SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
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:
| ¨ | 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-12 |
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ASSURE HOLDINGS CORP.
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(Name
of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
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(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant) |
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Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
| x | No
fee required |
| ¨ | Fee paid
previously with preliminary materials |
| ¨ | Fee computed
on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and
0-11 |
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ASSURE HOLDINGS CORP. |
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS |
To all Stockholders of Assure Holdings Corp.: |
You are invited to attend the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
(the “Annual Meeting”) of Assure Holdings Corp. (the “Company”). The Annual Meeting will be held
at the Las Vegas Marriott Laughlin Conference Center, 2nd Floor, 325 Convention center Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89109 on
Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (“PST”). The purposes of the meeting are:
| 1. | To elect nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors (the
“Board”), to hold office for a one-year term and until their respective
successors are elected and qualified; |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of Withum
Smith+Brown, PC as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023; |
| 3. | To approve the amendment of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation,
to increase the number of authorized shares (the “Authorized Share Increase”)
in the Company’s common shares from 9,000,000 to 250,000,000; |
| 4. | To approve the amendment of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation
to permit the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with rights and preferences
to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors from time to time (the “Blank
Check Preferred Amendment”); |
| 5. | To authorize the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary,
to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposals Nos. 3
and 4 (the “Adjournment Proposal”); and |
| 6. | To conduct any other business that may properly come before the Annual
Meeting. |
THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION
OF EACH OF THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR, “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF THE COMPANY’S AUDITOR, “FOR”
THE APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORIZED SHARE INCREASE, “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK AMENDMENT AND “FOR”
THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.
The Board of Directors has fixed November 17, 2023 as the record
date for the Annual Meeting. Only stockholders of the Company of record at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting. A list of stockholders as of November 17, 2023 will be available at the Annual Meeting for
inspection by any stockholder. Stockholders will need to register online as provided below to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting.
Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each nominee for election to the Board and one vote on each of the other matters
before the stockholders. Cumulative voting for the nominees to the Board is not permitted. If your shares of common stock are not registered
in your name, you will need to obtain a proxy from the broker, bank or other institution that holds your shares of common stock in order
to register to attend and vote at the Annual Meeting. You should ask the broker, bank or other institution that holds your shares to
provide you with a proxy to vote your shares of common stock at the Annual Meeting.
Your vote is important. You are requested to carefully read the accompanying
Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for a more complete statement of matters to be considered at the Annual Meeting.
Whether or not you expect to attend the Annual Meeting, please sign and return the enclosed proxy card or vote your proxy online pursuant
to the instructions thereon, promptly. If you decide to attend the Annual Meeting, you may, if you wish, revoke the proxy and vote your
shares of common stock using a ballot during the Annual Meeting. Additional details concerning the matters to be put before the Annual
Meeting are set forth in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and the Company’s Annual
Report to Stockholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, which accompany this Notice of Meeting.
IF YOU RETURN YOUR PROXY CARD WITHOUT AN INDICATION OF HOW YOU
WISH TO VOTE, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” EACH NOMINEE TO THE BOARD, “FOR” THE RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT
OF THE COMPANY’S AUDITOR, “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE AUTHORIZED SHARE INCREASE, “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE
BLANK CHECK PREFERRED STOCK AMENDMENT AND “FOR” THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
ASSURE HOLDINGS CORP. |
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/s/ John Farlinger |
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Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer December 5, 2023 |
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ASSURE HOLDINGS CORP.
7887 E. BELLEVIEW AVENUE, SUITE 240
DENVER • COLORADO • USA • 80111
PROXY STATEMENT FOR ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD DECEMBER 27, 2023
Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this Proxy Statement
to “Assure Holdings”, “Assure”, the “Company”, “we”, “us”
or “our” refer to Assure Holdings Corp.
The Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Assure Holdings (the “Annual
Meeting”) will be at Las Vegas Marriott Laughlin Conference Center, 2nd Floor, 325 Convention center Drive, Las
Vegas, Nevada, 89109, on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (“PST”).
We are providing the enclosed proxy materials and form of proxy (the
“Proxy Statement”) in connection with the solicitation by the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”)
of proxies for this Annual Meeting. The Company anticipates that this Proxy Statement and the form of proxy will be made available to
holders of the Company’s shares of common stock (the Company’s shares of common stock will be referred to as “shares”
and the whole class of common stock referred to as the “common stock”) on or about December 5, 2023.
You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting at the above stated time
and location. If you plan to attend and your shares are held in “street name” – in an account with a bank, broker or
other nominee – you must obtain a proxy issued in your name from such broker, bank or other nominee. Please bring that documentation
to the Annual Meeting.
You can vote your shares by completing and returning the proxy card
or, if you hold shares in “street name,” by completing the voting form provided by the broker, bank or other nominee.
A returned signed proxy card without an indication of how shares should
be voted will be voted “FOR” the election of each of the nominees for director and “FOR” the ratification of
appointment of the company’s auditor.
Our corporate bylaws define a quorum as 33-1/3% of the common stock
entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. The Company’s Articles of Incorporation do not allow cumulative voting for directors.
The nominees who receive the most votes will be elected. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares cast on the proposal by stockholders
present at the Annual Meeting, whether in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote thereon is required to approve ratification of the
appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability
of Proxy Materials for the Meeting to be Held on December 27, 2023
The proxy materials, which include the Notice of Annual Meeting, this
Proxy Statement, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (the “Annual Report on
Form 10-K”) and the accompanying Proxy Card, can be found at http://www.viewproxy.com/AssureHoldings/2023.
Information contained on or connected to the website is not incorporated by reference into this Proxy Statement and should not be
considered a part of this Proxy Statement or any other filing that we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
The Annual Report and this Proxy Statement are also available on the
Company’s website at https://ir.assureneuromonitoring.com or will be provided by the Company, upon request, by mail at Assure
Holdings Corp., 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111, Attention: John Farlinger, Chief Executive Officer;
or by email at ir@assureiom.com, free of charge to stockholders. The Company may require the payment of a reasonable charge
from any person or corporation who is not a stockholder and who requests a copy of any such document. Financial information relating
to the Company is provided in the Company’s comparative consolidated financial statements and management’s discussion and
analysis for its most recently completed fiscal year which are contained in its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional information
relating to the Company is available electronically on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT
PROXY MATERIALS AND VOTING
Why am I receiving this Proxy Statement and Proxy Card?
You are receiving this Proxy Statement and the accompanying Annual
Report and Proxy Card because you were a stockholder of record at the close of business of November 17, 2023 and are entitled to
vote at the Annual Meeting. This Proxy Statement describes issues on which the Company would like you, as a stockholder, to vote. It
provides information on these issues so that you can make an informed decision. You do not need to attend the Annual Meeting to vote
your shares.
When you sign the Proxy Card, you appoint John Farlinger, Chief Executive
Officer and Executive Chairman of the Board of the Company, and John Price, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as your representatives
at the Annual Meeting. As your representatives, they will vote your shares at the Annual Meeting (or any adjournments or postponements)
in accordance with your instructions on your Proxy Card. With proxy voting, your shares will be voted whether or not you attend the Annual
Meeting. Even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, it is a good idea to complete, sign and return your Proxy Card or vote your Proxy
Card online pursuant to the instructions thereon in advance of the Annual Meeting just in case you change your plans.
If an issue comes up for vote at the Annual Meeting (or any adjournments
or postponements) that is not described in this Proxy Statement, your representatives will vote your shares, under your proxy, in their
discretion, subject to any limitations imposed by law.
When is the record date?
The Board has fixed November 17, 2023 as the record date for
the Annual Meeting (the “Record Date”). Only holders of shares of the Company’s common stock as of the close
of business on that date will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
How many shares are outstanding?
As of November 17, 2023, the Company had 6,720,460 shares of
common stock issued and outstanding. The Company’s common stock is the only outstanding voting security of the Company.
What am I voting on?
You are being asked to vote on the following:
| 1. | To elect nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors (the
“Board”), to hold office for a one-year term and until their respective
successors are elected and qualified; |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of Withum Smith+Brown, PC as the independent
registered public accounting firm of the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2023; |
| 3. | To approve the amendment of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation,
to increase the number of authorized shares (the “Authorized Share Increase”)
in the Company’s common shares from 9,000,000 to 250,000,000; |
| 4. | To approve the amendment of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation
to permit the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with rights and preferences
to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors from time to time (the “Blank
Check Preferred Amendment”); |
| 5. | To authorize the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary,
to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposals Nos. 3
and 4 (the “Adjournment Proposal”); and |
| 6. | To conduct any other business that may properly come before the Annual
Meeting. |
How many votes do I get?
Each share of our common stock is entitled to one vote for each nominee
for election to the Board and one vote on each of the other matters before the stockholders. No cumulative rights are authorized, and
dissenters’ rights are not applicable to any of the matters being voted upon.
The Board recommends a vote “FOR” the election
of all nominees, “FOR” the ratification of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered
public accounting firm, “FOR” the amendment to the Authorized Share Increase, “FOR”
the Blank Check Preferred Amendment and “FOR” the Adjournment Proposal, in each case, as disclosed in this
Proxy Statement.
How do I vote?
You have several voting options. You may vote by:
| · | by using the 11 digit
control number located at the bottom of your Proxy Card at the following website: www.FCRvote.com/IONM; |
| · | calling 1-866-402-3905
(toll free in North America); |
| · | marking, signing and
mailing your Proxy Card in the postage-paid envelope provided with the Proxy Card; or |
| · | attending the Annual
Meeting and voting in person. |
Are you a non-registered holder?
The information set out in this section is important to many stockholders
as a substantial number of stockholders do not hold their shares in their own name. Only registered stockholders or duly appointed proxyholders
for registered stockholders are permitted to vote in person at the Annual Meeting. Most of the stockholders are “non-registered”
stockholders (each a “Non-Registered Holder”) because the shares they own are not registered in their names but are instead
registered in the name of the brokerage firm, bank or trust company through which they purchased the shares.
More particularly, a person is a Non-Registered Holder in respect
of shares which are held on behalf of that person but which are registered either (a) in the name of an intermediary (the “Intermediary”)
that the Non-Registered Holder deals with in respect of the shares (Intermediaries include, among others, banks, trust companies, securities
dealers or brokers and trustees or administrators of self-administered RRSP’s, RRIF’s, RESP’s and similar plans), or
(b) in the name of a clearing agency (such as, in the United States, shares registered in the name of “Cede & Co.”,
the registration name of The Depository Trust Company (“DTC”), or in Canada, shares registered in the name of “CDS &
Co.”, the registration name of The Canadian Depository for Securities Limited (“CDS”)) of which the Intermediary
is a participant. As noted below, in accordance with Regulation 14A under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the “Exchange Act”) and the requirements of National Instrument 54-101 – Communication with Beneficial
Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (“NI 54-101”) of the Canadian Securities Administrators, the Company
will be mailing the Notice of Annual Meeting, this Proxy Statement, the Annual Report on Form 10-K and the form of Proxy Card/voting
instruction form (collectively, the “Annual Meeting Materials”), directly to certain non-objecting Non-Registered
Holders and in certain instances has distributed the Annual Meeting Materials to the clearing agencies and Intermediaries for onward
distribution to objecting Non-Registered Holders. Intermediaries are required to provide the Annual Meeting Materials to Non-Registered
Holders unless a Non-Registered Holder has waived the right to receive them. Very often, Intermediaries will use service companies
to forward the Annual Meeting Materials to Non-Registered Holders. Generally, if you are a Non-Registered Holder and you have not waived
the right to receive the Annual Meeting Materials you will either:
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(a) |
be given a form of proxy which has already been signed by the Intermediary (typically
by a facsimile, stamped signature) which is restricted to the number of shares beneficially owned by you, but which is otherwise
not complete. Because the Intermediary has already signed the proxy, this proxy is not required to be signed by you when submitting
it. In this case, if you wish to submit a proxy you should otherwise properly complete the executed proxy provided and mail it as
provided in the instructions of the Intermediary or its service company; or |
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(b) |
more typically, a Non-Registered Holder will be given a voting instruction form which is not signed by
the Intermediary, and which, when properly completed and signed by the Non-Registered Holder and returned to the Intermediary
or its service company, will constitute voting instructions (often called a “proxy”, “proxy authorization form”
or “voting instruction form”) which the Intermediary must follow. Typically, the voting instruction form will consist
of a one-page pre-printed form. Sometimes, instead of the one-page printed form, the voting instruction form will consist
of a regular printed proxy accompanied by a page of instructions that contains a removable label containing a bar-code and other
information. In order for the proxy to validly constitute a voting instruction form, the Non-Registered Holder must remove the label
from the instructions and affix it to the proxy, properly complete and sign the proxy and return it to the Intermediary or
its service company in accordance with the instructions of the Intermediary or its service company. |
In either case, the purpose of this procedure is to permit Non-Registered
Holders to direct the voting of the shares that they beneficially own. If you are a Non-Registered Holder and you wish to vote at the
Annual Meeting as proxyholder for the shares owned by you, you should strike out the names of the designated proxyholders named in the proxy
authorization form or voting instruction form and insert your name in the blank space provided. In either case, you should carefully
follow the instructions of your Intermediary, including when and where the proxy, proxy authorization or voting instruction form is to
be delivered.
The Annual Meeting Materials are being made available to both registered
stockholders and Non-Registered Holders. The Company is sending this Proxy Statement, the Annual Report on Form 10-K and the form
of proxy/voting instruction form (collectively, the “Annual Meeting Materials”) directly to Non-Registered Holders
who have not objected to the Intermediary through which their shares are held disclosing ownership information about themselves to the
Company (“NOBO’s”) under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act. If you are a NOBO, and the Company or its
agent has sent you the Annual Meeting Materials, your name and address and information about your holdings of securities have been obtained
in accordance with applicable securities regulatory requirements from the Intermediary on your behalf. If you are a Non-Registered Holder
who has objected to the Intermediary through which your shares are held disclosing ownership information about you to the Company (an
“OBO”), your Intermediary will be forwarding you the Annual Meeting Materials in accordance with the requirements
of Regulation 14A and the Company will be covering the cost of such mailings.
Can stockholders vote at the Annual Meeting?
Registered stockholders as of the Record Date and appointed proxyholders
will be given a ballot to vote at the Annual Meeting. Registered stockholders should be prepared to provide appropriate identification
at the Annual Meeting and representatives of entities that are registered stockholders should provide proof of authority to vote such
entities shares at the Annual Meeting. Stockholders who wish to appoint a third-party proxyholder to attend the Annual Meeting and submit
votes during the Annual Meeting must provide their third-party proxyholders with a valid, signed proxy for submission at the Annual Meeting
to receive a ballot. If you are a Non-Registered Holder and wish to vote your shares at Annual Meeting, you will need to obtain a valid,
signed proxy naming yourself as proxyholder from your Intermediary. By doing so, you are instructing your Intermediary to appoint you
as proxyholder.
What if I share an address with another stockholder and we received
only one copy of the Annual Meeting Materials?
If certain requirements are met under relevant U.S. securities law,
including in some circumstances the stockholders’ prior written consent, we are permitted to deliver one Annual Report and one
Proxy Statement to a group of stockholders who share the same address. If you share an address with another stockholder and have received
only one copy of the Annual Meeting Materials, but desire another copy or desire to receive separate copies in relation to future meetings
of the stockholders, please send a written request to our offices at the address below or call us at 720-287-3093 to request another
copy of the materials or separate delivery of materials. Please note that each stockholder should receive a separate Proxy Card to vote
the shares they own.
Send requests to:
Assure Holdings Corp.
7887 E. Belleview Ave., 240
Denver, Colorado, USA 80111
Attention: John Farlinger, Chief Executive Officer
Stockholders who hold shares in street name (as described below) may
contact their brokerage firm, bank, broker-dealer, or other similar organization to request information about householding.
What if I change my mind after I vote?
You may revoke your vote/proxy and change your vote at any time before
the polls close at the Annual Meeting. You may do this by:
| · | going online and completing
a new proxy at www.FCRvote.com/IONM; |
| · | calling 1-866-402-3905
and changing your vote; |
| · | requesting and signing
another Proxy Card with a later date and mailing it using the postage-paid envelope provided,
so long as it is received prior to 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on December 26,
2023; |
| · | signing and delivering
a written notice of revocation (in the same manner as a proxy is required to be executed
as set out in the notes to the Proxy Card) to the Company’s Secretary, at Assure Holdings
Corp., 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111 prior to 5 p.m. Eastern
Standard Time on December 26, 2023 or with the Chair of the Annual Meeting on the day
of the Annual Meeting prior to the commencement of the Annual Meeting; or |
| · | attending the Annual
Meeting and voting in person through a ballot. |
Beneficial stockholders should refer to the instructions received
from their broker, bank or intermediary or the registered holder of the shares if they wish to change their vote.
How many votes do you need to hold the meeting?
To conduct the Annual Meeting, the Company must have a quorum, which
means 33-1/3% of the common stock entitled to vote at any meeting of stockholders. The common stock is the only outstanding voting stock
of the Company. Based on 6,720,460 shares outstanding as of the Record Date of November 17, 2023, 2,236,820 shares must be present
in person or by proxy for the quorum to be reached. Your shares will be counted as present at the Annual Meeting if you:
| · | submit a properly
executed Proxy Card (even if you do not provide voting instructions); or |
| · | attend the Annual
Meeting and vote in person through a ballot. |
What if I abstain from voting?
Abstentions with respect to a proposal are counted for the purposes
of establishing a quorum but are not counted as votes “cast” on the proposal. Since the Company’s bylaws state that
matters presented at a meeting of the stockholders must be approved by the majority of the votes “cast” on the matter, a
properly executed proxy card marked “ABSTAIN” with respect to a proposal will not be considered a vote
“cast” and will have no effect on the outcome of the appointment of the auditors or the Adjournment Proposal; provided however
that approval of the Authorized Share Increase and the Black Check Preferred Amendment each require the affirmative vote of a majority
of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of the Record Date and therefore any proxy card marked “ABSTAIN”
in relation to such proposal will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” such proposal.
What effect does a broker non-vote have?
Brokers and other Intermediaries holding shares for Non-Registered
Holders are generally required to vote the shares in the manner directed by the Non-Registered Holders. If the Non-Registered Holders
do not give any direction, brokers may vote the shares on routine matters. The ratification of the appointment of the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year of 2023 is considered a routine matter, and brokers will be permitted
to vote shares held for the Non-Registered Holders on this matter without direction from the Non-Registered Holders. However, brokers
are not permitted to vote shares held for the Non-Registered Holders in relation to non-routine matters, which includes the proposal
on the election of directors.
The absence of a vote on a non-routine matter is referred to as a
broker non-vote. Broker non-votes are considered present at the Annual Meeting for quorum requirements but are not considered votes “cast”
on non-routine matters. Any shares represented at the Annual Meeting but not “cast” as a result of a broker non-vote will
have no impact in the election of directors or the Adjournment Proposal, except , in relation to the election of directors, to the extent
that the failure to vote for an individual results in another individual receiving a larger proportion of votes cast for the election
of directors. Any shares represented at the Annual Meeting but not “cast” as a result of a broker non-vote will have the
same effect as a vote “AGAINST” each of the Authorized Share Increase and the Blank Check Preferred Amendment.
How many votes are needed to elect directors?
The nominees for election as directors at the Annual Meeting will
be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by stockholders, in person or by proxy. As there are four directors
on the Board, this means that the four nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes cast by stockholders at the Annual
Meeting will be elected to the Board. Broker non-votes and proxy cards marked “WITHHOLD” will have no impact
on the outcome of the election of directors except to the extent that the failure to vote for an individual results in another individual
receiving a larger proportion of votes cast for the election of directors.
How many votes are needed to ratify the appointment of the independent
registered public accountant Withum Smith+Brown, PC?
The appointment of the independent registered public accountant Withum
Smith+Brown, PC will be ratified by an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by stockholders
present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled to vote thereon. The ratification of auditors is “routine”
and as such a matter on which brokers and nominees can vote on behalf of their clients, if clients do not furnish voting instructions.
A properly executed proxy card marked “ABSTAIN” with respect to this proposal will not have an effect on the
outcome of this proposal.
How many votes are needed to approve the Authorized Share Increase?
Approval of the Authorized Share Increase requires the affirmative
vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of the Record Date. Broker non-votes and proxy cards marked
“ABSTAIN” will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Authorized Share Increase.
How many votes are needed to approve the Blank Check Preferred
Amendment?
Approval of the Blank Check Preferred Amendment requires the affirmative
vote of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of the Record Date. Broker non-votes and proxy cards marked
“ABSTAIN” will have the same effect as a vote “AGAINST” the Blank Check Preferred
Amendment.
How many votes are needed to approve the Adjournment Proposal?
The Adjournment Proposal will be approved by an affirmative vote of
a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by stockholders present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, and entitled
to vote thereon. Broker non-votes and a properly executed proxy card marked “ABSTAIN” with respect to this
proposal will not have an effect on the outcome of this proposal.
Will my shares be voted if I do not sign and return my Proxy Card?
If your shares are held through a brokerage account, your brokerage
firm, under certain circumstances and subject to certain legal restrictions, may vote your shares, otherwise your shares will not be
voted at the meeting. See “What effect does a broker non-vote have?” above for a discussion of the matters on which your
brokerage firm may vote your shares.
If your shares are registered in your name and you do not sign and
return your proxy card, your shares will not be voted at the Annual Meeting.
What happens if I do not indicate how to vote my proxy?
If you just sign your Proxy Card without providing further instructions,
your shares will be “FOR” the election of all nominees, “FOR” the ratification
of the appointment of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, “FOR” the approval
of the Authorized Share Increase, “FOR” the approval of the Blank Check Preferred Amendment and “FOR”
the approval of the Adjournment Proposal.
Where can I find the voting results of the meeting?
Within four (4) business days of the Annual Meeting, the Company
will file a current report on Form 8-K with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”)
announcing the voting results of the Annual Meeting.
Who will pay for the costs of soliciting proxies?
The Company will bear the cost of soliciting proxies. In an effort
to have as large a representation at the meeting as possible, the Company’s directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies
by telephone or in person in certain circumstances. These individuals will receive no additional compensation for their services other
than their regular compensation. Upon request, the Company will reimburse brokers, dealers, banks, voting trustees and their nominees
who are holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock on the record date for the reasonable expenses incurred in mailing copies
of the Annual Meeting Materials to the beneficial owners of such shares. The Company may also determine to pay a proxy solicitor to solicit
proxies on behalf of the Company and will provide information on the fees paid to such solicitor upon engagement to conduct such activities.
We have engaged Alliance Advisors, LLC as the proxy solicitor for the
Annual Meeting for a base fee of $10,000 plus fees for additional services, if any. We have also agreed to reimburse Alliance Advisors
for its reasonable out of pocket expenses.
Are there any other matters to be handled at the Annual Meeting?
We are not currently aware of any business to be acted upon at the
Annual Meeting other than the proposals discussed in this Proxy Statement and the date for submission of matters under federal securities
laws and the Company’s bylaws has passed. The form of proxy accompanying this Proxy Statement confers discretionary authority
upon the named proxy holders with respect to amendments or variations to the matters identified in the accompanying Notice of Annual
Meeting and with respect to any other matters which may properly come before the Annual Meeting or at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) of
the Annual Meeting. If other matters do properly come before the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment(s) or postponement(s) of
the Annual Meeting, shares of our Common Stock, represented by properly submitted proxies, will be voted by the proxy holders in accordance
with their best judgment to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Who can help answer my questions?
You can contact our Chief Executive Officer, John Farlinger, at 720-287-3093
or by sending a letter to John Farlinger at the Company’s headquarters at Assure Holdings Corp., 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240,
Denver, Colorado, USA 80111 or by e-mail to john.farlinger@assureiom.com with any questions about the proposals described in this Proxy
Statement or how to execute your vote.
When are stockholder proposals due for the 2024 annual meeting
of stockholders?
Under the Exchange Act, the deadline for submitting stockholder proposals
for inclusion in the proxy statement for an annual meeting of the stockholders is calculated in accordance with Rule 14a-8(e) of
Regulation 14A to the Exchange Act. If the proposal is submitted for a regularly scheduled annual meeting, the proposal must be received
at the Company’s principal executive offices not less than 120 calendar days before the anniversary date on which the Company’s
proxy statement was released to the stockholders in connection with the previous year’s annual meeting. However, if the Company
did not hold an annual meeting the previous year, or if the date of the current year’s annual meeting has been changed by more than
30 days from the date of the previous year’s meeting, then the deadline is a reasonable time before the Company begins to print
and mail its proxy materials. The deadline for submitting stockholder proposals for inclusion in the proxy statement for the next annual
meeting of the stockholders will be August 7, 2024. If a stockholder proposal is not submitted to the Company by August 7, 2023,
the Company may still grant discretionary proxy authority to vote on a stockholder proposal, if such proposal is received by the Company
by October 21, 2024 in accordance with Rule 14a-4(c)(1) of Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act. If the date for the annual
meeting in 2023 is moved by more than 30 days, the Company will update the stockholders regarding the deadlines set forth above by filing
a Current Report on Form 8-K in relation thereto.
Under the Company’s bylaws, stockholders may submit nominees
for election to the Board pursuant to the requirements set forth therein. The written notice of such nominations must be provided to
the Company’s Corporate Secretary, at the Company’s headquarters at Assure Holdings Corp., 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240,
Denver, Colorado, USA 80111, not less than 30 days prior to the date of the annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in
the event that the annual meeting of stockholders is called for a date that is less than 50 days after the date on which the first public
announcement of the date of the annual meeting was made, notice may be made not later than the close of business on the 10th day
following such public notice date pursuant to the Company’s bylaws.
In addition to satisfying the foregoing requirements under the Company’s
bylaws, to comply with the universal proxy rules, stockholders who intend to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than
our nominees for the 2024 annual meeting must provide notice that sets forth the information required by Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange
Act no later than October 28, 2024, unless the date of our 2024 annual meeting has changed by more than 30 days calendar days from
this year's annual meeting in which case such notice will be due on the later of 60 calendar days prior to the date of the annual meeting
or the 10th calendar day following the day on which public announcement of the date of the annual meeting is first made.
How can I obtain a copy of the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K?
The Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including
financial statements, is available through the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
At the written request of any stockholder who owns shares on the record
date, the Company will provide to such stockholder, without charge, a paper copy of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on
Form 10-K as filed with the SEC, including the financial statements, but not including exhibits. If requested, the Company will
provide copies of the exhibits for a reasonable fee.
Requests for additional paper copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-K
should be mailed to:
Assure Holdings Corp.
7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240
Denver, Colorado, USA 80111
Attention: John Farlinger, Chief Executive Officer
What materials accompany this Proxy Statement?
The following materials accompany this Proxy Statement:
| 1. | The Notice of Annual Meeting; |
| 2. | Proxy Card; and |
| 3. | The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. |
How is the Company accommodating stockholders amid the COVID-19
pandemic?
The Company is continuously monitoring the current coronavirus (COVID-19)
outbreak. The Company reserves the right to take any additional precautionary measures it deems necessary in relation to the Annual Meeting
in response to further development in respect of the COVID-19 outbreak that the Company considers necessary or advisable including changing
the time or location of the Annual Meeting. Changes to the Annual Meeting time, date or location and/or means of holding the Meeting
may be announced by way of press release. Please monitor the Company’s press releases as well as its website at www.assureneuromonitoring.com
for updated information. The Company advises you to check its website one week prior to the Annual Meeting date for the most current
information. The Company does not intend to prepare or mail an amended Proxy Statement in the event of changes to the Annual Meeting
format, unless required by law.
PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION
OF DIRECTORS
What is the current composition of the Board?
The current Board is composed of four directors. The Company’s
current bylaws require number of directors of the Company to be not less than one (1) nor more than the number as fixed from time
to time by resolution of the Board; provided that no decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent directors.
Is the Board divided into classes? How long is the term?
No, the Board is not divided into classes. All directors serve one-year
terms until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are otherwise duly elected and qualified.
Who is standing for election this year?
The Board, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee, has nominated the following four, current Board members for election at the 2023 Annual Meeting, to hold office
until the 2024 Annual Meeting:
| · | John Farlinger |
| · | Christopher Rumana |
| · | Steven Summer |
| · | John Flood |
Each nominee has advised us that they are willing to be named as a
nominee and are willing to continue to serve as a director, if elected. Should any one or more of these nominees become unable or unwilling
to serve, which is not anticipated, the Board may designate substitute nominees, in which event the proxy representatives will vote proxies
that otherwise would be voted for the named nominees for the election of such substitute nominee or nominees. The Company is not aware
of any other nominees to the Board and the deadline for stockholders to nominate persons for election to the Board under the Company’s
bylaws has passed.
How are nominees elected?
The nominees for election as directors at the Annual Meeting will
be elected by a plurality of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by stockholders, in person or by proxy. As there are four directors
on the Board, this means that the four nominees receiving the highest number of affirmative votes cast by stockholders at the Annual
Meeting will be elected to the Board. Broker non-votes and proxy cards marked “WITHHELD” will have no impact
on the outcome of the election of directors except to the extent that the failure to vote for an individual results in another individual
receiving a larger proportion of votes cast for the election of directors.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
EACH OF THE NOMINEES.
INFORMATION ON THE BOARD OF
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Set forth below is certain information with respect to the individuals
who are our directors and executive officers.
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position |
|
Term |
John Farlinger |
|
64 |
|
Executive Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer |
|
Since May 24, 2017 |
Christopher Rumana |
|
55 |
|
Director |
|
Since December 19, 2018 |
Steven Summer |
|
74 |
|
Director |
|
Since December 19, 2019 |
John Flood |
|
64 |
|
Director |
|
Since April 15, 2021 |
Paul Webster |
|
56 |
|
Interim Chief Financial Officer |
|
Since November 21, 2023 |
The following is a description of the business background of the current
directors, director nominees and executive officers of the Company.
Directors
John
Farlinger, Director, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairperson: Mr. Farlinger was appointed to Chief
Executive Officer and Executive Chairman on August 28, 2019. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman,
Mr. Farlinger was appointed as Interim Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman on May 15, 2018. Mr. Farlinger held
the position of Chairman and CEO of Urban Communications Inc. from July 8, 2014 to June 2018. His past positions also include
director and Chair of the Governance and Audit Committee of Freckle Ltd. (TSX-V) from June 2019 to February 2020, Senior Vice-President
of Telephone Navigata-Westel from February 2013 to April 2014, and CEO of Titan Communications from 2009 to February 2013.
Mr. Farlinger has been a Board member and Audit Committee member for BillDirect.com Technologies Inc. ((TSX-V) since August 2021
and a Board member for Lite Access Technologies, Inc. (TSX-V) since April 2021. He is also an advisor to CareCru Inc., a healthcare
start up.
Mr. Farlinger was selected by the Board to serve as the Executive
Chairman because he is the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and his prior experience as an Executive Chairman and director of other
public companies brings valuable insight to the operation of the Board. Additionally, Mr. Farlinger holds a CPA, CA designation
(Canada).
Christopher
Rumana, Director: Dr. Rumana brings over 20 years’ experience in the medical field as a board-certified neurosurgeon.
Dr. Rumana has served in many roles including Chairman of Department of Surgery, Chief of Neurosurgery, Chairman of the Medical
staff, Chairman of the Medical Executive Committee, and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Dr. Rumana
has previously served as the President of the Tallahassee Neurological Clinic from 2000 to 2017 and served as the President and chairman
of Caduceus, LLC, a joint venture pain management facility and surgery center from 2005 to 2017. Dr. Rumana currently runs a consulting
company and serves on the board of multiple health-related companies.
Mr. Rumana was selected by the Board to serve as director because
his experience in the medical field as a neurosurgeon and his service on numerous committees and boards in the neurology medical community
provides the Board with specialized knowledge of the Company’s industry and its customer’s operations which is valuable to
the Board’s oversight role of the Company’s operations.
Steven
Summer, Director: Steven Summer brings over four decades of management experience in health care to the Company’s
board. From 2006 to December 2019, Mr. Summer served as President and CEO of the Colorado Hospital Association. Previously,
from 1993 through 2006, he was the President and CEO of the West Virginia Hospital Association and prior to that he was with the Maryland
Hospital Association, where he also held various senior level roles prior to becoming an executive. In January 2020, Mr. Summer
was named President of the Healthcare Institute (HI), an organization whose membership consists of 35 of the nation's most prestigious
non-profit hospitals and health care systems.
Mr. Summer has selected by the Board to serve as director because
of his management experience in the health care industry including his experience as President and CEO of a number of Hospital Associations
provides specialized knowledge of the Company’s industry which is valuable to the Board’s oversight role of the Company’s
operations.
John
Flood, Director: Mr. Flood has nearly four decades of capital markets experience, as well as extensive operations,
business building and governance expertise. Until retiring in 2019, he served as chairman and managing partner of Craig-Hallum Capital
Group (“Craig-Hallum”), an equity research, trading and investment banking firm that Flood co-founded in 1997. At Craig-Hallum,
Flood led the investment banking and institutional equity sales teams. He was also a member of Craig-Hallum’s board of governors,
and executive, research, banking and M&A committees.
Mr. Flood was selected by the Board to serve as director because
his extensive capital markets experience provides the Board with valuable experience and oversight in relation to the Company’s
capital raising activities which are of significant importance to the Company at its current stage of operations.
Non-Director Executive Officers
Paul Webster, Interim Chief Financial Officer: Mr.
Webster has served as the Company’s Senior Vice President of Managed Care and Revenue Cycle Management since May 2022, and will
continue oversee those operations in addition to taking on the greater role in the Company’s finance department. Mr. Webster has
two decades of managerial and strategic leadership experience in the healthcare industry. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Webster served
as vice president of policy and health economics for Air Methods Corp. (formerly Nasdaq: AIRM), one of the largest air medical service
companies in the world from January 2018 to December 2018. While in that role, he was responsible for engaging with legislators, regulators,
and payers to articulate the economics of providing emergency air medical transportation. He also served in a variety of other management
positions at Air Methods since March 1999 such as vice president of payer strategy and assistant controller. These roles included responsibilities
such as treasury management, revenue recognition, accounting cycle close, negotiating in-network contracts with health insurance companies,
cost trend analysis and the analytics around out-of-network billing as well as integrating acquisitions. Before Air Methods, Mr. Webster
served in accounting roles at Arthur Andersen, LLP from September 1998 to March 1999 and Compliance Systems, Inc. from January 1995 to
August 1998. Mr. Webster holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Bachelor
of Arts degree in Sociology from Hope College..
Arrangements between Officers and Directors
To our knowledge, there is no arrangement or understanding between
any of our executive officers and any other person, including directors, pursuant to which the executive officer or director was selected
to serve as an executive officer or director.
Family Relationships
None of our directors or executive officers is related by blood, marriage,
or adoption to any other director or executive officer.
Other Directorships
None of our directors or director nominees are also directors of issuers
with a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
(the “Exchange Act”) (or subject to the requirements of Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act or any
company required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended).
Legal Proceedings
We know of no material proceedings in which any of our directors,
executive officers, affiliates or any stockholder of more than 5% of any class of our voting securities, or any associate thereof, is
a party adverse or has a material interest adverse to Assure or its subsidiaries. To the best of our knowledge, except as provided below,
none of our directors or executive officers has, during the past ten years:
| · | been convicted in
a criminal proceeding or been subject to a pending criminal proceeding (excluding traffic
violations and other minor offences); |
| · | had any bankruptcy
petition filed by or against the business or property of the person, or of any partnership,
corporation or business association of which he was a general partner or executive officer,
either at the time of the bankruptcy filing or within two years prior to that time; |
| · | been subject to any
order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court
of competent jurisdiction or federal or state authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining,
barring, suspending or otherwise limiting, his involvement in any type of business, securities,
futures, commodities, investment, banking, savings and loan, or insurance activities, or
to be associated with persons engaged in any such activity; |
| · | been found by a court
of competent jurisdiction in a civil action or by the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading
Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment
has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated; |
| · | proceeding among private
litigants, relating to an alleged violation of any federal or state securities or commodities
law or regulation, any law or regulation respecting financial institutions or insurance companies
including, but not limited to, a temporary or permanent injunction, order of disgorgement
or restitution, civil money penalty or temporary or permanent cease-and-desist order, or
removal or prohibition order, or any law or regulation prohibiting mail or wire fraud or
fraud in connection with any business entity; or |
| · | been the subject of,
or a party to, any sanction or order, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of
any self-regulatory organization (as defined in Section 3(a)(26) of the Exchange Act
(15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(26)), any registered entity (as defined in Section 1(a)(29) of the
Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. 1(a)(29)), or any equivalent exchange, association, entity
or organization that has disciplinary authority over its members or persons associated with
a member. |
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
We believe that effective corporate governance is critical to our
long-term success and our ability to create value for our stockholders. We regularly review our corporate governance practices, monitor
emerging developments in corporate governance and update our policies and procedures when our Board determines that it would benefit
the Company and our stockholders to do so. We also monitor our corporate governance policies and practices to maintain compliance with
the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC rules and regulations, and the corporate governance standards set forth
in the Listing Rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (the “NASDAQ Standards”). The Board is of the view that the
Company’s system of corporate governance meets or exceeds this set of guidelines and requirements.
We maintain a corporate governance page on our website that includes:
our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and the charters for the Audit, Nomination and Corporate Governance, and Compensation Committees
of our Board, all of which can be found at www.assuremneuromonitoring.com by clicking on “Investor Info” under the
heading “Governance” and sub-heading “Governance Documents”. Reference to our website is provided herein for
informational purposes only and no content on our website is incorporated herein by reference or otherwise forms a part of this Proxy
Statement, unless otherwise stated herein.
Board Composition
The Board is currently composed of four directors. The Company’s
current bylaws require the number of directors of the Company to be not less than one (1) nor more than the number as fixed from
time to time by resolution of the Board of Directors; provided that no decrease in the number of directors shall shorten the term of
any incumbent directors. All of the proposed nominees of the Board of Directors for election as directors at the Annual Meeting are current
directors of the Company.
Director Independence
We had four Directors at December 4, 2023 (including three independent
Directors) as follows:
| · | John Farlinger |
| · | Christopher Rumana,
independent |
| · | Steven Summer, independent |
| · | John Flood, independent |
The Board applies the requirements for independence set out in Rule 5605(a)(2) of
the NASDAQ Standards and considers all relevant facts and circumstances in making its assessment. Consistent with NASDAQ Standards, the
Board assesses the independence of its members not less than annually.
In addition, the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
specifically addresses conflict of interest situations involving directors. Pursuant to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, all
directors are required to act in the best interests of the Company and to avoid conflicts of interest.
With the assistance of the Nominating & Corporate Governance
Committee, the Board has considered the relationship of the Company to each of the nominees for election by the stockholders at the Annual
Meeting and has determined that three of the four nominees for election as directors at the Annual Meeting are independent (Rumana, Summer,
and Flood). The one nominees who is not independent (Farlinger) is an executive officer of the Company and member of management.
Meetings of the Board and Committees
In 2022, the Board met 13 times, the Audit Committee met 4 times, the
Compensation Committee met 2 times and the Nomination and Corporate Governance Committee met 6 times. None of the incumbent directors
attended fewer than 75% of the meetings of the Board and Committees on which they served in the year ended December 31, 2022.
Company’s Policy regarding Board Members’ Attendance
at the Annual Meeting
The Company does not have a policy that requires directors to attend
the Annual Meeting. One director attended the Company’s annual meeting in 2022.
Communications to the Board
Stockholders may communicate directly with members of the Board, or
the Board as a group, by writing directly to the individual Board member or the Board, Assure Holdings Corp., 7887 E. Belleview Ave.,
Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111. The Company’s Corporate Secretary will forward communications directly to the appropriate
Board member. If the correspondence is not addressed to a particular member, the communication will be forwarded to a Board member to
bring to the attention of the Board. The Company’s Manager, Investor Relations will review all communications, and if requested
by the stockholder or if the matter relates to Company business, shall forward them to the appropriate Board member(s).
Board Leadership Structure and Role in Risk Oversight
The positions of our principal executive officer and the chairperson
of our Board are served by one individual, John Farlinger. We have determined that the leadership structure of our Board is appropriate,
especially given the size of our company and the Board. Our Board currently consists of four directors. The Board has not appointed a
lead independent director. Due to the size of the Board, the independent directors are able to closely monitor the activities of our
Company without a lead independent director. In addition, the independent directors are able to meet independently with the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm without management to discuss the Company’s financial statements and related audits.
Therefore, the Board has determined that having one individual serve as principal executive officer and chairperson of the Board does
not negatively impact the ability of the Board to provide independent oversight. To the extent the composition of the Board changes and/or
grows in the future, the Board may re-evaluate the need for an independent chairperson.
Management is responsible for the day-to-day management of risks the
Company faces, while the Board as a whole has ultimate responsibility for the Company’s oversight of risk management. Our Board
takes an enterprise-wide approach to risk oversight, designed to support the achievement of organizational objectives, including strategic
objectives, to improve long-term organizational performance and enhance stockholder value. A fundamental part of risk oversight is not
only understanding the risks a Company faces and what steps management is taking to manage those risks, but also understanding what level
of risk is appropriate for the Company. As a critical part of this risk management oversight role, our Board encourages full and open
communication between management and the Board. Our Board regularly reviews material strategic, operational, financial, compensation
and compliance risks with management. In addition, our management team regularly reports to the full Board regarding their areas of responsibility
and a component of these reports is risk within the area of responsibility and the steps management has taken to monitor and control
such exposures. Additional review or reporting on risk is conducted as needed or as requested by our Board.
Ethical Business Conduct
The Board has found that the fiduciary duties placed on individual
directors by our governing corporate legislation and the common law and the restrictions placed by applicable corporate legislation on
an individual directors’ participation in decisions of the Board in which the director has an interest have been sufficient to
ensure that the Board operates independently of management and in the best interests of the company.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
The Company has adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that
applies to the Company’s officers, directors, employees, and contractors.
We have adopted a corporate Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the
“Code”) that applies to all our employees including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
and principal accounting officer and is administered by our Chief Financial Officer, John Price, and the Chair of the Nomination and
Corporate Governance Committee, Martin Burian. We believe our Code provides written standards for deterring, and is reasonably designed
to deter, wrongdoing. The purpose of our Code is to promote:
| · | honest and ethical
conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between
personal and professional relationships; |
| · | full, fair, accurate,
timely and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that are filed with, or submitted
to, the SEC and in other public communications made by the Company; |
| · | compliance with applicable
governmental laws, rules and regulations; |
| · | prompt internal reporting
of violations of the Code to an appropriate person or persons identified in the Code; and |
| · | accountability for
adherence to the Code. |
Our Code is available on our website at https://www.assureneuromonitoring.com/.
A copy of the Code will be provided to any person without charge upon written request to the Company at its administrative office: Assure
Holdings Corp., 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado 80111. We intend to disclose on our website any waiver from
a provision of our Code that applies to any of our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer,
controller, or persons performing similar functions that relates to any element of our Code.
Hedging Policy
The Company’s share trading policy prohibits hedging or monetization
transactions. The policy sets forth hedging or monetization transactions as transactions that can be accomplished through the use of
various financial instruments, including prepaid variable forwards, equity swaps, collars and exchange funds. The policy notes that these
transactions may permit continued ownership of the Company’s securities obtained through employee benefit plans or otherwise without
the full risks and rewards of ownership. When that occurs, a person entering into these types of transactions may no longer have the
same objectives as the Company’s other shareholders. In addition, under the policy no director or officer of the Company is permitted
to purchase financial instruments, including, for greater certainty, prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, or units
of exchange funds that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in market value of any the Company’s securities granted as compensation
or held, directly or indirectly, by such director or officer.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Board has established an Audit Committee, a Nomination &
Corporate Governance Committee and a Compensation Committee. Terms of reference for each committee, which delineate the mandate of the
committee, the composition of the committee, the frequency of committee meetings and other relevant matters, have been approved and adopted
by the Board.
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Financial Expert
We have a separately-designated standing Audit Committee established
in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act and the NASDAQ Standards. The Audit Committee, in accordance with
its written charter, is responsible for reviewing and approving the financial statements and public reports of the Company, considering
the existence and adequacy of internal and management controls and reviewing and approving material accounting policies and measurements.
The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing the annual audit and quarterly reviews and communicating directly with the external
auditor as to their findings.
The Audit Committee’s mandate provides for regularly scheduled
meetings to review and approve annual audited financial statements and quarterly unaudited financial statements and other reports to
stockholders. Additional meetings may be held as warranted with respect to public financing initiatives and other material transactions.
In addition, the Audit Committee has the authority to pre-approve non-audit services which may be required from time to time. The Charter
for the Audit Committee is available on our website at https://www.assureneuromonitoring.com/.
Currently, our Audit Committee consists of John Flood (Chairperson),
Steven Summer and Christopher Rumana. The Board has determined that all members of the Audit Committee are “independent”
within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Standards and Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act. Our Board has determined that John
Flood qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as defined in Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of Regulation S-K based on
education, professional designations held, experience and background.
Audit Committee Report*
The Audit Committee of the Board is responsible for providing independent,
objective oversight of the Company’s accounting functions and internal controls. The Audit Committee acts under a written
charter adopted and approved by the Board, which is reviewed by the Board and the Audit Committee annually. Each member of the Audit
Committee is “independent” within the meaning of Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the NASDAQ Standards. In accordance
with Section 407 of the United States Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Item 407(d)(5)(ii) and (iii) of
Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act, the Board has identified Martin Burian as the “Audit Committee Financial Expert.” A
copy of the Audit Committee Charter is available on the Company’s website at https://www.assureneuromonitoring.com/.
The responsibilities of the Audit Committee include recommending to
the Board an accounting firm to be nominated for stockholder approval as the Company’s independent auditor. The Audit Committee
is responsible for recommending to the Board that the Company’s financial statements and the related management’s discussion
and analysis be included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Audit Committee took a number of steps in making this recommendation
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
First, the Audit Committee discussed with Baker Tilly US, LLP (“Baker
Tilly”) those matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board, including information regarding the scope and results of the audit. These communications and discussions are intended to assist
the Audit Committee in overseeing the financial reporting and disclosure process.
Second, the Audit Committee discussed with Baker Tilly the independence
of Baker Tilly and received from Baker Tilly the letter required by applicable standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board for independent auditor communications with Audit Committees, as may be modified or supplemented, concerning its independence as
required under applicable independence standards for auditors of public companies. This discussion and disclosure assisted the Audit
Committee in evaluating such independence.
Finally, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed, with the Company’s
management and Baker Tilly, the Company’s audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 and the
related management’s discussion and analysis to be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Based on the discussions with Baker Tilly concerning the audit, their
independence, the financial statement review, and such other matters deemed relevant and appropriate by the Audit Committee, the Audit
Committee recommended to the Board that the Company’s financial statements and the related management’s discussion and analysis
be included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
Submitted by:
Audit Committee of the Board of Directors
/s/ John Flood (Chair) |
|
/s/ Steven Summer |
|
/s/ Christopher Rumana |
|
|
* |
The information contained in this Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed”
or incorporated by reference in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act,
except to the extent that the Company specifically requests that the information be treated as soliciting material or specifically
incorporates it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended or the Exchange Act. |
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee’s mandate provides for regularly
scheduled meetings to review the processes and procedures as may be reasonably necessary to allow the Compensation to make recommendations
to the Board with respect to executive compensation. The Compensation Committee administers the Company’s Stock Option Plan, and
determines all direct, indirect and incentive compensation and benefits of the executive management team. The Compensation Committee
has the authority to form and delegate all or a portion of its duties and authority to subcommittees or individuals; communicate directly
with officers, employees, and legal counsel; and in its discretion, may obtain advice from a compensation consultant. The Charter for
the Compensation Committee is available on our website at https://www.assureneuromonitoring.com/.
Currently, our Compensation Committee consists of Steven Summer (Chairperson),
John Flood and Christopher Rumana. The Board has determined that all members of the Compensation Committee are “independent”
within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Standards.
Nomination & Corporate Governance Committee (“NCG
Committee”)
The NCG Committee, in accordance with its charter, is responsible
in assisting the Board in the exercise of their responsibilities as it relates to nomination and corporate governance matters delegated
to it by the Board. The NCG Committee is also responsible for annually overseeing the evaluation of the effectiveness of the Board and
its Committees and making recommendations to the Board with respect to any changes which may be advisable to improve the functioning
of the Board or any of its committees. The NCG Committee’s mandate provides for regularly scheduled meetings to review the corporate
governance guidelines applicable to the Company. The Charter for the NCG Committee is available on our website at https://www.assureneuromonitoring.com/.
Currently, our NCG Committee consists of Christopher Rumana (Chairperson),
Steven Summer, and John Flood. The Board has determined that all members of the NCG Committee are “independent” are “independent”
within the meaning of Rule 5605 of the NASDAQ Standards.
Diversity
The Board values the benefits that diversity can bring and seeks to
maintain a Board comprised of talented and dedicated directors with a diverse mix of experience, skills and backgrounds collectively
reflecting the strategic needs of the business and the nature of the environment in which the Company operates. In identifying qualified
candidates for nomination to the Board, the NCG Committee will consider prospective candidates based on merit, having regard to those
competencies, expertise, skills, background and other qualities identified from time to time by the Board as being important in fostering
a diverse and inclusive culture which solicits multiple perspectives and views and is free of conscious or unconscious bias and discrimination.
The Board does not adhere to any specific targets or quotas in determining
Board membership but the Board is committed to increasing diversity on the Board and realizes the potential benefits from new perspectives
that could be gained through increasing diversity within the Board’s ranks. The NCG Committee strives to see diversity, inclusion
and equity in connection with its vision and mission for the Board and the Company.
Each of the categories listed in the below table has the meaning as
it is used in Rule 5605(f) of the NASDAQ Standards.
Board Diversity Matrix (as of December 4,
2023) |
Total Number of Directors |
6 |
|
Female |
Male |
Non-Binary |
Did
Not Disclose Gender |
Part I:
Gender Identity |
|
Directors |
- |
4 |
- |
- |
Part II:
Demographic Background |
African American or Black |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Alaskan Native or Native
American |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Asian |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Hispanic or Latinx |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Native Hawaiian or Pacific
Islander |
- |
- |
- |
- |
White |
- |
4 |
- |
- |
Two or More Races or
Ethnicities |
- |
- |
- |
- |
LGBTQ+ |
- |
Demographic Background
Undisclosed |
- |
Nomination Responsibilities and Duties
The Board believes that directors should ideally reflect a mix of
experience and other qualifications important to the Board’s role in oversight of the Company. While there is no firm requirement
of minimum qualifications or skills that candidates must possess we week directors with high integrity and experience relevant to our
business and public company listings in order to maintain a board with a mix of skills and experience. The NCG Committee evaluates director
candidates based on a number of qualifications, including their resume, independence, judgment, leadership ability, expertise in the
industry, experience developing and analyzing business strategies, financial literacy, risk management skills, and, for incumbent directors,
his or her past performance. While neither the Board nor the NCG Committee has adopted a formal policy with regard to the consideration
of diversity when evaluating candidates for election to the Board, it is our goal to have a balanced Board, with members whose skills,
background and experience are complimentary and, together, cover the variety of areas that impact our business.
The qualifications of each of the Company’s directors are set
forth in their respective biographies in this Proxy Statement.
The NCG Committee does not have a policy pursuant to which it considers
director candidates recommended by stockholders. It is the NCG Committee’s view that a formal policy is not necessary because stockholders
can make recommendations to the NCG Committee by writing to: NCG Committee Chair c/o Corporate Secretary at Assure Holdings Corp., 7887
E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111 and the Company’s bylaws contain provisions pursuant to which Company’s
stockholders can nominate a person for election to the Board at stockholders meetings.
The Company’s bylaws permit certain stockholders to nominate
persons for election to the Board. Pursuant to the bylaws, any person (a “Nominating Shareholder”) (i) who,
at the close of business on the date of the giving of a notice for a nomination and on the record date for notice of the applicable meeting
of stockholders, is entered in the securities register of the Company as a holder of one or more shares carrying the right to vote at
such meeting or who beneficially owns shares that are entitled to be voted at such meeting and (ii) who complies with the notice
procedures set forth below, may nominate persons for election to the Board. The Nominating Shareholder must give timely written notice,
in proper form, to the Corporate Secretary of the Company at Assure Holdings Corp., 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado,
USA 80111 to make a nomination.
To be timely, a Nominating Shareholder’s notice to the corporate
secretary of the Company must be made (i) in the case of an annual meeting of stockholders, not less than 30 days prior to the date
of the annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting of stockholders is called for a date
that is less than 50 days after the date (the “Notice Date”) on which the first public announcement of
the date of the annual meeting was made, notice by the Nominating Shareholder may be made not later than the close of business on the
10th day following the Notice Date; and (ii) in the case of a special meeting of stockholders (which is not also
an annual meeting of stockholders) called for the purpose of electing directors (whether or not called for other purposes), not later
than the close of business on the 15th day following the day on which the first public announcement of the date of the
special meeting of stockholders was made.
To be in proper written form, a Nominating Shareholder’s notice
to the corporate secretary of the Company must set forth:
| · | as to each person
whom the Nominating Shareholder proposes to nominate for election as a director (A) the
name, age, business address and residential address of the person, (B) the principal
occupation(s) or employment(s) of the person, (C) the class or series and
number of shares in the capital of the Company which are controlled or which are owned beneficially
or of record by the person as of record date for the meeting of shareholders (if such date
shall then have been made publicly available and shall have occurred) and as of the date
of such notice, and (D) any other information relating to the person that would be required
to be disclosed in a dissident’s proxy circular in connection with solicitations of
proxies for election of directors pursuant to applicable laws; and |
| · | as to the Nominating
Shareholder giving the notice, any proxy, contract, arrangement, understanding or relationship
pursuant to which such Nominating Shareholder has a right to vote any shares of the Company
and any other information relating to such Nominating Shareholder that would be required
to be made in a dissident’s proxy circular in connection with solicitations of proxies
for election of directors pursuant to the Act and Applicable Securities Laws. The Company
may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as may be required under
applicable law or the rules of any stock exchange on which the Company’s securities
are listed to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as an independent
director on the Board. |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth the compensation granted to our independent
directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. On March 4, 2023, the Company completed a reverse stock split on a twenty
(20) to one (1) share basis. All information regarding stock options and warrants have been updated to reflect the reverse stock
split unless provided otherwise.
| |
| Fees
Earned
or Paid in
Cash | | |
| Stock
Awards | | |
| Option
Awards | | |
| Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation | | |
| Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings | | |
| All
Other
Compensation | | |
| Total | |
Name | |
| ($) | | |
| ($) | | |
| ($) | | |
| ($) | | |
| ($) | | |
| ($) | | |
| ($) | |
Martin Burian, (1)(2) | |
$ | 52,000 | | |
| 40,000 | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
$ | 92,000 | |
Lead Independent Director | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Christopher Rumana, (1)(3) | |
$ | 40,000 | | |
| 40,000 | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
$ | 80,000 | |
Independent Director | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
Steven Summer, (1)(4) | |
$ | 46,000 | | |
| 40,000 | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
$ | 86,000 | |
Independent Director | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
John Flood, (1)(5) | |
$ | 46,000 | | |
| 40,000 | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
| Nil | | |
$ | 86,000 | |
Independent Director | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
|
(1) |
All directors who are not employees of the Company are entitled to receive a quarterly retainer
of $10,000 for their services as directors of the Company and a quarterly retainer of $1,500 for serving on a committee of the Company.
The quarterly retainer is paid 50% in cash and 50% in stock. |
|
(2) |
As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Burian has options to purchase (a) 15,000 common shares
of the Company at an exercise price of $180.00 which expire on October 1, 2023, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Burian
on October 1, 2018; (b) 1,500 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $156.00 which expire on January 16,
2024, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Burian on January 16, 2019 and (c) 500 common shares of the Company at an
exercise price of $106.00 which expire on January 27, 2026, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Burian on January 29,
2021. As of December 31, 2022, all of the 750 of the options granted on October 1, 2018 have vested, all of the 1,500 options
granted on January 16, 2019 have vested, and 300 of the options granted on January 29, 2021 have vested with the balance
of options vesting in increments of 133 on each February 1 and August 1, until such time that the options have fully vested
February 1, 2024. |
|
(3) |
As of December 31, 2022, Dr. Rumana has options to purchase (a) 1,500 common shares
of the Company at an exercise price of $156.00 which expire on January 16, 2024, pursuant to options awarded to Dr. Rumana
on January 16, 2019 and (b) 1,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $106.00 which expire on January 27,
2026, pursuant to options awarded to Dr. Rumana on January 29, 2021. As of December 31, 2022, all of the 1,500 options
granted on January 16, 2019 had vested and 600 of the options granted on January 29, 2021 have vested with the balance
of options vesting in increments of 133 on each February 1 and August 1, until such time that the options have fully vested
February 1, 2024. |
|
(4) |
As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Summer has options to purchase (a) 1,500 common shares
of the Company at an exercise price of Cdn$171.00 which expire on October 4, 2024, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Summer
on October 4, 2019 and (b) 1,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $106.00 which expire on January 27,
2026, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Summer on January 29, 2021. As of December 31, 2022, all of the 1,500 options
granted on October 4, 2019 have vested and 600 of the options granted on January 29, 2021 have vested with the balance
of options vesting in increments of 133 on each February 1 and August 1, until such time that the options have fully vested
February 1, 2024. |
|
(5) |
As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Flood has options to purchase 1,500 common shares of the
Company at an exercise price of $112.00 which expire on April 15, 2026, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Flood on April 15,
2021. As of December 31, 2022, of 1,500 options granted on April 15, 2021, 900 have vested, with the balance of options
vesting in increments of 200 options each April 15 and October 15, until such time that the options have fully vested on
April 15, 2024. |
OTHER GOVERNANCE MATTERS
Section 16(a) Beneficial
Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of
the Exchange Act requires any person who is a director or executive officer of the Company or who beneficially holds more than 10% of
any class of our securities which have been registered with the SEC, to file reports of initial ownership and changes in ownership with
the SEC. These persons are also required under the regulations of the SEC to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports
they file.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Based solely on our
review of copies of such reports, we believe that our directors, executive officers, and holders of more than 10% of our registered securities
timely complied with the requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act during fiscal year ended December 31, 2022,
except for the Forms 4 filed on October 27, 2022 by John Farlinger, Christopher Rumana, Steven Summer, and Martin Burian for transactions
dated October 21, 2022; and the Form 4 filed on December 28, 2022 by Preston Parsons for transaction dated December 20,
2022.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Oversight of Executive Compensation Program
The Compensation Committee of the Board oversees the Company’s
executive compensation programs that are both motivational and competitive for executive officers and other members of senior management.
Additionally, the Compensation Committee is charged with reviewing and approving all compensation decisions relating to the executive
officers.
The Compensation Committee is composed entirely of independent, non-management
members of the Board. At least once each year, and at such other times as is necessary, the Board reviews any and all relationships that
each director has with the Company. The Board has determined that none of the Compensation Committee members has any material business
relationship with the Company.
The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee, as stated in its
charter, include the following:
| · | to review and assess
the adequacy of the Compensation Committee charter annually and submit any proposed changes
to the Board for approval; |
| · | to produce an annual
report on senior executive officer compensation for inclusion in the Company’s annual
report or the proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders; |
| · | to review and make
such recommendations to the Board as the Compensation Committee deems advisable with regard
to all incentive-based compensation plans and equity-based plans; |
| · | to establish peer
groups of comparable companies and targeting competitive positioning for the Company’s
compensation programs; and |
| · | to consider the implications
of the potential risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and programs;
and |
| · | to review and make
recommendations to the Board with respect to the compensation of the senior executive officers. |
Overview of Executive
Compensation Program
The objectives of our executive
compensation policy are to attract and retain individuals of high caliber to serve as officers, to motivate their performance in order
to achieve our strategic objectives and to align the interests of executive officers with the long term interests of our stockholders.
Short-term compensation, including base salaries and annual performance bonus, is used to attract and retain employees. Long-term compensation,
including our Stock Option Plan and Equity Incentive Plan, is used to reward growth in asset value per share.
Our compensation policy
is reviewed and examined annually by the Compensation Committee in accordance with its charter. The Compensation Committee considered
the implications of the risks associated with our compensation policies and practices and did not identify any risks arising from our
compensation policies and practices that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on us.
We do not have any written
policies which prohibit a named executive officer or director from purchasing financial instruments, including, for greater certainty,
prepaid variable forward contracts, equity swaps, collars, or units of exchange funds, that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease
in market value of equity securities granted as compensation or held, directly or indirectly, by the named executive officer or director.
For the purposes of
this Annual Report, named executive officers or “NEOs” means each of the following individuals:
|
(a) |
each individual who, in respect of the Company, during any part of the financial year ended December 31,
2022, served as chief executive officer, including an individual performing functions similar to a chief executive officer (“CEO”)
of the Company; |
|
(b) |
the Company’s two most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers
at the end of the last completed fiscal year; |
|
(c) |
up to two individuals who would be an NEO under paragraph
(b) but for the fact that the individual was neither an executive officer of the Company, nor acting in a similar capacity,
as of December 31, 2022. |
During the financial year
ended December 31, 2022, we had two NEOs: John Farlinger (CEO), and John Price (CFO). Mr. Farlinger was appointed the CEO on
August 28, 2019. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Farlinger was appointed as Interim CEO on May 15, 2018. Mr. Price
was appointed CFO on March 26, 2021.
Compensation Elements and Rationale
Executive officer (including the NEOs) compensation consists of essentially
three components: (i) base salary; (ii) annual performance bonus; and (iii) the equity compensation under our Stock Option
Plan as amended, Equity Incentive Plan as amended, 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, or written grant agreements.
Each component of our executive officer compensation arrangements are briefly described below.
Base Salaries
Salaries for executive officers and other members of senior management
are determined by evaluating the responsibilities of each executive’s position, as well as the experience and knowledge of the
individual, with a view to market competitiveness. Assure benchmarks its executive salaries, by position and responsibility, against
other comparable business enterprises. The base salaries for executive officers are reviewed in the fourth quarter of each financial
year for the ensuing year by the NCG Committee. Annual salary adjustments take into account the market value of the executive’s
role, the executive’s performance throughout the year and the economic factors that affect Assure’s industry and marketplace.
Retention of executive officers is a risk considered by the Compensation
Committee in setting base salaries.
Annual Performance Bonus
Each executive is eligible to receive an annual bonus (the “Annual
Bonus”) based upon achievement of milestones established by the Compensation Committee. The Annual Bonus is determined, at the
discretion of the Compensation Committee at the beginning of each year and is paid during the first quarter of the subsequent year. If
the executive voluntarily resigns from their employment with us or if their employment is terminated for cause prior to payment of the
Annual Bonus, they shall not be entitled to receive payment of the Annual Bonus, or any portion thereof, whether prorated or otherwise.
Our Annual Bonus provides NEOs and key employees with the opportunity
to earn annual incentive awards in respect of their leadership and contribution towards enhanced levels of operating performance. As
such, the Annual Bonus is designed to increase alignment with Assure’s strategic and operational goals with awards earned based
on the achievement of both financial and personal performance goals.
The “financial performance” of each executive (including
NEOs) is measured and calculated on three pre-established annual financial performance measure (the “Financial Performance Measure”).
The Financial Performance Measures are designed around key drivers of profitability and operational cash flow, namely: (i) revenue
growth; (ii) EBITDA growth; and (iii) cash flow growth, increase in procedures and other identified metrics. For each Financial
Performance Measure, there are three performance levels set: threshold, target and maximum.
The ‘personal performance’ of each executive is measured
against the extent to which each executive achieves his or her personal strategic objective (“Personal Strategic Objective”).
The Personal Strategic Objectives are set by the executives in conjunction with the CEO at the commencement of each fiscal year and are
expressed with reference to specific, measurable targets and given a weighting for each.
Equity Compensation
Options and Awards are granted by the Board at the recommendation
of the NCG Committee. In monitoring or adjusting the option allotments, the NCG Committee takes into account its own observations on
individual performance (where possible) and its assessment of individual contribution to shareholder value, previous option grants and
the objectives set for the NEOs. The scale of options is generally commensurate to the appropriate level of base compensation for each
level of responsibility. The NCG Committee makes these determinations subject to and in accordance with the provisions of the Amended
Stock Option Plan.
See “Equity Compensation Plans” for a description
of our current equity compensation plans - the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan, the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, the 2021 Stock Incentive
Plan and the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. On November 4, 2021, the Board approved and the Company adopted the 2021 Stock Incentive
Plan and the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2021 Plans”), and the Company’s stockholders subsequently
approved the 2021 Plans at the Annual Meeting on December 9, 2021. The Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan and the 2020 Equity Incentive
Plan have been remained in effect; however, Since November 9, 2021, the Company has been and intends to continue to grant its awards
under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan. In addition, executive officers have the right to participate in the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan along with other employees of the Company.
Compensation Governance
The Compensation Committee exercises general responsibility regarding
overall employee and executive officer compensation. It determines the total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial
Officer and other senior executives of the Company, all subject to Board approval. The Compensation Committee also meets with the Chief
Executive Officer to review all other salaries and compensation items. These salaries and compensation items are ultimately approved
by the Board annually in the overall general and administrative expense budget.
Options and Awards are also granted by the Board at the recommendation
of the Compensation Committee. In monitoring or adjusting the option allotments, the Compensation Committee takes into account its own
observations on individual performance (where possible) and its assessment of individual contribution to stockholder value, previous
option grants and the objectives set for the NEOs. The scale of options is generally commensurate to the appropriate level of base compensation
for each level of responsibility. The Compensation Committee makes these determinations subject to and in accordance with the provisions
of the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan.
Summary Compensation Table
The following table sets forth the compensation
earned by the NEOs for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 and are set out below and expressed in the currency
of the United States unless otherwise noted. On March 4, 2023, the Company effected a reverse stock split on a twenty (20)
to one (1) share basis. All information regarding stock options and warrants have been updated to reflect the reverse stock split
unless provided otherwise.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pension value |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
nonqualified |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-Equity |
|
deferred |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock |
|
Option |
|
Incentive Plan |
|
compensation |
|
All Other |
|
|
Name and |
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus |
|
Awards |
|
Awards |
|
Compensation |
|
earnings |
|
Compensation |
|
Total |
Principal Position |
|
Year |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
|
($) |
John Farlinger, (1) |
|
2022 |
|
420,131 |
|
218,000 |
|
70,153 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
32,694 |
|
740,978 |
Executive Chairperson and Chief |
|
2021 |
|
401,610 |
|
323,380 |
|
144,918 |
|
330,382 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
61,889 |
|
1,262,179 |
Executive Officer |
|
2020 |
|
306,583 |
|
200,000 |
|
315,600 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
48,484 |
|
870,667 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Price, (2) |
|
2022 |
|
276,826 |
|
48,740 |
|
67,713 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
13,884 |
|
407,163 |
Former Chief Financial Officer |
|
2021 |
|
244,800 |
|
97,920 |
|
61,900 |
|
67,113 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
17,400 |
|
489,133 |
|
|
2020 |
|
20,000 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
20,000 |
|
(1) |
Mr. Farlinger was appointed to Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairperson on August 28,
2019. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairperson, Mr. Farlinger was appointed as Interim
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairperson on May 15, 2018. During the year ended December 31, 2022, Mr. Farlinger
received a car allowance of $14,394 and a matched retirement investment contribution of $18,300 paid by Assure, which values have
been included in the column “All Other Compensation”. Stock awards in 2021 consists of a grant of 810 common shares at
$123.80 and 302 common shares at $80.00 per common share. On January 29, 2021, Mr. Farlinger was granted 4,500 stock options
exercisable to acquire shares of common stock of Assure at $106.00 per share, vesting 20% on the grant date and one-sixth every six
months until fully vested, and expiring on January 27, 2026. |
|
(2) |
Mr. Price joined the Company as the Vice President of
Accounting and Finance during November 2020 and was appointed Chief Financial Officer on March 26, 2021. Mr. Price resigned
as Chief Financial Officer effective November 21, 2023. Mr. Price received a matched retirement investment contribution of $13,884
paid by Assure, which value has been included in the column “All Other Compensation”. Stock Awards in 2021 consist of a grant
of 500 common shares at a price of $123.80 per common share. |
Outstanding Equity Awards Table
The following table discloses the particulars of
unexercised options, stock that has not vested and equity incentive plan awards for our NEOs for the last completed fiscal year ending
December 31, 2022. On March 4, 2023, the Company effected a reverse stock split on a twenty (20) to one (1) share basis.
All information regarding stock options and warrants have been updated to reflect the reverse stock split unless provided otherwise.
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END
|
|
Option Awards |
|
Stock Awards |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Equity |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incentive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Market |
|
Number |
|
Market |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number |
|
Value |
|
of |
|
or Payout |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Awards: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
of |
|
of |
|
Unearned |
|
Value of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
shares |
|
shares |
|
shares, |
|
shares, |
|
|
Number of |
|
Number of |
|
Securities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
or |
|
or Units |
|
Units or |
|
Units or |
|
|
Securities |
|
Securities |
|
Underlying |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Units of |
|
of |
|
Other |
|
Other |
|
|
Underlying |
|
Underlying |
|
Unexercised |
|
Option |
|
|
|
Stock That |
|
Stock That |
|
Rights That |
|
Rights That |
|
|
Unexercised |
|
Unexercised |
|
Unearned |
|
Exercise |
|
Option |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
|
Have Not |
Name and |
|
Options (#) |
|
Options (#) |
|
Options |
|
Price |
|
Expiration |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
|
Vested |
Principal Position |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
Date |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
|
(#) |
|
($) |
John Farlinger, (1) |
|
3,020 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
$ |
180.00 |
|
10/1/2023 |
|
3,000 |
|
$ |
315,000 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
Executive Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer |
|
1,170 |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
$ |
156.00 |
|
1/16/2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,700 |
|
1,800 |
|
Nil |
|
$ |
106.00 |
|
2/1/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
John Price, (2)
Former Chief Financial Officer |
|
1,833 |
|
667 |
|
Nil |
|
$ |
97.00 |
|
12/10/2025 |
|
Nil |
|
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
Nil |
|
|
233 |
|
267 |
|
Nil |
|
$ |
153.00 |
|
10/1/2026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Farlinger has an aggregate of 8,690 options to purchase common stock of the Company. The
options are exercisable to purchases: (a) 3,020 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $180.00 which expire on October 1,
2023, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Farlinger on October 1, 2018; (b) 1,170 shares of the Company at an exercise
price of $156.00 which expire on January 16, 2024 and (c) 4,500 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $106.00 which
expire on February 1, 2026. On March 4, 2020, Preston Parsons entered into a Stock Grant Amendment and Transfer Agreement,
under which he agreed to transfer and distribute 17,000 Performance shares to certain employees and senior management, including
Mr. Farlinger (3,000 shares). On December 29, 2020, Assure issued 3,000 shares of common stock in settlement of the Performance
shares to Mr. Farlinger, subject to forfeiture under the vesting terms of a restricted stock award agreement. The restricted
shares vested under the terms of the restricted stock award agreement on September 29, 2021. |
|
(2) |
As of December 31, 2022, Mr. Price has an aggregate of 3,000 options to purchase common stock of the Company. The options
are exercisable to purchase (a) 2,500 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $97.00 which expire on December 10,
2025, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Price on December 10, 2021 and (b) 500 shares of the Company at an exercise
price of $153.00 which expire on October 1, 2026 pursuant to options award to Mr. Price on October 1, 2021. |
Option Exercise and Vested Stock
There were no option exercises or stock that vested on an aggregated
basis for our NEOs during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit Plans, Deferred Compensation Plans
The Company has not established a pension plan, defined
benefits plan, or deferred compensation plan.
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change-In-Control
Upon termination of his employment at any time and for any reason, Mr. Farlinger
is entitled to payment of up to 18 months’ salary as a severance payment. If terminated without cause, Mr. Webster will be entitled
to severance of four (4) months’ salary plus an additional one (1) month for each year of service after his first year.
Agreements with Named Executive Officers
The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain
NEOs. The agreements establish the terms and conditions that will apply during their employment with the Company as well as the terms
and conditions that will apply upon their termination of employment.
John Farlinger, Executive Chairperson, Chief Executive Officer
The Company entered
into an employment agreement with John Farlinger effective June 1, 2018. Mr. Farlinger is employed as Chief Executive Officer
of the Company and provides corporate management, financial strategy, capital market advisory, business expansion, compliance and advisory,
corporate communications and general operational services to the Company that are relevant to his position. As compensation, Mr. Farlinger
received an annual salary of $420,131 during the financial year ended December 31, 2022. The Company reimburses Mr. Farlinger
for reasonable and customary “out of pocket” expenses. Mr. Farlinger is entitled to insurance benefits, sick leave,
five weeks of vacation time, a car allowance, a 401k matching plan of up to 6%, performance-based bonuses allocated at the discretion
of the Board, a phone allowance and stock options pursuant to the Stock Option Plan. The agreement contains customary confidentiality
arrangements for an executive in the healthcare industry and provides that for one year following the termination of Mr. Farlinger’
s employment with the Company, he will not directly or indirectly engage in any business competitive with the Company. Upon termination
of his employment at any time and for any reason, Mr. Farlinger is entitled to payment of 18 months’ salary as a severance
payment.
John Price, Former Chief Financial Officer
Per the terms of Mr. Price’s offer letter as the Vice President
of Finance, as compensation, Mr. Price received an annual salary of $270,000. In addition, the Company reimbursed Mr. Price
for reasonable and customary “out-of-pocket” expenses. Mr. Price was entitled to insurance benefits, sick leave, four
weeks of vacation time, a 401k matching plan of up to 6%, performance-based bonuses allocated at the discretion of the Board, and stock
options pursuant to the Stock Option Plan.
Paul Webster, Interim Chief Financial Officer (effective November
21, 2023)
In relation to his appointment
as interim Chief Financial Officer, the Company and Mr. Webster entered into an offer letter pursuant to which Mr. Webster will be paid
an annual salary of $255,000. Mr. Webster will also be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus up to 50% of his salary, a phone allowance
of $200 per month, a car allowance of $700 per month, and paid parking at the Company’s principal offices. Mr. Webster will continue
to be eligible to participate in the Company’s equity incentive plans at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors.
If terminated without cause, Mr. Webster will be entitled to severance of four (4) months’ salary plus an additional one (1) month
for each year of service after his first year.
Pay Versus Performance Tables
As required by Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K,
we are providing the following information about the relationship between executive “compensation actually paid” (as defined
by SEC rules) and certain financial performance metrics of the Corporation for the last two fiscal years. In determining the “compensation
actually paid” to our named executive officers, we are required to make various adjustments to amounts that have been previously
reported in the Summary Compensation Table (“SCT”) in previous years, as the SEC’s valuation methods for this section
differ from those required in the SCT. The table below summarizes compensation values both as previously reported in our SCT, as well
as the adjusted values required in this section for the 2021 and 2022 calendar years. The Compensation Committee did not consider the
pay versus performance disclosure when making its incentive compensation decisions.
The following table sets forth information concerning
the compensation of our principal executive officer, or “PEO,” and, on an average basis, the compensation of our other named
executive officers, or “NEOs,” for each of the years ending December 31, 2022 and 2021, as such compensation relates
to our financial performance for each such year. The PEO for each of the years presented within the following tables was John Farlinger,
Chief Executive Officer and Director. The NEO for 2022 was John Price and the NEOs for 2021 were John Price and Preston Parsons.
Year |
|
|
SCT Total for PEO |
|
|
Compensation
Actually Paid
to PEO (1) |
|
Average
SCT
Total
for Non-
PEO
NEOs |
|
|
Average
Compensation
Actually Paid
to Non-PEO
NEOs (2) |
|
Value of
Initial Fixed
$100
Investment
Based on
Total
Shareholder
Return (3) |
|
|
Net Loss
(Dollars in
thousands) |
|
2022 |
|
|
$ |
740,978 |
|
|
460,493 |
|
$ |
407,163 |
|
|
248,539 |
|
$ |
25.22 |
|
|
$ |
(30,112 |
) |
2021 |
|
|
$ |
1,262,179 |
|
|
1,102,207 |
|
$ |
591,618 |
|
|
575,132 |
|
$ |
523.8 |
|
|
$ |
(2,756 |
) |
| (1) | The dollar amounts reported for the PEO under “Compensation
Actually Paid” represent the amount of “Compensation Actually Paid” to
the PEO, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K. The dollar amounts
do not reflect the actual amount of compensation earned by or paid to the PEO during the
applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K,
the adjustments in the table below were made to the PEO’s total compensation for each
year to determine the compensation actually paid: |
Reconciliation of PEO SCT Total
and Compensation Actually Paid | |
2022 | | |
2021 | |
Total Compensation as reported in SCT | |
$ | 740,978 | | |
$ | 1,262,179 | |
Fair value of equity awards granted during year as reported in SCT | |
| 70,153 | | |
| (475,300 | ) |
Fair value of equity compensation granted in current year-value at end of year-end | |
| - | | |
| 203,528 | |
Change in fair value for end of prior year to vesting date for awards made
in prior years that vested during current year | |
| (93,205 | ) | |
| (97,658 | ) |
Change in fair value from end of prior year to end of current year for awards
made in prior years that were unvested at end of current year | |
| (117,128 | ) | |
| 13,962 | |
Fair value of awards forfeited in current year determined at end of prior year | |
| - | | |
| - | |
Compensation Actually Paid | |
| 460,493 | | |
| 1,102,027 | |
| (2) | The dollar amounts reported for the NEOs under “Compensation
Actually Paid” represent the average amount of “Compensation Actually Paid”
to the NEOs, as computed in accordance with Item 402(v) of Regulation S-K.
The dollar amounts do not reflect the actual average amount of compensation earned by or
paid to the NEOs during the applicable year. In accordance with the requirements of Item 402(v) of Regulation
S-K, the adjustments in the table below were made to the NEOs’ average total compensation
for each year to determine the compensation actually paid: |
Reconciliation of NEO Average SCT Total and Average Compensation Actually Paid |
|
2022 |
|
|
2021 |
|
Average Total Compensation as reported in SCT |
|
$ |
407,163 |
|
|
$ |
489,133 |
|
Fair value of equity awards granted during year as reported in SCT |
|
|
(67,713 |
) |
|
|
(129,013 |
) |
Fair value of equity compensation granted in current year-value at end of year-end |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
40,832 |
|
Change in fair value for end of prior year to vesting date for awards made in prior years that vested during current year |
|
|
(64,553 |
) |
|
|
58,060 |
|
Change in fair value from end of prior year to end of current year for awards made in prior years that were unvested at end of current year |
|
|
(64,553 |
) |
|
|
116,120 |
|
Fair value of awards forfeited in current year determined at end of prior year |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Average Compensation Actually Paid |
|
|
248,539 |
|
|
|
575,132 |
|
| (3) | For purposes of calculating the cumulative total Shareholder return,
the measurement period is the market close on the last trading day of 2020, through and including
the end of the year for which cumulative total Shareholder return is being calculated. |
Analysis of the Information Presented in
the Pay Versus Performance Tables
Because we are an early stage “emerging growth” company,
we have not historically focused on net income (loss) as a performance measure for our executive compensation programs. In 2021 and 2022,
our net loss increased from approximately $2.8 million in 2021 to approximately $30.1 million in 2022 and during the same period the compensation
actually paid for our PEO decreased from $1,102,027 in 2021 to $460,493 in 2022 and average compensation actually paid for our other NEOs
decreased from $575,132 in 2021 to $248,539 in 2022.
The following graph shows the compensation actually paid to Mr. Farlinger
and the average amount of compensation actually paid to our NEOs as a group (excluding Mr. Farlinger) during the periods presented
and total Shareholder return over those periods. Total Shareholder return was negative during 2021 and 2022. Mr. Farlinger’s
compensation actually paid showed a decrease year over year and the average amount of compensation actually paid to our NEOs as a group
(excluding Mr. Farlinger) also decreased year over year.
We utilize performance measures to align executive
compensation with performance, but those tend not to be financial performance measures, such as total Shareholder return. For example,
as described in more detail above in the section “Executive Compensation – Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” our
named executive officers are eligible to receive short term bonuses which are designed to provide appropriate incentives to our executives
to achieve defined annual individual and corporate goals. Additionally, we believe stock options, which are an integral part of
our executive compensation program, are closely related to the Corporation’s performance, although not directly tied to total Shareholder
return, because their value is directly correlated to the market price of our Common Shares and requires that the executive officer continues
in our employment over the vesting period. As such, these stock option awards a strongly align our executive officers’ interests
with those of our Shareholders by providing a continuing financial incentive to maximize long-term value for our Shareholders and by
encouraging our executive officers to continue in our employment for the long-term.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets out those securities of
the Company which have been authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plan, as of December 31, 2022. On March 4,
2023, the Company effected a reverse stock split on a twenty (20) to one (1) share basis. All information regarding stock options
and warrants have been updated to reflect the reverse stock split unless provided otherwise.
| |
| | |
| | |
|
| |
Number of securities to be | | |
| | |
Number of securities remaining |
| |
issued upon exercise of | | |
Weighted-average | | |
available for future issuance |
| |
outstanding options and | | |
exercise price of | | |
under equity compensation plans |
| |
rights | | |
outstanding options and | | |
(excluding securities reflected in |
Plan category | |
(a) | | |
rights (b) | | |
column (a)) (c) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | |
| 49,640 | | |
$ | 117.80 | | |
93,500 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | |
| N/A | | |
| N/A | | |
N/A |
Total | |
| 49,640 | | |
$ | 117.80 | | |
93,500 |
Equity Compensation Plan Descriptions
The Company currently has adopted and approved the
2021 Stock Incentive Plan and the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan and the 2020 Equity Incentive
Plan. The intent of the Company and the Board is that while the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan and the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan will
continue in existence in relation to the options and awards previously granted thereunder, the Board will not grant future options or
awards thereunder. Instead, moving forward, only the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan will be used for the grant of options and awards to eligible
participants thereunder.
The following is a description of the plans.
Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan
The material features of the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan are summarized
below.
| 1. | Purpose of the Amended
2020 Stock Option Plan. The purpose of the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan is to encourage
share ownership by directors, senior officers and employees, together with consultants, who
are primarily responsible for the management and growth of the Company. The number of shares,
the exercise price per Common Share, the vesting period and any other terms and conditions
of options granted pursuant to the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan, from time to time, are
determined and approved by the Board at the time of the grant, subject to the defined parameters
of the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan. |
| 2. | Maximum Plan Shares. The maximum
aggregate number of shares that may be reserved for issuance pursuant to the exercise of
options granted under the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan shall not exceed ten percent (10%)
of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company at the time of the grant. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the maximum aggregate number of shares which may be reserved for issuance
as “Incentive Stock Options” (as defined in the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan)
granted under the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan and all other plans of the Company and of
any parent or subsidiary of the Company shall not exceed 174,857 shares. |
| 3. | Grant of Options. The Amended SOP is administered by the Board
(or any committee to which the Board has delegated authority) and provides for grants of
options to eligible participants in the discretion of the Board. The term and vesting provisions
of any options will be fixed by the Board at the time of grant, subject to the terms of the
Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan. |
| 4. | Eligibility and Limitations. The following restrictions on
issuances of options are applicable under the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan: (a) no
eligible participant will be granted options to acquire more than five percent (5%) of the
issued and outstanding common shares of the Company in any twelve (12) month period, unless
the Company has obtained disinterested shareholder approval; and (b) in any twelve (12)
month period, options granted to all eligible participants conducting investor relations
activities may not exceed two percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding common shares, calculated
at the date such options are granted. |
| 5. | Maximum Percentage to Insiders. The Company may not reserve
for issuance such number of common shares pursuant to options granted to insiders at any
point in time that exceeds ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding common shares
of the Company nor can the Company grant to insiders, within a twelve (12) month period,
an aggregate number of options, which exceeds ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding
common shares of the Company as at the time of grant. |
| 6. | Exercise Price. he exercise price of an option will be set
by the Board at the time such option is granted under the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan,
and cannot be less than the Fair Market Value (defined in the Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan
as a price that is determined by the Board, and no less than 110% of Fair Market Value of
a share on the grant date with respect to incentive stock options granted to a shareholder
holding more than 10% of the shares. |
| 7. | Vesting of Options. Vesting of options shall be at the discretion
of the Board and, in the absence of a vesting schedule being specified at the time of grant,
options shall vest immediately. Where applicable, vesting of options will generally be subject
to the participant remaining employed by or continuing to provide services to the Company
or any of its affiliates as well as, at the discretion of the Board, achieving certain milestones
which may be defined by the Board from time to time. Options granted to eligible participants
conducting investor relations activities shall vest in stages over a period that is not less
than twelve (12) months, and with no more than 25% of the total options granted vesting in
any applicable three (3) month period. |
| 8. | Term and Expiry. The exercise period of each option cannot
exceed ten (10) years. Upon termination of employment of the eligible participant all
rights to purchase shares of the Company pursuant to the options granted under the Amended
2020 Stock Option Plan shall expire and terminate immediately except as follows: (a) expiry
and termination of the granted options has been otherwise determined in the discretion of
the Board or by the participant’s option granting agreement; (b) upon the death,
disability or leave of absence of a participant, any vested options held by such participant
will be exercisable by the participant’s lawful personal representatives, heirs or
executors until the earlier of ninety (90) days after the date of death and the date of expiration
of the term otherwise applicable to such options; (c) an option granted to any participant
will expire thirty (30) days (or such other time, as shall be determined by the Board) after
the termination of the participant’s continuous service; and (d) if a participant
is dismissed for cause, such participant’s options, whether or not vested at the date
of dismissal, will immediately terminate without the right to exercise such options. |
| 9. | Disinterested Shareholder Approval. The Company will be required
to obtain disinterested shareholder approval prior to any of the following actions –
whether by reason of an amendment to the Amended Option Plan or otherwise – becoming
effective: (a) the Amended Option Plan, together with all of the Company’s other
previous compensation arrangements, could result at any time in: (i) the aggregate number
of Common Shares reserved for issuance under options granted to insiders of the Company exceeding
ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; (ii) the number of Common
Shares issued to insiders upon exercise of options within a one (1) year period exceeding
ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; or (iii) the issuance
to any one Service Provider, within a twelve (12) month period, of a number of Common Shares
exceeding 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares; or (b) any reduction in the
exercise price of an option previously granted to an insider. |
| 10. | Adjustments. The Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan also provides
for adjustments to outstanding options in the event of certain corporate events, including
but not limited to, any consolidation, subdivision, conversion or exchange of the Company’s
shares. |
| 11. | Amendments. The Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan provides that
it may be amended by the Board or the Compensation Committee without stockholder approval,
(i) correct typographical errors; (ii) clarify existing provisions of the 2020
Stock Option Plan, which clarifications do not have the effect of altering the scope, nature
or intent of such provisions; and (iii) maintain compliance with any applicable laws.
No such amendment, suspension or termination shall adversely affect rights under any options
previously granted without the consent of the optionees to whom such options were granted. |
| 12. | Governing Law. The Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan is governed
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado and the federal laws of
the United States applicable therein. |
2020 Equity Incentive Plan
The material features of the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan are summarized
below.
| 1. | Purpose of the Equity Incentive Plan. The purpose of
the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is to (a) enable the Company to attract and retain the
types of employees, consultants and directors (collectively, the “EIP Recipients”
and each, an “EIP Recipient”) who will contribute to the Company’s
long term success; (b) provide incentives that align the interests of EIP Recipients
with those of the security holders of the Company; and (c) promote the success of the
Company's business. |
| 2. | Available Awards. Awards that may be granted under the Equity
Incentive Plan include: (a) stock options, (b) restricted awards, (c) performance
share units, and other equity-based awards (collectively, “EIP Awards”). |
| 3. | Maximum
Plan Shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares available for issuance pursuant to
the exercise of the EIP Awards granted under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is 174,857 shares.
The maximum aggregate number of shares which may be reserved for issuance as “Incentive
Stock Options” (as defined under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan) granted under the
2020 Equity Incentive Plan and all other plans of the Company and of any parent or subsidiary
of the Company shall not exceed 174,857 shares. |
| 4. | Grant of EIP Awards. The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is administered
by the Board (or any committee to which the Board has delegated authority) and provides for
grants of EIP Awards to EIP Recipients in the discretion of the Board. The term and vesting
provisions of any options or EIP Awards will be fixed by the Board at the time of grant,
subject to the terms of the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan. |
| 5. | Limitations on Issue. The following restrictions on issuances
of EIP Awards are applicable under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan: (a) no eligible award
recipient will be granted EIP Awards to acquire more than five percent (5%) of the issued
and outstanding shares of the Company in any twelve (12) month period, unless the Company
has obtained disinterested shareholder approval; (b) no consultant or EIP Recipient
conducting investor relations activities (may be granted options to acquire more than two
percent (2%) of the issued and outstanding common stock in any twelve (12) month period;
and (c) the Company and the EIP Recipient granted the EIP Award are responsible for
ensuring and confirming the EIP Recipient is a bona fide employee, consultant or management
company employee. |
| 6. | Maximum Percentage to Insiders. The Company may not reserve
for issuance such number of shares pursuant to EIP Awards granted to insiders at any point
in time that exceeds ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company
nor can the Company grant to insiders, within a twelve (12) month period, an aggregate number
of EIP Awards, which exceeds ten percent (10%) of the issued and outstanding shares of the
Company as at the time of grant, unless prior to such grant the Company has obtained disinterested
shareholder approval. |
| 7. | Exercise Price. The exercise price of an option will be set
by the Board at the time such option is granted under the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, and
cannot be less than the Fair Market Value (defined in the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan as a
price that is determined by the Board, and no less than 110% of Fair Market Value of a share
on the grant date with respect to incentive stock options granted to a shareholder holding
more than 10% of the shares. |
| 8. | Vesting of Options. Vesting of options shall be at the discretion
of the Board and, in the absence of a vesting schedule being specified at the time of grant,
options shall vest immediately. Where applicable, vesting of options will generally be subject
to the participant remaining employed by or continuing to provide services to the Company
or any of its affiliates as well as, at the discretion of the Board, achieving certain milestones
which may be defined by the Board from time to time. Options granted to eligible participants
conducting investor relations activities shall vest in stages over a period that is not less
than twelve (12) months, and with no more than 25% of the total options granted vesting in
any applicable three (3) month period. |
| 9. | Term and Expiry of Options. The exercise period of each option
cannot exceed ten (10) years. Upon termination of an EIP Recipient’s continuous
service all rights to purchase shares of the Company pursuant to the options granted under
the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan shall expire and terminate immediately except as follows:
(a) expiry and termination of the granted options has been otherwise determined in the
discretion of the Board or by the EIP Recipient’s option granting agreement; (b) upon
the death, disability or leave of absence of an EIP Recipient any vested options held by
such EIP Recipient will be exercisable by the EIP Recipient’s lawful personal representatives,
heirs or executors until the earlier of ninety (90) days after the date of death and the
date of expiration of the term otherwise applicable to such options; (c) an option granted
to any EIP Recipient will expire thirty (30) days (or such other time, as shall be determined
by the Board) after the termination of the EIP Recipient’s continuous service; and
(d) if an EIP Recipient is dismissed for cause, such EIP Recipient’s options,
whether or not vested at the date of dismissal, will immediately terminate without the right
to exercise such options. |
| 10. | Restricted Awards. The Board may, from time to time, grant
restricted share units (“RSU”) to EIP Recipients, which require
no share issuance by the Company at the time of such grant, carry no voting rights, and neither
preclude nor entitle further RSU issuance to the EIP Recipient. At the discretion of the
Board, each RSU may be credited with cash and stock dividends paid by the Company in respect
of one share, which shall be evidenced in the EIP Recipient’s share unit account, and
distributed, upon settlement of such RSU after the date on which they vest, in cash or at
the discretion of the Board, in shares for the fair market value equivalent of such cash
distribution, such shares to be either issued from treasury, purchased in the open market,
or any combination thereof. The RSUs shall be subject to forfeiture until vested, such vesting
schedule to be determined for each grant of RSUs in the discretion of the Board, which may
provide for acceleration of vesting upon the occurrence of specified events. |
| 11. | Performance Share Units. The Board may, from time to time,
grant performance share units (“PSU”) to EIP Recipients, which
require no share issuance by the Company at the time of such grant, carry no voting rights,
and neither preclude nor entitle further PSU issuance to the EIP Recipient. The Board in
its discretion shall determine: (i) the number of shares subject to a PSU granted to
any EIP Recipients; (ii) the specified performance goals and other conditions as well
as the time period to achieve such goals in order to earn to a PSU; and (iii) the other
terms, conditions and restrictions of the PSU. |
| 12. | Other Equity-Based
and Cash Awards. The Board may grant other equity-based awards, either alone or in tandem
with other awards under the EIP, in such amounts and subject to such conditions as the Board
shall determine in its sole discretion. Each such award shall be evidenced by an award agreement.
The Board may grant cash awards to participants, such awards to be evidenced in such form
as the Board may determine. |
| 13. | Disinterested Shareholder Approval. Unless disinterested
shareholder approval is obtained, under no circumstances shall the 2020 Equity Incentive
Plan, together with all of the Company's other previously established or proposed stock option
plans, employee stock purchase plans or any other compensation or incentive mechanisms involving
the issuance or potential issuance of shares (including the Amended 2020 Option Plan), result
in or allow at any time: (a) the number of shares reserved for issuance pursuant to
EIP Awards granted to insiders (as a group) at any point in time exceeding 10% of the issued
and outstanding shares; (b) the grant to insiders (as a group), within any 12 month
period, of an aggregate number of EIP Awards exceeding 10% of the issued and outstanding
shares at the time of the grant of the EIP Awards; (c) the issuance to any one EIP Recipient,
within any 12 month period, of an aggregate number of EIP Awards exceeding 5% of the issued
and outstanding shares at the time of the grant of the EIP Awards; (d) any individual
EIP Award grant that would result in any EIP Recipient being granted EIP Awards to acquire
or receive more than five percent (5%) of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company
in any twelve (12) month period; or (e) any amendment to options held by insiders that
would have the effect of decreasing the exercise price of such options. |
| 14. | Adjustments. The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan also provides
for adjustments to outstanding Awards in the event of certain corporate events, including
but not limited to, any consolidation, subdivision, conversion or exchange of the Company’s
shares. |
| 15. | Amendments. The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan provides that
the Board or the Compensation Committee without stockholder approval may make the following
amendments: (i) amendments of a “housekeeping” or administrative nature,
including any amendment for the purpose of curing any ambiguity, error or omission in the
2020 Equity Incentive Plan, or to correct or supplement any provision of the 2020 Equity
Incentive Plan that is inconsistent with any other provision of the 2020 Equity Incentive
Plan; (ii) amendments necessary to comply with the provisions of applicable law; (iii) amendments
necessary for EIP Awards to qualify for favorable treatment under applicable tax laws; (iv) amendments
to the vesting provisions of the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan or any EIP Award; (v) amendments
to the termination or early termination provisions of the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan or any
EIP Award, whether or not such EIP Award is held by an insider, provided such amendment does
not entail an extension beyond the original expiry date of the EIP Award; and (vi) amendments
necessary to suspend or terminate the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan. |
| 16. | Governing Law. The 2020 Equity Incentive Plan is governed
and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Colorado and the Federal laws of
the United States applicable therein. |
2021 Stock Incentive Plan
The material features of the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan are summarized
below.
| 1. | Purpose of the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan. The purpose of the
2021 Stock Incentive Plan is to promote the interests of the Company and its stockholders
by aiding the Company in attracting and retaining employees, senior officers, consultants,
advisors and non-employee Directors (collectively, the “Eligible Award Recipients”
and each, an “Eligible Award Recipient”) capable of assuring the
future success of the Company, to offer such persons incentives to put forth maximum efforts
for the success of the Company’s business and to compensate such persons through various
stock based arrangements and provide them with opportunities for stock ownership in the Company,
thereby aligning the interests of such persons with the Company’s stockholders. |
| 2. | Available Awards. Awards that may be granted under the 2021
Stock Incentive Plan include: (a) incentive stock options, (b) non-qualified stock
options, (c) stock appreciation right, (d) restricted stock and restricted stock
units, and (e) performance share units (collectively, the “Awards”). |
| 3. | Maximum
Plan Shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares available for issuance pursuant to
the exercise or vesting of the Awards granted under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan is 100,000
shares. If any shares covered by an Award or to which an Award relates are not purchased
or are forfeited or are reacquired by the Company, or if an Award otherwise terminates or
is cancelled without delivery of any shares, then the number of shares counted against the
aggregate number of shares available under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan with respect to
such Award, to the extent of any such forfeiture, reacquisition by the Company, termination
or cancellation, shall again be available for granting Awards under the 2021 Stock Incentive
Plan. In addition, any shares subject to any outstanding award under any prior stock plan
(Amended 2020 Stock Option Plan or 2020 Equity Incentive Plan) that, on and after the date
shareholders approve the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, are not purchased or are forfeited, paid
in cash or reacquired by the Company, or otherwise not delivered to the participant of such
prior plans due to termination or cancellation of such award shall again be available for
granting Awards under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan. Awards that do not entitle the holder
thereof to receive or purchase shares shall not be counted against the number of shares available
for Awards under the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan. |
| 4. | Limitations on Issue. Notwithstanding any provision to the
contrary in the 2021 Incentive Stock Plan, the sum of the grant date fair value of equity-based
Awards (such value computed as of the date of grant in accordance with applicable financial
accounting rules) and the amount of any cash-based compensation granted to a non-employee
director during any calendar year shall not exceed $500,000. The independent members of the
Board may make exceptions to this limit for a non-executive chair of the Board, provided
that the non-employee Director receiving such additional compensation may not participate
in the decision to award such compensation. |
| 5. | Eligibility.
Any Eligible Award Recipient shall be eligible to be designated as a participant under the
2021 Stock Incentive Plan. In determining which Eligible Award Recipients shall receive an
Award and the terms of any Award, the Compensation Committee may take into account the nature
of the services rendered by the respective Eligible Award Recipient, their present, and potential
contributions to the success of the Company or such other factors as the Compensation Committee.
An incentive stock option may only be granted to full time or part time employees. Such incentive
stock option shall not be granted to an employee of an affiliate of the Company, unless such
affiliate is also a “subsidiary corporation” of the Company. |
| 6. | Grant of Options. The 2021 Stock Incentive Plan is administered
by the Compensation Committee and provides for grants of options to Eligible Award Recipients
at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The term and vesting provisions of any options
will be fixed by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant, subject to the terms of
the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan. |
| 7. | Exercise Price. The exercise price of an option will be set
by the Compensation Committee at the time such option is granted under the 2021 Stock Incentive
Plan, and cannot be less than the 100% of the Fair Market Value (defined in the 2021 Stock
Incentive Plan as a price that is determined by the Committee, provided that if the Shares
are traded on a securities exchange, the Fair Market Value of a share as of a given date
shall be the closing price of one share as reported on the securities exchange where the
shares are then listed on such date or, if the applicable securities exchange is not open
for trading on such date, on the most recent preceding date when such exchange is open for
trading; the Compensation Committee may designate a purchase price below Fair Market Value
on the date of grant if the option is granted in substitution for a stock option previously
granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with the Company or a subsidiary) of a
share on the grant date, and no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a share on the
grant date with respect to incentive stock options granted to a shareholder holding more
than 10% of the shares. |
| 8. | Term and Expiry of Options. The exercise period of each option
cannot exceed ten (10) years. If an Eligible Award Recipient’s service with the
Company and all Affiliates terminates for any reason during the term, then the Eligible Award
Recipient’s Option shall expire on the earliest of the following dates: (a) the
Option’s term expiry date fixed by the Committee at the date of grant; (b) the
date an Eligible Award Recipient’s service is terminated for cause; or (c) the
date twelve months after the termination of the Eligible Award Participant’s service
for any reason other than cause, or such earlier date or dates as the Compensation Committee
may determine and specify in the applicable award agreement at the date of grant. |
| 9. | Time and Method of Exercise. The Compensation Committee shall
determine the time or times at which an Option may be exercised in whole or in part and the
method or methods by which, and the form or forms including, but not limited to, cash,
bank draft or certified cheque at the time of such exercise, in an amount equal to the applicable
exercise price, in which, payment of the exercise price with respect thereto may be made
or deemed to have been made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Committee may not accept
a promissory note as consideration. |
| 10. | Net Exercises. The terms of any Option may be written to
permit the Option to be exercised by delivering to the Eligible Award Recipient a number
of shares having an aggregate Fair Market Value (determined as of the date of exercise) equal
to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the shares underlying the Option being
exercised, on the date of exercise, over the exercise price of the Option for such shares. |
| 11. | Death of Eligible Award Participant. If an optionee who has
been granted Options ceases to be employed by the Company because of the death of such optionee,
such Option will cease to be qualified as an Option as of the date that is one year after
the date of death (or upon the expiration of the term of such Option, if earlier). |
| 12. | Incentive Stock Options. The following provisions apply to
incentive stock options under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan (“Incentive Stock
Options”): |
| o | To
the extent that the aggregate Fair Market Value (determined at the time of grant) of the
shares with respect to which Incentive Stock Options are exercisable for the first time by
any Eligible Award Participant during any calendar year (under all plans of the Company and
any Affiliates) exceeds $100,000 (or such other limit established in the United States Internal
Revenue Code (the “Code”)) or otherwise does not comply with the
rules governing Incentive Stock Options, the Options or portions thereof that exceed
such limit (according to the order in which they were granted) or otherwise do not comply
with such rules will be treated as Non-Qualified Stock Options, notwithstanding any
contrary provision of the applicable Award Agreement(s). |
| o | All Incentive Stock Options must be granted within
ten years from the earlier of the date on which the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan was adopted
by the Board or the date the Stock Incentive Plan was approved by the Shareholders of the
Company. |
| o | Unless sooner exercised, all Incentive Stock Options
shall expire and no longer be exercisable no later than 10 years after the date of grant;
provided, however, that in the case of a grant of an Incentive Stock Option to a Eligible
Award Participant who, at the time such Option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 422
of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock of the Company or of its affiliates, such Incentive Stock Option shall expire and
no longer be exercisable no later than five years from the date of grant. |
| o | The
purchase price per share for an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 100% of the
Fair Market Value of a share on the date of grant of the Incentive Stock Option; provided,
however, that, in the case of the grant of an Incentive Stock Option to a Eligible Award
Participant who, at the time such Option is granted, owns (within the meaning of Section 422
of the Code) stock possessing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes
of stock of the Company or of its affiliates, the purchase price per share purchasable under
an Incentive Stock Option shall be not less than 110% of the Fair Market Value of a share
on the date of grant of the Incentive Stock Option. |
| o | Any
Incentive Stock Option authorized under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan shall contain such
other provisions as the Compensation Committee shall deem advisable, but shall in all events
be consistent with and contain all provisions required in order to qualify the Option as
an Incentive Stock Option. |
| 13. | Stock Appreciation Rights. A stock appreciation right may
be granted and confer on the holder a right to receive upon exercise a cash amount equal
to excess of (i) the Fair Market Value of one share on the date of exercise, or a value
determined by the Compensation Committee, over (ii) the grant price of the stock appreciation
right as specified by the Compensation Committee, which price shall not be less than 100%
of the Fair Market Value of one share on the date of grant of such stock appreciation right;
provided that the Compensation Committee may designate a grant price below Fair Market Value
on the date of grant if the stock appreciation right is granted in substitution for a stock
appreciation right previously granted by an entity that is acquired by or merged with the
Company or an affiliate of the Company. Subject to the terms of the 2021 Stock Incentive
Plan and any applicable Award agreement, the grant price, term, dates of exercise and any
other terms and conditions of any stock appreciation right shall be as determined by the
Compensation Committee (except that the term of each stock appreciation right shall be subject
to the limitations on term applicable to Options and grant limitations applicable to Awards
generally). However, stock appreciation rights may not contain features providing for dividend
equivalent rights other than equitable adjustments. The Compensation Committee may impose
such conditions or restrictions on the exercise of any stock appreciation right as it may
deem appropriate. |
| 14. | Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units. The Compensation
Committee may, from time to time, grant restricted stock or restricted stock units, which
include performance share units and deferred share units, to Eligible Award Recipients. |
| o | Restrictions.
Shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units shall be subject to such restrictions
as the Compensation Committee may impose (including, without limitation, any limitation on
the right to vote a share of restricted stock or the right to receive any dividend or other
right or property with respect thereto), which restrictions may lapse separately or in combination
at such time or times, in such installments or otherwise as the Compensation Committee may
deem appropriate. Vesting of such Awards may, at the Compensation Committee’s discretion,
be conditioned upon the Eligible Award Recipient’s completion of a specified period
of service with the Company or an Affiliate, or upon the achievement of one or more performance
goals established by the Compensation Committee, or upon any combination of service based
and performance-based conditions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, rights to dividend equivalent
payments shall be subject to limitations. Restricted stock units may be settled upon vesting
or on a deferred basis, in each case in accordance with rules and procedures established
by the Compensation Committee and specified in an Award agreement. |
| o | Issuance
and Delivery of Shares. Any restricted stock granted under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan
shall be issued at the time such Awards are granted and may be evidenced in such manner as
the Compensation Committee may deem appropriate, including book entry registration or issuance
of a stock certificate or certificates, which certificate or certificates shall be held by
the Company or held in nominee name by the stock transfer agent or brokerage service selected
by the Company to provide such services for the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan. Such certificate
or certificates shall be registered in the name of the Eligible Award Recipient and shall
bear an appropriate legend referring to the restrictions applicable to such restricted stock.
Shares representing restricted stock that are no longer subject to restrictions shall be
delivered (including by updating the book entry registration) to the Eligible Award Recipient
promptly after the applicable restrictions lapse or are waived. In the case of restricted
stock units, no shares shall be issued at the time such Awards are granted. Upon the lapse
or waiver of all restrictions and the restricted (or deferred) period relating to restricted
stock units evidencing the right to receive shares, such shares (or a cash payment equal
to the Fair Market Value of the shares) shall be issued and delivered to the holder of the
restricted stock units. |
| 15. | Consideration for Awards. Awards may be granted for no cash
consideration or for any cash or other consideration as may be determined by the Compensation
Committee or required by applicable law. |
| 16. | Limits on Transfer of Awards. No Award (other than fully
vested and unrestricted shares issued pursuant to any Award) and no right under any such
Award shall be transferable by an Eligible Award Recipient other than by will or by the laws
of descent and distribution, and no Award (other than fully vested and unrestricted shares
issued pursuant to any Award) or right under any such Award may be pledged, alienated, attached
or otherwise encumbered, and any purported pledge, alienation, attachment or encumbrance
thereof shall be void and unenforceable against the Company or any affiliate. The Compensation
Committee shall have the discretion to permit the transfer of Awards; provided, however,
that such transfers shall be in accordance with the rules of Form S-8 and provided,
further, that such transfers shall not be made for consideration to the Eligible Award Recipient.
The Committee may also establish procedures as it deems appropriate for an Eligible Award
Recipient to designate a person or persons, as beneficiary or beneficiaries, to exercise
the rights of the Eligible Award Recipient and receive any property distributable with respect
to any Award in the event of the Eligible Award Recipient’s death. |
| 17. | Restrictions; Securities Exchange Listing. All shares or
other securities delivered under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan pursuant to any Award or the
exercise thereof shall be subject to such restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable
under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, applicable federal or state securities laws and regulatory
requirements, including the policies of any applicable exchange, and the Compensation Committee
may cause appropriate entries to be made with respect to, or legends to be placed on the
certificates for, such Shares or other securities to reflect such restrictions. |
| 18. | Prohibition on Option
and Stock Appreciation Right Repricing. The Compensation Committee may not, without prior
approval of the Company’s shareholders, seek to effect any re-pricing of any previously
granted, “underwater” Option or Stock Appreciation Right by: (i) amending
or modifying the terms of the Option or Stock Appreciation Right to lower the exercise price;
(ii) canceling the underwater Option or Stock Appreciation Right and granting either
(A) replacement Options or Stock Appreciation Rights having a lower exercise price;
or (B) Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or other Awards in exchange; or (iii) cancelling
or repurchasing the underwater Option or Stock Appreciation Right for cash or other securities.
An Option or Stock Appreciation Right will be deemed to be “underwater” at any
time when the Fair Market Value of the shares covered by such Award is less than the exercise
price of the Award. |
| 19. | Adjustments. The 2021 Stock Incentive Plan also provides
for adjustments to outstanding Awards in the event of certain corporate events, including
but not limited to, any consolidation, subdivision, conversion or exchange of the Company’s
shares. |
| 20. | Amendments to the Plan and Awards. The Board may from time
to time amend, suspend or terminate the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, and the Compensation Committee
may amend the terms of any previously granted Award, provided that no amendment to the terms
of any previously granted Award may, except as expressly provided in the 2021 Stock Incentive
Plan, or with the written consent of the Eligible Award Recipient or holder thereof, adversely
alter or impair the terms or conditions of the Award previously granted to an Eligible Award
Recipient under the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan. Any amendment to this 2021 Stock Incentive
Plan, or to the terms of any Award previously granted, is subject to compliance with all
applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies of any applicable governmental entity or
securities exchange, including receipt of any required approval from the governmental entity
or stock exchange. The 2021 Stock Incentive Plan provides for certain amendments that the
Board and Compensation Committee can make without seeking stockholder approval including
amendments to: (i) amend the eligibility for, and limitations or conditions imposed
upon, participation in the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan; (ii) amend any terms relating
to the granting or exercise of Awards, including but not limited to terms relating to the
amount and payment of the exercise price, or the vesting, expiry, assignment or adjustment
of Awards, or otherwise waive any conditions of or rights of the Company under any outstanding
Award, prospectively or retroactively; (iii) add or amend any terms relating to the
provision of financial assistance to participants or resulting in participants receiving
securities of the Company while no cash consideration is received by the Company; (iv) make
changes that are necessary or desirable to comply with applicable laws, rules, regulations
and policies of any applicable governmental entity or stock exchange (including amendments
to Awards necessary or desirable to maximize any available tax deduction or to avoid any
adverse tax results, and no action taken to comply with such laws, rules, regulations and
policies shall be deemed to impair or otherwise adversely alter or impair the rights of any
holder of an Award or beneficiary thereof); or (v) amend any terms relating to the administration
of the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan, including the terms of any administrative guidelines or
other rules related to the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan. |
| 21. | Governing Law. The internal law, and not the law of conflicts,
of the State of Nevada shall govern all questions concerning the validity, construction and
effect of the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan or any Award, and any rules and regulations
relating to the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan or any Award. |
| 22. | Term of the Plan. No Award shall be granted under the 2021
Stock Incentive Plan and the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan will terminate on the date that is
ten (10) years after the effective date of the 2021 Stock Incentive Plan. |
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
The material features of the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan are
summarized below.
| 1. | Purpose of the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The 2021
Employee Stock Purchase Plan was adopted to provide employees of the Company and certain
subsidiaries with an opportunity to purchase the Company’s shares through accumulated
payroll deductions (collectively, the “Eligible Employees” and
each, an “Eligible Employee”). It is the intention of the Company
to have the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and the offerings thereunder qualify as an
“employee stock purchase plan” under Section 423 of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The provisions of the offerings,
accordingly, will be construed so as to extend and limit 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
participation in a uniform and nondiscriminatory basis consistent with the requirements of
Section 423 of the Code. |
| 2. | Maximum
Plan Shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares available for sale pursuant to the
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is one hundred thousand (100,000) shares. |
| 3. | Eligibility. Any individual who is an Eligible Employee on
the first trading day of each offering period (the “Offering Date”),
which commences on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1, will
be eligible to participate in the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. An Eligible Employee
is any individual who is a common law employee of the Company and is customarily employed
for at least twenty (20) hours per week, not including any individual who performs services
for the Company or any certain subsidiary of the Company pursuant to (i) an agreement
that classifies such individual’s relationship with the Company or certain subsidiary
of the Company as other than an employee or (ii) a collective bargaining agreement that
provides for the exclusion of such individual from participation in the 2021 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan. |
| 4. | Offering Periods. The 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan will
be implemented by consecutive “Offering Periods”, and unless the administrator
provides otherwise, Offering Periods will have a duration of approximately three months (i) commencing
on the first trading day on or after February 1 and terminating on the last trading
day in the period ending the following April 30; (ii) commencing on the first trading
day on or after May 1 and terminating on the last trading day in the period ending the
following July 31; (iii) commencing on the first trading day on or after August 1
and terminating on the last trading day in the period ending the following October 31;
and (iv) commencing on the first trading day on or after November 1 and terminating
on the last trading day in the period ending the following January 31, continuing thereafter
until terminated in accordance with Section 20 hereof. The first Offering Period under
the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan will be determined by the administrator. The administrator
will have the power to change the duration of Offering Periods (including the commencement
dates thereof) with respect to future offerings without shareholder approval if such change
is announced prior to the scheduled beginning of the first Offering Period to be affected
thereafter. |
| 5. | Payroll Deductions. Eligible Employees may purchase shares
by means of payroll deduction of an amount not exceeding twenty (20) percent of the employee’s
compensation during the Offering Period. Compensation means, in general, base straight time
gross earnings, exclusive of payments for overtime, shift premium, incentive compensation,
incentive payments, bonuses, and other compensation. After initial enrollment in the plan,
payroll deductions will continue from the first pay day following the Offering Date and will
end on the last pay day prior to the last trading day of each purchase period (the “Exercise
Date”) to which such authorization is applicable, unless sooner terminated
by the employee. The amounts deducted will be credited to the participant’s account
under the plan, and no interest on the deducted amounts will be paid. |
| 6. | Grant and Exercise of Option to Purchase Shares. On the Offering
Date, the Company is deemed to grant each participant a non-transferable option to purchase,
on the “Exercise Date”, the amount of shares determined by dividing such Eligible
Employee’s payroll deductions accumulated prior to such Exercise Date and retained
in the Eligible Employee’s account as of the Exercise Date by the applicable purchase
price; provided that in no event will an Eligible Employee be permitted to purchase during
each offering period more than fifteen-thousand (15,000) shares. Unless, withdrawn, the option
to purchase will be exercised automatically on the Exercise Date, and the maximum number
of full shares subject to the option to purchase will be purchased. No fractional shares
will be purchased; any payroll deductions accumulated in an employee’s account which
are not sufficient to purchase a full share will be retained in the employee’s account
for the subsequent option offering, subject to earlier withdrawal by the employee. Any other
funds left over in an employee’s account after the Exercise Date will be returned to
the employee. During an employee’s lifetime, the employee’s option to purchase
shares under the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan is exercisable only by him or her. |
| 7. | Withdrawal. An Eligible Employee may withdraw all but not
less than all of the payroll deductions credited to his or her account and not yet used to
exercise his or her option under the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan at any time by providing
notice to the plan administrator. All of the employee’s payroll deductions credited
to his or her account will be paid to such employee as promptly as practicable after receipt
of notice of withdrawal and such employee’s option for the offering period will be
automatically terminated, and no further payroll deductions for the purchase of shares will
be made for such offering period. An employee’s withdrawal from an offering will not
have any effect upon his or her eligibility to participate in any similar plan which may
thereafter be adopted by the Company or in succeeding offerings which commence after the
termination of the offering from which the employee withdraws. |
| 8. | Delivery. As soon as reasonably practicable after each Exercise
Date on which a purchase of shares occurs, the Company will arrange the delivery to each
participant, as appropriate, of the shares purchased upon exercise of his or her option in
a form determined by the administrator (in its sole discretion) and pursuant to rules established
by the administrator. The Company may permit or require that shares be deposited directly
with a broker designated by the Company or to a designated agent of the Company, and the
Company may utilize electronic or automated methods of share transfer. The Company may require
that shares be retained with such broker or agent for a designated period of time and/or
may establish other procedures to permit tracking of disqualifying dispositions of such shares. |
| 9. | Termination of Employment. If a participant ceases to be
an employee for any reason during an offering period, his or her outstanding option to purchase
shares under the plan will immediately terminate, his or her payroll deductions will immediately
cease, and all amounts previously collected from the participant during the offering period
will be refunded. |
| 10. | Death of Participant. In the event of the death of a participant,
the Company shall, subject to local law, deliver any remaining cash balance to the executor
or administrator of the estate of the participant, or if no such executor or administrator
has been appointed (to the knowledge of the Company), the Company, in its discretion, may
deliver such cash balance to the spouse or to any one or more dependents or relatives of
the participant, or if no spouse, dependent or relative is known to the Company, then to
such other person as the Company may designate. All shares held by a broker or designated
agent of the Company shall be delivered, subject to local law, to such beneficiary named
under the brokerage or agent account (or if there is no such beneficiary, as provided under
the account). |
| 11. | Administration. The plan is administered the Compensation
Committee. The Compensation Committee will have full and exclusive discretionary authority
to determine how and when the option to purchase shares shall be granted and the terms for
such offering; to designate which certain subsidiary shall be eligible to participate in
the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; to construe, interpret, and apply the terms of the
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; to determine eligibility and to adjudicate all disputed
claims filed under the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; to adopt rules and procedures
relating to the operation and administration of the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan; to
adopt procedures and sub-plans as necessary or appropriate to permit participation in the
2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan by employees who are foreign nationals or employed outside
the United States; and to exercise powers and to perform acts as the Committee deems necessary
to promote the interest of the Company and to carry out the intent of the 2021 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan. |
| 12. | Non-Assignability. Neither payroll deductions credited to
a participant’s account nor any rights to acquire shares under the 2021 Employee Stock
Purchase Plan may be assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise disposed of by participants
other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution and rights to acquire shares may
be exercised only by a participant during the lifetime of a participant. The 2021 Employee
Stock Purchase Plan custodian will maintain accounts only in the names of the participants. |
| 13. | Adjustments. The 2020 Employee Stock Purchase Plan also provides
for adjustments to the number of shares to be delivered under the 2020 Employee Stock Purchase
Plan in the event of certain corporate events, including but not limited to, any consolidation,
subdivision, conversion or exchange of the Company’s shares. |
| 14. | Amendment or Termination.
The Board may terminate or amend the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan and any rights to
acquire shares under the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan at any time for any reason. Without
stockholder consent, the Board will be entitled to change the offering periods, limit the
frequency and/or number of changes in the amount withheld during an offering period, establish
the exchange ratio applicable to amounts withheld in a currency other than U.S. dollars,
permit payroll withholding in excess of the amount designated by a participant in order to
adjust for delays or mistakes in the Company’s processing of properly completed withholding
elections, establish reasonable waiting and adjustment periods and/or accounting and crediting
procedures to ensure that amounts applied toward the purchase of shares for each participant
properly correspond with amounts withheld from the participant’s compensation, and
establish such other limitations or procedures as the Board determines in its sole discretion
advisable which are consistent with the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. If the offering
periods are terminated prior to expiration, all amounts then credited to employees’
accounts which have not been used to purchase shares will be returned to the employees (without
interest thereon, except as otherwise required under local laws) as soon as administratively
practicable. |
| 15. | Term of Plan. The 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan will
become effective upon its adoption by the Board, but no offerings will be treated as qualified
under Section 423 of the Code unless the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan has been
approved by the stockholders of the Company. The Plan will continue in effect until terminated
under or until no options are available for grants thereunder. |
| 16. | Governing Law. The internal law,
and not the law of conflicts, of the State of Nevada shall govern all questions concerning
the validity, construction and effect of the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan or any option,
and any rules and regulations relating to the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan or any
option. |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The following table sets forth information as of
November 17, 2023 regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock by (i) those persons who are known to us to be the
beneficial owner(s) of more than 5% of our common stock, (ii) each of our directors and named executive officers, and (iii) all
of our directors and executive officers as a group.
Except as otherwise indicated, the beneficial owners
listed in the table below possess the sole voting and dispositive power in regard to such shares and have an address of c/o Assure Holdings
Corp, 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240 Denver, Colorado. As of November 17, 2023, there were 6,720,460 shares of our common
stock outstanding.
Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance
with the rules of the SEC and generally includes voting or investment power with respect to securities. shares of our common stock
subject to options, warrants, notes or other conversion privileges currently exercisable or convertible, or exercisable within 60 days
of the date of this table, are deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such option, warrant, note, or other
convertible instrument but are not deemed outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person. Where more than one person has
a beneficial ownership interest in the same shares, the sharing of beneficial ownership of these shares is designated in the footnotes
to this table.
On March 4, 2023, the Company effected a reverse
stock split on a twenty (20) to one (1) share basis. All information regarding stock options and warrants have been updated to reflect
the reverse stock split unless provided otherwise.
As of November 17, 2023, there were no stockholders
holding 5% or more of the Company’s issued and outstanding shares of common stock.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name and Address of |
|
Amount and nature of |
|
|
|
Beneficial Owner |
|
beneficial ownership |
|
Percent of Class |
|
John Farlinger(1) |
|
54,066 |
|
* |
% |
c/o Assure Holdings Corp, 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111. |
|
|
|
|
|
John Price, Former CFO (2) |
|
31,935 |
|
* |
% |
c/o Assure Holdings Corp, 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111. |
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher Rumana(3) |
|
7,406 |
|
* |
% |
c/o Assure Holdings Corp, 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111. |
|
|
|
|
|
Steven Summer(4) |
|
6,406 |
|
* |
% |
c/o Assure Holdings Corp, 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111. |
|
|
|
|
|
John Flood(5) |
|
6,559 |
|
* |
% |
c/o Assure Holdings Corp, 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver, Colorado, USA 80111. |
|
|
|
|
|
Paul Webster(6) |
|
1,514 |
|
* |
% |
c/o Assure Holdings Corp, 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240,
Denver, Colorado, USA 80111. |
|
|
|
|
|
Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (5 persons) |
|
107,888 |
|
1.6 |
% |
|
(1) |
Mr. Farlinger is CEO and Executive Chairman of Assure. Consists
of 44,376 shares of common stock and 9,090 shares of common stock acquirable upon exercise of stock options (8,090 shares) and warrants
(1,600 shares) within 60 days of November 17, 2023. Of the shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Farlinger, 3,000 shares
were issued under a restricted stock grant agreement, subject to forfeiture, such shares are fully vested. Includes options exercisable
to purchases: (a) 3,020 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $180.00 which expire on October 1, 2023, pursuant to options
awarded to Mr. Farlinger on October 1, 2018; (b) 1,170 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $156.00 which expire
on January 16, 2024 and (c) 4,500 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $106.00 which expire on February 1, 2026.
On March 4, 2020, Preston Parsons entered into a Stock Grant Amendment and Transfer Agreement, under which he agreed to transfer
and distribute 17,000 Performance shares to certain employees and senior management, including Mr. Farlinger (3,000 shares). On December 29,
2020, Assure issued 3,000 shares of common stock in settlement of the Performance shares to Mr. Farlinger, subject to forfeiture
under the vesting terms of a restricted stock award agreement. The restricted shares vested under the terms of the restricted stock award
agreement on September 29, 2021. |
|
(2) |
Mr. Price was CFO of Assure until November 21, 2023. Consists
of 29,071 shares of common stock and 2,864 shares of common stock acquirable upon exercise of stock options 60 days from November 17,
2023. Includes options exercisable to purchase (a) 2,500 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $97.00 which expire on December 10,
2025, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Price on December 10, 2021 and (b) 500 shares of the Company at an exercise price
of $153.00 which expire on October 1, 2026 pursuant to options award to Mr. Price on October 1, 2021. |
|
(3) |
Mr. Rumana is a director of Assure. Consists of 4,649 shares of common stock and 2,757 shares of common stock acquirable upon exercise of stock options (2,367 shares) and warrants (391) within 60 days of November 17, 2023. Includes options to purchase (a) 1,500 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $156.00 which expire on January 16, 2024, pursuant to options awarded to Dr. Rumana on January 16, 2019 and (b) 1,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $106.00 which expire on January 27, 2026, pursuant to options awarded to Dr. Rumana on January 29, 2021. As of November 17, 2023, all of the 1,500 options granted on January 16, 2019 had vested and 867 of the options granted on January 29, 2021 have vested with the balance of options vesting on February 1, 2024 and August 1. |
|
(4) |
Mr. Summer is a director of Assure. Consists of 3,649 shares of common stock and 2,757 shares of common stock acquirable upon exercise of stock options (2,367 shares) and warrants (391) within 60 days of November 17, 2023. Includes options to purchase (a) 1,500 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of Cdn$171.00 which expire on October 4, 2024, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Summer on October 4, 2019 and (b) 1,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $112.00 which expire on January 27, 2026, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Summer on January 29, 2021. As of November 17, 2023, all of the 1,500 options granted on October 4, 2019 have vested and 867 of the options granted on January 29, 2021 have vested with the balance of options vesting on February 1, 2024. |
|
(5) |
Mr. Flood is a director of Assure. Consists of 5,259 shares of common stock held directly and 1,300 shares of common stock
acquirable upon exercise of stock options within 60 days of November 17, 2023. Includes options to purchase 1,500 common shares of
the Company at an exercise price of $112.00 which expire on April 15, 2026, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Flood on
April 15, 2021. As of November 17, 2023, of 1,500 options granted on April 15, 2021, 1,300 have vested, with the balance
of options vesting on April 15, 2024. |
|
(6) |
Mr. Webster was appointed interm CFO on November 21, 2023. Consists of 1,514 shares of common stock acquirable upon exercise of stock options 60 days from November 17, 2023. Includes options exercisable to purchase (a) 750 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $106.00 which expire on January 27, 2026, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Webster on January 29, 2021, (b) 500 shares of the Company at an exercise price of $153.00 which expire on October 1, 2026 pursuant to options award to Mr. Webster on October 1, 2021 and (c) 500 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $128 which expire on October 4, 2024, pursuant to options awarded to Mr. Webster on October 4, 2021. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Except as set forth below, no director, executive officer, stockholder
holding at least 5% of shares of our common stock, or any family member thereof, had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any
transaction, or proposed transaction since the beginning of the year ended December 31, 2021, in which the amount involved in the
transaction exceeded or exceeds the lesser of $120 thousand or one percent of the average of our total assets at year-end for the years
ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Balances and transactions between Assure Holdings
Corp. and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation and are not disclosed in this note. For
entities in which management has determined the Company does not have a controlling financial interest but has varying degrees of influence
regarding operating policies of that entity, the Company’s investment is accounted for using the equity method of accounting and
these transactions are reported as related party.
On March 4, 2020, Mr. Parsons agreed to
reallocate 17,000 Performance shares to six employees and/or officers of Assure, including John Farlinger, our CEO (3,000 shares), under
the terms of restricted stock award agreements. On December 29, 2020, we issued 50,000 shares of common stock in settlement of performance
shares as “restricted common stock” to seven current and former employees and/or officers. The restricted common stock was
subject to forfeiture under the terms of the restricted stock award agreements dated December 29, 2020. The restricted common stock
vested under the terms of the restricted stock award agreements on September 29, 2021.
In June 2021, we entered into common stock
purchase agreements, pursuant to which the Company issued 7,802 shares of common stock at a deemed issuance price of $80.00 per shares
to certain employees, directors and third parties. Pursuant to the share issuance, John Flood a director, purchased 1,500 shares of common
stock, persons affiliated with Martin Burian, a director, purchased 1,000 shares of common stock and John Farlinger, our Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, purchased 302 shares of common stock.
In November 2021, we entered into common stock
purchase agreements, pursuant to which the Company issued 3,515 shares of common stock at a price of $123.80 per shares to certain employees,
directors and consultants. Pursuant to the agreements, John Farlinger, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, purchased 810 shares
of common stock, John Price, our Chief Financial Officer, purchased 685 shares of common stock, Preston Parsons, our founder, purchased
405 shares of common stock, John Flood, a director, purchased 150 shares of common stock, Christopher Rumana, a director, purchased 150
shares of common stock and Steven Summer, a director, purchased 150 share of common stock.
In November 2022, we entered into common stock
purchase agreements, pursuant to which the Company issued 24,820 shares of common stock at a price of 12.00 per shares to certain employees,
directors and consultants. Pursuant to the agreements, John Farlinger, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, purchased 3,531 shares
of common stock, and John Price, our Chief Financial Officer, purchased 4,071 shares of common stock.
Policies and Procedures for the Review, Approval,
or Ratification of Related Transactions
We have a policy for the review of transactions
with related persons as set forth in our Audit Committee Charter and internal practices. The policy requires review, approval or ratification
of all transactions in which we are a participant and in which any of our directors, executive officers, significant stockholders or
an immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons has a direct or indirect material interest, subject to certain categories
of transactions that are deemed to be pre-approved under the policy - including employment of executive officers, director compensation
(in general, where such transactions are required to be reported in our proxy statement pursuant to SEC compensation disclosure requirements),
as well as certain transactions where the amounts involved do not exceed specified thresholds. All related party transactions must be
reported for review by the Audit Committee of the Board pursuant to the Audit Committee’s charter.
Following its review, the Audit Committee determines
whether these transactions are in, or not inconsistent with, the best interests of the Company and its stockholders, taking into consideration
whether they are on terms no less favorable to the Company than those available with other parties and the related person’s interest
in the transaction. If a related party transaction is to be ongoing, the Audit Committee may establish guidelines for the Company’s
management to follow in its ongoing dealings with the related person.
Our policy for review of transactions with related
persons was followed in all of the transactions set forth above and all such transactions were reviewed and approved in accordance with
our policy for review of transactions with related persons.
PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION
OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
What am I voting on?
The Audit Committee has selected Withum Smith+Brown, PC (“Withum”)
to be the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the current fiscal year ending December 31, 2023.
This proposal seeks stockholder ratification of the appointment of
Withum.
Will a representative of Withum or the Baker Tilly be present at
the Annual Meeting?
The Company does not expect that representatives of Withum or the Company’s
former independent accountant, Baker Tilly US, LLP (“Baker Tilly”), will be present at the Annual Meeting and therefore will
not be available to make a statement or answer questions. If representatives do attend, they wil be permitted to make a statement if they
desire and will be available to answer questions.
INFORMATION IN RESPECT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
On August 30, 2023,
Withum was appointed as the new independent registered public accounting firm for the Company. The decision to appoint Withum was approved
by the audit committee of the Company’s board of directors (the “Audit Committee”). Prior to engaging Withum on August 30,
2023, the Company had not consulted Withum regarding the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, completed or
proposed, the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the Company’s financial statements or a reportable event, nor had
the Company consulted with Withum regarding any disagreements with the Company’s prior auditor on any matter of accounting principles
or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope of procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction
of the prior auditor, would have caused it to make a reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports.
The Company’s former
independent accountant, Baker Tilly, informed the Company and the Audit Committee that Baker Tilly
would not stand for re-election as the Company’s certifying accountant for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Baker Tilly remained engaged to complete the review of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for
the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2023 and June 30, 2023, and such engagement ended on August 29, 2023. During
our two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 and the subsequent interim period through August 29, 2023,
there were no disagreements, within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 (“Regulation S-K”) and the related instructions thereto, with Baker Tilly on any matter of accounting principles
or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction
of Baker Tilly, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its reports. Also
during this same period, there were no reportable events within the meaning of Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K and the related
instructions thereto.
The
provided Baker Tilly with the disclosures hereunder as previously reported on the Company’s Current Reports on Form 8-K filed
on April 28, 2023 and September 5, 2023, and requested Baker Tilly to furnish us with a letter addressed to the SEC stating
whether it agrees with the statements made by the Company and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of Baker
Tilly’s letters dated April 28, 2023 and August 29, 2023, are filed as Exhibits 16.1 to those Current Reports respectively
and are incorporated herein by reference.
Baker Tilly was the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
for the Company in the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Squar Milner, LLP and Baker Tilly US, LLP merged and formed Baker Tilly
US on November 1, 2020. Our financial statements have been audited by Baker Tilly for the years ended December 31, 2022 and
2021.
The following table sets forth information regarding the amount billed
to us by Baker Tilly for our two fiscal years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021:
| |
Years Ended December 31 | |
| |
2022 | | |
2021 | |
Audit fees | |
$ | 297,000 | | |
$ | 542,851 | |
Audit-related fees | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Tax fees | |
| – | | |
| – | |
All other fees | |
| – | | |
$ | 15,000 | |
Total | |
$ | 297,000 | | |
$ | 557,851 | |
Audit and Audited-Related Fees
This category includes the audit of our annual financial statements
and review of financial statements included in our annual and periodic reports that are filed with the SEC. This category also includes
services performed for the preparation of responses to SEC and NASDAQ correspondence, travel expenses for our auditors, on audit and
accounting matters that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements, and the preparation
of an annual “management letter” on internal control and other matters.
Tax Fees
This category consists of professional services rendered by our independent
auditors for tax compliance.
All Other Fees
Consist of fees for product and services other than the services reported
above.
Policy on Pre-Approval by Audit Committee of Services Performed
by Independent Auditors
The Audit Committee has adopted procedures requiring the Audit Committee
to select the independent auditor, and to review and approve in advance, all particular engagements for services provided by the Company’s
independent auditor. Consistent with applicable laws, the procedures permit limited amounts of services, other than audit, review or
attest services, to be approved by one or more members of the Audit Committee pursuant to authority delegated by the Audit Committee,
provided the Audit Committee is informed of each particular service. All of the engagements and fees for 2022 were pre-approved by the
Audit Committee.
What is the required vote?
The appointment of the independent registered public accountant Withum
Smith+Brown, PC will be ratified by an affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting by stockholders, in person
or by proxy. The ratification of auditors is “routine” and as such a matter on which brokers and nominees can vote on behalf
of their clients if clients do not furnish voting instructions. A properly executed proxy card marked “ABSTAIN”
with respect to this proposal will not have an effect on the outcome of this proposal.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE RATIFICATION
OF THE APPOINTMENT OF THE INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM.
PROPOSAL 3 — APPROVAL
OF THE INCREASE TO THE AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
Introduction
The Board has unanimously approved, subject to stockholder
approval, an amendment to our Amended Articles of Incorporation (“Articles of Incorporation”) to increase the number
of authorized shares of our common stock from 9,000,000 shares, par value $0.001, to 250,000,000 shares, par value $0.001 (such amendment
as shown in Appendix B). The remaining provisions of our Articles of Incorporation would remain unchanged. The Board has determined that
this amendment is in the best interest of the Company and its stockholders and recommends that the stockholders approve this amendment.
Why did the Board approve the Authorized Share
Increase?
We believe that the Authorized Share Increase, if
approved, will provide us with the flexibility to settle our obligations under outstanding convertible notes and debentures through the
issuance of shares of our common stock, meet our obligations under our outstanding warrants, provide room to issue stock awards to help
retain our officers and employees and to issue shares of common stock in future equity financings to meet our ongoing capital requirements.
How many shares of Common Stock are currently
outstanding or subject to issuance?
As of November 17, 2023, we had 9,000,000 shares
of common stock authorized for issuance under our Articles of Incorporation of which only 2,279,040 shares of common stock were unissued.
We have the following obligations and potential obligations to issue shares of common stock in the future, which total 268,648 shares
of common stock:
| · | 194,974
shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding warrants with an average
weighted exercise price of $81.82; |
| · | 43,090
shares of common stock issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options with an average
weighted exercise price of $104.18; and |
| · | 30,584
shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of convertible notes. |
If the Authorized Share Increase is approved, it
will increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance to settle our obligations under our convertible notes, our
debenture with Centurion Asset Management Inc., meet our obligations under our outstanding warrants, provide room to issue stock awards
to help retain our officers and employees and to issue shares of common stock in future equity financings to meet our ongoing capital
requirement . Absent the availability of shares of common stock, the Company may be forced to settle its obligations under the convertible
notes and debenture entirely by the payment of cash, if available. If the Company does not have sufficient cash to settle its obligations
under the convertible notes or the debenture, the Company may be unable to continue operations if it cannot otherwise negotiate the settlement
of such obligations.
For this reason, the Board determined that the Authorized
Share Increase would give the Company greater flexibility in settling these securities by increasing the number of shares of common stock
available for issuance.
What is the purpose of the Authorized Share Increase?
The Board recommends the Authorized Share Increase
for the following reasons:
| · | To
provide flexibility for the Company to settle its obligations under its convertible notes
and debenture through the issuance of shares of common stock; |
| · | To
permit the Company to make future issuances or exchanges of common stock for capital raising
purposes or to restructure outstanding securities of the Company; and |
| · | To
permit the Company to make future issuances of options, warrants and other convertible securities. |
What could happen if the stockholders do not
approve the Authorized Share Increase?
In the event the Authorized Share Increase is not
approved, there may not be sufficient shares of common stock to settle our convertible notes and our debenture. If we are unable to issue
shares of common stock in settlement of these obligations, the Company will be required to settle such obligations, in whole or in part,
in cash amounts as calculated pursuant to the terms of those securities. The Board considered the considerable dilution in settling these
securities in shares of common stock would have on current stockholders, but given the Company’s current cash position, the Board
has determined that not having the flexibility to settle the obligations of the convertible notes or the debenture in shares of common
stock and perhaps having to settle those obligations, in whole or in part, in cash would potentially materially, negatively impact the
Company’s business plans and not be in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders despite the dilutive effect of settling
such securities in shares of common stock. To the extent our cash and cash equivalents are insufficient to enable us to make cash payments
with respect to the convertible notes or debenture and the number of shares of common stock required to settle those obligations is beyond
our authorized capital, if we are unable to negotiate a settlement or restructuring with the holders of such convertible notes or the
holder of our debenture, we may be subject to a lawsuit. Further the holder of our debenture could foreclosure on its security interest
over all our assets causing us to seek protection under federal bankruptcy laws.
If we do not increase our authorized shares of Common
Stock, we may be unable to conduct further offerings of our equity securities to raise additional capital to implement our business plan
or to further our corporate objectives.
What dilutive effect will the Authorized Share
Increase have?
If the stockholders approve the Authorized Share
Increase, the Board may cause the issuance of additional shares of common stock without further vote of the stockholders of the Company,
except as provided under Nevada corporate law or under the rules of any national securities exchange or automated quotation system
on which shares of common stock of the Company are then quoted, listed or traded. The relative voting and other rights of holders of
the common stock will not be altered by the authorization of additional shares of common stock. Each share of common stock will continue
to entitle its owner to one vote. When issued, the additional shares of common stock authorized by the amendment will have the same rights
and privileges as the shares of common stock currently authorized and outstanding.
Issuance of significant numbers of additional shares
of the Company’s common stock in the future (i) will dilute current stockholders’ percentage ownership, (ii) if
such shares are issued at prices below what current stockholders’ paid for their shares, will dilute the value of current stockholders’
shares and (iii) by reducing the percentage of equity of the Company owned by present stockholders, would reduce such present stockholders’
ability to influence the election of directors or any other action taken by the holders of common stock and (iv) issuance of a material
number of shares of common stock could create downward pressure on the per share price of the common stock, thereby further diminishing
the value of stockholders’ shares of common stock.
If the Authorized Share Increase is approved, our stockholders will
likely experience significant dilution as a result of shares of common stock issued pursuant to our outstanding convertible notes and
the debenture, as described above. For the convertible debt, while the Company does not currently have any agreements with the holders
of such convertible debt to settle the face value of such securities in shares, if the entire approximately $3.1 million in face value
of convertible notes was converted into shares of common stock at $0.261 per share (the closing price per share on November 15, 2023
as reported on The Nasdaq Captial Market), then the Company would issue approximately 11.9 million shares of common stock. Based on 6,720,460 ,
shares of common stock outstanding as of November 17, 2023, this would result in approximately 64% dilution to existing stockholders.
Further, in relation to the debenture with Centurion, we do not
currently have an agreement with Centurion to convert any portion thereof into shares of common stock and we do not anticipate that
a significant amount of the approximately $8 million in face value of the debenture would be settled in shares of common stock,
however, if any portion thereof is ultimately settled in shares of common stock it could have a substantial dilutive effect on
stockholders. If the entire $8 million face value of the debenture were converted into shares of common stock at $0.261 per share
(the closing price per share on November 15, 2023 as reported on The Nasdaq Captial Market), then the Company would issue
approximately 30.7 million shares of common stock. Based on 6,720,460 , shares of
common stock outstanding as of November 17, 2023, this would result in approximately 82% dilution to existing stockholders and
when combined with the dilutive effect of the conversion of convertible notes described above would result in approximately 86%
dilution to existing stockholders.
Further, we anticipate that we will need to raise
additional capital and may elect to do so through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities. The Authorized Share Increase
will increase the total number of authorized shares of common stock. As a result, we would have a larger number of authorized but unissued
shares from which to issue additional shares of common stock, or securities convertible or exercisable into shares of common stock, in
equity or convertible debt financing transactions.
If the stockholders approve the Authorized
Share Increase, does the Company have plans for future issuances of shares of Common Stock?
In addition to the issuance of shares of common
stock upon settlement of convertible notes and our debenture as described above and for settlement of current securities of the Company,
as discussed above, given the Company’s current available capital, its cash and cash equivalents, its history of operating at a
loss and its need for additional capital to implement its plan of operations, the Company currently anticipates that it may be required
to commence an offering of its equity or convertible debt securities in the near future.
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the Company
has filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 to permit it to undertake a public offering of securities up to $100 million
in aggregate market value. The Company has not entered into any formal agreements with respect to the securities it might offer for the
remaining approximately $92 million under the Form S-3 or the terms and conditions of such offerings, if any. The Company notes
that currenlty it is subject to limitations on the amount it can issue from the Form S-3 under General Instruction I.B.6 thereof.
The Company anticipates that if the Authorized Share Increase is approved it may utilize the Form S-3 in the months after the Annual
Meeting to raise additional capital to meet its operational cash flow requirements. The amount to be raised and number of shares of common
stock to be issued is not known at this time and will depend on the trading price and volume of its shares of common stock on the Nasdaq
and any restrictions under General Instruction I.B.6 of Form S-3 at such time. It also anticipates that it may offer units, shares
of common stock, common stock purchase warrants or other derivative securities of the Company in future equity offerings depending on
the capital needs of the Company and the market for the Common Stock. Such securities would be offered at a price negotiated at arm’s
length under the current market conditions at the time of pricing. However, the likely terms of the securities to be offered and timing
for the offering remain indefinite at this time.
In addition, such offerings will be made to third
party investors, likely pursuant to a underwritten transaction or a best efforts placement agency transaction with a FINRA-registered
broker dealer. As of the date of this Proxy Statement, the size, pricing and other terms of the any potential offering have not been
determined, and there can be no guarantee that we will be able to complete any offering. While the Company has filed a registration statement
on Form S-3 with the SEC in anticipation of a potential future offering, the likely terms of the securities to be offered and timing
for the offering remain indefinite at this time.
If the Authorized Share Increase is approved and
we engage in one or more transactions involving the issuance of our equity securities, current stockholders of the Company may be substantially
diluted as a result of such future issuances.
Additionally, as previously announced on September 19, 2023, the Company’s
Board is engaged in a strategic review of the Company. The strategic alternatives could involve the Company issuing a large amount of
shares of common stock in business combination transaction, acquisition transaction or other strategic or financial transaction. While
the number of shares of common stock that could be issued or the diltuve effect of such issuances is currently unknown, any significant
issuance of shares of common stock in connection with such transactions would have a material dilutive effect on the current stockholders
of the Company.
This Proxy Statement shall not constitute an offer
to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any offer or sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in
which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state
or jurisdiction.
Would the Authorized Share Increase have any
Anti-Takeover Effects?
Although the Authorized Shares Increase is not motivated
by anti-takeover concerns and is not considered by our Board to be an anti-takeover measure, the availability of additional authorized
shares of common stock could enable the Board to issue shares defensively in response to a takeover attempt or to make an attempt to
gain control of the Company more difficult or time-consuming. For example, shares of common stock could be issued to purchasers who might
side with management in opposing a takeover bid that the Board determines is not in the best interests of our stockholders, thus diluting
the ownership and voting rights of the person seeking to obtain control of the Company. In certain circumstances, the issuance of common
stock without further action by the stockholders may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company, may
discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over the prevailing market price and may adversely affect the market price of our common
stock. As a result, increasing the authorized number of shares of our common stock could render more difficult and less likely a hostile
takeover of the Company by a third-party, or a tender offer or proxy contest, assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our
stock, and the possible removal of our incumbent management. We are not aware of any proposed attempt to take over the Company or of
any present attempt to acquire a large block of our common stock.
Does the Board recommend approval of the Authorized Share Increase?
Yes. After considering the entirety of the circumstances,
the Board has unanimously concluded that the Authorized Share Increase is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and
the Board unanimously recommends that the Company’s stockholders vote in favor of the Authorized Share Increase.
What amendment is being made to the Articles
of Incorporation?
The THIRD paragraph of the Articles of Incorporation
which currently reads as follows:
“3. Authorized Stock: (numbers of shares the
corporation is authorized to issue) Number of Shares with par value: 9,000,000, Par value per share: $0.001 Number of Shares without
par value: 0”
will be amended to read as follows:
“3. Authorized Stock: (numbers of shares the
corporation is authorized to issue) Number of Shares with par value: 250,000,000, Par value per share: $0.001 Number of Shares
without par value: 0”
The Certificate of Change to the Articles of Incorporation
is attached hereto as Appendix B.
When will the amendment be made?
If our shareholders approve the Authorized Share
Increase at the Annual Meeting, we will file the amendment to our Certificate of Change with the office of the Secretary of State of
Nevada to implement the increase in the authorized number of shares of common stock as soon as practicable following the Annual Meeting.
Upon approval and following such filing with the Secretary of State of Nevada, the amendment will become effective on the date it is
filed.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding common stock is required to amend our Articles of Incorporation to effect the Authorized Share Increase. Failures
to vote, abstentions and broker “non-votes”, if any, will be the equivalent of a vote AGAINST this proposal.
IF OUR STOCKHOLDERS DO NOT APPROVE THE AUTHORIZED
SHARE INCREASE, THE BOARD BELIEVES THAT THE LONG-TERM FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE COMPANY COULD BE THREATENED DUE TO (I) OUR INABILITY
TO SETTLE OUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE CONVERTIBLE NOTES AND THE DEBENTURE AND (II) THE COMPANY’S INABILITY TO CONSUMMATE FUTURE
EQUITY OFFERINGS TO MEET ITS ONGOING EXPENSES. SOME OF THESE CONSEQUENCES MAY BE MITIGATED IF THE AUTHORIZED SHARE INCREASE IS APPROVED
AND IMPLEMENTED.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
THE AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION TO EFFECT THE AUTHORIZED SHARE INCREASE.
PROPOSAL 4 — APPROVAL OF THE BLANK CHECK
PREFERRED AMENDMENT
Introduction
We are requesting our stockholders approve and adopt
an amendment to the Company’s Amended Articles of Incorporation in order to authorize the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of preferred
stock, with rights and preferences to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors from time to time (the “Blank
Check Preferred”).
Why did the Board approve the Blank Check
Preferred Amendment?
The Blank Check Preferred Amendment would permit
the Board to issue, without further approval by our stockholders, up to a total of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more
series. Our Board of Directors may establish the number of shares to be included in each such series and may fix the designations, preferences,
powers, and other rights, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions of the shares of a series of preferred stock. Our Board
of Directors could authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could dilute the voting power or rights
of the holders of common stock.
The issuance of preferred stock, would providing
flexibility in connection with (i) settlement of our convertible notes and our debenture with Centurion, (ii) financing opportunities
to fund ongoing operations, (iii) possible acquisitions and (iv) other corporate purposes. The issuane of preferred stock could,
among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of the Company and might harm the market
price of our common stock.
What would be the terms of the Blank Check Preferred?
The particular terms of any series of preferred stock offered by us
may include:
|
· |
the number of shares of the preferred stock being offered; |
|
· |
the title and liquidation preference per share of the preferred stock; |
|
· |
the purchase price of the preferred stock; |
|
· |
the dividend rate or method for determining the dividend rate; |
|
· |
the dates on which dividends will be paid; |
|
· |
whether dividends on the preferred stock will be cumulative or noncumulative and, if cumulative, the dates from which dividends
shall commence to accumulate; |
|
· |
any redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the preferred stock; |
|
· |
any securities exchange on which the shares would be qualified for trading; or |
|
· |
any additional dividend, liquidation, redemption, sinking fund and other rights and restrictions applicable to the preferred
stock. |
Holders of preferred stock will be entitled to receive,
when, as, and if declared by our Board of Directors, the dividends, whether cash or in-kind or in shares of additional securities of
the Company, at the rates and on the dates established by such series of preferred stock. Dividend rates may be fixed or variable or
both. Different series of preferred stock may be entitled to dividends at different dividend rates or based upon different methods of
determination.
What will be the impact on holders of the Company’s shares
of common stock?
While the ability of the Board to issue shares of
Blank Check Preferred cannot be precisely determined unless and until the Board designates the rights, privileges, and preferences to
attach to some or all of the authorized shares of Blank Check Preferred Stock, it is likely that any series of preferred stock so designated
will have one or more material features that are superior to our shares of common stock and/or previously designated and issued classes
of preferred stock.
Would the Blank Check Preferred Amendment have any Anti-Takeover
Effects?
Although the Blank Check Preferred Amendment is not motivated by anti-takeover
concerns and is not considered by our Board to be an anti-takeover measure, the availability of additional authorized shares of preferred
stock could enable the Board to issue shares defensively in response to a takeover attempt or to make an attempt to gain control of the
Company more difficult or time-consuming. For example, shares of preferred stock could be issued to purchasers who might side with management
in opposing a takeover bid that the Board determines is not in the best interests of our stockholders, thus diluting the ownership and
voting rights of the person seeking to obtain control of the Company. Such shares of preferred stock could also be granted super-voting
rights that could further imhibit the ability of a person seeking to obtain contril of the Company. In certain circumstances, the issuance
of preferred stock without further action by the stockholders may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the
Company, may discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over the prevailing market price and may adversely affect the market price
of our common stock. As a result, the issuance of preferred stock could render more difficult and less likely a hostile takeover of the
Company by a third-party, or a tender offer or proxy contest, assumption of control by a holder of a large block of our stock, and the
possible removal of our incumbent management. We are not aware of any proposed attempt to take over the Company or of any present attempt
to acquire a large block of our common stock. We do not have any present intention to issue preferred stock or to use the issuance of
preferred stock as an anti-takover mechanism.
What am I being asked to approve?
At the Annual Meeting the Board will submit the
following resolution to the stockholders for a vote to approve the Blank Check Preferred Amendment:
“RESOLVED, that the stockholders hereby
approve the Amendment of the Company’s Amended Articles of Incorporation to amend and restate Article III in its entirety
with the text set forth in Appendix C to the Proxy Statement provided to stockholders in connection with this annual meeting of
stockholders.”
The ful text of the Blank Check Preferred Amendment
is set forth in Appendix C to this Proxy Statement.
The Board believes that the adoption the Blank Check Preferred Amendment
is appropriate and that it will provide authorized capital that will be attractive for investors and provide the Company with the flexibility
needed for future capital raising endeavors. If the Blank Check Preferred Amendment is adopted, it will become effective upon the filing
of a certificate of amendment to our Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada.
Required Vote of Stockholders
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority
of the outstanding common stock is required to amend our Articles of Incorporation to effect the Blank Check Preferred Amendment. Failures
to vote, abstentions and broker “non-votes”, if any, will be the equivalent of a vote AGAINST this proposal.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
THE AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF
INCORPORATION TO EFFECT THE BLANK CHECK PREFERRED AMENDMENT
PROPOSAL 5 -APPROVAL TO ADJOURN MEETING TO
SOLICIT ADDITIONAL PROXIES
If at the Annual Meeting, the number of shares entitled
to vote present or represented and voting in favor of both Proposal 3 and Proposal 4 is insufficient to approve such proposal, the Company
would like the discretionary authority from our stockholders so that the Company has the ability to move to adjourn the Annual Meeting
solely in relation to those proposals (the “Discretionary Adjournment”). In that event, you will be asked to vote
upon the election of directors and the ratification of the appointment of our independent accountants and the adjournment, postponement
or continuation proposal and not on Proposals 3 or Proposals 4.
If our stockholders approve the adjournment, postponement,
or continuation proposal, we could adjourn, postpone, or continue the Annual Meeting in relation to Proposal 3 and Proposal 4, and any
adjourned session of the Meeting, to use the additional time to solicit additional proxies in favor of Proposal 3 – The Authorized
Share Increase and Proposal 4 - The Blank Check Preferred Amendment. This could include the Board’s solicitation of proxies from
stockholders that have previously voted against either or both such proposals. Even if proxies representing a sufficient number of votes
against Proposal 3 or Proposal 4 has been received, you are authorizing us to adjourn, postpone, or continue the Annual Meeting without
a vote on Proposal 3 or Proposal 4 and seek to convince the holders of those shares to change their votes to votes in favor of the approval
of either proposal.
What am I being asked to approve?
In this proposal, we are asking you to authorize
the holder of any proxy solicited by the Board of Directors the ability to call for a Discretionary Adjournment of the Annual Meeting.
The affirmative vote or consent of the holders of at least a majority of the votes cast at the Annual Meeting is required for the approval
of any such adjournment. The Board recommends the stockholders grant this discretionary authority, if necessary, to permit it to solicit
approvals of the charter amendments set forth in Proposals 3 and 4, which the Board believes will benefit the Company.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR”
THE ADJOURNMENT PROPOSAL
OTHER MATTERS
As of the date of this Proxy Statement, management does not know of
any other matter that will come before the meeting.
Where You Can Find More Information
We file annual and quarterly reports and other reports
and information with the SEC. These reports and other information can be inspected and copied at, and copies of these materials can be
obtained at prescribed rates from, the Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Judiciary Plaza, 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549-1004. We distribute to our stockholders annual reports containing financial statements audited
by our independent registered public accounting firm and, upon request, quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal
year containing unaudited financial information. In addition, the reports and other information are filed through Electronic Data Gathering,
Analysis and Retrieval (known as “EDGAR”) system and are publicly available on the SEC’s site on the Internet, located
at www.sec.gov. We will provide without charge to you, upon written or oral request, a copy of the reports and other information
filed with the SEC.
Any requests for copies of information, reports or other filings with
the SEC should be directed to the Company’s Secretary, at Assure Holdings Corp., 7887 E. Belleview Ave., Suite 240, Denver,
Colorado, USA 80111.
APPENDICES
Appendix A Form of Proxy Card
Appendix B Certificate of Change
for Authorized Share Increase
Appendix C Certificate of Change
for Blank Check Preferred Amendment
By Order of the Board of Directors
ASSURE HOLDINGS CORP.
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
December 5, 2023
Please sign and return the enclosed form of proxy
promptly. If you decide to attend the meeting, you may, if you wish, revoke the proxy and vote your shares in person.
APPENDIX A – FORM OF
PROXY CARD
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PROXY ASSURE HOLDINGS
CORP. Annual Meeting of Stockholders
December 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time This Proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board
of Directors of Assure Holdings Corp. The undersigned hereby appoints John Farlinger or Paul Webster and each or either of them,
as the true and lawful attorneys of the undersigned, with full power of substitution and revocation, and hereby authorizes them, and
each of them, to represent and to vote, as designated on the reverse side of this proxy, all of the shares of common stock of Assure
Holdings Corp. that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held at Las Vegas Marriott, Lake
Mead Conference Room, 17th Floor, 325 Convention Center Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89109 on December 27, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Pacific Time and at any adjournment or postponement thereof, conferring authority upon such true and lawful attorneys to vote in their
discretion on such other matters as may properly come before the meeting and revoking any proxy heretofore given. THIS PROXY, WHEN
PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN. IF NO SUCH DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ RECOMMENDATIONS. Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Annual Meeting:
The Form 10-K Report and Proxy Statement are available at: http://viewproxy.com/AssureHoldings/2023
T
Please mark your votes
like this . The Board of Directors recommends a vote “FOR” all director nominees listed in Proposal 1 and “FOR”
Proposals 2, 3, 4, and 5. Proposal 1. Election of Directors. NOMINEES: FOR ALL . WITHHOLD ALL . FOR ALL EXCEPT . (1) John Farlinger .
(2) John Flood . (3) Christopher Rumana . (4) Steven Summer . INSTRUCTIONS: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s),
mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and mark the box for each nominee you wish to withhold. DO NOT PRINT IN THIS AREA (Stockholder Name
& Address Data) Address Change/Comments: (If you noted any Address Changes and/or Comments above, please mark box.) . CONTROL NUMBER
Proposal 2. To ratify the appointment of Withum Smith+Brown, PC as the independent registered public accounting firm of the Company for
the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023. FOR . AGAINST . ABSTAIN . Proposal 3. To approve the amendment of the Company’s Articles
of Incorporation, to increase the number of authorized shares (the “Authorized Share Increase”) in the Company’s common
shares from 9,000,000 to 250,000,000. FOR . AGAINST . ABSTAIN . Proposal 4. To approve the amendment of the Company’s Articles
of Incorporation to permit the issuance of 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock with rights and preferences to be determined by the Company’s
Board of Directors from time to time (the “Blank Check Preferred Amendment”). FOR . AGAINST . ABSTAIN . Proposal 5. To authorize
the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, if necessary, to solicit additional proxies if there are not sufficient votes in favor of Proposals
Nos. 3 and 4 (the “Adjournment Proposal”). FOR . AGAINST . ABSTAIN . Note: To conduct any other business that may properly
come before the Annual Meeting. Date Signature Signature (if held jointly) NOTE: This proxy should be marked, dated, and signed by each
stockholder exactly as such stockholder’s name appears hereon, and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope. When shares are
held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as an executor, administrator, attorney, trustee, or guardian, please give full title
as such. If the signatory is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If
the signatory is a partnership, please sign in the partnership name by authorized person. . PLEASE DETACH ALONG PERFORATED LINE AND MAIL
IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED. • CONTROL NUMBER PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS Please have your 11-digit control number ready when voting
by Internet or Telephone. INTERNET Vote Your Proxy on the Internet: Go to www.FCRvote.com/IONM Have your proxy card available when you
access the above website. Follow the prompts to vote your shares. TELEPHONE Vote Your Proxy by Phone: Call 1-866-402-3905 Use any touch-tone
telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card available when you call. Follow the voting instructions to vote your shares. MAIL
Vote Your Proxy by Mail: Mark, sign, and date your proxy card, then detach it, and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided.
APPENDIX B
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FRANCISCO V. AGUILAR Secretary of State 401 North Carson Street Carson
City, Nevada 89701-4201 (775) 684-5708 Website: www.nvsos.gov Profit Corporation: Certificate of Amendment (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.380 &
78.385/78.390) Certificate to Accompany Restated Articles or Amended and Restated Articles (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.403) Officer's Statement
(PURSUANT TO NRS 80.030) TYPE OR PRINT - USE DARK INK ONLY - DO NOT HIGHLIGHT 1. Entity information: Name of entity as on file with the
Nevada Secretary of State: Assure Holdings Corp. Entity or Nevada Business Identification Number (NVID): 20232997727 2. Restated or Certificate
to Accompany Restated Articles or Amended and Restated Articles Amended and Restated Articles - No amendments; articles are restated only
and are signed by an Restated Articles: officer of the corporation who has been authorized to execute the certificate by (Select one)
resolution of the board of directors adopted on: (If amending and The certificate correctly sets forth the text of the articles or certificate
as amended to the date of the certificate. restating only, complete section 1,2 3, 5 and 6) Amended and Restated Articles * Restated or
Amended and Restated Articles must be included with this filing type. 3. Type of Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation
(Pursuant to NRS 78.380 - Before Amendment Filing Issuance of Stock) Being Completed: The undersigned declare that they constitute at
least two-thirds of the (Select only one box) following: (Check only one box) incorporators board of directors (If amending, complete
The undersigned affirmatively declare that to the date of this certificate, no stock of the corporation has been issued section 1, 3,
5 and 6.) Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (Pursuant to NRS 78.385 and 78.390 - After Issuance of Stock) The vote
by which the stockholders holding shares in the corporation entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power, or such
greater proportion of the voting power as may be required in the case of a vote by classes or series, or as may be required by the provisions
of the articles of incorporation* have voted in favor of the amendment is: Or No action by stockholders is required, name change only.
Officer's Statement (foreign qualified entities only) - Name in home state, if using a modified name in Nevada: Jurisdiction of formation:
Changes to takes the following effect: The entity name has been amended. Dissolution The purpose of the entity has been amended. Merger
The authorized shares have been amended. Conversion Other: (specify changes) * Officer's Statement must be submitted with either a certified
copy of or a certificate evidencing the filing of any document, amendatory or otherwise, relating to the original articles in the place
of the corporations creation. This form must be accompanied by appropriate fees. Page 1 of 2 Revised: 9/1/2023
F
RANCISCO V. AGUILAR Secretary of State 401 North Carson Street Carson
City, Nevada 89701-4201 (775) 684-5708 Website: www.nvsos.gov Profit Corporation: Certificate of Amendment (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.380 &
78.385/78.390) Certificate to Accompany Restated Articles or Amended and Restated Articles (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.403) Officer's Statement
(PURSUANT TO NRS 80.030) 4. Effective Date and Date: Time: Time: (Optional) (must not be later than 90 days after the certificate is filed)
5. Information Being Changes to takes the following effect: Changed: (Domestic The entity name has been amended. corporations only) The
registered agent has been changed. (attach Certificate of Acceptance from new registered agent) The purpose of the entity has been amended.
The authorized shares have been amended. The directors, managers or general partners have been amended. IRS tax language has been added.
Articles have been added. Articles have been deleted. Other. The articles have been amended as follows: (provide article numbers, if available)
(attach additional page(s) if necessary) 6. Signature: X ____________________________ (Required) Signature of Officer or Authorized Signer
Title X ____________________________ Signature of Officer or Authorized Signer Title *If any proposed amendment would alter or change
any preference or any relative or other right given to any class or series of outstanding shares, then the amendment must be approved
by the vote, in addition to the affirmative vote otherwise required, of the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power
of each class or series affected by the amendment regardless to limitations or restrictions on the voting power thereof. Please include
any required or optional information in space below: (attach additional page(s) if necessary) The THIRD paragraph of the Articles of Incorporation
has been amended to read in full as follows: 3. Authorized Stock: (numbers of shares the corporation is authorized to issue) Number of
Shares with par value: 250,000,000, Par value per share: $0.001 Number of Shares without par value: 0 This form must be accompanied by
appropriate fees. Page 2 of 2 Revised: 9/1/2023
APPENDIX C
F
RANCISCO V. AGUILAR Secretary of State 401 North Carson Street Carson
City, Nevada 89701-4201 (775) 684-5708 Website: www.nvsos.gov Profit Corporation: Certificate of Amendment (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.380 &
78.385/78.390) Certificate to Accompany Restated Articles or Amended and Restated Articles (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.403) Officer's Statement
(PURSUANT TO NRS 80.030) TYPE OR PRINT - USE DARK INK ONLY - DO NOT HIGHLIGHT 1. Entity information: Name of entity as on file with the
Nevada Secretary of State: Assure Holdings Corp. Entity or Nevada Business Identification Number (NVID): 20232997727 2. Restated or Certificate
to Accompany Restated Articles or Amended and Restated Articles Amended and Restated Articles - No amendments; articles are restated only
and are signed by an Restated Articles: officer of the corporation who has been authorized to execute the certificate by (Select one)
resolution of the board of directors adopted on: (If amending and The certificate correctly sets forth the text of the articles or certificate
as amended to the date of the certificate. restating only, complete section 1,2 3, 5 and 6) Amended and Restated Articles * Restated or
Amended and Restated Articles must be included with this filing type. 3. Type of Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation
(Pursuant to NRS 78.380 - Before Amendment Filing Issuance of Stock) Being Completed: The undersigned declare that they constitute at
least two-thirds of the (Select only one box) following: (Check only one box) incorporators board of directors (If amending, complete
The undersigned affirmatively declare that to the date of this certificate, no stock of the corporation has been issued section 1, 3,
5 and 6.) Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (Pursuant to NRS 78.385 and 78.390 - After Issuance of Stock) The vote
by which the stockholders holding shares in the corporation entitling them to exercise at least a majority of the voting power, or such
greater proportion of the voting power as may be required in the case of a vote by classes or series, or as may be required by the provisions
of the articles of incorporation* have voted in favor of the amendment is: Or No action by stockholders is required, name change only.
Officer's Statement (foreign qualified entities only) - Name in home state, if using a modified name in Nevada: Jurisdiction of formation:
Changes to takes the following effect: The entity name has been amended. Dissolution The purpose of the entity has been amended. Merger
The authorized shares have been amended. Conversion Other: (specify changes) * Officer's Statement must be submitted with either a certified
copy of or a certificate evidencing the filing of any document, amendatory or otherwise, relating to the original articles in the place
of the corporations creation. This form must be accompanied by appropriate fees. Page 1 of 2 Revised: 9/1/2023
F
RANCISCO V. AGUILAR Secretary of State 401 North Carson Street Carson
City, Nevada 89701-4201 (775) 684-5708 Website: www.nvsos.gov Profit Corporation: Certificate of Amendment (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.380 &
78.385/78.390) Certificate to Accompany Restated Articles or Amended and Restated Articles (PURSUANT TO NRS 78.403) Officer's Statement
(PURSUANT TO NRS 80.030) 4. Effective Date and Date: Time: Time: (Optional) (must not be later than 90 days after the certificate is filed)
5. Information Being Changes to takes the following effect: Changed: (Domestic The entity name has been amended. corporations only) The
registered agent has been changed. (attach Certificate of Acceptance from new registered agent) The purpose of the entity has been amended.
The authorized shares have been amended. The directors, managers or general partners have been amended. IRS tax language has been added.
Articles have been added. Articles have been deleted. Other. The articles have been amended as follows: (provide article numbers, if available)
(attach additional page(s) if necessary) 6. Signature: X ____________________________ (Required) Signature of Officer or Authorized Signer
Title X ____________________________ Signature of Officer or Authorized Signer Title *If any proposed amendment would alter or change
any preference or any relative or other right given to any class or series of outstanding shares, then the amendment must be approved
by the vote, in addition to the affirmative vote otherwise required, of the holders of shares representing a majority of the voting power
of each class or series affected by the amendment regardless to limitations or restrictions on the voting power thereof. Please include
any required or optional information in space below: (attach additional page(s) if necessary) The THIRD paragraph of the Articles of Incorporation
has been amended to read in full as follows: 3. Authorized Stock: (numbers of shares the corporation is authorized to issue) Number of
Shares with par value: 250,000,000, Par value per share: $0.001 Number of Shares without par value: 0 This form must be accompanied by
appropriate fees. Page 2 of 2 Revised: 9/1/2023
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