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

SCHEDULE 14A

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

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Preliminary Proxy Statement

 

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

 

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Definitive Proxy Statement

 

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Definitive Additional Materials

 

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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

KMG Chemicals, Inc.

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

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KMG CHEMICALS, INC.
9555 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77099

October 30, 2008

Dear Shareholder:

        The Board of Directors of KMG Chemicals, Inc. invites you to this year's annual meeting of the shareholders to be held at the Marriott Houston Westchase at 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042, on December 2, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. The Board of Directors is also soliciting your proxies and your votes and is recommending the approval of the proposals described in the enclosed Proxy Statement.

        We appreciate your continued confidence in us and look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting.

    Sincerely,

 

 

David Hatcher

 

 

David L. Hatcher
Chair of the Board

KMG CHEMICALS, INC.
9555 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77099


NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS

        The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of KMG Chemicals, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), will be held at the Marriott Houston Westchase at 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042, on December 2, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.:

        1.     To elect nine (9) directors to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified;

        2.     To ratify the appointment of UHY LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm and auditors for the Company for fiscal year 2009; and

        3.     To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

        Shareholders of record at the close of business on October 24, 2008 are entitled to notice of and to vote at this Annual Meeting of Shareholders or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

        All shareholders are cordially invited and urged to attend the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in person. Even if you plan to attend the meeting, you are requested to complete, sign, date and return your proxy in the enclosed addressed envelope. A return of a blank proxy will be deemed a vote in favor of the proposals contained in the Proxy Statement. If you attend, you may vote in person if you wish, even though you have sent in your proxy.

    By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Roger Jackson

 

 

Roger C. Jackson
Secretary
October 30, 2008

KMG CHEMICALS, INC.
9555 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77099

PROXY STATEMENT

General Information

        This Proxy Statement and the accompanying form of proxy are being furnished to the shareholders of KMG Chemicals, Inc., a Texas corporation (the "Company"), in connection with the solicitation of proxies by our Board of Directors for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting") to be held on December 2, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., at the Marriott Houston Westchase at 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042, and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

        This Proxy Statement and the related form of proxy accompanying this proxy statement are being mailed on or about October 30, 2008 to all shareholders of record as of October 24, 2008 (the "Record Date").

        Unless otherwise indicated, shares of our common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), represented by proxies will be voted in favor of (i) the election of the nine (9) director nominees to the Board of Directors named in the Proxy Statement and (ii) the ratification of the approval of UHY LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2009. With respect to the election of directors, a shareholder may, by checking the appropriate box on the proxy: (i) vote for all director nominees as a group; (ii) withhold authority to vote for all director nominees as a group; or (iii) vote for all director nominees as a group except those nominees identified by the shareholder in the appropriate area. With respect to the other proposals contained in this Proxy Statement, a shareholder may, by checking the appropriate box on the proxy: (i) vote for the proposal; (ii) vote against the proposal; or (iii) abstain from voting on the proposal.

        Any shareholder who executes and delivers a proxy may revoke it at any time prior to its use by (i) giving written notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company, (ii) executing and delivering a proxy bearing a later date or (iii) appearing at the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

        If the proxy in the accompanying form is properly executed and not revoked, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon.

        If no instructions are given on the matters to be acted upon, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted: (i) FOR election of the directors nominated herein; (ii) to RATIFY the appointment of UHY LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm and auditors for fiscal year 2009, and (iii) in the discretion of the proxy holders as to any business that may properly come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Who May Vote

        Only holders of record of outstanding shares of Common Stock at the close of business on the Record Date are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters coming before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. There were 11,079,795 shares of Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote on the Record Date.

Voting Requirements to Elect Directors and Approve Auditors

        The holders of a majority of the total shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date, whether present in person or represented by Proxy, will constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. For purposes of determining whether a quorum is present under Texas law, broker non-votes and abstentions count towards the establishment of a quorum. A broker "non-vote" occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that item, and the broker has not received voting instructions from the beneficial owner. Votes cast at the meeting will be counted by the inspector of the election.


        The election of directors requires the favorable vote of the holders of a plurality of shares of Common Stock present and voting, in person or by proxy, at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes have no effect on determinations of plurality except to the extent that they affect the total votes received by any particular candidate. A majority of the votes represented by the shareholders present at the Annual Meeting, in person or by proxy, is necessary for approval of the ratification of the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm. Abstaining shares will be considered present at the Annual Meeting for this matter so that the effect of abstentions will be the equivalent of a "no" vote. With respect to broker non-votes, the shares will not be considered present at the Annual Meeting for this matter so that broker non-votes will have the practical effect of reducing the number of affirmative votes required to achieve a majority vote by reducing the total number of shares from which the majority is calculated.

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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners, Directors
and Named Executive Officers

        The following table sets forth certain information as of October 24, 2008 with regard to the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by (i) each person known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of its outstanding Common Stock, (ii) our named executive officers and the directors individually and (iii) our officers and directors as a group. All addresses are in care of KMG Chemicals, Inc., 9555 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77099.

Name
  Common Stock
Beneficially Owned
Excluding Options
  Stock Options
Exercisable
Within
60 Days
  Shares Including
Options
Exercisable
Within
60 Days
  Percent of Total
Beneficial Shares
(%)
 

Directors and Named Executive Officers

                         

David L. Hatcher

    4,118,568           4,118,568     37.2  

J. Neal Butler

    14,972     35,000     49,972     *  

Gerald G. Ermentrout

    2,327           2,327     *  

Christopher T. Fraser

    2,327           2,327     *  

George W. Gilman

    5,990     30,000     35,990     *  

Roger C. Jackson

    7,828     50,000     57,828     *  

Fred C. Leonard(1)

    711,833     20,000     731,833     6.6  

Charles L. Mears

    11,648     40,000     51,648     *  

John V. Sobchak

    8,588     17,500     26,088     *  

Stephen A. Thorington

    5,393           5,393     *  

Richard L. Urbanowski

    36,648     20,000     56,648     *  

Directors and Named Executive Officers as a Group

   
4,926,122
   
212,500
   
5,138,622
   
45.5
 

Five Percent Shareholders

                         

Tontine Capital Partners, L.P.(2)
55 Railroad Avenue, 3rd Floor
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830

    1,030,035           1,030,035     9.3  

Valves Incorporated of Texas(3)
10600 Fallstone Road
Houston, Texas 77099

   
672,085
         
672,085
   
6.1
 

Austin W. Marxe and David Greenhouse(4)
(Special Sit Funds)
527 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600
New York, NY 10022

   
649,669
         
649,669
   
5.9
 

Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P.(5)
32 Old Slip
New York, NY 10005

   
853,808
         
853,808
   
7.7
 

*
Less than 1%. This table is calculated pursuant to Rule 13d-3(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under Rule 13d-3(d), shares not outstanding which are subject to options, warrants, rights, or conversion privileges exercisable within 60 days are deemed outstanding for the purpose of calculating the number and percentage owned by a person, but not deemed outstanding for the

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(1)
Includes shares held by Valves Incorporated of Texas, Inc., a company in which Mr. Leonard is an officer, director and a principal shareholder.

(2)
Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 1, 2008 by Tontine Capital Partners, L.P., Tontine Capital Management, L.L.C. and Jeffrey L. Gendell, the reporting persons share dispositive and voting power over the indicated number of shares.

(3)
Based on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on October 31, 2007 by Valves Incorporated of Texas, Valves Incorporated of Texas and Fred C. Leonard share dispositive and voting power over the indicated number of shares.

(4)
Based on the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 13, 2008 by Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse, the reporting persons share dispositive and voting power over the indicated number of shares.

(5)
Based on the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 1, 2008 by Goldman Sachs Asset Management L.P., the reporting person has sole dispositive power over the indicated number of shares.

PROPOSAL 1:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        The Board of Directors has nominated nine persons to serve as directors until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his successor is elected and qualified. Each of the nominees is a current director. The following table sets forth certain information with respect to each of our directors as of October 30, 2008.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR all nominees for director.

Nominees for Director

Name and Age
  Director
Since
  Business Experience during the Past 5 Years and Other Information
David L. Hatcher
(65)
    1985   Mr. Hatcher was our Chief Executive Officer from 1996 until June 2007, and was President from 1996 until March 2005. Mr. Hatcher has also served as a director of KMG-Bernuth from 1985 to 2007 and as President from 1985 until 2005. Mr. Hatcher has worked in the wood treating industry since 1980 for predecessors and affiliates of KMG-Bernuth in various capacities, including as an engineer, general manager and President. He also currently serves as a director of Sterling Bancshares, Inc., a publicly-held banking and financial services company. Mr. Hatcher is the Chair of the Board of Directors.

4


Name and Age
  Director
Since
  Business Experience during the Past 5 Years and Other Information
J. Neal Butler
(56)
    2007   Mr. Butler is a director and is our President and Chief Executive Officer ("CEO"). He joined us in 2004 as Chief Operating Officer. He became our President in March 2005, and became the CEO in June 2007. Mr. Butler has worked in various capacities for agricultural chemical companies since 1976. From 1976 to 1998 he worked for ISK Biosciences, Inc. in sales and in operations, becoming Vice President and General Manager/Americas in the specialty chemical division. From 1998 to 2001, he was Vice President and team leader for Horticulture for Zeneca Agrichemicals, Inc., a leading agricultural products chemical company. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Butler was President and CEO of Naturize Biosciences, Inc., a company providing biological products for agriculture, and from 2003 until he joined us he did consulting in the agricultural chemicals industry.

Gerald G. Ermentrout
(60)

 

 

2008

 

Mr. Ermentrout has over 30 years experience in industrial gases and electronic chemicals. He joined Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. in 1975 and held various positions until his retirement in early 2007. From 1996 to 2007, Mr. Ermentrout served as the Vice President and General Manager of the Electronic Chemicals Division, which included the high-purity process chemicals business that KMG acquired in December 2007. In that position, he managed Air Products' global materials and equipment business serving the semiconductor and flat panel display industries, with responsibility for sales, marketing and operations. During his tenure at Air Products, Mr. Ermentrout also held positions where he managed oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen plants and pipeline systems, as well as managed major acquisitions and divestitures. He received a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the United States Naval Academy and a Masters of Business Administration from Lehigh University. Mr. Ermentrout is a member of the Compensation Committee.

5


Name and Age
  Director
Since
  Business Experience during the Past 5 Years and Other Information
Christopher T. Fraser
(50)
    2008   Mr. Fraser has broad experience in the chemical industry, much of that experience with major, global participants. He is currently the President and CEO of Chemical Lime Company, a position he has held since 2006. Chemical Lime is the leading North American producer of calcium based (limestone), alkaline products with various industrial applications including the manufacture of steel, water treatment, flue gas desulphurization, and chemical production. Before joining Chemical Lime, Mr. Fraser was President and CEO of OCI Chemical Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DC Chemical Co. OCI is among the world's leading producers of high quality soda ash and sodium percarbonate. Prior to joining OCI in 1990, Mr. Fraser held various positions of responsibility in sales, marketing, business development, operations and general management. Mr. Fraser holds Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut, as well as a Masters of Business Administration from Pepperdine University. Mr. Fraser is a member of the Audit Committee.

George W. Gilman
(66)

 

 

1996

 

Mr. Gilman also served as a director of KMG-Bernuth from 1995 until 1997. Mr. Gilman has served as the CEO, President and as a director of Commerce Securities Corporation, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority member firm, since 1982. He practiced law with the law firm of George Gilman, P.C. from 1986 to 1998, and since 1998 has practiced with the law firm of Gilman & Gilman, P.C. He also has been involved in the commercial real estate business since 1987, and currently through Gulf Equities Realty Advisors and Tex Sun Commercial Realty Co. Mr. Gilman is a certified public accountant. Mr. Gilman is the Chair of the Audit Committee and a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee.

Fred C. Leonard III
(63)

 

 

1996

 

Mr. Leonard also served as a director of KMG-Bernuth from 1992 until 1997, and served as the Secretary of KMG-Bernuth from 1993 until 2001. Since 1972, Mr. Leonard has served as the Chair of the Board, CEO and President of Valves Incorporated of Texas, Inc., a manufacturing company located in Houston, Texas. Mr. Leonard also currently serves as a board member of Integrity Bank, SSB, an independent community bank in Houston, Texas. Mr. Leonard is the Chair of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Audit Committee.

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Name and Age
  Director
Since
  Business Experience during the Past 5 Years and Other Information
Charles L. Mears
(68)
    2001   Mr. Mears retired in 2000 as Executive Vice President of the chlor-alkali business of Occidental Chemical Company. While at Occidental, he served in various management positions since 1987, including serving as Senior Vice President of the Industrial Chemicals Division from 1991 until 1995. Mr. Mears began his career with Diamond Shamrock Corporation in 1965, and held various management positions. Mr. Mears also served from 2004 until August 2007 as a director of Pioneer Companies, Inc., a publicly-held chemical company. Mr. Mears is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee.

Stephen A. Thorington
(52)

 

 

2007

 

Mr. Thorington is a private investor. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Plains Exploration & Production Company, a New York Stock Exchange listed company from 2002 until he retired in May 2006. He also served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Plains Resources, Inc. from 2002 until 2004. From 1999 to 2002 he was Senior Vice President-Finance & Corporate Development of Ocean Energy, Inc. and from 1996 until 1999 he was Vice President-Finance of Seagull Energy Company. Prior to 1996, Mr. Thorington was a Managing Director of Chase Securities and the Chase Manhattan Bank. Mr. Thorington is a member of the Audit Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee.

Richard L. Urbanowski
(72)

 

 

2000

 

Mr. Urbanowski retired in 1998 as President and Chief Operating Officer of ISK Biosciences Corporation, a specialty chemicals company selling crop protection chemicals and wood preservative products. Mr. Urbanowski began his career with Diamond Alkali Company where he held various positions in research and development, engineering, operations, production and sales. He is currently a director of the CropLife of America Foundation. Mr. Urbanowski also served from 2005 until August 2007 as a director of Pioneer Companies, Inc., a publicly-held chemical company. Mr. Urbanowski is our Lead Director, the Chair of the Governance and Nominating Committee, and is a member of the Compensation Committee.

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Named Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors

        The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our named executive officers who are not directors.

Name and Age
  Business Experience during the Past 5 Years and Other Information
Roger C. Jackson
(57)
  Mr. Jackson was elected Secretary in 2001, and became Vice President and General Counsel in 2002. Prior to then, Mr. Jackson had been a partner since 1995 in Woods & Jackson, L.L.P. and had been a partner in the Houston law firm Brown, Parker & Leahy L.L.P. beginning in 1985.

Ernest C. Kremling
(44)

 

Mr. Kremling became our Vice President-Operations in 2008. Prior to that, Mr. Kremling spent 20 years with the Dow Chemical Company in various manufacturing roles, which included project management and plant and site leadership. During the course of his employment with Dow, he worked in Asia for several years and held positions of global responsibility that covered Asia, Europe and South America.

John V. Sobchak
(48)

 

Mr. Sobchak became our Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") in 2001. Before he joined us, Mr. Sobchak had been the CFO of Novistar, Inc., a joint venture between Torch Energy Advisors, Inc. and Oracle Corporation, and prior to that he had been the Treasurer of Torch Energy Advisors, Inc. He was employed from 1988 to 1997 by Mesa, Inc, a publicly traded oil and gas company, most recently as its Treasurer.

Board of Directors and Committees

Communication with the Board

        In order to provide our shareholders and other interested parties with a direct and open line of communication to the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors has adopted the following procedures for communications to directors. Shareholders and other interested persons may communicate with the Board or with our non-management directors as a group by written communications addressed in care of either our Lead Director, Richard L. Urbanowski, or our Corporate Secretary, 9555 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77099.

        All communications received in accordance with these procedures will be reviewed initially by senior management. Senior management will relay all such communications to the appropriate director or directors unless it is determined that the communication (a) does not relate to our business or affairs or the functioning or constitution of the Board of Directors or any of its committees; (b) relates to routine or insignificant matters that do not warrant the attention of the Board of Directors; (c) is an advertisement or other commercial solicitation or communication; (d) is frivolous or offensive; or (e) is otherwise not appropriate for delivery to directors.

        The director or directors who receive any such communication will have discretion to determine whether the subject matter of the communication should be brought to the attention of the full Board of Directors or one or more of its committees and whether any response to the person sending the communication is appropriate. Any such response will be made only in accordance with applicable law and regulations relating to the disclosure of information.

        The Corporate Secretary will retain copies of all communications received pursuant to these procedures for a period of at least one year. The Board of Directors will review the effectiveness of these procedures from time to time and, if appropriate, recommend changes. As of the Record Date, no communications have been received.

8


Board Meetings

        The Board of Directors held eight meetings in fiscal year 2008, including special meetings, and took action by unanimous consent in several instances. All Board members are expected to attend the Annual Meeting and last year they all did attend.

Director Independence

        The Board of Directors is composed of seven non-employee directors and two employee directors. Under our guidelines and the listing requirements of The Nasdaq Global Market, at least a majority of our Board of Directors must be independent. The Board of Directors has determined that all seven of its non-employee directors meet the requirement of independence. The only non-independent directors are Mr. Hatcher, our Chair, and Mr. Butler, our CEO.

Stock Ownership Guideline for Non-Employee Directors

        We have adopted a stock ownership guideline for non-employee directors. Non-employee directors are to own the greater of 4,000 shares or a number of shares of our Common Stock based on a 2x multiple of their total annual compensation. Non-employee directors have two years to achieve the 4,000 shares level and five years to achieve the 2x guideline, but no director is required to meet the 2x target until July 31, 2013. The Compensation Committee may enforce the guideline by paying director compensation in restricted stock.

Board Committee Membership

        The Board of Directors has three standing committees, an Audit Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee ("Governance Committee") and a Compensation Committee. The Audit Committee, the Governance Committee and the Compensation Committee are composed entirely of non-employee directors whom the Board has determined are independent. The table below provides the fiscal year 2008 membership for the three standing committees after Mr. Ermentrout and Mr. Fraser became members of the Board of Directors in June 2008.

 
  Audit
Committee
  Nominating &
Governance
Committee
  Compensation
Committee
 

Gerald G. Ermentrout

                X  

Christopher T. Fraser

   
X
             

George W. Gilman

   
X

*
 
X
       

Fred C. Leonard

   
X
         
X

*

Charles L. Mears

         
X
   
X
 

Stephen A. Thorington

   
X
   
X
       

Richard L. Urbanowski

         
X

*
 
X
 

*
Committee Chair

Lead Director

        In fiscal year 2008 we selected a Lead Director from among the non-employee directors. The responsibilities of the Lead Director include calling and setting the agenda for executive sessions and other meetings of the non-employee directors, serving as principal liason for the non-employee directors with the Board Chair and the CEO, substituting for the Board Chair when he is unavailable,

9



and serving as the contact for shareholder communication. Richard L. Urbanowski is our current Lead Director.

Committee Charters and the Code of Business Conduct

        The Audit, Governance and Compensation Committees have each adopted charters that have been approved by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has also adopted a Code of Business Conduct applicable to all employees, including the CEO, the CFO and other senior management. The Code of Business Conduct covers such topics as financial reporting, conflicts of interest, compliance with laws, fair dealing and use of our assets. The Code of Business Conduct satisfies the requirements of a "code of ethics" under Section 406(c) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and requires that any waiver of those provisions by executive officers or directors may be made only by the Board of Directors and must be promptly disclosed to shareholders along with the reason for the waiver.

        The charters of the Audit, Compensation and Governance Committees, and the Code of Business Conduct, are available on our website at kmgchemicals.com or by writing to Corporate Secretary, KMG Chemicals,  Inc., 9555 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77099. These documents will be provided free of charge. Material contained on our website is not incorporated by reference in, or considered to be part of, this Proxy Statement.

Audit Committee

        The Audit Committee met five times during fiscal year 2008. The Audit Committee advises the Board and management from time to time with respect to internal controls, systems and procedures, accounting policies and other significant aspects of our accounting, auditing and financial reporting practices. The Audit Committee also monitors the preparation of our quarterly and annual reports and supervises our relationship with our external auditors.

        The Audit Committee operates under a charter approved by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee's function under its written charter is to appoint the independent registered public accounting firm and auditors to audit our financial statements and perform other services related to the audit; review the scope and results of the audit with the independent accountants; review with management and the independent accountants our interim and year-end operating results; oversee our external reporting; consider the adequacy of the internal accounting and auditing procedures; evaluate the independence of the internal and external auditors; and approve and review any non-audit services to be performed by the independent accountants.

        The Audit Committee consists currently of four non-employee directors, Christopher T. Fraser, George W. Gilman, Fred C. Leonard, III., and Stephen A. Thorington. Mr. Gilman is the current Chair. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are independent and financially sophisticated within the meaning of the listing standards of The Nasdaq Global Market. The Board of Directors has also determined that Mr. Gilman and Mr. Thorington are "audit committee financial experts" within the meaning of that term under the rules of the SEC. Mr. Gilman has served on our Board of Directors since 1996, and he is a certified public accountant. Mr. Thorington has served as the CFO of two public companies from 2002 to 2006, and he has held other financial reporting positions in industry and in banking. In the course of their careers, Mr. Gilman and Mr. Thorington have acquired (i) an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements, (ii) the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves, (iii) experience preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by our financial statements, (iv) an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, and (v) an understanding of audit committee functions.

10


Report of the Audit Committee

        The Audit Committee reviewed our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2008, with the independent auditors. Management has the responsibility for the preparation, presentation and integrity of the financial statements, and the independent registered public accounting firm and auditors have the responsibility for auditing the financial statements and expressing an opinion as to their conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

        The Audit Committee discussed and reviewed with the independent auditors all communications required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, including those described in Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 114, as amended, "The Auditor's Communication with Those Charged with Governance" and discussed and reviewed the results of the audit by the independent auditors of the financial statements.

        In discharging its oversight responsibility with respect to the audit process, the Audit Committee obtained from the independent auditors a formal written statement describing all relationships between the auditors and the Company that might bear on the auditors' independence consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1, "Independence Discussions with Audit Committees." The Audit Committee also discussed with the auditors any relationship that may impact their objectivity and independence and satisfied itself as to the auditors' independence. The Audit Committee also discussed with management and the independent auditors the quality and adequacy of our responsibilities, budget and staffing.

        Based on the above-mentioned review and discussions with management and the independent auditors, the Committee recommended to the Board that the audited financial statements be included in our report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2008, for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

        This report by the Audit Committee shall not be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 except to the extent that we specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not otherwise be deemed filed under such acts.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        During fiscal year 2008, the Governance Committee held five meetings. The committee is responsible for developing and implementing policies and practices relating to corporate governance, including establishing and monitoring implementation of corporate governance guidelines. The committee also plans for the succession of the CEO and other executives. The committee is responsible for identifying and assessing candidates for the Board of Directors, including making recommendations to the Board regarding candidates. In fulfilling its duties, the Governance Committee, among other things,

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        In recommending director candidates to the Board, the Governance Committee charter requires the committee to select individuals who possess the highest personal and professional integrity.

        The Governance Committee is comprised solely of non-employee directors who are independent within the meaning of listing standards of The Nasdaq Global Market. Members of the Governance Committee are Messrs. George W. Gilman, Charles L. Mears, Steven A. Thorington and Richard L. Urbanowski. Mr. Urbanowski is the Chair.

        The Governance Committee will consider recommendations for director made by shareholders for fiscal year 2010, if such recommendations are received in writing, addressed to the Chair of the committee, Mr. Urbanowski, in care of KMG Chemicals, Inc., at 9555 W. Sam Houston Parkway S., Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77099 by June 30, 2009. Recommendations by shareholders that are made in accordance with these procedures will receive equal consideration by the Governance Committee. Directors and members of management may also suggest candidates for director. In some cases, the committee may engage, for a fee, the services of a third party executive search firm to assist it in identifying and evaluating candidates for director.

Compensation Committee

        During fiscal year 2008, the Compensation Committee held three meetings. The Compensation Committee establishes compensation for our CEO and other executive officers, and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding compensation of directors. The committee also administers our incentive compensation, stock option and other equity based compensation plans, which included in fiscal year 2008 our 1996 Stock Option Plan and our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee is composed currently of four non-employee directors, Gerald G. Ermentrout, Fred C. Leonard, III, Charles L. Mears, and Richard L. Urbanowski. Mr. Leonard is the current Chair. The Board has determined that each of the members of the committee is independent within the meaning of the listing standards of The Nasdaq Global Market.

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Executive Summary

        For fiscal year 2008, we increased net sales over the prior year. We accomplished that increase primarily because of strong sales in our creosote segment and our acquisition of the electronic chemicals business in December 2007. Income from continuing operations was down, however, as compared to fiscal 2007, primarily on results from our penta and animal health segments.

        The Compensation Discussion and Analysis contains the philosophy underlying our compensation strategy and the major elements of compensation paid to the persons included in our Summary Compensation Table. We refer to those persons as "named executive officers." We address the following:


Objectives of Our Compensation Program

        We manufacture, formulate and distribute specialty chemicals. We currently operate five business segments. Our strategy includes growing in a manner that increases shareholder value by purchasing additional product lines and businesses. We target for acquisition products and businesses in specialty chemicals that we believe provide an opportunity to obtain a significant market share through further acquisition and growth, that are of a size that larger industry participants often find too small to be

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attractive, that have products with well established uses, that do not require substantial on-going research and development, and that have significant barriers to entry. To assist in carrying out that strategy, the Compensation Committee has designed our compensation program to:

What Our Compensation Program Is Designed To Reward

        Our compensation program rewards executive officers who are capable of leading us in achieving our business strategy on both a short-term and long-term basis. When making compensation decisions, we consider the personal performance of our executives, relative internal relationships within the executive pay structure, compensation at comparable companies and financial affordability.

The Elements of Our Compensation

        To further our executive compensation philosophy and to assist us in achieving our business strategy, in fiscal year 2008, we utilized the following elements of compensation:

How We Determine Each Element of Compensation And Why We Pay Each Element

        The Compensation Committee continues to refine our compensation program by increasing the competitive nature of our total compensation including more heavily weighting the compensation of our named executive officers toward long-term incentive compensation and pay at risk. We believe that our compensation program will enhance our profitability and shareholder value by more closely aligning the financial interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders.

        When the refined compensation program has been fully implemented in fiscal year 2011, the Compensation Committee expects that the following allocations among these three major elements of compensation for the named executive officers:

Allocation of Major Elements of Compensation

Major Elements of Compensation
  Base Salary   Annual Incentives (Pay at Risk)   Long-Term Incentives (Pay at Risk)  

CEO

    25 %   19 %   56 %

Other Named Executive Officers

    35 %   17 %   48 %

        We intend that long-term incentives be weighted more heavily than annual incentives in recognition of the importance of achieving long-term goals which enhance shareholder value. David L. Hatcher is our Board Chair and a non-executive employee and already holds 4,118,568 shares. Consequently, the Compensation Committee did not grant stock awards to Mr. Hatcher, and for the last three years there have been no long-term incentive awards made to Mr. Hatcher.

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        Below we discuss each element of compensation listed above, including why we elect to pay each element of compensation and how the Compensation Committee determines each element of compensation.

Base Salary

        Base salary is compensation paid to an executive for performing specific job responsibilities, and it represents the minimum income an executive might receive in any given year. Base salary is essential to attracting and retaining experienced and highly qualified executives, including our named executive officers. We initially establish base salary on the abilities, accomplishments, and the prior work experience and performance of the executive officer. Adjustments in base salary are considered on a discretionary basis taking into account internal pay relationships and consistency, the executive's performance and experience, level of responsibility, changes in responsibilities, retention risk and market survey data. When our refined compensation strategy becomes fully phased-in, the Compensation Committee intends to set base salaries at approximately the 45th percentile (90% of the median) of the national survey and our peer group data (see below, "How We Determine Executive Officer Compensation—Benchmarking and Other Market Data").

        Before adjustments to base salaries in September 2007, base salaries for our named executive officers ranged between the 32nd and 39th percentile of the market survey data. After the September 2007 salary increases, base salaries of the named executive officers ranged between the 40th and 47th percentile of the market survey data. Mr. Kremling was hired in fiscal year 2008 at an annualized base salary of $200,000.

Annualized Base Salaries of Board Chair and Named Executive Officers

Year
  Hatcher(1)   Butler(2)   Jackson   Kremling   Sobchak  

FY 2007

  $ 310,000   $ 250,004   $ 139,776       $ 158,760  

FY 2008

  $ 310,000   $ 305,600   $ 168,600   $ 200,000   $ 184,000  

% Increase

        22.2%     20.6%         15.9%  

(1)
Mr. Hatcher is our Board Chair and not a named executive officer.

(2)
Mr. Butler was promoted to CEO in fiscal year 2007.

Annual Incentive Compensation

        The design of our annual incentive plan focuses executives on our strategic objectives. We believe annual incentives motivate our executives to lead us in achieving success.

        The Compensation Committee administers our annual incentive awards to executives, but delegates to our CEO the day-to-day responsibility for the program. Annual incentive compensation rewards executives based upon achievement of company performance objectives, strategic objectives and individual performance objectives that are established by the Compensation Committee, based upon the recommendation of the CEO. The Compensation Committee establishes the objectives for the CEO. Each objective receives greater or lesser weight based primarily on the Compensation Committee's evaluation of the relative importance of the objective. The Compensation Committee evaluates the achievement or progress toward the objectives of executives, and determines the degree to which objectives are achieved. Although the Compensation Committee may make adjustments to objectives or weights to take into account special or unforeseen circumstances, in fiscal year 2008, it did not do so.

        Annual incentives are paid as a percentage of base salary based upon the proportion that performance objectives are achieved. The annual incentive is calculated by the formula: Base Salary × %Objective Achieved × %Objective Weight.

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        The Board of Directors establishes company performance objectives based upon one or more of the following performance measures: return on equity, assets, capital or investment; revenue growth; earnings per share growth; gross margin; and operating cash flow or cash flow from operating activities. These objectives may be identical for all executives or may differ to reflect more appropriate measures of individual performance. Performance measures are adopted and weighted by the Compensation Committee annually to give emphasis to performance for which executives have the most direct control.

        For fiscal year 2008, the table below lists the objectives and their relative weights for determining annual incentive compensation for named executive officers.

Annual Incentive Performance Objectives and Weightings in Fiscal Year 2008
for the Named Executive Officers

Performance Objective
  Butler   Jackson   Kremling   Sobchak  

Earnings per Share

    10 %   15 %   20 %   20 %

Return on Assets

    10 %   15 %   20 %   20 %

Stock performance

    20 %            

Strategic Plan Goals

    15 %   15 %   20 %   25 %

Personal Objectives

    45 %   55 %   40 %   35 %

        The objectives of each executive have a threshold level below which no award will be payable, a target level and a maximum award level. The target level for executives is generally set based on performance at 100% of budget for the year. Threshold performance is generally set at 90% of budget, and the maximum award level is generally set for performance at 120% of budget. The following table describes the potential award levels, as a percentage of base salary, for the named executive officers:

Potential Annual Incentive Levels as a Percentage of Base Salary for Objectives
for Fiscal Year 2008 for the Named Executive Officers

Name/Title
  Threshold   Target   Maximum  

J. Neal Butler, CEO and President

    18 %   60 %   78 %

John V. Sobchak, Vice President and CFO

    12 %   40 %   52 %

Roger C. Jackson, Vice President and General Counsel

    12 %   40 %   52 %

Ernest C. Kremling, Vice President—Operations

    12 %   40 %   52 %

        Base salaries in fiscal year 2008 plus the target level of annual incentive compensation for the named executive officers ranged between the 34th and 46th percentile of the market survey data before the September 2007 salary increases. After the September 2007 increases in salary and annual incentive compensation took effect, fiscal year 2008 base salaries plus the target level of annual incentive compensation for the named executive officers ranged between the 43rd and 51st percentile of the market survey data. The amounts paid to each named executive officer are reflected in the Summary Compensation Table under the Non-Equity Incentive Compensation column.

        The actual aggregate annual incentive award payment to the named executive officers for fiscal year 2008 ranged from 32% to 12% of their respective base salaries. The table below indicates the annual incentive award paid to the named executive officers by performance objective for fiscal year 2008, as a percentage of base salary. Awards for fiscal 2008 of incentive compensation reflect that income from continuing operations and net income declined significantly as compared with fiscal year 2007. In fiscal year 2008, income from continuing operations was $5.7 million as compared with $9.2 million in the prior year, and net income was $5.4 million as compared with $8.9 million.

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Award Level Paid as a Percentage of Base Salary for Fiscal Year 2008

Performance Objective
  Butler   Sobchak   Jackson   Kremling(1)  

Earnings per Share

    0 %   0 %   0 %   0 %

Return on Assets

    0 %   0 %   0 %   0 %

Stock Performance

    0 %            

Strategic Plan Goals

    9 %   10 %   6 %   8 %

Personal Objectives

    23 %   11 %   7 %   13 %

Total

    32 %   21 %   13 %   12 %

(1)
Mr. Kremling joined us in January 2008, and his total award was prorated for the number of months he was employed.

Long-Term Incentive Compensation

        We provide senior executives, including our named executive officers, with long-term equity compensation tied to performance, because we believe it aligns the financial interests of our executives with our shareholders, and motivates our executive officers to create shareholder value. The Compensation Committee believes that long-term equity compensation serves as an important retention tool. Long-term equity compensation can comprise the largest percentage of executive compensation. When our refined compensation approach is fully implemented, long-term equity incentives for senior executives will be targeted above the market median if performance objectives are achieved.

        In the past, we have awarded equity compensation in two forms, stock options and performance-based restricted stock unit awards. The Compensation Committee currently administers equity incentives under our 1996 Stock Option Plan and our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Stock options that were granted in the past to employees under our 1996 plan remain outstanding. We stopped issuing stock options under that plan in fiscal year 2005, and the plan terminated on July 31, 2007. Although the Compensation Committee can grant stock options under the 2004 plan, it has not done so. Beginning in fiscal year 2006, we have granted performance-based stock awards under the 2004 plan to certain executives.

        The Compensation Committee determines long-term incentive award levels and type of award in November of each year, after the release of financial results for the prior fiscal year. Long-term incentive grants vary in amount from year to year based on the performance of the executive, his expected role in our future performance and on our financial performance. The Compensation Committee also considers prior stock option awards made to the executive officer, which were often made as new hire awards, in setting new long-term equity awards. The value of stock option awards is annualized over a 10-year period when the new awards are considered. Stock options are valued using the Black-Scholes method. Performance-based restricted stock awards are valued at 100% of the then current stock price.

        With current long-term incentives outlined below the targeted market percentile of our peer group for all executives, the Compensation Committee continues to move long-term incentive awards toward a level above the market median. The Compensation Committee chose to use performance restricted stock for long-term incentives, because it has a greater perceived value to executives over options since their expected base value is not dependent on share price appreciation. Performance restricted stock is usually favored by shareholders because of the direct link to company performance and the fact that they are less subject to manipulation based upon the timing of the grant than options. The

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Compensation Committee has also designed performance restricted stock awards to strongly support retention of executives by using three year overlapping performance periods.

        Performance-based stock awards were granted to each of the named executive officers in fiscal year 2008 under our 2004 Long Term Incentive Plan. The awards were granted as Series 1 and Series 2 awards of shares of Common Stock, subject to performance vesting requirements. Performance under the awards is measured over a three-year measurement period beginning August 1, 2007. Shares vest based on satisfaction of performance requirements at the end of the three years.

        The fiscal year 2008 Series 1 award granted the named executive officers up to an aggregate of 23,220 shares of Common Stock, subject to a performance requirement of certain revenue growth objectives and average annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization divided by average assets for the three year measurement period. The Series 2 award granted the named executive officers up to an aggregate of 15,480 shares of Common Stock, subject to a performance requirement of earnings per share growth over the three year measurement period.

        When considering the individual awards, the Compensation Committee determines a target award level as a percentage of base pay appropriate for each executive. The value of the restricted share units used to calculate the number of shares then awarded may take into consideration some anticipated share appreciation.

        In fiscal year 2008 total targeted direct compensation for the named executive officers ranged between the 36th and 42nd percentile of the market survey data before the September 2007 increases in salary. After the September 2007 base salary increases took effect, and including long-term equity awards in fiscal year 2008, total targeted direct compensation for the named executive officers ranged between the 41st and 43th percentile of the market survey data. The Grants of Plan Based Awards table sets forth the awards made to the named executive officers.

        In fiscal year 2008, the following shares of Common Stock became vested for these named executive officers from the Series 1 and Series 2 performance-based restricted stock awards made in fiscal year 2006:

Performance-Based Stock Awards Vested in Fiscal Year 2008

Long-Term Incentive Performance Objectives
  Butler   Jackson   Kremling   Sobchak  

Average annual return on equity percentage in relationship to annual revenue growth rate (Series 1)

    7,092     3,708         4,068  

Compound Earnings per Share (Series 2)

    7,880     4,120         4,520  
                   

Total

    14,972     7,828         8,588  
                   

        We also granted time-based stock awards to Mr. Kremling and certain employees other than named executive officers. The awards grant up to 7,800 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Kremling and 8,400 shares of Common Stock to other employees. Mr. Kremling's award vests by 2,600 shares on August 1, 2008, 2009 and 2010. Other time-based awards generally vest over three years.

        The Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End table sets forth the number and dollar value of options made previously to the executives. The plan does not allow the re-pricing of options without stockholder approval.

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Broad-based Employee Benefits

        Employee benefits are designed to be attractive to employees and competitive in the market.

        We offer health and welfare benefits to substantially all employees, including executives. These benefits include medical, dental, life, accidental death, short and long-term disability, and long-term care coverage. Executives make the same contributions for the same type of coverage, and receive the same level of benefit as other employees for each form of coverage or benefit. We provide vacation and paid holidays to all eligible employees, including executives, that is comparable to other similarly sized companies.

        We offer a defined contribution 401(k) plan to substantially all of our employees in the United States. Participants may contribute in calendar year 2008 up to $15,500 of their compensation. We make matching contributions under the plan up to 3% of the participant's compensation. Employees age 50 or over are entitled to make an additional pre-tax contribution of up to $5,000 per year. Employees become fully vested in employer contributions after five years of employment and are ratably vested during that time. The Summary Compensation Table reflects our contributions to the 401(k) Plan for each named executive officer.

Executive Benefits and Perquisites

        Executive benefits or perquisites may be provided on a limited basis to attract and retain key executives. Currently, we do not offer executive benefits or perquisites with a value over $10,000 to any executive other than the SERP outlined below. This benefit is reflected in the All Other Compensation Column of the Summary Compensation Table.

        We adopted a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP) in fiscal year 2001. Only executives specifically designated by us may be participants in the plan, and currently only Thomas H. Mitchell, the Vice President-Sales of a subsidiary, participates. The SERP is unfunded, and amounts payable to participants are our general obligations. The SERP provides that an executive will be paid a supplemental retirement benefit for 10 years equal to a percentage of the participant's three-year average base salary at normal retirement multiplied by the years of credited service up to a maximum of 20 years. The benefit payable to participants is reduced by the equivalent actuarial value of our portion of the contributions to the 401(k) plan and one-half of social security benefits. Normal retirement is the earlier of age 65 and completion of 10 years credited service or age 60 with 30 years credited service. Early retirement is possible after reaching age 60 and completion of 10 years credited service. A participant may elect payment of benefits in any one of the following forms: Joint and 100% Survivor Annuity, Joint and 50% Survivor Annuity, 10 Year Certain and Life, and Single Sum. The Compensation Committee, in its sole discretion and without any obligation to exercise reasonable discretion, must approve a single sum payment. If the Compensation Committee does not grant approval of a single sum payment, a participant must elect to receive benefits in any one of the other three options. If a participant's employment with us terminates before attainment of early retirement or normal retirement age, and if that termination is not due to death or disability, benefits that would otherwise be payable under the SERP may be forfeited. The CEO, with the consent of the Compensation Committee, may waive the application of this provision.

        Thomas H. Mitchell was designated as a participant in the SERP in fiscal year 2002, and his benefit percentage was established to pay 56% of his three-year average base salary at normal

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retirement before the reductions listed above. The annual benefit payable under the plan to Mr. Mitchell at normal retirement is estimated to be approximately $75,000. We maintain a life insurance policy on Mr. Mitchell. We believe that the cash surrender value of that policy will be sufficient to pay the benefit under the SERP.

        We have employment or severance agreements with our four named executive officers and one other executive. Currently, each agreement automatically renews for a one-year period, and will continue to do so unless we provide at least 60 days prior written notice of non-renewal.

        Under the terms of these agreements, if we terminate the executive's employment (other than for cause or due to death or disability) or elect not to extend the executive's term of employment for the renewal term, or if the executive voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason due to a change of control, then we must pay the executive a termination payment equal to a multiple of his base salary at termination. See the "Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control" for additional information.

        The employment and severance agreements have provisions for the assignment to us any rights, titles and interest in and to all works, copyrights, materials, inventions, ideas, discoveries, designs, improvements, trade secrets, patents and trademarks and applications for any of these during their respective employment. In addition, each has agreed not to disclose confidential information.

        As part of the consideration for the compensation and benefits, each executive signed an agreement with non-competition obligations which prohibits the executive from engaging and being interested in any business which is competitive with us during employment and for a period of one year after employment terminates without our prior written consent. In the event an executive breaches any of these provisions, we may terminate any payments then owing to the executive and/or seek specific performance or injunctive relief for such breach or threatened breach.

        The Board of Directors approved an Executive Severance Plan in fiscal year 2009 (the "ESP"). The ESP provides that any regular, full-time employee who is designated by the Compensation Committee may become a participant in the ESP ("eligible employee"). As of the date of this proxy statement, no named executive officer and no other persons have been designated as eligible employees under the ESP. The Compensation Committee will use the ESP as the vehicle in appropriate cases to offer severance to eligible employees, including future hires. The ESP will also be used to offer severance payments in lieu of the severance payments under current employment or severance agreements to eligible employees wishing to convert to the ESP.

        The ESP is designed to provide an eligible employee with a severance payment in the event that the eligible employee is (i) affirmatively discharged from employment by us, other than a discharge for cause, or (ii) voluntarily terminates for good reason, as defined in the ESP (a "qualifying termination"). The severance benefit is based on the participation level of the eligible employee as assigned by the Compensation Committee, and is calculated at a multiple of base salary or base salary and annual incentive award at the target level. The severance benefit is paid in a lump sum.

        For a qualifying termination occurring more than thirty (30) days before a change of control, the severance benefit is 2.0x, 1.5x or 1.0x of base salary for the three participation levels. For a qualifying termination occurring within thirty (30) days before or two years after a change of control, the benefit is 2.5x, 2.0x or 1.5x of base salary plus annual incentive at the target level, and for a termination. If the qualifying termination was not for cause but was instead for poor performance, the severance benefit is 1.0x, 0.75x or 0.5x of base salary only. In the case of a qualifying termination occurring within thirty

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(30) days before or two years after a change of control or a qualifying termination occurring for good reason, the eligible employee also is paid a prorated portion his or her annual incentive compensation.

        In order for an eligible employee to receive severance benefits under the Plan, he or she must execute and deliver an acceptable release of all claims.

How We Determine Executive Officer Compensation

Role of the Compensation Committee

        The Compensation Committee is composed of independent, outside members of the Board of Directors in accordance with NASDAQ rules, current SEC regulations, and Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, and is responsible for establishing, reviewing, approving and monitoring the compensation paid to the named executive officers.

Role of Executive Officers in Setting Compensation

        Our CEO provides input on the Compensation Committee agenda, including background information regarding our strategic objectives, suggestions on annual performance targets and reports on his evaluations of the other executive officers. He makes compensation recommendations with respect to base salary merit increases, annual and long-term incentives that are then reviewed by the Compensation Committee and passed on to the Board for approval. Since our CEO is a member of the Board, he has input into the final approval of the overall compensation program. The Board, excluding the CEO, makes decisions about the CEO's compensation. The entire Board approves compensation of the other named executive officers.

        The CFO evaluates the financial implications of Compensation Committee actions.

        The Compensation Committee meetings are attended by the committee members, and as needed, by other directors, the CFO, and outside advisors, including our compensation consultant. The Compensation Committee regularly meets in executive session without any members of management present.

Benchmarking and Other Market Data

        The Compensation Committee has the sole authority, to the extent deemed necessary and appropriate, to retain and terminate any compensation consultants. In fiscal year 2008, the Compensation Committee engaged Stone Partners, Inc. to advise it on executive compensation. Stone Partners, Inc. is independent of us, reports directly to the Compensation Committee and has no other business relationship with us other than assisting the Compensation Committee with its executive compensation and board compensation practices. The Compensation Committee and Stone Partners, Inc. review salaries based on our current and projected company size, annual incentives and long-term incentive programs established for each executive's position from data in general industry surveys and from peer companies. The Compensation Committee also obtains input from our CEO respecting the performance and compensation of other executives, and input from other members of the Board.

        For fiscal year 2008, Stone Partners, Inc. prepared an analysis of comparative data from the Watson Wyatt, Economic Research Institute and Mercer national survey data and from a peer group of publicly-traded chemical companies. The composition and performance of the peer group is reviewed each year, and in fiscal year 2008 the peer group included the following ten publicly-traded chemical companies with comparable annual revenues and a comparable value for ongoing operations: American Pacific Corporation, Aceto Corp., American Vanguard Corporation, Balchem Corporation,, Chase Corporation, Hawkins Inc., Oil-Dri Corporation, Penford Corp., SurModics Inc., and Zoltek Companies Inc. CFC International Inc. was dropped from the peer company group. The 25th, 50th and

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75th percentiles for the data sources were analyzed to gain an understanding of the range of competitive pay practices. Although the 50th percentile of the combined data was used by the Compensation Committee as a reference point for establishing base salary (currently averaging 90% of the median), annual incentive targets (at the median) and total direct compensation (currently averaging 85% of the median), the compensation of individual executives may vary above or below the reference point because of background, personal performance, skills and experience, internal pay relationship considerations and financial affordability.

Other Important Compensation Policies

Stock Ownership Requirements for Named Executives

        We have adopted a stock ownership requirement for certain executives. The requirement calls for stock ownership related to base salary by position to equal three times base salary for the CEO, two times base salary for the VP-Operations, CFO and Chief Legal Officer and one time base salary for other designated executives. Executives covered by the requirement must achieve the stock ownership by August 1, 2012. As of July 31, 2008, our CEO, Mr. Butler, owned 14,972 shares of Common Stock, our CFO, Mr. Sobchak, owned 8,588 shares and our CLO, Mr. Jackson, owned 7,828 shares. If the required stock ownership level is not met by an executive, the Compensation Committee can pay out the after-tax portion of any cash bonus due to that executive in our stock.

Trading in Our Stock Derivatives

        Our Insider Trading Policy prohibits executive officers from purchasing or selling options on our Common Stock, engaging in short sales with respect to our Common Stock, or trading in puts, calls, straddles, equity swaps or other derivative securities that are directly linked to our Common Stock.

Financial Restatement

        The Compensation Committee does not have a policy in place governing modifications to compensation where the payment of such compensation was based upon the achievement of specific results that were subsequently subject to restatement. If the Compensation Committee deems it appropriate, however, to the extent permitted by governing law, we will seek to recoup amounts determined by a financial restatement to have been inappropriately paid to an executive officer.

Tax and Accounting Implications of our Forms of Compensation

        Section 162(m) of the Code limits the deductibility of certain compensation to $1 million per year for our CEO and our three other most highly compensated executive officers. There is an exception to the $1 million limit for compensation meeting certain requirements. None of our executive officers currently receives compensation exceeding the limits imposed by the Code. While the Compensation Committee cannot predict with certainty how our executive compensation might be affected in the future by the Code, the Compensation Committee intends to try to preserve the tax deductibility of all executive compensation while maintaining an executive compensation program consistent with our compensation philosophy.

        Tax and accounting implications of each form of compensation:

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Compensation Committee Report

        The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with management the foregoing Compensation Discussion and Analysis. The Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this proxy statement.

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        The following table presents information for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2008 for our President and CEO, our Vice President and CFO, and two other named executive officers. We have only four executive officers.

Summary Compensation Table

Name and Principal Position
  Year   Salary
($)
  Bonus
($)
  Stock
Awards
($)(1)
  Option
Awards
($)(1)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(2)
  All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
  Total
($)
 

J. Neal Butler,
Director, President and CEO

    2008     289,270     1,000     100,918     38,309     97,480     8,341     535,318  

John V. Sobchak,
Vice President and CFO

   
2008
   
176,387
   
1,000
   
55,589
   
2,710
   
39,009
   
4,623
   
279,318
 

Roger C. Jackson,
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

   
2008
   
160,188
   
1,000
   
33,041
         
21,253
   
5,414
   
220,896
 

Ernest C. Kremling,
Vice President—Operations

   
2008
   
104,146
         
43,576
         
24,733
   
2,077
   
174,532
 

(1)
Stock awards and option awards reflect the amount of compensation expense recognized in our financial statements for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2008 for performance based restricted stock awards and stock options, as required by Statement of Financial Accounting Standard 123(R), "Share-Based Payments." The assumptions used in calculating the compensation expense are set forth in note 13 of our audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2008. See also the table respecting Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2008.

(2)
Non-equity incentive plan compensation represents payments under our annual incentive plan. See the discussion of our incentive plan under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement.

(3)
Under our 401(K) plan for United States based employees, we match up to 3% of an employee's compensation. All other compensation included in the table was for contributions to our 401(K) plan plus, for Roger C. Jackson, an additional $800 for an annual executive physical.

        The following table presents information respecting grants of plan based awards for fiscal year 2008.

Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2008

 
   
   
  Estimated Future
Payouts Under
Equity Incentive
Plan Awards
(#)(1)(2)
   
   
 
 
   
   
  All Other Stock
Awards(3)
  Grant Date Fair
Value of Stock and
Option Awards
 
Name
  Grant Date   Series   Target   Maximum  

J. Neal Butler

    3/3/2008     Series 1     10,085     12,150         $ 169,025  

          Series 2     1,620     8,100           27,151  

John V. Sobchak

   
3/3/2008
   

Series 1

   
4,133
   
4,980
         
69,269
 

          Series 2     664     3,320           11,129  

Roger C. Jackson

   
3/3/2008
   

Series 1

   
2,839
   
3,420
         
47,582
 

          Series 2     456     2,280           7,643  

Ernest C. Kremling

   
3/3/2008
                     
7,800
   
130,728
 

(1)
On March 3, 2008 certain executives, including executives in the above table, were granted performance-based restricted stock awards, Series 1 and Series 2. The estimated future payout of those awards is based on the assumptions used in calculating the compensation expense recognized

23


(2)
See the discussion of our incentive plan under the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement.

(3)
Mr. Kremling was granted awards of time-based restricted stock. The awards were for an aggregate of 7,800 shares of Common Stock vesting in increments of 2,600 shares on August 1, 2008, 2009 and 2010. The awards vest if Mr. Kremling's employment has not terminated by the vesting dates. We estimated that 100% of the awards would vest, and projected them to have a fair value of $130,728 based on the grant date price of our Common Stock of $16.76.

24


        The following table presents information respecting outstanding equity awards at July 31, 2008. In fiscal year 2008 we did not grant any stock option awards.

Outstanding Equity Awards at 2008 Fiscal Year-End

 
  Option Awards(1)   Stock Awards(1)  
Name
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Option
Exercise
Price
($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Equity
Incentive Plan
Awards: Number of
Unearned
Shares, Units or
Other Rights
That Have Not
Vested (#)
  Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value of
Unearned Shares,
Units or Other
Rights That Have
Not Vested ($)
 

J. Neal Butler

    5,000           4.37     3/8/2016     10,085 (2)   112,750  

    15,000           4.37     3/8/2017     1,620 (2)   18,112  

    15,000           4.37     3/8/2018     9,600 (3)   107,328  

          15,000     4.37     3/8/2019     6,400 (3)   71,552  
                                   

          15,000     4.37     3/8/2020     27,705     309,742  

          15,000     4.37     3/8/2021              

          15,000     4.37     3/8/2022              

          15,000     4.37     3/8/2023              

          15,000     4.37     3/8/2024              

John V. Sobchak

   
5,000
         
3.58
   
6/26/2015
   
4,133

(2)
 
46,207
 

    7,500           3.58     6/26/2016     664 (2)   7,423  

    2,500           3.58     6/26/2017     6,000 (3)   67,080  

    2,500           3.58     6/26/2018     4,000 (3)   44,720  
                                   

          2,500     3.58     6/26/2019     14,797     165,430  

          2,500     3.58     6/26/2020              

          2,500     3.58     6/26/2021              

Roger C. Jackson

   
50,000
         
4.00
   
7/31/2012
   
2,839

(2)
 
31,740
 

                            456 (2)   5,098  

                            3,375 (3)   37,733  

                            2,250 (3)   25,155  
                                   

                            8,920     99,726  

Ernest C. Kremling

                           
7,800

(4)
 
87,204
 

(1)
Outstanding option awards reflect grants under our 1996 Stock Option Plan which terminated effective July 31, 2008. Stock awards reflect grants of performance-based restricted stock awards and time-based restricted stock awards under our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan. See the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement and note 13 of our audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2008.

(2)
Represents fiscal year 2008 awards under our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Series 1 and Series 2 performance-based restricted stock. Awards vest July 31, 2010, if performance requirements are satisfied. The table reflects our estimate that 83% of the Series 1 awards will vest and 20% of the Series 2 awards will vest. See note 13 of our audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2008. The maximum

25


(3)
Represents fiscal year 2007 awards under our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Series 1 and Series 2 performance-based restricted stock. Awards vest July 31, 2009, if performance requirements are satisfied. The table reflects our estimate that 100% of the Series 1 and Series 2 awards will vest. See note 13 of our audited consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2008.

(4)
Represents fiscal year 2008 awards under our 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan of time-based restricted stock. Awards vest in installments of 2,600 shares on August 1, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

        The following table presents information respecting options exercised by named executive officers during fiscal year 2008. There were no stock awards vested in fiscal year 2008.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 2008

 
  Option Awards   Stock Awards  
Name
  Number of Shares Acquired on Exercise (#)   Number of Shares Acquired on Vesting (#)   Value Realized On Exercise ($)(1)  

J. Neal Butler

    0     14,972     302,584  

John V. Sobchak

   
0
   
8,588
   
173,563
 

Roger C. Jackson

   
0
   
7,828
   
158,204
 

Ernest C. Kremling

   
0
   
   
 

        The table below presents information respecting our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. There is only one participant in the plan, and he is not a named executive officer.

Pension Benefits for the 2007 Fiscal Year

Name
  Plan Name   Number of Years of
Credited Service
(#)
  Present Value of
Accumulated
Benefit ($)
  Payments during Last
Fiscal Year ($)
 

Thomas H. Mitchell

  Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan(1)     18.9     448,329      

(1)
Thomas H. Mitchell, Vice President-Sales of our subsidiary, KMG-Bernuth, Inc., is the only participant in our Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control

        The following describes the payments and benefits that would be provided to each named executive officer in the event that this employment is terminated with us for any reason, including resignation, termination without cause, retirement, a constructive termination of the executive or a change in control.

        We have employment or severance agreements with our four named executive officers and one other executive. Under the terms of these agreements, if we terminate the executive's employment (other than for cause or due to death or disability) or elect not to extend the executive's term of employment for the renewal term, or if the executive voluntarily terminates his employment for good reason due to a change of control, then we must pay the executive a termination payment equal to a multiple of his base salary at termination. Mr. Jackson's multiple is three times base salary, and the

26



multiple is two times base salary for Messrs. Sobchak, Butler and Kremling. The termination payments are paid in a lump sum at termination, except that Mr. Kremling's and Mr. Jackson's amounts would be paid in equal annual payments if the termination is not within one year of a change of control. If the termination or election not to extend the employment agreement by us or voluntary resignation for good reason by the executive occurs within one year of a change of control, then any option to acquire shares of our Common Stock held by the executive becomes fully vested as of the date of termination, and exercisable for a period of two years. Currently outstanding options do not vest for termination upon death or disability. Performance restricted awards do not vest on termination, except upon death, total and permanent disability or retirement. On death and total and permanent disability, performance restricted awards vest proportionally based on months of service in the three year performance measurement period, but based on performance achieved as of the termination. On retirement, the awards vest 100%, subject to satisfaction of the performance criteria at the end of the performance measurement period. Resignation by the executive for "good reason" includes failure to pay any amount due to such executive, demotion, relocation or an uncured breach of the employment agreement by us. A "change of control" includes, among other events, the acquisition by an individual or group of beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the combined voting power of our then-outstanding Common Stock. The table below presents information respecting amounts payable upon a death, disability, or termination of a named executive officer as of July 31, 2008.

Name
  Death ($)   Disability
($)
  Termination For Cause
($)
  Termination Without Cause But No Change of Control ($)   Termination Without Cause But with a Change of Control ($)  

J. Neal Butler

                               
 

Incentive Bonus

                     
 

Cash Severance

                611,200     611,200  
 

Value of Unvested Stock Options

                    612,900  
 

Value of Unvested Stock Awards

    146,868     146,868              

Roger C. Jackson

                               
 

Incentive Bonus

                     
 

Cash Severance

                505,800     505,800  
 

Value of Unvested Stock Options

                     
 

Value of Unvested Stock Awards

    45,521     45,521              

Ernest C. Kremling

                               
 

Incentive Bonus

                     
 

Cash Severance

                400,000     400,000  
 

Value of Unvested Stock Options

                     
 

Value of Unvested Stock Awards

    87,204     87,204              

John V. Sobchak

                               
 

Incentive Bonus

                     
 

Cash Severance

                368,000     368,000  
 

Value of Unvested Stock Options

                    57,000  
 

Value of Unvested Stock Awards

    73,020     73,020              

27


        The table below presents information respecting compensation paid to directors in fiscal year 2008 who were not named executive officers. We also reimburse our directors for travel, lodging and related expenses incurred in attending Board, committee or other business meetings.

Director Compensation in Fiscal 2008

Name
  Fees Earned Or Paid in Cash ($)(1)   Stock Awards ($)(2)   Option Awards ($)   Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)   All Other Compensation   Total ($)  

Gerald G. Ermentrout(3)

    9,200     29,067             6,925     45,192  

Christopher T. Fraser

   
8,100
   
29,067
   
   
   
   
37,167
 

George W. Gilman

   
49,925
   
43,600
   
   
   
   
93,525
 

David L. Hatcher(4)

   
   
   
   
136,400
   
317,505
   
453,905
 

Fred C. Leonard, III

   
58,125
   
43,600
   
   
   
   
101,725
 

Charles L. Mears

   
50,125
   
43,600
   
   
   
   
93,725
 

Charles M. Neff, Jr.(5)

   
45,825
   
43,600
   
   
   
   
89,425
 

Stephen A. Thorington

   
45,825
   
43,600
   
   
   
   
89,425
 

Richard L. Urbanowski

   
50,925
   
43,600
   
   
   
   
94,525
 

(1)
Compensation of non-employee directors changed during fiscal year 2008. Currently, each director is paid a fee of $2,000 for each regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors, and paid an annual retainer of $20,000 per year. Directors are also paid $1,100 for attending committee meetings and business meetings, and the Chair of each committee is paid a retainer of $4,000 per year, except for the Chair of the Audit Committee who is paid a retainer of $8,000 per year. In February 2008, the Board selected a Lead Director from among the non-employee directors and the Lead Director is paid an annual retainer of $15,000. Annual retainers are paid quarterly. Directors are reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings and for other expenses incurred in performing in their capacity as directors.

(2)
Stock awards reflect the award of 3,293 shares of Common Stock on January 10, 2008 to each non-employee director other than Mr. Ermentrout and Mr. Fraser. The grant date fair value was $13.24 per share. Mr. Ermentrout and Mr. Fraser joined the Board of Directors in May, 2008, and the amount of each of their stock award was prorated to 2,327 shares. The grant date of the awards was May 28, 2008, and the fair value at that date was $12.49 per share. Stock awards were of full shares and fractional shares were paid in cash.

(3)
Mr. Ermentrout was paid for consulting services prior to becoming a member of the Board.

(4)
Mr. Hatcher is a non-executive employee. All other compensation for Mr. Hatcher includes salary of $307,622, bonus of $1,000 and 401K contribution match of $8,883.

(5)
Mr. Neff resigned from the Board of Directors effective May 31, 2008.

28


PROPOSAL 2:

TO RATIFY THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

        The Board of Directors has appointed UHY LLP as independent registered public accounting firm and auditors to conduct the annual audit of our accounts for fiscal year 2009. Although action by the shareholders in this matter is not required, the Board of Directors believes that it is appropriate to seek shareholder ratification of this appointment in light of the important role played by the independent auditors in maintaining the integrity of our financial controls and reporting. If ratification of the appointment is not approved, the Board of Directors will reconsider the appointment. A representative of UHY LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have the opportunity, if he so desires, to respond to appropriate questions.

        UHY LLP acts as our principal independent registered public accounting firm. Through July 31, 2008, UHY LLP had a continuing relationship with UHY Advisors, Inc. ("Advisors") from which it leased auditing staff who were full time, permanent employees of Advisors and through which UHY LLP's partners provide non-audit services. UHY LLP has only a few full time employees. Therefore, few, if any, of the audit services performed were provided by permanent full-time employees of UHY LLP. UHY LLP manages and supervises the audit services and audit staff, and is exclusively responsible for the opinion rendered in connection with its examination.

        The Board of Directors recommends that you vote to ratify the appointment of UHY LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year 2009. Unless otherwise indicated, all properly executed proxies received by us will be voted "FOR" such ratification at the Annual Meeting.

Principal Accounting Firm Fees

        The aggregate fees billed by our independent registered public accounting firm and auditors, UHY LLP for professional services rendered to us for the two fiscal years ended July 31 were as follows:

 
  2008   2007  

Audit Fees(1)

  $ 561,486   $ 227,448  

Audit-Related Fees(2)

    193,553      

Tax Fees

         

All Other Fees(3)

    2,500     17,037  
           

Total

  $ 757,539   $ 244,485  
           

        The policy of the Audit Committee is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services conducted by our independent registered public accounting firm and auditors. Under the policy, pre-approval is required before the independent accountants are engaged for the particular services. The Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of the services included in other fees is compatible with maintaining the independence of our independent registered accounting firm and auditors.

29


Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Based solely on a review of Forms 3, 4 and 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us, we know of no failure in Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance except that through inadvertence certain executives filed late.

Shareholder Proposals for 2009 Annual Meeting

        Any shareholder who intends to present a proposal at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Shareholders must file such proposal with us by June 30, 2009, for possible inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.

Other Matters

        The Board of Directors knows of no matters other than those stated above which are to be brought before the Annual Meeting. However, if any such other matters should be presented for consideration and voting, the persons named in the proxy to vote thereon will do so in accordance with their judgment.

    By Order of the Board of Directors,

 

 

Roger Jackson

 

 

Roger C. Jackson
Secretary

30


KMG CHEMICALS, INC.
9555 W. SAM HOUSTON PARKWAY S., SUITE 600, HOUSTON, TEXAS 77099
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

          The undersigned hereby appoints David L. Hatcher as proxy with power of substitution to vote all shares of KMG Chemicals, Inc. (the "Company") which the undersigned is entitled to vote at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders on December 2, 2008, at the Marriott Houston Westchase at 2900 Briarpark Drive, Houston, Texas 77042, or any adjournment or postponement thereof, with all the powers the undersigned would have if personally present as specified, respecting the following matters described in the accompanying Proxy Statement and, in his discretion, on other matters which come before such meeting.

1.   To elect nine directors to hold office until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until their respective successors have been duly elected and qualified.

 

 

o FOR the nominees listed below

 

o WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote for all nominees listed below

 

o FOR ALL NOMINEES EXCEPT:

 

 

Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for (an) any individual(s), choose the third box and write in the name of the nominee(s) on this line

 

 


Nominees: David L. Hatcher, J. Neal Butler, Gerald G. Ermentrout, Christopher T. Fraser, George W. Gilman, Fred C. Leonard III, Charles L. Mears, Stephen A. Thorington, Richard L. Urbanowski

2.

 

To ratify the appointment of UHY LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm and auditors for the Company for fiscal year 2009.

 

 

FOR o                AGAINST o                                         ABSTAIN o

3.

 

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

          This proxy will be voted in accordance with shareholder specifications. Unless directed to the contrary, this proxy will be voted FOR each proposal and in his discretion for any other matters coming before the meeting. A majority (or if only one, then that one) of the proxies or substitutes acting at the meeting may exercise the powers conferred herein. Receipt of accompanying Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement is hereby acknowledged.

Date:                       , 2008         

(Signature)

 

 


 

 

 


(Please print your name)

 

 

(Please sign name as fully and exactly as it appears opposite. When signing in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please give full title as such. When more than one owner, each owner should sign. Proxies executed by a corporation should be signed in full corporate name by duly authorized officer.)

PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND MAIL TO THE COMPANY AT THE ADDRESS STATED ABOVE.




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