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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Filed by the Registrant  x

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant  o

 

Check the appropriate box:

o

Preliminary Proxy Statement

o

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

x

Definitive Proxy Statement

o

Definitive Additional Materials

o

Soliciting Material Under Rule 14a-12

 

LANNETT COMPANY, INC.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

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

 

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):

x

No fee required

o

Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 

(1)

Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

 

 

(2)

Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:

 

 

 

 

(3)

Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):

 

 

 

 

(4)

Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:

 

 

 

 

(5)

Total fee paid:

 

 

 

o

Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.

o

Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.

 

(1)

Amount Previously Paid:

 

 

 

 

(2)

Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:

 

 

 

 

(3)

Filing Party:

 

 

 

 

(4)

Date Filed:

 

 

 

 



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LANNETT COMPANY, INC.

9000 STATE ROAD

PHILADELPHIA, PA  19136

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD JANUARY 28, 2009

 

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF LANNETT COMPANY, INC.

 

The annual meeting (the “Annual Meeting”) of the Stockholders of Lannett Company, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, (the “Company”) will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Company’s facility at 9001 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA  19136, for the following purposes:

 

1.               To elect seven (7) members of the Board of Directors to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified;

 

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

 

THESE MATTERS ARE MORE FULLY DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT ACCOMPANYING THIS NOTICE.

 

Stockholders of record at the close of business on December 19, 2008 may vote at this Annual Meeting.

 

It is important that you be represented at the Annual Meeting.  You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person and we encourage you to attend and take the opportunity to ask questions.

 

 

 

By Order of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

December 22, 2008

/s/ Jeffrey Farber

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jeffrey Farber, Interim Chairman of the Board

 



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LANNETT COMPANY, INC.

 

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 28, 2009

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ATTENDANCE AND VOTING MATTERS

1

 

 

PROPOSAL NO. 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

2

 

 

BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES

4

 

 

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

6

 

 

SECTION 16 (a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

8

 

 

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

9

 

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

11

 

 

REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

22

 

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

23

 

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

23

 

 

REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

24

 

 

APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2009

25

 

 

 



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ATTENDANCE AND VOTING MATTERS

 

DATE, TIME, AND PLACE OF MEETING

 

This Proxy Statement is provided to you by the Board of Directors of Lannett Company, Inc. (the “Company” or “Lannett”) in connection with the Annual Meeting.  The Annual Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 9:00 a.m., local time, at the Company’s facility at 9001 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136, or at any adjournments or postponements of the Annual Meeting for the purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting.  We intend to mail this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting on or about December 31, 2008 to all Stockholders of the Company entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

 

VOTING METHODS

 

You may vote on matters to come before the meeting in two ways:

 

·                  You may come to the Annual Meeting and cast your vote in person;

·                  You may vote by signing and returning the enclosed proxy card by mail.  If you do so, the individuals named on the card will vote your shares in the manner you indicate.  You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the Annual Meeting by sending written notice to the Secretary of the Company at 9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136, or by attending the meeting.

 

If you come to the Annual Meeting to cast your vote in person and you are holding your stock in a brokerage account (“street name”) you will need to bring a legal proxy obtained from your broker.

 

You are entitled to cast one vote for each share of Lannett common stock owned on the record date, December 19, 2008.  As of the record date, there were 24,582,230 shares of Lannett common stock outstanding.  Stockholders are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors.

 

QUORUM

 

A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting for the transaction of business.  If the holders of a majority of Lannett common stock are present at the meeting, in person or by proxy, a quorum will exist.  Abstentions and “broker non-votes” are counted as present for purposes of establishing a quorum.

 

VOTE NECESSARY FOR ACTION

 

Directors are elected by a plurality vote of shares present at the Annual Meeting.  Each other action to be considered by the stockholders will be approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the shares present in person or by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the matter.  For any proposal, an abstention will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal.  Broker non-votes will not be voted for or against any of these proposals and will have no effect on any of these proposals.

 

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PROPOSAL NO. 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

 

NOMINEES

 

The Company’s Bylaws provide that the number of directors of the Company may be determined by the Stockholders, or in the absence of such determination, by the Board of Directors.  Currently, there are seven members of the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors nominates the seven persons named below, each of whom is currently serving on the Board of Directors, for election to the Board of Directors.  As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Board of Directors is not aware that any nominee is unable to serve or will decline to serve as a director.  The seven nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes of the shares entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be elected directors of the Company until the next Annual Meeting and until their successors have been elected and qualified or until their earlier resignation or removal.

 

The following list identifies the nominees for election to the Board of Directors and sets forth-certain information regarding each nominee.  All nominees are currently serving as directors of the Company.  A majority of the Directors on the Board are independent, as defined by the rules of the American Stock Exchange.  Those directors are referred to as “independent” below.

 

William Farber, 77, was elected as Chairman of the Board of Directors in August 1991.  He served as Chief Executive Officer of the Company from August 1991 until January 2006.  From April 1993 to the end of 1993, Mr. Farber was the President and a director of Auburn Pharmaceutical Company.  From 1990 through March 1993, Mr. Farber served as Director of Purchasing for Major Pharmaceutical Corporation.  From 1965 through 1990, Mr. Farber was the Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Pharmacal Corporation.  Mr. Farber is a registered pharmacist in the State of Michigan.  Since September 10, 2008, Mr. Farber has been on a temporary medical leave of absence from the Board of Directors for health reasons.

 

Ronald A. West, 74, was elected a Director of the Company in January 2002.  In September 2004, Mr. West was elected Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Mr. West is currently the General Managing Partner of Beecher Associates, an industrial real estate investment company and Director of R&M Resources, an investment and consulting services company.  From 1983 to 1987, Mr. West served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dura Corporation, an original equipment manufacturer of automotive products and other engineered equipment components.  In 1987, Mr. West sold his ownership position in Dura Corporation, at which time he retired from active management positions.  Mr. West was employed at Dura Corporation from 1969 to 1987.  Previously, Mr. West served in various financial management positions with TRW, Inc., Marlin Rockwell Corporation and National Machine Products Group, a division of Standard Pressed Steel Company.  Mr. West studied Business Administration at Michigan State University and the University of Detroit.  Mr. West is an independent director.  Mr. West serves as our independent lead director.

 

Arthur P. Bedrosian, J.D., 63, was elected President of the Company in May 2002 and was elected CEO and a Director in January 2006. Prior to this, he served as the Company’s Vice President of Business Development from January 2002 to April 2002, and as a Director from February 2000 to January 2002. Mr. Bedrosian has operated generic drug manufacturing, sales, and marketing businesses in the healthcare industry for more than 40 years. From 1999 to 2001, Mr. Bedrosian served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Trinity Laboratories, Inc., a medical device and drug manufacturer. Mr. Bedrosian also operated Pharmaceutical Ventures Ltd, a healthcare consultancy and Interal Corporation, a computer consultancy to Fortune 100 companies. Mr. Bedrosian holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Queens College of the City University of New York and a Juris Doctorate from Newport University in California.

 

Jeffrey Farber, 48, was elected a director of the Company in May 2006 and has been serving as the Interim Chairman of the Board since September 2008. Jeffrey Farber served as Lannett’s Secretary from August 2003 until May 2005.  In September 2008, Jeffrey Farber was named Interim Chairman of the Board while Mr. William Farber remains on a medical leave of absence.  For the past 13 years, Mr. Farber has been President and the owner of Auburn Pharmaceutical (“Auburn”), a national generic pharmaceutical distributor. Prior to starting Auburn, Mr. Farber served in various positions at Major Pharmaceutical (“Major”), where he was employed for over 15 years. At Major, Mr. Farber was involved in sales, purchasing and eventually served as President of the mid-west division. Mr. Farber also spent time working at Major’s manufacturing division — Vitarine Pharmaceuticals — where he served on its Board of Directors.  Mr. Farber graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelors of

 

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Science Degree in Business Administration and participated in the Pharmacy Management Graduate Program at Long Island University. Mr. Farber is the son of William Farber, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and the principal shareholder of the Company.

 

Kenneth Sinclair, Ph.D., 62, was elected a director of the Company in September 2005.   Dr. Sinclair is currently Professor of Accounting and Senior Advisor to the Dean in the College of Business and Economics at Lehigh University, where he began his academic career in 1972.  His current role follows his position as Chairperson of the Accounting Department from 1988 to 2007.  Dr. Sinclair has been recognized for teaching innovation, held leadership positions with professional accounting organizations and served on numerous academic and advisory committees. He has received a number of awards and honors for teaching and service, and has researched and written on a myriad of subjects related to accounting.  Dr. Sinclair earned a bachelor of business administration degree in accounting, a Master of Science degree in accounting and a Doctorate Degree in Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts.  Dr. Sinclair is an independent director.

 

Albert I. Wertheimer, Ph.D., MBA, 66, was elected a Director of the Company in September 2004.  Dr. Wertheimer has a long and distinguished career in various aspects of pharmacy, health care, education and pharmaceutical research.  Since 2000, Dr. Wertheimer has been a professor at the School of Pharmacy at Temple University, and director of its Center for Pharmaceutical Health Services Research.  From 1997 to 2000, Dr. Wertheimer was Director of Outcomes Research and Management at Merck & Co., Inc.  In addition to his academic responsibilities, Dr. Wertheimer is the author of 26 books and nearly 400 journal articles.  Dr. Wertheimer also provides consulting services to institutions and the pharmaceutical industry.  Dr. Wertheimer’s academic experience includes professorships and other faculty and administrative positions at several educational institutions, including the Medical College of Virginia, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science and the University of Minnesota.  Dr. Wertheimer’s previous professional experience includes pharmacy services in commercial and non-profit environments.  Dr. Wertheimer is a licensed pharmacist in five states, and is a member of several health associations, including the American Pharmacists Association and the American Public Health Association.  Dr. Wertheimer has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from the University of Buffalo, a Masters of Business Administration from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Purdue University and a Post Doctoral Fellowship from the University of London, St. Thomas’ Medical School.  Dr. Wertheimer is an independent director.

 

Myron Winkelman, R. Ph., 71, was elected a Director of the Company in June 2003.  Mr. Winkelman has significant career experience in various aspects of pharmacy and health care.  He is currently President of Winkelman Management Consulting (WMC), which provides consulting services to both commercial and governmental clients.  He has served in this position since 1994.  Mr. Winkelman has recently managed multi-state drug purchasing initiatives for both Medicaid and state entities.  Prior to creating WMC, he was a senior executive with ValueRx, a large pharmacy benefits manager, and served for many years as a senior executive for the Revco, Rite Aid and Perry Drug chains. While at ValueRx, Mr. Winkelman served on the Board of Directors of the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association.  He belongs to a number of pharmacy organizations, including the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy and the Michigan Pharmacy Association. Mr. Winkelman is a registered pharmacist and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from Wayne State University.  Mr. Winkelman is an independent director.

 

To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there are no material proceedings to which any nominee is a party, or has a material interest adverse to the Company.  To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions that are material to the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any nominee during the past five years.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT LANNETT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE “FOR” THESE NOMINEES. UNLESS MARKED TO THE CONTRARY, PROXIES RECEIVED FROM STOCKHOLDERS WILL BE VOTED IN FAVOR OF THESE NOMINEES.

 

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BOARD MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES

 

The Board of Directors met five times during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 (“Fiscal 2008”).  In addition to meetings of the Board, directors attended meetings of individual Board committees.  In Fiscal 2008, all of the directors attended at least 75% of the Board meetings and meetings of Board committees of which they were a member.  There were 14 Audit Committee meetings, four Strategic Planning Committee meetings, one Nominating Committee meeting and six Compensation Committee meetings held during Fiscal 2008.

 

The Audit Committee has responsibility for recommending the retention of independent auditors, conferring with the independent auditors regarding their audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements, reviewing the independent auditors’ fees and considering whether non-audit services are compatible with maintaining their independence, and considering the adequacy of internal financial controls.  All members of the Audit Committee are independent directors as defined by the rules of the American Stock Exchange. The Audit Committee is comprised of Dr. Sinclair (Chairman), Mr. West and Dr. Wertheimer.  See “Report of the Audit Committee,” and the “Charter of the Audit Committee.”

 

Financial expert on audit committee:  The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. West is the audit committee financial expert as defined in Section 3 (a) (58) of the Exchange Act and the related rules of the commission.  Mr. West is a current director of Lannett as well as the General Managing Partner of Beecher Associates, an industrial real estate investment company and a director of R&M Resources, an investment and consulting services company.  Previously he was the Chief Executive Officer of Dura Corporation, an automotive equipment manufacturer.  Mr. West’s management background in a large manufacturing corporation, and his fiscal oversight of that business qualify him as a financial expert.

 

The Compensation Committee establishes and regularly reviews the Company’s compensation philosophy, strategy, objectives and ethics and determines the compensation payable to the officers of the Company. The Committee also administers the Company’s equity compensation plans. All members of the Compensation Committee are independent directors as defined by the rules of the American Stock Exchange. The Compensation Committee is comprised of Mr. West (Chairman), Mr. Winkelman and Dr. Wertheimer.

 

The Strategic Planning Committee oversees the Company’s medium and long-term business strategies, including the decisions regarding new product initiatives, joint ventures and alliances, new markets and other matters related to the Company’s long-term planning process.  The Strategic Planning Committee is comprised of Mr. Winkelman, Dr. Wertheimer (Chairman), Mr. Bedrosian and Mr. Jeffrey Farber.

 

The Nominating and Governance Committee reviews possible candidates for Board membership and recommends a slate of nominees to the Company.  This committee was formed in November 2007.  For Fiscal 2008, the committee consisted of Mr. William Farber, Mr. West and Mr. Winkelman.  The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that the members of the Nominating Committee for Fiscal 2008 were “independent” as defined by the rules of the American Stock Exchange, with the exception of Mr. William Farber, who held more than 50% of the voting rights of Lannett.  Due to the fact that Lannett was considered a “Controlled Company” for Fiscal Year 2008 Lannett was exempt from the requirement to maintain an independent nominating committee.  A Controlled Company is a company where more than 50% of the voting power is held by an individual, group or another company.  Controlled Companies must still have an audit committee composed of independent directors and otherwise comply with all other audit committee requirements.

 

Recommendations to the Board of Directors are approved by a majority of directors. The Nominating and Governance Committee is responsible for identifying and evaluating individuals qualified to become Board members and to recommend such individuals for nomination. All candidates must possess an unquestionable commitment to high ethical standards and have a demonstrated reputation for integrity.  Other facts considered include an individual’s business experience, education, civic and community activities, knowledge and experience with respect to the issues impacting the pharmaceutical industry and public companies, as well as the ability of the individual to devote the necessary time to service as a director.

 

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The Nominating and Governance Committee does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by security holders.  The Nominating and Governance Committee will consider candidates recommended by Stockholders.  All nominees will be evaluated in the same manner, regardless of whether they were recommended by the Nominating Committee, or recommended by a Stockholder.  This will ensure that appropriate director selection continues.

 

The Chairman’s Committee’s purpose is to act on behalf of the Board between scheduled Board meetings, save for those matters specifically reserved to the full Board, when in exceptional circumstances, it is not possible or practicable to convene a regular meeting of the Board.  The Chairman’s Committee is comprised of Mr. Bedrosian, Mr. West and Mr. Jeffrey Farber.

 

Executive Sessions of Independent Directors

 

        In accordance with the rules and regulations of the NYSE Alternext US stock exchange, non-management independent directors meet at regularly scheduled executive sessions without management participation. At least once a year, an executive session is held with only independent directors. Executive sessions are chaired by a lead independent director who is appointed annually by the Board of Directors from our independent directors. Mr. West currently serves as the lead independent director. In this role, Mr. West serves as chairperson of the independent director sessions and assists the board in assuring effective corporate governance.

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

 

The following table sets forth, as of December 12, 2008, information regarding the security ownership of the directors and certain executive officers of the Company and persons known to the Company to be beneficial owners of more than five (5%) percent of the Company’s common stock:

 

 

 

 

 

Excluding Options
and Debentures

 

Including Options (*)

 

Name and Address of Benefical Owner

 

Office

 

Number of Shares

 

Percent of Class

 

Number of Shares

 

Percent of Class

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Directors/Executive Officers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Farber
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Chairman of the Board

 

8,605,029

(1)

35.44

%

8,694,196

(2)

34.73

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

David Farber
6884 Brook Hollow Ct., West Bloomfield, MI 48322

 

 

 

5,167,408

(3)

21.28

%

5,189,908

(4)

20.73

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Farber
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Interim Chairman of the
Board, Director

 

5,157,902

(5)

21.24

%

5,195,420

(6)

20.75

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Farber Properties Group, LLC
1775 John R Road, Troy MI 48083

 

 

 

5,000,000

(7)

20.59

%

5,000,000

 

19.97

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur Bedrosian
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

President and Chief
Executive Officer

 

507,783

(8)

2.09

%

712,349

(9)

2.85

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald A. West
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Vice Chairman of the
Board, Director

 

7,310

 

0.03

%

58,925

(10)

0.24

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Albert Wertheimer
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Director

 

1,000

 

0.00

%

22,667

(11)

0.09

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Myron Winkelman
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Director

 

1,000

 

0.00

%

37,667

(12)

0.15

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenneth Sinclair
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Director

 

0

 

0.00

%

15,000

(13)

0.06

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Kearns
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

6,727

 

0.03

%

111,727

(14)

0.45

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard Sandiford
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Vice President of
Operations

 

4,388

 

0.02

%

55,268

(15)

0.22

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Schreck
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Vice President of
Logistics

 

4,584

 

0.02

%

35,329

(16)

0.14

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Smith
9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136

 

Vice President of Sales
and Marketing

 

3,933

 

0.02

%

88,693

(17)

0.35

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All directors and
executive officers as a group (10 persons)

 

 

 

14,450,882

 

59.51

%

15,049,741

 

60.12

%

 


(1)                                  Includes 207,870 shares owned jointly by William Farber and his spouse Audrey Farber.

 

(2)                                 Includes 37,500 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $7.97 per share, 25,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $17.36, 25,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $16.04, and 1,667 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

(3)                                  Indirect shares total includes 23,688 shares held as custodian for David Farber’s children and 2,850 shares

 

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held by David Farber’s spouse.  David Farber disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.  Indirect share total also includes 5,000,000 shares held by Farber Properties Group LLC.  Farber Properties Group, LLC is managed and jointly owned by Jeffrey Farber and David Farber.   David Farber disclaims beneficial ownership of 2,500,000 of the shares held by Farber Properties Group, LLC.

 

(4)                                  Includes 10,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $17.36 per share and 12,500 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $16.04 per share.

 

(5)                                  Includes 5,000,000 shares held by Farber Properties Group, LLC.  Farber Properties Group, LLC is managed and jointly owned by Jeffrey Farber and David Farber.  Also includes 10,800 shares owned by Jeffrey Farber’s children.  Jeffrey Farber disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares. . Jeffrey Farber disclaims beneficial ownership of 2,500,000 of the shares held by Farber Properties Group, LLC.

 

(6)                                  Includes 10,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $17.36 per share, 12,500 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $16.04 per share, 13,334 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $4.55 per share and 1,666 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

(7)                                  Farber Properties Group, LLC is managed and jointly owned by Jeffrey Farber and David Farber.

 

(8)                                  Includes 33,150 shares owned by Arthur Bedrosian’s wife, Shari, and 19,602 shares owned by his daughter Talin. Mr. Bedrosian disclaims beneficial ownership of these shares.

 

(9)                                  Includes 18,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $4.63 per share, 96,900 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $7.97 per share, 33,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $17.36, 30,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $16.04, 16,666 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share and 10,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $4.03 per share.

 

(10)                            Includes 9,948 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $7.97 per share, 15,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $17.36 per share, 25,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $16.04, and 1,667 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

(11)                            Includes 20,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $9.02 per share and 1,667 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

(12)                            Includes 15,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $17.36, 20,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $16.04 and 1,667 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

(13)                            Includes 13,333 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $4.55 per share and 1,667 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

(14)                            Includes 100,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.75 per share and 5,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

(15)                            Includes 38,760 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $7.97 per share, 13,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $17.36 per share, 20,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $16.04 per share, 8,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $5.18 per share and 5,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

(16)                            Includes 17,745 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $11.27 per share, 8,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $5.18 per share and 5,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

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(17)                            Includes 15,380 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $11.27 per share, 10,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $17.36 per share, 12,500 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $16.04 per share, 8,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $5.18 per share and 5,000 vested options to purchase common stock at an exercise price of $6.89 per share.

 

*                 Assumes that all options exercisable within sixty days have been exercised, which results in 25,034,030 shares outstanding.

 

SECTION 16 (a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Company’s directors, officers, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities to file with the SEC reports of ownership and changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of the Company.  Officers, directors and greater-than-10% stockholders are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

 

Based solely on review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company or written representations that no other reports were required, the Company believes that during Fiscal 2008, all filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and greater-than-10% beneficial owners were complied with, except that Form 4s with respect to the September 18, 2007 restricted stock and option grants  to  the named executive officers and  option grants  to  the Directors  were filed late, and a Form 4 with respect to a June 9, 2008 gift of stock from William Farber and his wife Audrey Farber to their grandchildren was filed late.

 

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DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS

 

The directors and executive officers of the Company are set forth below:

 

 

 

Age

 

Position

 

 

 

 

 

Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Farber

 

77

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald A. West

 

74

 

Vice Chairman of the Board, Director

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur P. Bedrosian

 

63

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Farber

 

48

 

Director, Interim Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

 

 

Kenneth Sinclair

 

62

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

Albert Wertheimer

 

66

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

Myron Winkelman

 

71

 

Director

 

 

 

 

 

 Officers:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur P. Bedrosian

 

63

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Brian J. Kearns

 

42

 

Vice President of Finance, Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard Sandiford

 

79

 

Vice President of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Smith

 

48

 

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

 

 

 

 

 

William Schreck

 

60

 

Vice President of Logistics

 

 

 

 

 

Ernest Sabo

 

60

 

Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer

 

William Farber — See “Proposal #1-Election of Directors” for matters pertaining to Mr. Farber.

 

Ronald A. West — See “Proposal #1-Election of Directors” for matters pertaining to Mr. West.

 

Arthur P. Bedrosian — See “Proposal #1-Election of Directors” for matters pertaining to Mr. Bedrosian

 

Jeffrey Farber - See “Proposal #1-Election of Directors” for matters pertaining to Mr. Farber.

 

Kenneth Sinclair — See “Proposal #1-Election of Directors” for matters pertaining to Dr. Sinclair.

 

Albert I. Wertheimer — See “Proposal #1-Election of Directors” for matters pertaining to Dr. Wertheimer.

 

Myron Winkelman — See “Proposal #1-Election of Directors” for matters pertaining to Mr. Winkelman.

 

Brian Kearns was elected Vice President of Finance, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company in March 2005 and Secretary in May 2005. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kearns served as the Executive Vice President,

 

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Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of MedQuist Inc., a healthcare information management company, from 2000 through 2004. Prior to joining MedQuist, Mr. Kearns was Vice President and Senior Health Care IT analyst at Banc of America Securities from 1999 through 2000. Mr. Kearns also held various positions with Salomon Smith Barney from 1994 through 1998, including Senior Analyst of Business Services Equity Research. Prior to that, Mr. Kearns held several financial management positions during his seven years at Johnson & Johnson. Mr. Kearns holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Lehigh University and a Master of Business Administration degree from Rider University, where he matriculated with distinction.

 

Bernard Sandiford joined the Company in November 2002 as Vice President of Operations.  From 1998 to 2002, Mr. Sandiford was the President of Sandiford Consultants, a firm specializing in providing consulting services to drug manufacturers for Good Manufacturing Practices and process validations.  Mr. Sandiford’s previous employment included senior operating positions with Halsey Drug Company, Barr Laboratories, Inc., Duramed Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Revlon Health Care Group.  In addition to these positions, Mr. Sandiford performed various consulting assignments regarding Good Manufacturing Practices for several companies in the pharmaceutical industry.  Mr. Sandiford has a Bachelors of Science Degree in Chemistry from Long Island University.

 

William Schreck joined the Company in January 2003 as Materials Manager. In May 2004, he was promoted to Vice President of Logistics. Prior to this, from 1999 to 2001, he served as Vice President of Operations at Nature’s Products, Inc., an international nutritional and over-the-counter drug product manufacturing and distribution company; from 2001 to 2002 he served as an independent consultant for various companies. Mr. Schreck’s prior experience also includes executive management positions at Ivax Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a division of Ivax Corporation, Zenith-Goldline Laboratories and Rugby-Darby Group Companies, Inc. Mr. Schreck has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Hofstra University.

 

Kevin Smith joined the Company in January 2002 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  From 2000 to 2001, he served as Director of National Accounts for Bi-Coastal Pharmaceutical, Inc., a pharmaceutical sales representation company.  From 1999 to 2000, Mr. Smith served as National Accounts Manager for Mova Laboratories Inc., a pharmaceutical manufacturer.  From 1991 to 1999, Mr. Smith served as National Sales Manager at Sidmak Laboratories, a pharmaceutical manufacturer.  Mr. Smith has extensive experience in the generic sales market, and brings to the Company a vast network of customers, including retail chain pharmacies, wholesale distributors, mail-order wholesalers and generic distributors.  Mr. Smith has a Bachelors’ Degree in Business Administration from Gettysburg College.

 

Ernest Sabo joined Lannett in March 2005 as Director of Quality Assurance. In May 2008, Mr. Sabo was promoted to Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and Corporate Compliance Officer. Prior to this, he served at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as Manager of QA Compliance from 2001 to 2003 and as Associate Director of QA Compliance from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Sabo held former positions as Director of Validation, Quality Assurance, Quality Control and R&D at Delavau/Accucorp, Inc. from 1993 thru 2001. He has over 30 years experience in the pharmaceutical industry, his background spans from Quality Assurance, Quality Control, Cleaning/Process Validation and Manufacturing turn-key operations. Mr. Sabo holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from New Jersey State College.

 

To the best of the Company’s knowledge, there have been no events under any bankruptcy act, no criminal proceedings and no judgments or injunctions that are material to the evaluation of the ability or integrity of any director or executive officer during the past five years.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

 

The following table summarizes all compensation paid to or earned by the named executive officers of the Company for Fiscal 2008, Fiscal 2007 and Fiscal 2006.

 

Name and Principal 
Position
(a)

 

Fiscal Year
(b)

 

Salary
(c)

 

Stock Awards
(e)

 

Option
Awards
(f)

 

Non-equity
incentive plan
compensation
(g)

 

All Other
Compensation
(i)

 

Total
(j)

 

Arthur P. Bedrosian (1)

 

2008

 

$

324,825

 

$

 

$

42,381

 

$

 

$

22,099

 

$

389,305

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

2007

 

301,016

 

122,234

 

158,303

 

43,358

 

34,159

 

659,070

 

 

 

2006

 

264,267

 

 

222,465

 

338,880

 

17,834

 

843,446

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Kearns

 

2008

 

210,361

 

 

28,254

 

 

18,460

 

$

257,075

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer

 

2007

 

202,678

 

83,021

 

161,830

 

27,719

 

22,841

 

498,089

 

 

 

2006

 

185,480

 

 

 

240,000

 

9,685

 

435,165

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard Sandiford

 

2008

 

166,547

 

 

2,825

 

 

17,493

 

$

186,865

 

Vice President of Operations

 

2007

 

154,525

 

64,799

 

161,830

 

16,628

 

41,888

 

439,670

 

 

 

2006

 

143,016

 

 

34,877

 

145,000

 

41,014

 

363,907

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Schreck

 

2008

 

170,670

 

 

22,603

 

 

18,044

 

$

211,317

 

Vice President of Logistics

 

2007

 

162,871

 

68,021

 

161,830

 

16,724

 

25,334

 

434,780

 

 

 

2006

 

157,192

 

 

34,877

 

160,000

 

18,819

 

370,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Smith

 

2008

 

192,005

 

 

22,603

 

 

21,495

 

$

236,103

 

Vice President of Sales and Marketing

 

2007

 

183,230

 

61,490

 

161,830

 

18,814

 

24,076

 

449,440

 

 

 

2006

 

175,853

 

 

34,877

 

180,000

 

22,269

 

412,999

 

 


(1)                                                  Mr. Bedrosian was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer on January 3, 2006.

 

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(i)  Supplemental All Other Compensation Table

 

The following table summarizes the components of column (i) of the Summary Compensation Table:

 

Name and Principal
Position

 

Fiscal Year

 

Company
Matched
Contributions to
401(k) Plan

 

Auto
Allowance

 

Pay in Lieu of
Vacation

 

Housing
Allowance

 

Excess Life
Insurance

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur P. Bedrosian

 

2008

 

$

8,195

 

$

13,500

 

$

 

$

 

$

404

 

$

22,099

 

President and Chief

 

2007

 

10,935

 

13,265

 

9,540

 

 

419

 

34,159

 

Executive Officer

 

2006

 

3,003

 

10,888

 

3,486

 

 

457

 

17,834

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Kearns

 

2008

 

7,590

 

10,800

 

 

 

70

 

18,460

 

Chief Financial

 

2007

 

12,222

 

10,559

 

 

 

60

 

22,841

 

Officer, Treasurer

 

2006

 

1,526

 

8,091

 

 

 

68

 

9,685

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard Sandiford

 

2008

 

6,693

 

10,800

 

 

 

 

17,493

 

Vice President of

 

2007

 

9,212

 

10,601

 

11,258

 

10,817

 

 

41,888

 

Operations

 

2006

 

5,146

 

10,214

 

5,226

 

20,428

 

 

41,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Schreck

 

2008

 

6,872

 

10,800

 

 

 

372

 

18,044

 

Vice President of

 

2007

 

9,382

 

10,589

 

5,095

 

 

268

 

25,334

 

Logistics

 

2006

 

6,604

 

9,000

 

2,942

 

 

273

 

18,819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Smith

 

2008

 

7,889

 

13,500

 

 

 

106

 

21,495

 

Vice President of

 

2007

 

9,309

 

13,188

 

1,486

 

 

93

 

24,076

 

Sales and Marketing

 

2006

 

6,212

 

13,062

 

2,895

 

 

100

 

22,269

 

 

Compensation of Directors

 

Non-employee directors received a retainer of $2,600 per month as compensation for their services during Fiscal 2008.  They also were compensated $1,000 per Board meeting.  There were five Board meetings held during Fiscal 2008.  Additional committees of the Board of Directors include the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.  Committee members received $1,000 and the Chairman received $1,500 per Committee meeting attended.  There were 14 Audit Committee meetings, four Strategic Planning Committee meetings, one Nominating and Governance Committee meeting and six Compensation Committee meetings held during Fiscal 2008.  Directors are also reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending Board and Committee meetings.

 

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The following table provides information regarding fees earned and stock options and other equity awards granted in Fiscal 2008 to non-employee directors:

 

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

 

Name
(a)

 

Fees
Earned
($)
(b)

 

Stock
Awards
($)
(c)

 

Options
Awards
($)
(d)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
(e)

 

Change in
Pension Value
and Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
($)
(f)

 

All Other
Compensation
($)
(g)

 

Total
($)
(h)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Farber

 

$

37,200

 

$

5,000

 

$

5,942

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

48,142

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald A. West

 

57,700

 

$

5,000

 

5,942

 

 

 

 

68,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeffrey Farber

 

40,200

 

$

5,000

 

21,897

 

 

 

 

67,097

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenneth Sinclair

 

55,700

 

$

5,000

 

21,897

 

 

 

 

82,597

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Albert Wertheimer

 

59,200

 

$

5,000

 

18,839

 

 

 

 

83,039

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Myron Winkelman

 

47,200

 

$

5,000

 

5,942

 

 

 

 

58,142

 

 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

 

Overview of Our Compensation Program

 

A fundamental goal of our compensation program is to maximize stockholder value. In order to accomplish this goal, we must attract and retain talented and capable executives, and we must provide those executives with incentives that motivate and reward them for achieving Lannett’s short and longer-term goals. To this end, our executive compensation is guided by the following key principles:

 

·      that executive compensation should depend upon group and individual performance factors;

 

·      that the interests of executives should be closely aligned with those of stockholders through equity-based compensation; and

 

·      that compensation should be appropriate and fair in comparison to the compensation provided to similarly situated executives within the pharmaceutical industry and within other publicly-traded companies similar in market capitalization to Lannett’s.

 

Important to our compensation program are the decisions of, and guidance from, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. The Compensation Committee (which we refer to, for purposes of this analysis, as “the Committee”) is composed entirely of directors who are independent of Lannett under the independence standards established by the NYSE Alternext US, the securities exchange where our common stock is traded. The Committee operates pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board. If you would like to review the Committee’s charter, it

 

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is available to any stockholder who requests a copy from our Chief Financial Officer, at 9000 State Road, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19136.

 

The Committee has the authority and responsibility to establish and periodically review our executive compensation principles, described above. Importantly, the Committee also has sole responsibility for approving the corporate goals and objectives upon which the compensation of the chief executive officer (the “CEO”) is based, for evaluating the CEO’s performance in light of these goals and objectives, and for determining the CEO’s compensation, including his equity-based compensation.

 

The Committee also reviews and approves the recommendations of the CEO with regard to the compensation and benefits of other executive officers. In accomplishing this responsibility, the Committee meets regularly with the CEO, approves cash and equity incentive objectives of the executive officers, reviews with the CEO the accomplishment of these objectives and approves the base salary and other elements of compensation for the executive officers. The Committee has full discretion to modify the recommendations of the CEO in the course of its approval of executive officer compensation.

 

The Committee also periodically reviews recommendations from their consultant, and makes recommendations to the Board about, the compensation of non-employee directors.

 

During Fiscal 2007, the Committee recommended the adoption of a new incentive plan to supplement our existing stock option plans.  The incentive plan was approved by our stockholders in January 2007. The incentive plan provides for the grant of various equity awards, including stock options and restricted stock, to Lannett employees and directors. The Committee is responsible for administering this Plan and it has sole authority to make grants to the CEO or any other executive officer.

 

In conjunction with its responsibilities related to executive compensation, the Committee also oversees the management development process, reviews plans for executive officer succession and performs various other functions.

 

The Committee consults as needed with an outside compensation consulting firm retained by the Committee. As it makes decisions about executive compensation, the Committee obtains data from its consultant regarding current compensation practices and trends among United States companies in general and pharmaceutical companies in particular, and reviews this information with its consultant. During Fiscal 2007, the Committee was advised by Mercer Human Resources Consulting, a global human resources consulting firm. For Fiscal 2009, the Committee is expected to continue to use Mercer as a consultant as needed. In addition, the Chairman of the Committee is in contact with management outside of Committee meetings regarding matters being considered or expected to be considered by the Committee.

 

The individuals who served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer during Fiscal 2008, as well as the other individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table on page 11, are referred to as the “named executive officers.”

 

Our Fiscal 2008 Compensation Program

 

In Fiscal 2008, the Committee’s approach to compensation was intended to focus our executives on accomplishing our short and longer-term objectives, and it had as its ultimate object sustained growth in stockholder value. This approach was intended to compensate executives at levels at or near the median levels of compensation offered by other pharmaceutical companies similar in size to Lannett and with whom we compete.

 

In making decisions about the elements of Fiscal 2008 compensation, the Committee not only considered available market information about each element but also considered aggregate compensation for each executive. Base salary provided core compensation to executives, but it was accompanied by:

 

·  the potential for incentive-based cash compensation based upon our attainment of Fiscal 2008 operating income, other targeted corporate goals and individual or departmental objectives,

 

·  various forms of equity compensation, including some grants based upon Fiscal 2008 sales growth results and upon our return on invested capital results,

 

·  various benefits and perquisites, and

 

·  the potential for post-termination compensation under certain circumstances.

 

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Summary of Fiscal 2008 Compensation Elements

 

The table below provides detailed information regarding each element of the Fiscal 2008 compensation program.

 

 

 

Compensation Element Overview

 

Purpose of the Compensation Element

 

 

 

 

 

Base Salary

 

Base salary pays for competence in the executive role. An executive’s salary level depends on the decision making responsibilities, experience, work performance, achievement of key goals and team building skills of each position, and the relationship to amounts paid to other executives at peer companies.

 

To provide competitive fixed compensation based on sustained performance in the executive’s role and competitive market practice.

 

 

 

 

 

Short-Term Incentives

 

Annual Incentive Bonus Plan (AIBP)

The AIBP program rewards with cash awards for annual achievement of overall corporate objectives, and specific individual or departmental operational objectives.  In Fiscal 2008, objectives for the Officers were tied to Lannett’s achievement of operating income targets, other targeted goals and individual objectives.

 

To motivate and focus our executive team on the achievement of our annual performance goals.

 

 

 

Compensation Element Overview

 

Purpose of the Compensation Element

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Incentives

 

Stock Options

Stock options reward sustained stock price appreciation and encourage executive retention during a three-year vesting term and a ten-year option life.

 

We strive to deliver a balanced long- term incentive portfolio to executives, focusing on (a) share price appreciation, (b) retention, and (c) internal financial objectives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restricted Stock

 

The primary objectives of the overall design are:

 

 

Restricted stock rewards sustained stock price appreciation and encourages executive retention during its three-year vesting term.

 

to align management interests with those of stockholders,

 

 

 

 

to increase management’s potential for stock

 

 

The value of participants’ restricted stock increases and decreases according to Lannett’s stock price performance during the vesting period and thereafter.

 

ownership opportunities (all awards are earned in shares),

 

 

 

 

to attract and retain excellent management talent, and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to reward growth of the business, increased profitability, and sustained stockholder value.

 

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Compensation Element Overview

 

Purpose of the Compensation Element

 

 

 

 

 

Benefits

 

In General

Executives participate in employee benefit plans available to all employees of Lannett, including health, life insurance and disability plans. The cost of these benefits is partially borne by the employee, but mostly paid by the Company.

 

These benefits are designed to attract and retain employees and provide security for their health and welfare needs. We believe that these benefits are reasonable, competitive and consistent with Lannett’s overall executive compensation program.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

401(k) Plan

Executives may participate in Lannett’s 401(k) retirement savings plan, which is available to all employees. In calendar 2007 and 2008, the Company matched employees’ contributions to the plan, on a $.50 for each dollar basis, up to 8% of their base salary, subject to regulatory limits.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life Insurance

Lannett provides life insurance benefits to all employees. The coverage amount for executives is one times base compensation up to a limit of $115,000 and premiums paid for coverage above $50,000 are treated as imputed income to the executive.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disability Insurance

Lannett provides short-term and long-term disability insurance to employees which would, in the event of disability, pay an employee 60% of his or her base salary with limits.

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation Element Overview

 

Purpose of the Compensation Element

 

 

 

 

 

Perquisites

 

Lannett does not utilize perquisites or personal benefits extensively. The few perquisites that are provided complement other compensation vehicles and enable the Company to attract and retain key executives. These perquisites include:

 

We believe these benefits better allow us to attract and retain superior employees for key positions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

automobile allowances in various amounts to key executives.

 

 

 

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Compensation Element Overview

 

Purpose of the Compensation Element

 

 

 

 

 

Post-Termination Pay

 

Severance Plan
Lannett’s Severance Pay Plan is designed to pay severance benefits to an executive for a qualifying separation. For the Chief Executive Officer, the Severance Pay Plan provides for a payment of three times the sum of base salary plus a pro rated annual cash bonus for the current year calculated as if all targets and goals are achieved. For the other named executive officers, the Severance Pay Plan provides for a payment of eighteen months of base salary plus a pro rated annual cash bonus for the current year calculated as if all targets and goals are achieved.

 

The Severance Pay Plan is intended (1) to allow executives to concentrate on making decisions in the best interests of Lannett (or any successor organization in the event that a change of control is to occur), and (2) generally alleviate an executive’s concerns about the loss of his or her position without cause.

 

The use of the above compensation tools enables Lannett to reinforce its pay for performance philosophy as well as to strengthen its ability to attract and retain high-performing executive officers. The Committee believes that this combination of programs provides an appropriate mix of fixed and variable pay, balances short-term operational performance with long-term stockholder value creation, and encourages executive recruitment and retention in a high-performance culture.

 

Market Data and Our Peer Group

 

In determining Fiscal 2008 compensation for the named executive officers, the Committee relied on market data provided by its consultant. This information was principally related to a group of 13 peer companies similar in size to Lannett with median revenues of $40 million to $133 million (we refer to this group of companies as the “Peer Group”). Information on these companies was derived from two sources: (1) the consultant and broader market survey data analysis, and (2) publicly-available information appearing in the proxy statements of these companies. The members of the Peer Group were:

 

Bradley Pharmaceutical

 

Viropharma Inc.

 

Able Laboratories Inc

 

 

 

 

 

Savient Pharm. Inc.

 

Balchem Corp.

 

Caraco Pharm. Labs

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Tech Pharm. Co. Inc.

 

Orasure Technologies Inc.

 

Neogen Corp.

 

 

 

 

 

Quigley Corp.

 

Interpharm Holdings Inc

 

Akorn Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

Noven Pharmaceuticals Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

The Committee plans to evaluate the Peer Group periodically and revise it as necessary to ensure that it continues to be appropriate for benchmarking our executive compensation program.

 

Base Salary

 

Base salaries for the named executive officers are intended, in general, to approach median salaries for similarly situated executives among Peer Group companies. A number of additional factors are considered, however, in determining base salary, such as the executive’s individual performance, his or her experience, competencies, skills, abilities, contribution and tenure, internal compensation consistency, the need to attract new, talented executives, and the Company’s overall annual budget. Base salaries are generally reviewed on an annual basis.

 

The 2008 salaries for Arthur Bedrosian, Lannett’s CEO, and for Brian Kearns, Lannett’s CFO, were lower than the median for comparable positions among members of the Peer Group and the survey data. Base salaries for all remaining named executive officers were lower than the median for comparable positions among members of the Peer Group, but higher than the median for the survey data.

 

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Base salary increases were granted to Mr. Bedrosian for $14,310 effective on January 1, 2008, Mr. Kearns for $8,742 effective on September 2, 2007, Mr. Smith for $9,935 effective on September 2, 2007, Mr. Schreck for $8,831 effective on September 2, 2007, and Mr. Sandiford for $4,878 effective on September 2, 2007, based on their performance.

 

Fiscal 2008 Annual Incentive Bonus Plan

 

Design

 

In November 2006, the Committee approved the 2007 Annual Incentive Bonus Plan (or “AIBP”) program. This program allowed executive officers the opportunity to earn cash awards upon the accomplishment of the Fiscal 2008 operating income goal, R&D objectives and a number of individual objectives. The relative weighting of these objectives for each executive was fifty percent (50%) for operating income, twenty-five percent (25%) for other targeted corporate goals, twenty percent (20%) for individual objectives and five percent (5%) based on CEO and Committee discretion.  For the CEO, the five percent (5%) discretionary portion will be determined by the Committee.

 

Based on market data provided by its consultant, and considering the relatively low base salaries of the named executive officers, the Committee formulated potential AIBP awards which exceeded the 50th percentile among Peer Group companies, expressed as percentages of base salary. Actual payouts depended upon the degree to which objectives were accomplished as well as the weight accorded to each objective, as described above. The following table shows the potential payout amounts for each of the named executive officers, expressed as percentages of base salary.

 

Performance
Level

 

Arthur
Bedrosian

 

Brian
Kearns

 

Bernard
Sandiford

 

William
Schreck

 

Kevin
Smith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Superior Level

 

120-150%

 

120-150%

 

100-125%

 

100-125%

 

100-125%

 

Goal Level

 

100-120%

 

100-120%

 

75-100%

 

75-100%

 

75-100%

 

Threshold Level

 

50-100%

 

50-100%

 

30-75%

 

30-75%

 

30-75%

 

 

The Committee also determined that, if results for any objectives were between the minimum and maximum of the ranges, the Committee would determine appropriate payout percentage.

 

As discussed above, each named executive officer’s objectives for Fiscal 2008 included Company operating income targets and R&D targets. The Committee reviewed and approved these targets following discussions with management, a review of our historical results, consideration of the various circumstances facing the Company during Fiscal 2007 and taking into account the expectations of our annual plan. The Fiscal 2008 operating income and R&D AIBP targets approved by the Committee are detailed in the table below.

 

Objective

 

Superior

 

Goal

 

Target

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating Income*

 

$

3.5 M

 

$

3.0 M

 

$

2.5 M

 

R&D Submissions

 

11

 

10

 

9

 

R&D Acceptances

 

9

 

8

 

7

 

R&D Launches

 

8

 

7

 

6

 

 

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*      For purposes of determining achievement of the AIBP targets, these measures exclude certain categories of non-recurring items that the Committee believes do not reflect the performance of Lannett’s core continuing operations.

 

Operational objectives for Mr. Bedrosian related to finalizing a production and sales contract with acceptable returns and a successful launch of a specific new product. Mr. Kearns’s objectives related to achieving cash flow targets, establishing internal controls, developing and achieving SAP implementation. Objectives for Mr. Smith included achieving sales targets and margin targets in addition to obtaining new customers in new channels and reducing short dated goods in inventory. For Mr. Schreck, the objectives included reducing obsolete inventory and utilizing SAP more efficiently along with the warehouse relocation. Mr. Sandiford’s objectives related to assisting Cody achieve Divisional goals, zero 483 deficiencies and no batch rejections.

 

All payouts to executive officers under the 2008 AIBP were contingent upon the Committee’s review and certification of the degree to which Lannett achieved the 2008 AIBP objectives, and upon the Committee’s certification of the degree to which individual objectives had been achieved. The program provided that payout for any objective would be limited to 20% of the actual operating income attained by Lannett.

 

The 2008 AIBP program provided that the Committee could, in its discretion: modify, amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time. The Committee did not take any of these actions in connection with the 2008 AIBP program.

 

Results

 

In September 2008, the Committee reviewed and certified Lannett’s Fiscal 2008 results for purposes of the AIBP program, determining that the objectives for operating income and other corporate objectives were not met at the goal level. The Committee also reviewed and certified the performance of the executive officer individual objectives, determining that these objectives were achieved to varying degrees.  The named executive officers received no awards in connection with the 2008 AIBP program.

 

2008 Long Term Incentive Awards (LTIA)

 

Design

 

The Committee believes that long-term equity incentives are an important part of a complete compensation package because they focus executives on: increasing the value of the assets that are entrusted to them by the stockholders, achieving Lannett’s long-term goals, aligning the interests of executives with those of stockholders, encouraging sustained stock performance and helping to retain executives.

 

Prior to the approval of the Incentive Plan by stockholders in 2007, Lannett’s equity grants consisted only of stock options. The Incentive Plan expanded the types of equity vehicles which the Committee could grant to executives by including restricted stock. In September 2008, the Committee granted both stock options and restricted stock to executives, each designed to emphasize particular elements of the Company’s immediate and long-term objectives and to retain key executives. We refer to these grants collectively as the 2008 Long Term Incentive Awards (LTIA). The types of grants were:

 

•       stock options, becoming exercisable over three years (33%, 33% and 34% on each anniversary) from the date of the grant and having a total term of ten years,

 

•       shares of restricted stock, vesting over three years (33%, 33% and 34% on each anniversary) from the date of grant,

 

The Committee assessed the appropriate overall value of these equity grants to executives by reviewing survey results and other market data provided by its consultant. This information included the value of equity grants made to similarly situated executives among the Peer Group. The overall value of LTIA grants for each executive was determined by the Committee with assistance from their consultant.

 

In determining the overall value of LTIA grants, the Committee also considered the potential value of equity compensation relative to other elements of compensation for each named executive officer. It likewise assessed the appropriate distribution of equity value among the grant types, as well as the corporate objectives each type of grant was intended to encourage.

 

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Stock Options and Restricted Stock

 

The stock options and restricted stock granted as part of the 2008 LTIA were designed to reward sustained stock price appreciation and to encourage executive retention during a three-year vesting term and, in the case of stock options, a ten-year option life. Stock option and restricted stock awards are intended to align executives’ motivation with stockholders’ best interests. Grants of stock options were not contingent upon any conditions. They are to be granted independent of organizational performance. Stock options become exercisable approximately in one-third increments on the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. Restricted stock was contingent upon Lannett achieving annual sales growth and return on invested capital goals.  Restricted stock will vest in one-third increments on the first three anniversaries of the date of the grant.  The Committee determined for each executive officer a target number of options and restricted shares and those targets appear in the tables below.

 

Restricted Stock Targets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Performance Level

 

Bedrosian

 

Kearns

 

Sandiford

 

Schreck

 

Smith

 

Superior

 

16,600

 

8,300

 

8,300

 

8,300

 

8,300

 

Goal

 

12,500

 

6,600

 

6,600

 

6,600

 

6,600

 

Threshold

 

8,300

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

5,000

 

 

Stock Option Targets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Range

 

Bedrosian

 

Kearns

 

Sandiford

 

Schreck

 

Smith

 

High

 

50,000

 

25,000

 

25,000

 

25,000

 

25,000

 

Medium

 

37,500

 

20,000

 

20,000

 

20,000

 

20,000

 

Low

 

25,000

 

15,000

 

15,000

 

15,000

 

15,000

 

 

Results

 

In September 2008, the Committee reviewed and certified the Fiscal 2008 results for purposes of the Restricted Share Grants and determined that the performance levels required for award grant purposes had not been achieved and therefore no Restricted Share Grants would be awarded. The Lannett Long Term Incentive Plan includes a provision for the granting of Stock Options, on a Committee discretionary basis, as an executive retention and incentive instrument. As a result of the Committee’s review, the Committee granted stock options totaling 100,000 shares to be apportioned in the following manner;

 

Stock Option Awards:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards

 

Bedrosian

 

Kearns

 

Sandiford

 

Schreck

 

Smith

 

Options

 

30,000

 

20,000

 

2,000

 

16,000

 

16,000

 

Restricted Shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perquisites and Other Benefits

 

We provide named executive officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that we believe are reasonable and consistent with our overall compensation program to better enable us to attract and retain superior employees for key positions. The Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to named executive officers.

 

During calendar year 2006, Lannett matched all eligible employees’ contributions to the Lannett Company, Inc. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan on a dollar for dollar basis up to 3% of an employee’s base salary, subject to regulatory limits. Contributions by the named executive officers were matched in this way, subject to the limitations of the Plan and applicable law. Beginning in calendar year 2007 and continuing to present, Lannett matched

 

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contributions to the 401(k) plan on a fifty cents on the dollar basis up to 8% of the contributing employee’s base salary, subject to ERISA limitations.  The named executive officers are also provided with car allowances, for which the taxes are also paid by the Company.

 

Lannett provides life insurance for executive officers which would, in the event of death, pay $115,000 to designated beneficiaries. Premiums paid for coverage above $50,000 are treated as imputed income to the executive. Lannett also provides short-term and long-term disability insurance which would, in the event of disability, pay the executive officer sixty percent (60%) of his base salary up to the plan limits of $1250/week for short term disability and $6000/month for long term disability. Executive officers participate in other qualified benefit plans, such as medical insurance plans, in the same manner as all other employees.

 

Attributed costs of the personal benefits available to the named executive officers for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, are included in column (i) of the Summary Compensation Table on page 11.

 

Severance and Change of Control Benefits

 

We believe that reasonable severance and change in control benefits are necessary in order to recruit and retain qualified senior executives and are generally required by the competitive recruiting environment within our industry and the marketplace in general. These severance benefits reflect the fact that it may be difficult for such executives to find comparable employment within a short period of time, and are designed to alleviate an executive’s concerns about the loss of his or her position without cause. We also believe that a change in control arrangement will provide an executive security that will likely reduce the reluctance of an executive to pursue a change in control transaction that could be in the best interests of our stockholders. Lannett’s Severance Pay Plan is designed to pay severance benefits to an executive for a qualifying separation. For the Chief Executive Officer, the Severance Pay Plan provides for a payment of three times the sum of base salary plus a pro rated annual cash bonus for the current year calculated as if all targets and goals are achieved. For the other named executive officers, the Severance Pay Plan provides for a payment of eighteen months of base salary plus a pro rated annual cash bonus for the current year calculated as if all targets and goals are achieved.

 

Timing of Committee Meetings and Grants; Option and Share Pricing

 

The Committee typically holds four regular meetings each year, and the timing of these meetings is generally established during the year. The Committee holds special meetings from time to time as its workload requires. Historically, annual grants of equity awards have typically been accomplished at a meeting of the Committee in September of each year. Individual grants (for example, associated with the hiring of a new executive officer or promotion to an executive officer position) may occur at any time of year. We expect to coordinate the timing of equity award grants to be made within thirty (30) days of Lannett’s earnings release announcement following the completion of the fiscal year. The exercise price of each stock option and restricted share awarded to our executive officers is the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.

 

Tax and Accounting Implications

 

Deductibility of Executive Compensation

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, precludes the deductibility of an executive officer’s compensation that exceeds $1.0 million per year unless the compensation is paid under a performance-based plan that has been approved by stockholders. The Committee believes that it is generally preferable to comply with the requirements of Section 162(m) through, for example, the use of our Incentive Plan. However, to maintain flexibility in compensating executive officers in a manner that attracts, rewards and retains high quality individuals, the Committee may elect to provide compensation outside of those requirements when it deems appropriate. The Committee believes that stockholder interests are best served by not restricting the Committee’s discretion in this regard, even though such compensation may result in non-deductible compensation expenses to the Company.

 

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REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

 

The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth above with management. Taking this review and discussion into account, the undersigned Committee members recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the annual report on Form 10-K dated June 30, 2008.

 

 

The Compensation Committee

 

 

 

Ronald West (Chair)

 

Albert Wertheimer

 

Myron Winkelman R. Ph.

 

Aggregated Options/SAR Exercises and Fiscal Year-end Options/SAR Values

 

The following table sets forth information concerning the grant of stock options made to each of the Named Executive Officers in Fiscal 2008 under the Company’s 2003 Stock Option Plan and the LTIA.  No stock appreciation rights were granted to these individuals during such year.

 

GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards

 

All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of

 

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities

 

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option

 

Grant Date
Fair Value
os Stock and

 

Name

(a)

 

Grant Date
(b)

 

Threshold
($)
(c)

 

Target
($)
(d)

 

Maximum
$
(e)

 

Threshold
$
(f)

 

Target
$
(g)

 

Maximum
$
(h)

 

Stocks or
Units (#)
(i)

 

Underlying
Options (#)
(j)

 

Awards
($ /sh)
(k)

 

Options
Awards
(i)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arthur P. Bedrosian

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

50,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

105,535

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16,600

 

 

 

 

 

$

66,898

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brian Kearns

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer

 

9/18/2007
9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,300

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

 

$

37,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bernard Sandiford

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

Vice President of
Operations

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,300

 

 

 

 

 

$

37,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

William Schreck

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

Vice President of Logistics

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,300

 

 

 

 

 

$

37,479

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kevin Smith

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

Vice President of
Sales and Marketing

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,000

 

$

4.03

 

$

52,768

 

 

9/18/2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9,300

 

 

 

 

 

$

37,479

 

 

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EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

 

The Company has entered into employment agreements with Arthur P. Bedrosian, Brian Kearns, Kevin Smith, William Schreck, and Ernest Sabo (the “Named Executives”).  Each of the agreements provide for an annual base salary and eligibility to receive a bonus.  The salary and bonus amounts of the Named Executives are reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors.  Additionally, the Named Executives are eligible to receive long term incentive awards, including stock options and restricted shares of stock, which are granted at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and in accordance with the Company’s policy regarding long term incentive awards.

 

Under the agreements, the Named Executive employees may be terminated at any time with or without cause, or by reason of death or disability.  In certain termination situations, the Company is liable to pay severance compensation to the Named Executive of between eighteen months and three years.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

The Company had sales of approximately $787,000, $763,000 and $1,143,000, during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, to a generic distributor, Auburn Pharmaceutical Company. Jeffrey Farber (the “related party”) is the owner of Auburn Pharmaceutical Company.  Mr. Farber is a current board member and Interim Chairman of the Board and the son of William Farber, the Chairman of the Board and the principal shareholder of the Company.  Accounts receivable includes amounts due from the related party of approximately $305,000 and $109,000 at June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  In the Company’s opinion, the terms of these transactions were not more favorable to the related party than would have been to a non-related party.

 

In January 2005, Lannett Holdings, Inc. entered into an agreement pursuant to which it purchased for $100,000 and future royalty payments the proprietary rights to manufacture and distribute a product for which Pharmeral, Inc. owns the ANDA.  This agreement is subject to Lannett Holdings, Inc.’s ability to obtain FDA approval to use the proprietary rights.  Subsequent to the end of Fiscal 2007, the Company obtained approval by the FDA to use the proprietary rights.  Accordingly, the Company has capitalized this purchased product right as an indefinite lived intangible asset and the value will be subject to impairment tests in the future.  Arthur Bedrosian, President of Lannett, was formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmeral, Inc and currently owns 100% of Pharmeral, Inc.  This transaction was approved by the Board of Directors of Lannett and, in its opinion, the terms were not more favorable to the related party than they would have been to a non-related party.  In May 2008, Mr. Bedrosian and Pharmeral, Inc. waived their right to any royalty payments on the sales of the drug by Lannett, under Lannett’s current ownership structure.  Should Lannett undergo a major change in control where a third party is involved, this royalty would be reinstated.

 

The Company has approximately $983,000 of deferred revenue as a result of prepayments on inventory received from Provell Pharmaceuticals, LLC (“Provell”).  The Company recognized revenues of approximately $141,000 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008.  Accounts receivable includes amounts due from Provell of approximately $60,000 at June 30, 2008.  Provell is a joint venture to distribute pharmaceutical products through mail order outlets.  In exchange for access to Lannett’s drug providers, Lannett received a 33% ownership of this venture. After June 30, 2008, Lannett’s ownership portion of this venture decreased to 25% due to outside investment in the venture from a third party.  The investment is valued at zero, due to losses incurred to date by Provell.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

 

The Company has adopted the Code of Professional Conduct (the “code of ethics”), a code of ethics that applies to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller, other executive officers and

other finance organization employees. The code of ethics is publicly available on our website at www.lannett.com. If the Company makes any substantive amendments to the code of ethics or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, or Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K.

 

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REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

 

The Audit Committee is currently comprised of three independent directors (as defined in section 121(A) of the American Stock Exchange listing standard) and operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors in accordance with rules of the American Stock Exchange.  A copy of the Audit Committee Charter is filed with this Proxy Statement at “Exhibit A.”

 

Management is responsible for the Company’s internal controls and the financial reporting process, in compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 requirements. The independent auditors are responsible for performing an independent audit of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, and to issue an opinion on the financial statements.  The Audit Committee’s responsibility is to monitor and oversee these processes.

 

Management represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and the Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and the independent auditors.  Management has confirmed to the Committee that such financial statements (i) have been prepared with integrity and objectivity and are the responsibility of management and (ii) have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditor matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees).  SAS 61 requires the Company’s Independent Auditors to provide the Committee with additional information regarding the scope and results of their audit of the Company’s financial statements, including with respect to (i) their responsibilities under generally accepted auditing standards, (ii) significant accounting policies, (iii) management judgments and estimates, (iv) any significant accounting adjustments, (v) any disagreements with management and (vi) any difficulties encountered in performing the audit. The Committee discussed with the Company’s independent auditors, with and without management present, the evaluations of the Company’s internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting.

 

The Company’s independent auditors also provided to the Audit Committee the written disclosures required by Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and the Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors that firm’s independence.  Grant Thornton LLP, Lannett’s independent auditors, stated in the written disclosures that in their judgment they are, in fact, independent.  The Audit Committee concurred in that judgment of independence.

 

Based upon the Audit Committee’s discussion with management and the independent auditors and the Audit Committee’s review of the representations of management and the report of the independent auditors to the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee recommended that the Board of Directors include the audited consolidated financial statements in Lannett’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Audit Committee:

 

Kenneth Sinclair, Ph. D.

Ronald West

Albert Wertheimer, Ph. D.

 

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APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2009

 

Prior to 2009, stockholder ratification of the selection of the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company was requested at the annual stockholder meeting. In the spirit of the corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and Section 10A — (m)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which states — “The audit committee of each issuer, in its capacity as a committee of the board of directors, shall be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of any registered public accounting firm employed by the issuer (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work, and each such registered public accounting firm shall report directly to the audit committee” — the Audit Committee, with the approval of the Board, has determined that a ratification vote would inhibit the Audit Committee’s ability to make timely decisions with respect to the appointment and/or dismissal of the independent registered public accounting firm and has therefore recommended removal of the ratification vote from the proxy process.

 

A representative from Grant Thornton, as independent registered public accounting firm for the current fiscal year, is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

 

Grant Thornton LLP served as the independent auditors of Lannett during Fiscal 2008, and no relationship exists other than the usual relationship between independent public accountant and client.  The following table identifies the fees paid to Grant Thornton LLP in Fiscal 2008, 2007 and 2006.

 

 

 

Audit Fees

 

Audit-Related
(1)

 

Tax Fees
(2)

 

All Other Fees (3)

 

Total Fees

 

Fiscal 2008:

 

$

335,894

 

$

5,900

 

$

78,800

 

$

49,964

 

$

470,638

 

Fiscal 2007:

 

$

338,660

 

 

$

36,528

 

$

70,300

 

$

445,460

 

Fiscal 2006:

 

$

180,418

 

 

$

52,942

 

$

135,248

 

$

368,608

 

 


(1) Audit related fees include fees paid for preparation of S-8 filing.

 

(2) Tax fees include fees paid for preparation of annual federal, state and local income tax returns, quarterly estimated income tax payments, Cody tax services, sales and use tax review and various tax planning services.  Fiscal 2006 includes fees paid to Grant Thornton for services rendered during an IRS audit.

 

(3) Other fees include:

 

Fiscal 2008 — Fees paid for review of various SEC correspondences.

 

Fiscal 2007 — Fees paid for review of various SEC correspondence, disclosures, and fixed asset review.

 

Fiscal 2006 — Fees paid for services rendered in connection with quarterly reviews of the Company’s SEC filings, fixed asset review, a cost segregation study and review of various SEC correspondence.

 

The non-audit services provided to the Company by Grant Thornton LLP were pre-approved by the Company’s audit committee.  Prior to engaging its auditor to perform non-audit services, the Company’s audit committee reviews the particular service to be provided and the fee to be paid by the Company for such service and assesses the impact of the service on the auditor’s independence.

 

The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members. The member to whom such authority is delegated must report, for informational purposes only, any pre-approval decisions to the Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

 

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Table of Contents

 

OTHER BUSINESS

 

The Board does not intend to present, and does not have any reason to believe that others intend to present, any matter of business at the meeting other than as set forth above. If any other matter should be presented properly, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies to vote on such matters in accordance with their judgment.

 

NOTICE REQUIREMENTS

 

Stockholders who intend to have a proposal considered for inclusion in the Company’s proxy materials for presentation at the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act must submit their proposal to us at the Company’s offices at 9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136, not later than August 28, 2009.

 

Stockholders who intend to present a proposal at such meeting without inclusion of such proposal in the Company’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act are required to provide advanced notice of such proposal to the Company at the aforementioned address not later than November 26, 2009.

 

If the Company does not receive notice of a Stockholder proposal within this timeframe, management will use its discretionary authority to vote the shares they represent, as our Board of Directors may recommend.  The Company
reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that does not comply with these and all other applicable requirements.

 

2008 ANNUAL REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS

 

The Company’s Annual Report containing audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 accompanies this Proxy Statement.  You can obtain additional copies of our Annual Report on form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2008 at no charge by writing to Lannett Company, Inc., attention Corporate Controller, 9000 State Road, Philadelphia, PA 19136.

 

SIGNATURE

 

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

 

 

Date: December 22, 2008

 

 

LANNETT COMPANY, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Jeffrey Farber

 

 

 

Jeffrey Farber, Interim Chairman of the Board

 

 

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x PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE

 

REVOCABLE PROXY LANNETT COMPANY, INC.

 

PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS JANUARY 28, 2009

 

This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors. The undersigned stockholder of Lannett Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Lannett”), hereby appoints William Farber and Brian Kearns and either of them, as proxies with full power of substitution, for the undersigned to vote the number of shares of common stock of Lannett that the undersigned would be entitled to vote if personally present at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Lannett to be held on January 28, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. local time, at the Company’s facility at 9001 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19136 and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, on the following matters that are more particularly described in the Proxy Statement dated December 22, 2008.

 

This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted “FOR” Proposals 1. Receipt of the Proxy Statement, dated December 22, 2008, is hereby acknowledged.

 

Please be sure to date and sign this proxy card in the box below.

 

Date

 

 

 

 

Sign above

 

 

 

 

For

With-
hold

For All
Except

1. Proposal to elect directors of Lannett, each to serve until Lannett’s next annual meeting of stockholders or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.

o

o

o

 

William Farber, Ronald West, Arthur Bedrosian, Jeffrey Farber, Kenneth Sinclair, Albert Wertheimer and Myron Winkelman

 

INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark “For All Except” and write that nominee’s name in the space provided below.

 

 

 

You are encouraged to specify your choices by marking the appropriate boxes, but you need not mark any boxes if you wish to vote in accordance with the Board of Directors’ recommendation. The proxies cannot vote your shares unless you sign and return this card.

 

Detach above card, sign, date and mail in postage paid envelope provided.

 

LANNETT COMPANY, INC.

 

PLEASE ACT PROMPTLY

PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND MAIL THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.

 

Please sign your name exactly as it appears hereon. Joint owners must each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title as it appears thereon.

 

IF YOUR ADDRESS HAS CHANGED, PLEASE CORRECT THE ADDRESS IN THE SPACE PROVIDED BELOW AND RETURN THIS PORTION WITH THE PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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