def14a
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(RULE 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment
No. )
Filed by the
Registrant þ
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o Preliminary
Proxy Statement
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o Confidential,
for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
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þ Definitive
Proxy Statement
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o Definitive
Additional Materials
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o Soliciting
Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12
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MORGANS FOODS, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if
other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
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No fee required.
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act
Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
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(1) |
Title of each class of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(2) |
Aggregate number of securities to which
transaction applies:
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(3) |
Per unit price or other underlying value of
transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11
(set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and
state how it was determined):
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(4) |
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
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Check box if any part of the fee is offset as
provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing
for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the
previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or
Schedule and the date of its filing.
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(1) |
Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) |
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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MORGANS FOODS, INC.
4829 Galaxy Parkway, Suite S
Cleveland, Ohio 44128
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD JUNE 24, 2011
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS:
You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Morgans Foods, Inc., an
Ohio corporation (the Company), will be held at the Marriott Cleveland East, 26300 Harvard
Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44122, on Friday, June 24, 2011, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time,
for the following purposes:
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To elect the Board of Directors of the Company. |
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2. |
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To ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP |
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To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournment thereof. |
Only shareholders of record at the close of business on May 11, 2011 will be entitled to
notice of and to vote at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
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BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
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KENNETH L. HIGNETT |
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Secretary |
June 3, 2011
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF
SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON JUNE 24, 2011:
This proxy statement and the Companys 2011 annual report to shareholders are also available at
https://materials.proxyvote.com/616900.
SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON ARE URGED TO COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN
THE ENCLOSED PROXY AND RETURN IT IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE TO ENSURE THAT THEIR SHARES
ARE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING OR ANY ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.
MORGANS FOODS, INC.
4829 Galaxy Parkway, Suite S
Cleveland, Ohio 44128
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies
by and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Morgans Foods, Inc., an Ohio corporation (the
Company), for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company (the Meeting) to be held
at the Marriott Cleveland East, 26300 Harvard Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44122, on Friday,
June 24, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, and at any adjournment thereof.
This proxy statement and accompanying notice and form of proxy are being mailed to
shareholders on or about June 3, 2011. A copy of the Companys Annual Report to Shareholders,
including financial statements, for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2011 (the 2011 fiscal
year) is enclosed with this proxy statement.
The presence of any shareholder at the Meeting will not operate to revoke his proxy. Any
proxy may be revoked, at any time before it is exercised, in open meeting, or by giving notice to
the Company in writing, or by filing a duly executed proxy bearing a later date.
If the enclosed proxy is executed and returned to the Company, the persons named therein will
vote the shares represented by it at the Meeting. The proxy permits specification of a vote for
the election of directors, or the withholding of authority to vote in the election of directors, or
the withholding of authority to vote for one or more specified nominees and a vote for, against or
abstain on the proposal to ratify the Companys selection of Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton).
Where a choice is specified in the proxy, the shares represented thereby will be voted in
accordance with such specification. If no specification is made, such shares will be voted to
elect as directors the nominees set forth herein under Election of Directors and for the
ratification of Grant Thornton.
Under Ohio law and the Companys Articles of Incorporation, broker non-votes and abstaining
votes will not be counted in favor of or against election of any nominee.
The close of business on May 11, 2011, has been fixed as the record date for the determination
of shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting. As of May 11, 2011, the
Companys outstanding voting securities consisted of 2,934,995 Common Shares, without par value,
each of which is entitled to one vote on all matters to be presented to the shareholders at the
Meeting.
PROPOSAL ONE: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
At the Meeting, shares represented by proxies will be voted, unless otherwise specified in
such proxies, for the election of the seven nominees to the Board of Directors named in this proxy
statement and the enclosed proxy. These nominees were selected by the Board of Directors and will,
if elected, serve as directors of the Company until the next annual meeting of the shareholders and
until their successors are elected and qualified or until their earlier removal or resignation.
All of the nominees are currently members of the Board of Directors and all nominees have consented
to be nominated and to serve if elected. If, for any reason, any one or more nominees becomes
unavailable for election, it is expected that proxies will be voted for the election of such
substitute nominees as may be designated by the Board of Directors.
1
If notice in writing is given by any shareholder to the President or the Secretary of the
Company, not less than 48 hours before the time fixed for holding the Meeting, that such
shareholder desires that the voting for the election of directors shall be cumulative, and if an
announcement of the giving of such notice is made upon the convening of the Meeting by the
President or Secretary or by or on behalf of the shareholder giving such notice, each shareholder
shall have the right to cumulate such voting power as he possesses at such election and to give one
candidate an amount of votes equal to the number of directors to be elected multiplied by the
number of his shares, or to distribute his votes on the same principle among two or more
candidates, as he sees fit. If voting for the election of directors is cumulative, the persons
named in the enclosed proxy will vote the shares represented by proxies given to them in such
fashion as to elect as many of the nominees as possible.
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR the following nominees:
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Principal Occupation |
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Director of the |
Name |
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Age |
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for the Past Five Years |
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Company Since |
Marilyn A Eisele |
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53 |
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Vice President Finance,
Chief Financial Officer, The PDI Group (munitions trailer &
ground support systems manufacturer) (April 2011 to present); Chief Financial Officer, Five Star Technologies, Inc. (advanced materials supplier)(August 2002 - April 2011) |
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2011 |
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Bahman Guyuron, M.D., F.A.C.S. |
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65 |
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Kiehn-DesPrez Professor and Chief Division of Plastic Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center
and Case Western Reserve University |
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2003 |
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Kenneth L. Hignett |
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64 |
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Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Company (March 1992 to present); Vice President, Secretary and
Treasurer of the Company (January 1991 to March 1992); Vice President and Treasurer of the Company (June 1989 to January 1991) |
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1993 |
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Steven S. Kaufman |
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61 |
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Managing Member, Kaufman &
Company, LLC (law firm) (January 2011 to present); Partner, Thompson Hine, LLP (law firm)
(June 2002 to January 2011) |
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1989 |
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Bernard Lerner |
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84 |
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Chief Executive Officer, Automated Packaging Systems, Inc. (manufacturer of packaging materials and machinery) |
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1989 |
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James J. Liguori |
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62 |
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President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company (July 1988 to present); Executive Vice President of the Company
(August 1987 to July 1988); Vice President of the Company (June 1979 to August 1987) |
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1984 |
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Leonard R. Stein-Sapir |
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72 |
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Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company (April 1989 to present) |
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1981 |
2
Director Qualifications
In addition to the professional and occupational experience described above for each nominee, the
Board has concluded that the skills, qualifications, experiences and attributes described below
make the nominees persons who should serve as directors:
Marilyn A. Eisele Ms. Eisele has served as chief financial officer of several businesses,
primarily in manufacturing, material supply and technology industries. She also has a background
in public accounting with a national accounting firm and maintains an active CPA license in Ohio.
Her education and experience give her strong expertise in the areas of operations and finance,
including the raising of capital.
Bahman Guyuron Dr. Guyuron has perfected several surgical and non-surgical medical procedures
and has formed businesses utilizing those procedures. He possesses expertise in business
formation, organization and leadership.
Steven S. Kaufman Mr. Kaufman has been a practicing attorney for many years, both as the head of
a regional practice and a partner in a national law firm and member of its executive committee. He
has strong expertise in the areas of risk management, conflict resolution and finance as well as
business law and litigation.
Bernard Lerner Mr. Lerner is the long-standing chief executive and founder of a multi-national
producer of packaging materials and machinery. He brings to the Board of Directors expertise in
all areas of business operations including human resources, administration and finance.
Leonard R. Stein-Sapir Mr. Stein-Sapir has been Chairman and CEO of the Company since 1989 and
has been and continues to be involved in other businesses. He is also an attorney and brings a
broad expertise in all aspects of business to the Board of Directors.
James J. Liguori Mr. Liguori has been an officer and director of the Company since 1984 and has
been responsible for all aspects of restaurant operations. He has expertise in restaurant
operations, marketing and the operations of the franchisors.
Kenneth L. Hignett Mr. Hignett has been an officer of the Company since 1989, a director since
1993, is a CPA, CITP and has experience in the retail and real estate service businesses. He has
extensive expertise in finance and technology.
Board Leadership
The Companys leadership begins with the Board, where the Company has one individual, Leonard
R. Stein-Sapir, who serves as both chief executive officer and chairman of the board. Mr.
Stein-Sapirs dual responsibility is appropriate given the Companys size and history. Since its
beginning, Morgans Foods, Inc. has had one person serve as both chief executive officer and
chairman of the board. Mr. Stein-Sapir, as both chairman and chief executive officer, has
thorough, detailed knowledge of the strategic challenges and
opportunities facing the Company. Mr. Stein-Sapir is supported by independent directors who play pivotal roles. The Board does not have
a lead independent director.
Boards Role in Risk Oversight
It is managements responsibility to manage risk and bring to the Board of Directors
attention the most material risks to the Company. The Board of Directors has oversight
responsibility of the processes established to report and monitor systems for material risks
applicable to the Company. The Boards Audit Committee regularly reviews enterprise-wide risk
management, which includes treasury risks, financial and accounting risks, legal and compliance
risks and other risk management functions. The Compensation and Human Resources Committee
considers risks related to the attraction and retention of talent and related to the
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design of compensation programs tailored to the specific needs of the Company. The full Board
considers strategic risks and opportunities and receives reports from management on risk.
Board of Directors Structure
The Board of Directors has determined that each of the following directors is an independent
director as defined by the listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market: Marilyn A. Eisele, Bahman
Guyuron, Steven S. Kaufman and Bernard Lerner.
The Board of Directors has an Executive Committee, an Audit Committee, and a Compensation and
Human Resources Committee. The Company does not have a nominating committee or a nominating
charter. The Board of Directors as a whole functions as the nominating committee due to the
relatively small size of the Board and the smaller market capitalization of the Company.
The Executive Committee consists of Leonard R. Stein-Sapir (Chairman), Bernard Lerner and
James J. Liguori. This committee has the authority, between meetings of the Board of Directors, to
exercise substantially all of the powers of the Board in the management of the business of the
Company.
The Audit Committee consists of Marilyn A. Eisele (Chairperson), Steven S. Kaufman and Bernard
Lerner. This committee, as set forth in more detail in the Audit Committee Report below, approves
the Companys retention of independent auditors and pre-approves any audit or non-audit services
performed by them. It reviews with such accountants the arrangements for, and the scope of, the
audit to be conducted by them. It also reviews with the independent accountants and with
management the results of audits and various other financial and accounting matters affecting the
Company. The Board has determined that Marilyn A. Eisele qualifies as an audit committee
financial expert, as defined in the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The members of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee are Bernard Lerner (Chairman),
Marilyn A. Eisele and Steven S. Kaufman. This committee administers the Companys compensation,
benefits and stock option plans. At its meeting on June 22, 2007, the Board of Directors of the
Company adopted a charter establishing the duties and responsibilities of the Compensation and
Human Resources Committee of the Board of Directors.
While neither the charter of the Audit Committee or the Compensation and Human Resources
Committee are available on the Companys website, a copy of the charters of the Audit Committee and
of the Compensation and Human Resources Committee are attached to this proxy statement as Exhibit A
and Exhibit B, respectively.
The Board of Directors met four times, the Audit Committee met four times, the Compensation
and Human Resources Committee and the Executive Committee did not meet, during the 2011 fiscal
year. Each director currently serving on the Board attended 75% or more of the meetings held
during such year by the Board and the committee(s) on which they served. The Company encourages
the attendance of all directors at the annual shareholders meetings. Five of the Companys
directors attended the annual shareholders meeting last year.
Nominations for Director are made by the Board of Directors as a whole. The Board determines
the desired skills and characteristics for directors as well as the composition of the Board of
Directors as a whole. This assessment considers the directors qualifications and independence, as
well as diversity, age, skill and experience in the context of the needs of the Board of Directors.
At a minimum, directors should share the values of the Company and should possess the following
characteristics: high personal and professional integrity; the ability to exercise sound business
judgment; an inquiring mind; and the time available to devote to Board of Directors activities and
the willingness to do so. The Board does not have a formal policy specifically focusing on the
consideration of diversity; however, diversity is one of the many factors that the Board considers
when identifying candidates. In addition to the foregoing considerations,
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generally with respect to nominees recommended by shareholders, the Board will evaluate such recommended nominees
considering the additional information regarding them provided to the Board. When seeking
candidates for the Board of Directors, the Board may solicit suggestions from incumbent directors,
management and third-party search firms. Ultimately, the Board will recommend prospective nominees
who the Board believes will be effective, in conjunction with the other members of the Board of
Directors, in collectively serving the long-term interests of the Companys shareholders. The
Board will review any candidate recommended by shareholders of the Company in light of its criteria
for selection of new directors. In the search which resulted in the appointment of Marilyn A.
Eisele to the Board on March 1, 2011, several candidates, recommended by both independent and
management directors, were evaluated by the Board. Ms. Eisele was originally the recommendation of
an independent outside director. If a shareholder wishes to recommend a candidate, he or she
should send his or her recommendation, with a description of the candidates qualifications, to the
Secretary of the Company, Kenneth L. Hignett, 4829 Galaxy Parkway, Suite S, Cleveland, Ohio 44128.
PROPOSAL TWO: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF GRANT THORNTON LLP
The Board of Directors recommends that you vote FOR Proposal Two.
The Audit Committee of the Board currently anticipates appointing Grant Thornton as our
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending February 26, 2012. For
fiscal year 2011, Grant Thornton was engaged by us to audit our annual financial statements.
Representatives of Grant Thornton are expected to be present at the Meeting, will have an
opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate
questions.
The Board seeks an indication from shareholders of their approval or disapproval of the Audit
Committees anticipated appointment of Grant Thornton as the Companys independent registered
public accounting firm for the 2012 fiscal year. The submission of this matter for approval by
shareholders is not legally required, however, the Board believes that the submission is an
opportunity for the shareholders to provide feedback to the Board on an important issue of
corporate governance. If the shareholders do not approve the appointment of Grant Thornton, the
appointment of the Companys independent registered public accounting firm will be re-evaluated by
the Audit Committee but will not require the Audit Committee to appoint a different accounting
firm. If the shareholders do approve the appointment of Grant Thornton, the Audit Committee in its
discretion may select a different independent registered public accounting firm at any time during
the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best interest of the Company and its
shareholders. Approval of the proposal to ratify the selection of Grant Thornton as our
independent registered public accounting firm requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the
common shares present in person or by proxy and entitled to be voted on the proposal at the
Meeting. Abstentions will have the same effect as votes against the proposal. Broker non-votes
will not be considered common shares present and entitled to vote on the proposal and will not have
a positive or negative effect on the outcome of this proposal, however, there should be no broker
non-votes on this proposal because brokers should have the discretion to vote uninstructed common
shares on this proposal.
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The Audit Committee is composed of three directors, all of whom are independent under the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Committee operates under a written charter adopted on June 23, 2000,
reviewed annually and ratified most recently on June 22, 2007. The Committees responsibilities
include oversight of the Companys independent auditors as well as oversight of managements
conduct in the Companys financial reporting process. The Committee also approves the Companys
retention of independent auditors and pre-approves any audit or non-audit services performed by
them. Management is responsible for the Companys internal controls and the financial reporting
process. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the
Companys consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of
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the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and issuing a report thereon. For fiscal
2011, the Committee met and held discussions with management and the independent auditors.
Management represented to the Committee that the Companys consolidated financial statements were
prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America, and the Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with
management and the independent auditors. The Committee discussed with the independent auditors
matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional
Standards, Vol. 1, AU section 380), as adopted by the Public Company Oversight Board in Rule 3200T.
The Companys independent auditors also provided to the Committee the written disclosures and
letter required by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
regarding the independent auditors communication with the Committee concerning independence. The
Committee discussed with the independent auditors their firms independence.
Based on the Committees discussion with management and the independent auditors and the
report of the independent auditors to the Committee, the Committee recommended that the Board of
Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in the Companys Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2011 for filing with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
The Audit Committee
Marilyn A. Eisele, Chairperson
Steven S. Kaufman
Bernard Lerner
6
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FEES
The aggregate audit fees billed or to be billed to the Company by the Companys independent
auditors, Grant Thornton LLP, are $158,953 for the fiscal year ended February 27, 2011 and $162,756
for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2010. There were no tax, audit-related or other fees paid
to our independent auditors for the years ended February 27, 2011 and February 28, 2010.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners. The following table sets forth certain
information with respect to all persons known to the Company to be the beneficial owners of more
than 5% of the Companys outstanding Common Shares as of May 11, 2011.
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Name and Address |
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Percent of |
of Beneficial Owner |
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Number of Shares |
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Class |
Leonard R. Stein-Sapir (1)
4829 Galaxy Parkway, Suite S
Cleveland, Ohio 44128 |
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826,517 |
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26.8 |
% |
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FCMI Financial Corp., et al (2)
BCE Place
181 Bay Street, Suite 250
Toronto, Canada A6 |
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576,482 |
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19.6 |
% |
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Hoak Public Equities LP (3)
500 Crescent Court, Suite 220
Dallas Texas 75201 |
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152,800 |
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5.2 |
% |
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(1) |
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Includes 21,334 shares subject to exercisable options, 1,666 shares owned by Mr.
Stein-Sapirs wife and 60,000 shares held in trusts for which Mr. Stein-Sapir is advisor.
Mr. Stein-Sapir disclaims any beneficial interest in the shares owned by his wife or by the
trusts. |
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(2) |
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Based on Form 5 filing dated March 11, 2009. |
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(3) |
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Based on Schedule 13G/A filing dated February 11, 2011. |
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Security Ownership of Management. The following table sets forth information as of May 11,
2011, with respect to Common Shares beneficially owned by all directors and nominees for election
as directors of the Company, each of the Companys named executive officers and by the executive
officers and directors of the Company as a group. Each person owns beneficially and of record the
shares indicated and has sole voting and investment power with respect thereto, except as otherwise
set forth in the footnotes to the table.
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Percent of |
Name |
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Number of Shares |
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Class |
Bahman Guyuron |
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27,667 |
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* |
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James J. Liguori (1) |
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52,873 |
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1.7 |
% |
Steven S. Kaufman |
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4,686 |
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* |
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Leonard R. Stein-Sapir (2) |
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826,517 |
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26.8 |
% |
Bernard Lerner |
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103,066 |
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3.3 |
% |
Marilyn A. Eisele |
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* |
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Kenneth L. Hignett (3) |
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62,855 |
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2.0 |
% |
Ramesh J. Gursahaney (3) |
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21,583 |
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* |
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All executive officers and directors as a group (10 persons) (4) |
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1,143,350 |
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37.1 |
% |
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* |
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Less than one percent of the outstanding Common Shares of the Company. |
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(1) |
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Includes 83 shares owned by his wife and 21,334 shares subject to exercisable options. Mr.
Liguori disclaims any beneficial interest in the shares owned by his wife. |
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(2) |
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Includes 21,334 shares subject to exercisable options, 1,666 shares owned by Mr.
Stein-Sapirs wife and 60,000 shares held in trusts for which Mr. Stein-Sapir is advisor. Mr.
Stein-Sapir disclaims any beneficial interest in the shares owned by his wife or by the
trusts. |
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(3) |
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Includes 21,333 shares subject to exercisable options. |
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(4) |
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Includes 128,000 shares subject to exercisable options. |
8
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth for each of the Companys last two fiscal years the
compensation for the Companys Principal Executive Officer and each of the Companys other three
most highly compensated officers:
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All Other |
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Name and Principal Position |
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Year |
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Salary |
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Compensation (1) |
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Total Compensation |
Leonard R. Stein-Sapir |
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2011 |
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$ |
125,000 |
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$ |
25,522 |
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$ |
150,522 |
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Chairman and Chief Executive Officer |
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2010 |
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125,000 |
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27,505 |
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152,505 |
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James J. Liguori |
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2011 |
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213,077 |
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23,261 |
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236,338 |
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President and Chief Operating Officer |
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2010 |
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175,000 |
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27,423 |
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202,423 |
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Kenneth L. Hignett |
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2011 |
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100,000 |
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29,924 |
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129,924 |
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Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer & Secretary |
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2010 |
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100,000 |
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30,906 |
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130,906 |
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Ramesh J. Gursahaney |
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2011 |
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|
150,000 |
|
|
|
2,396 |
|
|
|
152,396 |
|
Vice President, Operations Services |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
150,000 |
|
|
|
2,176 |
|
|
|
152,176 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barton J.
Craig |
|
|
2011 |
|
|
$ |
100,000 |
|
|
$ |
8,101 |
|
|
$ |
108,101 |
|
Counsel |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
100,000 |
|
|
|
9,636 |
|
|
|
109,636 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the value of insurance premiums paid by the Company with respect to term life
insurance for the benefit of the named executives, the matching contribution made by the
Company to the 401(k) Plan and automobile allowances. |
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END
The following table sets forth certain information about the number of unexercised
nonqualified stock options held as of February 27, 2011 by each executive named in the Summary
Compensation Table. There were no stock options exercised during fiscal 2011.
Unexercised Options as of February 27, 2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Name |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Price |
|
Expiration Date |
|
Leonard R. Stein-Sapir |
|
|
21,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
November 5, 2018 |
James J. Liguori |
|
|
21,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
November 5, 2018 |
Kenneth L. Hignett |
|
|
21,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
November 5, 2018 |
Ramesh J. Gursahaney |
|
|
21,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
November 5, 2018 |
Barton J. Craig |
|
|
21,333 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.50 |
|
|
November 5, 2018 |
9
Retirement and Savings Plan 401(k)
Since October 1, 1993, the Company has maintained a Retirement and Savings Plan under IRS Code
Section 401(k) (the 401(k) Plan). The 401(k) Plan allows eligible employees to defer a portion
of their compensation before federal income tax to a qualified trust. All employees who are at
least 21 years of age are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. The participants may choose
from nineteen investment options for the investment of their deferred compensation. In addition,
the Company matches 30% of each participants salary deferral, for the first 6% of their salary,
with a cash contribution. For the fiscal year ended February 27, 2011, the Company contributed
$71,000 to the 401(k) Plan and paid no administrative fees.
Director Compensation
Messrs. Kaufman, Lerner and Dr. Guyuron each received $12,000 for serving on the Board of
Directors during the fiscal year ended February 27, 2011. Directors who are also officers of the
Company do not receive additional compensation as directors. Additional compensation of $2,000 per
meeting was paid to directors serving on the Audit Committee. No additional compensation is paid
to directors for serving on other Committees of the Board. The following table lists the
compensation paid to directors in the fiscal year ended February 27, 2011:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Fees Earned |
|
Total Compensation |
|
Lawrence S. Dolin (1) |
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
|
$ |
15,000 |
|
Bernard Lerner |
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
|
$ |
20,000 |
|
Steven S. Kaufman |
|
$ |
18,000 |
|
|
$ |
18,000 |
|
Bahman Guyuron |
|
$ |
12,000 |
|
|
$ |
12,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Mr. Dolin was a Director until he passed away on November 30, 2010 |
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any shareholder who intends to present a proposal for inclusion in the proxy
statement and form of proxy relating to the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders is advised that the
proposal must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices not later than February
3, 2012. The Company is not required to include in its proxy statement or form of proxy a
shareholder proposal which is received after that date or which otherwise fails to meet
requirements for shareholder proposals established by regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
If a shareholder intends to raise, at the Companys annual meeting in 2012, a
proposal that he does not seek to have included in the Companys proxy statement, that shareholder
must notify the Company of the proposal on or before April 19, 2012. If the shareholder fails to
notify the Company, the Companys proxies will be permitted to use their discretionary voting
authority with respect to such proposal when and if it is raised at such annual meeting, whether or
not there is any discussion of such proposal in the proxy statement for that meeting.
10
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Companys
directors and executive officers, and owners of more than ten percent of the Companys Common
Shares (10% stockholders), to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC)
initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of Common Shares of the Company.
Executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the
Company with copies of all forms they file pursuant to Section 16(a).
To the Companys knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to
the Company, and with respect to the officers and directors, representations that no other reports
were required, during the fiscal year ended February 27, 2011, all Section 16(a) filing
requirements applicable to its executive officers, directors and 10% stockholders were complied
with.
EXPENSES OF SOLICITATION
The cost of the solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company. In addition to the use
of the mail, proxies may be solicited by regular employees of the Company, either personally or by
telephone. The Company does not expect to pay any compensation for the solicitation of proxies,
but it may reimburse brokers and other persons holding shares in their names or in the names of
nominees for their expenses in sending proxy materials to beneficial owners and obtaining proxies
from such owners.
SHAREHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE BOARD
Shareholders may communicate with Board Members by addressing a letter to the Secretary of the
Company at 4829 Galaxy Parkway, Suite S, Cleveland, Ohio 44128.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors is not aware of any matter to be presented for action at
the Meeting other than that shown in this document. Should any other matters be properly presented
for action at the Meeting, the enclosed proxy confers upon the proxy holders named therein the
authority to vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment.
|
|
|
|
|
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
|
|
|
|
|
KENNETH L. HIGNETT |
|
|
Secretary |
Cleveland, Ohio
June 3, 2011
11
Exhibit A
CHARTER OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
|
Organization |
|
|
|
This charter governs the operations of the audit committee. The committee shall
review and reassess the charter at least annually and obtain the approval of the
board of directors. The committee shall be appointed by the board of directors and
shall comprise at least three directors, each of whom are independent of management
and the Company. Members of the committee shall be considered independent if they
have no relationship that may interfere with the exercise of their independence from
management and the Company. All committee members shall be financially literate, or
shall become financially literate within a reasonable period of time after
appointment to the committee and at least one member shall have accounting or
related financial management expertise. |
|
|
|
Statement of Policy |
|
|
|
The audit committee shall provide assistance to the board of directors in fulfilling
their oversight responsibility to the shareholders, potential shareholders, the
investment community, and others relating to the Companys financial statements and
the financial reporting process, the systems of internal accounting and financial
controls, the annual independent audit of the Companys financial statements, and
the legal compliance and ethics programs as established by management and the board.
In so doing, it is the responsibility of the committee to maintain free and open
communication between the committee, independent auditors and management of the
Company. In discharging its oversight role, the committee is empowered to
investigate any matter brought to its attention with full access to all books,
records, facilities, and personnel of the Company and the power to retain outside
counsel, or other experts for this purpose. |
|
|
|
Responsibilities and Processes |
|
|
|
The primary responsibility of the audit committee is to oversee the Companys
financial reporting process on behalf of the board and report the results of their
activities to the board. Management is responsible for preparing the Companys
financial statements, and the independent auditors are responsible for auditing
those financial statements. The committee in carrying out its responsibilities
believes its policies and procedures should remain flexible, in order to best react
to changing conditions and circumstances. The committee should take the appropriate
actions to set the overall corporate tone for quality financial reporting, sound
business risk practices, and ethical behavior. |
|
|
|
The following shall be the principal recurring processes of the audit committee in
carrying out its oversight responsibilities. The processes are set forth as a guide
with the understanding that the committee may supplement them as appropriate. |
|
|
|
The committee shall have a clear understanding with management and the
independent auditors that the independent auditors are ultimately accountable to
the board and the audit committee, as representatives of the Companys
shareholders. The committee shall have the ultimate authority and responsibility
to evaluate and, where appropriate, replace the independent auditors. The
committee shall discuss with the auditors their independence from management and
the Company and the matters included in the written disclosures required by the
Independence Standards Board. Annually, the committee shall review and recommend
to the board the selection of the Companys independent auditors, subject to
shareholders approval. |
12
|
|
The committee shall discuss with the independent auditors the overall scope and
plans for their respective audits including the adequacy of staffing and
compensation. Also, the committee shall discuss with management and the
independent auditors the adequacy and effectiveness of the accounting and financial
controls, including the Companys system to monitor and manage business risk, and
legal and ethical compliance programs. Further, the
committee shall meet separately with the independent auditors, with and without
management present, to discuss the results of their examinations. |
|
|
|
The committee shall review the interim financial statements with management and
the independent auditors prior to the filing of the Companys Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q. Also, the committee shall discuss the results of the quarterly review
and any other matters required to be communicated to the committee by the
independent auditors under generally accepted auditing standards. The chair of the
committee may represent the entire committee for the purposes of this review. |
|
|
|
The committee shall review with management and the independent auditors the
financial statements to be included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K (or
the annual report to shareholders if distributed prior to the filing of Form 10-K),
including their judgment about the quality, not just acceptability, of accounting
principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of the
disclosures in the financial statements. Also, the committee shall discuss the
results of the annual audit and any other matters required to be communicated to
the committee by the independent auditors under generally accepted auditing
standards. |
13
Exhibit B
CHARTER OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
|
|
Purpose of Committee |
|
|
|
The role of the Compensation Committee (the Committee) is to establish and oversee
the compensation policies of Morgans Foods, Inc. (the Company) on behalf of the
Board of Directors (the Board). The Committee will discharge the duties of the
Board, to the extent delegated to the Committee, and approve or make recommendations
to the Board, with respect to compensation of the Companys senior officers. The
Committee will produce an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in
the Companys proxy statement, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) and any exchange or
over-the-counter market on which the Companys stock is then listed. |
|
|
|
The Committee shall ensure that a proper system of long-term and short-term
compensation is in place for management, and that compensation plans are appropriate
and competitive and properly reflect the objectives and performance of management
and the Company. |
|
|
|
Committee Membership |
|
|
|
The Committee shall be compromised of at least three members of the Board each of
whom has been affirmatively determined in the judgment of the Board to qualify as an
independent director under the applicable rules of the SEC and any exchange or
over-the-counter market on which the Companys stock is then listed. Each Committee
member must also be a non-employee director as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and an outside director within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Board shall designate
the Chairperson of the Committee, provided that if the Board does not so designate a
Chairperson, the members of the Committee, by majority vote, may designate a
Chairperson. |
|
|
|
Any vacancy of the Committee shall be filled by majority vote of the Board at the
next meeting of the Board following the occurrence of the vacancy. No member of the
Committee shall be removed except by majority vote of the Board. |
|
|
|
Meetings |
|
|
|
The Committee will meet at least once each year, with authority to convene
additional meetings as circumstances require. All Committee members are expected to
attend each meeting, either in person or by teleconference. Meeting agendas will be
prepared and provided in advance to members, along with appropriate briefing
materials. Committee members will be furnished with copies of the minutes of each
meeting. The Committee, at its discretion, may ask members of management, the
Companys counsel, or others to attend its meetings (or portions thereof) and to
provide pertinent information as necessary; provided however, that the President and
Chief Executive Officer (the CEO) or any other officer may not be present during
the Committees deliberation or voting processes with respect to setting and
approving any aspect of the compensation for that person. |
|
|
|
Committee Duties and Responsibilities |
|
|
|
The Committee shall carry out the duties and responsibilities set forth below.
These functions should serve as a guide, with the understanding that the Committee
may carry out additional functions and adopt additional policies and practices as
may be appropriate in light of changing business, legislative, regulatory, legal, or
other conditions. |
14
a) |
|
Review and approve all aspects of the compensation of the Companys officers
(other than the CEO), including their participation in incentive-compensation
plans, performance-based compensation, and equity-based compensation plans; |
|
b) |
|
Review and approve corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation
of the CEO, and, after an evaluation of the CEOs performance in light of those
goals and objectives, set the compensation of the CEO (in determining any long-term
incentive component of the CEOs compensation, the Committee should consider, among
other factors, the Companys performance and relative shareholder return, the value
of similar incentive awards for chief executive officers at comparable companies
and the awards given to the CEO in past years); |
|
c) |
|
Review and make periodic recommendations to the Board with respect to the
Companys policies and practices regarding general compensation, benefits, and
perquisites, including, without limitation, the Companys incentive-compensation
plans and equity-based compensation plans (in circumstances in which equity-based
compensation plans are not subject to shareholder approval, such plans shall be
subject to Committee approval); |
|
d) |
|
Monitor compliance with the Companys policies and practices with regard to
general compensation, benefits, and perquisites; |
|
e) |
|
Prepare the Compensation Committee Report and authorize its inclusion in the
Companys annual proxy statement in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the SEC; |
|
f) |
|
Monitor disclosure with regard to compensation matters in the Companys proxy
statement; and |
|
g) |
|
Report to the Board at least once a year. |
|
|
|
Delegation |
|
|
|
The Committee may delegate its duties and responsibilities to a subcommittee
consisting of one or more members of the Committee, or to senior officers of the
Company. Any delegation may be made only to the extent permitted by SEC rules,
exchange rules, over-the-counter market rules, and applicable law. The Committee
may not, however, delegate any of its duties and responsibilities with regard to (i)
compensation arrangements, including salary and short-term and long-term incentive
awards, with respect to the CEO and any other officer identified as an executive
officer by the Board, or (ii) the Companys annual proxy statement. |
|
|
|
Surveys and Studies |
|
|
|
The Committee may conduct or authorize surveys or studies of matters within the
Committees scope of responsibilities as described above, including, but not limited
to, surveys or studies of compensation practices in relevant industries, to maintain
the Companys competitiveness and ability to recruit and retain highly qualified
personnel, and may retain and terminate, at the expense of the Company, independent
counsel or other consultants necessary to assist in any such survey or study. If
any compensation consultant or firm is to assist in the evaluation of the
compensation of the CEO or any other officer identified as an executive officer by
the Board, the Committee shall have the sole authority to retain and terminate the
compensation consultant or firm and approve such firm or persons fees and other
retention terms. |
15
MORGANS
FOODS, INC.
The
undersigned hereby appoints Leonard R. Stein-Sapir, James J.
Liguori, and Kenneth L. Hignett, and each of them, attorneys and
proxies of the undersigned with full power of substitution to
attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Morgans
Foods, Inc. (the Company) at Marriott Cleveland
East, 26300 Harvard Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio, on Friday,
June 24, 2011 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, or any
adjournment thereof, and to vote the number of shares of the
Company which the undersigned would be entitled to vote and with
all the power the undersigned would possess, if personally
present, as follows:
1. oFOR,
or
oWITHHOLD
AUTHORITY to vote for the following nominees for election as
directors: Leonard R. Stein-Sapir, Marilyn A. Eisele, James J.
Liguori, Steven S. Kaufman, Bernard Lerner, Kenneth L. Hignett
and Bahman Guyuron, M.D.
|
|
|
|
(INSTRUCTION:
|
To withhold authority to vote
for any individual nominee, write that nominees name on
the line provided below.)
|
2. oFOR,
oAGAINST,
or
oABSTAIN
the ratification of the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending
February 26, 2012.
3. On
such other business as may properly come before the meeting or
any adjournment thereof.
(continued, and to be signed, on
the other side)
(Continued from other
side)
The
proxies will vote as specified above or if a choice is not
specified they will vote FOR the nominees listed in
Proposal 1 and FOR Proposal 2.
Receipt of Notice of Annual Meeting
of Shareholders and Proxy Statement dated June 3, 2011, is
hereby acknowledged.
Dated , 2011
Signature(s)
(Please sign exactly as your name
or names appear(s) hereon, indicating, where proper, official
position or representative capacity.)
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY
Proxy Card