by the independent registered public accounting firm, the purpose of which may be tax avoidance and the tax treatment of which may not be supported in the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations or similar regulations of other applicable jurisdictions. |
2009 | 2008 | |||||||
Audit fees (1) |
$ | 985,300 | $ | 1,289,729 | ||||
Audit-related fees |
| $ | 9,000 | |||||
Tax fees |
| | ||||||
All other fees |
| | ||||||
Total |
$ | 985,300 | $ | 1,298,729 |
(1) | Includes services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other audit services normally provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements. Also includes $458,994 for fiscal 2008 representing our allocation of audit fees under our shared service agreement with Retail Ventures. |
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| Review of our annual financial statements to be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and recommendation to the Board of Directors whether the audited financial statements should be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K; | ||
| Review of our quarterly financial statements to be included in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q; | ||
| Oversight of our relationship with our independent auditors, including: |
° | Appointment, termination and oversight of our independent auditors; and | ||
° | Pre-approval of all auditing services and permitted non-audit services by our independent auditors; |
| Oversight of our internal controls; | ||
| Oversight of the review and response to complaints made to us regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters or other compliance matters; | ||
| Oversight of our internal audit function; and | ||
| Review and approval of related party transactions. |
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| Jay L. Schottenstein Executive Chairman of the Board; | ||
| Michael R. MacDonald President and Chief Executive Officer; | ||
| Deborah L. Ferrée Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer; | ||
| Douglas J. Probst Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; | ||
| Harris Mustafa Executive Vice President, Supply Chain and Merchandise Planning & Allocation; and | ||
| Jon J. Ricker Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer. |
(1) | Attract and retain highly talented, experienced retail executives who can make significant contributions to our long-term business success. Specifically, we structure our compensation program to attract and keep executives we believe are critical to the implementation of our business strategy to: |
| Anticipate the desires of our brand-, quality- and style-conscious customers who have a passion for footwear and accessories and provide them with a vast, exciting assortment of in-season styles combined with the convenience and value they desire; | ||
| Create a distinctive store experience that satisfies both the rational and emotional shopping needs of our customers; and | ||
| Execute on a growth strategy to increase total net sales through DSW store expansion, positive comparable store sales for DSW stores, increase in sales through leased business partners, and the expansion of dsw.com. |
21
possesses a proven ability to develop and execute merchandising, customer, real estate and infrastructure strategies. As a result, we believe our compensation program must incentivize and reward their efforts and also serve to keep their services with DSW, thus allowing us to compete in attracting and developing talent to support the continued development of DSW. | |||
(2) | Reward executives for delivering superior performance. The Committee regularly reviews executive compensation packages to ensure a proper balance between fixed and variable compensation with more of the focus on, and potential reward to the executive for, achievement of short- and long-term performance goals. This was true for 2009 in aggregate, the Named Executive Officer compensation opportunity consisted of approximately 30% fixed compensation (base salary and non-performance based bonus) and approximately 70% variable compensation (annual cash incentive compensation and long-term equity compensation). The Committee believed this was an appropriate balance given the current focus and goals of the Company. | ||
(3) | Create a strong link among the interests of shareholders, DSWs financial performance and the total compensation of executives, and align executive incentives with shareholder value creation. The Committee believes targeting above-median long-term equity award levels (as discussed below) is appropriate for DSW during a critical growth phase. As a result, the Committee annually awards equity, generally in the form of stock options and restricted stock units, to the Named Executive Officers based, in part, on DSWs financial performance. Such grants strongly align these officers interests with the interests of our shareholders as each are focused on the same result value creation. |
Abercrombie & Fitch
|
Aeropostale | American Eagle Outfitters | |||
Ann Taylor Stores
|
Bon-Ton Stores | Chicos FAS | |||
Coach
|
Collective Brands | Express | |||
Foot Locker
|
J.C. Penney | J. Crew Group | |||
Kohls
|
Limited Brands | Limited Stores | |||
Macys
|
Mervyns | Michaels Stores | |||
New York & Company
|
Nordstrom | Stage Stores | |||
Target
|
The Childrens Place | TJX Companies | |||
Tween Brands |
22
Abercrombie & Fitch
|
Aeropostale | American Eagle Outfitters | |||
Ann Taylor Stores
|
Big Lots | Bon-Ton Stores | |||
Brown Shoe Company
|
Charming Shoppes | Coach | |||
Collective Brands
|
Dicks Sporting Goods | Finish Line | |||
J. Crew Group
|
Limited Brands | New York & Company | |||
Pacific Sunwear
|
Skechers USA | Stein Mart | |||
Timberland
|
Tween Brands |
| base salary; | ||
| performance-based annual cash incentive compensation; | ||
| long-term equity incentive compensation in the form of service-based stock options and restricted stock units; and | ||
| retirement savings contributions through the 401(k) plan. |
23
| overall DSW financial performance during the prior year; | ||
| the individual performance of the Named Executive Officer during the prior year; | ||
| the target total cash compensation level of the appropriate benchmark position(s) as reflected in Survey Peer Group and Proxy Peer Group (where applicable) data; | ||
| base salary data drawn from the Survey Peer Group and Proxy Peer Group (where applicable) information where available; and | ||
| if relevant, compensation paid by a previous employer. |
2008 Salary | 2009 Salary | % Increase | ||||||||||
Ms. Ferrée |
$ | 828,970 | $ | 850,000 | 2.5 | % | ||||||
Mr. Probst |
$ | 440,000 | $ | 470,000 | 6.8 | % |
24
| no payment unless the Company achieved net income of $13.1 million (approximately 48% of the target net income level established); | ||
| a payment of at least 25% but less than 50% of the target award opportunity if the Company achieved or exceeded $13.1 million of net income but did not achieve $20.0 million of net income (approximately 74% of the target net income level established); | ||
| a payment of at least 50% but less than 100% of the target award opportunity if the Company achieved or exceeded $20.0 million of net income but did not achieve $27.0 million of net income (the target net income level established); | ||
| a payment of at least 100% but less than 200% of the target award opportunity if the Company achieved or exceeded $27.0 million of net income but did not achieve $45.3 million of net income (approximately 168% of the target net income level established); and | ||
| a payment of 200% of the target award opportunity if the Company achieved or exceeded $45.3 million of net income. |
25
26
# of | ||||||||||||||||
# | Options | Restricted | ||||||||||||||
Of | Vesting | Stock | Restricted Stock Units Vesting | |||||||||||||
Name | Options | Schedule | Units | Schedule | ||||||||||||
Ms. Ferrée |
140,000 | 20% per year | 30,000 | 25% on 1st anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||
25% on 2nd anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||||||
50% on 4th anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||||||
Mr. Probst |
78,000 | 20% per year | 16,000 | 25% on 1st anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||
25% on 2nd anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||||||
50% on 4th anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||||||
Mr. Mustafa |
56,000 | 20% per year | 12,000 | 25% on 1st anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||
25% on 2nd anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||||||
50% on 4th anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||||||
Mr. Ricker |
52,000 | 20% per year | 7,000 | 3,000 on 1st anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||
3,000 on 2nd anniversary of grant date | ||||||||||||||||
1,000 on 4th anniversary of grant date |
27
28
Respectfully submitted, | ||
Compensation Committee | ||
Philip B. Miller,Chair | ||
Elaine J.Eisenman | ||
Carolee Friedlander | ||
James D.Robbins |
29
Changes in Pension | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-Equity | Value and Non- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock | Option | Incentive Plan | Qualified Deferred | All Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name and | Fiscal | Salary | Bonus | Award(s) | Award(s) | Compensation | Compensation | Compensation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Principal Position | Year | ($) | ($) | ($)(1) | ($) (2) | (3) | Earnings | ($) (4) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein |
2009 | $ | 500,000 | $ | 250,000 | | | | | $ | 0 | $ | 750,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Chairman of the Board |
2008 | $ | 500,000 | | | $ | 537,321 | | | $ | 0 | $ | 1,037,321 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
of Directors |
2007 | $ | 500,015 | | | $ | 957,636 | | | $ | 2,994 | $ | 1,457,651 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael R. MacDonald |
2009 | $ | 730,769 | $ | 250,000 | $ | 489,150 | $ | 576,723 | $ | 1,900,000 | | $ | 19,730 | $ | 3,966,372 | ||||||||||||||||||||
President and Chief |
2008 | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Executive |
2007 | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Officer(5) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deborah L. Ferrée |
2009 | $ | 846,764 | | $ | 300,000 | $ | 700,840 | $ | 1,700,000 | | $ | 10,760 | $ | 3,558,364 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Vice Chairman and |
2008 | $ | 825,859 | $ | 414,485 | $ | 189,000 | $ | 481,979 | | | $ | 11,353 | $ | 1,922,676 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Merchandising |
2007 | $ | 770,481 | | | $ | 948,572 | | | $ | 55,205 | $ | 1,774,258 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Douglas J. Probst |
2009 | $ | 465,385 | | $ | 160,000 | $ | 390,468 | $ | 752,000 | | $ | 10,694 | $ | 1,778,547 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice |
2008 | $ | 437,077 | $ | 176,000 | $ | 103,360 | $ | 253,128 | | | $ | 10,000 | $ | 979,565 | |||||||||||||||||||||
President and Chief |
2007 | $ | 398,577 | | | $ | 412,192 | | | $ | 29,205 | $ | 839,974 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Financial Officer |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Harris Mustafa |
2009 | $ | 536,154 | | $ | 120,000 | $ | 280,336 | $ | 540,000 | | $ | 10,760 | $ | 1,487,250 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice |
2008 | $ | 510,538 | $ | 128,750 | $ | 64,600 | $ | 172,587 | | | $ | 10,244 | $ | 886,719 | |||||||||||||||||||||
President, Supply |
2007 | $ | 467,423 | | $ | 49,211 | $ | 367,775 | | | $ | 29,484 | $ | 913,893 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Chain & Merchandise
Planning & Allocation |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jon Ricker |
2009 | $ | 535,000 | | $ | 70,000 | $ | 260,312 | $ | 535,000 | | $ | 10,760 | $ | 1,411,072 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Executive Vice |
2008 | $ | 491,308 | $ | 133,750 | $ | 105,750 | $ | 172,587 | | | $ | 9,982 | $ | 913,377 | |||||||||||||||||||||
President and Chief
Strategic |
2007 | $ | 446,000 | | | $ | 367,775 | | | $ | 9,667 | $ | 823,442 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Officer |
(1) | This column represents the grant date fair value of RSUs granted in fiscal 2009 as well as prior fiscal years in accordance with ASC 718. For RSUs, fair value is calculated using the closing price of DSW Class A Common Stock on the date of grant. For additional information on the valuation assumptions, refer to note 3 of DSWs financial statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010, as filed with the SEC. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for information on awards made in fiscal 2009. The amounts reflected are for the fair value of RSUs granted and do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the Named Executive Officers. | |
(2) | This column represents the grant date fair value of stock options granted in fiscal 2009 as well as prior fiscal years in accordance with ASC 718. For additional information on the valuation assumptions, refer to note 3 of DSWs financial statements in the Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2010, as filed with the SEC. See the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table for information on options granted in fiscal 2009. The amounts reflected are for the fair value of the stock options granted and do not necessarily correspond to the actual value that will be recognized by the Named Executive Officers. |
30
(3) | This column represents the dollar amount earned by each applicable Named Executive Officer pursuant to our ICP for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007. See the Compensation Discussion and Analysis above and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table below for information on the grant of these awards. | |
(4) | The following table describes each component of the All Other Compensation column in the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal 2009. |
401(k) Matching | Life Insurance | |||||||||||||||
Name | Relocation Expenses | Contributions | Premium | Total | ||||||||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Michael R. MacDonald |
$ | 19,140 | $ | 0 | $ | 591 | $ | 19,730 | ||||||||
Deborah L. Ferrée |
$ | 0 | $ | 9,800 | $ | 960 | $ | 10,760 | ||||||||
Douglas J. Probst |
$ | 0 | $ | 9,800 | $ | 894 | $ | 10,694 | ||||||||
Harris Mustafa |
$ | 0 | $ | 9,800 | $ | 960 | $ | 10,760 | ||||||||
Jon Ricker |
$ | 0 | $ | 9,800 | $ | 960 | $ | 10,760 |
(5) | Mr. MacDonalds employment with us began on April 27, 2009. As part of his employment negotiations, we agreed to pay Mr. MacDonald a bonus of $250,000 upon his start of employment and an additional $250,000 upon his first anniversary of employment. The $250,000 payable in fiscal 2009 is reflected in the Bonus column. |
31
Estimated Possible Payouts Under Non- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity Incentive Plan Awards (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All Other | All Other Option | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock Awards: | Awards: Number | Exercise or | Grant Date Fair | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | of Securities | Base Price | Value of Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares of Stock | Underlying | of Option | and Option | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Grant | Threshold | Target | Maximum | or Units | Options | Awards | Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | Date | ($) | ($) | ($) | (#) (2) | (#) (2) | ($/Sh) | ($) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | | | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael R. MacDonald |
4/30/2009 | $ | 237,500 | $ | 950,000 | $ | 1,900,000 | 45,000 | 105,000 | $ | 10.87 | $ | 1,065,873 | |||||||||||||||||||
Deborah L. Ferrée |
4/1/2009 | $ | 212,500 | $ | 850,000 | $ | 1,700,000 | 30,000 | 140,000 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 1,000,840 | |||||||||||||||||||
Douglas J. Probst |
4/1/2009 | $ | 94,000 | $ | 376,000 | $ | 752,000 | 16,000 | 78,000 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 550,468 | |||||||||||||||||||
Harris Mustafa |
4/1/2009 | $ | 67,500 | $ | 270,000 | $ | 540,000 | 12,000 | 56,000 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 400,336 | |||||||||||||||||||
Jon Ricker |
4/1/2009 | $ | 66,875 | $ | 267,500 | $ | 535,000 | 7,000 | 52,000 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 330,312 |
(1) | These columns represent potential payouts for fiscal 2009 under our ICP. See the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for a discussion of the performance-based criteria applicable to these awards. | ||
(2) | Generally, options vest ratably over five years on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date and 50% of the restricted stock units vest ratably over two years on the first two anniversaries of the grant date, with the remainder vesting on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. Mr. MacDonalds (i) stock options vest ratably over three years on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date and (ii) restricted stock units cliff vest 100% on the third anniversary of the grant date. Six thousand of Mr. Rickers restricted stock units vest ratably over two years on each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date; the remaining 1,000 restricted stock units cliff vest 100% on the fourth anniversary of the grant date. Dividend equivalents are not paid or accrued. |
32
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | Incentive Plan | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity | Incentive Plan | Awards: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Incentive Plan | Awards: | Market or | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Awards: | Market | Number of | Payout Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Number of | Number of | Number of | Value of | Unearned | of Unearned | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities | Securities | Securities | Shares or | Shares or | Shares, Units, | Shares, Units, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Underlying | Underlying | Underlying | Units of | Units of | or Other | or Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unexercised | Unexercised | Unexercised | Option | Stock That | Stock That | Rights That | Rights That | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Options | Options | Unearned | Exercise | Option | Have Not | Have Not | Have Not | Have Not | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercisable | Unexercisable | Options | Price | Expiration | Vested | Vested | Vested | Vested | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | (#) | (#) | (#) | ($) | Date | (#) | ($) (1) | (#) | ($) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
25,020 | 16,680 | (2) | N/A | $ | 27.80 | 9/7/2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein |
21,560 | 32,340 | (3) | N/A | $ | 42.88 | 4/5/2017 | | | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
18,680 | 74,720 | (4) | N/A | $ | 12.92 | 4/3/2018 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Michael R. MacDonald |
0 | 105,000 | (5) | N/A | $ | 10.87 | 4/30/2019 | 45,000 | (6) | $ | 1,084,500 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||
120,000 | 30,000 | (7) | N/A | $ | 19.00 | 6/28/2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deborah L. Ferrée |
21,360 | 32,040 | (3) | N/A | $ | 42.88 | 4/5/2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
15,800 | 63,200 | (8) | N/A | $ | 13.50 | 4/23/2018 | 44,000 | (10) | $ | 1,060,400 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 140,000 | (9) | N/A | $ | 10.00 | 4/1/2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
56,000 | 14,000 | (11) | N/A | $ | 19.00 | 6/28/2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Douglas J. Probst |
9,280 | 13,920 | (3) | N/A | $ | 42.88 | 4/5/2017 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8,800 | 35,200 | (4) | N/A | $ | 12.92 | 4/3/2018 | 24,000 | (12) | $ | 578,400 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 78,000 | (9) | N/A | $ | 10.00 | 4/1/2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18,000 | 12,000 | (13) | N/A | $ | 35.79 | 7/10/2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8,280 | 12,420 | (3) | N/A | $ | 42.88 | 4/5/2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Harris Mustafa |
6,000 | 24,000 | (4) | N/A | $ | 12.92 | 4/3/2018 | 22,500 | (14) | $ | 542,250 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 56,000 | (9) | N/A | $ | 10.00 | 4/1/2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
18,000 | 12,000 | (15) | N/A | $ | 27.76 | 3/8/2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
8,280 | 12,420 | (3) | N/A | $ | 42.88 | 4/5/2017 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jon Ricker |
6,000 | 24,000 | (4) | N/A | $ | 12.92 | 4/3/2018 | 22,500 | (16) | $ | 542,250 | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||||||||
0 | 52,000 | (9) | N/A | $ | 10.00 | 4/1/2019 |
(1) | Represents the closing market price of DSW Class A common stock on last day of the fiscal year times number of shares not yet vested. | ||
(2) | Remaining options vest over two years on September 7 of each year. | ||
(3) | Remaining options vest over three years on April 5 of each year. | ||
(4) | Remaining options vest over four years on April 3 of each year. | ||
(5) | Options vest over three years on April 30 of each year. | ||
(6) | Restricted stock units vest on April 30, 2012. | ||
(7) | Remaining options vest on June 28, 2010. | ||
(8) | Remaining options vest over four years on April 23 of each year. | ||
(9) | Options vest over five years on April 1 of each year. | ||
(10) | Restricted stock units vest on April 1, 2010 (7,500), April 1, 2011 (7,500), April 23, 2012 (14,000) and April 1, 2013 (15,000). | ||
(11) | Remaining options vest on March 14, 2010. | ||
(12) | Restricted stock units vest on April 1, 2010 (4,000), April 1, 2011 (4,000), April 3, 2012 (8,000) and April 1, 2013 (8,000). | ||
(13) | Remaining options vest over two years on July 10 of each year. | ||
(14) | Restricted stock units vest on April 1, 2010 (3,000), July 10, 2010 (5,500), April 1, 2011 (3,000), April 3, 2012 (5,000), and April 1, 2013 (6,000). | ||
(15) | Remaining options vest over two years on March 8 of each year. | ||
(16) | Restricted stock units vest on March 8, 2010 (5,500), April 1, 2010 (3,000), April 1, 2011 (3,000), April 3, 2012 (5,000), September 29, 2012 (5,000), and April 1, 2013 (1,000). |
33
Option Awards | Stock Awards | |||||||||||||||
Number of Shares Acquired on | Value Realized | |||||||||||||||
Exercise | On Exercise | Number of Shares Acquired | Value Realized | |||||||||||||
Name | (#) | ($) | on Vesting | on Vesting | ||||||||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
Michael R. MacDonald |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
Deborah L. Ferrée |
N/A | N/A | 28,200 | $ | 270,720 | |||||||||||
Douglas J. Probst |
N/A | N/A | 13,000 | $ | 124,800 | |||||||||||
Harris Mustafa |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||
Jon Ricker |
N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Ms. Ferrée and Messrs. MacDonald, Probst, Mustafa, and Ricker have employment agreements with DSW that provide for limited payments and benefits following termination of their employment without cause or if the executive terminates employment for good reason. Additionally, our Equity Plan provides for acceleration of the vesting of outstanding equity awards upon a change in control for all Company associates, including the Named Executive Officers. |
Generally, pursuant to each Named Executive Officers employment agreement, if DSW involuntarily terminates the officers employment without cause or if the officer voluntarily terminates employment for good reason, each of Ms. Ferrée and Messrs. MacDonald, Probst, Mustafa and Ricker are entitled to receive: |
(i) | salary continuation for at least a 12-month period based on the executives salary as of the date of termination; | ||
(ii) | a pro-rata share of any annual cash incentive bonus paid for performance in the fiscal year when termination occurs; | ||
(iii) | one year of accelerated vesting with respect to outstanding stock options; and | ||
(iv) | continuing health coverage for at least 12 months. |
Also, pursuant to each officers employment agreement, if employment terminates as a result of death or disability, each of Ms. Ferrée and Messrs. MacDonald, Probst, Mustafa and Ricker are entitled to receive a pro-rata share of any annual cash incentive bonus paid for performance in the fiscal year when termination occurs. | ||
Each executives employment agreement also contains confidentiality and non-disparagement provisions effective through the term of the agreement, a non-competition provision effective through the longer of one year following termination of employment or the period of any salary continuation, and a non-solicitation provision effective through the longer of two years following termination of employment or the period of any salary continuation. |
34
For additional information about these employment agreements, see Employment Agreements with Key Executives (below). |
Pursuant to our Equity Plan and any applicable award agreement, termination by reason of death, disability or retirement (defined as termination after reaching age 65 and completing at least five years of employment) entitles each Named Executive Officer to receive accelerated vesting with respect to all equity awards that are not vested as of the date of termination. | ||
Pursuant to the Equity Plan and any applicable award agreement, a change in control entitles all associates, including each Named Executive Officer, to receive accelerated vesting with respect to all equity awards that are not vested as of the date of the termination. |
The estimated value of the benefits described above are presented in the table below and are calculated as if the respective termination or change in control event occurred on January 30, 2010 and our stock price was $24.10, the closing price of our Class A Common Shares on January 29, 2010, the last trading day of fiscal 2009 in the case of termination, and $26.91 in the case of change in control based on the calculation methodology specified in our Equity Plan. The amounts below assume each Named Executive Officers salary and annual incentive award is as set forth above in the Summary Compensation Table for fiscal 2009. The actual amounts to be paid out will only be determinable at the time of actual payment. |
35
Involuntary | ||||||||||||||||
Termination Without | Involuntary | Voluntary | ||||||||||||||
Cause or Voluntary | Termination | Termination | ||||||||||||||
Termination for Good | Because of Death | Because of | Change in | |||||||||||||
Named Executive Officer | Reason (1) | or Disability (2) | Retirement (2) | Control (2) | ||||||||||||
Jay L. Schottenstein |
||||||||||||||||
Salary Continuation |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Benefits Continuation |
$ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of Equity |
$ | 0 | $ | 835,370 | $ | 835,370 | $ | 1,045,333 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 0 | $ | 835,370 | $ | 835,370 | $ | 1,045,333 | ||||||||
Michael R. MacDonald |
||||||||||||||||
Salary Continuation (3) |
$ | 950,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Benefits Continuation (4) |
$ | 5,266 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of Equity |
$ | 463,050 | $ | 2,473,650 | 2,473,650 | $ | 2,768,700 | |||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,418,316 | $ | 2,473,650 | $ | 2,473,650 | $ | 2,768,700 | ||||||||
Deborah L. Ferrée |
||||||||||||||||
Salary Continuation (3) |
$ | 850,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Benefits Continuation (4) |
$ | 2,521 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of Equity |
$ | 896,030 | $ | 3,857,320 | $ | 3,857,320 | $ | 4,512,612 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 1,748,551 | $ | 3,857,320 | $ | 3,857,320 | $ | 4,512,612 | ||||||||
Douglas J. Probst |
||||||||||||||||
Salary Continuation (3) |
$ | 470,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Benefits Continuation (4) |
$ | 7,591 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of Equity |
$ | 486,144 | $ | 2,143,136 | $ | 2,143,136 | $ | 2,500,568 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 963,735 | $ | 2,143,136 | $ | 2,143,136 | $ | 2,500,568 | ||||||||
Harris Mustafa |
||||||||||||||||
Salary Continuation (3) |
$ | 540,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Benefits Continuation (4) |
$ | 7,591 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of Equity |
$ | 429,850 | $ | 1,600,170 | $ | 1,600,170 | $ | 1,824,970 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 977,441 | $ | 1,600,170 | $ | 1,600,170 | $ | 1,824,970 | ||||||||
Jon J. Ricker |
||||||||||||||||
Salary Continuation (3) |
$ | 535,000 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Benefits Continuation (4) |
$ | 4,536 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | $ | 0 | ||||||||
Accelerated Vesting of Equity |
$ | 418,570 | $ | 1,543,770 | $ | 1,543,770 | $ | 1,757,330 | ||||||||
Total |
$ | 958,106 | $ | 1,543,770 | $ | 1,543,770 | $ | 1,757,330 |
(1) | The amount reported for Accelerated Vesting of Equity reflects the intrinsic value of unvested stock options and restricted stock units that would vest during the one year following the Named Executive Officers date of termination. | ||
(2) | The amount reported for Accelerated Vesting of Equity reflects the intrinsic value of unvested stock options and restricted stock units that would vest upon the Executives date of termination or upon a change in control, as the case may be. | ||
(3) | The amount reported reflects the continued payment of base salary for a period of 12 months at the rate in effect on the Executives date of termination. | ||
(4) | The amount reported reflects the cost of maintaining health care coverage for a period of 12 months at the coverage level in effect as of the Executives date of termination. The cost of maintaining health care |
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coverage is calculated as the difference between (i) the companys cost of providing the benefits and (ii) the amount the Executive paid for such benefits as of the Executives date of termination. |
Mr. Schottenstein | ||
We have not entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Schottenstein, our Chairman. Mr. Schottenstein was appointed to this position on March 14, 2005. | ||
Mr. MacDonald | ||
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. MacDonald, our President and Chief Executive Officer, in March 2009. The agreement provides for an indefinite term, subject to earlier termination pursuant to certain events (and potential payment amounts) summarized under Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control above. As of January 30, 2010, Mr. MacDonalds base salary was $950,000. Mr. MacDonald also participates in our ICP with a target bonus opportunity of 100% of his base salary and a maximum annual bonus of 200% of base salary. In addition, Mr. MacDonald received a signing bonus of $500,000, $250,000 of which was paid on his date of hire, and $250,000 of which is payable on his first anniversary of employment. The agreement also provides for Mr. MacDonalds participation in our 401(k) plan and welfare benefit plans. | ||
Ms. Ferrée | ||
We entered into an employment agreement with Ms. Ferrée, our Vice Chairman and Chief Merchandising Officer, in November 2004. The agreement provides for an indefinite term, subject to earlier termination pursuant to certain events (and potential payment amounts) summarized under Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control above. As of January 30, 2010, Ms. Ferrées base salary was $850,000, which is to be increased annually by a minimum of 2.5% over the previous years base salary. Ms. Ferrée also participates in our ICP with a target bonus opportunity of 100% of base salary and a maximum annual bonus of 200% of base salary. The agreement also provides for Ms. Ferrées participation in our 401(k) plan and welfare benefit plans. | ||
Mr. Probst | ||
We entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Probst, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, in March 2005. The agreement provides for an indefinite term, subject to earlier termination pursuant to certain events (and potential payment amounts) summarized under Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control above. As of January 30, 2010, Mr. Probsts base salary was $470,000. Mr. Probst also participates in our ICP with a target bonus opportunity of 80% of his base salary and a maximum annual bonus of 160% of base salary. The agreement also provides for Mr. Probsts participation in our 401(k) plan and welfare benefit plans. | ||
Mr. Mustafa | ||
We entered into an employment agreement with Harris Mustafa, our Executive Vice President, Supply Chain and Merchandise Planning and Allocation, in July 2006. The agreement provides for an indefinite term, subject to earlier termination pursuant to certain events (and potential payment amounts) summarized under Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control above. As of January 30, 2010, Mr. Mustafas base salary was $540,000. Mr. Mustafa also participates in our ICP with a target bonus opportunity of 50% of base salary and a maximum annual bonus of 100% of base salary. The agreement also provides for Mr. Mustafas participation in our 401(k) plan and welfare benefit plans. | ||
Mr. Ricker | ||
We entered into an amended employment agreement with Mr. Ricker, our Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, in March 2009. The agreement provides for an indefinite term, subject to earlier termination pursuant to certain events (and potential payment amounts) summarized under Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control above. As of January 30, 2010, Mr. Rickers base salary was $535,000 Mr. Ricker also participates in our ICP with a target bonus opportunity of 50% of his base salary and a |
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maximum annual bonus of 100% of base salary. The agreement also provides for Mr. Rickers participation in our 401(k) plan and welfare benefit plans. |
The Compensation Committee has reviewed the design and operation of our compensation policies and practices, including incentive compensation arrangements for our named executive officers and for all employees. The Compensation Committee has determined that the Companys compensation policies and practices do not encourage our employees to take unnecessary or inappropriate risks that could reasonably be expected to materially threaten our value. Several factors contribute to this assessment, including the following: |
| The Compensation Committee reviews the quality of our earnings prior to approving incentive payments; | ||
| We provide a significant percentage of compensation based on performance, which is in turn based on annual and long-term incentives that require sustained value creation over several years to earn target incentives; | ||
| For cash incentive payments made under our 2005 Cash Incentive Compensation Plan, the Compensation Committee provides a maximum payout of 200% of target; | ||
| We use the same financial metrichistorically net incometo determine annual incentive payouts for all home office bonus eligible associates; | ||
| Certain payments to our Named Executive Officers are subject to recovery if we restate a financial statement due to material noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement under the securities laws, and such noncompliance is a result of misconduct; and | ||
| The Compensation Committee has the discretion to adjust incentive payments based on key performance indicators that have a long-term financial impact, and an assessment of whether results are consistent with our values. |
Our Compensation Committee reviews director compensation and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding director compensation. | ||
Our current director compensation policies provide that each director who does not otherwise receive compensation (including severance) from DSW or Retail Ventures will receive: |
| An annual retainer of $110,000; and | ||
| An additional annual retainer for committee service for each committee on which such director serves (provided that the committee chairs do not receive such additional retainer) as follows: |
° | Audit Committee $15,000 | ||
° | Compensation Committee $11,500 | ||
° | Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee $7,500 | ||
° | Technology Committee $7,500 |
The annual retainers are paid as follows: |
| One-half in cash, payable in quarterly installments on the last day of each fiscal quarter; and | ||
| One-half in stock units, payable on the date of each annual meeting of the shareholders for the purpose of electing directors, determined by dividing the amount of the retainer to be paid in stock units by the per-share market value of our Class A Common Shares on the grant date. |
Directors do not receive any additional compensation for attending board meetings or board committee meetings. However, the chairmen of the Audit Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, Compensation Committee, and Technology Committee each receive an additional $35,000, $20,000, $30,000, and $20,000 in cash or stock units (as they may elect) per year, respectively. We pay this compensation on a |
38
quarterly basis. All members of our Board of Directors are reimbursed for reasonable costs and expenses incurred in attending meetings of our Board of Directors and its committees. | ||
In May 2009, the Board determined to provide special compensation to members of the CEO Search Committee. The Board determined to pay the chair of the Committee, Mr. Miller, $20,000, and the other members of the Committee, Messes. Eisenman and Friedlander, $10,000. All compensation paid for service on the CEO Search Committee was paid in the form of stock units. | ||
Non-management directors may elect to have any of the cash portion of their compensation paid in the form of stock units in lieu of cash. | ||
Stock units issued to a director are fully vested on the date of grant, but will not be distributable to the director until the director leaves the board (for any reason). When the director leaves the board, the stock units owed to the director will be settled in DSW Class A Common Shares (with cash for any fractional shares), unless the directors award agreement provides for a cash settlement. The stock units will be settled in a lump sum transfer, and the compensated director may not defer settlement or spread the settlement over a longer period of time. | ||
Directors have no voting rights in respect to the stock units, but they will have the power to vote the DSW Class A Common Shares received upon settlement of the award. In general, directors have equivalent rights to receive dividends paid on DSW Class A Common Shares. Each director will be credited with the same dividend that would be issued if the stock unit was a DSW Class A Common Share. The amounts associated with the dividend equivalent rights will not be distributed until the directors stock unit award is settled at the time that the director leaves the board. We will be entitled to a tax deduction when the award is settled, and the director will be taxed on the then fair market value of the award. |
Change In Pension | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Value and | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-Equity | Nonqualified | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Fees Earned or | Option | Incentive Plan | Deferred | All Other | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Paid in Cash | Stock Awards | Awards | Compensation | Compensation | Compensation | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Name | ($) | ($)(1)(2) | ($) | ($) | Earnings | ($) | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
Elaine J. Eisenman |
$ | 64,500 | $ | 74,500 | None | None | None | None | $ | 139,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Carolee Friedlander |
$ | 64,500 | $ | 74,500 | None | None | None | None | $ | 139,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Joanna T. Lau |
$ | 87,500 | $ | 62,500 | None | None | None | None | $ | 150,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Roger S. Markfield(3) |
None | $ | 119,375 | None | None | None | None | $ | 119,375 | |||||||||||||||||||
Philip B. Miller |
$ | 92,500 | $ | 82,500 | None | None | None | None | $ | 175,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
James D. Robbins |
$ | 101,375 | $ | 64,500 | None | None | None | None | $ | 165,875 | ||||||||||||||||||
Harvey L. Sonnenberg |
$ | 60,625 | $ | 58,750 | None | None | None | None | $ | 119,375 | ||||||||||||||||||
Allan J. Tanenbaum |
$ | 82,500 | $ | 62,500 | None | None | None | None | $ | 145,000 |
(1) | Each of our directors who is not an employee of DSW or Retail Ventures and who does not otherwise receive compensation (including severance) from DSW or Retail Ventures were granted stock units on May 21, 2009. The number of stock units and the full grant date fair value of the stock units granted to each eligible director were (includes stock units granted to members of the CEO Search Committee): |
Number of Stock | ||||||||
Name | Units Granted | Fair Value | ||||||
Elaine J. Eisenman |
5,885 | $ | 74,500 | |||||
Carolee Friedlander |
5,885 | $ | 74,500 | |||||
Joanna T. Lau |
4,937 | $ | 62,500 | |||||
Roger S. Markfield |
4,641 | $ | 58,750 | |||||
Philip B. Miller |
6,517 | $ | 82,500 | |||||
James D. Robbins |
5,095 | $ | 64,500 | |||||
Harvey L. Sonnenberg |
4,641 | $ | 58,750 | |||||
Allan J. Tanenbaum |
4,937 | $ | 62,500 |
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(2) | As of January 30, 2010, each director listed had the following number of stock units outstanding: |
Number of Stock Units Outstanding | ||||
Name | as of January 30, 2010 | |||
Elaine J. Eisenman |
10,698 | |||
Carolee Friedlander |
17,040 | |||
Joanna T. Lau |
9,601 | |||
Roger S. Markfield |
17,062 | |||
Philip B. Miller |
17,523 | |||
James D. Robbins |
15,971 | |||
Harvey L. Sonnenberg |
15,087 | |||
Allan J. Tanenbaum |
26,723 |
(3) | Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2008, Mr. Markfield elected to receive payment of all fees in the form of stock awards. |
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The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has appointed Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2011. In the event the shareholders do not ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Audit Committee will reconsider its appointment. In addition, even if the shareholders ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Audit Committee may in its discretion appoint a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that a change is in the best interest of the Company. |
Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the annual meeting to respond to appropriate questions and to make a statement if such representatives so desire. |
The Board of Directors recommends that the shareholders vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending January 29, 2011. |
Prior to the completion of our initial public offering in July 2005, we were operated as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Retail Ventures. As of March 22, 2010, Retail Ventures owned 27,382,667 of our Class B Common Shares, constituting all of our issued and outstanding Class B Common Shares, or approximately 62.6% of our total outstanding shares and approximately 93.0% of the combined voting power of our outstanding Common Shares. Retail Ventures has the power acting alone to approve any action requiring a vote of the majority of our voting shares, including the election of all our directors and ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010. |
As of March 22, 2010, Jay L. Schottenstein, the Chairman of Retail Ventures, beneficially owned approximately 65.6% of the common shares of SSC. As of March 22, 2010, SSC and its affiliates owned approximately 51.9% of the outstanding shares and beneficially owned approximately 53.6% of the outstanding shares of Retail Ventures (assumes issuance of 1,731,460 Retail Ventures common shares issuable upon the exercise of term loan warrants). For fiscal 2009, we paid approximately $17.1 million in total fees, rents and expenses to SSC and its affiliates. |
In the ordinary course of business, we have entered into a number of agreements with Retail Ventures and SSC and their affiliates relating to our business and our relationship with these companies, the material terms of which are described below. We believe that each of the agreements entered into with these entities is on terms at least as favorable to us as could be obtained in an arms length transaction with an unaffiliated third party. In the event that we desire to enter into any agreements with Retail Ventures or any of our directors, officers or other affiliates in the future, in accordance with Ohio law, any contract, action or other transaction between or affecting us and one of our directors or officers or between or affecting us and any entity in which one or more of our directors or officers is a director, trustee or officer or has a financial or personal interest, will either be approved by the shareholders, a majority of the disinterested members of our Board of Directors or a committee of our Board of Directors that authorizes such contracts, action or other transactions or must be fair to us as of the time our directors, a committee of our directors or our shareholders approve the contract, action or transaction. In addition, any transactions with directors, officers or other affiliates will be subject to requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, as well as to our written related party transaction policy described below. |
In June 2006, our board of directors approved a written related party transaction policy which gives our Audit Committee the power to approve or disapprove potential related party transactions, arrangements or relationships between us and a related person, as described below. The related party transaction policy was |
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amended in March 2007 and a copy of the policy can be found at our corporate and investor website at www.dswinc.com and is available in print (without charge) to any shareholder upon request. The related party transaction policy provides for the review, approval or ratification of any related person transaction that we are required to report under this section of the proxy statement. |
For purposes of this policy, a Related Person Transaction is any transaction which is currently proposed or has been in effect at any time since the beginning of the last fiscal year, in which the Company or any of its subsidiaries, was, or is proposed to be, a participant, and in which any of the following persons (each, a Related Person) has or will have a direct or indirect material interest: |
(1) | any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of the Companys last fiscal year was, a director, director nominee or executive officer of the Company; | ||
(2) | a shareholder of the Company who owns more than five percent (5%) of any class of the Companys voting securities; | ||
(3) | a member of the immediate family of any person described in (1) or (2) above; and | ||
(4) | an entity in which any person described in (1), (2) or (3) above has a greater than ten percent (10%) equity interest. |
In determining whether to approve a related person transaction, the Audit Committee considers the following factors, to the extent relevant: |
| Is the transaction in the normal course of the Companys business? | ||
| Are the terms of the transaction fair to the Company? | ||
| Are the terms of the transaction commercially reasonable? Are the terms of the transaction substantially the same as the terms that the Company would be able to obtain in an arms-length transaction with an unrelated third party? | ||
| Has the Company obtained an independent appraisal or completed a financial analysis of the transaction? If so, what are the results of such appraisal or analysis? | ||
| Is the transaction in the best interests of the Company? The Companys shareholders? | ||
| Would the transaction impair a directors independence in the event that the Related Person is an independent director? |
Based on an analysis of these factors (and other additional factors that the Audit Committee may deem relevant based on the circumstances), the Audit Committee takes formal action to either approve or reject the related person transaction. |
Prior to the completion of our initial public offering in July 2005, we were a wholly-owned subsidiary of Value City or Retail Ventures since 1998. As a result, in the ordinary course of our business, we have received various services provided by Value City and Retail Ventures, including import administration, risk management, information technology, tax, financial services, and benefits administration and payroll, as well as other corporate services. Retail Ventures also maintained insurance for us and for our directors, officers and employees. Retail Ventures also provided us with the services of a number of its executives and employees. Our historical financial statements include allocations to us by Retail Ventures of its costs related to these services. These cost allocations have been determined on a basis that we and Retail Ventures consider to be reasonable reflections of the use of services provided or the benefit received by us. |
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As of March 22, 2010, Retail Ventures owns approximately 62.6% of the outstanding shares of our Common Shares, and approximately 93.0% of the combined voting power of our outstanding Common Shares. For as long as Retail Ventures continues to control more than 50% of the combined voting power of our Common Shares, Retail Ventures will be able to direct the election of all the members of our board and exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs, including any determinations with respect to mergers or other business combinations involving our company, the acquisition or disposition of assets by our company, the incurrence of indebtedness by our company, the issuance of any additional common shares or other equity securities, and the payment of dividends with respect to our Common Shares. Similarly, Retail Ventures will have the power to determine matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders without the consent of our other shareholders, will have the power to prevent a change in control of our company and will have the power to take other actions that might be favorable to Retail Ventures. | ||
On January 15, 2010, we entered into a share purchase agreement with Retail Ventures pursuant to which we purchased from Retail Ventures 320,000 Class B Common Shares for an aggregate amount of $8.0 million. | ||
Retail Ventures has not advised us that it currently intends to dispose of the Common Shares owned by it, excluding the sale to us of 320,000 Class B Common Shares and except to the extent necessary to satisfy its obligations, including obligations under the Retail Ventures Premium Income Exchangeable Securities (PIES) and obligations under warrants it has granted to SSC and its affiliates, Cerberus Partners L.P. (Cerberus), and Millennium Partners, L.P. (Millennium). In addition, Retail Ventures is subject to contractual obligations with its warrantholders to retain enough DSW Common Shares to be able to satisfy its obligations to deliver such shares to its warrantholders if the warrantholders elect to exercise their warrants in full for DSW Class A Common Shares. Retail Ventures is also subject to contractual obligations with the holders of the PIES to retain enough DSW Common Shares to be able to satisfy its obligations to deliver shares to the holders of the PIES. In addition, in the event that the PIES were to be accelerated, a payment which is required to be paid to the PIES holders by RVI can be satisfied by, in lieu of paying cash, using additional Class A Common Shares upon compliance with the terms of the instruments governing the PIES. The settlement of the PIES will not change the number of DSW Common Shares outstanding, although shares delivered upon the settlement of the PIES will generally be freely tradable by the former PIES holders as a result of having been registered in connection with the initial issuance of the PIES. | ||
If Retail Ventures were to require funds to service or refinance its indebtedness or to fund its operations in the future and could not obtain capital from alternative sources, it could seek to sell some or all of the Common Shares of DSW that it holds in order to obtain such funds. |
This section describes the material provisions of agreements between us and Retail Ventures. The description of the agreements is not complete and, with respect to each material agreement, is qualified by reference to the terms of the agreement, each of which is filed as an exhibit to our registration statement filed in connection with our initial public offering or subsequent filings we have made with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We entered into these agreements with Retail Ventures in the context of our relationship with Retail Ventures. The prices and other terms of these agreements may be less favorable to us than those we could have obtained in arms-length negotiations with unaffiliated third parties for similar services or under similar agreements. | ||
Agreements Relating to our Separation from Retail Ventures | ||
In connection with our initial public offering, we and Retail Ventures entered into agreements governing various interim and ongoing relationships between us. These agreements include: |
| a master separation agreement; | ||
| a shared services agreement and other intercompany arrangements; | ||
| a tax separation agreement; | ||
| an exchange agreement; and | ||
| a footwear fixture agreement. |
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Effective March 17, 2008, we amended the shared services agreement and tax separation agreement. |
Master Separation Agreement. The Master Separation Agreement contains key provisions relating to the separation of our business from Retail Ventures. The Master Separation Agreement requires us to exchange information with Retail Ventures, follow certain accounting practices and resolve disputes with Retail Ventures in a particular manner. We also have agreed to maintain the confidentiality of certain information and preserve available legal privileges. The separation agreement also contains provisions relating to the allocation of the costs of our initial public offering, indemnification, non-solicitation of employees and employee benefit matters. | ||
Under the master separation agreement, we agreed to effect up to one demand registration per calendar year of our Common Shares, whether Class A or Class B, held by Retail Ventures, if requested by Retail Ventures. We have also granted Retail Ventures the right to include its Common Shares of DSW in an unlimited number of other registrations of such shares initiated by us or on behalf of our other shareholders. | ||
Amended and Restated Shared Services Agreement. Effective March 17, 2008, we entered into an Amended and Restated Shared Services Agreement with Retail Ventures and its subsidiaries. Pursuant to the terms of the Amended and Restated Shared Services Agreement, we provide Retail Ventures and its subsidiaries with key services relating to risk management, tax, financial services, benefits administration, payroll and information technology. The current term of the Amended and Restated Shared Services Agreement expired at the end of fiscal 2009, was extended automatically for fiscal 2010 and will be extended automatically for additional one-year terms unless terminated by one of the parties. With respect to each shared service, we cannot reasonably anticipate whether the services will be shared for a period shorter or longer than the initial term. | ||
Prior to March 17, 2008, Retail Ventures provided us with services relating to import administration, risk management, tax, logistics, legal services, financial services, benefits administration and payroll and maintained insurance for us and for our directors, officers, and employees. | ||
Prior to and following the consummation of our initial public offering, we have had, and will continue to have, the option to use certain administrative and marketing services provided by third party vendors pursuant to contracts between those third party vendors and Retail Ventures. We pay Retail Ventures for these services as expenses for these services are incurred. These services are provided to us by virtue of our status as Retail Ventures affiliate and are unrelated to those delineated in the Shared Services Agreement. | ||
In fiscal 2009, we paid Retail Ventures approximately $0.5 million for our portion of expenses relating to the Northland office facility. In addition, in fiscal 2009, Retail Ventures paid us approximately $2.2 million for services we rendered on behalf of Retail Ventures and its affiliates. | ||
Tax Separation Agreement. Effective March 17, 2008, we are exclusively responsible for preparing any tax return with respect to Retail Ventures Consolidated Group or any Combined Group. Retail Ventures continues to be responsible for filing any tax return with respect to the Consolidated Group. We continue to be responsible for preparing and filing any tax returns that include only us and our subsidiaries. For the tax services provided to Retail Ventures by us, Retail Ventures pays a monthly fee equal to its respective share of all costs associated with the maintenance and operation of our tax department (including all overhead expenses). In addition, Retail Ventures reimburses us for 100% of any third party fees and expenses incurred by our tax department in connection with the performance of the tax services that are solely incurred for Retail Ventures. | ||
We are primarily responsible for controlling and contesting any audit or other tax proceeding with respect to the Consolidated Group or any Combined Group. In cases involving taxes relating to a spin-off, we have the right to control decisions to resolve, settle or otherwise agree to any deficiency, claim or adjustment with respect to any item for which we are solely liable under the tax separation agreement. Pursuant to the Tax Separation Agreement, we have the right to control and contest any audit or tax proceeding that relates to any tax returns that include only us and our subsidiaries. We and Retail Ventures have joint control over decisions to resolve, settle or otherwise agree to any deficiency, claim or adjustment for which we and Retail Ventures could be jointly liable, except in cases involving taxes relating to a spin-off. Disputes arising between the parties relating to matters covered by the tax separation agreement are subject to resolution through specific dispute resolution provisions. | ||
We have been included in the Consolidated Group for periods in which Retail Ventures owned at least 80% of the total voting power and value of our outstanding stock. Following completion of our initial public offering in July 2005, we are no longer included in the federal Consolidated Group. Each member of a consolidated group |
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for U.S. federal income tax purposes is jointly and severally liable for the U.S. federal income tax liability of each other member of the consolidated group. Similarly, in some state and local jurisdictions, each member of a consolidated, combined or unitary group is jointly and severally liable for the state and local income tax liability of each other member of the consolidated, combined or unitary group. Accordingly, although the Tax Separation Agreement allocates tax liabilities between us and Retail Ventures, for any period in which we were included in the Consolidated Group or a Combined Group, we could be liable in the event that any income tax liability was incurred, but not discharged, by any other member of the Consolidated Group or a Combined Group. | ||
Present and future majority-owned affiliates of us or Retail Ventures will be bound by our agreements, unless Retail Ventures or we, as applicable, consent to grant a release of an affiliate (such consent cannot be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), which may limit our ability to sell or otherwise dispose of such affiliates. Additionally, a minority interest participant(s) in a future joint venture, if any, would need to evaluate the effect of the tax separation agreement on such joint venture, and such evaluation may negatively affect their decision whether to participate in such a joint venture. Furthermore, the tax separation agreement may negatively affect our ability to acquire a majority interest in a joint venture. | ||
For fiscal years after fiscal 2007, we and Retail Ventures will no longer reimburse each other for the benefits or detriments derived from combined and unitary state and local filing positions. In fiscal 2009, Retail Ventures contributed tax benefits to us resulting in non-cash capital contributions of $4.7 million. | ||
Exchange Agreement. In connection with our initial public offering, we entered into an exchange agreement with Retail Ventures. In the event that Retail Ventures desires to exchange all or a portion of the Class B Common Shares held by it for Class A Common Shares, we will issue to Retail Ventures an equal number of duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable Class A Common Shares in exchange for the Class B Common Shares of DSW held by Retail Ventures. Retail Ventures may make one or more requests for such exchange, covering all or a part of the Class B Common Shares that it holds. | ||
Footwear Fixture Agreement. In connection with the completion of our initial public offering in July 2005, we entered into an agreement with Retail Ventures related to our patented footwear display fixtures. We agreed to sell Retail Ventures, upon its request, the fixtures covered by the patents at the cost associated with obtaining and delivering them. In addition, we have agreed to pay Retail Ventures a percentage of any net profit we may receive should we ever market and sell the fixtures to third parties. |
Warehouse and Distribution facility. We lease our approximately 700,000 square foot corporate headquarters, warehouse and distribution facility in Columbus, Ohio from an affiliate of SSC. In fiscal 2006, in connection with the execution of the lease for a new corporate office described below, we exercised the first renewal option extending the term of this lease until December 2021. Additionally, we were granted an additional five-year renewal option for this facility. The monthly rent is $179,533, $194,228 and $208,922, and $220,416 during the first, second, third and fourth five-year periods of the initial term and first renewal period, respectively. The lease has three remaining renewal options with terms of five years each. The rent increases to $235,111, $249,805, and $265,160 in second, third and fourth renewal terms, respectively. Under this agreement, we incurred approximately $2.7 million of expense for fiscal 2009. | ||
Corporate Office. In fiscal 2006, we entered into a lease for a new corporate headquarters immediately adjacent to our existing home office in Columbus, Ohio. The landlord is an affiliate of SSC. The lease expires in December 2021 and has three renewal options with terms of five years each. The monthly rent is $123,143 with a minimum annual rent of $1,477,710. Under this agreement, we incurred approximately $1.5 million of expense for fiscal 2009. | ||
Fulfillment Center. In fiscal 2007, we entered into a lease for a new fulfillment center for dsw.com adjacent to our existing home office in Columbus, Ohio. The landlord is an affiliate of SSC. The lease expires in September 2017 and has two renewal options with terms of five years each. For Fiscal 2009, the monthly rent was $46,375, with a minimum annual rent of $556,500. Under this agreement, we incurred approximately $0.8 million of expense for fiscal 2009. | ||
DSW stores. As of January 30, 2010, we leased or subleased 19 DSW stores from affiliates of SSC. We incurred approximately $7.2 million of rent and approximately $1.8 million of other expense (real estate taxes, |
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maintenance and insurance) related to these leases for fiscal 2009. In addition to base rent, for each lease, we also (a) pay percentage rent equal to approximately 2% annually of gross sales that exceed specified breakpoints that increase as the minimum rent increases and (b) pay a portion of expenses related to maintenance, real estate taxes and insurance. These leases have terms expiring between July 2011 and January 2023 and generally have at least three renewal options of 5 years each. |
Reimbursement Agreement. In fiscal 2009, accounts payable to Retail Ventures were reduced by our recovery of $1.8 million related to impairment of certain shared service assets as allowed under the Amended and Restated Shared Service Agreement and by $0.5 million related to Retail Ventures reimbursement of certain DSW leasehold improvement expenditures. |
We purchase merchandise from affiliates of SSC from time to time. During fiscal 2009, we purchased merchandise from affiliates of SSC in an amount immaterial to the financial statements. Any merchandise purchases from such sources are on terms at least as favorable to us as could be obtained in an arms length transaction with an unaffiliated third party. |
We receive services from SSC pursuant to a Corporate Services Agreement between Retail Ventures and SSC. The agreement sets forth the costs of shared services, including specified legal, advertising, import, real estate, travel expense, and administrative services. For fiscal 2009, our allocated portion of the amount we paid to SSC was in an amount immaterial to the financial statements. |
Until July 2004, we were self-insured through our participation in a self-insurance program maintained by SSC. While we no longer participate in the program we continue to remain liable for liabilities incurred by us under the program. Under the program, SSC charged Retail Ventures amounts based, among other factors, on loss experience and its actual payroll and related costs for administering the program. For fiscal 2009, our allocated portion of the amount Retail Ventures paid SSC was in an amount immaterial to the financial statements. |
Prior to Retail Ventures sale of Filenes Basement in April 2009, we had the exclusive right to operate leased shoe departments within Filenes Basement stores. We owned the merchandise and recorded sales of merchandise net of returns and sales tax. We paid a percentage of net sales as rent. From the period of February 1, 2009 until its sale by Retail Ventures in April 2009, we paid Filenes Basement approximately $5.9 million in total fees and expenses relating to these shoe departments. |
Effective as of January 30, 2005, we entered into a shared expenses agreement with Filenes Basement related to the shared atrium space connecting Filenes Basements leased spaced at Union Square and our Union Square store leased space, and for other expenses related to our leased space, which are located in the same building in New York, New York. Under that agreement, we have agreed to share with Filenes Basement expenses related to the use and maintenance of the atrium space and to share other expenses related to the operation and maintenance of the Filenes Basement leased space and our leased space. Our share of these expenses was immaterial for fiscal 2009. |
Under the master separation agreement, we have agreed to effect up to one demand registration per calendar year of our Common Shares, whether Class A or Class B, held by Retail Ventures, if requested by Retail Ventures. We have also granted Retail Ventures the right to include its Common Shares of DSW in an unlimited number of other registrations of such shares initiated by us or on behalf of our other shareholders. |
We have also entered into a registration rights agreement with Cerberus and SSC, under which we have agreed to register in specified circumstances the Class A Common Shares issued to them upon exercise of their warrants and each of these entities and Millennium Partners, L.P., or Millennium, will be entitled to participate in the registrations initiated by the other entities. Under this agreement, each of Cerberus (together with |
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transferees of at least 15% of its interest in registrable DSW Common Shares) and SSC (together with transferees of at least 15% of its interest in registrable DSW Common Shares) may request up to five demand registrations with respect to the Class A Common Shares issued to them upon exercise of their warrants provided that no party may request more than two demand registrations, except that each of Cerberus and SSC may each request up to three demand registrations. The agreement will also grant Cerberus, SSC and Millennium the right to include these Class A Common Shares in an unlimited number of other registrations of any of our securities initiated by us or on behalf of our other shareholders (other than a demand registration made under the agreement). |
The Value City Term Loan Facility. Prior to completion of our initial public offering in July 2005, we were party to a Financing Agreement, as amended, among Cerberus, as agent and lender, and SSC as lender, and the other parties named as co-borrowers therein, originally entered into in June 2002. Upon the completion of our initial public offering, this term loan agreement was amended and restated and we were released from our obligations as a party thereto. |
In connection with these loans, Retail Ventures issued to each of Cerberus and SSC warrants to purchase 1,388,752 common shares of Retail Ventures at a purchase price of $4.50 per share, subject to adjustment. In September 2002, Back Bay Capital Funding LLC (Back Bay) bought from each of Cerberus and SSC a $1.5 million interest in each of the tranches of their term loans for an aggregate $6.0 million interest, and Back Bay received from each of Cerberus and SSC a corresponding portion of the warrants to purchase Retail Ventures common shares originally issued in connection with the second tranche of their term loans. Effective November 23, 2005, Millennium purchased from Back Bay term loan warrants to purchase an aggregate of 177,288 of Retail Ventures common shares, subject to adjustment. Effective May 30, 2008, SRVI acquired from SSC term loan warrants to purchase an aggregate 1,388,752 of Retail Ventures common shares, subject to adjustment. |
In connection with the 2005 amendment of this term loan agreement, Retail Ventures amended the outstanding warrants to provide SSC, SRVI, Cerberus and Millennium the right, from time to time, in whole or in part, to (i) acquire Retail Ventures common shares at the then current conversion price (subject to the existing anti-dilution) provisions, (ii) acquire from Retail Ventures Class A Common Shares of DSW at an exercise price of $19.00 per share (subject to anti-dilution provisions similar to those in the existing warrants) or (iii) acquire a combination thereof. |
Assuming an exercise price per share of $19.00, SRVI and Cerberus would each receive 328,915 Class A Common Shares, and Millennium would receive 41,989 Class A Common Shares, if they exercised these warrants in full exclusively for DSW Common Shares. The warrants expire in June 2012. Although Retail Ventures has informed us that it does not currently intend or plan to undertake a spin-off of Common Shares to Retail Ventures shareholders, in the event that Retail Ventures effects a spin-off of its DSW Common Shares to its shareholders in the future, the holders of outstanding unexercised warrants will receive the same number of DSW Common Shares that they would have received had they exercised their warrants in full for Retail Ventures common shares immediately prior to the record date of the spin-off, without regard to any limitations on exercise in the warrants. Following the completion of any such spin-off, the warrants will be exercisable solely for Retail Ventures common shares. |
We have entered into an exchange agreement with Retail Ventures whereby, upon the request of Retail Ventures, we will be required to exchange some or all of the Class B Common Shares of DSW held by Retail Ventures for Class A Common Shares. |
Union Square Store Guaranty by Retail Ventures. In January 2004, we entered into a lease agreement with 40 East 14 Realty Associates, L.L.C., an unrelated third party, for our Union Square store in Manhattan, New York. In connection with the lease, Retail Ventures agreed to guarantee payment of our rent and other expenses and charges and the performance of our other obligations. |
Taryn Rose. In January 2010, we invested approximately $1.2 million into an entity that purchased certain assets of Taryn Rose, a luxury comfortable shoe brand. In exchange for our $1.2 million investment, we received a 19.9% interest in the entity. The 80.1% owner of the entity is an affiliate of SSC. |
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Retail Ventures remains a substantial shareholder of DSW and SSC and its affiliates remain a substantial shareholder of Retail Ventures. Retail Ventures and SSC are engaged in the same or similar activities or lines of business as we are and have interests in the same areas of corporate opportunities. Summarized below are provisions in our amended articles of incorporation that govern conflicts, corporate opportunities and related party transactions. |
Conflicts/ Competition. Retail Ventures and SSC and its affiliates have the right to engage in the same businesses as we do, to do business with our suppliers and customers and to employ any of our officers or employees. |
Corporate Opportunities. In the event that Retail Ventures, SSC or any director or officer of either of them who is also one of our directors or officers learns about a potential transaction or business opportunity which we are financially able to undertake, which is in our line of business, which is of practical advantage to us and in which we have an interest or a reasonable expectancy, but which may also be appropriate for Retail Ventures or SSC, our amended articles of incorporation provide: |
| If Retail Ventures or SSC learns about a corporate opportunity, it does not have to tell us about it and it is not a breach of any fiduciary duty for it to pursue such corporate opportunity for itself or to direct it elsewhere. | ||
| If one of our directors or officers who is also a director or officer of Retail Ventures or SSC learns about a corporate opportunity, he or she shall not be liable to us or to our shareholders if Retail Ventures or SSC pursues the corporate opportunity for itself, directs it elsewhere or does not communicate information about the opportunity to us, if such director or officer acts in a manner consistent with the following policy: |
| If the corporate opportunity is offered to one of our officers who is also a director but not an officer of Retail Ventures or SSC, the corporate opportunity belongs to us unless it was expressly offered to the officer in writing solely in his or her capacity as a director of Retail Ventures or SSC, in which case it belongs to Retail Ventures or SSC, as the case may be. | ||
| If the corporate opportunity is offered to one of our directors who is not an officer of DSW, and who is also a director or officer of Retail Ventures or SSC, the corporate opportunity belongs to us only if it was expressly offered to the director in writing solely in his or her capacity as our director. | ||
| If the corporate opportunity is offered to one of our officers, whether or not such person is also a director, who is also an officer of Retail Ventures or SSC, it belongs to us only if it is expressly offered to the officer in writing solely in his or her capacity as our officer or director. |
Related Party Transactions. We may, from time to time, enter into contracts or otherwise transact business with Retail Ventures, SSC, our directors, directors of Retail Ventures or SSC or organizations in which any of such directors has a financial interest. Such contracts and transactions are permitted if: |
| the relationship or interest is disclosed or is known to the board of directors or the committee approving the contract or transaction, and the board of directors or committee, in good faith reasonably justified by the facts, authorizes the contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors who are not interested in the contract or transaction; | ||
| the relationship or interest is disclosed or is known to the shareholders, and the shareholders approve the contract or transaction by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the corporation held by persons not interested in the contract or transaction; or | ||
| the contract or transaction is fair at the time it is authorized or approved by the board of directors, a committee of the board of directors, or the shareholders. |
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We engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accountants to audit our consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2009. Services provided by Deloitte & Touche LLP for each of fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008 and the related fees are described under the caption Audit and Other Service Fees of this proxy statement. Our Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention, termination and oversight of the work of the independent auditors, and has the sole responsibility to retain and replace our independent auditor. The Audit Committee has selected Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent auditors for fiscal 2010. |
We expect that representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. |
In order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement distributed to shareholders prior to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2011, a shareholder proposal in compliance with Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act must be received by DSW no later than December 13, 2011. Written requests for inclusion should be addressed to: Corporate Secretary, 810 DSW Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219. It is suggested that you mail your proposal by certified mail, return receipt requested. |
In order for proposals of shareholders made outside of Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act to be considered timely within the meaning of Rule 14a-4(c) under the Exchange Act, such proposals must be received by our Corporate Secretary at the above address by March 7, 2011. Our Code of Regulations also provides that nominations for director may only be made by the Board of Directors (or an authorized Board committee) or by a shareholder of record entitled to vote who sends notice to our Corporate Secretary not fewer than 60 nor more than 90 days before the anniversary date of the previous years annual meeting of shareholders. Any nomination by a shareholder must comply with the procedures specified in our Code of Regulations. To be eligible for consideration at the 2011 Annual Meeting, any nominations for director must be received by our Corporate Secretary between March 5, 2011 and April 4, 2011. This advance notice period is intended to allow all shareholders an opportunity to consider any nominees expected to be considered at the meeting. |
Shareholders and interested parties may communicate with the Board of Directors (including the non-management directors as a group) or individual directors directly by writing to the directors in care of our Corporate Secretary, 810 DSW Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43219, in an envelope clearly marked shareholder communication. Such communications will be provided promptly and, if requested, confidentially to the respective directors. |
A COPY OF THE FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 2010 AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WILL BE SENT TO ANY SHAREHOLDER WITHOUT CHARGE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST ADDRESSED TO INVESTOR RELATIONS DEPARTMENT, 810 DSW DRIVE AVENUE, COLUMBUS, OHIO 43219. |
Management knows of no other business which may be properly brought before the 2010 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. However, if any other matters shall properly come before such meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the form of proxy to vote such proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such matters. |
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IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PROXIES BE RETURNED PROMPTLY. THEREFORE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON, YOU ARE URGED TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT YOUR PROXY. |
By Order of the Board of Directors, William L. Jordan Secretary |
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Elaine J. Eisenman | ||||
Joanna T. Lau | ||||
Roger S. Markfield | ||||
[ ] FOR ALL NOMINEES | [ ] WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES | |||
[ ] FOR ALL NOMINEES EXCEPT (See instructions below) |
[ ] FOR | [ ] AGAINST | [ ] ABSTAIN |
Dated: , 2010 | ||||
Signature(s) shall agree with the name(s) printed on this Proxy. If shares are registered in two names, both shareholders should sign this Proxy. If signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title as such. If the shareholder is a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by an authorized officer. If the shareholder is a partnership or other entity, please sign that entitys name by authorized person. (Please note any change of address on this Proxy.) |