-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, DcepWW7nPwSOOtaJbw/+bhjcf0viKmxp4nCXzJWumOiad9bj21OebFXd9yx8tCWj wseYxNfLqeMwAtHkYaUrpQ== 0001193125-09-067878.txt : 20090330 0001193125-09-067878.hdr.sgml : 20090330 20090330171542 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-09-067878 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: DEF 14A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20090507 FILED AS OF DATE: 20090330 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20090330 EFFECTIVENESS DATE: 20090330 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HEALTHTRONICS, INC. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001018871 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: ELECTROMEDICAL & ELECTROTHERAPEUTIC APPARATUS [3845] IRS NUMBER: 582210668 STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: DEF 14A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-30406 FILM NUMBER: 09715061 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9825 SPECTRUM DRIVE STREET 2: BUILDING 3 CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78717 BUSINESS PHONE: 512.328.2892 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9825 SPECTRUM DRIVE STREET 2: BUILDING 3 CITY: AUSTIN STATE: TX ZIP: 78717 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HEALTHTRONICS SURGICAL SERVICES INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 20010613 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: HEALTHTRONICS INC /GA DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19980623 DEF 14A 1 ddef14a.htm DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT Definitive Proxy Statement

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A

(Rule 14a-101)

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

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Check the appropriate box:

 

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x Definitive Proxy Statement

 

¨ Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨ Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

 

 

HEALTHTRONICS, INC.

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

  

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)

 

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LOGO

9825 Spectrum Drive

Building 3

Austin, TX 78717

NOTICE OF 2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To Be Held May 7, 2009

To our shareholders:

You are cordially invited to attend our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 9825 Spectrum Drive, Building 3, Austin, Texas 78717, on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Austin, Texas time, for the following purposes:

1) To elect as directors to serve on our Board of Directors the six nominees named in the attached proxy statement;

2) To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.

The accompanying proxy statement contains information regarding, and a more complete description of, the items of business to be considered at the meeting.

The close of business on March 20, 2009 has been fixed as the record date for the determination of our shareholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.

You are cordially invited and urged to attend the meeting. If you need directions to the meeting location, you may contact our Corporate Secretary by phone at (512) 328-2892 or by mail at the address noted above. Whether or not you plan on attending the meeting, we ask that you sign and date the accompanying proxy and return it promptly in the enclosed self-addressed envelope. If you attend the meeting, you may vote in person, if you wish, whether or not you have returned your proxy. In any event, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is exercised.

By Order of our Board of Directors

RICHARD A. RUSK, Secretary

Austin, Texas

April 3, 2009

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 7, 2009. The 2009 proxy statement, along with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2008, are available at http://www.amstock.com/proxyservices/viewmaterials.asp?CoNumber=13755.


HEALTHTRONICS, INC.

9825 Spectrum Drive

Building 3

Austin, Texas 78717

PROXY STATEMENT

for

2009 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

To Be Held May 7, 2009

Our Board of Directors hereby solicits your proxy for use at our 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at 9825 Spectrum Drive, Building 3, Austin, Texas 78717, on Thursday, May 7, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. Austin, Texas time, and any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof. This solicitation may be made in person or by mail, telephone, or telecopy by our directors, officers, and regular employees, who will receive no extra compensation for participating in this solicitation. We will also reimburse banks, brokerage firms, and other fiduciaries for forwarding solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of our common stock held of record by such persons. We will pay the entire cost of this solicitation. We expect to mail this proxy statement and the enclosed form of proxy to our shareholders on or about April 3, 2009.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, “HealthTronics”, “we”, “us”, “our” or the “Company” means HealthTronics, Inc. and all of our direct and indirect subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

ANNUAL REPORT

Enclosed is our Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2008, including our audited financial statements. Such Annual Report to Shareholders does not form any part of the material for the solicitation of proxies.

REVOCATION OF PROXY

Any shareholder returning the accompanying proxy may revoke such proxy at any time before it is voted by (a) giving written notice of such revocation to our Secretary at our principal executive offices, (b) voting in person at the meeting, or (c) executing and delivering to our Secretary at our principal executive offices a later dated proxy.

OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK

Our voting securities are shares of our common stock, each share of which entitles the holder thereof to one vote on each matter properly brought before the meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on March 20, 2009 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the meeting and any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof. As of March 20, 2009, there were outstanding and entitled to vote 37,908,862 shares of our common stock.

 

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CERTAIN SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 20, 2009 or such other date indicated in the footnotes below by (a) each person who is known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the outstanding shares of our common stock, (b) each of our directors and nominees for director, (c) each of our executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table below under “Executive Compensation”, and (d) all of our executive officers and directors as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, we believe that each person or entity named below has sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by such person or entity, subject to community property laws where applicable and the information set forth in the footnotes to the table below.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

   Amount and Nature
of Beneficial Ownership(1)
    Percent
of Class(2)
 

Royce & Associates, LLC

1414 Avenue of the Americas

New York, NY 10019

   4,355,432 (3)   11.5 %

Prides Capital Partners, L.L.C. et al

200 High Street, Suite 700

Boston, MA 02110

   3,608,997 (4)   9.5 %

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP

Palisades West, Building One

6300 Bee Cave Road

Austin, Texas 78746

   2,829,104 (5)   7.5 %

Wells Fargo & Company

420 Montgomery Street

San Francisco, CA 94163

   2,605,402 (6)   6.9 %

Blue TSV I, LTD. and related entities

c/o Maples Corporate Services Limited

P.O. Box 309

Ugland House

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands KY1-1104

   2,005,364 (7)   5.3 %

Argil J. Wheelock, M.D.

   1,126,796     2.9 %

Robert A. Yonke

   1,027,876     2.7 %

James S.B. Whittenburg

   1,012,438     2.7 %

R. Steven Hicks

   613,793     1.6 %

Kenneth S. Shifrin

   417,287     1.1 %

Donny R. Jackson

   237,100     *  

Timothy J. Lindgren

   237,469     *  

Ross A. Goolsby

   118,929 (8)   *  

Richard A. Rusk

   152,554     *  

Directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons total)

   5,436,261     13.7 %

 

* Less than 1%
(1)

Includes (a) the following number of shares subject to options that are presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after March 20, 2009: Dr. Wheelock – 515,000; Mr. Whittenburg – 139,000; Mr. Hicks – 160,000; Mr. Shifrin – 190,000; Mr. Jackson – 193,000; Mr. Lindgren – 190,000; Mr. Rusk – 41,000; and directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons total) – 1,435,500 and (b) the following number of shares representing restricted stock awards, which shares are issued and outstanding and which the person is

 

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entitled to vote, but which are held in escrow by us pending vesting of such awards: Dr. Wheelock – 15,075; Mr. Yonke – 235,631; Mr. Whittenburg – 807,901; Mr. Hicks – 20,100; Mr. Shifrin – 17,587; Mr. Jackson – 20,100; Mr. Lindgren – 17,587; Mr. Rusk – 91,250; and directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons total) – 1,741,404. Such persons do not have a right to sell or dispose of such restricted stock award shares until they vest.

(2) Based on an aggregate of 37,908,862 shares of HealthTronics common stock issued and outstanding as of March 20, 2009.
(3) Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with respect to HealthTronics on January 26, 2009. According to the Schedule 13G/A, various accounts managed by Royce & Associates, LLC have the right to receive or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or the proceeds from the sale of shares of, HealthTronics. Also according to the Schedule 13G/A, the interest of one account, Royce Value Plus Fund, an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and managed by Royce & Associates, LLC, amounted to 3,358,000 shares of our common stock.
(4) Based on the Schedule 13D/A filed with respect to HealthTronics on October 10, 2008, voting and investment power with respect to these shares are held solely by Prides Capital Partners, L.L.C. The managers and directors of Prides Capital Partners, L.L.C. are Kevin A. Richardson, II, Henry J. Lawlor, Jr., Murray A. Indick and Charles E. McCarthy.
(5) Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with respect to HealthTronics on February 9, 2009, Dimensional Fund Advisors, LP (“Dimensional”) is an investment advisor registered under Section 203 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940, furnishing investment advice to four investment companies registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and serving as investment manager to certain other commingled group trusts and separate accounts. These investment companies, trusts and accounts are referred to as the “Dimensional Funds.” In its role as investment advisor or manager, Dimensional possesses investment and/or voting power over these shares that are owned by the Dimensional Funds, and may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares held by the Dimensional Funds. In such Schedule 13G, Dimensional disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
(6) Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with respect to HealthTronics on January 27, 2009. According to the Schedule 13G/A, the Schedule 13G/A was filed by Wells Fargo & Company on its own behalf and on behalf of the following subsidiaries: Wells Capital Management Incorporated (classified as a registered investment advisor in accordance with Regulation 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E)), Wells Fargo Funds Management, LLC (classified as a registered investment advisor in accordance with Regulation 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E)); Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (classified as a bank in accordance with Regulation 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(B)); and Wachovia Securities, LLC (classified as a registered investment advisor in accordance with Regulation 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(E)). Also according to the Schedule 13G/A, the aggregate beneficial ownership reported by Wells Fargo & Company is on a consolidated basis and includes any beneficial ownership of such subsidiaries, and Wells Capital Management Incorporated (address: 525 Market Street, San Francisco, California 94105) beneficially owns 2,523,302 shares.
(7) Based on the Schedule 13D filed with respect to HealthTronics on March 24, 2009. According to the Schedule 13D, the following are reporting persons: Blue TSV I, LTD. (sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,868,182 shares), BlueLine Capital Partners II, L.P. and BlueLine Partners, L.L.C. (address of 402 Railroad Avenue, Suite 201, Danville, California 94526) (shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 58,946 shares), and BlueLine Capital Partners III, L.P. and BlueLine Partners II, L.L.C. (address of 402 Railroad Avenue, Suite 201, Danville, California 94526) (shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 78,236 shares). According to the Schedule 13D, Blue TSV I, LTD. is an investment corporation, each of BlueLine Capital Partners II, L.P. and BlueLine Capital Partners III, L.P. is an investment partnership, and each of BlueLine Partners, L.L.C. (which is the sole general partner of BlueLine Capital Partners II, L.P.) and BlueLine Partners II, L.L.C. (which is the sole general partner of BlueLine Capital Partners III, L.P.) is an investment management firm that provides investment management services to private investment funds. Also according to the Schedule 13D, each reporting entity expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of any shares other than those reported as owned by it.
(8) Based on a Form 4 filed by Mr. Goolsby with respect to HealthTronics on November 17, 2008. Mr. Goolsby resigned as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective on September 30, 2008.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

We compensate our executive officers primarily through a combination of base salary, annual cash incentive compensation and long-term equity based awards. The executive compensation is designed to align executive performance with the long-term interests of our shareholders and to be competitive with that of comparable companies.

Our compensation philosophy is that a significant part of our executives’ compensation should relate to our performance and the creation of shareholder value. Our compensation philosophy is designed to provide the appropriate mix of cash and equity awards, fixed versus incentive compensation, and employee benefits to:

 

   

Enable us to attract highly talented and dedicated executives with the skills necessary for us to achieve our business plan;

 

   

Retain those executives who continue to perform at or above the levels that we expect;

 

   

Motivate high-quality performance;

 

   

Compensate competitively and equitably; and

 

   

Align incentives with shareholder value creation.

We are guided by the following principles in determining the form and amount of executive compensation:

 

   

Compensation should relate to our performance. A meaningful portion of total compensation is tied to and varies with our financial and operating performance, as well as individual performance. Annual cash incentive compensation is determined based on our adjusted EBITDA and consolidated revenues along with a subjective element that enables our Compensation Committee to take into account individual performance.

 

   

Compensation should align executives’ and shareholders’ interests. Our annual cash incentive compensation is in part tied to and varies with our adjusted EBITDA and revenues because we believe there is a strong correlation between adjusted EBITDA and revenues, on the one hand, and shareholder value creation, on the other hand. In addition, our equity-based compensation aligns our executives’ interests with our shareholders’ interests by vesting equity awards based on increasing share value.

 

   

Compensation should attract and retain executives. Cash base salaries, 401(k) plan match, and health and welfare benefits help retain executives. In addition, our performance-based restricted stock awards have been structured to encourage retention by adding a two-year cliff vesting requirement in addition to the performance-vesting requirement.

Compensation Methodology

Our executive compensation program is designed to reflect the philosophy and objectives we have described above. Our Compensation Committee evaluates individual executive performance with a goal of setting compensation at levels the Committee believes are comparable with executives in other companies of similar size operating in the healthcare industry while taking into account our performance, our own strategic goals, and the individuals’ performance. We also consider the pay of each executive officer relative to each other executive officer and relative to other members of the management team. We have designed the executive compensation program to vary based on whether the executive is in a position of value creation or value preservation. For executives in a position of value creation, their annual cash incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation are tied more closely to our performance and therefore shareholder value creation. For executives in a position of value preservation, their annual cash incentive compensation and long-term incentive compensation are more balanced between retention, value-preservation goals, and value creation.

 

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Peer Group. In 2007, with the assistance of Longnecker & Associates, a compensation consultant engaged by our Compensation Committee in 2007, we established a peer group including healthcare services and manufacturing companies. In determining our peer group, we considered various metrics including revenues, total assets, net income and market capitalization. This peer group was not modified in 2008. The following companies comprise our peer group for purposes of evaluating executive compensation:

 

Amsurg Corporation

   Candela Corporation

Alliance Imaging, Inc.

   IntegraMed America, Inc.

Radiation Therapy Services Inc.

   Volcano Corporation

ZOLL Medical Corporation

   Cutera, Inc.

American Dental Partners, Inc.

   Aspect Medical Systems, Inc.

Vital Signs, Inc.

   Natus Medical, Inc.

Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc.

   Cynosure, Inc.

Cantel Medical Corp.

  

Our management team and Compensation Committee may continue to refine this peer group.

Compensation Consultant. In August 2007, our Compensation Committee engaged Longnecker to provide advice regarding executive compensation programs and amounts. As part of this engagement, Longnecker provided market and other specific information on executive pay and also attended three Compensation Committee meetings and one Board meeting during 2007. In 2008, Longnecker performed a limited review of the proposed annual salary adjustments, annual cash incentive amounts and long-term incentive awards and advised our Compensation Committee that the compensation is market competitive. Longnecker has also been engaged to review the Compensation Discussion and Analysis disclosure in this proxy statement. Longnecker was also engaged in 2008 to provide a market analysis of compensation for mid-level executives to help ensure compensation was market competitive and was reasonably consistent with the compensation methodology for senior executives. We did not engage Longnecker to provide any other services in 2008.

Benchmarking. With Longnecker’s assistance, our Compensation Committee benchmarked the various elements of our executive compensation program in order to compare our compensation levels relative to the 50th percentile of the market and our competitors. In benchmarking compensation, with Longnecker’s assistance, our Compensation Committee used publicly available market surveys to match the roles of our executives with roles in the surveys and conducted an analysis of the compensation of our executives in comparison to the compensation of comparable executives in our peer group. The comparative compensation information and related benchmarking is an analytic tool used by the Compensation Committee as a point of market reference for measuring executive compensation. However, it is not the determinative factor for our executive compensation. The Compensation Committee has discretion in determining the nature and extent of using the comparative compensation information.

Compensation Oversight

Our Compensation Committee performs at least annually a review of our executive officers’ compensation to determine whether the compensation is adequately tied to performance, whether the compensation provides adequate incentives and motivation to our executive officers and whether the compensation adequately compensates our executive officers relative to comparable officers in other companies with which we compete for executives. In addition, on an annual basis, our Compensation Committee reviews and considers the individual performance of executives, the financial and operating performance of the divisions or departments managed by the executives, and our overall performance. Historically, our Compensation Committee has performed this annual review in February of the year following the year reviewed. Beginning in 2006, our Compensation Committee decided to perform this review in late fourth quarter of the year reviewed. The Compensation Committee set the timing of this review in late fourth quarter in order to establish an annual pay cycle based on a calendar year. During the year, our Compensation Committee may consider compensation

 

5


awards to executives for extraordinary performance or changes in responsibilities. For further discussion regarding the responsibilities and oversight of our Compensation Committee, see “Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee” below.

Our chief executive officer, other members of our management and outside advisors may be invited to attend all or a portion of a Compensation Committee meeting depending on the nature of the agenda items. Neither our chief executive officer nor any other member of management votes on items before the Compensation Committee; however, the chief executive officer makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding executive compensation programs and amounts. In addition, our chief executive officer establishes annual cash incentive compensation for executives in a position of value preservation. Our Compensation Committee reviews this compensation program and the amounts paid thereunder. The Compensation Committee also works with our senior management to determine the agenda for each meeting.

Elements of Executive Compensation

Overview. We provide our named executive officers with a competitive compensation package that includes the following elements:

 

   

Annual base salaries;

 

   

Annual cash incentive compensation based on achievement of performance thresholds and discretionary cash bonuses;

 

   

Stock awards including stock options, time-vesting restricted stock awards, and performance-vesting restricted stock awards; and

 

   

Health and welfare benefits and a 401(k) plan.

We view these components of compensation as related but distinct. Although our Compensation Committee does review total compensation, we do not believe that significant compensation derived from one component of compensation should negate or reduce compensation from other components. We determine the appropriate level for each compensation component based in part, but not exclusively, on closely relating compensation to our performance, the Compensation Committee’s judgment on maintaining compensation that is competitive in our industry, our view of internal equity and consistency, and other considerations we deem relevant, such as the achievement of individual and company performance objectives and rewarding extraordinary performance. Except as described below, our Compensation Committee has not adopted any formal or informal policies or guidelines for allocating compensation between long-term and currently paid out compensation, between cash and non-cash compensation, or among different forms of non-cash compensation. However, our Compensation Committee maintains a balance among elements of compensation that ties a significant portion of compensation to our performance and that also attracts and retains executives and remains competitive within the market.

The below table shows the mix of compensation elements to the total compensation for the named executive officers (excluding Mr. Goolsby, who resigned effective September 30, 2008):

 

Element

   2007     2008  

Base salary

   41 %   32 %

Annual cash incentive

   46 %   15 %

Long-term incentive

   12 %   52 %

Other

   1 %   1 %

Base Salaries. Base salaries for our executives are established based on the scope of their responsibilities, taking into account competitive market compensation paid by other companies for similar positions. Generally, we believe that executive base salaries should be targeted near the median of the range of salaries for executives in similar positions with similar responsibilities at comparable companies, in line with our compensation

 

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philosophy. For each individual executive, our Compensation Committee also considers our needs for that executive’s skill set, the contribution that the executive has made or we believe will make, whether the executive officer’s skill set is easily transferable to other potential employers, the number of years of experience of the executive in serving in his or her office (whether with our company or another comparable-size company), internal pay equity and other factors. No specific formula is applied to determine the weight of each factor. Our Compensation Committee fixes executive base salaries at a level we believe enables us to hire and retain individuals in a competitive environment and to reward satisfactory individual performance and a satisfactory level of contribution to our overall business goals. Our Compensation Committee also takes into account the base compensation that is payable by companies that we believe to be our competitors and by other private and public companies with which we believe we generally compete for executives. To this end, we access a number of executive compensation surveys and other databases and review them when making crucial executive officer hiring decisions and annually when we review executive compensation. And, as discussed above, in 2007 our Compensation Committee engaged Longnecker to assist in benchmarking the various elements of our executive compensation program.

Robert A. Yonke joined us in April 2008 in connection with our acquisition of Advanced Medical Partners Inc. (“AMPI”). His base salary of $247,000 was negotiated as part of our acquisition of AMPI. Our Board of Directors, including the members of our Compensation Committee, approved the acquisition and Mr. Yonke’s employment agreement. The factors described above were considered in connection with the approval of Mr. Yonke’s employment agreement.

Base salaries are reviewed annually, and adjusted from time to time based on increased responsibilities, realignment with market levels, cost-of-living adjustments, and other factors in addition to the factors described above. The base salaries of the named executive officers were not increased as part of this annual review because our Compensation Committee believes the base salaries are competitive with market levels.

The base salaries earned by our named executive officers in 2008 are set forth below in the Summary Compensation Table.

Annual Cash Incentive Compensation and Discretionary Cash Bonuses. We established an annual cash incentive compensation program in order to emphasize pay for performance. We believe this program helps focus our executive officers’ efforts in driving operating results that create shareholder value. Annual cash incentive compensation awards are based on the actual achievement of certain company and business division performance goals, including the achievement of certain thresholds of financial performance and certain business initiatives aimed at improving future earnings, which are determined prior to or shortly after the beginning of each year. The goals are communicated to our executive officers and are set so that the attainment of the targets is not assured and requires significant effort by our executives.

Our Compensation Committee selects specific performance measures such as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) growth, adjusted EBITDA (adjusted for minority interest) growth, earnings per share growth, stock price growth, revenue growth, pre-tax income, return on capital, and division performance to establish targeted levels of performance for purposes of assessing the amount of annual cash incentive compensation to be paid. When establishing our threshold performance incentive targets, the Compensation Committee reviews and discusses with both senior management and the full Board of Directors our business plan and its key underlying assumptions, expectations under then-existing and anticipated market conditions and the opportunity to generate shareholder value and then establishes the performance thresholds and targets for the year.

For 2008, our Compensation Committee decided that annual cash incentive compensation for executives in a position of value creation would be determined based on the following three factors – adjusted EBITDA (weighted 40%), consolidated revenues (excluding revenues from companies acquired during 2008) (weighted 30%), and a discretionary component (weighted 30%). Our Compensation Committee selected adjusted EBITDA and consolidated revenues as the sole performance measures and established a specific series of targets for

 

7


purposes of determining the amount of annual cash incentive compensation attributable to such measures, thereby aligning the annual cash incentive compensation of executives to the creation of shareholder value. For 2008, our executives were entitled to receive annual cash incentive compensation equal to anywhere from zero to 120% of annual base salary in the case of the chief executive officer and 60% or 80% in the case of other executives, depending on the executive, based on the achievement of certain performance levels (representing 70% of the potential bonus) and our Compensation Committee’s discretionary assessment of performance (representing 30% of the potential bonus). The 2008 annual cash incentive compensation attributable to adjusted EBITDA would be equal to an executive’s current annual salary multiplied by a percentage determined based on our achievement of certain levels of adjusted EBITDA (as compared to an internal adjusted EBITDA baseline performance level), multiplied by 40%. If a minimum threshold level of adjusted EBITDA is not achieved (which such minimum is 90% of the adjusted EBITDA baseline performance level), no annual cash incentive compensation attributable to the 40% adjusted EBITDA component would be paid to the executive. The 2008 annual cash incentive compensation attributable to consolidated revenues would be equal to an executive’s current annual salary multiplied by a percentage determined based on our achievement of certain levels of consolidated revenues (as compared to an internal consolidated revenues baseline performance level), multiplied by 30%. If a minimum threshold level of consolidated revenues is not achieved (which such minimum is 90% of the consolidated revenues baseline performance level), no annual cash incentive compensation attributable to the 30% consolidated revenues component would be paid to the executive. If the target performance levels are achieved for the adjusted EBITDA and consolidated revenues performance measures (which such targets are 115% of the baseline performance levels for adjusted EBITDA and consolidated revenues), the executive would be entitled to receive 60% of his current base salary in the case of the chief executive officer and 40% in the case of other executives, multiplied by the respective component percentages. If the maximum performance levels are achieved for the adjusted EBITDA and consolidated revenues performance measures (which such maximums are 140% of the baseline performance levels for adjusted EBITDA and consolidated revenues), the executive would be entitled to receive 120% of his current base salary in the case of the chief executive officer and 80% in the case of other executives, multiplied by the respective component percentages. Our Compensation Committee decided to add a discretionary component to the annual cash incentive compensation, weighted 30% of the total annual cash incentive compensation, to provide some added flexibility for our Compensation Committee to address performance circumstances not otherwise contemplated by the 2008 annual cash incentive program. Any executive may earn 2008 incentive compensation under one, two or all of the components, or may not earn any 2008 incentive compensation under the three components. In no event will (1) an executive’s total 2008 annual cash incentive compensation exceed 120% of the executive’s current base salary in the case of the CEO and 80% in the case of other executives and (2) the 2008 annual cash incentive compensation attributable to a particular component exceed 120% of the executive’s base salary multiplied by the percentage attributable to such component in the case of the CEO and 80% in the case of other executives. The following chart summarizes the 2008 annual incentive compensation program:

 

    Performance Metric   Minimum
Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid
    Target
Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid(1)
    Maximum
Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid(2)
 

CEO:

  Adjusted EBITDA (40%)   90 %   —   (3)   115 %   24 %   140 %   48 %
  Revenues (30%)   90 %   —   (3)   115 %   18 %   140 %   36 %
  Discretionary (30%)   —       —   (4)   —       —   (4)   —       —   (4)

Other executives:

  Adjusted EBITDA (40%)   90 %   —   (3)   115 %   16 %   140 %   32 %
  Revenues (30%)   90 %   —   (3)   115 %   12 %   140 %   24 %
  Discretionary (30%)   —       —   (4)   —       —   (4)   —       —   (4)

 

(1) Percentage equals the percentage of current base salary for achieving the target performance level (60% for the CEO and 40% for other executives) multiplied by the performance metric percentage.
(2) Percentage equals the percentage of current base salary for achieving the maximum performance level (120% for the CEO and 80% for other executives) multiplied by the performance metric percentage.
(3) The percentage of base salary to be paid will be pro rated based on an executive’s achievement of a performance measure that falls somewhere between the minimum and maximum thresholds.
(4) The 30% discretionary component percentage applies to the full bonus range. Thus, the discretionary award can range from zero to 36% of base salary for the CEO (30% multiplied by 120% of base salary) and zero to 24% of base salary for the other executives (30% multiplied by 80% of base salary).

 

8


Our Compensation Committee may exercise its discretion in revising the target levels of the performance measures during the year. In 2008, the target levels were not changed.

Mr. Rusk did not participate in the above-described annual cash incentive program in 2008 because his responsibilities relate more to value preservation rather than value creation. If our Board of Directors decides to appoint Mr. Rusk as permanent CFO in the future, then our Compensation Committee would be more likely to determine that Mr. Rusk has a position of value creation. For 2008, Mr. Rusk’s annual incentive compensation was determined by our chief executive officer and reviewed by our Compensation Committee. Mr. Rusk is entitled to receive annual cash incentive compensation equal to anywhere from zero to 45% of his annual base salary, based on the achievement of certain performance levels (representing 67% of the bonus potential), achievement of certain operational goals (representing 20% of the bonus potential), and our chief executive officer’s discretionary assessment of his performance (representing 13% of the bonus potential). The performance measures selected were adjusted EBITDA and consolidated revenues and the method of calculating the annual incentive compensation is similar to the above-described compensation program. The operational component was established to compensate Mr. Rusk for the achievement of specific pre-set goals designed to increase financial operating efficiencies. The achievement of some of these goals must be assessed based on the discretion of our chief executive officer, while the achievement of other goals may be objectively assessed. The discretionary component provides flexibility in assessing Mr. Rusk’s performance not otherwise addressed by his 2008 annual incentive program. In no event will Mr. Rusk’s total 2008 annual cash incentive compensation exceed 45% of his current base salary. The following chart summarizes Mr. Rusk’s 2008 annual incentive compensation program:

 

Performance Metric

   Minimum Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid
    Target
Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid
    Maximum
Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid
 

Adjusted EBITDA

   90 %   —   (1)   105 %   9 %   120 %   18 %

Revenues

   90 %   —   (1)   105 %   6 %   120 %   12 %

Operational

   —       —   (2)   —       —   (2)   —       —   (2)

Discretionary

   —       —   (3)   —       —   (3)   —       —   (3)

 

(1) The percentage of base salary to be paid will be pro rated based on Mr. Rusk’s achievement of a performance measure that falls somewhere between the minimum and maximum thresholds.
(2) The operational incentive compensation can range from zero to 9% of base salary.
(3) The discretionary incentive compensation can range from zero to 6% of base salary.

Mr. Yonke was appointed as President of Urology Services in July 2008. As a result, Mr. Yonke did not participate in the 2008 cash incentive program. Instead, our Compensation Committee determined Mr. Yonke’s 2008 bonus in its discretion based on Mr. Yonke’s individual performance and the performance of the Urology Services division.

The 2008 annual cash incentive compensation earned by our named executive officers in 2008 is set forth below in our Summary Compensation Table.

For 2009, our Compensation Committee decided that annual cash incentive compensation for executives in a position of value creation would be determined based on the following three factors – adjusted EBITDA (weighted 55%), consolidated revenues (excluding revenues from companies acquired during 2009) (weighted 15%), and a discretionary component (weighted 30%). As compared to 2008, our Compensation Committee increased the Adjusted EBITDA component percentage from 40% to 55% and decreased the consolidated revenues component percentage from 30% to 15%. Generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) generally require that we consolidate all revenues of partnerships that we control even if we don’t own all of the interests in the partnerships. Because of recently-promulgated federal healthcare regulations and market conditions, we believe that our future development efforts would focus on and commonly result in opportunities that may increase adjusted EBITDA but where the minority partner share of revenues would not be consolidated.

 

9


As a result, our Compensation Committee believes that adjusted EBITDA will become an increasingly stronger creator of shareholder value. Otherwise, the 2009 program is consistent with the 2008 program. The following chart summarizes the 2009 annual incentive compensation program:

 

    Performance Metric   Minimum
Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid
    Target
Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid(1)
    Maximum
Threshold
Achievement
    % of Base
Salary to be
paid(2)
 

CEO:

  Adjusted EBITDA (55%)   90 %   —   (3)   115 %   33 %   140 %   66 %
  Revenues (15%)   90 %   —   (3)   115 %   9 %   140 %   18 %
  Discretionary (30%)   —       —   (4)   —       —   (4)   —       —   (4)

Other executives:

  Adjusted EBITDA (55%)   90 %   —   (3)   115 %   22 %   140 %   44 %
  Revenues (15%)   90 %   —   (3)   115 %   6 %   140 %   12 %
  Discretionary (30%)   —       —   (4)   —       —   (4)   —       —   (4)

 

(1) Percentage equals the percentage of current base salary for achieving the target performance level (60% for the CEO and 40% for other executives) multiplied by the performance metric percentage.
(2) Percentage equals the percentage of current base salary for achieving the maximum performance level (120% for the CEO and 80% for other executives) multiplied by the performance metric percentage.
(3) The percentage of base salary to be paid will be pro rated based on an executive’s achievement of a performance measure that falls somewhere between the minimum and maximum thresholds.
(4) The 30% discretionary component percentage applies to the full bonus range. Thus, the discretionary award can range from zero to 36% of base salary for the CEO (30% multiplied by 120% of base salary) and zero to 24% of base salary for the other executives (30% multiplied by 80% of base salary).

Our Compensation Committee may exercise its discretion in revising the target levels of the performance measures during the year.

Mr. Rusk will not participate in the annual cash incentive program in 2009 because his responsibilities relate more to value preservation rather than value creation. If our Board of Directors decides to appoint Mr. Rusk as permanent CFO in the future, then our Compensation Committee would be more likely to determine that Mr. Rusk has a position of value creation. We believe that Mr. Rusk’s 2009 annual cash incentive program will be consistent with the general principles described in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis related to annual cash incentive compensation.

Our Compensation Committee may also exercise discretion to pay cash bonuses as a result of extraordinary performance. In 2008, we did not pay any discretionary extraordinary performance bonuses.

Long-Term Incentives. We believe our executives should have an ongoing stake in our success. We also believe that our executives should have a portion of their total compensation tied to stock price performance because stock-related compensation is directly tied to shareholder value. Historically, our long-term incentives were in the form of stock options. However, our Compensation Committee has determined to grant restricted stock awards as well, based on input from Longnecker in 2007 regarding market practices.

Our Board of Directors reviews and approves equity awards to executive officers based upon our Compensation Committee’s assessment of individual performance, a review of each executive’s existing long-term incentives, and retention considerations. Our Board of Directors has historically granted equity awards to executives in the first quarter of each year in connection with our Compensation Committee’s annual performance reviews of the executives and setting compensation for the following year. Although our Compensation Committee determined in 2006 that it did not anticipate future equity grants to executives unless we hired a new executive or superior individual performance merited such, in 2007 our Compensation Committee determined to continue the practice of making annual equity award grants either at the time of the Board’s annual review or at the first quarter Board meeting, based on input from Longnecker in 2007 regarding market practices. From time to time, we may grant equity awards to our executive officers outside the annual award process, such as in connection with an increase in responsibilities, the hiring of a new executive, for retention purposes, or to reward exemplary performance.

 

10


In connection with Longnecker’s review of our executive compensation program in late 2007, in January 2008, our Compensation Committee determined and recommended to our Board a restricted stock award of 223,714 shares to Mr. Whittenburg. Our Compensation Committee determined that, in light of its decision to provide Mr. Whittenburg less fixed cash compensation as compared to that of comparable chief executive officers of members of our peer group and to make more of his total package dependent on performance, this restricted stock award would vest, or have vesting accelerated, based on the achievement of certain performance thresholds. Thus, this restricted stock award vests as follows: (1) 78,300 shares vest one-fourth (19,575 shares) on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, provided that vesting of such shares will be accelerated based on the achievement of the performance targets described below within the first two years of the date of grant (in order starting with the first one-fourth unvested tranche next scheduled to vest) and (2) 145,414 shares vest based on the achievement of the following performance targets:

 

Closing price per share of our common stock on any

trading day after the grant date as a % of the closing

price of our common stock on the grant date

   Percentage of shares of restricted
stock that vests
 

115%

   25 %

130%

   50 %

145%

   75 %

160%

   100 %

In March 2008, Mr. Goolsby was granted a restricted stock award of 124,775 shares. This award would vest, or have vesting accelerated, based on the achievement of certain performance thresholds. Thus, this restricted stock award vests as follows: (1) 43,672 shares vest one-fourth (10,918 shares) on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, provided that vesting of such shares will be accelerated based on the achievement of the same performance targets described above for Mr. Whittenburg within the first two years of the date of grant (in order starting with the first one-fourth unvested tranche next scheduled to vest) and (2) 81,103 shares vest based on the achievement of the above-described performance targets. Mr. Rusk was granted a restricted stock award of 15,000 shares, which shares vest one-fourth on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant. Mr. Rusk’s restricted stock award is not performance-based because his responsibilities do not directly relate to value creation.

In November 2008, our Compensation Committee and our Board of Directors approved grants of restricted stock awards to Mr. Whittenburg and Mr. Yonke. Mr. Whittenburg received $1,000,000 of restricted stock (representing 2.56x his annual base salary) and Mr. Yonke received $504,000 of restricted stock (representing 2.10x his annual base salary). These multiples are consistent with the multiples associated with restricted stock grants made in early 2008. The number of shares of restricted stock granted equaled the dollar amount divided by the closing price per share of our common stock on the date of grant. Thus, Mr. Whittenburg received a grant of 502,512 restricted shares and Mr. Yonke received a grant of 235,631 restricted shares. In order to tie these awards more closely with shareholder value creation, these awards would vest, or have vesting accelerated, based on the achievement of certain performance thresholds. Thus, Mr. Whittenburg’s restricted stock award vests as follows: (1) 175,879 shares (or 35% of the award) vest one-fourth on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, provided that vesting of such shares will be accelerated based on the achievement of the performance targets described below within the first two years of the date of grant (in order starting with the first one-fourth unvested tranche next scheduled to vest) and (2) 326,633 shares (or 65% of the award) vest based on (a) the achievement of the following performance targets and (b) Mr. Whittenburg not having voluntarily terminated his employment with us prior to the second anniversary of the date of grant:

 

20-day average closing price per share of our common stock on any

trading day after the grant date as a % of the closing

price of our common stock on the grant date

   Percentage of shares of restricted
stock that vests
 

115%

   25 %

130%

   50 %

145%

   75 %

160%

   100 %

 

11


Mr. Yonke’s restricted stock award vests similarly: (1) 82,470 shares (or 35% of the award) vest one-fourth on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, provided that vesting of such shares will be accelerated based on the achievement of the performance targets described above within the first two years of the date of grant (in order starting with the first one-fourth unvested tranche next scheduled to vest) and (2) 153,161 shares (or 65% of the award) vest based on (a) the achievement of the performance targets described above and (b) Mr. Yonke not having voluntarily terminated his employment with us prior to the second anniversary of the date of grant.

Our Compensation Committee determined that 35% of the awards should be time-vesting with a performance-acceleration component in order to encourage both executive retention and shareholder value creation. With respect to the remaining 65% of the awards, our Compensation Committee decided to add an additional vesting requirement that the executive not have voluntarily terminated his employment with us for two years after the grant date in order to help ensure that the executive focuses on long-term shareholder value creation and not take unnecessary and excessive risks. The 65/35 split was determined in the discretion of our Compensation Committee in balancing considerations of executive retention and shareholder value creation. In addition, our Compensation Committee decided that a 20-day average closing price rather than a single-day closing price should be used to ensure one-day spikes in prices that do not reflect longer-term value creation would not vest or accelerate the awards.

In February 2009, Mr. Rusk was granted a restricted stock award of 80,000 shares, which shares vest one-fourth on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant. Mr. Rusk’s restricted stock award is not performance-based because his responsibilities relate more to value preservation rather than value creation. If our Board of Directors decides to appoint Mr. Rusk as permanent CFO in the future, then our Compensation Committee would be more likely to determine that Mr. Rusk has a position of value creation.

All of the above-described grants were made as part of our annual equity award grants and were made to better align the interests of the executives with the interests of our stockholders and to remain competitive with market practices, support executive recruitment and retention, and maintain internal pay equity among executives. The amounts of shares of restricted stock were determined based on our Compensation Committee’s view of market practices, our Compensation Committee’s view of internal pay equity and consistency, the relative importance of the contributions executives are expected to make in achieving growth objectives, and the judgment of our Compensation Committee.

To the extent granted, stock options are generally granted at a price equal to the closing price per share of our common stock, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, on the date of grant. Options grants generally have a term of 10 years and vest 25% on each of the first four anniversaries of the grant date. Our Board of Directors has not established stock ownership guidelines.

We do not time equity grants in coordination with the release of material non-public information.

Other Executive Benefits and Perquisites

Executive officers are eligible to participate in all of our employee benefit plans, such as medical, dental, vision, group life, disability, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance and our 401(k) plan, in each case on the same basis as other employees. There are no retirement benefits other than as provided with our 401(k) plan. Under our 401(k) plan, there is a company match in cash equal to 50% of an employee’s contributions up to 6% of the employee’s total compensation. Thus, the maximum company match would equal 3% of an employee’s compensation, subject to IRS limits on company matches for employees who are considered highly compensated. This company match is made on the same basis for all full-time employees.

No perquisites are currently being paid to our executive officers. We do not view perquisites as a significant element of our comprehensive compensation structure but do believe that they can be used in conjunction with base salary to attract, motivate and retain individuals in a competitive environment.

 

12


Stock Ownership Guidelines

We have no minimum stock ownership guidelines that apply to our executives. However, we do encourage stock ownership through our equity awards.

Employment Agreements

We have entered into employment agreements with certain of our senior executives, and the employment agreements contain severance and change of control provisions. We believe these agreements help us to attract and retain qualified executives. The employment agreements and the severance and change in control provisions for the executive officers are summarized under “Employment Agreements” and “Severance and Change of Control Benefits” below, along with a quantification of the severance and change of control benefits.

Impact of Accounting and Regulatory Requirements on Compensation

We account for equity compensation paid to our employees under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R (“FAS 123(R)”), which requires us to estimate and record an expense over the service period of the award. Any gain recognized by optionees from nonqualified stock options should be deductible by us, while any gain recognized by optionees from incentive stock options will not be deductible by us if there is no disqualifying disposition by the optionee. Unless the executive makes an 83(b) election (in which case the value of the entire restricted stock award would be tax deductible by us at such time), the restricted stock award will become tax deductible as and to the extent the restricted stock award vests. We account for cash compensation as an expense at the time the obligation is accrued. This expense will also be tax deductible by us.

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code limits the tax deductibility by a publicly-held corporation of compensation in excess of $1 million paid to the chief executive officer or any other of its four most highly compensated executive officers, unless that compensation is “performance-based compensation” as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. The Compensation Committee considers deductibility under Section 162(m) with respect to compensation arrangements with executive officers. However, our Compensation Committee and Board of Directors believe that it is in our best interest that the Compensation Committee retain its flexibility and discretion to make compensation awards, whether or not deductible, in order to foster achievement of performance goals established by the Compensation Committee as well as other corporate goals that the Compensation Committee deems important to our success, such as encouraging employee retention and rewarding achievement.

On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was signed into law, creating Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and changing the tax rules applicable to nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. The Compensation Committee considers the application of Section 409A with respect to compensation arrangements with executive officers.

Compensation Committee Report

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management of the Company and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors of the Company that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.

 

Compensation Committee:   Timothy J. Lindgren, Chairman
 

R. Steven Hicks

Donny R. Jackson

 

13


Executive Compensation Tables

Summary Compensation Table

The following table provides information concerning aggregate compensation for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officers serving in 2008 and each of our other most highly compensated executive officers who earned in excess of $100,000 in aggregate compensation (excluding changes in pension values and non-qualified deferred compensation earnings) during 2008, who we will refer to as our named executive officers.

Excluding Mr. Goolsby, who resigned in September 2008, in 2008 “salary” accounted for approximately 32% of the total compensation of the named executive officers, annual cash incentive compensation accounted for 15% of the total compensation of the named executive officers, long-term equity incentive compensation accounted for approximately 52% of the total compensation of the named executive officers, and other compensation accounted for approximately 1% of the total compensation of the named executive officers.

 

Name and

Principal Position

(a)

  Year
(b)
  Salary
($)
(c)
  Bonus
($)
(d)
  Stock
Awards

($) (1)
(e)
  Option
Awards

($) (2)
(f)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)
(g)
  Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings ($)

(h)
  All Other
Compensation

($)
(i)
    Total ($)
(j)

James S.B. Whittenburg,

President and Chief Executive Officer

  2008

2007

2006

  $

$

$

390,000

337,198

279,996

  $

 

$

127,048

—  

100,000

  $

$

 

1,045,105

29,068

—  

  $

$

$

118,124

100,497

82,624

 

 

 

  $

$

$

122,952

405,000

46,403

  —  

—  

—  

  $

$

$

6,900

6,750

6,600

(3)

(3)

(3)

  $

$

$

1,810,129

878,513

515,623

Robert A. Yonke,

President of Urology Services(4)

  2008   $ 141,167   $ 36,000   $ 36,933     —         —     —     $ 4,235 (3)   $ 218,335

Richard A. Rusk,

Interim Chief Financial Officer, Vice President, Controller, Treasurer and Secretary(5)

  2008

2007

2006

  $

$

$

218,400

218,400

195,000

  $

 

 

32,760

—  

—  

  $

 

 

10,116

—  

—  

  $

$

$

32,400

32,400

9,270

 

 

 

  $

$

$

38,552

199,000

50,000

  —  

—  

—  

  $

$

$

7,585

6,750

6,825

(6)

(3)

(3)

  $

$

$

339,813

456,550

261,095

Ross A. Goolsby,

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer(7)

  2008

2007

  $

$

206,250

269,791

   

 

—  

—  

  $

 

205,333

—  

  $

$

(40,238

81,287

)

 

   

$

—  

330,000

  —  

—  

  $

$

176,456

6,188

(8)

(3)

  $

$

547,801

687,266

 

(1) The amounts in column (e) reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the years indicated in accordance with FAS 123(R) of restricted stock awards granted pursuant to our 2004 equity incentive plan and thus include amounts from restricted stock awards granted in and prior to 2008 for the 2008 amounts and in and prior to 2007 for the 2007 amounts, except that any estimate for forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions is excluded from, and does not reduce, such amounts. Assumptions used in the calculation of the amounts are included in footnote I to our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, on March 10, 2009. The 2008 amount for Mr. Goolsby includes a negative expense of $(100,767) related to restricted stock awards forfeited as a result of Mr. Goolsby’s departure. For further detail regarding restricted stock awards granted in 2008, see the “Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table below. The value of restricted stock awards granted in 2008, based on our closing price per share of $2.25, as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on December 31, 2008, and disregarding whether or not any of such awards vested in 2008, is as follows:

 

Name

   No. of Restricted Stock
Award Shares
   $ Value

James S.B. Whittenburg

   726,226    $ 1,634,009

Robert A. Yonke

   235,631    $ 530,170

Richard A. Rusk

   15,000    $ 33,750

Ross A. Goolsby

   124,775    $ 280,744

 

14


For the value of restricted stock awards vested during 2008, see the “2008 Option Exercises and Stock Vested” table below.

 

(2) The amounts in column (f) reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the years indicated in accordance with FAS 123(R) of stock options granted pursuant to our equity incentive plans and thus include amounts from options granted in and prior to 2008 for the 2008 amounts, in and prior to 2007 for the 2007 amounts, and in and prior to 2006 for the 2006 amounts. Assumptions used in the calculation of the amounts are included in footnote I to our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2009. The 2008 amount for Mr. Goolsby includes a negative expense of $(107,607) related to stock options forfeited as a result of Mr. Goolsby’s departure. No stock options were granted to the named executive officers during 2008.
(3) Represents our company matching contribution under our 401(k) plan.
(4) Mr. Yonke joined us on April 17, 2008 in connection with our acquisition of AMPI. On July 3, 2008, Mr. Yonke was appointed President of our Urology Services division.
(5) Effective on September 30, 2008, Mr. Rusk assumed the duties of interim Chief Financial Officer.
(6) This amount represents our company matching contribution under our 401(k) plan of $6,900 and the pay-out of $685 from our deferred compensation plan that was terminated in February 2007.
(7) Mr. Goolsby resigned as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective on September 30, 2008.
(8) This amount represents a severance payment of $95,000 made to Mr. Goolsby on September 30, 2008, aggregate consulting fees of $74,556 paid to Mr. Goolsby for consulting services provided by him during 2008 after termination of his employment, and our company matching contribution under our 401(k) plan of $6,900. For further discussion regarding this consulting arrangement, see “– Other Compensation Agreements – Termination and Consulting Agreement.”

Employment Agreements

Mr. Whittenburg

We have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Whittenburg. This agreement provides for the payment of a base salary and other customary benefits. Mr. Whittenburg’s agreement terminates August 10, 2010, and is subject to automatic renewal at the end of such term for successive one-year terms unless earlier terminated as provided in the agreement. The agreement entitles Mr. Whittenburg to receive severance payments, generally equal to two times his annual cash compensation, and provides that all of Mr. Whittenburg’s stock options and restricted stock awards will automatically fully vest, if we terminate his employment without cause (as defined in the agreement) or he terminates for good reason (as defined in the agreement). The agreement also gives Mr. Whittenburg the right to terminate employment and receive such severance payments in the event of a direct or indirect change of control as a result of change in ownership of us or certain changes in the members of our Board of Directors. For more information regarding these severance and change of control benefits, see discussion under “ – Severance and Change of Control Benefits” below. Under the terms of the agreement, the amount of these benefits would be reduced to the extent necessary so that the aggregate amount of the benefits would not be subject to excise tax under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Mr. Whittenburg’s employment agreement provides that he is subject to a nonsolicitation obligation, which would not expire until the second anniversary of the termination of his employment (unless he is terminated without cause or terminates for good reason). This nonsolicitation obligation is designed to help preserve our customer and employee relationships after the departure of the executive.

Robert A. Yonke

We have entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Yonke. This agreement provides for the payment of a base salary and other customary benefits. Mr. Yonke’s agreement terminates April 16, 2011, and is subject to automatic renewal at the end of such term for successive one-year terms unless earlier terminated as provided

 

15


in the agreement. The agreement entitles Mr. Yonke to receive a severance of (1) payment of his base salary until the second anniversary of the effective date of termination if such termination occurs on or before April 17, 2009 and (2) payment of his base salary until the first anniversary of the effective date of termination if such termination occurs after April 17, 2009, if we terminate his employment agreement without cause (as defined in the agreement) or he terminates for good reason (as defined in the agreement). The agreement also gives Mr. Yonke the right to terminate employment and receive such severance payments in the event of a direct or indirect change of control as a result of change in ownership of us or certain changes in the members of our Board of Directors. For more information regarding these severance and change of control benefits, see discussion under “ – Severance and Change of Control Benefits” below.

Mr. Yonke’s employment agreement provides that he is subject to noncompetition and nonsolicitation obligations, which would not expire until the later of April 17, 2013 and the second anniversary of the termination of his employment. These noncompetition and nonsolicitation obligations are designed to help preserve our business and customer and employee relationships after the departure of the executive.

Mr. Goolsby

Mr. Goolsby’s employment agreement had an initial term expiring on January 8, 2009. The agreement provided for the payment of a base salary and other customary benefits. The agreement entitled Mr. Goolsby to receive severance payments, generally equal to one times his annual cash compensation, if we terminated his employment without cause (as defined in the agreement) or he terminated for good reason (as defined in the agreement). The agreement also gave Mr. Goolsby the right to terminate employment and receive such severance payments in the event of a direct or indirect change of control as a result of change in ownership of us or certain changes in the members of our Board of Directors. Under the terms of the agreement, the amount of these benefits would be reduced to the extent necessary so that the aggregate amount of the benefits would not be subject to excise tax under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Mr. Goolsby’s employment agreement provides that he is subject to a nonsolicitation obligation, which would not expire until the second anniversary of the termination of his employment (unless he is terminated without cause or terminates for good reason). This nonsolicitation obligation is designed to help preserve our customer and employee relationships after the departure of the executive.

Effective on September 30, 2008, Mr. Goolsby resigned. In connection with his resignation, we and Mr. Goolsby terminated his employment agreement and entered into a termination and consulting agreement. For more information regarding this agreement, see “– Other Compensation Arrangements – Termination and Consulting Agreement.”

 

16


Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table provides information related to equity awards and non-equity incentive plan awards granted to or earned by our named executive officers during 2008.

 

Name

    (a)    

  Grant
Date

(b)
  Approval
Date

(c)
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
    Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards
    All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock

or Units
(#)
(j)
    All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options

(#)
(k)
  Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
(l)
  Grant
Date
Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Options
Award
(m)
      Threshold
($)
(d)
    Target
($)
(e)
    Maximum
($)

(f)
    Threshold
(#)

(g)
    Target
(#)

(h)
  Maximum
(#)

(i)
         

James S.B. Whittenburg

  1/4/08   —     —         —         —       55,928 (1)   —     223,714 (1)   —       —     —     $ 963,285
  11/6/08   —     —         —         —       125,627 (1)   —     502,512 (1)   —       —     —     $ 966,579
  N/A   —     —   (2)   $ 163,800 (2)   $ 327,600 (2)   —       —     —       —       —     —       —  
  N/A   —     —   (3)   $ 163,800 (3)   $ 327,600 (3)   —       —     —       —       —     —       —  

Robert A. Yonke

  11/6/08   —     —         —         —       58,907 (1)   —     235,631 (1)   —       —     —     $ 453,207

Richard A. Rusk

  3/10/08   —     —         —         —       —       —     —       15,000 (4)   —     —     $ 50,100
  N/A   —     —   (5)   $ 32,760 (5)   $ 65,520 (5)   —       —     —       —       —     —       —  

Ross A. Goolsby

  3/10/08   —     —         —         —       31,193 (1)   —     124,775 (1)   —       —     —     $ 406,408
  N/A   —     —   (2)   $ 77,000 (2)   $ 154,000 (2)   —       —     —       —       —     —       —  

 

(1) For a description of the vesting terms of this award, see “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Elements of Executive Compensation – Long-Term Incentives”.
(2) The amounts shown in column (d) reflect the minimum estimated future payout level for 2008, which is zero if the minimum performance threshold levels are achieved. If the minimum performance threshold levels are exceeded, then the executives’ payout increases on a pro rata basis as the minimum levels are exceeded. The amount shown in column (e) reflects the target estimated future payout level for 2008, which is 60% of Mr. Whittenburg’s base salary and 40% of Mr. Goolsby’s base salary multiplied by 70% if the performance target levels are achieved. The amount shown in column (f) reflects the maximum estimated future payout level, which is 120% of Mr. Whittenburg’s base salary and 80% of Mr. Goolsby’s base salary multiplied by 70% if the maximum performance threshold levels are achieved. Only 70% of the estimated 2008 annual cash incentive compensation has been set forth in the table because the remaining 30% of 2008 annual cash incentive compensation is based on a discretionary assessment by our Compensation Committee. For further discussion, see “– Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Annual Cash Incentive Compensation and Discretionary Cash Bonuses.”
(3) Our Compensation Committee determined the performance criteria for Mr. Whittenburg’s 2009 annual cash incentive compensation in November 2008. Therefore, this table discloses Mr. Whittenburg’s estimated future payouts for 2009 annual cash incentive compensation. The amount shown in column (d) reflects the minimum estimated future payout level for 2009, which is zero if the minimum performance threshold levels are achieved. If the minimum performance threshold levels are exceeded, then Mr. Whittenburg’s payout increases on a pro rata basis as the minimum levels are exceeded. The amount shown in column (e) reflects the target estimated future payout level for 2009, which is 60% of Mr. Whittenburg’s base salary multiplied by 70% if the performance target levels are achieved. The amount shown in column (f) reflects the maximum estimated future payout level for 2009, which is 120% of Mr. Whittenburg’s base salary multiplied by 70% if the maximum performance threshold levels are achieved. Only 70% of the estimated 2009 annual cash incentive compensation has been set forth in the table because the remaining 30% of 2009 annual cash incentive compensation is based on a discretionary assessment by our Compensation Committee. For further discussion, see “– Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Annual Cash Incentive Compensation and Discretionary Cash Bonuses.”
(4) This restricted stock award vests one-fourth on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.
(5) The amount shown in column (d) reflects the minimum estimated future payout level for 2008, which is zero if the minimum performance level is achieved. If the minimum performance threshold level is exceeded, then Mr. Rusk’s payout increases on a pro rata basis as the minimum levels are exceeded. The amount shown in column (e) reflects the target estimated future payout level for 2008, which is 15% of Mr. Rusk’s base salary if the performance target level is achieved. The amount shown in column (f) reflects the maximum estimated future payout level, which is 30% of Mr. Rusk’s base salary if the maximum performance threshold level is achieved. For further discussion, see “– Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Annual Cash Incentive Compensation and Discretionary Cash Bonuses.”

 

17


Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2008

The following table provides information regarding each unexercised stock option and unvested restricted stock award held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2008.

 

    Option Awards     Stock Awards  

Name

(a)

  Number
of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Exercisable
(b)
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options

(#)
Unexercisable
(c)
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)
(d)
  Option
Exercise
Price

($)
(e)
  Option
Expiration
Date

(f)
    Number
of
Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested

(#)
(g)
    Market
Value
of
Shares
or
Units
of
Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested

($)
(h)
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number
of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested

(#)
(i)
    Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market
or Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested

($)
(j)
 

James S.B. Whittenburg

  19,000

20,000

50,000

50,000

—  

—  

—  

  —  

—  

—  

50,000

—  

—  

—  

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

  —  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

  $

$

$

$

 

 

 

5.39

9.55

7.65

7.21

—  

—  

—  

  2/19/14

2/23/15

12/30/15

6/8/16

—  

—  

—  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  —  

—  

—  

—  

101,250

78,300

175,879

 

 

 

 

(2)

(4)

(4)

   

 

 

 

$

$

$

—  

—  

—  

—  

227,813

176,175

395,728

 

 

 

 

(3)

(3)

(3)

  —  

—  

—  

—  

—  

36,353

81,658

 

 

 

 

 

(5)

(5)

   

 

 

 

 

$

$

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

81,794

183,731

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

(3)

Robert A. Yonke

  —     —       —       —     —       82,470 (4)   $ 185,558 (3)   38,290 (5)   $ 86,153 (3)

Richard A. Rusk

  6,000

15,000

20,000

—  

  —  

—  

20,000

—  

 

 

(6)

 

  —  

—  

—  

—  

  $

$

$

 

7.79

9.55

6.52

—  

  2/26/13

2/23/15

9/18/16

—  

 

 

 

 

  —  

—  

15,000

 

 

(7)

   

 

$

—  

—  

33,750

 

 

(3)

  —  

—  

—  

 

 

 

   

 

 

—  

—  

—  

 

 

 

Ross A. Goolsby

  25,000   —       —     $ 6.41   1/8/17 (8)   —         —       —         —    

 

(1) The remaining 50,000 shares vest 25,000 shares on each of June 8, 2009 and 2010.
(2) The remaining 101,250 shares of this restricted stock award vest 33,750 shares on each of October 26, 2009, 2010 and 2011.
(3) Market value based on number of shares multiplied by $2.25, which was the closing price per share of our common stock as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on December 31, 2008.
(4) This restricted stock award vests one-fourth on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant, and vesting may be accelerated based on achieving performance goals. For further description of this restricted stock award, see “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Long-Term Incentives” and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table above.
(5) The number of shares is based on achieving the first threshold performance goal (25% vesting). For further description of this restricted stock award including the vesting terms, see “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Long-Term Incentives” and the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table above.
(6) The remaining 20,000 shares vest 10,000 shares on each of September 18, 2009 and 2010.
(7) This restricted stock award vests one-fourth (3,750 shares) on each of March 10, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.
(8) This date represents the original expiration date of these options. As a result of the termination of Mr. Goolsby’s employment and his service as a consultant, these options expired on February 15, 2009.

 

18


2008 Option Exercises and Stock Vested

The following table provides information regarding exercises of stock options and vesting of restricted stock awards held by our named executive officers during 2008.

 

     Option Awards    Stock Awards

Name

(a)

   Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise

(#)
(b)
   Value Realized on
Exercise

($)
(c)
   Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#)
(d)
   Value Realized on
Vesting

($)
(e)(1)

James S.B. Whittenburg

   —      —      33,750    $ 75,938

Robert A. Yonke

   —      —      —        —  

Richard A. Rusk

   —      —      —        —  

Ross A. Goolsby

   —      —      62,386    $ 267,636

 

(1) Amount represents the aggregate values of restricted stock vested in 2008, which values are determined by multiplying the number of shares vested by the closing price per share of our common stock on the vesting date.

Severance and Change of Control Benefits

The following sets forth potential payments payable to our named executive officers upon termination of employment under their current employment agreements. Our Compensation Committee periodically reviews the need for these benefits, especially when considering the employment agreement of a new executive or the amendment to the employment agreement of an existing executive. The Compensation Committee may in its discretion revise, amend or add to the benefits if it deems advisable (subject to the agreement of the applicable named executive officer).

Mr. Whittenburg

We may terminate Mr. Whittenburg’s employment agreement if (“Cause”):

 

   

in connection with our business, Mr. Whittenburg is convicted of an offense constituting a felony or involving moral turpitude; or

 

   

in a material and substantial way, (a) Mr. Whittenburg (1) violates a written policy of ours, (2) violates any provision of his employment agreement, (3) fails to follow reasonable written instructions or directions from our Board of Directors or any person authorized by our Board of Directors to instruct or supervise the executive officer, or (4) fails to use good-faith efforts to perform the services required under his employment agreement and (b) Mr. Whittenburg fails to materially cure the violation or failure within 15 days after receiving written notice thereof from our Board of Directors.

In addition, we may terminate Mr. Whittenburg’s employment agreement without Cause. Mr. Whittenburg’s employment agreements will automatically terminate on his death or permanent disability.

Mr. Whittenburg may terminate his employment agreement (“Good Reason”):

 

   

for any reason within two months following any “change of control” in us (provided that notice of termination cannot be given before consummation of the change of control);

 

   

if his base salary is diminished;

 

   

if we require him to move to a city other than Austin, Texas;

 

   

if our Board of Directors or any person authorized by our Board of Directors to instruct or supervise him materially and unreasonably interferes with his ability to fulfill his job duties; or

 

   

if he is reassigned to a position with diminished responsibilities or his job responsibilities are materially narrowed or diminished.

 

19


The employment agreement defines a “change of control” as the occurrence of one of the following: (i) any person, entity or “group” (as defined under applicable federal securities laws) becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the combined voting power of our then outstanding voting securities, but only if such event results in a change in our Board composition such that the directors immediately preceding the event do not comprise a majority of our Board following the event; (ii) a merger, reorganization or consolidation where our shareholders immediately before the event do not, immediately after the event, own more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity’s then outstanding voting securities, but only if such event results in a change in our Board composition such that the directors immediately preceding the event do not comprise a majority of our Board following the event; (iii) the sale of all or substantially all of our assets to an entity in which we or our shareholders existing immediately before such event beneficially own less than 50% of the combined voting power of such acquiring entity’s then outstanding voting securities, but only if such event results in a change in our Board composition such that the directors immediately preceding the event do not comprise a majority of the board of directors of the surviving entity following such event; or (iv) any change in the identity of directors constituting a majority of our Board within a 24 month period unless the change was approved by a majority of incumbent directors.

Mr. Whittenburg may also terminate his employment without Good Reason.

If Mr. Whittenburg’s employment agreement is terminated by us without Cause or by Mr. Whittenburg for Good Reason, Mr. Whittenburg is entitled to receive (less applicable withholding taxes):

 

   

his then current base salary through the effective date of termination;

 

   

a payment equal to (a) 200% of his then current annualized base salary plus (b) the sum of the cash bonuses paid during the preceding two years; and

 

   

all outstanding unvested stock options and restricted stock awards then held by Mr. Whittenburg would fully vest, and all stock options would remain exercisable until the earlier of the end of the option term or the first anniversary of the date of termination.

In addition, Mr. Whittenburg would be released from his nonsolicitation obligations under his employment agreement. As a condition to receiving any of those payments, Mr. Whittenburg must execute a full release and waiver of all claims against us (excluding claims for amounts due under his employment agreement and existing indemnification obligations).

If Mr. Whittenburg’s employment agreement is terminated by him without Good Reason, by us for Cause, or by his death or permanent disability, then he (or his representative) would be entitled to receive (less applicable withholdings) his then current base salary through the effective date of termination.

Assuming Mr. Whittenburg’s employment was terminated under the above circumstances on December 31, 2008, the estimated value of such payments and benefits would be as follows:

 

     Cash
Severance
   Value of
Accelerated
Equity
Awards
    Total

Without Cause or for Good Reason

   $ 1,331,403    $ 1,861,821 (1)   $ 3,193,224

Without Good Reason, death or permanent disability

     —        —         —  

For Cause

     —        —         —  

 

(1) Represents the closing price per share of our common stock on December 31, 2008 as reported on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which was $2.25, multiplied by the number of shares of unvested restricted stock held by Mr. Whittenburg as of December 31, 2008, which was 827,476 shares. Because the exercise price of Mr. Whittenburg’s stock options exceeded the closing price per share of our common stock on December 31, 2008, there is no value attributed to the accelerated vesting of stock options.

 

20


Mr. Yonke

We may terminate Mr. Yonke’s employment agreement if (“Cause”):

 

   

in connection with our business, Mr. Yonke is convicted of an offense constituting a felony or involving moral turpitude; or

 

   

Mr. Yonke (a) (1) violates a written policy of ours, (2) violates any provision of his employment agreement, (3) fails to follow reasonable written instructions or directions from our chief executive officer or any person authorized by our chief executive officer to instruct or supervise the executive officer, or (4) fails to use good-faith efforts to perform the services required under his employment agreement and (b) fails to materially cure the violation or failure within 15 days after receiving written notice thereof.

In addition, we may terminate Mr. Yonke’s employment agreement without Cause. Mr. Yonke’s employment agreement will automatically terminate on his death or permanent disability.

Mr. Yonke may terminate his employment agreement (“Good Reason”):

 

   

for any reason within two months following any “change of control” in us (provided that notice of termination cannot be given before consummation of the change of control);

 

   

if we require him to move to a city other than Austin, Texas or Arlington, Texas;

 

   

if our chief executive officer or any person authorized by our chief executive officer to instruct or supervise him materially and unreasonably interferes with his ability to fulfill his job duties;

 

   

if he is reassigned to a position with diminished responsibilities or his job responsibilities are materially narrowed or diminished; or

 

   

If we materially violate the employment agreement and fail to cure such violation within 15 days after receiving written notice thereof.

The employment agreement defines a “change of control” as the occurrence of one of the following: (i) any person, entity or “group” (as defined under applicable federal securities laws) becomes the beneficial owner of more than 50% of the combined voting power of our then outstanding voting securities, but only if such event results in a change in our Board composition such that the directors immediately preceding the event do not comprise a majority of our Board following the event; (ii) a merger, reorganization or consolidation where our shareholders immediately before the event do not, immediately after the event, own more than 50% of the combined voting power of the surviving entity’s then outstanding voting securities, but only if such event results in a change in our Board composition such that the directors immediately preceding the event do not comprise a majority of our Board following the event; (iii) the sale of all or substantially all of our assets to an entity in which we or our shareholders existing immediately before such event beneficially own less than 50% of the combined voting power of such acquiring entity’s then outstanding voting securities, but only if such event results in a change in our Board composition such that the directors immediately preceding the event do not comprise a majority of the board of directors of the surviving entity following such event; or (iv) any change in the identity of directors constituting a majority of our Board within a 24 month period unless the change was approved by a majority of incumbent directors.

Mr. Yonke may also terminate his employment without Good Reason.

If Mr. Yonke’s employment agreement is terminated by us without Cause or by Mr. Yonke for Good Reason, Mr. Yonke is entitled to receive (less applicable withholding taxes):

 

   

his then current base salary through the effective date of termination; and

 

   

continued payment of his then current base salary until (a) the second anniversary of the effective date of the termination if the termination occurs on or before April 17, 2009 and (b) the first anniversary of the effective date of the termination if the termination occurs after April 17, 2009.

 

21


As a condition to receiving any of those payments, Mr. Yonke must execute a full release and waiver of all claims against us (excluding claims for amounts due under his employment agreement and existing indemnification obligations).

If Mr. Yonke’s employment agreement is terminated by him without Good Reason, by us for Cause, or by his death or permanent disability, then he (or his representative) would be entitled to receive (less applicable withholdings) his then current base salary through the effective date of termination.

Assuming Mr. Yonke’s employment was terminated under the above circumstances on December 31, 2008, the estimated value of such payments and benefits would be as follows:

 

     Cash Severance

Without Cause or for Good Reason

   $ 480,000

Without Good Reason, death or permanent disability

     —  

For Cause

     —  

Mr. Goolsby

In connection with the termination of his employment, we and Mr. Goolsby terminated his employment agreement and entered into a termination and consulting agreement. For a description of such agreement, see “– Other Compensation Arrangements – Termination and Consulting Agreement.”

Indemnity Agreements

We have entered into indemnity agreements with certain of our current and former officers and directors and certain of Prime’s former directors. These agreements generally provide that, to the extent permitted by law, we must indemnify each such person for judgments, expenses, fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement of claims that result from the fact that such person was an officer, director or employee of ours (or Prime’s, as applicable). In addition, our and certain of our subsidiaries’ organizational documents provide for certain indemnifications and limitations on liability for directors, managers and officers.

2004 Equity Incentive Plan

The following is a summary of the material terms of the Plan.

Purpose

To attract and retain individuals eligible to participate in the 2004 equity incentive plan, which we will refer to as the Plan, and to further our growth, development and financial success by aligning the personal interests of participants in the Plan, through the ownership of shares of our common stock and other incentives, with those of us and our shareholders.

Administration

Our board of directors or a committee designated by the board of directors, such as the compensation committee (in either case, we refer to such body as the Administrator).

Eligibility

Officers, employees, directors, consultants and other persons selected by the Administrator.

Stock Subject to the Plan

5,800,000 shares of our common stock may be issued under the Plan. There are no pre-established limits on what number of the shares of our common stock reserved for the Plan will be allocated as stock options, stock appreciation rights (or SARs), restricted stock grants, stock purchase rights, and other stock based awards.

 

22


Awards under the Plan

 

   

Options. We will have the ability to award “incentive stock options” and “non-statutory stock options” under the Plan (in either case we refer to such awards as the option(s)).

 

   

Incentive Stock Options. Only our employees (or certain of our affiliates) may be eligible to receive an award of incentive stock options. Incentive stock options awarded under the Plan must have an exercise price of at least 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. In the case of an employee who owns stock representing more than 10% of our voting power, the exercise price will be at least 110% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.

 

   

Non-Statutory Stock Options. We can award non-statutory stock options to any person eligible under the Plan. The Plan does not establish a minimum exercise price for non-statutory stock options granted under the Plan.

 

   

Other Terms Applicable to Options. Options may contain other provisions the Administrator decides are appropriate relating to when the options will become exercisable, the times and circumstances the options may be exercised, and the methods the exercise price may be paid. Options that become exercisable will expire no later than 10 years from the date the options were granted; however, in certain cases the options will expire 5 years from the date they were granted (i.e., in the case of options granted to an employee who owns stock representing more than 10% of our voting power).

 

   

Stock Appreciation Rights. SARs granted under the Plan will entitle the participant to receive, in either cash or stock, the excess of the fair market value of one share of our common stock over the exercise price of the SAR. The Administrator will determine the terms under which SARs are awarded, including the times and circumstances under which a SAR may be exercised. SARs may be granted at a price determined by the Administrator, and may be granted in tandem with an option, such that the exercise of the SAR or related option will result in a forfeiture of the right to exercise the related option for an equivalent number of shares, or independently of any option. Any SAR may be exercised at the times specified in the document awarding the SAR, and the SAR will expire at the time designated at the time the SAR is awarded.

 

   

Restricted Stock. Restricted stock may be granted alone or in conjunction with other awards under the Plan and may be conditioned upon continued employment for a specified period, the attainment of specific performance goals or such factors as the Administrator may determine. In making an award of restricted stock, the Administrator will determine the restrictions that will apply, the period during which the award will be subject to such restrictions, and the price, if any, payable by a recipient. The Administrator may amend any award of restricted stock to accelerate the dates after which such award may be executed in whole or in part. Shares of restricted stock shall not be transferable until after removal of the legend with respect to such shares.

 

   

Stock Purchase Rights. Stock purchase rights may be issued either alone, in addition to, or in tandem with other awards granted under the Plan and/or cash awards made outside of the Plan. The Administrator will determine the terms, conditions and restrictions related to the stock purchase rights, including the number of shares that such person shall be entitled to purchase, the price to be paid, and the time within which such person must accept such offer (all in accordance with a restricted stock purchase agreement). Unless the Administrator determines otherwise, the restricted stock purchase agreement shall grant us a repurchase option exercisable upon the voluntary or involuntary termination of the purchaser’s service with us for any reason (including death or disability).

 

   

Other Stock-Based Awards. The Administrator shall have complete discretion in determining the number of shares subject to “Other Stock Based Awards”, the consideration for such awards and the terms, conditions and limitations pertaining to same including, without limitation, restrictions based upon the achievement of specific business objectives, tenure, and other measurements of individual or business performance, and/or restrictions under applicable federal or state securities laws, and conditions under which such awards will lapse. Payment of other stock based awards may be in the form of cash, shares, other awards, or in such combinations thereof as the Administrator shall determine at the time of grant, and with such restrictions as it my impose.

 

23


Performance Awards

The Administrator may condition the receipt of an award or the vesting of an award on certain business criteria. If the Administrator determines that such performance conditions should be considered “performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, the performance goals must relate to one of the following business criteria: (1) fair market value or trading price of shares of our common stock; (2) operating profit; (3) sales volume of our products; (4) earnings per share; (5) revenues; (6) cash flow; (7) cash flow return on investment; (8) return on assets, return on investment, return on capital, return on equity; (9) economic value added; (10) operating margin; (11) net income; pretax earnings; pretax earnings before interest, depreciation and amortization; pretax operating earnings after interest expense and before incentives, service fees, and extraordinary or special items; or (12) any of the above goals as compared to the performance of a published index, such as the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index or a group of comparable companies.

Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization, Merger or Asset Sale

 

   

Changes in Capitalization. Subject to any required action by our shareholders, the number of shares of common stock subject to the Plan (whether awarded or reserved but not awarded) as well as the price per share of common stock subject to the Plan (whether awarded or reserved but not awarded) shall be proportionately adjusted for any increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of common stock resulting from a stock split, reverse stock split, stock dividend, combination or reclassification of the common stock, or any other increase or decrease in the number of issued shares of common stock effected without receipt of consideration by us.

 

   

Dissolution or Liquidation. In the event of our proposed dissolution or liquidation, the Administrator in its discretion may provide for a participant to have the right to exercise his or her award until 15 days prior to such transaction as to all of the shares covered thereby. To the extent it has not been previously exercised, an award will terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed action.

 

   

Merger or Asset Sale. In the event of our merger with or into another corporation, or the sale of substantially all of our assets, each outstanding award shall be assumed or an equivalent option or right substituted by the successor corporation. In the event that the successor corporation refuses to assume or substitute for the award, the Plan participants shall fully vest in and have the right to exercise the award as to all of the shares, including shares as to which it would not otherwise be vested or exercisable.

Transferability of Awards

Awards may not be pledged, assigned or transferred while the Plan participant is still living, except that options may be transferred to a Plan participant’s spouse as directed by a court, provided such transfer is “incident to divorce” within the meaning of Section 1041 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Termination, Amendment or Suspension

The Administrator can terminate, suspend or amend the Plan at any time, subject to shareholder approval required under federal or state law or by the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed.

Federal Income Tax Consequences

 

   

Incentive Stock Options. In general, no taxable income for Federal income tax purposes will be recognized by an option holder upon receipt or exercise of an incentive stock option and we will not then be entitled to any tax deduction. Assuming that the option holder does not dispose of the option shares before the later of (i) two years after the date of grant or (ii) one year after the exercise of the option, upon any such disposition, the option holder will recognize capital gain equal to the difference between the sale price on disposition and the exercise price.

 

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If, however, the option holder disposes of his option shares prior to the expiration of the required holding period, he will recognize ordinary income for Federal income tax purposes in the year of disposition equal to the lesser of (i) the difference between the fair market value of the shares at date of exercise and the exercise price, or (ii) the difference between the sale price upon disposition and the exercise price. Any additional gain on such disqualifying disposition will be treated as capital gain. In addition, if such a disqualifying disposition is made by the option holder, we will be entitled to a deduction equal to the amount of ordinary income recognized by the option holder provided such amount constitutes an ordinary and reasonable expense of ours.

 

   

Nonqualified Stock Options. No taxable income will be recognized by an option holder upon receipt of a nonqualified stock option, and we will not be entitled to a tax deduction for such grant.

Upon the exercise of a nonqualified stock option, the option holder will include in taxable income for Federal income tax purposes the excess in value on the date of exercise of the shares acquired upon exercise of the nonqualified stock option over the exercise price. Upon a subsequent sale of the shares, the option holder will derive short-term or long-term gain or loss, depending upon the option holder’s holding period for the shares, commencing upon the exercise of the option, and depending upon the subsequent appreciation or depreciation in the value of the shares.

We generally will be entitled to a corresponding deduction at the time that the participant is required to include the value of the shares in his income.

 

   

Restricted Stock. Under current federal income tax regulations, there will be no income tax consequences upon the award of restricted stock to either the grantee or us. A grantee will recognize ordinary income when the restrictions on the transferability of the shares expire, which is referred to as the vesting of the shares. The amount of income recognized will be equal to the fair market value of such shares on the date of vesting over the amount paid, if any, at the time of the grant. Dividends on shares of restricted stock that are paid (or are payable) to grantees prior to the time the shares are vested will be treated as additional compensation, and not dividend income, for federal income tax purposes.

In addition to the general rules described above, the deductibility of the income realized by certain executive officers is conditioned on the satisfaction of the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code. It is our intention that the Plan is administered in a manner that maximizes the deductibility of the payments under Section 162(m). The federal income tax consequences described in this section are based on U.S. laws in effect on the date of this document, and there is no assurance that they will not change in the future and affect the tax consequences of awards made under this Plan. Tax consequences may be different in other countries.

Other Compensation Agreements

Board Service and Release Agreement

This agreement entitles Dr. Wheelock to receive $16,666 per month for his Board service, unless our Board of Directors decides to establish a different amount of compensation for him. Dr. Wheelock’s Board service and release agreement also provides that Dr. Wheelock will for a period of five years following the date his service on our Board of Directors is terminated refrain from directly or indirectly (i) soliciting our and our affiliates’ employees and other similar persons; (ii) soliciting vendors, customers, and other similar persons and entities to adversely alter their relationship with us or our affiliates; (iii) advising physicians, hospitals, surgery centers and similar persons to negatively alter their business relationship with us or our affiliates; and (iv) engaging in certain business activities conducted by us. In addition, Mr. Wheelock is eligible to receive annual bonuses and stock options at the discretion of our Compensation Committee.

 

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Termination and Consulting Agreement

Effective on September 30, 2008, Mr. Goolsby resigned as our Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President. In connection with his departure, we entered into a termination and consulting agreement with Mr. Goolsby pursuant to which Mr. Goolsby’s employment agreement with us was terminated and Mr. Goolsby provided consulting services to us until November 17, 2008. We paid Mr. Goolsby $74,556 for these consulting services. Also, under the terms of the agreement, (1) we made a payment of $95,000 to Mr. Goolsby on September 30, 2008 in lieu of his participation in our 2008 annual cash incentive program, (2) Mr. Goolsby remained eligible to continue to participate in our employee benefit plans made generally available to our employees (to the extent permitted by law and the terms of the plans) until November 17, 2008, and (3) we agreed to reimburse COBRA expenses of Mr. Goolsby for his continued coverage under our medical plan until the earlier of (a) the expiration of the period of coverage under COBRA and (b) the date Mr. Goolsby becomes eligible for participation in a new employer’s group plans. The nonsolicitation provision set forth in Mr. Goolsby’s employment agreement continues in full force and effect.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

Under the charter of our Audit Committee, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all related party transactions as defined under the Nasdaq Marketplace rules (which define related party transactions by reference to Item 404 of Regulation S-K). Our management is responsible for identifying any related party transactions and submitting them to the Audit Committee for review. The Audit Committee will review any related party transactions on a case-by-case basis and determine whether or not to approve such transactions. Other than as set forth in the Audit Committee charter, we have not adopted a written policy for the review of related party transactions.

Transactions

In August 2005, SanuWave, Inc., a company controlled by Prides Capital Partners, L.L.C., which beneficially owned approximately 9.5% of our outstanding common stock as of March 20, 2009 and which Kevin A. Richardson, II, who resigned as a member of our Board of Directors in November 2008, co-founded and is a partner with, acquired our orthopaedics business unit. Under the terms of the transaction, we received $6.4 million in cash, two $2 million unsecured promissory notes, and a small passive ownership interest in SanuWave. The notes bear interest at 6% per annum with no payments for the first five years, then interest-only payments for the next five years with a balloon payment after ten years. As part of the transaction, we agreed to provide SanuWave with certain transition services that include certain manufacturing services, sales support, and office support. We were paid $100,000 per month for the first six months following the closing of the transaction in return for such services, in addition to receiving reimbursement of certain direct costs to provide the services. The term for the transition services varies according to the specific service involved, but will not in any event extend beyond two years from the closing date. Mr. Richardson also serves as chairman of the board of directors of SanuWave.

At January 1, 2008, we indirectly owned a 30% interest in Tenn-Ga Stone Group Two, a Tennessee general partnership that provides lithotripsy services in Tennessee and North Georgia, and Dr. Wheelock directly owned a 20.787% interest in Tenn-GA Stone Group Two. In January 2008, we sold a portion of our interest to Tenn-GA Stone Group Two, which resulted in us holding a 15.169% interest. In addition, Dr. Wheelock’s interest increased to 20.843% by December 31, 2008. We manage Tenn-Ga Stone Group Two. Tenn-Ga Stone Group Two pays us a management fee of $40,000 per year. In addition, we supply services, parts and consumables to Tenn-Ga Stone Group Two at standard rates. During 2008, Tenn-Ga Stone Group Two paid us $39,432 for such services, parts and consumables. In 2008, Tenn-Ga Stone Group Two paid approximately $68,755 in distributions to Dr. Wheelock and $55,366 in distributions to us.

 

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During 2001 and early 2002, Prime Medical Services, Inc., which merged into us in November 2004, made full recourse loans totaling approximately $975,000 to 12 members of its management. The loans bear interest at 6.5% and require annual payments of principal and interest due April 1 of each year. We assumed these loans after the November 2004 merger. Only one employee loan was outstanding during 2008, which was repaid in April 2008. As of December 31, 2008, all of these employee loans had been fully repaid.

During 2008 we leased office space in an office building owned by us and in which our principal executive offices were located to American Physician Services Group Inc., or APS. Kenneth S. Shifrin, one of our directors, serves as chairman of the board and chief executive officer of APS. We sold the office building in June 2008 and the landlord-tenant relationship between us and APS terminated at that time. During 2008 (until June 2008) APS made aggregate rental payments to us under the lease of $287,756.

In April 2008, we acquired all of the capital stock of Advanced Medical Partners, Inc. (“AMPI”) pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement dated March 18, 2008 from the stockholders of AMPI for a purchase price of approximately $6.9 million in cash and approximately 1.8 million shares of our common stock, plus a two-year earn-out based on the future achievement of EBITDA (payable 50% in stock and 50% in cash). Robert A. Yonke was a stockholder of AMPI and received 772,245 shares of our common stock and $2,883,441 in cash in exchange for his AMPI stock. In addition, Mr. Yonke is entitled to 42.691% of future earn-out payments under the Stock Purchase Agreement. In addition, in connection with the AMPI acquisition, we granted Mr. Yonke piggyback registration rights with respect to any registration statement filed by us (other than an S-4 or S-8) within 180 days after the closing of the AMPI acquisition We also agreed that if we issue shares of our common stock in the future pursuant to the earn-out provision, we will enter into a piggyback registration rights agreement with respect to those shares and with respect to any registration statement filed by us (other than an S-4 or S-8) within 180 days after the issuance of such shares.

In October 2008, we acquired all of the outstanding membership interests of Advanced Medical Partners in Radiation, LLC (“AMPR”) pursuant to an Interest Purchase Agreement from the members of AMPR for a purchase price of approximately $1.35 million in cash, plus a two-year earn-out based on the future achievement of EBITDA (payable in cash). Mr. Yonke indirectly owned a 13% membership interest in AMPR and received $100,000 in cash in connection with this acquisition. In addition, Mr. Yonke is entitled to receive 13% of future earn-out payments under the Interest Purchase Agreement.

Mr. Yonke’s stepbrother-in-law, Kevin Bentley, was a stockholder of AMPI, indirectly held a membership interest in AMPR, and in connection with the AMPI acquisition became one of our employees. Mr. Bentley currently serves as our Vice President – Business Development. In the AMPI acquisition, Mr. Bentley received 220,652 shares of our common stock and $840,685 in cash in exchange for his AMPI stock. In addition, Mr. Bentley is entitled to 12.198% of future earn-out payments under the AMPI Stock Purchase Agreement. Mr. Bentley also received piggyback registration rights substantially similar to Mr. Yonke’s rights (as described above). In the AMPR acquisition, Mr. Bentley indirectly owned a 13% membership interest in AMPR and received $100,000 in cash in connection with the acquisition. In addition, Mr. Bentley is entitled to receive 13% of future earn-out payments under the AMPR Interest Purchase Agreement.

Also, in connection with the AMPI acquisition, we entered into an employment agreement with Mr. Bentley. This agreement has a three-year term and is subject to automatic renewal at the end of such term for successive one-year terms unless earlier terminated as provided in the agreement. The agreement provides for the payment of a base salary of $170,000 and other customary benefits. The agreement entities Mr. Bentley to receive severance payments, generally equal to (1) payment of base salary until the second anniversary of the effective date of termination if such termination occurs on or before April 17, 2009 and (2) payment of base salary until the first anniversary of the effective date of termination if such termination occurs after April 17, 2009, if we terminate his employment agreement without cause (as defined in the agreement) or he terminates for good reason (as defined in the agreement). Mr. Bentley’s employment agreement provides that he is subject to noncompetition and nonsolicitation obligations, which would not expire until the later of April 17, 2013 and the second anniversary of the termination of his employment agreement.

 

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SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, and the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Such persons are required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

Based solely on our review of the copies of such forms received by us with respect to 2008, or written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our directors, executive officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities have been complied with during 2008, except that Mr. Goolsby filed a late Form 4 with respect to a transaction that occurred in August 2008 and Mr. Hicks filed a late form 4 with respect to a transaction that occurred in November 2008.

QUORUM; VOTING

The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote is necessary to constitute a quorum at the meeting. Abstentions (when a shareholder sends in a proxy with explicit instructions to abstain from voting or to decline to vote regarding a particular proposal) and “broker non-votes” (shares held by brokers or nominees for which voting instructions have not been received from the beneficial owners or persons entitled to vote those shares and the broker or nominee does not have discretionary voting power under rules applicable to broker-dealers so the broker or nominee is unable to vote the uninstructed shares) will be counted in determining whether a quorum is present at the meeting. If a quorum is not present or represented at the meeting, the shareholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than an announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present or represented. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum is present or represented, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally notified.

Cumulative voting is not permitted in the election of our directors. On all matters (including election of directors) submitted to a vote of the shareholders at the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, each holder of our common stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of our common stock owned of record by such shareholder at the close of business on March 20, 2009.

Proxies in the accompanying form that are properly executed and returned and that are not revoked will be voted at the meeting and any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof and will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. Any proxy upon which no instructions have been indicated with respect to a specified matter will be voted according to the recommendations of our Board of Directors, which are contained in this proxy statement. Our Board of Directors knows of no matters, other than those presented in this proxy statement, to be presented for consideration at the meeting. If, however, other matters properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote such proxy in accordance with their judgment on any such matters. The persons named in the accompanying proxy may also, if they believe it advisable, vote such proxy to adjourn the meeting from time to time.

Other than the election of directors, which requires a plurality of the votes cast and entitled to vote on the election, each matter submitted to the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast and entitled to vote on such matter. If you abstain from voting on any of the matters submitted, your abstention will not affect the outcome of this vote because an abstention is not a vote cast. Broker non-votes will not affect the outcome of any of the matters submitted because a broker non-vote is not a vote cast.

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our Nominating Committee and Board of Directors have nominated six directors for election at the 2009 annual meeting. Each nominee will be elected to hold office until our next annual meeting of shareholders or until his successor is duly elected and qualified, or until his earlier death, resignation or removal. The following is a description of each of our current directors. All of these directors have been nominated for election at the 2009 annual meeting:

 

Name

   Age    Director Since(1)

R. Steven Hicks

   59    2004

Donny R. Jackson

   60    2003

Timothy J. Lindgren

   62    2003

Kenneth S. Shifrin

   59    2004

Argil J. Wheelock, M.D.

   61    1996

James S.B. Whittenburg

   37    2007

 

(1) Messrs. Hicks and Shifrin became directors in November 2004 following the merger between Prime Medical Services Inc. and HealthTronics. Details regarding these directors’ service as directors of Prime is provided in the biographical information below.

Mr. Hicks became our Nonexecutive Chairman in March 2006. Mr. Hicks became a director of Prime in December 2002 and a director of ours in November 2004 upon the closing of the merger between Prime and HealthTronics. In June 2000, Mr. Hicks became Chairman of Capstar Partners, LLC, an Austin based private investment company. Previously he founded Capstar Broadcasting and served as Vice Chairman of AMFM, Inc.

Mr. Jackson has served as a director of ours since January 2003. Mr. Jackson is currently retired. From 2002 to November 2004, Mr. Jackson served as the Director of the Technical Services Group of InterCept, Inc., a publicly traded company that provides technology, products and services to financial institutions. Prior to this he served as: President and Chief Executive Officer of Netzee, Inc., a publicly traded company providing integrated Internet banking and e-commerce products and services to financial institutions, from 2000 to 2002; President and Chief Operating Officer of The Intercept Group, Inc., from 1996 to 2000; Chief Executive Officer of Provesa, Inc., a data processing and check imaging services company, from 1993 to 1996; Chief Executive Officer of Bank Atlanta, from 1990 to 1992 and Chief Financial Officer, from 1988 to 1990; and Audit Manager at Evans, Porter, Bryan, from 1986 to 1987; and Audit Partner at Womble, Jackson, Gunn, from 1978 to 1986.

Mr. Lindgren has served as a director of ours since January 2003. Since April 2008, Mr. Lindgren has been engaged in providing consulting services to the hospitality industry. Previously, Mr. Lindgren was a senior vice president for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, overseeing the management and operations of 24 Hyatt hotels in 10 states, until his retirement in April 2008. Throughout his 37-year career with Hyatt, Mr. Lindgren held a variety of management positions including general manager of several Hyatt Regency hotels.

Mr. Shifrin became Prime’s Chairman of the Board in 1989 and served as Executive Chairman until December 30, 2001. Mr. Shifrin served as Nonexecutive Chairman of Prime from December 31, 2001 until the closing of the merger between Prime and HealthTronics in November 2004. Mr. Shifrin became our Nonexecutive Vice Chairman in November 2004 upon the closing of the merger. He resigned his position as Nonexecutive Vice Chairman in March 2006 and continues to serve as a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Shifrin has served in various capacities with American Physicians Service Group Inc., a publicly traded financial services and insurance management company (“AMPH”), since 1985, and is currently the chairman of the board and chief executive officer of AMPH.

 

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Mr. Whittenburg was appointed as our President and Chief Executive Officer and became a director of ours on August 13, 2007. From June 2006 until August 13, 2007, Mr. Whittenburg served as President of our Urology Division, and he was our acting President and Chief Executive Officer from May 2007 until August 2007. He served as President of our Specialty Vehicle Manufacturing Division from December 2005 until its sale in July 2006 and was our General Counsel and Senior Vice President – Development from March 2004 until June 2006. Previously Mr. Whittenburg practiced law at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP, where he specialized in corporate and securities law. Mr. Whittenburg, a CPA, is licensed to practice law in Texas.

Dr. Wheelock served as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer from July 1996 until November 2004 when he became our Nonexecutive Chairman. In October 2005, Dr. Wheelock was appointed as Executive Chairman. He resigned this position as Executive Chairman in March 2006 and continues to serve as a member of our Board of Directors. Dr. Wheelock also serves as our Chief Medical Advisor. Dr. Wheelock is a practicing, board-certified urologist in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While Dr. Wheelock was in practice between 1979 and 1996, he was also engaged as a consultant by various public companies.

No family relationships exist among our executive officers or directors. Except as indicated above, no director of ours is a director of any company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of such Act or any company registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

Should any nominee for director become unwilling or unable to accept nomination or election, the proxies will be voted for the election, in his stead, of such other persons as our Board of Directors may recommend or our Board of Directors may reduce the number of directors to be elected. We have no reason to believe that any nominee named above will be unwilling or unable to serve.

The Board recommends that you vote FOR each nominee for director.

CERTAIN INFORMATION REGARDING OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board Compensation

Our board compensation consists of an annual retainer fee, meeting fees, and an annual equity award. Directors who are also officers will not receive any fee or remuneration for services as members of our Board or any Board committee. Each non-management Board member will be paid cash compensation consisting of an annual retainer of $40,000 (paid in equal monthly installments), $2,000 for each in-person Board meeting, $1,000 for each telephonic Board meeting, $1,000 for each in-person Board committee meeting, and $500 for each telephonic Board committee meeting, except for Dr. Wheelock, whose board compensation is described under “Executive Compensation – Other Compensation Arrangements – Board Service and Release Agreement.” Instead of payment of directors fees in cash, directors may elect to receive the cash fees in shares of our common stock. The number of shares to be paid is determined by dividing the cash amount to be paid by the closing price per share of our common stock as of (1) the date the cash compensation would have been paid absent such election or (2) with respect to meeting fees, the date of the meeting. The stock would be issued under our 2004 equity incentive plan.

In December 2006, our Board of Directors amended non-management board compensation related to stock options by granting each non-management Board member a stock option covering 100,000 shares of our common stock, which options vested 25% on the date of grant and 25% on the each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. The exercise price of these stock options equaled the fair market value per share on the date of grant. As a result of this change in non-management board compensation related to stock options, our Board did not make any option grants to Board members in 2007. In November 2008, our Board of Directors initiated a restructuring of the Board whereby three directors (Messrs. Richardson, Waughtal and Yudof) resigned and the Board reduced its size to six members. In connection with this restructuring, our Board

 

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decided to renew annual equity awards to non-management Board members to more closely align board compensation with shareholder value creation and to encourage greater director ownership in our stock. Our Board granted each non-management director a restricted stock award valued at $30,000, which would be reduced based on the following director ownership levels:

 

Ratio of (1) aggregate value of our common

stock acquired and currently held by

director to (2) the direct annual retainer

amount ($40,000)

   % of award
to be received
 

> 1.5x

   100 %

> 1.0x

   75 %

> 0.5x

   50 %

< 0.5x

   25 %

Each non-management Board member met the 1.5x threshold and therefore received 100% of the restricted stock award. In addition, our Board granted each chair a restricted stock award valued as follows:

 

Position

   Grant Value

Board Chairman

   $ 10,000

Audit Committee Chairman

   $ 10,000

Compensation Committee Chairman

   $ 5,000

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Chairman

   $  5,000

Executive Committee Chairman

   $ 5,000

The number of shares awarded equaled the dollar amount divided by the closing price per share of our common stock on the date of grant. All of the restricted stock awards vest one-fourth on each of the first four anniversaries of the date of grant.

The following table provides information concerning aggregate compensation for 2008 for non-management members of our Board of Directors serving in 2008. Mr. Whittenburg received compensation in 2008 for his service as an officer. He received no compensation for his service as a director.

 

Name

(a)

   Fees
Earned or
Paid in
Cash
($)
(b)
    Stock
Awards
($)(1)
(c)
   Option
Awards
($)(2)
(d)
    Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)
(e)
   Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)
(f)
   All Other
Compensation
($)
(g)
    Total
($)
(h)

Mr. Hicks

   $ 55,500     $ 1,511    $ 85,457     —      —        —       $ 142,468

Mr. Jackson

   $ 61,000     $ 1,511    $ 85,457     —      —        —       $ 147,968

Mr. Lindgren

   $ 61,500     $ 1,322    $ 85,457     —      —        —       $ 148,279

Mr. Richardson(3)

   $ 46,833       —      $ (3,052 )   —      —      $ 6,928 (4)   $ 50,709

Mr. Shifrin

   $ 55,000     $ 1,322    $ 85,457     —      —        —       $ 141,779

Mr. Waughtal(5)

   $ 42,833       —      $ (3,052 )   —      —      $ 6,928 (4)   $ 46,709

Dr. Wheelock

   $ 199,992 (6)   $ 1,133    $ 85,457     —      —      $ 6,061 (7)   $ 292,643

Mr. Yudof(8)

   $ 41,333       —      $ (3,052 )   —      —      $ 6,928 (4)   $ 45,209

 

(1) The amounts in column (c) reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the year ended December 31, 2008 in accordance with FAS 123(R) related to restricted stock awards granted in 2008, except that any estimate for forfeitures related to service-based vesting conditions is excluded from, and does not reduce, such amounts. Assumptions used in the calculation of the amounts are included in footnote I to our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2009. The grant date fair values of the restricted stock awards granted to directors in 2008 equal the dollar amounts of the awards (as described above).

 

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(2) The amounts in column (d) reflect the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the year ended December 31, 2008 in accordance with FAS 123(R) related to stock options granted pursuant to our equity incentive plans and thus include amounts from options granted in and prior to 2008. Assumptions used in the calculation of the amount for years ended December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 are included in footnote I to our audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2009. The amount for each of Messrs. Richardson, Waughtal, and Yudof includes a negative expense of $(77,827) related to stock options forfeited as a result of their departures.
(3) Mr. Richardson resigned from our Board effective November 5, 2008 as part of the Board restructuring described above.
(4) Represents one-time compensation paid to the director (in the form of personal property) for services provided to us.
(5) Mr. Waughtal resigned from our Board on November 6, 2008 as part of the Board restructuring described above.
(6) See “Executive Compensation – Other Compensation Arrangements – Board Service and Release Agreement” for a description of Dr. Wheelock’s board compensation.
(7) Represents company matching contribution under our 401(k) plan.
(8) Mr. Yudof resigned from our Board on October 22, 2008 as part of the Board restructuring described above.

Kenneth S. Shifrin

Mr. Shifrin became our nonexecutive vice chairman on November 10, 2004 pursuant to a board service, amendment and release agreement. That agreement entitles him to have life insurance policies maintained on his behalf by us. Mr. Shifrin resigned his position as nonexecutive vice chairman in March 2006 and continues to serve as a member of our Board of Directors.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

General

There are presently six members of our Board of Directors, including four directors who the Board has determined to be independent under Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq listing standards. See “– Director Independence” below.

Our Board of Directors held eight meetings during 2008, and during that year each incumbent director attended at least 75% of (a) the total number of our Board meetings (held during the period for which he has been a director) and (b) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he served (during the periods that he served).

In regard to directors’ attendance at annual shareholders meetings, although we do not have a formal policy regarding such attendance, our Board of Directors encourages all Board members to attend such meetings, but such attendance is not mandatory. All of our Board members serving as directors at the time attended the 2008 annual shareholders meeting. In addition, our Board of Directors holds its regular annual meeting immediately following the annual shareholders meeting.

Our Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and an Executive Committee. Our Board of Directors has adopted a written charter for the Audit, Compensation, Nominating and Corporate Governance, and Executive Committees. These charters are available on our website at http://www.healthtronics.com under the “Investors – Corporate Governance” section of our website.

 

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Director Independence

Our Board of Directors affirmatively determines the independence of each director in accordance with the Nasdaq Marketplace rules. Based on the standards, our Board of Directors determined that each of the following directors is independent:

 

R. Steven Hicks

 

Timothy J. Lindgren

Donny R. Jackson

 

Kenneth S. Shifrin

In determining the independence of Mr. Lindgren, our Board of Directors considered that our Board of Directors, our Board committees, and our management occasionally held meetings at various Hyatt hotels at a preferred business rate (rather than a standard business rate). Mr. Lindgren was a Senior Vice President for Hyatt Hotels & Resorts until his retirement in April 2008. We paid Hyatt approximately $8,000 in 2008 for meeting space and related fees and expenses. Such amount does not include any amounts paid to Hyatt for overnight business travel expenses incurred by our employees in the ordinary course of business. We have no policies encouraging or requiring any of our employees to stay at Hyatt hotels or resorts on business travel.

In determining the independence of Mr. Shifrin, our Board of Directors considered the APS transaction described under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions—Transactions”. In addition, in determining the independence of Mr. Shifrin, our Board of Directors considered the payment of fees to APS by certain partnerships controlled by us for services provided by APS that are not accounting, consulting, legal, investment banking or financial advisory services, the aggregate amount of which fees in 2008 was $25,000.

In determining the independence of Mr. Hicks, our Board of Directors considered that in November 2008 Mr. Whittenburg became a member of the board of directors of Harden Healthcare, Inc., a company of which Mr. Hicks owns all or substantially all the equity interests and which Mr. Hicks controls. Mr. Hicks is chairman of the board of Harden, although not an executive officer of Harden, and his son-in-law is an executive officer of Harden. Mr. Whittenburg does not serve on the compensation committee of Harden and recuses himself from all decisions made by the Harden board regarding Harden board and officer compensation.

Perry M. Waughtal and Mark G. Yudof were independent directors during their service on our Board in 2008. Mr. Yudof resigned from our Board in October 2008 and Mr. Waughtal resigned from our Board in November 2008.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee’s functions include:

 

   

reviewing with the independent auditors and management the adequacy of our accounting and financial reporting controls;

 

   

reviewing with management and the independent auditors significant accounting and reporting principles, practices and procedures applied in preparing our financial statements;

 

   

discussing with the independent auditors their judgment about the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles used in our financial reporting;

 

   

reviewing the activities and independence of the independent auditors;

 

   

reviewing and discussing our audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors and the results of the audit; and

 

   

appointing the independent auditors.

 

33


For most of 2008 (until Mr. Waughtal’s resignation in November 2008), Mr. Jackson, Mr. Shifrin and Mr. Waughtal were the members of the Audit Committee and the chairman of the Committee was Mr. Waughtal. In November 2008, Mr. Lindgren was appointed to the Audit Committee to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Waughtal’s resignation and Mr. Jackson was appointed chairman. Currently, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Lindgren and Mr. Shifrin are the members of the Audit Committee and Mr. Jackson is the chairman. Our Board has determined that the committee members are “independent” as defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq listing standards. In addition, our Board has determined that the committee members meet the independence standards set forth in Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Exchange Act. Our Board has further determined that Mr. Jackson is an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. The Audit Committee held four meetings during 2008.

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by our independent auditors. Pre-approval is generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee reviews and makes recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding compensation of our chief executive officer and approves compensation of executive officers who report to our chief executive officer, including the chief financial officer and the other executive officers named in the summary compensation table. The Compensation Committee has the authority under its charter to engage the services of outside advisors, experts and others to assist it.

In performing its duties, the Compensation Committee:

 

   

reviews all areas of executive compensation and recommends compensation for the chief executive officer to the Board of Directors and approves compensation for all executives but the chief executive officer;

 

   

administers our equity incentive plan;

 

   

reviews new employment agreements and amendments of existing employment agreements and recommends to the Board, with respect to the chief executive officer, and approves, with respect to all other executive officers, employment agreements and amendments thereto; and

 

   

provides information and advice to our Board regarding Board compensation.

Mr. Jackson, Mr. Hicks and Mr. Lindgren are the current members of the Compensation Committee. Our Board has determined that the committee members are “independent” as defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq listing standards. The chairman of the Committee is Mr. Lindgren.

The Committee meets at least quarterly in person to perform its duties and periodically approves and adopts, or makes recommendations to our Board for, executive compensation matters. During 2008, the Committee held five meetings.

Our chief executive officer, other members of our management and outside advisors may be invited to attend all or a portion of a Compensation Committee meeting depending on the nature of the agenda items. Neither our chief executive officer nor any other member of management votes on items before the Compensation Committee; however, the chief executive officer makes recommendations to the Compensation Committee regarding executive compensation programs and amounts. The Compensation Committee also works with our senior management to determine the agenda for each meeting.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

The Compensation Committee is comprised of independent directors. There are no compensation committee interlocks among the members of our Board of Directors and no member of the Compensation Committee has a transaction reported under “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

 

34


Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has primary responsibility for making recommendations to our Board of Directors for nominees for election to our Board of Directors and developing and reviewing our corporate governance guidelines. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held no meetings during 2008—the members approved the slate of director nominees for the 2008 annual shareholders meeting by unanimous consent in lieu of meeting. For most of 2008 (until Mr. Yudof’s resignation in October 2008), Mr. Hicks, Mr. Lindgren and Mr. Yudof were the members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the chairman of the Committee was Mr. Yudof. In November 2008, Mr. Shifrin was appointed to the Committee to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Yudof’s resignation and Mr. Lindgren was appointed chairman. Currently, Mr. Hicks, Mr. Lindgren and Mr. Shifrin are the members of the Committee and Mr. Lindgren is the chairman. Our Board has determined that the committee members are “independent” as defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq listing standards.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies nominees by first evaluating the current members of the Board who are willing to continue in service. Current members of the Board with skills and experience that are relevant to our business and who are willing to continue in service are considered for re-nomination, balancing the value of continuity of service by existing members of the Board with that of obtaining a new perspective. If any member of the Board does not wish to continue in service or if the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee decides not to recommend a member for re-election, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may identify the desired skills and experience of a new nominee in light of the criteria below. Research may be performed to identify qualified individuals. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee has not engaged third parties to identify or evaluate or assist in identifying potential nominees, although it may do so in the future if it considers doing so necessary or desirable.

The consideration of any candidate for service on our Board is based on the Committee’s assessment of the candidate’s professional and personal experiences and expertise relevant to our operations and goals. The Committee evaluates each candidate on his or her ability to devote sufficient time to Board activities to effectively carry out the work of the Board. The ability to contribute positively to the existing collaborative culture among Board members and willingness to represent the best interests of our shareholders and objectively appraise management’s performance are also considered by the Committee. In addition, the Committee considers the candidate’s involvement in activities or interests that might conflict with a director’s responsibilities to us and our shareholders, the composition of the Board as a whole, the status of the nominee as “independent” under the Nasdaq’s listing standards and the rules and regulations of the SEC, and the nominee’s experience with accounting rules and practices. Other than the foregoing, there are no stated minimum criteria for director nominees, although the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee may also consider such other factors as it may deem are in our and our shareholders’ best interests.

After completing its evaluation, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee makes a recommendation to the full Board of Directors as to the persons who should be nominated by the Board, and the Board determines the nominees after considering the recommendation and report of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider director candidates recommended by our shareholders. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee does not have a formal policy on shareholder nominees, but intends to assess them in the same manner as other nominees, as described above. To recommend a prospective nominee for the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s consideration, shareholders should submit in writing the candidate’s name and qualifications, and otherwise comply with our bylaws’ requirements for shareholder nominations, which are described below, to:

HealthTronics, Inc.

9825 Spectrum Drive, Building 3

Austin, TX 78717

Attention: Corporate Secretary

 

35


Our bylaws provide that any shareholder wishing to recommend a nominee should submit a recommendation in writing, indicating the nominee’s qualifications and other relevant biographical information and provide confirmation of the nominee’s consent to serve as a director if elected and to being named in the proxy statement and certain information regarding the status of the shareholder submitting the recommendation, to our Corporate Secretary at the address provided above. Such nomination recommendation must be received by us at the address provided above not later than 90 days nor earlier than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting of shareholders (provided, that, if the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 45 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so received by us not earlier than 120 days before the annual meeting and not later than the later of (1) 90 days before the annual meeting and (2) the 10th day following the day on which we first make a public announcement of the date of the annual meeting).

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee’s primary functions are to serve as a communications liaison between our management and our Board of Directors and to approve routine, non-material matters that would otherwise require approval of our Board of Directors. Mr. Hicks, Mr. Lindgren, and Mr. Richardson were the members of the Committee and Mr. Hicks was chairman until November 2008. Mr. Richardson resigned from our Board in November 2008 and Mr. Lindgren stepped down from the Committee in November 2008. At that time, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Shifrin were appointed to fill the two vacancies in the Committee and Mr. Shifrin was appointed chairman. Currently, the members of the Committee are Mr. Hicks, Mr. Jackson and Mr. Shifrin and Mr. Shifrin is the chairman.

Shareholder Communications with the Board of Directors

If a shareholder desires to send a communication to our Board of Directors, such shareholder should send the communication to:

HealthTronics, Inc.

9825 Spectrum Drive, Building 3

Austin, TX 78717

Attention: Nonexecutive Chairman of the Board

The nonexecutive chairman of the board will forward the communication to the other Board members.

If a shareholder desires to send a communication to a specific Board member, such shareholder should send the communication to the above address with attention to the specific Board member.

Code of Ethics

We have established a Code of Ethics for our chief executive officer, senior finance officers and all other employees. A current copy of this code is available on our web site at http://www.healthtronics.com under the “Code of Conduct” link at the bottom of the homepage of our website. If we amend the Code of Ethics or grant a waiver of a provision of the Code of Ethics, we will disclose such amendment or waiver on our website within four business days following such amendment or waiver. Such information will remain available on our website for at least twelve months following the date of such disclosure.

Corporate Governance Guidelines

We have adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines, a current copy of which is available on our website at http://www.healthtronics.com under the “Investors—Corporate Governance” section of our website.

 

36


REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is comprised of Donny R. Jackson, Timothy J. Lindgren, and Kenneth S. Shifrin, all of whom are “independent” directors as defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq listing standards and Rule 10A-3(b)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, Mr. Jackson is an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC. Mr. Lindgren joined the Audit Committee in November 2008 when Mr. Waughtal resigned from our Board.

The Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board. The Committee, among other things,

 

   

reviews with the independent auditors and management the adequacy of the Company’s accounting and financial reporting controls;

 

   

reviews with management and the independent auditors significant accounting and reporting principles, practices and procedures applied in preparing the Company’s financial statements;

 

   

discusses with the independent auditors their judgment about the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles used in the Company’s financial reporting;

 

   

reviews the activities and independence of the independent auditors;

 

   

reviews and discusses the audited financial statements with management and the independent auditors and the results of the audit; and

 

   

appoints the independent auditors.

It is the responsibility of the Company’s management to prepare financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and of the Company’s independent auditors to audit the financial statements and internal control over financial reporting.

In this context, the Committee has reviewed and held discussions with management and the independent auditors regarding the Company’s 2008 financial statements and internal control over financial reporting. Management represented to the Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008. The Committee discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended.

In addition, the Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the auditor’s independence from the Company and management and has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the independent auditors’ communications with the audit committee concerning independence. Further, the Committee has considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent auditors is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.

The Committee meets with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, the evaluations of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

Based on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee believes that the provision of services by the independent auditors for matters other than the annual audit and quarterly reviews is compatible with maintaining the auditor’s independence.

 

Audit Committee:   Donny R. Jackson, Chairman
  Timothy J. Lindgren
  Kenneth S. Shifrin

 

37


RELATIONSHIP WITH INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Our Audit Committee designated Ernst & Young LLP, or E&Y, as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the year ended December 31, 2008. E&Y has advised us that, in accordance with professional standards, they will not perform any non-audit service that would impair their independence for purposes of expressing an opinion on our financial statements. A representative of E&Y will attend the meeting with the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. No accountants have been selected for the year ending December 31, 2009.

Fees to Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms for Fiscal 2008 and 2007

The fees listed in the table below are for services provided by E&Y during 2008 and 2007, and for services provided by KPMG LLP, or KPMG, in connection with the audits related to the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007.

 

     E&Y    KPMG
     2008    2007    2008    2007

Audit fees

   $ 710,000    $ 709,017    —      $ 8,550

Audit related fees

     —      $ 10,775    —        —  

Tax fees, including tax preparation and tax consulting

     —        —      —        —  

All other fees

     —        —      —        —  

All fees paid to our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms during 2008 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS

Any shareholder of ours meeting certain minimum stock ownership and holding period requirements may present a proposal to be included in our proxy statement for action at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2010 pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such shareholder must deliver such proposal to our secretary at our principal executive offices no later than December 4, 2009, unless we notify the shareholders otherwise. Only those proposals that are appropriate for shareholder action and otherwise meet the requirements of Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act and our bylaws may be included in our proxy statement.

Shareholder proposals (whether for director nominations or other proposals) to be presented at our 2010 annual meeting of shareholders that are not to be included in our proxy statement (i.e., that are submitted outside the processes of Rule 14a-8) must be received by us no earlier than January 7, 2010 and no later than February 6, 2010, in accordance with the procedures set forth in our bylaws. The other requirements set forth in our bylaws must also be met to properly bring a shareholder proposal before the annual meeting of shareholders.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

With respect to any future filings with the SEC into which this proxy statement is incorporated by reference, the material under the heading “Report of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors” will not be incorporated into such future filings.

 

38


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE

Accompanying this proxy statement is a copy of our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Annual Report does not form any part of the materials for the solicitation of proxies. Upon written request of any shareholder, we will furnish free of charge a copy of the Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC, including the financial statements and schedules thereto. The written request should be sent to our Secretary at our principal executive offices. The written request must state that as of the close of business on March 20, 2009, the person making the request was a record owner or beneficial owner of our capital stock.

OTHER MATTERS

Our Board of Directors does not intend to bring any other matters before the meeting and does not know of any matters that will be brought before the meeting by others. However, if any other matters properly come before the meeting, the persons named in the accompanying proxy will vote the proxies in accordance with their judgment on such matters.

By Order of our Board of Directors

RICHARD A. RUSK,

Secretary

Austin, Texas

April 3, 2009

 

39


 

 

 

    ¨                       n
 

 

HEALTHTRONICS, INC.

 

PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE

ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD MAY 7, 2009

 

The undersigned hereby (a) acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders of HealthTronics, Inc. (the “Company”) to be held on May 7, 2009 and the Proxy Statement in connection therewith, each dated on or about April 3, 2009, (b) appoints Scott A. Herz and Richard A. Rusk, or any of them, as Proxies, each with the power to appoint a substitute, (c) authorizes the Proxies to represent and vote, as designated on the reverse, all the shares of Common Stock of the Company held of record by the undersigned at the close of business on March 20, 2009, at such annual meeting of shareholders and at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof and (d) revokes any Proxies heretofore given.

 

(Continued and to be signed on reverse side.)

 

 

n

  14475   n


ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF

HEALTHTRONICS, INC.

May 7, 2009

 

 

 

PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

 

 

 

INTERNET - Access “www.voteproxy.com” and follow the on-screen instructions. Have your proxy card available when you access the web page, and use the Company Number and Account Number shown on your proxy card.      

 

TELEPHONE - Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) in the United States or 1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries from any touch-tone telephone and follow the instructions. Have your proxy card available when you call and use the Company Number and Account Number shown on your proxy card.

   

 

COMPANY NUMBER

   
   

 

ACCOUNT NUMBER

   

 

Vote online/phone until 11:59 PM EST the day before the meeting.

 

       
         
MAIL - Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible.      

 

IN PERSON - You may vote your shares in person by attending the Annual Meeting.

     

 

 

NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL: The Notice of meeting, proxy statement and proxy

card are available at http://www.amstock.com/proxyservices/viewmaterial.asp?CoNumber=13755

 

i Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided IF you are not voting via telephone or the Internet. i

 

¢    20600000000000000000    2    050709

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR ALL NOMINEES” IN ITEM 1.

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE  x

 

1.  Election of Directors:

         

2.   In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.

 

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ON THIS PROXY AND, IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES, ON ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

 

 

¨   FOR ALL NOMINEES

 

¨   WITHHOLD AUTHORITY

       FOR ALL NOMINEES

 

¨   FOR ALL EXCEPT

       (See instructions below)

   

NOMINEES:

 

O  R. Steven Hicks

 

O  Donny R. Jackson

 

O  Timothy J. Lindgren

 

O  Kenneth S. Shifrin

 

O  Argil J. Wheelock, M.D.

 

O  James S. B. Whittenburg

           
 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

 

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:  l

   
 
               
 
               
 
                         
To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method.       ¨            

 

Signature of Shareholder  

       

 

Date:  

       

 

Signature of Shareholder  

     

 

Date:  

   
¢   Note:   Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.    ¢


ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF

HEALTHTRONICS, INC.

May 7, 2009

NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:

The Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card

are available at http://www.amstock.com/proxyservices/viewmaterial.asp?CoNumber=13755

Please sign, date and mail

your proxy card in the

envelope provided as soon

as possible.

i Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. i

 

¢    20600000000000000000    2    050709

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR ALL NOMINEES” IN ITEM 1.

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE  x

 

1.  Election of Directors:

         

2.   In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) thereof.

 

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED. IF NO SPECIFICATION IS INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR THE ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE NOMINEES LISTED ON THIS PROXY AND, IN THE DISCRETION OF THE PROXIES, ON ANY OTHER BUSINESS.

 

 

¨  FOR ALL NOMINEES

 

¨  WITHHOLD AUTHORITY

       FOR ALL NOMINEES

 

¨  FOR ALL EXCEPT

       (See instructions below)

   

NOMINEES:

 

O  R. Steven Hicks

 

O  Donny R. Jackson

 

O  Timothy J. Lindgren

 

O  Kenneth S. Shifrin

 

O  Argil J. Wheelock, M.D.

 

O  James S. B. Whittenburg

           
 

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

 

 

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here:  l

   
 
               
 
               
 
                         
To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method.       ¨            

 

Signature of Shareholder  

       

 

Date:  

       

 

Signature of Shareholder  

     

 

Date:  

   

 

¢   Note:    Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.   ¢
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-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----