DEF 14A 1 ubi20240405_def14a.htm FORM DEF 14A ubi20240405_def14a.htm

 

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 (Amendment No.     )

 

Filed by the Registrant ☒

Filed by a party other than the Registrant ☐

 

Check the appropriate box:

☐ Preliminary Proxy Statement

Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))

☒ Definitive Proxy Statement

☐ Definitive Additional Materials

☐ Soliciting Material under §240.14a-12

 

Universal Biosensors, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

 


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

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check all boxes that apply):

☒ No fee required

☐ Fee paid previously with preliminary materials

☐ Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11

 

 

 

ubilogo.jpg

Universal Biosensors, Inc.

ABN 67 950 836 446

 

1 Corporate Avenue

Rowville Victoria 3178

Australia

 

Telephone: +61 3 9213 9000

Facsimile:  +61 3 9213 9099

Email: info@universalbiosensors.com

www.universalbiosensors.com

 

 

April 8, 2024

 

Dear Stockholder:

 

You are cordially invited to the annual meeting (the “Meeting”) of stockholders of Universal Biosensors, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” or “UBI”), to be held on May 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time.

 

We discuss the matters to be acted upon at the Meeting in more detail in the attached Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement. A copy of our annual report on Form 10-K (the “Annual Report”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 is available at our website at https://www.universalbiosensors.com and has been previously distributed to you or is accompanying this Proxy Statement. We encourage you to read the Annual Report, which includes our audited financial statements and other important information about us.

 

If you are a holder of CHESS Depositary Interests, to ensure your representation, please sign, date and return the enclosed CDI Voting Instruction Form or give your instructions online using the instructions on your CDI Voting Instruction Form. If you are a stockholder, please sign, date and return the enclosed Proxy Card. We hope that you can attend the Meeting.

 

The Meeting will be a “virtual meeting” of stockholders which will be conducted exclusively by means of remote communication. You will be able to attend the Meeting and vote and submit questions during the Meeting by means of remote communication at https://web.lumiagm.com/341-190-311. Information regarding virtual participation at the Meeting including how to access the Meeting and vote and submit questions online during the Meeting is included in the attached Online Vote User Guide.

 

Thank you for your continued support of UBI.

 

 

Yours sincerely,

 

/s/ Graham McLean

Mr. Graham McLean

Non-executive Chairman

 

 

 

UNIVERSAL BIOSENSORS, INC.

 

NOTICE OF MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD MAY 30, 2024

 

April 8, 2024

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2024 Annual General Meeting of stockholders (the “Meeting”) of Universal Biosensors, Inc. (ARBN 121 559 993) (the “Company”) will be held on May 30, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Australian Eastern Standard Time. The Meeting will be a “virtual meeting” of stockholders for the purposes described below.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 30, 2024

 

Date and Time:

Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time

     

Items of Business:

1)

To consider and vote on the election of one member of the Board of Directors to hold office until the 2027 annual meeting of stockholders and until her successor is duly elected and qualify;

     
  2) To approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers as disclosed in the accompanying Proxy Statement; and
     
  3)

To transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

     
  The Board of Directors recommends that you vote “For” the nominee for director named in the accompanying Proxy Statement and For” Proposal 2.
     

Record Date:

The record date for the determination of (i) stockholders of record entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Meeting and (ii) holders of CHESS Depositary Interest (“CDIs”) of record entitled to receive notice of and to direct CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd ACN 071 346 506 (“CDN”) how to vote at the Meeting, or any adjournments or postponements thereof, is the close of business on April 4, 2024. A complete list of stockholders and holders of CDIs (“CDI Holders”) of record on the record date will be available at the Company’s principal executive offices located at 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178 Australia, for ten days before the Meeting and will be accessible during the Meeting.

     

Internet Availability of Documents:

You may access a copy of the Proxy Statement and the Companys annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 at https://www.universalbiosensors.com under the Investor Centre tab.

 

These items are fully discussed in the following pages, which are made part of this notice.

 

 

 

If you are a stockholder, you are encouraged to vote your shares by signing, dating and mailing your Proxy Card in the enclosed envelope or by attending the Meeting. If you are a CDI Holder, you are encouraged to vote your CDIs by signing, dating and mailing your CDI Voting Instruction Form to the Companys registrar in the enclosed envelope. Instructions for voting are set forth on the CDI Voting Instruction Form. Alternatively, CDI Holders can direct CDN how to vote online by following the instructions at https://www.votingonline.com.au/ubiagm2024.

 

The Meeting will be a virtual meeting of stockholders which will be conducted exclusively by means of remote communication. You will be able to attend the Meeting by means of remote communication at https://web.lumiagm.com/341-190-311.

 

 

 

 

 

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

/s/ Graham McLean

Graham McLean

Non-executive Chairman

 

 

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT, WHETHER YOU OWN A FEW SHARES/CDIs OR MANY.

 

This Notice and Proxy Statement is being first mailed to stockholders and CDI Holders of UBI on or after April 8, 2024.

 

 

 

 

UNIVERSAL BIOSENSORS, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT FOR MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

 

To be held May 30, 2024

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

Information About Solicitation and Voting

1

Proposal One – Election of a Director

4

Proposal Two – Advisory Vote on the Compensation of Senior Executives

5

Management of the Company

6

Executive Compensation

14

Independent Public Accountants

20

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

21

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

22

Stockholder Communications with Board of Directors

25

Availability of Form 10-K

25

Where You Can Find More Information

25

Householding

26

 

 

 

 

UNIVERSAL BIOSENSORS, INC.

PROXY STATEMENT FOR MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

TO BE HELD ON MAY 30, 2024

 

 

INFORMATION ABOUT SOLICITATION AND VOTING

 

General

 

The enclosed proxy and CDI Voting Instruction Form is solicited by the Board of Directors of Universal Biosensors, Inc. (the “Company” or “UBI”) for use in voting at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of stockholders (the “Meeting”) to be held on May 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time, and any postponement or adjournment of that Meeting. The Meeting will be a “virtual meeting” of stockholders which will be conducted by means of remote communication. The purpose of the Meeting is to consider and vote upon the proposals outlined in this Proxy Statement and the attached notice.

 

Record Date and Voting Securities

 

As of the close of business on April 4, 2024, the record date, there are 231,400,768 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value US$0.0001 per share, outstanding and entitled to vote at the Meeting. All of our outstanding shares are held by CHESS Depositary Nominees Pty Ltd ACN 071 346 506 (“CDN”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ASX Limited ACN 008 624 691, which operates the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”). Securities of companies incorporated outside of Australia, such as UBI, are traded as CHESS Depositary Interests (“CDIs”) on the ASX. CDIs represent beneficial interests in the common stock held by CDN. CDIs are traded on the ASX. As of April 4, 2024, there are 231,400,768 CDIs on issue and available to be traded on ASX. As of April 4, 2024, there is one holder of shares of our common stock (including CDN) and 2,485 holders of CDIs (“CDI Holders” or “Holders of CDIs”).

 

CDIs are exchangeable, at the option of the holder, into shares of our common stock at a ratio of 1:1. Holders of CDIs have the right to direct CDN, as the holder of record of the underlying shares of common stock represented by their CDIs, how it should vote the underlying shares. If CDN does not receive a duly executed CDI Voting Instruction Form from a CDI Holder as to how to vote the underlying shares represented by those CDIs, those shares will not be voted and will not be considered present at the Meeting for quorum purposes. A CDI Holder has the right to attend the Meeting but will be entitled to vote at the Meeting only if such CDI Holder directs CDN to designate such CDI Holder as proxy to vote the underlying shares of common stock represented by CDIs held by such CDI Holder. CDI Holders who wish to direct CDN how to vote the underlying shares should complete and return the enclosed CDI Voting Instruction Form or submit their instructions online by following the instructions on the CDI Voting Instruction Form, which is being delivered with this Proxy Statement to each CDI Holder by no later than 11:59 p.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time on May 29, 2024. CDI Holders may not revoke their proxies and change their votes after such time.

 

The record date is the close of business on April 4, 2024 (the “Record Date”). Only stockholders and CDI Holders of record on the books of the Company at the close of business on the Record Date are (1) with respect to stockholders, entitled to receive notice of and to vote at, and (2) with respect to CDI Holders, entitled to receive notice of and to direct CDN how to vote at, the Meeting and any adjournments thereof. Under arrangements established between the Company and CDN in connection with the issuance of CDIs, the CDI Holders at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to notice of and to attend the Meeting and to direct CDN how to vote by completing a CDI Voting Instruction Form or by submitting their voting instructions online.

 

1

 

Voting and Solicitation

 

Each stockholder of record can vote at the Meeting by attending the Meeting in person and voting at the Meeting, or by completing and returning their properly dated and duly executed Proxy Card to Boardroom Pty Limited or the Company no later than 11:59 p.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time on May 29, 2024 in the manner set out below. Alternatively, stockholders of record may submit their instructions online by visiting https://www.votingonline.com.au/ubiagm2024 by no later than 11:59 p.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time on May 29, 2024. To use the online facility, stockholders of record will need the secure access information set out on the Proxy Card.

 

CDI Holders who wish to direct CDN how to vote but who are not attending the Meeting must return their duly executed voting instructions, via the enclosed CDI Voting Instruction Form, to Boardroom Pty Limited or the Company no later than 11:59 p.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time on May 29, 2024 in the manner set out below. If you are a CDI Holder and you wish to direct CDN to designate you or another person as proxy to vote the underlying shares of common stock represented by CDIs held by you and attend the Meeting in person, you are encouraged to return your properly dated and duly executed CDI Voting Instruction Form to Boardroom Pty Limited or the Company in the manner set out below but may also deliver the completed CDI Voting Instruction Form to us at the Meeting. Alternatively, CDI Holders may submit their instructions online by visiting https://www.votingonline.com.au/ubiagm2024 by no later than 11:59 p.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time on May 29, 2024. To use the online facility, you will need the secure access information set out on your CDI Voting Instruction Form.

 

Proxy Cards and CDI Voting Instruction Forms may be submitted in the following manners:

 

 

By hand

Boardroom Pty Limited, Level 8, 210 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia; or Universal Biosensors, Inc., 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178, Australia.

 

 

By post

Boardroom Pty Limited, GPO Box 3993, Sydney NSW 2001, Australia; or Universal Biosensors, Inc., 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178, Australia.

 

 

By facsimile

Boardroom Pty Limited on +61 2 9290 9655; or Universal Biosensors, Inc. on +61 3 9213 9099.

 

 

Online

https://www.votingonline.com.au/ubiagm2024

 

At the Meeting, proxy holders and CDN may only vote the shares represented by all properly dated, executed and returned Proxy Cards (in the case of stockholders) and properly dated, executed and returned CDI Voting Instruction Forms or instructions properly delivered online (in the case of CDI Holders) in accordance with the instructions of the respective stockholders and CDI Holders. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees named. If no specific instructions are given on a properly dated, executed and returned Proxy Card (in the case of stockholders) or CDI Voting Instruction Form or instructions properly delivered online (in the case of CDI Holders), the shares will be voted “FOR” the nominee for the Board of Directors identified herein or otherwise designated by the Board of Directors and “FOR” the approval, and on an advisory basis, of the compensation for named executive officers of the Company, as described in this Proxy Statement. In addition, if other matters come before the Meeting, the proxy holders and CDN will vote in their discretion with respect to such matters. On all matters to be voted on, each share of our common stock, and accordingly, each CDI, has one vote.

 

We are making this proxy solicitation by and on behalf of the Board of Directors. The cost of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing this Proxy Statement and the proxies solicited hereby will be borne by the Company. Proxies may be solicited personally or by telephone, electronic mail or facsimile by the Company’s officers, directors and regular employees, none of whom will receive additional compensation for assisting with solicitation.

 

2

 

Quorum; Required Vote; Voting Choices

 

A quorum is required for the transaction of business during the Meeting. A quorum is present when the holders of one-third of the common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at a Meeting, are present in person or represented by proxy. Shares that are voted “FOR,” “AGAINST,” “ABSTAIN” or “WITHHOLD” on a matter are treated as being present at the Meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum and are also treated as votes cast by the common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote on the subject matter. If no specific instructions are given on a properly dated, executed and returned Proxy Card (in the case of stockholders) or CDI Voting Instruction Form or instructions properly delivered online (in the case of CDI Holders), the shares will be treated as being present at the Meeting for purposes of establishing a quorum and will be voted for the director nominee and for the approval of compensation of the named executive officers of the Company.

 

In the director election, stockholders may vote “FOR” or “WITHHOLD” authority to vote for the director nominee. The candidate for election as a director at the Meeting who receives the highest number of affirmative votes present or represented by proxy and entitled to vote on the election of the director at the Meeting will be elected. “Withheld” votes will not have any effect on the director election.

 

In the advisory vote on the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers, stockholders may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN” on the proposal. The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by stockholders on the proposal will constitute approval of the compensation of the Company’s named executive officers. The “majority of the votes cast” standard means that in order to approve the proposal, the number of votes cast “FOR” the proposal must exceed the number of votes cast “AGAINST” the proposal. This vote is advisory only and is therefore not binding on the Company. Abstentions are not considered votes cast and, therefore, will not have any effect on the outcome of the advisory vote on the compensation for named executive officers.

 

A broker “non-vote” occurs when your broker (if applicable) submits a proxy for your shares but does not indicate a vote for a particular proposal because the broker does not have authority to vote on that proposal and has not received specific voting instructions from you. If your shares are held by a broker, the broker may require your instructions in order to vote your shares. If you give the broker instructions, your shares will be voted as you direct. If you do not give instructions, one of two things can happen depending on the type of proposal. If the proposal is considered “routine,” the broker may vote your shares in its discretion. For other proposals, including the proposals in relation to the election of directors and the compensation of named executive officers, brokers that are members of an exchange registered as a national exchange under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), may not vote your shares without your instructions. All of the proposals to be considered at the Meeting are not routine, and therefore we do not expect any broker non-votes at the Meeting.

 

Revocability of Proxies

 

If you are a stockholder entitled to vote and you have submitted a Proxy Card or instructions online, you may revoke your Proxy Card or online instructions at any time before the Meeting by delivering a written revocation to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178, Australia, by delivering a duly executed Proxy Card or submitting instructions online, in each case bearing a later date or by attending and voting at the Meeting.

 

If you are a CDI Holder and you have submitted a CDI Voting Instruction Form or instructions online, you may revoke your CDI Voting Instruction Form or online instructions by no later than 11:59 p.m., Australian Eastern Standard Time on May 29, 2024 by delivering a written revocation to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178, Australia, by delivering a duly executed CDI Voting Instruction Form or submitting instructions online, in each case bearing a later date.

 

3

 

PROPOSAL ONE ELECTION OF A DIRECTOR

 

Our Board of Directors has been structured as a “staggered Board” comprised of three classes of directors with members in each class of directors serving for staggered three-year terms and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal. The Board of Directors currently consists of one Class I director (Ms. Judith Smith), whose term will expire at this year’s Meeting, one Class II director (Mr. Craig Coleman), whose term will expire at the meeting of stockholders in 2026, and two Class III directors (Mr. David Hoey and Mr. Graham McLean), whose term will expire at the meeting of stockholders in 2025, in each case such director will hold office until the expiration of his or her term and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualifies, unless the director resigns, dies or is removed earlier.

 

Our Board of Directors has nominated Ms. Judith Smith for election at the Meeting. If elected, Ms. Judith Smith will hold office until the meeting of stockholders in 2027 and until her successor is duly elected and qualified, subject to her earlier death, resignation, or removal.

 

For details of the qualifications, skills and experience of Ms. Judith Smith, refer to the section below titled “Management of the Company - Board of Directors”. The nominee is willing to be elected and to serve for her applicable term. Management expects that the nominee will be available for election, but if the nominee is unable to serve or for good cause will not serve, it is intended that such proxy will be voted in the proxy holder’s discretion for the election of another nominee or nominees to be designated by the Board of Directors to fill any such vacancy.

 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR the election of the nominated director as described herein. Proxy holders and CDN will vote as directed on the Proxy Card (in the case of stockholders) or CDI Voting Instruction Form or online (in the case of CDI Holders) or, if no direction is made in a duly dated, executed and returned Proxy Card (in the case of stockholders) or CDI Voting Instruction Form or online (in the case of CDI Holders), FOR the nominated director. However, brokers who are members of a U.S. national securities exchange may not vote or submit instructions to the proxy holders or CDN if the beneficial owner of the shares has not given instructions. The election of the director requires the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of common stock present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote on the election of the director.

 

4

 

 

PROPOSAL TWO ADVISORY VOTE ON THE COMPENSATION OF NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

 

The Company is providing stockholders and CDI Holders with the opportunity to cast or to direct CDN to cast an advisory vote on the executive compensation programs and policies and the compensation paid to the executive officers named in this Proxy Statement. This proposal is known as a “say-on-pay vote”. Details of our compensation for our named executive officers is set out under the headings “Executive Compensation Framework,” “Summary Compensation Table,” and “Narrative disclosure to summary compensation table and grants” of this Proxy Statement. These disclosures are made pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K. As discussed in the Executive Compensation Framework section of this Proxy Statement, our compensation principles and underlying programs are designed to attract, motivate and retain key executives who are crucial to our long-term success. The vote is advisory and is not binding on the Company. However, the Board of Directors will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements. Details of how the Board of Directors has considered the results of the advisory vote will be included in future proxy statements.

 

We will seek an advisory vote in relation to compensation every year, which we believe will be the most effective means for conducting and responding to such an advisory vote.

 

The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that you vote FOR this proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation for the Companys named executive officers as disclosed in the Executive Compensation Framework, the compensation tables, and the related disclosure required pursuant to Item 402 of Regulation S-K contained in this Proxy Statement. The proxy holders and CDN will vote as directed on the Proxy Card (in the case of stockholders) or CDI Voting Instruction Form or online (in the case of CDI Holders) or, if no direction is made in a duly dated, executed and returned Proxy Card (in the case of stockholders) or CDI Voting Instruction Form or online (in the case of CDI Holders), FOR this proposal. However, brokers who are members of a U.S. national securities exchange may not vote or submit instructions to the proxy holders or CDN if the beneficial owner of the shares has not given instructions. In order to be adopted as an advisory vote, this proposal must be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares of our common stock present, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote at the Meeting.

 

5

 

 

MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY

 

The following table sets out the name, age and position of each of our directors and executive officers as of April 8, 2024:

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position

 

Served

Since

 

Graham McLean

 

59

 

Non-executive Director

 

2022

 
       

Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

2023

 

John Sharman

 

57

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2020

 

Salesh Balak

 

54

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

2006

 

Craig Coleman

 

58

 

Non-executive Director

 

2016

 

Judith Smith

 

68

 

Non-executive Director

 

2015

 

David Hoey

 

64

 

Non-executive Director

 

2016

 

 

Mr. McLean was appointed as a member of the Board of Directors on March 7, 2022 and as non-executive Chairman on January 16, 2023, replacing Mr. Coleman. Mr. Sharman and Mr. Balak are not directors of the Company.

 

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that our Board of Directors shall consist of not less than three or more than nine members, the exact number of which shall be fixed from time to time by resolution adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of the entire Board of Directors.

 

Board of Directors

 

Mr. Graham McLean CPA, CIMA

 

Mr. McLean has more than 20 years’ business and corporate governance experience and is an experienced senior executive leader with extensive service in the medical technology industry in Australia, Asia and US, most recently with Stryker Corporation (NYSE: SYK) (“Stryker”) as President Asia Pacific from 2017 to 2020. Mr. McLean was appointed a non-executive director of the Company on March 7, 2022 and as non-executive Chairman on January 16, 2023. His term as a Class III director of the Company ends on the date of our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. McLean has been a member of the Audit and Compliance Committee and the Products and Projects Committee since his appointment to the Board of Directors.

 

Whilst at Stryker, Mr. McLean led a transformation of Asia Pacific to renew growth in Japan and China and led an accelerated growth strategy for Australia/New Zealand. Prior to his time with Stryker, Mr. McLean was Lion Nathan’s Finance Director International/Business Development from 2003 to 2005 and Director Group Risk Assurance & Audit from 2001 to 2003.

 

Since September 2021, Mr. McLean has served as an Independent Director and Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee at Suicide Prevention Australia. Since February 2022, Mr. McLean has served as an Independent Director at CleanSpace Holdings Ltd (ASX Code: CSX) where he was Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee. Mr. McLean stepped down as the Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee and was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and executive director of CleanSpace Holdings Ltd in March 2023. Mr. McLean was appointed as a director of Fisher and Paykel Healthcare Ltd in October 2023 and is also a member of its Audit and Risk Committee. Since 2021, Mr. McLean has been an Advisor to Bain & Company. He has also previously served on industry boards in Australia (Medical Technology Association of Australia), Japan (American Medical Devices & Diagnostics Manufacturers Association) and Asia Pacific where he was Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association.

 

Mr. McLean is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Qualified Accountant (both CIMA and CPA). He holds a Bachelor of Science, Geography (Honours) (Durham University) and has completed 3 Executive Leadership Programmes (Harvard Business School).

 

6

 

We believe Mr. McLean is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors due to, among other things, his service on the Company's board of directors, his many years serving as a director and executive officer of public companies and his extensive experience in the medical device and technology industry.

 

 

Mr. Craig Coleman BComm

 

Mr. Coleman is an experienced senior executive and director, with a 30-year career spanning banking and finance, corporate advisory, investment and funds management. Mr. Coleman is the co-founder and Managing Partner Public Equity of Viburnum Funds, an Australian-based high conviction active ownership investment manager of public and private equities founded in 2007. Viburnum, as an investment manager for its associated funds, holds voting power of approximately 25% of the Company’s shares. Prior to founding Viburnum Funds, Mr. Coleman was Managing Director of the ASX listed Home Building Society Ltd and prior to this role held several senior executive positions with ANZ Banking Group Ltd, including Managing Director Banking Products, Managing Director Wealth Management, non-executive Director E*TRADE Australia Ltd and Head of Retail Banking New Zealand.

 

Mr. Coleman’s experience in Australian public securities has included many public company directorships, including non-executive director of Pulse Health Limited (previous), Rubik Financial Ltd (previous) and Bell Financial Group (previous), and Chairman of Sports Entertainment Group Limited (current) and non-executive director of 3P Learning Ltd (appointed in November 2022). Mr. Coleman was appointed as non-executive director of the Company in June 2016 and non-executive Chairman from August 2017 to January 2023. Mr. Coleman has served as Chairman of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee of the Board of Directors since June 2016. Mr. Coleman has been a member of the Audit and Compliance Committee between January 1, 2019 and February 24, 2022. Mr. Coleman’s term as a Class II director of the Company ends on the date of our 2026 meeting of stockholders. Mr. Coleman holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia.

 

We believe Mr. Coleman is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors due to, among other things, his service on the Company's board of directors, his many years serving as a director and executive officer of public companies and his extensive experience as a corporate advisor and investment and funds management executive.

 

 

Ms. Judith Smith BEc (Hons), MAppFin, F Fin, GAICD

 

Ms. Smith is a highly experienced executive and director. During her career, Ms. Smith has worked in a number of executive and investment management roles in the funds management industry, where she has been responsible for evaluating and investing in listed and unlisted companies. Ms. Smith was appointed a non-executive director of the Company on March 12, 2015 and her term as a Class I director of the Company ends on the date of our Meeting of stockholders and she has been nominated for election at the Meeting as a Class I director for a further term of three years.  Ms. Smith has served as a member of the Audit and Compliance Committee since March 12, 2015 and was appointed the Chairperson of the Audit and Compliance Committee on August 7, 2017. Ms. Smith was appointed as a member of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee on September 21, 2017.

 

Prior to undertaking non-executive roles Judith was formerly the Head of Private Equity at IFM Investors and Chair of the IFM Risk Committee. At IFM Judith managed a multi-billion private equity portfolio of domestic and global investments. Prior to her role at IFM, Judith held various investment management roles. Judith holds a Master of Applied Finance from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Economics (with Honours) from Monash University. She is a Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and Graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Currently Judith is a director of ACORN Capital Investment Fund (Chair Risk and Audit Committee), Funds SA (Member Risk and Audit Committee) and committee member with the South Australian Venture Capital Fund and Breast Cancer Trials. Previous appointments include Investment Committee member, IFM, and NED roles with LUCRF Super (Chair of Investment Committee), Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) (Chair Risk and Audit Committee), and SCALE Investors (Chair Risk and Audit Committee).

 

 

7

 

We believe Ms. Smith is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors due to, among other things, her service on the Company's board of directors, her many years serving as a director and executive officer of public companies and her extensive experience in evaluating and investing in listed and unlisted companies, and experience in the management and growth of small companies, corporate governance and understanding and managing risk.

 

 

Mr. David Hoey

 

Mr. Hoey has extensive experience relevant to our Company, with more than 30 years’ experience in technology financing and commercialization. Mr. Hoey is a US-based director and his primary expertise is in business development, strategic planning, market development, corporate partnering and financings for medical technologies, diagnostics and drug development. Mr. Hoey was appointed a non-executive director of the Company on March 2, 2016 and has served as a director of Universal Biosensors LLC since August 31, 2021. He has served as a director of Universal Biosensors B.V. since September 15, 2021. Mr. Hoey’s term as a Class III director of the Company ends on the date of our 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. Mr. Hoey has been a member of the Audit and Compliance Committee between March 15, 2016 and February 24, 2022 and as a member of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee between June 21, 2016 and September 21, 2017. Mr. Hoey was reappointed as a member of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee between January 1, 2019 and February 24, 2022. Mr. Hoey has served as a member of the Products and Projects Committee since February 24, 2022. Mr. Hoey is currently the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Vaxxas Pty Ltd, a company which has developed and is commercializing a novel high density microarray patch technology for vaccine delivery. He was appointed to this position in October 2012. He also serves as an advisor to Healthcare Ventures LLC. During his career, Mr. Hoey has worked in management and leadership roles in the preclinical development of small molecule and biologic therapeutics, molecular diagnostic assays and platforms, and analytical instrumentation.

 

We believe Mr. Hoey is qualified to serve on our Board of Directors due to, among other things, his service on the Company's board of directors, his experience in business development, strategic planning, market development, corporate partnering and financing for medical technologies, diagnostics and drug development companies.

 

 

Executive Officers

 

Mr. John Sharman BEcon, CA, MAppFin

 

Mr. Sharman has served as our Chief Executive Officer since June 8, 2020. Mr. Sharman has been a director of Universal Biosensors LLC between August 31, 2021 and February 24, 2022 and as a director of Universal Biosensors B.V. between September 15, 2021 and February 24, 2022. Mr. Sharman has extensive international business experience as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASX-listed companies and private equity businesses operating in Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia and the United States. His experience covers the pharmaceutical, medical equipment manufacturing and distribution, finance and fast-moving consumer goods businesses. Before joining Universal Biosensors, Inc., Mr. Sharman was the Chief Executive Officer of Medical Developments International (“MVP”) for over 10 years. Prior to joining MVP, Mr. Sharman was responsible for all facets of the investment cycle during his 10-year service as Managing Director of a private equity firm, CVC Venture Managers. Earlier years in his career were spent in the finance industry with National Australia Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers as Director of Finance and KPMG where he was responsible for multiple capital raising transactions. He holds a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University and Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University.

 

8

 

Mr. Salesh Balak BA, CA

 

Mr. Balak has served as our Chief Financial Officer since November 2006 and as a director of Universal Biosensors Pty Ltd since September 2010. Mr. Balak served as our Interim Chief Executive Officer from July 15, 2019 to June 7, 2020. He has served as a director of Hemostasis Reference Laboratory Inc. since November 30, 2016. Mr. Balak was appointed as our Company Secretary on December 20, 2018. He has served as a director of Universal Biosensors LLC and Universal Biosensors B.V. since February 24, 2022. Prior to joining Universal Biosensors, he was chief financial officer and company secretary of Pearl Healthcare Limited, an ASX-listed entity engaged in the manufacturing and healthcare sector. Mr. Balak joined Pearl Healthcare Limited in April 2003 initially as its Group Accounting Manager and was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in June 2004. While at Pearl Healthcare Limited, Mr. Balak was instrumental in the successful acquisition of four businesses and integration of its existing businesses. Prior to joining Pearl Healthcare Limited, Mr. Balak spent 13 years in the Business Services, Audit and Financial Advisory Services divisions of KPMG in both the Melbourne and Fiji offices. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in accounting and economics and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Certified Practicing Accountants.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships among any of the executive officers and directors of the Company.

 

Corporate Governance

 

Director Independence

 

We are not listed on a U.S. securities exchange and, therefore, not subject to the corporate governance requirements of any such U.S. exchange, including those relating to independence of directors. For purposes of determining whether our directors are independent under applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), we have chosen to use the definition of “independence” established by the rule of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “Nasdaq”).

 

The Board of Directors undertakes a review of director independence on an annual basis and as events arise which may affect director independence.

 

We have determined that all the current directors and the director nominee are independent as defined under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq Stock Market rules. We have determined that, with the exception of Mr. Coleman, all the current directors and the director nominee are independent as defined under the ASX Listing Rules. We have determined that Mr. Coleman is not independent as defined pursuant to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations because he is an executive officer of Viburnum Funds Pty Ltd, which together with its associated funds and entities holds in excess of 10% of our shares.

 

A copy of our Corporate Governance Statement is available on our website at www.universalbiosensors.com.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

The Company does not have a lead independent director. Our Board of Directors prefers the Company’s leadership structure to have the position of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer held by two separate individuals. The Board of Directors believes that separating the two positions provides stronger governance and reinforces the Company’s sound framework of internal control. The Board of Directors regularly deliberates and discusses its appropriate leadership structure and the role and responsibilities of the Chairman and the Chief Executive Officer, based upon the needs of the Company from time to time to provide effective oversight of management.

 

9

 

Board Meetings and Board Committees

 

Our Board of Directors met on eleven occasions during the year ended December 31, 2023 and acted by written consent on one occasion. Each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors; and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which he or she served.

 

Members of our Board of Directors are encouraged to attend the Meeting. All the current members of our Board of Directors attended the annual meeting of stockholders held in 2023.

 

Audit and Compliance Committee

 

The Company has a separately designated standing Audit and Compliance Committee. The current members of the Audit and Compliance Committee are Ms. Judith Smith (Chairperson) and Mr. Graham McLean. The Audit and Compliance Committee is governed by a committee charter, a copy of which is available on our website at www.universalbiosensors.com. The Board of Directors has determined that all members of the Audit and Compliance Committee satisfy the independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2022, as amended, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act and meet the criteria for being independent directors pursuant to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations.

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee also satisfies the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations that the Chairperson be an independent director. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Audit and Compliance Committee met on five occasions. For more information in relation to the determination of which of our directors are considered independent under the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq, refer to the section above titled “Corporate Governance”.

 

The Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Smith and Mr. McLean qualify as an audit committee financial expert, as defined under the rules and regulations of the SEC.

 

Report of the Audit and Compliance Committee

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee’s primary role is to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility for oversight of the Company’s financial and accounting operations.

 

In discharging its responsibility for oversight of the audit process, the Audit and Compliance Committee obtained from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the written disclosure and the letter required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”). Such disclosure describes any relationships between PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Company that might bear on PricewaterhouseCoopers’ independence. The Company has discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers any relationships that might impact PricewaterhouseCoopers’ objectivity and independence and satisfied itself as to PricewaterhouseCoopers’ independence.

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee discussed the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB, and reviewed with PricewaterhouseCoopers the communications required by generally accepted auditing standards.

 

The Audit and Compliance Committee reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements of the Company as of and for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, with management and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Management has the responsibility for preparation of the Company’s financial statements and PricewaterhouseCoopers has the responsibility for examination of those statements. Based upon the above-mentioned review and discussions with management and PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Audit and Compliance Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report, filed with the SEC.

 

10

 

By the Audit and Compliance Committee:

Judith Smith (Chairperson)

Graham McLean

 

Remuneration and Nomination Committee

 

The Company has a separately designated standing Remuneration and Nomination Committee. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee is governed by a committee charter, a copy of which is available on our website at www.universalbiosensors.com. The primary functions of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee are to develop and facilitate a process for Board and Director evaluation, assess the availability of Board of Directors candidates, make specific recommendations to the Board of Directors on remuneration and incentive plans for directors and senior management, advise the Board of Directors on the recruitment, retention and termination policies for senior management and undertake a review of the Chief Executive Officer’s performance, at least annually, including recommending to the Board of Directors the Chief Executive Officer’s goals for the coming year and reviewing progress in achieving those goals. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee does not have any express right to delegate its authority but may do so on special authority from the Board of Directors.

 

The current members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee are Mr. Craig Coleman (Chairman) and Ms. Judith Smith. The Board of Directors has determined that with the exception of Mr. Craig Coleman, all members of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee meet the criteria for being independent under the ASX principles and guidance. We have determined that Mr. Coleman is not independent as defined under the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations because he is an executive officer of Viburnum Funds Pty Ltd, which together with its associated funds and entities holds in excess of 10% of our shares. Accordingly, we do not satisfy the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations that the Chairperson be an independent director. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee met on three occasions during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

If necessary, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (or the Board of Directors acting in its place) may use a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating potential nominees to the Board of Directors. Consideration is given to professional and technical experience of potential nominees including industry and market knowledge, education and skills and diverse backgrounds. Recommendations may come from current Board members, professional search firms, members of management, stockholders or other persons. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee (or the Board of Directors acting in its place) will consider recommendations from any reasonable source, including director nominees recommended by stockholders. Stockholders wishing to suggest potential nominees can do so by contacting the Company Secretary. In assessing the qualifications of potential nominees, the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (or the Board of Directors acting in its place) may rely on personal interviews or discussions with the candidate and others familiar with the candidate’s professional background, on third party reference checks and on such other diligence information as is reasonably available.

 

Nominations of persons for election to our Board of Directors may be made for any annual meeting of stockholders, or at any special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors in accordance with the requirements of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws (our “Bylaws”). Stockholders wishing to nominate a director must give timely notice thereof in proper written form. To be timely, a stockholder’s notice in the form required by our Bylaws must be delivered to or mailed and received at our principal executive offices: (a) in the case of an annual meeting, not less than 90 days and not more than 120 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting, provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder in order to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice or public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is given; and (b) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which notice or public disclosure of the date of the special meeting is given.

 

11

 

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee (or the Board of Directors acting in its place) has processes in place to review the performance of our senior executives. Our Remuneration and Nomination Committee (or the Board of Directors acting in its place) takes into consideration elements such as the following in setting compensation policies:

 

 

comparison against publicly available information;

 

regulatory requirements;

 

rate of employee turnover;

 

performance reviews and ratings;

 

salary adjustments and promotions;

 

content and effectiveness of our employee training; and

 

ability to retain and attract new employees.

 

Corporate performance is also taken into account in setting compensation policies and making compensation decisions.

 

See also “Other Matters - 2025 Stockholder Proposals”

 

Director Selection Process

 

As discussed above, it is the intention of our Board of Directors that we have a standing Remuneration and Nomination Committee that is responsible for assembling a group of nominees that, taken together, have the background, experience, qualifications, attributes and skills appropriate for functioning as a board. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee (or the Board of Directors, as applicable) periodically reviews the size and composition of the Board of Directors and determines whether to add or replace directors. We look for certain characteristics common to all Board of Directors members, including strong professional reputation, integrity, record of achievement and the ability and commitment to devote sufficient time and energy to the Board of Directors. We seek to nominate candidates who bring diverse backgrounds, skills, experience and perspectives to the Board of Directors. Diversity relating to background, skill, experience and perspective is one factor considered in the nomination process, and the Company has adopted a formal policy relating to diversity. Additionally, we seek to include at least one member of the Audit and Compliance Committee who qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert”.

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

During 2023, our Remuneration and Nomination Committee consisted of Mr. Craig Coleman (Chairman) and Ms. Judith Smith. For more information on the Remuneration and Nomination Committee’s (or, as applicable, the Board of Directors acting in its place) processes and procedures for the consideration and determination of executive and director compensation, see “Executive Compensation—Executive Compensation Framework” and “Compensation of Directors.”

 

None of our executive officers other than Mr. Sharman and Mr. Balak participated in deliberations with respect to executive officer compensation. Mr. Sharman and Mr. Balak were absent from all discussions and votes in relation to their compensation as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, respectively.

 

None of our executive officers serve as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers who serve on our Board of Directors or Remuneration and Nomination Committee. None of the members of our Remuneration and Nomination Committee or our Board currently are or have been an officer or employee of us or one of our subsidiaries. In addition, none of our directors has interlocking or other relationships with other boards, compensation committees or our executive officers that would require disclosure under Item 407(e)(4) of Regulation S-K.

 

12

 

Compensation of Directors

 

The following table provides information about the compensation of our directors for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

 

 

Fees Earned or

Paid in Cash (1)

 

All Other

Compensation (2)

 

Total

Name  

A$

 

A$

 

A$

             

Graham McLean

 

100,517

 

10,811

 

111,328

Craig Coleman 

 

78,017

 

8,386

 

86,403

Judith Smith 

 

77,600

 

8,342

 

85,942

David Hoey

 

77,600

 

-

 

77,600

 

(1)

Includes base pay and an annual allowance of A$2,600 paid to each board member.

 

(2)

Represents superannuation payment of 10.5% for periods ending on or before June 30, 2023 and for period commencing July 1, 2023, in line with legislative updates, the rate increased to 11.0%. David Hoey is not a resident for Australian tax purposes and therefore only receives superannuation when he attends meetings held in Australia.

   

(3)

None of our directors were granted stock awards or option awards during the fiscal year.

 

Our Remuneration and Nomination Committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with respect to the remuneration and benefits provided to directors and executive officers. The Remuneration and Nomination Committee met on three occasions during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Board of Directors determines what levels of director remuneration and benefits are appropriate. Pursuant to the ASX Listing Rules, our stockholders have approved an aggregate remuneration pool available to non-executive directors of A$700,000 per annum. The annual remuneration payable to our non-executive directors for the 2023 financial year comprised of:

 

 

a base fee of A$100,000 per annum for the Chairperson;

 

a base fee of A$75,000 per annum for all other directors;

 

An annual allowance of A$2,600 paid to each board member; and

 

statutory superannuation for the directors, which is 10.5% of the base fee for periods ending on or before June 30, 2023 and for period commencing July 1, 2023, in line with legislative updates, the rate increased to 11.0% (other than Mr. Hoey, who being non-resident for Australian tax purposes, only receives superannuation when he attends meetings held in Australia).

 

In addition, a director may be paid all traveling and other expenses properly incurred in attending meetings of directors or committees or stockholder meetings or otherwise in connection with the execution of his or her duties.

 

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. We have also adopted a Corporate Governance Statement issued in accordance with ASX Listing Rule 4.10.3, reporting compliance with the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendations. The full text of our Code of Ethics and Corporate Governance Statement is available on our website at www.universalbiosensors.com. We intend to satisfy any disclosure requirement under item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics for our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, by posting such information on our website at www.universalbiosensors.com.

 

13

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Executive Compensation Framework

 

The objective of our executive compensation framework is to ensure the reward for performance is competitive and appropriate for the results delivered. The framework aligns executive reward with achievement of strategic objectives and the creation of value for stockholders and conforms to market best practice for delivery of reward. Our performance depends upon the quality of our directors and executives. In order to attract, motivate and retain highly skilled directors and executives, we use a combination of the following principles in our remuneration framework:

 

provide competitive remuneration to attract, motivate and retain high caliber directors and executives with appropriate skills and experience;

 

remunerate with a mix of short- and long-term components;

 

remunerate executives according to individual performance and pre-determined benchmarks through cash bonuses; and

 

link executive remuneration to stockholder value through the issuance of securities.

 

The executive remuneration framework for the year ended December 31, 2023 had the following components:

 

base pay;

 

superannuation; and

 

issue of performance rights securities.

 

Our named executives are all employed by our wholly owned subsidiary, Universal Biosensors Pty Ltd. (“UBS”). Our named executive officers do not receive separate compensation in connection with their employment at UBS.

 

Base pay

 

Executives are offered a base pay that comprises the fixed component of their remuneration. Base pay is structured as a total employment cost package, which may be delivered as a combination of cash and prescribed non‑financial benefits at the executive’s discretion.

 

Superannuation

 

As required by Australian law, we contribute to standard defined contribution superannuation funds on behalf of all UBS employees at an amount required by law of each such UBS’ employee’s salary. For periods ending on or before June 30, 2023, statutory superannuation was 10.5% and for period commencing July 1, 2023, in line with legislative updates, the rate increased to 11.0%. Superannuation is a compulsory savings program in Australia whereby employers are required to pay a portion of an employee’s remuneration to an approved superannuation fund that the employee is typically not able to access until they are retired. We permit employees to choose an approved and registered superannuation fund into which the contributions are paid.

 

14

 

Performance rights

 

Executives were offered performance rights as a short and long-term incentive plan. The performance rights represent a contingent right to receive shares of common stock in the Company. The performance rights vest upon predetermined market and non-market conditions being met.

 

Consideration of Results of Prior Year Stockholder Say-on-Pay Vote

 

We will seek an advisory vote in relation to compensation from stockholders every year, which we believe will be the most effective means for conducting and responding to such an advisory vote. The Board of Directors will consider the outcome of each such stockholders advisory vote. Stockholders approved the resolution relating to the compensation at our general meeting of stockholders in 2023. At the 2023 general meeting, stockholders representing approximately 99.76% of our stock who cast votes, voted in favor of the compensation paid to our named executive officers for 2022. Accordingly, when developing our executive compensation program for 2023 and 2024, we considered the overall level of support as a key factor in our review of the program.

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

       

Salary

   

Bonus (1)

   

Stock

Awards (2)

   

Option

Awards

   

All Other

Compensation (3)

   

Total

 

Name and Principal

Position 

 

Year

 

A$

   

A$

   

A$

   

A$

   

A$

   

A$

 
                                                     

John Sharman

 

2023

   

515,000

     

245,886

     

40,500

     

-

     

82,410

     

883,796

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

2022

   

482,917

     

-

     

-

     

-

     

49,506

     

532,423

 

Salesh Balak

 

2023

   

294,000

     

-

     

40,500

     

-

     

31,605

     

366,105

 

Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary

 

2022

   

275,642

     

-

     

-

     

-

     

28,257

     

303,899

 

 

(1)

Amounts reported in this column represent cash bonuses payable which amounts have been approved by our Board of Directors.

 

(2)

In accordance with ASC 718, the fair value of the performance rights has been estimated on the date of each grant of the performance rights using the Trinomial Lattice model.

   

(3)

Represents superannuation payment calculated as 10.5% of base pay for periods ending on or before June 30, 2023 and for period commencing July 1, 2023, in line with legislative updates, the rate increased to 11.0%.

 

Narrative disclosure to summary compensation table and grants

 

Employee Incentive Plan

 

In August 2021, the Board of Directors approved the Employee Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which was a consolidation of our existing Employee Option Plan and Employee Share Plan. Capitalized terms that are not defined in this section have the meaning set forth in the Plan.

 

15

 

The material features of the Plan are:

 

Number of Awards Authorized. The maximum number of Awards that may be granted to Participants under this Plan is determined by the Board of Directors (subject to any limitations imposed by the organizational documents of the Company, regulatory requirements or any applicable Listing Rules).

 

Administration. The Plan will be administered by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee or the Board of Directors, which has the power to make grants under the Plan.

 

Eligibility. Awards under the plan may only be granted to Eligible Persons. An Eligible Person is any person employed by the Company or any other entity in the group of related or associated companies of which the Company is the holding company and includes any entity designated by the Board of Directors to be a member of the Group (even though not a subsidiary of the Company) (the “Group”) on a permanent basis (whether full time, part time or on a long term casual basis) and includes all executive and non-executive directors of the Company or any other person determined by the Board of Directors to be an employee for the purposes of the Plan; provided that such person is not a resident of the United States (other than employees on temporary assignment in the United States).

 

Awards. Awards under the Plan may consist of Options, Performance Rights, CDIs or Restricted CDIs, or any such other instrument that the Board of Directors determines, which will be granted on the terms of the Plan and any other terms determined by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee.

 

Restrictions on CDIs. CDIs granted under the Plan (other than as a result of the vesting of a Performance Right) will be considered Restricted CDIs from the date the CDIs are registered in the name of the Participant until the earlier of: (a) the date three years after the relevant date the CDIs are registered in the name of the Participant or such other date as may be determined by the Remuneration Committee in its discretion so as to satisfy the Exemption Conditions; or (b) the day after the date on which the Participant ceases or first ceases to be employed by a body corporate in the Group.

 

Vesting and lapsing of Performance Rights and Options. Any Award (including Performance Right or an Option) will only vest (and, in the case of an Option, become exercisable) where each vesting conditions and any additional terms specified in the invitation letter for that Award (including Performance Right or Option) have been satisfied or otherwise waived by the Board of Directors.

 

Exercise of Options. When exercised, each Option held by a Participant entitles the Participant to subscribe for and to be issued one CDI (representing one fully paid underlying Share).

 

Vesting of Performance Rights. Upon vesting, each Performance Right held by a Participant will entitle the Participant to receive one CDI (representing one fully paid underlying Share) for each vested Performance Right.

 

Change in Control Provisions. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Rules, if a takeover bid is made or other formal scheme is proposed for the acquisition of some or all of the shares in the capital of the Company, a Participant may, if: (i) acceptance of the bid or scheme is recommended by the Board of Directors; and (ii) the Board of Directors resolves to end the restriction on sale of the Awards under the Plan for the purpose of transfer to the bidder, accept on such terms the Participant decides in respect of some or all of the Awards registered in his or her name. Upon a Liquidity Event all Awards which have not yet vested, immediately vest and all Options become exercisable ten Business Days preceding the Liquidity Event.

 

Transferability. A Participant may not sell, assign, transfer, grant a Security Interest over or otherwise deal with an Award that has been granted to them, unless the relevant dealing is effected by force of law on death or legal incapacity to the Participant’s legal personal representative. A Participant must not transfer, sell or otherwise dispose of, or grant (or purport to grant) any Security Interest in or over or otherwise dispose of or deal with (or purport to otherwise dispose of or deal with) any CDIs acquired under the Plan while they are Restricted CDIs. Each CDI issued under the Plan will be issued pursuant to Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act and may not be transferred except in accordance with Regulation S, pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or pursuant to an available exemption from registration.

 

16

 

Amendment and Terminations. The rights attaching to any Award may be amended by the Board of Directors subject to receipt of any necessary shareholder or other approval.

 

Awards granted under the Plan during 2023 are as follows:

 

 

On November 24, 2022, the Board of Directors approved the grant of 50,000 performance rights to each of John Sharman and Salesh Balak for the 2022 financial year. These securities were issued to each of the named executives on January 1, 2023.

 

Executive Service Agreements

 

Remuneration and other terms of employment for the executive officers are formalized in executive service agreements between each executive officer and UBS. The material terms and conditions of each of the employment agreements with our executive officers who continued to serve at December 31, 2023 are substantially similar, a summary of which material terms and conditions is set out below:

 

the executive must devote his time and attention exclusively to our business and affairs, unless otherwise approved by us;

 

the executive is bound by customary confidentiality, intellectual property assignment and non-competition clauses;

 

the executive’s salary is to be reviewed on an annual basis;

 

the executive may be entitled to a discretionary cash bonus or be granted Awards under the Equity Incentive Plan as recommended by the Remuneration and Nomination Committee (or in its absence, the Board of Directors) and determined by our Board of Directors from time to time.

 

each party has the right to terminate the agreement by giving three months’ notice to the other party or, in the case of Mr. Sharman’s agreement, with six months’ notice and in the case of Mr. Balak, one months’ notice;

 

we may also summarily terminate the agreement, at any time with notice, for certain specified forms of misconduct; and

 

each agreement will terminate automatically on a date specified in the executive employment agreement unless extended by us from time to time. If the parties whose contracts have fixed end dates do not expressly extend the agreement, the executive’s employment will automatically extend for a further 12 months on the same terms. Mr. Sharman’s agreement does not have a specific end date and terminates with notice in accordance with its terms.

 

Subject to applicable law, other than ongoing salary payments during the notice period and any outstanding annual leave and long service leave entitlements, no additional payments are payable on termination or change of control.

 

17

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2023 regarding equity awards, including unexercised stock options that had not vested, for each of the named executive officers.

 

   

Option Awards

 

Stock Awards

Name

 

Number of

Securities

Underlying

Unexercised

Options (#)

Exercisable

   

Option Exercise

Price

(A$)

 

Option

Expiration Date

 

Number of

Shares or Units

of Stock that

have

not Vested

   

Market value

of Shares

or Units of

Stock that

have not

Vested

                         

John Sharman (1)

 

  1,364,666

2,364,667

   

0.20

0.25

 

March 24, 2024

March 24, 2025

         
   

1,364,667

   

0.30

 

March 24, 2025

         
   

1,000,000

(2)

 

0.30

 

March 24, 2025

         
                 

2,500,000

(3)

 

500,000

                 

1,250,000

(4)

 

250,000

Salesh Balak (5)

 

216,300

   

0.50

 

February 27, 2024 

         
   

500,000

   

0.30

 

March 24, 2025

         
                 

500,000

(3)

 

100,000

                 

250,000

(4)

 

50,000

 

1.

All the options vested on March 25, 2020 and became exercisable on September 24, 2020. The options with an expiry date of March 24, 2024 were exercised in March 2024.

 

2.

The options are held by John Sharman’s superannuation fund.

 

3.

The performance rights were granted on August 19, 2021 which will vest upon predetermined market and non-market conditions being met. The expiration date for these performance rights is March 24, 2025.

 

4.

The performance rights were granted on August 19, 2021 which will vest upon a change of control transaction with a value greater than a specified threshold. The expiration date for these performance rights is March 24, 2025.

   

5.

The options expiring on February 27, 2024 vested and became exercisable on December 31, 2017. These options lapsed on February 27, 2024. The options expiring on March 24, 2025 vested on September 1, 2020 and became exercisable on March 1, 2021.

 

 

Potential payments upon Termination or Change-in-control

 

See “Executive Compensation – Narrative disclosure to summary compensation table and grants – Executive Service Agreements.”

 

18

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Set out below are details of the Plan as at December 31, 2023.

 

   

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

Plan Category

 

Number of

securities

to be issued

upon

exercise of

outstanding

options,

warrants

and rights

   

Weighted

average

exercise

price of

outstanding

options,

warrants

and rights

(A$)

   

Number of

Securities

remaining

for

future

issuance

 
                         

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

                       

- Employee options (2)

   

6,810,300

     

0.27

     

(1

)

- Performance rights (3)

   

7,500,000

     

0.00

     

(1

)

- Related parties (4)

   

4,840,000

     

0.80

     

(1

)

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

   

0

     

0.00

     

(1

)

Total

   

19,150,300

     

0.30

         

 

 

(1)

The number of securities able to be granted is limited to the amount permitted to be granted at law, the ASX Listing Rules and by the limits on our authorized share capital in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. The Listing Rules of ASX generally prohibits companies whose securities are quoted on ASX from issuing securities exceeding 15% of issued share capital in any 12-month period, without stockholder approval.

 

(2)

The grant of options and shares to any of our directors require stockholder approval. No options were granted to our directors.

 

(3)

525,000 performance rights were issued on January 1, 2023 and the balance on August 19, 2021.

 

(4)

On May 27, 2022, Viburnum acquired from a member of management, unlisted options to purchase up to 1,000,000 ordinary shares. The options fully vested on March 25, 2020, have an exercise price of $A0.20 and have an expiry date of March 24, 2024. In connection with the 2022 Entitlement Offer, the Company issued to Viburnum unlisted options to purchase up to 3,840,000 ordinary shares. The stockholders of the Company approved the issuance of the Underwriter Options at a special meeting of stockholders held on May 23, 2022. Refer to section on “Certain Relationships and related Transactions” for more details.

 

19

 

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

 

Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Our Audit and Compliance Committee has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers, Australia as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ended December 31, 2024. Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers, Australia will participate in the Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if such representative desires to do so, and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 

None.

 

Audit Fees

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, Australia audited our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

   

Year Ended December 31

 
   

2023

   

2022

 
   

A$

   

A$

 
                 

(a) Audit Fees

               

Financial Statements including Form 10-K and Form 10-Q

   

395,393

     

337,623

 
                 

(b) Tax Fees

               

Tax Returns

   

100,159

     

105,623

 

Other tax Compliance and Advisory Services

   

-

     

29,580

 
     

100,159

     

135,203

 

Total

   

495,552

     

472,826

 

 

Tax fees payable to PricewaterhouseCoopers, Australia and United States are in relation to the review and filing of our tax returns. They also include fees for tax advice we may have sought from time to time.

 

All audit and non-audit services to be performed by the Company’s independent accountant must be approved in advance by the Audit and Compliance Committee and/or the Board of Directors. For audit services, each year the independent accountant provides the Audit and Compliance Committee with an engagement letter outlining the scope of proposed audit services to be performed during the year and the proposed fees, which must be formally accepted by the committee before the audit commences. Any additional service proposed to be provided after the annual pre-approval process of audit services requires specific pre-approval by Audit and Compliance Committee. The committee may delegate either general or specific pre-approval authority to any one of the Committee members or the Chief Financial Officer. The member or Chief Financial Officer to whom such authority is delegated must report any pre-approval decisions to the committee at its next meeting. Accordingly, the committee pre-approved all of the fees last year.

 

20

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

The following table presents certain information known to us regarding beneficial ownership of our shares of common stock as of April 4, 2024 by the following persons:

 

each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our common stock;

our named executive officers listed in the “Summary Compensation Table”;

our directors; and

our executive officers and directors as a group.

 

Beneficial ownership is determined according to the rules of the SEC and generally means that a person has beneficial ownership of a security if he or she possesses sole or shared voting or investment power over that security, including options and warrants that are exercisable within 60 days. Information with respect to beneficial ownership has been furnished to us by each director and executive officer. CDI Holders have beneficial ownership of an equivalent number of our shares. Unless otherwise indicated, to our knowledge, each CDI Holder possesses sole power to direct CDN how to vote and has investment power over the shares listed, except for shares owned jointly with that person’s spouse.

 

The table below lists applicable percentage ownership based on 231,400,768 shares of common stock outstanding as of April 4, 2024 and 9,069,334 securities to purchase our shares that are exercisable as of April 4, 2024 and within 60 days of this date. Securities to purchase our shares that are exercisable within 60 days of April 4, 2024 are deemed to be beneficially owned by the person holding these securities for the purpose of computing percentage ownership of that person but not for the purpose of calculating the percentage ownership of any other holder. 

 

For each of the persons listed in the table below, unless otherwise indicated:

 

the shareholding information has been derived from our share register; and

their address is c/o Universal Biosensors, Inc., 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville, Victoria 3178.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

 

Number of

Shares (1)

   

Percentage

of Class

 
                 

John Sharman

   

6,450,217

 

(2) 

 

2.73

%

Salesh Balak

   

888,558

 

(3) 

 

*

 

Craig Coleman

   

61,392,221

 

(4) 

 

26.10

%

David Hoey

   

662,397

 

(5) 

 

*

 

Judith Smith

   

343,796

 

(6) 

 

*

 

Graham McLean

   

625,000

 

(7)

 

*

 

Total Directors and Executives as a group (6 persons)

   

70,362,189

     

29.26

%

Viburnum Funds Pty Ltd

   

60,638,601

 

(8) 

 

25.78

%

Richmond Hill Capital Pty Ltd

   

22,616,067

 

(9) 

 

9.77

%

Jencay Capital Pty Ltd

   

17,364,455

 

(10) 

 

7.50

%

Hancock & Gore Ltd

   

16,666,667

 

(11) 

 

7.20

%

 

*

Represents beneficial ownership of less than one percent of our outstanding ordinary shares.

(1)

Includes shares issuable pursuant to securities exercisable as of April 4, 2024 and within 60 days of this date. The figures represent the amounts last notified to us unless otherwise stated. The relevant stockholders may have acquired or disposed of shares since the last notification that are not reflected. Unless otherwise noted, the named beneficial owners have sole voting and investment power with respect to their beneficially owned shares.

(2)

Includes (i) 80,000 shares in the form of CDIs Mr. Sharman holds directly; (ii) 1,276,217 shares in the form of CDIs held by Mr. Sharman’s wife; (iii) 364,666 shares held by Mr. Sharman’s superannuation fund; (iv) 3,729,334 options held by Mr. Sharman; and (v) 1,000,000 options held by Mr. Sharman’s superannuation fund which are all exercisable as of April 4, 2024 and within 60 days of this date. The inclusion of the shares in clauses (ii) and (iii) is not an admission of beneficial ownership of those shares by Mr. Sharman.

 

21

 

(3)

Includes: (i) 388,558 shares in the form of CDIs Mr. Balak holds directly; and (ii) 500,000 options exercisable as of April 4, 2024 and within 60 days of this date.

(4)

Includes: (i) 753,620 shares in the form of CDIs held by a superannuation fund of which Mr. Coleman is a potential beneficiary; and (ii) 56,798,601 shares and 3,840,000 options (exercisable as of April 4, 2024 and within 60 days of this date) held by Viburnum Funds Pty Ltd (“Viburnum”) of which Mr. Coleman is a director. Mr. Coleman may be deemed to beneficially own, the securities held by Viburnum due to Mr. Coleman serving as a director of Viburnum and may be deemed to share voting and dispositive power over such securities. Mr. Coleman disclaims beneficial ownership of the securities beneficially owned by Viburnum.

(5)

Consists of shares in the form of CDIs Mr. Hoey holds directly.

(6)

Consists of shares in the form of CDIs held by a superannuation fund of which Ms. Smith is a member.

(7)

Consists of shares in the form of CDIs held by a family trust of which Mr. McLean is a member.

(8)

The address of Viburnum Funds Pty Ltd (“Viburnum”) is 31 Carrington Street, Nedlands WA 6009. The ownership information is based in its entirety on material contained in Form 4 filed with the SEC on March 26, 2024. The securities beneficially owned by Viburnum are held by VF Strategic Equities Fund and separately managed accounts on behalf of Viburnum clients. Each of Mr. Craig Coleman, Mr. Marshall Allen and Mr. Anthony Howarth share voting and dispositive power over, and may be deemed to beneficially own all of the securities, beneficially owned by Viburnum, due to each of the foregoing individuals serving as a director of Viburnum. Each of Messrs. Coleman, Allen and Howarth disclaims beneficial ownership over these securities.

(9)

The address of Richmond Hill Capital Pty Ltd is Level 4, 7 Howard Street, Richmond, Vic 3121, Australia. The ownership information is based on its entirety on material contained in Form 604 filed with the ASX on March 25, 2024.

(10)

The address of Jencay Capital Pty Ltd is 111 Flinders Street, Surrey Hills, NSW 2010, Australia. The ownership information is based on its entirety on shareholder analysis as at December 31, 2023.

(11)

The address of Hancock & Gore Ltd is Level 5, 107 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia. The ownership information is based on its entirety on material contained in Form 603 filed with the ASX on March 26, 2024.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

Fiscal Year 2022

 

On May 27, 2022, in connection with a fully underwritten non-renounceable rights issue, the Company issued 25,983,723 million CDIs to Viburnum Funds Pty Ltd (the “Underwriter”) at a ratio of 1 CDI for every 6.85 existing CDI held by the Underwriter as of April 27, 2022 at A$0.77 per CDI (the “2022 Offer Price”), which raised A$20,007,467 (before expenses).

 

In addition, on May 27, 2022, the Company issued 3,840,000 unlisted options (the “2022 Underwriter Options”), consisting of (i) 1,920,000 options to purchase 1,920,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of A$0.92 (or 120% of the 2022 Offer Price) per option and (ii) 1,920,000 options to purchase 1,920,000 ordinary shares at an exercise price of A$1.00 (or 130% of the 2022 Offer Price) per option to the Underwriter in lieu of cash compensation. The 2022 Underwriter Options vested upon issue and have an expiry date of May 26, 2025. The stockholders of the Company approved the issuance of the 2022 Underwriter Options at a special meeting of stockholders on May 23, 2022.

 

On May 27, 2022, Viburnum acquired from Mr. Sharman unlisted options to purchase up to 1,000,000 ordinary shares at A$0.57 per option. The options fully vested on March 25, 2020, had an exercise price of $A0.20 and have an expiry date of March 24, 2024. These options were exercised on March 22, 2024.

 

22

 

Fiscal Year 2023

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company announced a fully underwritten non-renounceable rights issue of new CHESS depositary interests over fully paid ordinary shares in UBI (“New CDIs”) to raise approximately A$10 million (“Entitlement Offer”) at a ratio of 1 New CDI for approximately every 3.47 existing CDIs held at the record date, being April 16, 2024. In addition, participants in the Entitlement Offer shall receive one attaching option to acquire CDIs for each New CDI acquired under the Entitlement Offer at an exercise price of A$0.20 (“Options”). The Options will vest upon issue, expire 3 years from the date of issue, be exercisable in multiple tranches and each entitle the option holder to 1 CDI upon exercise (subject to any adjustments for reconstructions or bonus issues in accordance with the Listing Rules).

 

In connection with the Entitlement Offer, the Company received a binding commitment from the Underwriter to fully underwrite the Entitlement Offer. The underwriting commitment term sheet provides that the Underwriter shall have the right to require the Entitlement Offer to be repriced in the event that the trading price of the Company’s CDI's falls below A$0.10 per existing CDI for any three consecutive days prior to the special meeting of stockholders to be held on April 10, 2024. In the event the parties are unable to agree on the repriced amount, Viburnum shall be entitled to terminate its obligations under the underwriting commitment term sheet.

 

The Company has agreed, subject to the approval of the stockholders of the Company, to issue Viburnum 13,849,567 options, as its underwriting fee ("Underwriter Options"), equal in value to 5.0% of the underwritten amount of A$10 million. The Underwriter Options will be issued on the same terms as the Options issued to investors under the Entitlement Offer. If the Underwriter Options are not issued, including where stockholder approval is not obtained for the issue of Underwriter Options, the Company shall pay Viburnum an underwriting fee equal to 6% of the underwritten amount of A$10 million in cash, at the time of issue of CDIs under the Entitlement Offer.

 

Mr. Craig Coleman is a Non-Executive Director of the Company and an Executive Chairman and associate of the Underwriter. Viburnum, as investment manager for its associated funds and entities holds voting power over approximately 25% of the Company’s shares.

 

In addition, the Company will be required to seek stockholder approval to amend its certificate of incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock available for issuance at a special meeting of stockholders. The consummation of the Entitlement Offer will be conditioned on such approval. The Company intends to seek such approval and the approval of the issuance of the Underwriter Options at a special meeting of stockholders to be held on April 10, 2024.

 

There were no other related person transactions that would require disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K.

 

NOT AN OFFER OR SALE. INELIGIBLE SECURITYHOLDERS

 

This Proxy Statement does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the New CDIs or the Options offered pursuant to the Entitlement Offer or the Underwriter Options, nor shall there be any offer or sale of the New CDIs, the Options, the Underwriter Options, or the CDIs issuable upon the exercise of the Options or the Underwriter Options (the “Option CDIs”) in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

 

No securityholders of the Company with a registered address outside of Australia or New Zealand, or who are, or who are acting for the benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act, as amended (the “Securities Act”) are invited, or will be permitted, to participate in the Entitlement Offer or purchase securities sold in the Entitlement Offer. The Company has instituted procedures to prevent any person who is not a resident of Australia or New Zealand, or any person who is, or who is acting for the benefit of, a U.S. Person, from purchasing securities offered or sold in the Entitlement Offer.

 

None of the CDI’s or Options offered or sold in the Entitlement Offer or the Underwriter Options or the Option CDIs, and none of the shares evidenced thereby, have been or will be registered under the Securities Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account of, a U.S. Person, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. Hedging transactions involving these securities may not be conducted unless in compliance with the Securities Act.

 

23

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

2025 Stockholder Proposals

 

Under Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act, some stockholder proposals may be eligible for inclusion in our 2025 proxy statement. These stockholder proposals must be submitted, along with proof of ownership of our stock in accordance with Rule 14a-8(b)(2), to our corporate headquarters, care of our Company Secretary. We must receive all submissions no later than December 9, 2024. If your proposal is not received by the deadline or you do not otherwise comply with Rule 14a-8, we will not consider your proposal for inclusion in next year’s proxy materials. The Board of Directors reviews all stockholder proposals.

 

Alternatively, under our Bylaws, if a stockholder does not want to submit a proposal for the 2025 Meeting for inclusion in our proxy statement under Rule 14a-8 but wants to bring any other business before a Meeting of stockholders, or intends to nominate a person as a candidate for election to the Board of Directors directly (rather than making recommendations to our Remuneration and Nomination Committee or the Board of Directors when acting in its place), the stockholder must submit the proposal or nomination to our Company Secretary no earlier than January 30, 2025 and no later than March 1, 2025 and must follow the procedures outlined in Sections 4.10 and/or 4.11 of Article IV of our Bylaws. However, if the date of the 2025 Meeting is changed by more than 30 days from the first anniversary of the 2024 Meeting, our Company Secretary must receive the notice no later than the close of business on the tenth (10th) day following the day on which such notice of the date of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting was made, whichever first occurs.

 

In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under our Bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than our nominees must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act no later than March 31, 2025.

 

We will not entertain any proposals or nominations at the annual meeting that do not comply with these requirements. Our Bylaws are posted on our website at www.universalbiosensors.com in the “Corporate Governance” section under “Investor Centre.” To make a submission or to request a copy of our Bylaws, stockholders should contact our Company Secretary.

 

Other Business

 

Management is not aware of any matters to be presented for action at the Meeting, except matters discussed in the Proxy Statement. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by proxies will be voted in the discretion of the proxy holders.

 

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

 

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our executive officers and directors and other persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC an initial report of ownership of our equity securities on Form 3 and reports of changes in beneficial ownership of shares and other equity securities on Form 4 and Form 5. Such executive officers and directors and other persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities are required by the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) filed by such reporting persons.

 

24

 

Based solely on our review of such forms furnished to us or written representations provided to us by the reporting persons, we believe that all filing requirements applicable to our executive officers, directors and other persons who beneficially own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities were complied with in the year ended December 31, 2023, except that (i) a Form 4, covering five delinquent transactions on April 20, 2023, was inadvertently filed late by Salesh Balak on April 27, 2023; and (ii) a Form 4, covering one delinquent transaction on June 30, 2023, was inadvertently filed late by David Hoey on August 21, 2023.  

 

STOCKHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS WITH BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Any stockholder who wishes to send any communications to the Board of Directors or to individual directors should deliver such communications to the Company’s principal executive offices, 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178, Attention: Company Secretary (companysecretary@universalbiosensors.com). Any such communication should indicate whether the communication is intended to be directed to the entire Board of Directors or to a particular director(s), and must indicate the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by the stockholder. The Company Secretary will forward appropriate communications to the Board of Directors and/or the appropriate director(s). Inappropriate communications include correspondence that does not relate to the business or affairs of the Company or the functioning of the Board of Directors or its committees, advertisements or other commercial solicitations or communications, and communications that are frivolous, threatening, illegal or otherwise not appropriate for delivery to directors.

 

AVAILABILITY OF FORM 10-K

 

We are providing without charge to each person solicited by this Proxy Statement a copy of our Annual Report, including our financial statements but excluding the exhibits to Form 10-K other than Exhibit 13. The Annual Report includes a list of the exhibits that were filed with the Form 10-K, and we will furnish a copy of any such exhibit to any person who requests it upon the payment of our reasonable expenses in providing the requested exhibit.

 

For further information, please contact our Company Secretary at 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178 or at companysecretary@universalbiosensors.com. Our Annual Report and our other filings with the SEC, including the exhibits, are also available for free on the SEC’s Internet site (http://www.sec.gov). 

 

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

 

We file annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our public filings are available at the Internet Web site maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Annual Report was mailed along with this Proxy Statement.

 

The Meeting will be a virtual meeting of stockholders which will be conducted exclusively by means of remote communication. You will be able to attend the Meeting and vote and submit questions during the Meeting by means of remote communication at https://web.lumiagm.com/341-190-311. Information regarding virtual participation at the Meeting including how to access the Meeting and vote and submit questions online during the Meeting is as per the attached Online Vote User Guide.

 

STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD RELY ONLY ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT TO VOTE THEIR SHARES AT THE MEETING. NO ONE HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION THAT IS DIFFERENT FROM WHAT IS CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT. THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS DATED APRIL 8, 2024. STOCKHOLDERS SHOULD NOT ASSUME THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT IS ACCURATE AS OF ANY DATE OTHER THAN THAT DATE.

 

25

 

HOUSEHOLDING

 

We have adopted a procedure approved by the SEC called “householding.” For purposes of householding, “Proxy Materials” refer to the Company’s annual report and proxy statement. Under this procedure, a householding notice will be sent to stockholders who have the same address and last name and do not participate in electronic delivery of proxy materials, and they will receive only one set of Proxy Materials unless we receive contrary instructions from one or more of these stockholders. This procedure reduces our printing costs and postage fees. Each stockholder who participates in householding will continue to receive a separate proxy card. If you participate in householding and wish to receive a separate copy of the Proxy Materials, please make a written request to our Company Secretary at 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178 or at companysecretary@universalbiosensors.com. A separate copy of the Proxy Materials will be delivered promptly upon request.

 

If any stockholders in your household wish to begin receiving separate Proxy Materials, they may contact our Company Secretary at +613 9213 9000, 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178 or at companysecretary@universalbiosensors.com. Other stockholders who have multiple accounts in their names or who share an address with other stockholders can request that only a single copy be sent to the household by calling at +613 9213 9000 or writing to the Company Secretary at 1 Corporate Avenue, Rowville VIC 3178 or by email at companysecretary@universalbiosensors.com.

 

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

Graham McLean

Non-executive Chairman
Universal Biosensors, Inc.

 

26

   
 
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