UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)

 

INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

 

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.   )

 

Filed by the Registrant x

 

Filed by a Party other than the Registrant ¨

 

Check the appropriate box:

 

x        Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

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

 

¨       Definitive Proxy Statement

 

¨       Definitive Additional Materials

 

¨       Soliciting Material Pursuant to § 240.14a-12

 

 

CorMedix 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):

 

xNo fee required.

 

¨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:

 

 

 

 

¨Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:

 

 

 

 

¨           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:

 

 

 
 

 

 

745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

 

October         , 2012

 

Dear Stockholders:

 

It is our pleasure to invite you to the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of CorMedix Inc. We will hold the meeting on Friday, November 30, 2012, at the Company’s office at 745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, at 11:00 a.m., local time.

 

Details regarding admission to the meeting and the business to be conducted at the meeting are more fully described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and proxy statement.

 

We hope you will be able to attend the annual meeting. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, please promptly sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card in the envelope provided, or submit your proxy by telephone or over the Internet (if those options are available to you) in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support of and continued interest in CorMedix.

 

  Sincerely,
   
  /s/ Richard M. Cohen
  Richard M. Cohen
  Executive Chairman, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

2
 

  

 

745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON
NOVEMBER 30, 2012

 

To our Stockholders:

 

Notice is hereby given that the 2012 annual meeting of the stockholders of CorMedix Inc. will be held on Friday, November 30, 2012, at the Company’s office at 745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, at 11:00 a.m., local time.

 

At the annual meeting or any postponement, adjournment or delay thereof (the “2012 Annual Meeting”), you will be asked to consider and vote upon the following proposals:

 

1.To elect five directors to serve until the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualify (Proposal No. 1);
   
2.To approve an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation increasing the number of shares of common stock the Company is authorized to issue from 40,000,000 shares to 80,000,000 shares (Proposal No. 2);

 

3.To approve an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation creating 2,000,000 authorized shares of “blank check” preferred stock to be designated in such series or class as the board of directors shall determine (Proposal No. 3);

 

4.To ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 (Proposal No. 4); and

 

5.To transact such other business as may properly come before the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

 

Only stockholders of record at the close of business on October 5, 2012 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

In the election of directors, each director receiving a plurality of affirmative “FOR” votes will be elected. The proposal to ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012 requires the affirmative “FOR” votes of a majority of the votes cast on the matter.

 

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” the election of each of THE nominees to the Board, “FOR” the amendment to the certificate of incorporation to increase authorized common stock, “FOR” the amendment to the certificate of incorporation to create 2,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, AND “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

 

3
 

 

Your vote is extremely important, regardless of the number of shares you own. Whether or not you plan to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting, we ask that you promptly sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card in the envelope provided, or submit your proxy by telephone or over the Internet (if those options are available to you) in accordance with the instructions on the enclosed proxy card or voting instruction card.

 

The proxy statement accompanying this notice provides a more complete description of the business to be conducted at the 2012 Annual Meeting. We encourage you to read the proxy statement carefully and in its entirety.

  

  By order of the Board of Directors,
   
  /s/ Richard M. Cohen
  Richard M. Cohen
  Executive Chairman, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

This Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders, proxy statement and form of proxy are first being mailed to stockholders on or about October   , 2012.

 

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the
CorMedix Inc. 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be Held on November 30, 2012

 

The Proxy Statement, our form of proxy card, and our Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 are available on the Internet at materials.proxyvote.com/21900C.

 

4
 

 

PROXY STATEMENT

 

This proxy statement (the “Proxy Statement”) is furnished by the Board of Directors of CorMedix Inc. (the “Board”) in connection with the solicitation of proxies for use at the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2012 Annual Meeting”) to be held at the Company’s office at 745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, at 11:00 a.m., local time, and any adjournments thereof. This Proxy Statement, along with a Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and either a proxy card or a voting instruction card, are being mailed to stockholders beginning on or about October   , 2012.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, in this Proxy Statement, we use the terms “CorMedix,” “we,” “our,” “us” and “the Company” to refer to CorMedix Inc.

 

Questions and Answers about
the Proxy Materials and the Annual Meeting

 

Q:Why did I receive this Proxy Statement?

 

A:The Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at the 2012 Annual Meeting because you were a stockholder at the close of business on October 5, 2012, the record date, and are entitled to vote at the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

This Proxy Statement summarizes the information you need to know to vote at the 2012 Annual Meeting. You do not need to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting to vote your shares.

 

Q:What information is contained in this Proxy Statement?

 

A:The information in this Proxy Statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the 2012 Annual Meeting, the voting process, the Board and Board committees, the compensation of directors and certain executive officers, and certain other required information.

 

Q:What should I do if I receive more than one set of voting materials?

 

A:You may receive more than one set of voting materials, including multiple copies of this Proxy Statement and multiple proxy cards or voting instruction cards. For example, if you hold your shares in more than one brokerage account, you may receive a separate voting instruction card for each brokerage account in which you hold shares. If you are a stockholder of record and your shares are registered in more than one name, you will receive more than one proxy card. Please complete, sign, date and return each proxy card and voting instruction card that you receive.

 

Q:How may I obtain an additional set of proxy materials?

 

A:All stockholders may write to us at the following address to request an additional copy of these materials:

 

CorMedix Inc.
745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Attention: Secretary

 

Q:What is the difference between holding shares as a stockholder of record and as a beneficial owner?

 

If your shares are registered directly in your name with our transfer agent, VStock Transfer, LLC, you are considered, with respect to those shares, the “stockholder of record.” If you are a stockholder of record, the Company sent this Proxy Statement and a proxy card directly to you.

 

5
 

 

If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account or by a bank or other nominee, you are considered the “beneficial owner” of shares held in “street name.” If you hold shares in street name, this Proxy Statement has been forwarded to you by your broker, bank or other nominee who is considered, with respect to those shares, the stockholder of record. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, bank or other nominee how to vote your shares by using the voting instruction card included in the mailing or by following their instructions for voting by telephone or the Internet, if they offer that alternative. As a beneficial owner is not a stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the meeting unless you obtain a “legal proxy” from the bank, broker or other nominee that holds your shares, giving you the right to vote the shares at the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

Q:What am I voting on at the 2012 Annual Meeting?

 

A:You are voting on the following proposals:

 

·to elect five directors to serve until the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualify;

 

·to approve an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation increasing the number of shares of common stock the Company is authorized to issue from 40,000,000 shares to 80,000,000 shares;

 

·to approve an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation creating 2,000,000 authorized shares of “blank check” preferred stock to be designated in such series or class as the board of directors shall determine;

 

·to ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012; and

 

·to consider such other business as may properly come before the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or any adjournments thereof.

 

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the election of each of the nominees to the Board, “FOR” the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to increase authorized common stock, “FOR” the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to create 2,000,000 shares of “Blank Check” preferred stock, and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

 

Q:How do I vote?

 

A:You may vote using any of the following methods:

 

·Proxy card or voting instruction card. Be sure to complete, sign and date the card and return it in the prepaid envelope.

 

·By telephone or over the Internet. This is allowed if you hold shares in street name and your bank, broker or other nominee offers those alternatives. Although most banks, brokers and other nominees offer telephone and Internet voting, availability and specific procedures vary.

 

·In person at the 2012 Annual Meeting. All stockholders may vote in person at the 2012 Annual Meeting. You may also be represented by another person at the 2012 Annual Meeting by executing a proper proxy designating that person. If you hold shares in street name, you must obtain a legal proxy from your bank, broker or other nominee and present it to the inspector of election with your ballot when you vote at the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

6
 

 

Q:What can I do if I change my mind after I vote my shares?

 

A:If you are a stockholder of record, you may revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted at the 2012 Annual Meeting by:

 

·sending written notice of revocation to CorMedix;

 

·submitting a new, proper proxy dated later than the date of the revoked proxy; or

 

·attending the 2012 Annual Meeting and voting in person.

 

If you are a beneficial owner of shares, you may submit new voting instructions by contacting your bank, broker or other nominee. You may also vote in person at the 2012 Annual Meeting if you obtain a legal proxy as described in the answer to the previous question. Attendance at the 2012 Annual Meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy.

 

Q:What if I return a signed proxy card, but do not vote for some of the matters listed on the proxy card?

 

A:If you return a signed proxy card without indicating your vote, your shares will be voted in accordance with the Board’s recommendations as follows: “FOR” the election of each of the nominees to the Board; “FOR” the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to increase authorized common stock; “FOR” the amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation to create 2,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock; and “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

 

Q:Can my broker vote my shares for me on the election of directors?

 

A:No. Brokers may not use discretionary authority to vote shares on the election of directors if they have not received instructions from their clients. Please vote your proxy so your vote can be counted.

 

Q:Can my shares be voted if I do not return my proxy card or voting instruction card and do not attend the 2012 Annual Meeting?

 

A:If you do not vote your shares held of record (registered directly in your name, not in the name of a bank or broker), your shares will not be voted.

 

If you do not vote your shares held beneficially in street name with a broker, your broker will not be authorized to vote on most items being put to a vote, including the election of directors. If your broker is not able to vote your shares, they will constitute “broker non-votes,” which are counted for the purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but otherwise do not affect the outcome of any matter being voted on at a stockholder meeting.

 

7
 

 

Q:What are the voting requirements to approve each of the proposals?

 

A:In the election of directors, each director receiving a plurality of affirmative “FOR” votes will be elected. You may withhold votes from any or all nominees.

 

The proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to increase authorized common stock and the proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to create 2,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock require the affirmative “FOR” votes of a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote on such proposals. Abstentions and broker non-votes, if any, will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” each proposal.

 

The proposal to ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2011 requires the affirmative “FOR” votes of a majority of the votes cast on the matter. Abstentions will not affect the outcome of the vote on the proposal.

 

If you hold shares beneficially in street name and do not provide your broker with voting instructions, your shares may constitute “broker non-votes.” Generally, broker non-votes occur on a matter when a broker is not permitted to vote on that matter without instructions from the beneficial owner and instructions are not given. In tabulating the voting result for any particular proposal, shares that constitute broker non-votes are not considered entitled to be voted on that proposal. As a result, the broker “non-vote” will have no effect on the outcome of the proposals, assuming that a quorum is present.

 

Q:How many votes do I have?

 

A:If you hold shares of common stock, you are entitled to one vote for each share of common stock that you hold. As of October 5, 2012, the record date, there were                    shares of common stock outstanding.

 

Q:Is cumulative voting permitted for the election of directors?

 

A:We do not use cumulative voting for the election of directors.

 

Q:What happens if a nominee for director does not stand for election?

 

A:If for any reason any nominee does not stand for election, any proxies we receive will be voted in favor of the remaining nominees and may be voted for substitute nominees in place of those who do not stand. We have no reason to expect that any of the nominees will not stand for election.

 

Q:What happens if additional matters are presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting?

 

A:Other than the four items of business described in this Proxy Statement, we are not aware of any other business to be acted upon at the 2012 Annual Meeting. If you grant a proxy, the persons named as proxy holders, Richard M. Cohen and Randy Milby, will have the discretion to vote your shares on any additional matters properly presented for a vote at the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

Q:How many shares must be present or represented to conduct business at the 2012 Annual Meeting?

 

A:A quorum will be present if at least a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock entitled to vote is represented at the 2012 Annual Meeting, either in person or by proxy.

 

Both abstentions and broker non-votes are counted for the purpose of determining the presence of a quorum.

 

8
 

  

Q:How can I attend the 2012 Annual Meeting?

 

A:You are entitled to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting only if you were a stockholder of CorMedix as of the close of business on October   , 2012 or hold a valid proxy for the 2012 Annual Meeting. You should be prepared to present photo identification for admittance. In addition, if you are a stockholder of record, your ownership will be verified against the list of stockholders of record on the record date prior to being admitted. If you are not a stockholder of record but hold shares through a bank, broker or other nominee (i.e., in street name), you should be prepared to provide proof of beneficial ownership as of the record date, such as your most recent account statement prior to October   , 2012, a copy of the voting instruction card provided to you by your bank, broker or other nominee, or similar evidence of ownership. If you do not provide photo identification or comply with the other procedures outlined above, you will not be admitted to the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

The 2012 Annual Meeting will begin promptly on November 30, 2012, at the Company’s office at 745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, at 11:00 a.m., local time. You should allow adequate time for the check-in procedures.

 

Q:How can I vote my shares in person at the 2012 Annual Meeting?

 

A:Shares held in your name as the stockholder of record may be voted in person at the 2012 Annual Meeting. Shares held beneficially in street name may be voted in person at the 2012 Annual Meeting only if you obtain a legal proxy from the bank, broker or other nominee that holds your shares giving you the right to vote the shares. Even if you plan to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy card or voting instruction card as described herein so your vote will be counted if you later decide not to attend the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

Q:What is the deadline for voting my shares?

 

A:If you hold shares as the stockholder of record, your vote by proxy must be received before the polls close at the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

If you hold shares beneficially in street name, please follow the voting instructions provided by your bank, broker or other nominee. You may vote your shares in person at the 2012 Annual Meeting only if at the 2012 Annual Meeting you provide a legal proxy obtained from your bank, broker or other nominee.

 

Q:Is my vote confidential?

 

A:Proxy instructions, ballots and voting tabulations that identify individual stockholders are handled in a manner that protects your voting privacy. Your vote will not be disclosed either within CorMedix or to third parties, except: (1) as necessary to meet applicable legal requirements, (2) to allow for the tabulation of votes and certification of the vote, and (3) to facilitate a successful proxy solicitation. Occasionally, stockholders provide on their proxy card written comments, which are then forwarded to our management.

 

Q:How are votes counted?

 

A:For the election of directors, you may vote “FOR” all or some of the nominees or your vote may be “WITHHELD” with respect to one or more of the nominees. For the other items of business, you may vote “FOR,” “AGAINST” or “ABSTAIN.” For the proposal to ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, if you elect to “ABSTAIN,” the abstention will be counted for the purpose of establishing a quorum, but otherwise will have no effect on the outcome of the vote. For the proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to increase authorized common stock and the proposal to amend the Certificate of Incorporation to create 2,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, if you elect to “ABSTAIN”, the abstentions will have the effect of a vote “AGAINST” each proposal.

 

Q:Where can I find the voting results of the 2012 Annual Meeting?

 

A:We intend to announce preliminary voting results at the 2012 Annual Meeting and publish final results in a current report on Form 8-K within four business days after the 2012 Annual Meeting.

 

9
 

 

Q:Who will bear the cost of soliciting votes for the 2012 Annual Meeting?

 

A:CorMedix is making this solicitation and will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials and soliciting votes. In addition to the mailing of these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic communication by our directors, officers and employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. Upon request, we will also reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for forwarding proxy and solicitation materials to stockholders.

 

Q:How can I obtain CorMedix corporate governance information?

 

A:The following information is available on our website or in print to any stockholder who requests it:

 

·Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

 

·Amended and Restated By-laws (the “By-laws”)

 

·The charters of the following committees of the Board: the Audit Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee

 

·Code of Conduct and Ethics

 

·Policy regarding stockholder communications with the Board

 

Q:How may I obtain the CorMedix 2011 Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A and other financial information?

 

A:Copies of our 2011 Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-K/A (the “2011 Annual Report”) are being sent to stockholders along with this Proxy Statement. Stockholders may request an additional free copy of the 2011 Annual Report and other financial information by contacting us at:

 

CorMedix Inc.
745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Attention: Secretary

 

We will also furnish any exhibit to the 2011 Annual Reports if specifically requested.

 

Alternatively, current and prospective investors can access the 2011 Annual Reports at materials.proxyvote.com/21900C. Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) are also available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and at the Investor Relations; SEC Filings, portion of our website, www.cormedix.com.

 

Q:What if I have questions for the Company’s transfer agent?

 

A:Please contact our transfer agent, at the telephone number or address listed below, with questions concerning stock certificates, transfer of ownership or other matters pertaining to your stock account.

 

VStock Transfer, LLC

150 West 46th Street, 6th Floor

New York, NY 10036

Telephone: (212) 828-8436
Facsimile: (646) 536-3179

 

10
 

 

Q:Who can help answer my questions?

 

A:If you have any questions about the 2012 Annual Meeting or how to vote or revoke your proxy, please contact us at:

 

CorMedix Inc.
745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303
Bridgewater, NJ 08807
Attention: Secretary
Telephone: (908) 517-9500

 

11
 

 

Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors

 

Five directors are to be elected at the 2012 Annual Meeting to serve until the 2013 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2013 Annual Meeting”), including Richard M. Cohen, Matthew Duffy, Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D., Steven W. Lefkowitz and Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D., and until their successors are duly elected and qualify. Each of the five nominees currently serves on the Board. If for any reason any nominee does not stand for election, any proxies we receive will be voted in favor of the remaining nominees and may be voted for substitute nominees in place of those who do not stand. We have no reason to expect that any of the nominees will not stand for election. The election of directors will be determined by a plurality of the votes cast.

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

The following table sets forth the name, age and position of each of our executive officers and directors.

 

Name

  Age   Position
         
Richard M. Cohen   61   Executive Chairman, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, Director
         
Randy Milby1   59   Chief Operating Officer
         
Mark A. Klausner, M.D.   59   Chief Medical Officer
         
Matthew Duffy   50   Director
         
Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D.   54   Director
         
Steven W. Lefkowitz   56   Director
         
Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D.   49   Director
         
Timothy M. Hofer2   37   Director

  

 

 

1               On May 2, 2012, the Company appointed Mr. Milby as Chief Operating Officer, pursuant to a consulting agreement with MW Bridges LLC, of which Mr. Milby is Managing Partner. Pursuant to such consulting agreement, MW Bridges LLC receives a monthly retainer of $6,400 in exchange for Mr. Milby’s services.

 

2               Mr. Hofer has not been nominated for re-election.

 

The business experience for the past five years (and, in some instances, for prior years) of each of our executive officers and directors, and the experiences and skills that led to the conclusion that our director nominees should serve as directors, are set forth below.

 

Richard M. Cohen has been a director of CorMedix since December 2009, was appointed Executive Chairman in September 2011, our Interim Chief Executive Officer in November 2011 and Interim Chief Financial Officer in May 2012. Since 2002, Mr. Cohen has served as a Managing Director of Encore/Novation, a company that purchases and securitizes settlement assets. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of Dune Energy, an oil and gas exploration and production company, from 2003 to 2005. Since 2006, Mr. Cohen has been a member of the Board of Directors and Chairman of the Audit Committee of Helix Biomedix. Mr. Cohen holds a C.P.A. from the State of New York, received his M.B.A. from Stanford University, and received his B.S. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Cohen shares with the Board his expertise in financial and investment matters and significant experience in accounting matters as a certified public accountant.

 

12
 

 

Randy Milby joined CorMedix in May 2012 to serve as our Chief Operating Officer pursuant to a consulting agreement with MW Bridges LLC, of which Mr. Milby is Managing Partner. Mr. Milby had previously served as Global Business Director, Applied Biosciences, and other management positions at Dupont Company from 1999 through 2010. Since September 2010, Mr. Milby was co-founder and a managing director of WaterStone Bridge, LLC, a healthcare consulting services firm. From 1998 through 1999, Mr. Milby was also a healthcare Analyst at Goldman, Sachs & Company. Mr. Milby received his Pharmacy degree at the University of Kansas and his MBA from Washington University in St. Louis. Mr. Milby brings extensive commercial operational experience to the Company.

 

Mark A. Klausner, M.D. joined CorMedix in March 2011 and entered into an employment agreement with us to serve as our Chief Medical Officer. On February 29, 2012, the Company and Dr. Klausner agreed to amend Dr. Klausner’s employment agreement effective March 1, 2012 which provides for a fifty percent (50%) reduction in both Dr. Klausner’s services to the Company and his compensation. Previously, Dr. Klausner held the position of Chief Medical Officer at Nephrogenex, Inc., a developmental-stage biotechnology company, from December 2007 to February 2011. Additionally, from 1990 to November 2007, Dr. Klausner held various vice presidential roles at Johnson & Johnson, a consumer health, pharmaceutical and medical devices, and diagnostics company, in the areas of medical affairs, clinical research and development, and domestic and global drug safety and surveillance. Dr. Klausner also held director positions at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical company that is now a part of Pfizer, in the areas of cardiovascular clinical research and OTC clinical research, from 1987 to 1990. Dr. Klausner holds board certifications in nephrology and internal medicine and received his M.D. from Harvard Medical School.

 

Matthew Duffy has been a director of CorMedix since November 2011.  Mr. Duffy is currently Managing Director at Roberts Mitani Advisors, LLC, a boutique Investment Bank in New York. He has also been Managing Partner and founder of Black Diamond Research, LLC, since July 2001.  Further, he is a founder of Algorithm Sciences, LLC and Identic Pharmaceuticals, LLC. In addition, he is a managing member of NSIP LLC, and a member of the Executive Committee of Ellington Asset Management, LLC.  He led commercial operations at Lev Pharmaceuticals, from November 2007 to October 2008.  From 1995 to 2001, Mr. Duffy led the marketing group at MedImmune, Inc.  Mr. Duffy holds the series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses and received his undergraduate degree from Duke University.  Mr. Duffy shares with the Board his commercial and marketing expertise with development stage biotechnology companies.

 

Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D. has been a director of CorMedix since December 2009. Dr. Gelbfish has been in private practice as a vascular surgeon since 1990. Dr. Gelbfish has practiced vascular surgery at Beth Israel Hospital since 1990, and has practiced vascular surgery at New York University Downtown Hospital since 2003. Since 1997, Dr. Gelbfish has served as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at Mt. Sinai Hospital. Dr. Gelbfish received a B.S. from Brooklyn College, holds an M.D. from Columbia University, and completed his fellowship in vascular surgery at Maimonides Medical Center. Dr. Gelbfish shares with the Board his in-depth knowledge of the practice of medicine and understanding of the science behind our product candidates.

 

Steven W. Lefkowitz has been a director of CorMedix, chairman of the Audit Committee since August 2011, and a member of the Audit and Compensation Committees since August 2011. Mr. Lefkowitz has been the President and Founder of Wade Capital Corporation a financial advisory services company, since June 1990.  Mr. Lefkowitz also serves as a director in both publicly traded and privately held companies.  Mr. Lefkowitz has been a director of Franklin Credit Management Corporation, formerly known as Franklin Credit Holding Corporation, a public specialty consumer finance company since 1996, a director of AIS, RE., a privately held reinsurance company since 2001 and a director and chairman of the board of MedConx, Inc., a privately held medical devices connector company since 2007.  Mr. Lefkowitz shares with the Board his financial expertise with development stage biotechnology companies.  Mr. Lefkowitz received his A.B. from Dartmouth College in 1977 and his M.B.A. from Columbia University in 1985.

 

Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D. has been a director of CorMedix since February 2007. Dr. Pfaffle has been Director of Healthcare Research at Bearing Circle Capital, L.P., an investment fund, since May 2007. Dr. Pfaffle is an Advisory Medical Director for ParagonRx, an Inventiv Company specializing in drug and device risk evaluation and mitigation. He was a Managing Director at Paramount BioCapital, Inc. and Senior Vice-President of Business Development at Paramount BioSciences, LLC from December 2005 to May 2007. Dr. Pfaffle was a Principal and Founder of Black Diamond Research, an investment research company, from July 2001 to December 2005. Dr. Pfaffle is an internist who practiced nephrology at New York Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, Lenox Hill Hospital and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Pfaffle received his M.D. from New York Medical College in 1989.  Dr. Pfaffle shares with the Board his financial expertise, knowledge of the investment community, medical science background and experience with development stage biopharmaceutical companies.

 

13
 

 

Timothy M. Hofer has been a director of CorMedix since February 2007. Presently, Mr. Hofer serves as a business consultant to a number of private and public biotechnology and venture capital companies, and also as an officer and director of several privately held biotechnology companies. From March 2005 through February 2011, Mr. Hofer was employed by Paramount BioCapital, Inc. and Paramount Biosciences, LLC, where he had most recently served as Senior Vice President, Legal Affairs. From July 2000 until March 2005, Mr. Hofer was an associate in the Mergers & Acquisitions/Private Equity practice group of the New York office of the law firm O’Melveny & Myers LLP, and its predecessor, O’Sullivan Graev & Karabell, LLP. Mr. Hofer received his B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross in 1996 and his J.D. from Fordham Law School in 2000, where he was a member of the Fordham Law Review. Mr. Hofer is admitted to the bar in New York. Mr. Hofer brings to the Board his knowledge of legal and corporate governance matters and his experience as an officer and director of several privately held development stage biotechnology companies.

 

Arrangements Regarding Nomination for Election to the Board of Directors

 

Our Underwriting Agreement with Maxim Group LLC (“Maxim”) entered into in connection with our initial public offering completed in March 2010 (the “IPO”) provided that we will permit Maxim to either (i) designate one individual who meets the independence criteria of NYSE Amex to serve on the Board for the three-year period following the closing of the IPO or (ii) in the event that the individual designated by Maxim is not elected to the Board, have a representative of Maxim attend all meetings of the Board as an observer during such three-year period. Such director or observer, as the case may be, would attend meetings of the Board, receive all notices and other correspondence and communications sent by us to our directors, and such director would receive compensation equal to the highest compensation of other non-employee directors, excluding the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Dr. Gelbfish was designated by Maxim and elected to the Board in December 2009 pursuant to this arrangement.

 

Family Relationships

 

There are no family relationships among our executive officers and directors.

 

Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons

 

Paramount BioCapital, Inc. and Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D.

 

Dr. Rosenwald is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and sole stockholder of Paramount BioCapital, Inc. (“Paramount”). As of October   , 2012, Dr. Rosenwald beneficially owned approximately              % of our voting capital stock. In addition, as of October   , 2012, certain trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwald’s children (the “Family Trusts”) beneficially owned less than 1% of our voting capital stock. In addition, as of October   , 2012, certain other trusts established for the benefit of Dr. Rosenwald and his family beneficially owned less than 1% of our voting capital stock.

 

As of immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, $198,264, including accrued and unpaid interest, was outstanding under a future advance promissory note held by Paramount BioSciences, LLC (“PBS”), of which Dr. Rosenwald is the sole member, and $452,007, including accrued and unpaid interest, was outstanding under a future advance promissory note held by the Family Trusts. Upon the completion of the IPO, the note held by PBS automatically converted into 30,499 units, consisting of 60,998 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 30,499 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.4375, and the note held by the Family Trusts automatically converted into 69,539 units, consisting of 139,078 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 69,539 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.4375.

 

14
 

 

In September 2010, we entered into a Board observer agreement with Dr. Rosenwald (the “Board Observer Agreement”), pursuant to which he is entitled to attend meetings of the Board as a non-voting observer, subject to certain exceptions. The Board Observer Agreement was terminated by Dr. Rosenwald on January 3, 2012. Dr. Rosenwald also agreed to certain standstill restrictions effective during the term of the Board Observer Agreement and for 180 days following its termination.

 

Shiva Biomedical, LLC and Dr. Sudhir Shah, M.D.

 

Pursuant to a license agreement we entered into with Shiva and certain other parties on July 28, 2006, which agreement was amended on October 6, 2009 and February 22, 2010 (the “Shiva Contribution Agreement”), Shiva contributed to us its kidney products business and granted us an exclusive, worldwide license for certain technology that serves as the basis for two of our product candidates (the “Shiva Technology”). As consideration in part for the rights to the Shiva Technology, we paid Shiva an initial licensing fee of $500,000 and granted Shiva an equity interest in us. Additionally, pursuant to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, we were obligated to issue additional shares of our common stock to Shiva sufficient to maintain its ownership percentage at 7.0% of our common stock on a fully diluted basis. In accordance with this obligation, upon the automatic conversion of our outstanding convertible notes into units (each consisting of two shares of our common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.4375) and shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of the IPO, we issued to Shiva 412,338 shares of our common stock. This obligation expired upon the closing of the IPO.

 

Under the Shiva Contribution Agreement, we are also required to make substantial payments to Shiva upon the achievement of certain clinical and regulatory-based milestones. The maximum aggregate amount of such milestone payments, assuming achievement of all milestones, is $10,000,000. Events that trigger milestone payments include, but are not limited to, the reaching of various stages of clinical trials and regulatory approval processes. In the event that the Shiva Technology is commercialized we are obligated to pay to Shiva annual royalties based upon net sales of the product. In the event that we sublicense the Shiva Technology to a third party, we are obligated to pay to Shiva a portion of the royalties, fees or other lump-sum payments we receive from the sublicense, subject to certain deductions.

 

The Shiva Contribution Agreement will expire on a country-by-country basis upon the later of (i) the date the last claim under the patent rights covering a licensed product expires in a particular country, or (ii) 10 years from the first commercial sale of an applicable licensed product in such country. Following the date the last claim under the patent rights covering a licensed product expires in a particular country, we will have an irrevocable, paid-up, royalty-free license to the Shiva Technology in such country. The Shiva Contribution Agreement also may be terminated by Shiva if we fail to make payments due in accordance with the Shiva Contribution Agreement within 45 days after written notice of such failure is given to us, or if we fail to meet certain funding and developmental progress requirements, including but not limited to initiating patient dosing in a pivotal trial on or before September 30, 2011. We have the right to terminate the Shiva Contribution Agreement for any reason upon 30 days prior written notice. Should the Shiva Contribution Agreement be terminated by either party, we are obligated to reassign to Shiva all our intellectual property rights with respect to the Shiva Technology.

 

On February 22, 2010, we entered into an amendment to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, pursuant to which our deadline for meeting a certain development progress requirement was extended from April 30, 2010 to June 30, 2010 and we paid $25,000 to Shiva following completion of the IPO as partial reimbursement for Shiva’s expenses in connection with such amendment and prior amendments to the Shiva Contribution Agreement. On August 29, 2011, the Company and Shiva entered into an amendment to the Shiva Contribution Agreement, pursuant to certain changes with respect to the development and milestone payments of the licensed products. On December 1, 2011, the Company issued Shiva a notice of termination letter of the license agreement and, as such, has no further financial obligation to Shiva. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2011, the Company expensed $100,000, $1,288,556 and $4,920,310, respectively, in connection with the Shiva Contribution Agreement.

 

15
 

 

In connection with the Shiva Contribution Agreement, on July 28, 2006, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with Dr. Sudhir Shah, which was amended and restated on April 1, 2010 as a Scientific Advisory Board Agreement (the “Shah Consulting Agreement”) and was further amended and restated on August 29, 2011. Pursuant to the Shah Consulting Agreement, as amended, for a period of one year commencing on April 1, 2010, Dr. Shah provides the Company with consulting services involving areas mutually agreed to by Dr. Shah and the Company and beginning on August 29, 2011 provides consulting services for up to 17.5 hours per month and serves on one of the Company’s Scientific Advisory Boards. During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the period from July 28, 2006 (Inception) to December 31, 2011, the Company expensed $29,000, $84,000 and $196,000, respectively, in connection with the Shah Consulting Agreement. On December 30, 2011 the Company issued Dr. Shah a termination letter of the Shah Consulting and Scientific Advisory Board agreements.

 

ND Partners, LLC

 

On January 30, 2008, we entered into a License and Assignment Agreement (the “NDP License Agreement”) with ND Partners, LLC (“NDP”). Pursuant to the NDP License Agreement, NDP granted us exclusive, worldwide licenses for certain technology and the corresponding United States and foreign patents and applications (the “NDP Technology”). We acquired such licenses and patents through our assignment and assumption of NDP’s rights under certain separate license agreements by and between NDP and Dr. Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg, Dr. Klaus Sodemann, and Dr. Johannes Reinmueller. NDP also granted us exclusive licenses, with the right to grant sublicenses, to use and display certain trademarks in connection with the NDP Technology. As consideration in part for the rights to the NDP Technology, we paid NDP an initial licensing fee of $325,000 and granted NDP an equity interest in us. Additionally, pursuant to the terms of a stockholder agreement with NDP, dated as of January 30, 2008, we were obligated to issue additional shares of our common stock to NDP sufficient to maintain its ownership percentage at 5.0% of our common stock (7.0% when including shares of our common stock held in escrow under the NDP License Agreement) on a fully diluted basis. In accordance with this obligation, upon the automatic conversion of our outstanding convertible notes into units (each consisting of two shares of our common stock and a warrant to purchase one share of our common stock at an exercise price of $3.4375) and shares of our common stock in connection with the closing of the IPO, we issued to NDP 297,398 shares of our common stock and an additional 118,288 shares of our common stock into escrow. This obligation expired upon the closing of the IPO.

 

In addition, under the NDP License Agreement we are required to make payments to NDP upon the achievement of certain regulatory and sales-based milestones. Certain of the milestone payments are to be made in the form of shares of our common stock currently held in escrow for NDP, and other milestone payments are to be paid in cash. The maximum aggregate number of shares issuable upon achievement of milestones and the number of shares of our common stock held in escrow as of April 19, 2012 is 145,543. The maximum aggregate amount of cash payments, assuming achievement of all milestones, is $3,000,000. Events that trigger milestone payments include, but are not limited to, the reaching of various stages of regulatory approval processes and certain worldwide net sales amounts. Through April 19, 2012, no milestone payments have been earned by or paid to NDP.

 

The NDP License Agreement will expire on a country-by-country basis upon the earlier of (i) the expiration of the last patent claim under the NDP License Agreement in a given country, or (ii) the payment of all milestone payments and release of all shares of our common stock held in escrow under the NDP License Agreement. Upon the expiration of the NDP License Agreement in each country, we will have an irrevocable, perpetual, fully paid-up, royalty-free exclusive license to the NDP Technology in such country. The NDP License Agreement also may be terminated by NDP if we materially breach or default under the NDP License Agreement and that breach is not cured within 60 days following the delivery of written notice to us, or by us on a country-by-country basis upon 60 days prior written notice. If the NDP License Agreement is terminated by either party, our rights to the NDP Technology will revert back to NDP.

 

Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D.

 

In October 2009, Dr. Gelbfish and his wife (jointly) purchased 8% senior convertible notes in the principal amount of $200,000, Dr. Gelbfish as custodian for certain of his children purchased 8% senior convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150,000, and Landmark Charity Foundation, of which Dr. Gelbfish and his wife are trustees, purchased 8% senior convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150,000. Upon the completion of the IPO, the outstanding principal amount of such 8% senior convertible notes and all accrued interest thereon automatically converted into 94,496 shares of our common stock held jointly by Dr. Gelbfish and his wife, 70,872 shares of our common stock held by Dr. Gelbfish as custodian for certain of his children, and 70,872 shares of our common stock held by Landmark Charity Foundation, of which Dr. Gelbfish and his wife are trustees (“Landmark Foundation”). In connection with the issuance of the 8% senior convertible notes, Dr. Gelbfish and his wife (jointly), Dr. Gelbfish as custodian for certain of his children, and Landmark Foundation also received warrants to purchase 38,400 shares, an aggregate of 28,800 shares, and 28,800 shares of our common stock, respectively, at an exercise price of $3.4375.

 

16
 

 

Procedures for Review and Approval of Transactions with Related Persons

 

Pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving all related party transactions as defined under Item 404 of Regulation S-K, after reviewing each such transaction for potential conflicts of interests and other improprieties.

 

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

 

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), requires our directors, executive officers and holders of more than 10% of our common stock to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in the ownership of our common stock and other equity securities. Such persons are required to furnish us copies of all Section 16(a) filings.

 

Based solely upon a review of the copies of the forms furnished to us, we believe that, with the exception of an initial filing by Randy Milby, our officers, directors and holders of more than 10% of our common stock complied with all applicable filing requirements during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

 

Vote Required

 

Each nominee receiving a plurality of affirmative votes will be elected to the Board. You may withhold votes from any or all nominees.

 

Recommendation of the Board

 

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the election of the nominees to the Board to serve until the 2013 Annual Meeting and until their successors are duly elected and qualify.

 

17
 

 

  

Proposal No. 2: AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK PROPOSAL

 

Our Board has determined that it is in the Company’s best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to increase the total number of authorized shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, from 40,000,000 to 80,000,000 shares, which we sometimes refer to as the “common stock amendment.” At the Record Date, October 5, 2012, there were                      shares of our common stock outstanding. In addition, as of the same date, there is reserved                    shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of options and rights granted under the Company’s stock option and stock purchase plans, and up to approximately                         shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of currently outstanding warrants. Accordingly, as of the Record Date, only                           shares of common stock remained available for future issuance.

 

At a meeting held on September 20, 2012, our Board unanimously adopted the proposed common stock amendment. At that time, our Board directed that the proposed common stock amendment be submitted for approval by the stockholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting. The proposed amendment to the amended and restated certificate of Incorporation is attached hereto as Appendix A.

 

The proposed common stock amendment would increase the number of shares of common stock the Company is authorized to issue by 40,000,000 shares of Common Stock. If Proposal 3 is also approved, the total authorized capital stock of the Company would increase from 40,000,000 shares to 82,000,000 shares.

 

The additional common stock proposed to be authorized under the common stock amendment would have rights identical to our currently outstanding common stock. If the common stock amendment is approved, it will become effective upon the acceptance for filing of a certificate of amendment of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. If Proposal 3 is not approved by our stockholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting, the Company will nonetheless amend the amended and restated certificate of incorporation to reflect the common stock amendment in the event that this Proposal 2 is approved.

 

Reasons for Increasing the Number of Authorized Shares

 

Our Board has determined that the proposal to increase the number of shares of authorized stock is desirable and in the stockholders’ best interest because it would provide the Company with the ability to support its present capital needs and future anticipated growth and would provide the Company with the flexibility to consider and respond to future business opportunities and needs as they arise, including equity offerings, acquisitions, stock dividends, issuances under stock incentive plans and other corporate purposes. The availability of additional shares of stock would permit the Company to undertake certain of the foregoing actions without the delay and expense associated with holding a special meeting of shareholders to obtain shareholder approval each time such an opportunity arises that would require the issuance of shares of our common stock. Currently, we have no agreements for the foregoing.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, authorized but unissued shares of common stock may also enable the Company’s Board to render it more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company and thereby protect continuity of or entrench its management, which may adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock. If in the due exercise of its fiduciary obligations, for example, the Company’s Board were to determine that a takeover proposal were not in the best interests of the Company, such shares could be issued by the board of directors without stockholder approval in one or more private placements or other transactions that might prevent or render more difficult or make more costly the completion of any attempted takeover transaction by diluting voting or other rights of the proposed acquirer or insurgent stockholder group, by creating a substantial voting block in institutional or other hands that might support the position of the incumbent board of directors, by effect effecting an acquisition that might complicate or preclude the takeover, or otherwise.

 

18
 

 

Vote Required

 

Approval of the authorized common stock proposal requires the favorable vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote on the proposal. As a result, broker non-votes and abstentions, if any, will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” the proposal.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORIZED COMMON STOCK PROPOSAL.

 

19
 

 

PROPOSAL 3: PREFERRED STOCK PROPOSAL

 

Our Board has determined that it is in the Company’s best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders to amend our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to authorize the Company to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of “blank check” preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share and to vest authority in the Board to prescribe by resolution the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of such preferred stock, referred to herein as the “preferred stock amendment.” If this proposal is approved by the Company’s stockholders, the Board does not intend to solicit further stockholder approval prior to the issuance of any shares of preferred stock, unless a specific issuance requires stockholder approval under applicable law or under the listing requirements of any stock exchange on which the Company’s shares are then listed.

 

Upon the effectiveness of the preferred stock amendment, in accordance with the Delaware corporate law, the Company will have the express authority to execute and file a certificate of designation setting forth the series and the number of the shares of each series of preferred stock and the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations, restrictions and relative rights of each series of the Company’s preferred stock.

 

At a meeting held on September 20, 2012, our Board unanimously adopted the proposed preferred stock amendment. At that time, our Board directed that the proposed preferred stock amendment be submitted for approval by the stockholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting. The proposed amendment to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation is attached hereto as Appendix A.

 

The Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation currently authorizes the issuance of up to 40,000,000 shares of common stock (to be increased to 80,000,000 shares if the authorized common stock proposal is approved) and no shares of preferred stock. If the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation is amended to authorize the issuance of 2,000,000 shares preferred stock, the Company’s total authorized capital stock would increase to 42,000,000 shares (or 82,000,000 shares if the common stock proposal is approved).

 

Reasons for the Authorization of a Class of Preferred Stock

 

The primary objective of the Board in establishing a class of preferred stock is to provide maximum flexibility with respect to future financing transactions. Preferred stock is commonly authorized by publicly traded companies and is frequently used as a preferred means of raising capital and making acquisitions. In particular, senior classes of securities may be issued to raise capital, with the terms of those securities being highly negotiated and tailored to meet the needs of both investors and the issuing companies. Such senior securities typically include liquidation and dividend preferences, voting rights, conversion privileges and other rights not found in common stock. The Company presently lacks the authority to issue preferred stock and, accordingly, is limited to issuing common stock or debt securities to raise capital. By authorizing a class of preferred stock, the Company would increase its flexibility in structuring transactions. In addition, the Company may issue preferred stock in connection with such activities as dividends payable in stock of the company, acquisitions of other companies or businesses, and otherwise. A secondary benefit in having preferred stock available for issuance is to give the Board flexibility in its response to an unsolicited takeover bid by the use of a “rights plan” or similar device, although the Board does not have a current plan to adopt a rights plan.

 

The Company has no agreements, written or otherwise, at this time to issue any of the shares of preferred stock if the preferred stock proposal is approved.

 

20
 

 

 

Effects of the Authorization of a Class of Preferred Stock

 

If the Company issues preferred stock, such preferred stock will include certain powers, designations, preferences and rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, any of which may dilute the voting power and economic interest of the holders of its common stock. For example, in the absence of a proportionate increase in the Company’s earnings and book value, an increase in the aggregate number of outstanding shares caused by the issuance of preferred stock would dilute the earnings per share and book value per share of all outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. In addition, in a liquidation, the holders of the Company’s preferred stock may be entitled to receive a certain amount per share of its preferred stock before the holders of its common stock receive any distribution. The holders of the Company’s preferred stock may also be entitled to vote and such votes may dilute the voting rights of the holders of its common stock when the Company seeks to take corporate action. A series of preferred stock also may be convertible into shares of the Company’s common stock. Furthermore, the Company’s preferred stock could be issued with certain preferences over the holders of its common stock with respect to dividends or the power to block the declaration of a dividend.

 

The Company could also issue shares of preferred stock that may, depending on the terms of such series, make it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or other means. Such shares could also be privately placed with purchasers favorable to the Board in opposing such actions. In addition, the Board could authorize holders of a series of the Company’s preferred stock to vote either separately as a class or with the holders of its common stock, on the election of all or some of the members of the Board, and on any merger, sale or exchange of assets by the Company or any other extraordinary corporate transaction. The issuance of new shares also could be used to dilute the stock ownership of a person or entity seeking to obtain control of the Company should the Board consider the action of such entity or person not to be in the best interest of the Company’s stockholders and could be used to entrench current management or deter an attempt to replace the Board.

 

If the preferred stock amendment is adopted, it will become effective upon the acceptance for filing of a certificate of amendment of our articles of incorporation by the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. If Proposal 2 is not approved by our stockholders at the 2012 Annual Meeting, the Company will nonetheless amend the amended and restated certificate of incorporation with the preferred stock amendment in the event that this Proposal 3 is approved.

 

Vote Required

 

Approval of the preferred stock proposal requires the favorable vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock outstanding and entitled to vote on the proposal. As a result, broker non-votes and abstentions, if any, will have the effect of votes “AGAINST” the proposal.

 

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE PREFERRED STOCK PROPOSAL.

 

21
 

 

Proposal No. 4: Ratification of Appointment of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The Audit Committee has appointed J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. Although this appointment does not require ratification, the Board has directed that the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP be submitted to stockholders for ratification due to the significance of their appointment to the Company. If stockholders do not ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP, the Audit Committee will consider the appointment of another independent registered public accounting firm.

 

J.H. Cohn LLP served as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. A representative of J.H. Cohn LLP is expected to be present at the 2012 Annual Meeting and will be available to respond to appropriate questions and will have the opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires.

 

Fees Billed by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm During Fiscal 2011 and 2010

 

Audit Fees. The aggregate audit fees billed for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 by J.H. Cohn LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, totaled $91,187 and $291,028, respectively. Audit fees include services relating to auditing our annual financial statements, reviewing our financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, reviewing registration statements in connection with the IPO and preparing comfort letters.

 

Audit-Related Fees. The aggregate fees billed for professional services categorized as Audit-Related Fees rendered was $0 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Tax Fees. The principal accountant billed $12,000 and $13,500 for tax compliance for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

All Other Fees. Other than the services described above, the aggregate fees billed for services rendered by the principal accountant which were $0 and $0 for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures

 

Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving in advance any audit and any permissible non-audit engagement or relationship between us and our independent registered public accounting firm. The Audit Committee may delegate to one or more designated members of the Audit Committee the authority to grant pre-approvals, provided such approvals are presented to the Audit Committee at a subsequent meeting. If the Audit Committee elects to establish pre-approval policies and procedures regarding non-audit services, the Audit Committee must be informed of each non-audit service provided by our independent registered public accounting firm. Audit Committee pre-approval of audit and non-audit services will not be required if the engagement for the services is entered into pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures, provided the policies and procedures are detailed as to the particular service, the Audit Committee is informed of each service provided and such policies and procedures do not include delegation of the Audit Committee’s responsibilities under the Exchange Act to our management. Audit Committee pre-approval of non-audit services (other than review and attestation services) also will not be required if such services fall within available exceptions established by the SEC.

 

All services performed by our independent registered public accounting firm during 2011 were pre-approved by the Audit Committee.

 

22
 

  

Vote Required

 

The affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter is required to ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. Abstentions will not affect the outcome of the vote on the proposal.

 

Recommendation of the Board

 

The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012.

 

23
 

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The following table sets forth information regarding the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned on October 5, 2012 by:

 

·each person, or group of affiliated persons, known to us to beneficially own 5% or more of our outstanding common stock;

 

·each of our directors and named executive officers; and

 

·all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

 

For purposes of the table below, we treat shares of our common stock subject to options or warrants that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after October 5, 2012 to be outstanding and to be beneficially owned by the person holding the options or warrants for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of the person, but we do not treat the shares as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other stockholder. Except as otherwise set forth below, the address of each of the persons listed below is c/o CorMedix Inc., 745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303, Bridgewater, NJ 08807.

 

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner 

Common Stock
Beneficially Owned 
(1)

 
 

Shares

  

%

 
5% or Greater Stockholders:          
           
PharmaBio Development Inc. (2)        
Elliott Associates, L.P. (3)        
Lindsay A. Rosenwald, M.D. (4)        
           
Directors and Named Executive Officers:          
           
Richard M. Cohen (5)        
Randy Milby (6)        
Mark A. Klausner, M.D. (7)        
Matthew Duffy (8)        
Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D. (9)        
Timothy M. Hofer (10)        
Steve Lefkowitz (11)        
Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D. (12)        
         
All executive officers and directors as a group (9 persons) (13)        

 

 

* Represents holdings of less than 1% of shares outstanding.

 

(1)Based upon                     shares of our common stock outstanding on October 5, 2012 and, with respect to each individual holder, rights to acquire our common stock exercisable within 60 days of October 5, 2012.

 

(2)Includes (i)                    shares of our common stock and (ii)                      shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants. The business address of PharmaBio Development Inc. is 4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 920, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609.  Based solely on information contained in a Schedule 13G and Form 4 filed with the SEC on March 23, 2011 and April 13, 2012, respectively by PharmaBio Development Inc.

 

(3)Includes (i)                     shares of our common stock held by Manchester Securities Corp. (“Manchester”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elliott Associates, L.P. (“Elliott Associates”), and (ii)                    shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Manchester. The business address of Elliott Associates is 712 Fifth Avenue, 36th Floor, New York, New York 10019. Based solely on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on April 9, 2010 by Elliott Associates.

 

(4)Includes (i)                      shares of our common stock held directly by Dr. Rosenwald, (ii)                     shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held directly by Dr. Rosenwald, (iii)                    shares of our common stock held by PBS, of which Dr. Rosenwald is sole member, and (iv)                      shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held by PBS. The business address of Dr. Rosenwald is c/o Paramount BioSciences, LLC, 787 Seventh Avenue, 48th Floor, New York, New York 10036. Based solely on information contained in a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on December 9, 2010 by Dr. Rosenwald.

 

24
 

  

(5)Includes                      shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options.

 

(6)Includes                      shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants.

 

(7)Includes                      shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options.

 

(8)Includes (i)                  shares of our common stock, (ii)                    shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and (iii)                    shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants.

 

(9)Includes (i)                   shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options held by Dr. Gelbfish individually, (ii)                     shares of our common stock held jointly by Dr. Gelbfish and his wife, (iii)                    shares of our common stock held by Dr. Gelbfish as custodian for certain of his children, (iv)                             shares of our common stock held by Landmark Foundation, of which Dr. Gelbfish and his wife are trustees, (v)                      shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held jointly by Dr. Gelbfish and his wife, (v)                      shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Dr. Gelbfish as custodian for certain of his children, and (vi)                  shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants held by Landmark Foundation.

 

(10)Includes (i)                   shares of our common stock and (ii)                     shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options.

 

(11)Includes (i)                   shares of our common stock, (ii)                    shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and (iii)                     shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants.

 

(12)Includes (i)                   shares of our common stock, and (ii)                    shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options.

 

(13)Includes (i)                   shares of our common stock, (ii)                     shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options and (iii)                      shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of warrants.

 

25
 

 

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Director Independence

 

The Board has determined that each of our directors, with the exception of Mr. Cohen, qualifies as “independent” under the listing standards of NYSE Amex, federal securities laws and SEC rules with respect to members of boards of directors and members of all board committees on which he or she serves.

 

Board and Committee Meetings

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, the Board held eight meetings. Each of the directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of (i) the total number of meetings of the Board (held during the period for which he served as a director), and (ii) the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board on which he served (during the periods that he served on such committees). We have no written policy regarding director attendance at annual meetings of stockholders.

 

The Board has the following committees: the Audit Committee; the Compensation Committee; and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee – each of which operates under a charter that has been approved by our Board of Directors. Current copies of each committee’s charter are posted under the “Corporate Governance” tab on the Investor Relations page of our website www.cormedix.com.

 

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, there were four meetings of the Audit Committee, four meetings of the Compensation Committee, and four meetings of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

 

Board Committees

 

The composition and responsibilities of each of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are described below. Members will serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by the Board.

 

Audit Committee

 

The Audit Committee consists of Mr. Lefkowitz and Dr. Gelbfish, each of whom satisfies the independence requirements under NYSE Amex and SEC rules and regulations applicable to audit committee members and is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. Mr. Lefkowitz serves as chairman of the Audit Committee.

 

The Board has determined that Mr. Lefkowitz qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC. The designation of Mr. Lefkowitz as an “audit committee financial expert” does not impose on him any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than those that are generally imposed on him as a member of the Audit Committee and the Board, and his designation as an “audit committee financial expert” pursuant to this SEC requirement does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the Audit Committee or the Board.

 

The Audit Committee monitors our corporate financial statements and reporting and our external audits, including, among other things, our internal controls and audit functions, the results and scope of the annual audit and other services provided by our independent registered public accounting firm and our compliance with legal matters that have a significant impact on our financial statements. The Audit Committee also consults with our management and our independent registered public accounting firm prior to the presentation of financial statements to stockholders and, as appropriate, initiates inquiries into aspects of our financial affairs. The Audit Committee is responsible for establishing procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and for the confidential, anonymous submission by our employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters, and established such procedures effective upon the effectiveness of the registration statement filed with the SEC in connection with the IPO. In addition, the Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment, retention, compensation and oversight of the work of our independent registered public accounting firm, including approving services and fee arrangements. All related party transactions will be approved by the Audit Committee before we enter into them.

 

26
 

 

Both our independent registered public accounting firm and internal financial personnel regularly meet with, and have unrestricted access to, the Audit Committee.

 

Compensation Committee

 

The Compensation Committee consists of Mr. Hofer and Dr. Pfaffle, each of whom satisfies the independence requirements of NYSE Amex and SEC rules and regulations. Each member of this committee is a non-employee director, as defined pursuant to Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, and an outside director, as defined pursuant to Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). Mr. Hofer serves as chairman of the Compensation Committee. Following the 2012 Annual Meeting, the Board will appoint an additional director to the Committee and to serve as Chairman of the Committee.

 

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves our compensation policies and all forms of compensation to be provided to our executive officers and directors, including, among other things, annual salaries, bonuses, and other incentive compensation arrangements. In addition, the Compensation Committee administers our stock option and employee stock purchase plans, including granting stock options to our executive officers and directors. The Compensation Committee also reviews and approves employment agreements with executive officers and other compensation policies and matters.

 

We have not used the services of any compensation consultant in matters affecting the compensation of named executive officers or Directors during 2011. In the future, we, or the Compensation Committee, may engage or seek the advice of a compensation consultant.

 

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee consists of Dr. Gelbfish, Dr. Pfaffle and Mr. Hofer, each of whom satisfies the independence requirements of NYSE Amex and SEC rules and regulations. Dr. Gelbfish serves as chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Following the 2012 Annual Meeting, the Board will appoint an additional director to the Committee.

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies, evaluates and recommends nominees to the Board and committees of the Board, conducts searches for appropriate directors and evaluates the performance of the Board and of individual directors. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also is responsible for reviewing developments in corporate governance practices, evaluating the adequacy of our corporate governance practices and reporting and making recommendations to the Board concerning corporate governance matters.

 

Director Nominations

 

In evaluating and determining whether to nominate a candidate for a position on the Board, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee utilizes a variety of methods and considers criteria such as high professional ethics and values, experience on the policy-making level in business or medical research/practice experience relevant to our product candidates and a commitment to enhancing stockholder value. Candidates may be brought to the attention of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee by current Board members, stockholders, officers or other persons. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will review all candidates in the same manner regardless of the source of the recommendation.

 

We do not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director nominees, but the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee strives to nominate directors with a variety of complementary skills so that, as a group, the Board will possess the appropriate talent, skills and expertise to oversee our businesses.

 

27
 

 

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee also considers stockholder recommendations for director nominees that are properly received in accordance with our By-laws and applicable rules and regulations of the SEC. In order to validly nominate a candidate for election or reelection as a director, stockholders must give timely notice of such nomination in writing to the Secretary and include, as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate, all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected). For more information on director candidate nominations by stockholders, see “Stockholder Proposals” herein.

 

Board Leadership Structure

 

Our governing documents provide the Board with flexibility to determine the appropriate leadership structure for the Board and the Company, including but not limited to whether it is appropriate to separate the roles of Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. In making these determinations, the Board considers numerous factors, including the specific needs and strategic direction of the Company and the size and membership of the Board at the time.

 

As a result of Mr. Houghton’s departure and the Company’s current financial position, Mr. Cohen agreed to serve as the Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer. The Board believes at this stage of the Company’s development, it is in the best interest for the roles of Chairman of the Board and Interim Chief Executive Officer to be with one individual.

 

The Board currently does not have a director designated as the Chairman of the Board and does not intend to appoint a Chairman of the Board in the near future. The Board does not believe that a Chairman of the Board is necessary for effective corporate governance at this time due to the limited size of the Board and nature of the Company’s operations.

 

Board Role in Risk Oversight

 

Senior management is responsible for assessing and managing our various exposures to risk on a day-to-day basis, including the creation of appropriate risk management programs and policies. The Board is responsible for overseeing management in the execution of its responsibilities and for assessing our approach to risk management. On September 30 2011, the Company announced that it mutually agreed with John C. Houghton, the Company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer not to renew Mr. Houghton’s employment agreement and to enter into a separation agreement. In the interim, Mr. Cohen, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, is serving as the Company’s Executive Chairman in a non-employee capacity. Mr. Cohen has significant board and operating experience with both publicly and privately held companies. Mr. Cohen will draw upon the significant experience of the other Board members. The Board exercises these responsibilities periodically as part of its meetings and also through the Board’s three committees, each of which examines various components of enterprise risk as part of its responsibilities. Members of each committee report to the full Board at the next Board meeting regarding risks discussed by such committee. In addition, an overall review of risk is inherent in the Board’s consideration of our long-term strategies and in the transactions and other matters presented to the Board, including capital expenditures, acquisitions and divestitures, and financial matters.

 

Code of Ethics

 

We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics (the “Code of Ethics”) applying to all of our directors, officers and other employees. The Code of Ethics is designed to provide guidance regarding our standards of integrity and business conduct and to promote (i) honest and ethical conduct, including fair dealing and the ethical handling of actual or apparent interest between personal and professional relationships; (ii) conducting business with professional competence and integrity; (iii) full, fair, accurate, timely and understandable disclosure; (iv) compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations; (v) prompt reporting of violations of the Code of Ethics; and (vi) accountability for adherence to the Code of Ethics.

 

28
 

 

A copy of the Code of Ethics is available in the Investor Relations; Corporate Governance, portion of our website, www.cormedix.com. Additional copies of the Code of Ethics may be obtained without charge, from us by writing or calling: 745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, Attn: Chief Financial Officer; Telephone: (908) 517-9500.

 

Stockholder Communications with the Board

 

Stockholders who wish to do so may communicate directly with the Board or specified individual directors by writing to:

 

Board of Directors (or name of individual director)
c/o Secretary
CorMedix Inc.
745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

 

We will forward all communications from security holders and interested parties to the full Board, to non-management directors, to an individual director or to the chairperson of the Board committee that is most closely related to the subject matter of the communication, except for the following types of communications: (i) communications that advocate that we engage in illegal activity; (ii) communications that, under community standards, contain offensive or abusive content; (iii) communications that have no relevance to our business or operations; and (iv) mass mailings, solicitations and advertisements. The Secretary will determine when a communication is not to be forwarded. Our acceptance and forwarding of communications to directors does not imply that directors owe or assume any fiduciary duties to persons submitting the communications.

 

Additionally, the Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and confidential treatment of complaints received by CorMedix regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, including procedures for confidential, anonymous submissions by employees with respect to such matters. Employees and stockholders may raise a question or concern to the Audit Committee regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters by writing to:

 

Chairman, Audit Committee
c/o Secretary
CorMedix Inc.
745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303
Bridgewater, NJ 08807

 

29
 

 

Audit Committee Report

 

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 with both management and J.H. Cohn LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. In its discussion, management has represented to the Audit Committee that the Company’s financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011 were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

 

The Audit Committee meets with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their annual audit and quarterly reviews, the Company’s internal controls and the overall quality of the Company’s financial reporting. The Audit Committee has discussed with the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) in Rule 3200T.

 

The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accounting firm’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has considered and discussed with J.H. Cohn LLP such firm’s independence and the compatibility of the non-audit services provided by the firm with its independence.

 

Based on the Audit Committee’s review of the audited financial statements and the various discussions noted above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

 

  AUDIT COMMITTEE
   
  Steven Lefkowitz (Chairman)
  Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D.

 

30
 

 

Executive Compensation

 

Summary Compensation Table

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation earned by the named executive officers:

 

 
 
Name and Principal Position
   

Year

    

 

Salary

($)

    

 

Bonus

($)

    

Option

Awards (1)

($) 

    

 

Total

($)

 
Richard M. Cohen (2)   2011    54,000    -    50,900    104,900 
Executive Chairman, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer                         
                          
Mark A. Klausner, M.D. (3)   2011    258,333    -    453,000(4)   711,333 
Chief Medical Officer                         
                          
John C. Houghton (5)   2011    350,000    -    -    350,000 
Former President and Chief   2010    250,000    108,500(6)   2,046,900(7)   2,405,400 
Executive Officer   2009    222,500    75,000(8)   -    297,500 
                          
Brian Lenz (9)   2011    250,000    -    -    250,000 
Former Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary   2010    175,000    84,760(10)   818,800(11)   1,078,560 
                          
Mark T. Houser, M.D. (12)   2011    36,667    -    -    36,667 
Former Chief Medical Officer   2010    220,000    51,084(13)   818,800(14)   1,089,884 
    2009    220,000    -    -    220,000 
                          
Randy Milby(15)                         
Chief Operating Officer                    

 

 

 

(1)The amounts included in this column are the dollar amounts representing the full grant date fair value of each stock option award calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and do not represent the actual value that may be recognized by the named executive officers upon option exercise. For information on the valuation assumptions used in calculating this amount, see Note 2 to our audited financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC.
(2)Mr. Cohen has been a director of CorMedix since December 2009, was appointed Executive Chairman in September 2011, our Interim Chief Executive Officer in November 2011 and our Interim Chief Financial Officer in May 2012. As compensation for serving as a director of CorMedix, Mr. Cohen received $31,500 in director fees, which is reflected in the “Salary” column in the table above, and was granted options to purchase 30,000 shares of our common stock, which is reflected in the “Option Awards” column in the table above. Effective upon his appointment as the Company’s Interim Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Cohen no longer received Board fees and Board stock options grants from the date thereof.
(3)Dr. Klausner became our Chief Medical Officer in March 2011. On February 29, 2012, the Company and Dr. Klausner agreed to amend Dr. Klausner’s employment agreement effective March 1, 2012 which provides for a fifty percent (50%) reduction in both Dr. Klausner’s services to the Company and his compensation.
(4)On March 1, 2011, we granted Dr. Klausner options to purchase 356,000 shares of our common stock under the Stock Incentive Plan with an exercise price of $1.61 per share.
(5)Mr. Houghton became our President and Chief Executive Officer in May 2009. Previously, Mr. Houghton was our Chief Business Officer from January 2007 to May 2009. On September 30, 2011 the Company announced that it mutually agreed with John C. Houghton, the Company’s former President and Chief Executive Officer not to renew Mr. Houghton’s employment agreement and to enter into a separation agreement.
(6)Mr. Houghton received a cash bonus of $50,000 in May 2010 related to the closing of the IPO and a 2010 discretionary performance bonus of $58,500 in January 2011, each pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.
(7)On March 30, 2010, we granted Mr. Houghton options to purchase 818,146 shares of our common stock under our Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (“Stock Incentive Plan”) with an exercise price of $3.125 per share. These options vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. 543,516 of these options were forfeited in accordance to the terms of his separation and general release agreement.
(8)Represents the total bonus paid to Mr. Houghton in connection with the in-licensing of product candidates under the terms of the Original Houghton Employment Agreement.
(9)Mr. Lenz became our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Treasurer in February 2010, our Secretary in January 2011 and our Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) in January 2012. In April 2012, Mr. Lenz resigned as the Company’s CFO, Treasurer, Secretary and COO. In connection with his resignation, Mr. Lenz and the Company entered into a Memorandum of Understanding in May 2012, as described below under Employment Agreements and Arrangement.

 

31
 

  

(10)Mr. Lenz received a cash bonus of $10,000 in May 2010 related to the closing of the IPO, a $15,000 guaranteed bonus in December 2010, and a 2010 discretionary performance bonus of $59,760 in January 2011, each pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.
(11)On March 30, 2010, we granted Mr. Lenz options to purchase 326,492 shares of our common stock under the Stock Incentive Plan with an exercise price of $3.125 per share. These options vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.
(12)Dr. Houser served as our Chief Medical Officer until February 2011.
(13)Dr. Houser received a 2010 discretionary performance bonus of $51,084 in March 2011, pursuant to the terms of his employment agreement.
(14)On March 30, 2010, we granted Dr. Houser options to purchase 326,492 shares of our common stock under the Stock Incentive Plan with an exercise price of $3.125 per share. These options have been forfeited in accordance to the terms of his employment agreement.

(15)On May 2, 2012, the Company appointed Mr. Milby as Chief Operating Officer, pursuant to a consulting agreement with MW Bridges LLC, of which Mr. Milby is Managing Partner. Pursuant to such consulting agreement, MW Bridges LLC receives a monthly retainer of $6,400 in exchange for Mr. Milby’s services.

 

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

 

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis discusses the principles underlying our compensation policies and decisions and the principal elements of compensation paid to our named executive officers during 2011 and as anticipated for 2012. Our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer included in the Summary Compensation Table will be referred to as the “named executive officers” for purposes of this discussion.

 

Compensation Objectives and Philosophy

 

The Compensation Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving the compensation payable to our named executive officers and other key employees. As part of such process, the Compensation Committee seeks to accomplish the following objectives with respect to our executive compensation programs:

 

  · motivate, recruit and retain executives capable of meeting our strategic objectives;

  · provide incentives to ensure superior executive performance and successful financial results for CorMedix; and

  · align the interests of the named executive officers with the long-term interests of our stockholders.

 

The Compensation Committee seeks to achieve these objectives by:

 

  · establishing a compensation structure that is both market competitive and internally fair;

  · linking a substantial portion of compensation to our achievement of financial objectives and the individual’s contribution to the attainment of those objectives;

  · providing upward leverage for overachievement of goals; and

  · providing long-term equity-based incentives.

 

In order to achieve the above goals, our total compensation package includes base salary and annual bonus, all paid in cash, as well as long-term compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stock. We believe that appropriately balancing the total compensation package is necessary in order to provide market-competitive compensation. 

 

Setting Executive Compensation

 

The Compensation Committee oversees the design, development and implementation of the compensation program for the Chief Executive Officer and the other named executive officers. The Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and determines the Chief Executive Officer’s compensation in light of the goals and objectives of the compensation program. The Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee together assess the performance of the other named executive officers employed by us as of December 31 and determine their compensation, based on initial recommendations from the Chief Executive Officer. Our Interim Chief Executive Officer provided the Compensation Committee with a detailed review of the performance of the other named executive officers and made recommendations to the Compensation Committee with respect to the compensation packages for those officers for 2011.

 

32
 

 

The other named executive officers do not play a role in their own compensation determination, other than discussing individual performance objectives and results with the Chief Executive Officer.

 

We have not used the services of any compensation consultant in matters affecting the compensation of named executive officers or Directors during 2011. In the future, we, or the Compensation Committee, may engage or seek the advice of a compensation consultant.

 

The Compensation Committee has structured our annual and long-term incentive-based cash and non-cash executive compensation to motivate executives to achieve the business goals set by the Board and rewards the executives for achieving such goals. At the end of the year, the Compensation Committee reviews the performance of each named executive officer in achieving the established objectives. These results are included with the overall performance review provided by the Chief Executive Officer, after which the Committee votes upon any recommendations for salary adjustments, stock option grants and cash incentives. The Chief Executive Officer then executes the actions recommended by the Compensation Committee with respect to such matters.

 

Components of Compensation

 

The key components of CorMedix’s executive compensation package are cash compensation (salary & annual bonuses), long-term equity incentive awards and change in control and other severance agreements. These components are administered with the goal of providing total compensation that recognizes meaningful differences in individual performance, is competitive, varies the opportunity based on individual and corporate performance, and is valued by our named executive officers.

 

Base Salary.

 

It is the Compensation Committee’s objective to set a competitive rate of annual base salary for each named executive officer. The Compensation Committee believes competitive base salaries are necessary to attract and retain top quality executives, since it is common practice for public companies to provide their named executive officers with a guaranteed annual component of compensation that is not subject to performance risk. The Compensation Committee works with outside consultants as necessary to establish salary ranges for the named executive officers, with minimum to maximum opportunities that cover the normal range of market variability. The actual base salary for each named executive officer is then derived from those salary ranges based on his responsibility, tenure and past performance and market comparability. Annual base salaries for the named executive officers are reviewed and approved by the Committee in the first quarter following the end of the previous performance year. Changes in base salary are based on the scope of an individual’s current job responsibilities, individual performance in the previous performance year, target pay position relative to the peer group, and our salary budget guidelines. The Compensation Committee reviews established goals and objectives, and determines an individual’s achievement of those goals and objectives and considers the recommendations provided by the Chief Executive Officer to assist it in determining appropriate salaries for the named executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer. For any given performance year, actual salary increases may range from 0% to 10% of the salary guidelines based on individual performance. This broad range allows for meaningful differentiation on a pay for performance basis.

 

The base salary information for our named executive officers for 2011 is set forth in the tables above. As a result of the Company’s financial condition, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that no merit increases be granted to our named executive officers for 2012.

 

Annual Bonuses.

 

As part of their compensation package, our named executive officers have the opportunity to earn annual bonuses. Annual bonuses are designed to reward superior executive performance while reinforcing our short-term strategic operating goals. Pursuant to the individual employment agreements, the Committee establishes each year a target award for each named executive officer based on a percentage of base salary. Annual bonus targets as a percentage of salary increase with executive rank so that for the more senior executives, a greater proportion of their total cash compensation is contingent upon annual performance.

 

33
 

 

At the beginning of the performance year, each named executive officer, in conjunction with the Chief Executive Officer, establishes annual goals and objectives. Actual bonus awards are based on an assessment against the pre-established goals for each named executive officer’s individual performance, the performance of the business function for which he is responsible, and/or our overall performance for the year. For any given performance year, proposed annual bonuses may range from 0% to 100% of target, or higher under certain circumstances, based on corporate and individual performance. Corporate and individual performance has a significant impact on the annual bonus amounts because the Compensation Committee believes it is a precise measure of how the named executive officer contributed to business results.

 

2011 Performance Measures and Payouts—In 2011, annual bonus targets ranged from 30% to 40% of base salary for the named executive officers and were payable based on the Compensation Committee’s subjective review of both the performance of CorMedix as well as individual performance. The Compensation Committee utilizes annual bonuses to compensate officers for achieving financial and operational goals and for achieving individual annual performance objectives. These objectives will vary depending on the individual executive, but will relate generally to (i) operational goals such as the development of our product candidates and the identification and advancement of additional product candidates, (ii) strategic goals such as the establishment of operating plans and budgets, review of organization and staff, and (iii) the enhancement of stockholder value.

 

For each of our named executive officers for 2011, the Compensation Committee has provided the following corporate performance targets, as well as the weighting of each component as a percentage of such named executive officer’s target bonus amount:

 

   Weighting of Components as a 
Percentage of Target Bonus
 
Performance Milestone:  John C.
Houghton
   Brian
Lenz
   Mark A.
Klausner
 
             
· Advance product candidates’ development by specific dates.   72.5%   60%   80%
· Meet defined finance objectives by a specific date.   15%   25%   10%
· Meet defined business development objectives by a specific date.   10%   10%   - 
· Implement quality management system for CE Marking approval.   2.5%   5%   10%

 

For the 2011 awards, the potential payout may range from 0–100% of target, or higher under certain circumstances. The Compensation Committee has also retained the discretion to reduce the dollar amount of the awards otherwise payable to the named executive officers.

 

  At the end of each year, the Compensation Committee determines the level of achievement with respect to each corporate goal, and decides the overall percent of corporate goal achievement for purposes of annual bonuses. For this assessment, the Compensation Committee evaluates the status of CorMedix’s development programs and clinical progress, corporate development and regulatory compliance activities. These qualitative factors are also typically used by comparable companies to evaluate performance and involve a subjective assessment of corporate performance by the Compensation Committee. Moreover, the Compensation Committee does not base its considerations on a single performance factor, but rather considers a mix of factors and evaluates company and individual performance against that mix. The Chief Executive Officer provides written evaluations for the named executive officers, other than himself, to the Compensation Committee along with his recommendations for each individual performance factor. The Compensation Committee reviews the performance and assessment of each named executive officer and then evaluates the Chief Executive Officer and assigns a weight to each individual achievement factor.

 

34
 

 

The table below details 2011 annual bonus targets for each of our named executives.

 

Name   Title   2011 
Target 
Bonus ($)
    2011 
Target 
Bonus 
(% Salary)
    2011 
Actual 
Bonus ($)
    2011 
Actual 
Bonus 
(% Salary)
 

John C. Houghton (1)

 

  Previous President and Chief Executive Officer   $ 140,000       40 %      (1 )      (1

Brian Lenz 

 

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer   $ 75,000       30 %      (3      (3
Mark A. Klausner (2)   Chief Medical Officer   $ 90,417       35 %      (3      (3

 

  (1) On September 30 2011, the Company announced that is mutually agreed with John C. Houghton not to renew Mr. Houghton’s employment agreement and to enter into a separation agreement. As a result of the separation agreement, Mr. Houghton did not receive a 2011 bonus.

 

  (2) Dr. Klausner became the Company’s Chief Medical Officer on March 1, 2012 and was eligible for a prorated bonus for 2011.

 

  (3) As a result of the Company’s financial condition, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee determined not to grant a bonus to the named executive officers for 2011.

 

2012 Performance Measures—As in 2011, annual bonuses for 2012, if any, will be based on achievement of pre-established company objectives and individual goals for each named executive officer and, for each named executive officer other than the Chief Executive Officer, a subjective review of that individual’s performance. Corporate performance targets may include such measures as strategic plan metrics while individual performance targets may include operational and financial metrics, regulatory compliance metrics, and delivery of specific programs, plans, and budgetary objectives identified and documented at the beginning of each year. It is the Committee’s intention to base a greater percentage of the annual award payout on corporate as opposed to individual performance for higher level executives.

 

For each of our named executive officers for 2012, the Compensation Committee has provided the following corporate performance targets, as well as the weighting of each component as a percentage of such named executive officer’s target bonus amount:  

    Weighting of Components as a 
Percentage of Target Bonus
 
Performance Milestone:     Brian Lenz                  
                         
· Meet defined finance objectives by a specific date.     20%                  
· Coordinate and implement a quality management system for Stage 2 audit by the end of the first half 2012.     20%                  
· Meet defined business development and/or distributor strategic plan to achieve an executed agreement by December 31, 2012.     30%                  
· Meet defined budgeted financial and operational objectives by a specific date.     30%                  

 

For the 2012 awards, the potential payout may range from 0 – 100% of target, or higher under certain circumstances. The Compensation Committee has also retained the discretion to reduce the dollar amount of the awards otherwise payable to the named executive officers.

 

The table below shows the dollar amount of the 2011 and 2012 annual target bonus for each named executive officer, together with percentage of base salary represented by that target:

 

Name  Title  2011 Target 
Bonus ($)
   2011 Target 
Bonus 
(% Salary)
   2012 Target 
Bonus ($)
   2012 Target 
Bonus 
(% Salary)
 

John C.

Houghton (1)

  Previous President and Chief Executive Officer  $140,000    40%  $-    - 
Brian Lenz(2)  Previous Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer  $75,000    30%  $-    - 
Richard M. Cohen(3)  Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer  $-    -   $-    - 

Mark A.

Klausner, M.D. (4)

  Chief Medical Officer  $90,417    35%  $54,250    35%

 

 

35
 

 

(1) On September 30 2011, the Company announced that it mutually agreed with John C. Houghton not to renew Mr. Houghton’s employment agreement and to enter into a separation agreement. As a result of the separation agreement, Mr. Houghton did not receive a 2011 bonus.

(2) On March 20, 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors awarded Brian Lenz a $25,000 cash bonus, contingent upon, among other things, Mr. Lenz’s continued employment.  Effective April 30, 2012, Mr. Lenz resigned as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.  As such, no cash bonus was paid to Mr. Lenz.
(3) Richard M. Cohen is not eligible to receive a bonus in 2012.

(4) On March 1, 2012, Dr. Klausner and the Company amended his employment agreement resulting in a fifty percent (50%) reduction in both Dr. Klausner’s services to the Company and his compensation.

 

As a result of the Company’s financial condition, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee determined not to grant a bonus to the named executive officers for 2011.

  

Long-Term Incentive Equity Awards. We believe that long-term performance is achieved through an ownership culture that encourages high performance by our named executive officers through the use of stock-based awards. Our equity plans have been established to provide our employees, including our named executive officers, with incentives to help align employees’ interests with the interests of our stockholders. The Compensation Committee believes that the use of stock-based awards offers the best approach to achieving our compensation goals. We have historically elected to use stock options as the primary long-term equity incentive vehicle; however, the Committee has used restricted stock and may in the future utilize restricted stock as part of our long-term incentive program. We have selected the Black-Scholes method of valuation for share-based compensation effective July 28, 2006. Due to the early stage of our business and our desire to preserve cash, we expect to provide a greater portion of total compensation to our named executive officers through stock options and restricted stock grants than through cash-based compensation.

 

Stock Options. Our stock plans authorize us to grant options to purchase shares of Common Stock to our employees, Directors and consultants. The Compensation Committee generally oversees the administration of our stock option plans.

 

The Compensation Committee reviews and approves stock option awards to named executive officers based upon a review of competitive compensation data, its assessment of individual performance, a review of each named executive officer’s existing long-term incentives, and retention considerations. Periodic stock option grants are made at the discretion of the Compensation Committee to eligible employees and, in appropriate circumstances, the Compensation Committee considers the recommendations of members of management, such as Richard M. Cohen, our Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer.

 

In 2010 and 2011, certain named executive officers were awarded stock options in the amounts included in the Grants of Plan-Based Awards table. Stock options granted by us have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our Common Stock on the day of grant, typically vest annually over a three-year period or upon the achievement of certain performance-based milestones and are based upon continued employment, and generally expire ten (10) years after the date of grant. The fair value of the options granted to the named executive officers in the Summary Compensation Table is determined in accordance with the Black-Scholes method of valuation for share-based compensation. The Compensation Committee has also granted performance based options to certain of our named executive officers. Incentive stock options also include certain other terms necessary to ensure compliance with the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

We expect to continue to use stock options as a long-term incentive vehicle because:

 

  · Stock options align the interests of our named executive officers with those of our stockholders, supporting a pay-for performance culture, foster employee stock ownership, and focus the management team on increasing value for our stockholders.
  · Stock options are performance-based. All of the value received by the recipient of a stock option is based on the growth of the stock price.

 

36
 

 

  · Stock options help to provide a balance to the overall executive compensation program as base salary and annual bonuses focus on the short–term compensation, while the vesting of stock options increases stockholder value over the longer term.
  · The vesting period of stock options encourages executive retention and the preservation of stockholder value. In determining the number of stock options to be granted to our named executive officers, we take into account the individual’s position, scope of responsibility, ability to affect profits and stockholder value and the individual’s historic and recent performance and the value of stock options in relation to other elements of the individual named executive officer’s total compensation.

 

Restricted Stock. Our 2006 Equity Incentive Plan authorizes us to grant restricted stock. No restricted stock grants were awarded during 2011. In order to implement our long-term incentive goals, we anticipate that we may grant shares of restricted stock in the future.

 

Executive Benefits and Perquisites

 

Our named executive officers, who are parties to employment agreements, will continue to be parties to such employment agreements in their current form until the expiration of the employment agreement or until such time as the Compensation Committee determines in its discretion that revisions to such employment agreements are advisable. In addition, consistent with our compensation philosophy, we intend to continue to maintain our current benefits for our named executive officers, including medical, dental and life insurance and the ability to contribute to a 401(k) plan; however, the Compensation Committee in its discretion may revise, amend or add to the officer’s executive benefits if it deems it advisable. We believe these benefits are currently comparable to benefit levels for comparable companies. We have no current plans to change either the employment agreements (except as required by law or as required to clarify the benefits to which our named executive officers are entitled as set forth herein) or level of benefits.

 

Severance and Change in Control Arrangements

 

The specific terms of our severance and change in control arrangements are discussed in detail below under the headings “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control” and “Employment Agreements.” As a general matter, however, we believe that reasonable severance and change in control protection for our named executive officers is necessary in order for us to recruit and retain qualified executives.

 

Equity Grant Policy

 

All grants to our named executive officers are at the discretion of the Board, following review and input by the Committee.

 

IRC Section 162(m) compliance

 

Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), generally disallows a tax deduction to public companies for certain compensation in excess of $1 million paid to our named executive officers. Certain compensation, including qualified performance-based compensation, will not be subject to the deduction limit if certain requirements are met. In general, our compensation program is designed to reward executives for the achievement of our performance objectives. The stock plan is designed in a manner intended to comply with the performance-based exception to Section 162(m). Nevertheless, compensation attributable to awards granted under the plans may not be treated as qualified performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). In addition, the Committee considers it important to retain flexibility to design compensation programs that are in the best interests of CorMedix and its stockholders and, to this end, the Committee reserves the right to use its judgment to authorize compensation payments that may be subject to the limitations under Section 162(m) when the Committee believes that compensation is appropriate and in the best interests of CorMedix and our stockholders, after taking into consideration changing business conditions and performance of our employees.

 

37
 

 

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

 

No member of the Compensation Committee was at any time during the year ended December 31, 2011 or at any other time an officer or employee of ours. No executive officer has served as a director or member of the Board or the Compensation Committee (or other committee serving an equivalent function) of any other entity while an executive officer of that other entity served as a director of or member of our Board or our Compensation Committee. Mr. Cohen, our Executive Chairman of the Board, and our Interim Chief Executive Officer participated in discussions and decisions regarding salaries and incentive compensation for all of our named executive officers, except he was excluded from discussions regarding his own salary and incentive stock compensation. 

 

Compensation Committee Report

 

The Compensation Committee evaluates and establishes compensation for the named executive officers, CorMedix’s stock plans, and other management incentive, benefit and perquisite programs. Management has the primary responsibility for our financial statements, including the disclosure of executive compensation. With this in mind, the Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. The Compensation Committee is satisfied that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis fairly and completely represents the philosophy, intent, and actions of the Compensation Committee with regard to executive compensation. The Compensation Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Compensation Committee

 

Timothy Hofer (Chair)

Dr. Antony Pfaffle

 

Employment Agreements and Arrangements

 

Mark A. Klausner

 

On February 25, 2011, we entered into an employment agreement with Mark A. Klausner, M.D., the Company’s new CMO (the “Klausner Employment Agreement”). Pursuant to the Klausner Employment Agreement, Dr. Klausner will serve as the Company’s CMO for an initial term of two years commencing on March 1, 2011, which term will extend automatically for additional one-year periods unless appropriate notice is given by one of the parties. Dr. Klausner will receive an annual base salary of $310,000, and will be eligible for annual bonus payments of up to 35% of his base salary, based upon the achievement of certain milestones as established annually by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, in consultation with the Board and Dr. Klausner. Additionally, pursuant to the Klausner Employment Agreement, on March 1, 2011, we granted Dr. Klausner options to purchase 356,000 shares of our common stock under the Stock Incentive Plan with an exercise price of $1.61 per share. These options vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. On February 29, 2012, the Company and Dr. Klausner agreed to amend Dr. Klausner’s employment agreement effective March 1, 2012 which provides for a fifty percent (50%) reduction in both Dr. Klausner’s services to the Company and his compensation.

 

On February 29, 2012, the Company and Dr. Mark A. Klausner, the Company’s Chief Medical Officer, agreed to amend Dr. Klausner’s employment agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) in order to reduce the Company’s overhead expenditures and help achieve the Company’s strategic focus of achieving CE Mark approval for the Company’s Neutrolin® product candidate. The amendment to the Employment Agreement (the “Amendment”), effective as of March 1, 2012, provides for a fifty percent (50%) reduction in both Dr. Klausner’s services to the Company and his compensation. Pursuant to the Amendment, the Company shall pay Dr. Klausner an annual base salary equal to $155,000 (the “Base Salary”) and, at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors of the Company, the Company shall pay Dr. Klausner an additional cash bonus each calendar year during the Term (as defined below) in an amount equal to up to 35% of the aggregate Base Salary. The Amendment maintained the term of the Employment Agreement (the “Term”), which commenced on March 1, 2011 and shall continue for two (2) years, unless earlier terminated. Except as discussed above, the terms and conditions of the Employment Agreement shall otherwise remain in full force and effect.

 

38
 

 

John C. Houghton

 

On September 30, 2011, the Company entered into a separation and general release agreement with John C. Houghton, the Company's then President and Chief Executive Officer. The separation and release agreement provided, among other things, Mr. Houghton a continuation of base salary for four months of approximately $118,000; a continuation of Mr. Houghton's health insurance benefits on the same terms and conditions as in effect prior to the separation date through March 31, 2012, resulting in a charge of approximately $21,000; an extension of the period of time in which Mr. Houghton may exercise certain previously granted and vested stock options from ninety (90) days to two and one-half (2.5) years and a waiver and release by Mr. Houghton of any and all claims that he may have against the Company. In addition, Mr. Houghton provided certain transition services to the Company on an as-needed basis through the end of 2011. Also, effective as of September 30, 2011, Mr. Houghton resigned as a member of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

Brian Lenz

 

On March 20, 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of CorMedix, awarded Brian Lenz, the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, a cash bonus in the amount of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000)(the “Bonus”). Payment of the Bonus shall be contingent upon (i) the closing of a financing by the Company on or before December 31, 2012 with gross proceeds to the Company equal to or in excess $1.5 million, including the issuance by the Company of equity, debt or any combination thereof (the “Financing”); and (ii) Mr. Lenz’s continued employment. On April 30, 2012, Mr. Lenz resigned as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. As such no bonus was paid to Mr. Lenz.

 

The Compensation Committee also granted Mr. Lenz an award of stock options to purchase 180,000 shares of common stock of the Company. The stock options were granted on March 20, 2012 (the “Grant Date”) pursuant to, and subject to, the terms of the Company’s Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The stock options (i) have a 10-year term, and (ii) have an exercise price of $0.49 per share, being the closing sale price of the Company’s common stock, as reported on the NYSE Amex on the Grant Date. The stock options will vest in accordance with the following schedule:

 

·25% on March 20, 2012, the date of grant, which were fully expensed;
·25% on the closing of a financing by the Company with gross proceeds in excess of $1.5 million which includes either the issuance of equity, debt or any combination thereof, with an expectation by the Company, that it is probable that such objective will be achieved and the Company is expensing the vesting of such options through the end of 2012;
·25% vest upon CE Mark approval for CRMD003 (Neutrolin®), with an expectation by the Company that it is probable that such objective will be achieved and the Company is expensing the vesting of such options through the end of 2012, and;
·25% vest upon the launch of Neutrolin® in Europe, provided, however, that each of the events described above occur on or before December 31, 2012, for which the Company has not determined if such options will vest by year end 2012 which will occur only if and until CE Marking is achieved, as such the Company has not recognized any expense for such options.

 

The Bonus and stock options were awarded in the discretion of the Compensation Committee.

 

On March 22, 2012, the Company and Mr. Lenz entered into Amendment No. 2 to Mr. Lenz’s employment agreement, dated as of February 4, 2010 and amended on January 14, 2011, whereby upon a Change in Control (as defined in the Agreement), if Mr. Lenz's employment is terminated by the Company (or its successor) within two (2) months prior to or six (6) months following the occurrence of a Change of Control, then the Company (or its successor, as applicable) shall continue to pay Mr. Lenz's Base Salary and benefits for a period of six (6) months following the termination.

 

39
 

 

On April 27, 2012, in connection with Mr. Lenz's resignation as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer effective April 30, 2012, the Company and Mr. Lenz entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (the "MOU") on May 2, 2012 whereby Mr. Lenz provided certain transition services to the Company through May 31, 2012, and remained reasonably available to the Company, as requested from time to time by the Company from and after May 31, 2012. In exchange for providing such services to the Company, the Company agreed to compensate Mr. Lenz in the amount of $10,417, less applicable taxes and withholdings, in accordance with the regular payroll processing of the Company. Additionally, in consideration of Mr. Lenz's execution of the MOU and performance of the undertakings contained therein, on May 1, 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved an extension of Mr. Lenz's right to exercise his 45,000 vested stock options (the "Options") through and including May 31, 2014, in accordance with the terms of the Company's Plan. The Options granted to Mr. Lenz on March 20, 2012 have an exercise price of $0.49. Mr. Lenz will have 90 days to exercise any other remaining vested options from April 30, 2012, with unvested options being forfeited effective April 30, 2012.

 

Randy Milby

 

On May 2, 2012, the Company appointed Mr. Milby as Chief Operating Officer pursuant to a three-month consulting agreement with MW Bridges LLC, of which Mr. Milby is Managing Partner. As the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Milby renders services to the Company as directed by the Executive Chairman, Interim CEO and Interim CFO. MW Bridges LLC receives a consulting fee of $6,400 per month for Mr. Milby’s services. Additionally, MW Bridges LLC was granted stock options to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $0.29 per share. Such stock options will vest upon CE Mark approval for the Company’s Neutrolin product candidate. As of the date hereof, Mr. Milby is consulting on a month to month basis.

 

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

 

Brian Lenz

 

Pursuant to the Mr. Lenz’s employment agreement, if we terminate Mr. Lenz as a result of his death or disability, Mr. Lenz, or his estate, as applicable, will receive his base salary for a period of three months following his death or disability, and all unvested restricted shares and stock options held by Mr. Lenz that are scheduled to vest on or before the next anniversary of the effective date of the Lenz Employment Agreement will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. If we terminate Mr. Lenz for cause or Mr. Lenz terminates his employment other than for good reason, Mr. Lenz will receive his base salary through the date of termination. If we terminate Mr. Lenz within two months prior to or six months following the occurrence of a change of control, then the Company (or its successor, as applicable) shall continue to pay Mr. Lenz’s Base Salary (as defined in the Agreement) and benefits for a period of six (6) months following the termination and all unvested restricted shares and stock options held by Mr. Lenz will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. If we terminate Mr. Lenz for reasons other than those stated above or Mr. Lenz terminates his employment for good reason, Mr. Lenz will receive his base salary and benefits for a period of six months following his termination, and all unvested restricted shares and stock options that are scheduled to vest within the next year will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. On March 22, 2012, the Company and Mr. Lenz entered into Amendment No. 2 to Mr. Lenz’s employment agreement, dated as of February 4, 2010 and amended on January 14, 2011, whereby upon a Change in Control (as defined in the Agreement), if Mr. Lenz's employment is terminated by the Company (or its successor) within two (2) months prior to or six (6) months following the occurrence of a Change of Control, then the Company (or its successor, as applicable) shall continue to pay Mr. Lenz's Base Salary and benefits for a period of six (6) months following the termination. On April 27, 2012, Mr. Lenz's resigned as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer effective April 30, 2012, as described above.

 

40
 

 

Mark A. Klausner

 

Pursuant to the Klausner Employment Agreement, if the Company terminates Dr. Klausner as a result of his death or Disability (as defined under the Klausner Employment Agreement), Dr. Klausner or his estate, as applicable, will receive his base salary and any accrued but unpaid benefits through the termination date (the “Accrued Compensation”), plus his base salary for a period of 90 days, and all his unvested restricted shares and stock options that are scheduled to vest on or before the next succeeding anniversary of March 1, 2011 will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. If the Company terminates Dr. Klausner for Cause (as defined under the Klausner Employment Agreement), if Dr. Klausner terminates his employment other than for Good Reason (as defined under the Klausner Employment Agreement), or if Dr. Klausner’s employment terminates by expiration of the term of the Klausner Employment Agreement, Dr. Klausner will receive the Accrued Compensation only. If the Company terminates Dr. Klausner within two months prior to or six months following the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined under the Klausner Employment Agreement), and on the date of termination the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on a fully-diluted basis is more than $50 million (as determined by the Board in good faith), Dr. Klausner will receive the Accrued Compensation, his base salary and benefits for a period of three months following his termination, and all his unvested restricted shares and stock options will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. If the Company terminates Dr. Klausner for reasons other than those stated above or Dr. Klausner terminates his employment for Good Reason, Dr. Klausner will receive the Accrued Compensation and his base salary and benefits for a period of six months following his termination, and all his unvested restricted shares and stock options that are scheduled to vest within the 12 months following his termination will be accelerated and vest as of the termination date. On February 29, 2012, the Company and Dr. Klausner agreed to amend Dr. Klausner’s employment agreement effective March 1, 2012 which provides for a fifty percent (50%) reduction in both Dr. Klausner’s services to the Company and his compensation.

 

The following table shows the potential payments upon death or disability, termination, resignation or a change of control of CorMedix for each of the named executive officers. For purposes of disclosure, with respect to Brian Lenz and Mark Klausner, M.D., the table assumes that the death or disability, termination, resignation or a change of control occurred as of December 31, 2011. With respect to John C. Houghton, the table below reflects his termination as the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer on September 30, 2011.

 

Name  

Executive Benefits

and Payments

Upon

Termination

  Death or
Disability
($)
    Termination
for Cause or
Resignation
($)
   

Termination by Company
Without Cause or in

Connection With Change
in Control,

or by Executive For Good
Reason ($)

   

Termination by Executive
in Connection

With Change in

Control ($)

 
John C. Houghton(1)   Base Salary     -       -       116,667       -  
    Bonus     -       -       -       -  
    Stock Options/Restricted Stock Accelerated(2)     -       -       -       -  
    Health Care Continuation     -       -       21,435       -  
    Life Insurance Benefits(3)     -       -       -       -  
                                     
Brian Lenz(4)   Base Salary     62,500       -       125,000       125,000  
    Bonus     -       -       -       -  
    Stock Options/Restricted     -       -       -       -  
    Stock Accelerated(2)     -       -       -       -  
    Health Care Continuation     10,500       -       21,000       21,000  
    Life Insurance Benefits(3)     100,000       -       -       -  
                                     
Mark Klausner, M.D.   Base Salary     38,750       -       77,500       38,750  
  Bonus     -       -       -       -  
    Stock Options/Restricted     -       -       -       -  
    Stock Accelerated(2)     -       -       -       -  
    Health Care Continuation     1,500       -       3,000       3,000  
    Life Insurance Benefits(3)     100,000       -       -       -  
TOTAL ($)         313,250       -       364,602       187,750  

 

(1) On September 30 2011, the Company announced that it mutually agreed with John C. Houghton not to renew Mr. Houghton’s employment agreement and to enter into a separation agreement. As part of the separation agreement, Mr. Houghton was provided an extension from ninety days to two and one half (2.5) years to exercise his vested options.
(2) Represents the intrinsic value of the options or restricted stock as of December 31, 2011 (the difference between the market value of $0.28 as of December 31, 2011 and the exercise price).
(3) Pursuant to our current benefit plans, each named executive officer would receive a $50,000 death benefit plus an additional $50,000 for an accidental death or a maximum benefit of $100,000.
(4) In connection with Mr. Lenz's resignation as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer effective April 30, 2012, the Company and Mr. Lenz entered into a MOU on May 2, 2012 whereby Mr. Lenz provided certain transition services to the Company through May 31, 2012, and remained reasonably available to the Company, as requested from time to time by the Company from and after May 31, 2012.  In exchange for providing such services to the Company, the Company agreed to compensate Mr. Lenz in the amount of $10,417, less applicable taxes and withholdings, in accordance with the regular payroll processing of the Company.  Additionally, in consideration of Mr. Lenz's execution of the MOU and performance of the undertakings contained therein, on May 1, 2012, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company approved an extension of Mr. Lenz's right to exercise his 45,000 vested stock options through and including May 31, 2014, in accordance with the terms of the Company's Plan.

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

 

The following table presents information regarding unexercised options for each named executive officer as of the end of the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011:

 

   Option Awards 
Name  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(#)
exercisable
   Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(#)
unexercisable
   Option
exercise
price
($)
   Option
expiration
date
John C. Houghton (1)   1,915    -    8.23   3/31/2014
    -    272,715    3.125   3/31/2014
Brian Lenz (2)   108,831    217,661    3.125   3/30/2020
Mark A. Klausner, M.D. (3)   -    356,000    3.125   3/1/2021

 

 

 

(1)On September 30, 2011, we entered into a separation agreement with Mr. Houghton and as part of the separation Mr. Houghton is entitled to purchase 1,915 shares of common stock (15,000 shares prior to the 1 for 7.836 reverse stock split effected on February 24, 2010) and 272,715 shares of common stock under the Stock Incentive Plan.

 

(2)On March 30, 2010, we granted Mr. Lenz options to purchase 326,492 shares of our common stock under the Stock Incentive Plan, which options vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date. These options were forfeited or expired when Mr. Lenz resigned from the Company.

 

(3)On March 1, 2011, we granted Dr. Klausner options to purchase 356,000 shares of our common stock under the Stock Incentive Plan, which options vest in equal installments on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date.

 

Employee Benefit and Stock Plans

 

Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan

 

The purpose of the Stock Incentive Plan is to promote our long-term success by attracting, motivating and retaining our directors, officers, employees, advisors and consultants and others providing services to us and our affiliates through the use of competitive long-term incentives that are tied to stockholder value. The Stock Incentive Plan seeks to balance the interest of participants in the Stock Incentive Plan and our stockholders by providing incentives in the form of stock options, restricted stock, performance awards, and stock appreciation rights, as well as other stock-based awards relating to our common stock, to be granted under the Stock Incentive Plan and consistent with the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan.

 

As of June 30, 2012, no shares of common stock, and stock options to purchase 1,353,292 shares of common stock, are outstanding under the Stock Incentive Plan. As of June 30, 2012, 946,708 shares of common stock remain authorized for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan.

 

41
 

 

Administration

 

The Stock Incentive Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee, which consists of two or more non-employee directors, each of whom is intended to be, to the extent required by Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, a non-employee director under Rule 16b-3 and an outside director under Section 162(m), or if no committee exists, the Board. The Compensation Committee has the full authority to administer and interpret the Stock Incentive Plan and to take any other actions and make all other determinations that it deems necessary or appropriate in connection with the Stock Incentive Plan or the administration or interpretation thereof, including but not limited to the establishment of performance-based criteria for each person eligible to receive awards under the Stock Incentive Plan.

 

Eligibility and Types of Awards

 

Our employees, directors, consultants, advisors and other independent contractors who provide services to us are eligible to be granted awards under the Stock Incentive Plan, including options, restricted stock, performance awards and other awards.

 

Available Shares

 

Subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a maximum of 2,300,000 shares of our common stock may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, subject to adjustment upon certain corporate transactions or events, a participant may not receive awards with respect to more than 300,000 shares of common stock in any year, except that this restriction did not apply to options granted upon the completion of the IPO. If an option or other award granted under the Stock Incentive Plan expires or terminates, the shares subject to any portion of the award that expires or terminates without having been exercised or paid, as the case may be, will again become available for the issuance of additional awards. Unless previously terminated by the Board, no new award may be granted under the Stock Incentive Plan after the tenth anniversary of the date that such plan was initially approved by our stockholders.

 

Awards Under the Stock Incentive Plan

 

Stock Options.  The terms of specific options, including whether options will constitute “incentive stock options” for purposes of Section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue Code, will be determined by the Compensation Committee. The exercise price of an option will be determined by the Compensation Committee. The exercise price may not be lower than 100% (110% in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder) of the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant. Each option will be exercisable for such period set by the Compensation Committee, which will generally not exceed ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of an incentive stock option granted to a 10% stockholder). Options will be exercisable at such times and subject to such terms as determined by the Compensation Committee.

 

Restricted Stock.  Restricted stock consists of shares of common stock granted under the Stock Incentive Plan, in such form and on such terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee. Such terms or conditions may include, without limitation, restrictions on the sale, assignment, transfer or other disposition or encumbrance of such shares during a restricted period established by the Compensation Committee and that such shares are deemed forfeited upon the award recipient’s failure to satisfy certain requirements within the restricted period. The Compensation Committee may, at any time and in its sole discretion, shorten or terminate any restricted period, or waive any conditions for the lapse or termination of restrictions with respect to all or any portion of a restricted stock award. The grant of any restricted stock will be evidenced by an award agreement. Except as provided in such award agreement, restricted stock will cease to vest on the date the recipient’s employment with or service to us or a subsidiary terminates, and any shares of restricted stock that are not vested as of termination such date shall be forfeited.

 

42
 

 

Performance Awards.  A performance award confers upon its recipient certain rights payable to or exercisable by its recipient, in whole or in part, as determined by the Compensation Committee, and conditioned upon the achievement of performance criteria determined by the Compensation Committee. Performance goals established by the Compensation Committee are based on objectively determinable performance goals selected by the Compensation Committee that apply to an individual or group of individuals, or us as a whole, over a performance period designated by the Compensation Committee. A performance award must be denominated in shares of common stock and may be payable in cash, shares of common stock, other awards under the Stock Incentive Plan, or any combination thereof.

 

Change in Control

 

Upon the occurrence of a change in control (as defined under the Stock Incentive Plan), except to the extent otherwise provided in a particular participant’s award agreement (as defined under the Stock Incentive Plan), all awards shall become fully vested and, with respect to any award that is an option or stock appreciation right, exercisable in full. Each participant will be afforded an opportunity to exercise his or her options or stock appreciation rights immediately prior to the occurrence of the change in control (and conditioned upon the consummation of the change in control) so he or she can participate in the transaction if he or she desires.

 

Amendment and Termination

 

The Board may amend the Stock Incentive Plan as it deems advisable, except that it may not amend the Stock Incentive Plan in any way that would adversely affect a participant with respect to an award previously granted. In addition, the Board may not amend the Stock Incentive Plan without shareholder approval if such approval is then required pursuant to Section 162(m) or 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, the regulations promulgated thereunder or the rules of any stock exchange or similar regulatory body.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following table sets forth information with respect to compensation earned by or awarded to each of our non-executive directors who served on the Board during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011:

 

Name  Fees Earned
($)
  

Option
Awards(1)(2)

($)

   Total
($)
 
Bamdad Bastani, Ph.D.(3)   19,500    -    19,500 
Richard M. Cohen(4)   31,500    50,900    82,400 
Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D.   40,500    50,900    91,400 
Timothy M. Hofer   40,500    50,900    91,400 
Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D.   59,000    50,900    109,900 
Steven Lefkowitz(5)   18,917    26,700    45,617 
Matthew Duffy(6)   2,667    6,700    9,367 

 

(1)On January 14, 2011, each of our non-executive directors was granted options to purchase 30,000 shares of our common stock.

 

(2)The amounts included in this column are the dollar amounts representing the full grant date fair value of each stock option award calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 and do not represent the actual value that may be recognized by the directors upon option exercise. For information on the valuation assumptions used in calculating this amount, see Note 2 to our audited financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, as filed with the SEC.

 

(3)On June 7, 2011, Bamdad Bastani resigned from the Board. All of Bamdad Bastani’s options have been forfeited in accordance with the terms of the Stock Incentive Plan.

 

(4)On September 30, 2011 Richard Cohen was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman in a non-employee capacity, as such no longer received Board fees and stock options grants from the date thereof.

 

(5)On August 11, 2011, Steven Lefkowitz was appointed to the Board and audit committee chairperson.

 

(6)On November 21, 2011, Matthew Duffy was appointed to the Board.

 

The Compensation Committee adopted the following comprehensive director compensation policy in 2010. Employee directors do not receive any compensation for their services on the Board. Non-employee directors are entitled to receive the following cash compensation: (i) a $15,000 annual retainer, except that the Chairman of the Board receives $23,000, (ii) $5,000 annually for service on the Audit Committee, except that the Chairman of the Audit Committee receives $12,000, (iii) $4,000 annually for service on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, except that the Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee receives $5,000, (iv) $4,000 annually for service on the Compensation Committee, except that the Chairman of the Compensation Committee receives $5,000, (v) $1,000 for each in person meeting of the Board attended, and (vi) $500 for each telephonic meeting of the Board attended.

 

43
 

 

As an equity incentive, upon the consummation of the IPO we grant to each of our non-employee directors an option to purchase 20,000 shares of our common stock under the Stock Incentive Plan with an exercise price of $3.125 per share. These options vest in equal installments on each of the grant date and the first two anniversaries of the grant date.

 

The Board approved the following changes to its director compensation policy in January 2011: (i) an increase in the annual retainer paid to non-employee directors to $20,000, except that the Chairman of the Board receives $30,000; (ii) the establishment of an annual grant to each non-employee director at the first Board meeting of the calendar year of an option to purchase 30,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the common stock on the grant date, which option vests on the first anniversary of the grant date; and (iii) the establishment of a one-time grant to each new non-employee director in connection with his or her initial election to the Board of an option to purchase 30,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to the closing price of the common stock on the grant date, which option vests in equal installments on each of the grant date, the first anniversary of the grant date and the second anniversary of the grant date.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2011 about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options, warrants and rights under all of our existing equity compensation plans (including individual arrangements):

 

Plan Category  Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)
   Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)
   Number of
securities remaining available
for future issuance under equity
compensation plans (excluding
securities reflected in column
(a))
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (1)   1,236,342   $2.47    1,063,658 
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders            
Total   1,236,342   $2.47    1,063,658 

 

(1)Our Amended and Restated 2006 Stock Incentive Plan was approved by our stockholders on February 19, 2010.

 

44
 

 

Stockholder Proposals

 

In order to be considered for inclusion in the proxy materials to be distributed in connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting, stockholder proposals for such meeting must be submitted to us no later than December 28, 2012.

 

Under SEC rules, if we do not receive notice of a stockholder proposal at least 45 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of mailing of the prior year’s proxy statement, then we will be permitted to use our discretionary voting authority when the proposal is raised at the annual meeting, without any discussion of the matter in the proxy statement. In connection with the 2013 Annual Meeting, if we do not have notice of a stockholder proposal on or before March 15, 2013 we will be permitted to use our discretionary voting authority as outlined above.

 

The By-laws establish procedures for stockholder nominations for elections of directors of the Company and bringing business before any annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders of the Company. A stockholder entitled to vote in the election of directors may nominate one or more persons for election as directors at a meeting only if written notice of such stockholder’s intent to make such nomination or nominations has been delivered to the Secretary of the Company at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting. In the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after the anniversary date of the prior year’s annual meeting, the stockholder notice must be given not more than 120 days nor less than the later of 90 days prior to the date of the annual meeting or, if it is later, the 10th day following the date on which the date of the annual meeting is first publicly announced or disclosed by the Company.

 

A stockholder’s notice must set forth: (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or reelection as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors in an election contest, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder (including such person’s written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected); (b) as to any other business that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Company’s books, and of such beneficial owner, and (ii) the class and number of shares of the Company that are owned beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner; and (d) any additional information reasonably requested by the Board.

 

Notwithstanding anything in the previous paragraph to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board is increased and there is no public announcement by the Company naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board at least 70 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice required by the By-laws will also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it is delivered to the Secretary of the Company at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which such public announcement is first made by the Company.

 

The chairman of the meeting has the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made or proposed, as the case may be, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the By-laws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with the By-laws, to declare that such defective proposal or nomination will be disregarded.

 

Proxy Solicitation

 

The solicitation of proxies is made on behalf of the Board and we will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock, VStock Transfer, LLC, as a part of its regular services and for no additional compensation other than reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, has been engaged to assist in the proxy solicitation. Proxies may be solicited through the mail and through telephonic or telegraphic communications to, or by meetings with, stockholders or their representatives by our directors, officers and other employees who will receive no additional compensation therefor.

 

45
 

 

We request persons such as brokers, nominees and fiduciaries holding stock in their names for others, or holding stock for others who have the right to give voting instructions, to forward proxy material to their principals and to request authority for the execution of the proxy. We will reimburse such persons for their reasonable expenses.

 

Annual Report

 

The 2011 Annual Reports are being sent with this Proxy Statement to each stockholder and is available at materials.proxyvote.com/21900C. The 2011 Annual Reports contain our certified financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011. The 2011 Annual Reports, however, are not to be regarded as part of the proxy soliciting material.

 

46
 

 

APPENDIX A

 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

TO

THE AMENDED AND RESTATED

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, AS AMENDED

OF

CORMEDIX INC.

 

The undersigned, for purposes of amending the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended (the “Certificate”), of CorMedix Inc., a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, does hereby certify as follows:

 

FIRST:                   The name of the corporation is CorMedix Inc. (the “Corporation”).

 

SECOND:              The Certificate was filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 30, 2010.

 

THIRD:                  Article FOURTH of the Certificate is hereby amended to read, in its entirety, as follows:

 

“The total number of shares of all classes of stock which the Corporation shall have the authority to issue is 82,000,000 shares. The Corporation is authorized to have two classes of shares, designated as Common Stock and Preferred Stock. The total number of shares of Common Stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue is 80,000,000 shares, and the par value of each of the shares of Common Stock is $0.001. The total number of shares of Preferred Stock which the Corporation is authorized to issue is 2,000,000 shares, and the par value of each of the shares of Preferred Stock is $0.001. The 2,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock initially shall be undesignated as to series.

 

The Preferred Stock may be issued in one or more series at such time or times and for such consideration or considerations as the Corporation’s Board of Directors may determine. Each series of Preferred Stock shall be so designated as to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series and classes. Except as otherwise provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, different series of Preferred Stock shall not be construed to constitute different classes of shares for the purpose of voting by classes.

 

47
 

 

The Board of Directors is expressly authorized to provide for the issuance of all or any shares of any authorized but undesignated Preferred Stock in one or more series, each with such designations, preferences, voting powers (or no voting powers), relative, participating, optional or other special rights and privileges and such qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof as shall be stated in the resolution or resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors to create such series, and a certificate of said resolution or resolutions shall be filed in accordance with the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The authority of the Board of Directors with respect to each such series shall include, without limitation of the foregoing, the right to provide that the shares of each such series may: (i) have such distinctive designation and consist of such number of shares; (ii) be subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (iii) be entitled to the benefit of a retirement or sinking fund for the redemption of such series on such terms and in such amounts; (iv) be entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or non-cumulative) at such rates, on such conditions, and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes or any other series of stock; (v) be entitled to such rights upon the voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs, or upon any distribution of the assets of the Corporation in preference to, or in such relation to, any other class or classes or any other series of stock; (vi) be convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or any other series of stock at such price or prices or at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments, if any; (vii) be entitled to the benefit of such conditions, limitations or restrictions, if any, on the creation of indebtedness, the issuance of additional shares of such series or shares of any other series of Preferred Stock, the amendment of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, or the Corporation’s By-Laws, the payment of dividends or the making of other distributions on, or the purchase, redemption or other acquisition by the Corporation of, any other class or classes or series of stock, or any other corporate action; or (viii) be entitled to such other preferences, powers, qualifications, rights and privileges, all as the Board of Directors may deem advisable and as are not inconsistent with law and the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended.”

 

FOURTH:              Except as expressly amended herein, all provisions of the Certificate filed with the Office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on March 30, 2010, shall remain in full force and effect.

 

FIFTH:                   The foregoing amendment was duly adopted by the Board of Directors and by the stockholders of the Corporation in accordance with Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

* * * * * * *

 

48
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, being a duly authorized officer of the Corporation, does hereby execute this Certificate of Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, this ____ day of December, 2012.

 

  CORMEDIX INC.
     
  By:  
  Name:  Richard M. Cohen
  Title:  Executive Chairman, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer

 

49
 

 

     
     
     
     
 

 

 

CORMEDIX INC.

Annual Meeting of Stockholders

November 30, 2012 11:00 AM

This proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors

 

The undersigned stockholder of CorMedix Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), hereby appoints Richard M. Cohen and Randy Milby, and each of them, each with full power of substitution, as proxies, to vote all capital stock of the Company that the stockholder would be entitled to vote on all matters that may properly come before the Company’s annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held on November 30, 2012 at the Company’s office, 745 Rt. 202-206, Suite 303, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, at 11:00 a.m., local time, and at any adjournments or postponements thereof.  The undersigned stockholder hereby revokes any proxy or proxies heretofore given by the undersigned for the Annual Meeting.

 
     
     
 

Address Changes/Comments:  ___________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

 

 
  (If you noted any Address Changes/Comments above, please mark corresponding box on the reverse side.)  
     
 

 

Continued and to be signed on reverse side

 

 

 

50
 

 

 

TO VOTE, MARK BLOCKS BELOW IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS FOLLOWS:

  M35964-P13427 KEEP THIS PORTION FOR YOUR RECORDS
  DETACH AND RETURN THIS PORTION ONLY
THIS PROXY CARD IS VALID ONLY WHEN SIGNED AND DATED. 

CORMEDIX INC.

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following:

For

All

Withhold

All

For All

Except

To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “For All Except” and write the number(s) of the nominee(s) on the line below.      
             
1.         Election of Directors ¨ ¨ ¨      
 

Nominees:

 

01)   Richard M. Cohen

02)   Matthew Duffy

03)   Gary A. Gelbfish, M.D.

04)   Steven W. Lefkowitz

05)   Antony E. Pfaffle, M.D.

 

 

 

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:

 

  For Against Abstain

2.        To approve an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation increasing the number of shares of common stock the Company is authorized to issue from 40,000,000 shares to 80,000,000 shares.

 

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal:

 

3.       To approve an amendment to the Company’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation creating 2,000,000 authorized shares of “blank check” preferred stock to be designated in such series or class as the Board of Directors shall determine.

 

¨

 

For

 

 

¨

¨

 

Against

 

 

¨

¨

 

Abstain

 

 

¨

The Board of Directors recommends you vote FOR the following proposal: For Against Abstain
4.       To ratify the appointment of J.H. Cohn LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2012. ¨ ¨ ¨
NOTE:  The proxies are authorized to vote upon all over matter as may properly come before the Annual Meeting in accordance with their discretion.  This proxy, when properly executed and returned, will be voted as directed here in by the undersigned stockholder.  If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted in accordance with the recommendations of the Board of Directors “FOR” the election of each of the director nominees, “FOR” Proposal 2, “FOR” Proposal 3 and “FOR” Proposal 4.
For address changes and/or comments, please check this box and write them on the back where indicated. ¨    
Please sign exactly as your name(s) appear(s) hereon.  When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, or other fiduciary, please give full title as such.  Joint owners should each sign personally.  All holders must sign.  If a corporation or partnership, please sign in full corporate or partnership name by authorized officer.      
               
Signature  [PLEASE SIGN WITHIN BOX] Date   Signature (Joint Owners) Date    
                                         

  

51