0000038725-14-000089.txt : 20140506 0000038725-14-000089.hdr.sgml : 20140506 20140506143220 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000038725-14-000089 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 8-K/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 2 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20140502 ITEM INFORMATION: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers ITEM INFORMATION: Financial Statements and Exhibits FILED AS OF DATE: 20140506 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20140506 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000038725 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: MOTORS & GENERATORS [3621] IRS NUMBER: 350827455 STATE OF INCORPORATION: IN FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 8-K/A SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-00362 FILM NUMBER: 14816537 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9255 COVERDALE ROAD CITY: FORT WAYNE STATE: IN ZIP: 46809 BUSINESS PHONE: 2608242900 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 9255 COVERDALE ROAD CITY: FORT WAYNE STATE: IN ZIP: 46809 8-K/A 1 a8-ka.htm 8-K/A 8-K/A
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K/A

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): May 2, 2014

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana
 
0-362
 
35-0827455
(State of incorporation)
 
(Commission File Number)
 
(IRS employer identification no.)

9255 Coverdale Road
 
 
Fort Wayne, IN
 
46809
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip code)

(260) 824-2900
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Not Applicable
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

[    ]    Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

[    ]    Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

[    ]    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

[    ]    Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) 






Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (the “Company”) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 19, 2014 (the “Prior 8-K”), announcing R. Scott Trumbull’s retirement as Chief Executive Officer effective May 2, 2014, Gregg C. Sengstack’s appointment to succeed Mr. Trumbull in that role and Mr. Trumbull’s remaining as non-executive chairman of the Company.
The purpose of this Current Report on Form 8-K/A is to amend the Prior 8-K to report that on May 2, 2014, coincident with the effective date of his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors and the Management Organization and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved the following elements of compensation for Mr. Sengstack in his new role as Chief Executive Officer and President: (i) an annual base salary of $650,000, commencing May 2, 2014; (ii) a target bonus of 100% of annual base salary, commencing May 2, 2014; and (iii) equity grants under the Franklin Electric Co., Inc. 2012 Stock Plan with an aggregate dollar value of $668,000, consisting of 40% stock options, 30% restricted stock units and 30% performance stock units.
Other than his employment relationship, there has been no transaction, or proposed transaction since December 29, 2013, to which the Company was or is to be a party and in which Mr. Sengstack or any member of his immediate family had or is to have a direct or indirect material interest that would be required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. There are no family relationships between Mr. Sengstack and any of the Company’s other directors, executive officers or persons nominated or chosen by the Company to become directors or executive officers.
In connection with his retirement, Mr. Trumbull has entered into a Retirement and Consulting Agreement (the “Retirement Agreement”) with the Company dated May 2, 2014, the effective date of his retirement (the “Retirement Date”). A copy of the Retirement Agreement is attached to this Current Report on Form 8-K/A as Exhibit 10.1 and incorporated herein by reference.
The material terms of the Retirement Agreement are as follows: For the period beginning with the Retirement Date and ending at the conclusion of the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Mr. Trumbull will serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. For such Board service, Mr. Trumbull will be entitled to the following compensation: (i) a $60,000 annual retainer; and (ii) an additional $125,000 retainer for services as Non-Executive Chairman. For the period beginning with the Retirement Date and ending December 31, 2014, Mr. Trumbull will provide to the Company certain consulting services stipulated in the Retirement Agreement, as well as any additional consulting services as may be mutually agreed upon by him and the Board of Directors. For his consulting services, Mr. Trumbull will be entitled to the following compensation: (i) $218,000 for the eight-month period ending December 31, 2014; (ii) participation in the Company’s Annual Bonus Program for 2014, with a target bonus opportunity equal to $592,500; and (iii) reimbursement for any reasonable expenses incurred by him in the performance of his consulting services.
Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits
Exhibit Description
10.1 Retirement and Consulting Agreement dated May 2, 2014 between Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and R. Scott Trumbull
The remainder of the information contained in the Prior 8-K is not hereby amended.









SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

FRANKLIN ELECTRIC CO., INC.
(Registrant)

Date: May 6, 2014
 
By
/s/ John J. Haines
 
 
 
John J. Haines
 
 
 
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
 
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)







EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit Number
 
Description
10.1
 
Retirement and Consulting Agreement dated May 2, 2014 between Franklin Electric Co., Inc. and R. Scott Trumbull



EX-10.1 2 a101-01.htm EXHIBIT 10.1 - 01


EXHIBIT 10.1

May 2, 2014
R. Scott Trumbull
Franklin Electric Co., Inc.
9255 Coverdale Road
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46809

Re:
Retirement and Consulting Agreement

Dear Scott:
On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of Franklin Electric, I want to thank you for your dedicated service as our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the past 11 plus years. We appreciate the hard work and dedication you have put forth to guide us through what at times have been challenging periods, and we are stronger and better suited to compete in today’s global economy as a result of your efforts. We are extremely pleased you have agreed to serve as Non-Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors and also to continue to provide transition and consulting services.
This Retirement and Consulting Agreement (this “Agreement”) will constitute the full agreement between you and Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (the “Company”) with respect to your retirement from the Company’s employment and your service as a non-employee director and as a consultant.
Retirement
Your employment with the Company will end effective as of the conclusion of the May, 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (your “Retirement Date”). In connection with your retirement:

1.    You will be paid your salary earned through your Retirement Date.
2.    Your outstanding stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards and performance stock unit awards granted to you under the Company’s Stock Plans will continue to vest in accordance with the terms of the applicable award agreement.
3.    You will be entitled to a cash bonus for 2014 as explained below.
4.    The Employment Agreement between you and the Company will terminate as of your Retirement Date. Your active participation in all of the Company’s retirement plans, health and welfare plans and employee policies and programs will end on your Retirement Date, and you will be entitled to any benefits thereunder in accordance with the terms of such plans, policies and programs.
Non-Employee Director Compensation
For the period beginning with your Retirement Date and ending at the conclusion of the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, you will serve as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors, with the duties and responsibilities are described on Exhibit A. This is a non-officer, non-employee, independent





contractor position. For such Board service, you will be entitled to the following compensation (which will be paid quarterly in arrears):
1.    A $60,000 annual retainer.
2.    An additional $125,000 retainer for services as Non-Executive Chairman.
Consulting Duties and Compensation
For the period beginning with your Retirement Date and ending December 31, 2014, you will provide to the Company the consulting services described on Exhibit A, as well as any additional consulting services as may be mutually agreed upon by you and the Board of Directors. You will be compensated for these consulting services as follows:
1.    You will be entitled to $218,000, which will be paid monthly in arrears over the eight month period, with the first payment to be made on or about June 1, 2014.
2.    You will participate in the Company’s Annual Bonus Program for 2014, with a target bonus opportunity equal to $592,500. This target amount is based on the total non-bonus cash compensation paid to you in 2014. The target bonus will be adjusted pursuant to the terms of the Annual Bonus Program based on actual 2014 performance, with 100% of the award opportunity based on the Company’s financial goals.
3.    The Company will reimburse you for any reasonable expenses incurred by you in the performance of the consulting services.
4.    In the event of your death prior to December 31, 2014, the remainder of your monthly payments and a prorata portion of the target annual bonus (based on the period of time from January 1, 2014 through the date of your death) will be paid to your designated beneficiary.
Except as stated above and except for your compensation as a non-employee director, all other benefits, bonuses and compensation will end on your Retirement Date. As a consultant, you will be an independent contractor, and not an employee of the Company. You will not be entitled to continue active participation in or receive benefits under any other Company plans, policies or programs maintained for employees, including life, disability, pension, profit sharing, stock-based, vacation or fringe benefit programs, and your service as a consultant will not be included in determining service for any reason under such plans, policies or programs.
Other Provisions
1.    You agree that you will comply with the terms of the Confidentiality and Non-Compete Agreement in effect between you and the Company; provided, however, that the restrictive periods described therein will end 18 months after the end of your service as a consultant (June 30, 2016), all references therein relating to employment shall be deemed to include your service as a consultant, and all references to termination of employment shall mean termination of service as both an employee and a consultant.
2.    You agree that you may only serve as a chairman, lead or presiding director, or similar role, or as a chief executive officer, or similar role, at another public company if approved by the remaining Board members upon recommendation from the Governance Committee.
3.    In consideration of the payments and benefits provided to you above, you hereby release and forever discharge the Company, and all of its affiliates, officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents,





and other representatives, whether current or former (collectively “Released Parties”), from any and all obligations, rights, claims, and damages, of any and every kind, nature and character, known or unknown which arise from or relate to your employment with the Company or your retirement therefrom, or any past actions or omissions of any of the Released Parties; provided, however, that nothing herein shall release the Company of its obligations to you under this Agreement or any indemnification obligations to you under the Company’s bylaws, articles of incorporation, or Indiana law.
*    *    *    *
Once again Scott, my sincerest thanks for all of the work you have done on our behalf, and I look forward to continuing to work with you on the Company’s Board of Directors.
Sincerely,

/s/ David A. Roberts
David A. Roberts
Chairman, Management Organization and Compensation Committee
By signing this Agreement, I represent and warrant that I have not been the victim of age or other discrimination or wrongful treatment in my employment and the retirement thereof. I further acknowledge that the Company advised me in writing to consult with an attorney, that I had at least 21 days to consider this Agreement, that I received all information necessary to make an informed decision and I had the opportunity to request and receive additional information, that I understand and agree to the terms of this Agreement, that I have seven days in which to revoke my acceptance of this Agreement, and that I am signing this Agreement voluntarily with full knowledge and understanding of its contents.
Dated: May 2, 2014

Signed: /s/ R. Scott Trumbull
             R. Scott Trumbull








Exhibit A

Board/Consulting Services
Board Services:
1.    Board Agendas and Schedules:
Approve information sent to the Board and determine timeliness of information flow from management
Periodically provide feedback on quality and quantity of information flow from management
Participate in setting, and ultimately approve, the agenda for each Board meeting
Approve meeting schedules to assure that there is sufficient time for discussion of all agenda items
With the CEO, determine who attends Board meetings, including management and outside advisors

2.    Committee Agendas and Schedules:
Review in advance the schedule of committee meetings
Monitor committee activity, agendas, meetings and information provided to Committees
Monitor flow of information from Committee Chairs to the full Board
Attend Committee meetings where appropriate

3.    Meetings of the Board and Independent Directors:
Call meetings of the Board and of the Independent Directors
Preside at all meetings of the Board and the Independent Directors

4.    Communicating with Management:
After each Meeting of the Independent Directors, communicate with the CEO to provide feedback and effectuate the decisions and recommendations of the Independent Directors
Act as liaison between the Independent Directors and the CEO and management on a regular basis and when special circumstances exist or communication out of the ordinary course is necessary

5.    Communicating with Shareholders:
As necessary, meet with major shareholders and other external parties, after discussions with the CEO
Be apprised of inquiries from shareholders and involved in correspondence responding to these inquiries
Under the Board’s guidelines for handling shareholder and employee communications to the Board, be advised promptly of any communications directed to the Board or any member of the Board that allege misconduct on the part of Company management or raise legal, ethical or compliance concerns about Company policies or practices







6.    Performance Evaluations:
Lead the annual performance evaluation of the CEO, together with the MOCC

7.    Board Performance Evaluation:
Lead the annual performance evaluation of the Board, together with the Governance Committee Chairman

8.    New Board Member Recruiting:
Interview Board candidates, as appropriate

9.    CEO Succession:
Lead the CEO succession planning process as required

10.    Crisis Management:
Play an increased role in crisis management oversight, as appropriate

Consulting Services:
1.    Mentor/advise new CEO, as appropriate
2.
Advise and support implementation of key strategic initiatives