Commitments and Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

11. Commitments and Contingencies

Vega v. Sensient Dehydrated Flavors LLC

On January 3, 2013, Thomas Vega, a now former employee, filed (but did not serve) a Class Action Complaint in San Francisco County Superior Court against Sensient Dehydrated Flavors LLC. On February 11, 2013, Vega filed and served a First Amended Complaint ("Complaint") against the Company and a Company supervisor. Vega alleged that the Company failed to provide alleged class members with meal periods, compensation for the alleged absence of meal periods, and accurate wage statements, in violation of the California labor code. The alleged class included all employees paid on an hourly basis and forklift operators. The Complaint sought damages, back wages, injunctive relief, penalties, interest, and attorneys' fees for the members of the alleged class. The Complaint alleged that the total damages and costs "do not exceed a[n] aggregate of $4,999,999.99."

The Complaint alleged two causes of action. The first cause of action was for "Unfair Competition." The second cause of action was for alleged substantive violations of the California labor code provisions governing wages, hours, and meal periods.

On March 13, 2013, the parties filed a joint stipulation and proposed order to remove the case from San Francisco County Superior Court to Stanislaus County Superior Court. On April 18, 2013, the Court granted that request.

On October 7, 2013, following a private mediation, the parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding in which they agreed to resolve the action for a maximum of $275,000 on a claims made basis. On December 5, 2013, the settlement was presented to the Stanislaus County Superior Court. On March 14, 2014, the Court granted final approval of the settlement. On April 11, 2014, Sensient made a final payment of $205,297 in full satisfaction of the Final Funding Amount (as defined in the settlement agreement). This matter has now concluded.

Other Claims and Litigation

The Company is involved in various other claims and litigation arising in the normal course of business. In the judgment of management, which relies in part on information from Company counsel, the ultimate resolution of these actions will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements of the Company except as described above.