SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
[ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission
Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-11(c)
or §240.14a-12
Teleconnect Inc.
|
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
|
|
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement if other than the Registrant)
|
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate
box)
[X] No fee required.
[ ] 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 240.0-11(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: ______________________________________________________________
Teleconnect Inc.
Oude Vest 4
4811 BD Breda
The Netherlands
Telephone: 011-31-630-048-023
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MARCH 27, 2014
The annual meeting
of shareholders of Teleconnect Inc., a Florida corporation (“Teleconnect”), will be held at 10:00 a.m. (local time)
on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at the Teleconnect offices at Oude Vest 4, 4811 BD Breda, The Netherlands, for the following purposes:
1.
|
|
To elect directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until
their successors are elected and qualified.
|
2.
|
|
To ratify the appointment of Coulter & Justus, P.C. as the independent auditors
of Teleconnect Inc. for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014.
|
3.
|
|
To obtain non-binding advisory approval of the compensation paid to Teleconnect’s
executive officers.
|
4.
|
|
To obtain a non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of future votes regarding executive
compensation.
|
5.
|
|
Ratification of the Board of Directors’ actions and decisions since the last
shareholder meeting.
|
6.
|
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponements
or adjournments thereof.
|
The foregoing items
of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.
Only shareholders
of record at the close of business on February 17, 2014 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. All shareholders
are cordially invited to attend the meeting in person. To assure your representation at the meeting, however, you are urged to
mark, sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible in the enclosed envelope for that purpose. Any shareholder
of record attending the meeting may vote in person even if he or she previously has returned a proxy.
A copy of Teleconnect’s
Annual Report (its Form 10-K) for the year ended September 30, 2013 and a copy of Teleconnect’s quarterly report on Form
10-Q for the three month period ended December 31, 2013 are available without charge from Teleconnect upon request or may be viewed
at the World Wide Website of the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov Ticker TLCO).
DATED at Breda, The
Netherlands this 17th day of February, 2014.
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dirk L. Benschop, Chief Executive Officer and President
Teleconnect Inc.
Oude Vest 4
4811 BD Breda
The Netherlands
PROXY
STATEMENT
THIS PROXY STATEMENT
IS DATED FEBRUARY 17, 2014, AND IS FIRST BEING MAILED TO SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE MEETING ON MARCH 27, 2014.
These proxy materials
are provided in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of Teleconnect Inc. (“Teleconnect”)
for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning This Proxy Statement
Q: Why am I receiving these materials?
A: The Board of Directors is providing
this proxy statement and Teleconnect’s Annual Report to you in connection with Teleconnect’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders
(the “Meeting”) which will take place on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. (local time) at Teleconnect’s
principal executive office at Oude Vest 4, 4811 BD Breda, The Netherlands. You are invited to attend the Meeting and are requested
to vote on the proposals described in this proxy statement. The cost of the proxy solicitation will be borne by Teleconnect.
Q: What information is contained
in these materials?
A: The information included in this
proxy statement relates to the proposals to be voted on at the Meeting, the voting process, the compensation of the directors and
our executive officers, and certain other required information. Our most recent Quarterly Report for the period ended December
31, 2013 on Form 10-Q is enclosed. Our most recent Annual Report is also enclosed.
Q: What proposals will be voted on
at the Meeting?
A: There are five proposals scheduled
to be voted on at the Meeting:
1.
|
|
Election as directors of Teleconnect of the following five individuals until the next
annual meeting of shareholders and until their successor are elected and qualified: Mr. Dirk Benschop, Mr. Jan Hovers, Mr. Les
Pettitt, Mr. Gustavo Gomez and Mr. Ralph Kroner.
|
2.
|
|
Ratification of Coulter & Justus, P.C. as Teleconnect’s independent auditors.
|
3.
|
|
Non-binding advisory approval of the compensation paid to Teleconnect’s executive
officers.
|
4.
|
|
Non-binding advisory vote on the frequency of future votes regarding executive compensation.
|
5.
|
|
Ratification of the Board of Directors’ actions and decisions since last shareholder
meeting
|
Q: What are the voting recommendations
of the Board of Directors?
A: Our Board of Directors recommends
that you vote your shares “FOR” each of the nominees for election to the Board of Directors, “FOR” proposals
2, 3 and 5 and for “TWO” years in proposal 4.
Q: Who is entitled to vote?
A: Shareholders of Teleconnect as
of the close of business on February 17, 2014 (the “Record Date”) are entitled to vote at the Meeting.
Q: What classes of shares are entitled
to be voted?
A: The holders of shares of common
stock on the Record Date are entitled to vote on each proposal at the Meeting. Each outstanding share is entitled to one vote.
As of February 17, 2014, there were 9,016,183 shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding.
Q: What constitutes a quorum?
A: The required quorum for the transaction
of business at the Meeting is a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by holders of the issued and outstanding shares of Teleconnect,
present or represented by proxy, as of the Record Date.
Q: What does it mean if I receive
more than one proxy card?
A: It means that you hold shares
registered in more than one account. Sign and return all proxy cards to ensure that all of your shares are voted.
Q: How do I vote?
A: Sign and date each proxy card
you receive (many shareholders receive multiple proxies) and return it in the enclosed envelope. If you return your signed proxy
but do not indicate your voting preferences, we will vote on your behalf “FOR” the election of the five director nominees,
“FOR” the ratification of the selection of the independent auditors, “FOR” non-binding advisory approval
of the compensation paid to Teleconnect’s executive officers, ”FOR” “TWO” years for the frequency
of the non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation, and “FOR” ratification of the Board of Directors’
actions and decisions since the last shareholder meeting. You have the right to revoke your proxy by voting in person at the Meeting.
Even if you plan
to attend the Meeting, we recommend that you also submit your proxy as described below so that your vote will be counted if you
later decide not to attend the Meeting.
Shareholders do
not have the right to cumulate their votes in the election of directors of Teleconnect. With respect to the election of directors,
you may (1) vote for all of the director nominees as a group, (2) withhold your vote for all the director nominees as a group,
or (3) vote for all director nominees as a group except those nominees you identify. If you sign, date, and mail your proxy card
without indicating how you want to vote, you will be counted as a vote in favor of each of the proposals.
If you sign, date,
and mail your proxy card in time to be cast at the Meeting indicating how you want to vote, it will be voted in accordance with
your instructions. The persons named as proxy holders in the proxies are officers and directors of Teleconnect. We encourage you
to vote and to vote promptly. If a quorum is not present at the Meeting, the designated proxy holder on the applicable proxy card
will vote the returned proxy cards to adjourn the Meeting to a time and place to be announced.
Q: How do I sign the proxy?
A: Sign your name exactly as it appears
on the proxy. If you are signing in a representative capacity (for example, as an attorney, executor, administrator, guardian,
trustee, or officer or agent of a company), you should indicate your name and title or capacity. If the stock is held in custody
for a minor (for example, under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act), the custodian should sign, not the minor. If the stock is
held in joint ownership, each owner must sign.
Q: Who will count the votes?
A: Pacific Stock Transfer Company,
Inc., Teleconnect’s transfer agent, will tabulate the returned proxy votes by mail and the independent inspector of the election
will tabulate the votes at the Meeting.
Q: How many votes are needed for
approval of each proposal?
A: Directors will be elected by a
plurality of the votes cast at the Meeting, meaning that the five nominees receiving the most votes from holders of the stock will
be elected directors. A majority of the Common Stock present in person or represented by proxy is required to ratify the selection
of the independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014 and for the non-binding advisory approval of the compensation
paid to Teleconnect’s executives. Future non-binding advisory reviews of executive compensation will occur with the frequency
that receives the most votes.
Q: Who can attend the Meeting?
A: All persons who are shareholders
on the Record Date can attend. If your shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, please bring proof of share ownership,
such as a broker’s statement, to the Meeting to receive admittance.
Q: When are the shareholder proposals
and nominations for the Board of Directors for the annual meeting following this one due?
A: Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at, and
included in Teleconnect’s proxy statement and proxy related to, Teleconnect’s next annual meeting, and the
nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Directors at that annual meeting, must be submitted in writing
to Teleconnect’s Secretary at its executive offices within a reasonable time before Teleconnect begins to print and
mail the proxies for such meeting. Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at, but not included in Teleconnect’s
proxy statement and proxy for, that meeting must be received by Teleconnect within a reasonable time prior to the meeting, at
the same address. If not received in a timely manner, those persons named in the proxy may use the discretionary authority
granted in the proxy to vote on the proposal. Such nominations and proposals must be in compliance with applicable laws and
regulations, as well as Teleconnect’s Bylaws, in order to be considered for
inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy for that meeting. Copies of the Bylaws are available to the shareholders of
Teleconnect free of charge upon request in writing to Teleconnect’s Secretary.
Q: Who will bear the cost of soliciting
votes for the Meeting?
A: Teleconnect will bear any expenses
incurred in soliciting proxies. Proxies may be solicited by mail, telephone, or email by Teleconnect and its management and employees.
Teleconnect’s management and employees will not receive any additional compensation for these services. Teleconnect will
request brokers, nominees, and other fiduciaries and custodians who hold shares of stock of Teleconnect in their names to provide
a copy of this Proxy Statement and any accompanying materials to the beneficial owners of such shares. Teleconnect will reimburse
such persons, if requested, for their reasonable fees and expenses incurred in completing the mailing of such material to the beneficial
owners.
Voting at the Meeting
Votes cast by proxy
or in person at the Meeting will be tabulated by the election inspector appointed for the Meeting and will determine whether a
quorum is present. The election inspector will treat abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of
determining the presence of a quorum, but as unvoted for purposes of determining the approval of any matter submitted to the shareholders
for a vote. If a broker indicates on the proxy that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain shares to vote on a
particular matter, those shares will not be considered as present and entitled to vote with respect to that matter.
If the accompanying
proxy is properly signed and returned to Teleconnect and not revoked, it will be voted in accordance with the instructions contained
in the proxy. Unless contrary instructions are given, the designated proxy holder in the accompanying proxy will vote “FOR”
the Board of Directors slate of nominees, “FOR” ratification of the appointment of Coulter & Justus, P.C. as Teleconnect’s
independent auditors for the financial audit of fiscal year ending September 30, 2014, “FOR” non-binding advisory approval
of the compensation paid to Teleconnect’s executive officers, “FOR” non-binding advisory review of executive
compensation every “TWO” years, and “FOR” ratification of the Board of Directors’ actions and decisions
since the last shareholder meeting.
Revocability of Proxies
Any person giving
a proxy may revoke the proxy at any time before its use by delivering to Teleconnect written notice of revocation or a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date, or by attending the Meeting and voting in person.
Share Ownership of Directors, Executives, and Certain
Other Shareholders
The following table
sets forth information with respect to the beneficial ownership of stock of Teleconnect by management and 5% or greater shareholders
as of February 17, 2014. A person is considered a beneficial owner of securities if such person, directly or indirectly, has voting
power or investment power over the securities.
Name and Address
of
Beneficial Owners
|
Total
Number of Shares Beneficially
Owned (1)
|
Percent
of Class
|
Henk
Schipper (2)
Claudius Prinsenlaan 128, Breda 4818 CP
The Netherlands
|
2,514,840
|
28%
|
CCR
Beheer BV(3)
Claudius Prinsenlaan 128, Breda 4818 CP
The Netherlands
|
2,514,840
|
28%
|
LGMR
Geeris (4)
Zandpad 29, Maarssen 3601 NA
The Netherlands
|
1,574,136
|
17%
|
Kees
Lenselink (5)
Jan Tooropstraat 13, Oosterhout 4907 PB
The Netherlands
|
598,511
|
7%
|
Quack
Holdings BV (6)
Jan Tooropstraat 13, Oosterhout 4907 PB
The Netherlands
|
598,511
|
7%
|
Dirk
L. Benschop (7)
Laakseweg 24, Etten-Leur 4874 LV
The Netherlands
|
372,543
|
4%
|
DLB
Finance and Consultancy BV (8)
Laakseweg 24, Etten-Leur, 4874 LV
The Netherlands
|
372,543
|
4%
|
Johan
Maria Hovers (9)
Oude Vest 4, Breda,4811 HT
The Netherlands
|
112,584
|
1%
|
Les
Pettitt (10)
4603 N College Ave
Bethany, OK 73008 USA
|
100,000
|
1%
|
Gustavo
Gomez (11)
C/Rio Tambre 8
Boadilla del Monte, 28660, Madrid, Spain
|
100,000
|
1%
|
Ralph
P. Kröner (12)
Julianalaan 54, 3062 DJ Rotterdam
The Netherlands
|
54,100
|
*
|
Directors
and officers as a group (13)
|
739,227
|
8%
|
* less than 1%
(1)
|
|
Except as otherwise noted, it is believed by Teleconnect that all persons have full
voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated. Under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, a
person (or group of persons) is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if he or she, directly or indirectly,
has or shares the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition
of such security. Accordingly, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same security. A person is also
deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security which that person has the right to acquire within 60 days, such as options or
warrants to purchase the Common Stock of Teleconnect.
|
(2)
|
|
The number of shares listed for Henk Schipper are the 2,514,840 shares owned by CCR
Beheer BV.
|
(3)
|
|
CCR Beheer BV is wholly owned by Henk Schipper (formerly owner of Queck Holding BV).
|
(4)
|
|
Mr. Leonardus Geeris is an ex-director and ex-President of Teleconnect.
|
(5)
|
|
The number of shares listed for Kees Lenselink are the 598,511 shares owned by Quack
Holding BV.
|
(6)
|
|
Quack Holding BV is owned by Mr. Kees Lenselink, who is an over 5% shareholder and
ex-director.
|
(7)
|
|
The number of shares listed for Dirk L. Benschop are the 372,543 shares owned by DLB
Finance and Consultancy BV.
|
(8)
|
|
DLB Finance and Consultancy BV is owned by Dirk L. Benschop, the director, Chief Executive
Officer and Treasurer of Teleconnect.
|
(9)
|
|
Mr. Johan Maria Hovers (Mr. Jan Hovers) is a director of Teleconnect.
|
(10)
|
|
Mr. Les Pettitt is a director and officer of Teleconnect occupying the position of
Chief Financial Officer.
|
(11)
|
|
Mr. Gustavo Gomez is a director and officer of Teleconnect and occupies the position
of Chief Compliance Officer.
|
(12)
|
|
Mr. Ralph P. Kröner is a director of Teleconnect.
|
(13)
|
|
The number of shares listed for the directors and executive officers include all of
the shares owned by DLB Finance and Consultancy BV as beneficially owned by Mr. Dirk L. Benschop as well as the shares owned by
Mr. Jan Hovers, Mr. Les Pettitt, Mr. Gustavo Gomez and Mr. Ralph P. Kröner.
|
ITEM
1.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
A Board of Directors
of five directors is to be elected at the Meeting. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received
by them for each of the nominees indicated below. All of the nominees are currently directors of Teleconnect. In the event that
any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee
designated by the current Board of Directors. It is not expected that any nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as a
director. The term of office of each person elected as a director will continue until the next annual meeting of shareholders or
until a successor has been elected and qualified.
Information concerning
the current executive officers of Teleconnect and the persons nominated for election as directors is set forth below.
Name
|
|
Age
|
|
Position
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mr. Dirk L. Benschop
|
|
46
|
|
Director, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer
|
Mr. Jan Hovers
|
|
70
|
|
Director, Supervisory Board, Chairman
|
Mr. Les Pettitt
|
|
52
|
|
Director, Chief Financial Officer
|
Mr. Gustavo Gomez
|
|
50
|
|
Director, Chief Compliance Officer
|
Mr. Ralph P. Kröner
|
|
63
|
|
Director
|
The background and
principal occupations of each director and officer of Teleconnect are as follows:
Mr. Benschop became
Chief Executive Officer, President, Treasurer and Secretary and a director of Teleconnect on December 11, 2008, upon the resignation
of Mr. Geeris. Mr. Benschop is a seasoned businessman and entrepreneur, a major stakeholder and Director in Giga Matrix BV since
2006, director and shareholder in DLB finance & consultancy BV, the Netherlands since 1993, Director and former shareholder
in HEM, the Netherlands (2009 -2010), and President and CEO of Teleconnect since 2008.
Mr. Hovers became
a Director on February 23, 2010 and is currently Chairman of the Board. Mr. Hovers is a seasoned successful executive board member
with extensive experience in corporate governance, expansion and publically traded companies. Mr. Hovers, former CEO of Stork NV
and former member of the Supervisory Board of the Dutch Central Bank (DNB NV), obtained his Ph.D. in Econometrics from Tilburg
University, The Netherlands in 1972. Mr. Hovers oversees and advises on all corporate governance issues as well as provides recommendations
on Teleconnect’s current intentions to expand its business.
Mr. Pettitt, CPA,
is a certified public accountant with twenty-seven years of public accounting experience in audit, tax, and management advisory
services. Since 1998, he has owned and operated, Leslie G. Pettitt, PC, which consults with SEC registrants on preparation of their
regulatory filings as well as providing contract controllership assistance. Mr. Pettitt is a member of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants and the Oklahoma Society of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Pettitt became Chief Financial Officer
and a director of Teleconnect on October 8, 2011.
Mr. Gomez has an
Electrical Engineering degree from McGill University in Canada as well as an Exec-MBA from Spain’s Instituto de Empresa.
Mr. Gomez has been an advisor to Teleconnect since December 2008. When Mr. Gomez became an officer and director of Teleconnect
on October 8, 2010, he was a full time consultant to the company. From March 2002 to October 2007, Mr. Gómez had been President
and CEO of Teleconnect. From October 2007 to December 2008, Mr. Gomez was providing management consulting to third parties and
he co-founded the Canada-Spain Chamber of Commerce in Madrid.
Mr. Kröner
became a Director on December 14
th
, 2012. Mr. Kröner was appointed Of Counsel at Eversheds Faasen (the “Firm”)
on September 15
th
, 2010. After a long service record at Simmons & Simmons and its legal predecessors, Ralph Kröner
joined the international law firm of Eversheds in Rotterdam where it is strategically positioned for the future. Mr. Kröner
is well known for his expertise and experience in corporate governance, (international) litigation and space law (former member
of the European center for Space law in Paris) and has served as non-executive director on a number of boards of commercial business.
He is chairman of the Rotterdam Eye Hospital.
Compliance with Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting
Section 16(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires Teleconnect’s executive officers and directors, and persons who beneficially
own more than ten percent of the company’s equity securities, to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with
the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officers, directors and greater than 10% percent shareholders are required by SEC regulation
to furnish the company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely upon a review of the forms and amendments
thereto furnished to Teleconnect, Management believes that Forms 3 and 4 should be filed by the directors and shareholders with
over 10% shareholdings.
Certain Relationships And Related Transactions
Under Teleconnect’s
Bylaws, any contract or other transaction between the company and one or more interested directors is void or voidable unless one
of the following is true:
(1)
|
|
the fact of the relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the Board of Directors
which authorizes, approves, or ratifies the contract or transaction by vote or consent sufficient for the purpose without counting
the votes or consents of any interest director;
|
(2)
|
|
the fact of such relationship or interest is disclosed or known to the shareholders
entitled to vote and they authorize, approve, or ratify such contract or transaction; or
|
(3)
|
|
the contract or transaction is fair and reasonable as to the corporation at the time
it is authorized.
|
Management believes
that all of the transactions listed below are at least as fair as a similar transaction with an unaffiliated third party would
have been.
During the years
ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company received $51,319 and $336,180, respectively, in additional short term loans from
related parties, consisting principally of shareholders, net of currency translations adjustments. These loans are due on demand
and do not accrue interest.
On July 31, 2013
the Company entered into an agreement with the Trustee of 2,293,067 shares, representing 24.14% of the Company’s issued and
outstanding shares, in the name of Hombergh Holdings BV and Quick Holdings BV, such that these shares are to be repurchased by
the Company for a total of €500,000 payable as described below.
In exchange, the
Trustee has agreed to irrevocably forgo his right to claim the return of €7,608,938 in loans made to the Company by Hombergh
Holdings BV and Quick Holdings BV and the associated interest accrued up to the date of the agreement on receipt of a €200,000
installment which was paid with the signing of the agreement. The second installment of €200,000 was paid to the Trustee
on September 30th, 2013 and the third installment of €100,000 on November 30, 2013. The Trustee has returned all the share
certificates representing the 2,293,067 shares of the Company and these were retired before the calling of this meeting.
During the year
ended September 30, 2013 the Company sold promissory notes with a face value of $594,963 (€440,550) and 1,874,679 shares
of its common stock together as a package to qualified investors for $1,189,926 (€881,100). The purchase price was allocated
to the notes and stock based on the relative fair value of each with $779,583 allocated to the shares and $410,343 allocated to
the promissory notes, therefore a discount on the notes of $184,620 was recorded and is being amortized over one year. Loan discount
amortization of $28,705 is included in interest expense for the year ended September, 30, 2013. The promissory notes bear 6% interest
and are due when the Company has positive cash flow from operations.
Independence, Meetings, Committees of the Board of Directors
and Nominations
The Board of Directors
held a total of fourteen meetings during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013 and, in addition, took fourteen actions by unanimous
consent of the Directors present. All of the directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the total number of meetings of
the Board of Directors and the total number of meetings held by all committees of the Board of Directors on which each such director
served, during the period for which each such director served.
Teleconnect has
an audit committee which currently has only one member, Mr. Les Pettitt who is an audit committee financial expert. Teleconnect
is searching for appropriate candidates to add to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee has approved hiring Coulter & Justus,
P.C. as Teleconnect’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014. The Audit Committee did not formally
discuss the audited financial statements with management or other matters with the independent auditors. The Board of Directors
has not at this time formally adopted a Code of Ethics.
Teleconnect currently
has active two other committees: a Compensation Committee and a Stock Plan Committee. The Compensation Committee is comprised of
Mr. Dirk Benschop and Mr. Jan Hovers. The Stock Plan Committee was established to administer the stock option, SAR and stock bonus
plans of the company and is comprised of Mr. Benschop, Mr. Hovers and Mr. Gomez.
Teleconnect does
not have a standing nominating committee. Currently all of the directors participate in the consideration of director nominees
which practice is expected to continue until such time as there is a larger Board of Directors. There is no charter governing nominations
to the Board of Directors or compensation.
One of the current
members of Teleconnect’s Board of Directors, Mr. Hovers, is an “independent director” as defined in the NASDAQ
listing criteria.
The Teleconnect
Board of Directors does not have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by security
holders. However, the Board of Directors welcomes suggestions for director candidates from any security holder. Until such time
as it is receiving a significant number of suggested candidates, the Board of Directors can review such nominations on a case-by-case
basis and does not see a need for a formal policy. There are no specific procedures to be followed by security holders in submitting
names of candidates. Names may be submitted to the President of Teleconnect or any member of the Board of Directors either in writing
or by way of a telephone call.
The Board of Directors
has not established minimum qualifications to be met by a nominee to the Board; however, typically the Board looks at formal education,
business experience, and the track record of the nominee.
Candidates for the
Board of Directors are identified through contacts that the current Board of Directors has and recommendations received by them.
Candidates suggested are then evaluated based on the company’s needs at the time. There is no different procedure for evaluating
candidates recommended by a security holder.
Board Leadership Structure
The Board of Directors
does not have a formal policy on whether the roles of President and Chairman of the Board of Directors should be separate. Currently,
Mr. Benschop serves as President and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Hovers serves as Chairman. The Board of Directors expects
to periodically review its leadership structure to ensure that it continues to meet our needs.
Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
It is management’s
responsibility to manage risk and bring to the Board of Directors’ attention risks that are material. The Board of Directors
administers its risk oversight role directly by reviewing strategic, financial, and execution risks and exposures associated with
the annual plan and multi-year plans, and other matters that may present material risk to operations, plans, prospects or reputation,
acquisitions, and divestitures. The Audit Committee as well as the entire Board of Directors reviews risks associated with financial
and accounting matters, including financial reporting, accounting, disclosure, internal controls over financial reporting, ethics
and compliance programs, compliance with orders, and data security.
Security holders
may send communication to the Board of Directors by writing or calling Teleconnect’s office. All communications so received
will be relayed to the directors. Teleconnect’s policy is that all directors attend the annual shareholders’ meeting.
Executive Compensation
All executive officers,
for services in all capacities to the Company, received the following compensation during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013:
Name and
Principal
Position
|
|
Fiscal
Year
|
|
Salary(1)(2)
|
|
|
Bonus
|
|
|
Stock Awards(3)
|
|
|
Option Awards
|
|
|
Nonequity
incentive plan
compensation
|
|
|
Nonqualified
deferred
Compensation
earnings
|
|
|
All other
compensation
|
|
|
Total
|
Dirk L. Benschop
|
|
2013
|
|
$
|
97,626
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
97,636
|
|
Chief Executive Officer, President,
|
|
2012
|
|
$
|
210,383
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
21,908
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
232,291
|
|
Secretary and Treasurer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gustavo Gomez
|
|
2013
|
|
$
|
78,603
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
78,603
|
|
Chief Compliance Officer
|
|
2012
|
|
$
|
98,839
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
20,000
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
118,839
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Les Pettitt
|
|
2013
|
|
$
|
46,108
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
46,108
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
|
2012
|
|
$
|
46,688
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
20,000
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
0
|
|
|
$
|
66,688
|
|
All executive officers as a group, $222,337
in fiscal 2013 as compared to $417,818 in fiscal 2012
(1)
|
|
Mr. Benschop received no bonus during fiscal 2013. Mr. Gomez and Mr. Pettitt were
appointed to their positions in 2011. Includes compensation accrued during the year to Mr. Benschop, Mr. Gomez and Mr. Pettitt
of $58,167, $10,129 and $7,250, respectively.
|
(2)
|
|
Personal benefits received by the company’s executive officers are valued below
the levels which would otherwise require disclosure under the rules of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
|
(3)
|
|
Grant date fair value based on quoted market price of the company’s common stock.
|
Teleconnect does
not currently provide any contingent or deferred forms of compensation arrangements, annuities, pension or retirement benefits.
2010 Stock Option, SAR and Stock Bonus Plan
Effective on October
8, 2010, the Company adopted and approved its 2010 Stock Option, SAR and Stock Bonus Plan (the “Plan”) which reserved
500,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance. This Plan allows us to issue awards of incentive non-qualified stock options, stock
appreciation rights, and stock bonuses to Officers, Directors or consultants to the Company. 481,136 shares were issued under this
2010 Plan to officers and directors of the Company. This plan expired on December 31, 2012 with 18,864 shares unissued. The company
expects to consider the adoption of a new Plan for continuance.
Benefit Plans
The Company does
not have any pension plan, profit sharing plan, or similar plans for the benefit of its officers, directors or employees. However,
Teleconnect may establish such plans in the future.
Director Compensation
Name
|
|
|
Fees earned or paid in cash
($)
|
|
|
|
Stock awards
(1)
($)
|
|
|
|
Option awards
($)
|
|
|
|
Non-equity incentive plan compensation
($)
|
|
|
|
Nonqualified deferred
compensation earnings
($)
|
|
|
|
All other compensation
($)
|
|
|
|
Total
($)
|
|
(a)
|
|
|
(b)
|
|
|
|
(c)
|
|
|
|
(d)
|
|
|
|
(e)
|
|
|
|
(f)
|
|
|
|
(g)
|
|
|
|
(h)
|
|
D. Benschop
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
J. Hovers
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
G. Gomez
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
L. Pettitt
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
R. Kröner
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
(1) During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013,
there were no stock awards issued.
ITEM
2.
RATIFICATION
OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors
has appointed Coulter & Justus, P.C. as Teleconnect’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014.
The Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote in favor of the ratification of such appointment. In the event of a negative
vote on such ratification, the Board of Directors will reconsider its selection. The Board of Directors does not expect that representatives
of Coulter & Justus, P.C. will be present at the Meeting.
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees
billed for professional services rendered for the audit of Teleconnect’s annual financial statements for the 2013 and 2012
fiscal years and the review of the financial statements included in Teleconnect’s Forms 10-Q for such fiscal years by Coulter
& Justus, PC were $103,850 and $145,815, respectively.
Audit-Related Fees
Teleconnect did
not pay Coulter & Justus, P.C. any audit-related fees during fiscal years 2013 and 2012.
Tax Fees
The aggregate fees
billed for tax-related services rendered to Teleconnect during the fiscal years 2013 and 2012 by Coulter & Justus, PC were
$52,743 and $41,920, respectively.
These services included assistance regarding
foreign jurisdiction and other tax compliance and planning for such years.
All Other Fees
Other than those
fees described above, Teleconnect did not pay its auditors any other fees in fiscal years 2013 and 2012.
The Board of Directors
and Audit Committee have considered whether the services described above for which Teleconnect’s independent auditors received
fees are compatible with accountant independence and has determined that they are.
The Board of Directors
recommends that the shareholders vote “FOR” ratification of the appointment of Coulter & Justus, P.C. as Teleconnect’s
independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014.
ITEM
3.
ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Teleconnect is required
to provide its shareholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of the
named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
This vote is typically referred to as a “say-on-pay” vote.
The section entitled
Executive Compensation, including the compensation tables, describe the compensation of Teleconnect’s named executive officers
for the year ended September 30, 2013. The Board of Directors is asking shareholders to cast a non-binding, advisory vote indicating
approval of that compensation by voting FOR the following resolution:
“RESOLVED,
that the shareholders of Teleconnect APPROVE, on an advisory basis, the compensation paid to its named executive officers, as disclosed
pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the section entitled Executive
Compensation and the compensation tables.”
The vote on this “say-on-pay”
proposal is advisory, which means that the vote will not be binding on Teleconnect, its Board of Directors, or its Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee will review and consider the results of the vote on this proposal in connection with its
regular evaluations of executive compensation.
Recommendation of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors
recommends that the shareholders vote “FOR” the advisory approval of the compensation of Teleconnect’s executive
officers.
ITEM
4.
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF HOLDING FUTURE VOTES REGARDING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Shareholders are
also entitled to cast an advisory vote to indicate the frequency with which Teleconnect should hold future advisory votes regarding
executive compensation, also referred to as “say-on-pay” votes. Shareholders may vote whether to hold “say-on-pay”
votes every one, two or three years. Shareholders also have the option to abstain from voting on this matter. We will consider
the interval selected by the highest number of votes cast to be the recommendation of the shareholders.
The Board of Directors
believes at this time that “say-on-pay” votes should be held every two years.
Although this advisory
vote is not binding on the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors values shareholder views as to what is an appropriate frequency
for advisory “say-on-pay” votes and will carefully review the voting results on this proposal. Notwithstanding the
Board of Director’s recommendation and the outcome of the stockholder vote, the Board of Directors may in the future decide
to vary its practice on the frequency of advisory “say-on-pay” votes.
Recommendation
of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors
recommends a vote for every “TWO” years for the frequency of holding future “say-on-pay” votes regarding
executive compensation.
ITEM
5.
Ratification of the Board of Directors’ actions and decisions since THE last shareholder meeting
Shareholders are
being asked to ratify the actions and decisions of the Board of Directors as disclosed in the quarterly (10Q) and annual (10K)
reports filed with the Securities Exchange Commission since the last shareholders’ meeting.
Recommendation
of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors
recommends the shareholders vote “FOR” approval of the ratification of the Board of Directors’ actions and decisions
since the last shareholders’ meeting.
Shareholder Proposals For The Next Annual Meeting
Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at, and included
in Teleconnect’s proxy statement and proxy related to, the annual meeting of shareholders following the one to which
this Proxy Statement relates must be in writing and received by Teleconnect a reasonable time before Teleconnect begins to
print and mail the proxies for such meeting at its principal executive offices at Oude Vest 4, 4811 BD Breda, The
Netherlands. Shareholder proposals intended to be presented at, but not included in Teleconnect’s proxy statement and
proxy for, that meeting must be received by Teleconnect a reasonable time prior to the meeting, at the foregoing address;
otherwise, those persons named in the proxy for the meeting may use the discretionary authority granted in the proxy to vote
on any such proposals.
Other Matters
Management knows
of no other matters to be brought up at the Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the intention
of the persons named in the enclosed proxy card to vote the shares they represent as the Board of Directors may recommend.
Dated: February 17th, 2014
140217 Schedule 14A Definitive Proxyv3
REVOCABLE
PROXY
Teleconnect
Inc.
Oude Vest 4
Breda
The Netherlands 4801 BD
2014 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF TELECONNECT INC. AND MAY BE REVOKED PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE.
The undersigned
shareholder of Teleconnect Inc. hereby appoints Dirk L. Benschop as Proxy with the power to appoint his substitute, and hereby
appoints and authorizes him to represent and vote as designated below, all the shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value, of Teleconnect
Inc. (the "Corporation") held of record in the name of the undersigned on February 17, 2014, at the annual meeting of
shareholders to be held at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday March 27, 2014 at Oude Vest 4, Breda, The Netherlands, or any adjournment thereof
in accordance with the Notice and Proxy Statement received, for the election of directors and other matters described therein and
as may properly come before the meeting. The undersigned hereby ratifies all acts that said Proxy may do and cause to be done in
the premises, whether at said meeting or at any change, adjournment, or continuation thereof, and hereby revokes all prior proxies.
1.
|
|
To elect the following directors to serve until the next annual meeting of shareholders
and until their successors are elected and qualified: Mr. Dirk L. Benschop, Mr. Johan Maria Hovers, Mr. Les Pettitt, Mr. Gustavo
Gomez, and Mr. Ralph P. Kröner.
|
INSTRUCTION:
To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, mark “For All Except” and write that nominee’s name
in the space provided below.
[ ] FOR [ ] WITHHOLD [ ] FOR ALL EXCEPT___________________________________________
2.
|
|
To ratify the appointment of Coulter & Justus, P.C. as the independent auditors
of Teleconnect Inc. for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2014.
|
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [
] ABSTAIN
3.
|
|
To obtain non-binding
advisory approval of the compensation paid to Teleconnect’s executive officers.
|
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [
] ABSTAIN
4.
|
|
To obtain a non-binding
advisory vote on the frequency of future votes regarding executive compensation.
|
[ ] THREE YEARS [ ] TWO
YEARS [ ] ONE YEAR [ ] ABSTAIN
The Board of Directors
recommends you vote for two years.
(continued and to be signed on other side or next page)
5.
|
|
Ratification of the Board of Directors’ actions and decisions since the last
shareholder meeting.
|
[ ] FOR [ ] AGAINST [ ] ABSTAIN
6.
|
|
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponements
or adjournments thereof.
|
THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL
BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER.
This proxy, when properly executed, will
be voted in accordance with the specifications indicated; but, if no indication is made, it will be voted FOR the election of the
nominated directors, FOR Proposals 2, 3 and 5, and with respect to proposal 4, for two years. MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
THE ABOVE MATTERS.
The secretary knows of no other business to be brought before the meeting. However, if any other matters
properly come before the meeting, it is expected that the Proxy will vote on such matters in his discretion
.
Number of Shares Held:
_______________________
Please sign exactly as name appears
on the label. When shares are held by joint tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, as executor, administrator, trustee
or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized
officer. If a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Please Print Name:
________________________________________ Date: _________________________________,
2014
________________________________________ __________________________________________
Signature
__________________________________________
Signature if held
jointly
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS
PROXY PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Teleconnect (CE) (USOTC:TLCO)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2024 to Nov 2024
Teleconnect (CE) (USOTC:TLCO)
Historical Stock Chart
From Nov 2023 to Nov 2024