DEF 14A 1 proxystatement.htm DEFA14A Proxy Statement



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

SCHEDULE 14A

(RULE 14a-101)
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
 
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Filed by the Registrant x
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
 
Check the appropriate box:
 
o Preliminary Proxy Statement.
o Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)).
x Definitive Proxy Statement.
o Definitive Additional Materials.
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12.
 
AMERICAN POWER GROUP CORPORATION                
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

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

Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
 
x  No fee required.
o   Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.

 
(1)
Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
 
(2)
Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
 
(3)
Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
 
(4)
Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
 
(5)
Total fee paid:
o
Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
o
Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offering fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or the form or schedule and the date of its filing.
 
(1)
Amount Previously Paid:
 
(2)
Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
 
(3)
Filing Party:
 
(4)
Date Filed:



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AMERICAN POWER GROUP CORPORATION

7 Kimball Lane, Building A
Lynnfield, Massachusetts 01940

NOTICE OF ANNUAL
MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
To Be Held April 25, 2013


To Our Stockholders:
    
You are hereby notified that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of American Power Group Corporation, a Delaware corporation (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company, “we”, “us” or “our”), will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the SpringHill Suites, Mall of America, 2870 Metro Drive, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55425 for the following purposes:

1.
To consider and act upon a proposal to elect three directors for the ensuing year;
2.
To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify the selection of the firm of Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd. as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013;
3.
To hold an advisory vote on the compensation of the Company's named executive officers (the “say-on-pay”);
4.
To hold an advisory vote on the frequency of holding future say-on-pay votes; and
5.
To consider and act upon such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting and any adjournments or postponements thereof.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.
    
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on February 28, 2013 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof. A complete list of stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting shall be available for examination by any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the Annual Meeting, during ordinary business hours from March 25, 2013 until the Annual Meeting at our principal executive offices. The list will also be available at the Annual Meeting.

Only shareholders and guests of the Company may attend and be admitted to the Annual Meeting. If your shares are registered in the name of a broker, trust, bank or other nominee, you will need to bring a proxy or a letter from that broker, trust, bank or other nominee or your most recent brokerage account statement that confirms that you are the beneficial owner of those shares.

All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. However, to assure your representation at the Annual Meeting, you are urged to mark, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible in the postage-prepaid envelope enclosed for that purpose. Any stockholder attending the Annual Meeting may vote in person even if he or she has returned a proxy.

By Order of the Board of Directors

Lyle Jensen
Chief Executive Officer
March 25, 2013

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOUR SHARES BE REPRESENTED AT THE MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE READ THE PROXY STATEMENT, SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED STAMPED ENVELOPE.



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Requests for additional copies of the proxy materials and our Annual Report on Form 10K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 should be addressed to Shareholder Relations, American Power Group Corporation, 7 Kimball Lane, Building A, Lynnfield, Massachusetts 01940. This material will be furnished without charge to any stockholder requesting it.
Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to be Held on April 25, 2013:  
The Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting and the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended September 30, 2012 are available at www.americanpowergroupinc.com/investors/apgi/2013ProxyStatement.

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AMERICAN POWER GROUP CORPORATION
7 Kimball Lane, Building A
Lynnfield, MA 01940

PROXY STATEMENT

Proxies in the form enclosed with this proxy statement are solicited by our Board of Directors at our expense for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Meeting”) to be held at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013 at the SpringHill Suites, Mall of America, 2870 Metro Drive, Bloomington, Minnesota, 55425.
    
Only stockholders of record as of February 28, 2013 will be entitled to vote at the Meeting and any adjournments thereof. As of that date, 46,271,756 shares of our Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, were issued and outstanding, and 741.25 shares of our 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share, were issued and outstanding. The holders of our Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share, and the holders of our 10% Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to 25,000 votes per share. Therefore, the holders of our outstanding shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock have 18,531,250 votes on matters to come before the Meeting on which such holders are entitled to vote, which represents 29% of our outstanding voting securities. Holders of record of our Common Stock, exclusively and as a separate class, are entitled to elect the three directors nominated for re-election at the Meeting. Holders of record of our 10% Convertible Preferred Stock will vote together as a single class with the holders of Common Stock on all other matters to come before the Meeting. Stockholders may vote in person or by proxy.

Execution of a proxy will not in any way affect a stockholder's right to attend the Meeting and vote in person. Any stockholder giving a proxy has the right to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by attending the Meeting and voting in person or filing with our Secretary either a written instrument revoking the proxy or another executed proxy bearing a later date.

All properly executed proxies returned in time to be counted at the Meeting will be voted. With respect to the election of the three nominees to our Board of Directors, shares represented by proxies will be voted as stated below under “Election of Directors.” Any stockholder submitting a proxy has the right to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee to the Board of Directors by writing that nominee's name on the space provided on the proxy. In addition to the election of Directors, the stockholders will consider and vote upon proposals (i) to ratify the selection of Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd. as our independent auditors, (ii) to approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the Company's named executive officers, and (iii) to approve, on an advisory basis, a shareholder vote to be held annually on the compensation of the named executive officers, all as further described in this proxy statement. Where a choice has been specified on the proxy with respect to a matter, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the specification. Where no choice has been specified on the proxy with respect to a matter, the shares represented by the proxy will be voted FOR such matter.

The representation in person or by proxy of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of Common Stock is necessary to establish a quorum for the purpose of the election of the three nominees to our Board of Directors. The representation in person or by proxy of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the stockholders entitled to vote on all other matters to be considered at the Meeting is necessary to establish a quorum for the transaction of all other business to come before the Meeting. Votes withheld from any nominee, abstentions and broker non-votes are counted as present or represented for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum. A “broker non-vote” occurs when a broker holding shares for a beneficial owner votes on one proposal, but does not vote on another proposal because the broker does not have discretionary voting power and has not received instructions from the beneficial owner.

Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes cast by stockholders entitled to vote on such proposal at the Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes with respect to this election do not count as votes for or against such election.
    
For the advisory vote on the frequency of holding future say-on-pay votes, the frequency that receives the highest number of affirmative votes cast on the matter shall be deemed approved. Abstentions and broker non-votes will have no effect on the outcome of voting on this matter.

All of the other proposals at the meeting require the favorable vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter. Abstentions are included in the number of shares present or represented and voting on each matter.

The Board of Directors knows of no other matter to be presented at the Meeting. If any other matter should be presented at the Meeting upon which a vote properly may be taken, shares represented by all proxies received by us will be voted with respect thereto in accordance with the judgment of the persons named as attorneys in the proxies.
    

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Our Annual Report, containing financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 is being mailed contemporaneously with this proxy statement to all stockholders entitled to vote. This proxy statement and the form of proxy are intended to be first mailed to stockholders on or about March 25, 2013.


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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our Common Stock as of February 28, 2013:
•
by each of our directors and executive officers;
•
by all of our directors and executive officers as a group; and
•
by each person (including any “group” as used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) who is known by us to own beneficially 5% or more of the outstanding shares of our Common Stock.
Unless otherwise indicated below, to the best of our knowledge, all persons listed below have sole voting and investment power with respect to their shares of Common Stock, except to the extent authority is shared by spouses under applicable law. As of February 28, 2013, 46,271,756 shares of our Common Stock were issued and outstanding.

Security Ownership of Management and Directors
Name (1)
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock
 Beneficially Owned (2)
 

Percentage
of Class (2)
 
 
 
 
 
Maurice Needham (3)
 
2,098,339

 
4.47
%
Lyle Jensen (4)
 
1,809,022

 
3.82
%
Charles E. Coppa (5)
 
1,145,595

 
2.45
%
Lew F. Boyd (6)
 
650,178

 
1.4
%
Neil Braverman (7)
 
6,715,386

 
12.68
%
Aviel Faliks (8)
 
3,323,937

 
6.7
%
Jamie Weston (9)
 
3,323,937

 
6.7
%

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Name (1)
 
Number of Shares of Common Stock
 Beneficially Owned (2)
 

Percentage
of Class (2)
Dr. Allen Kahn (11)
 
5,031,250

 
10.87
%
Next View Capital LP (12)
 
5,506,666

 
10.64
%
Associated Private Equity LLC (13)
 
6,691,569

 
12.64
%
SMC Select Co-Investment Fund I, LP (14)
 
6,783,545

 
12.81
%
SMC Reserve Fund II, LP (15)
 
10,853,673

 
19.06
%
SMC Reserve Fund II Offshore, LP (16)
 
2,713,418

 
5.54
%
SMC Employees Partnership (17)
 
3,323,937

 
6.71
%
Ronald H. Muhlenkamp (18)
 
4,748,482

 
9.32
%
_____________________________
(1)
Except as noted, each person's address is care of American Power Group Corporation, 7 Kimball Lane, Building A, Lynnfield, Massachusetts 01940.
(2)
Pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, shares of Common Stock that an individual or group has a right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to the exercise of options or warrants are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such individual or group, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table.
(3)
Includes 710,000 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options. Also includes 59,556 shares of Common Stock owned by Mr. Needham's wife.

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(4) Includes 1,074,000 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options
(5)
Includes 567,000 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options.
(6)
Includes 284,000 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to immediately exercisable stock options.
(7)
Mr. Braverman is a member of Associated Private Equity, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Associated”), an entity that beneficially owns 6,690,386 shares of Common Stock which includes 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock beneficially owned by Associated, 833,350 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock Associated has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to Associated in connection with Associated's investment, 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants beneficially owned by Associated and 833,350 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants Associated has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Pursuant to Rule 16a-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Mr. Braverman may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any securities that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by Associated. Mr. Braverman disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to any shares of Common Stock except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to Associated in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. Mr. Braverman's address is 4454 Wayside Drive, Naples, FL 34119.
(8)
Mr. Weston is a partner of SMC Employees Partnership, a New York limited partnership (“SMC EP”), an entity that beneficially owns 3,323,937shares of Common Stock which includes 1,225,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock beneficially owned by SMC EP, 408,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock SMC EP has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to SMC EP in connection with SMC EP's investment, 1,225,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants beneficially owned by SMC EP and 408,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants SMC EP has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Pursuant to Rule 16a-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Mr. Weston may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any securities that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by SMC EP. Mr. Weston disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to any shares of Common Stock except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to SMC EP in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. Mr. Weston's address is care of Spring Mountain Capital, LLC, 65 East 55th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(9)
Dr. Faliks is a partner of SMC EP, an entity that beneficially owns 3,323,937 shares of Common Stock which includes 1,225,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock beneficially owned by SMC EP, 408,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock SMC EP has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to SMC EP in connection with SMC EP's investment, 1,225,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants beneficially owned by SMC EP and 408,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants SMC EP has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Pursuant to Rule 16a-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, Dr. Faliks may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any securities that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by SMC EP. Dr. Faliks disclaims beneficial ownership with respect to any shares of Common Stock except to the extent of his pecuniary interest therein. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to SMC EP in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. Dr. Faliks' address is care of Spring Mountain Capital, LLC, 65 East 55th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(10)
The shares held by SMC EP and considered to be beneficially owned by both Dr. Faliks and Mr. Weston are included once for purposes of calculating the total shares beneficially owned by all officers and directors as a group.
(11)
Dr. Kahn resigned from the Board of Directors on April 30, 2012. Dr. Kahn died on November 28, 2012. Dr. Kahn's address is c/o Etta Pink, 175 East Delaware Place, Apartment 7808, Chicago, IL 60611.
(12)
Includes 2,065,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, 688,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to the stockholder in connection with the stockholder's investment, 2,065,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and 688,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to the stockholder in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. The stockholder's address is 180 Crestview Drive, Deerfield, Illinois 60015.


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(13)
Includes 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, 833,350 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to the stockholder in connection with the stockholder's investment, 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and 833,350 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to the stockholder in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. The stockholder's address is 4454 Wayside Drive, Naples, Florida 34119.
(14)
Includes 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, 833,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to the stockholder in connection with the stockholder's investment, 2,500,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and 833,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to the stockholder in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. The stockholder's address is care of Spring Mountain Capital, LLC, 65 East 55th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(15)
Includes 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, 1,333,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to the stockholder in connection with the stockholder's investment, 4,000,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and 1,333,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to the stockholder in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. The stockholder's address is care of Spring Mountain Capital, LLC, 65 East 55th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(16)
Includes 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, 333,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to the stockholder in connection with the stockholder's investment, 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and 333,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to the stockholder in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. The stockholder's address is care of Spring Mountain Capital, LLC, 65 East 55th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(17)
Includes 1,225,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, 408,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to the stockholder in connection with the stockholder's investment, 1,225,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and 408,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to the stockholder in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. The stockholder's address is care of Spring Mountain Capital, LLC, 65 East 55th Street, 33rd Floor, New York, New York 10022.
(18)
Includes 1,750,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, 583,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion of shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with an additional investment right granted by the Company to the stockholder in connection with the stockholder's investment, 1,750,000 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants and 583,333 shares of Common Stock issuable upon exercise of warrants the stockholder has the right to acquire in accordance with the additional investment right. Excludes an indeterminate number of shares of Common Stock which the Company may issue to the stockholder in lieu of cash dividends on the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. The stockholder's address is 725 Three Degree Road, Butler, Pennsylvania 16002.



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PROPOSAL NO. 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

Our Board of Directors has proposed that the three nominees listed below will be nominated to be elected by the holders of our Common Stock to serve as directors until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are elected. Our three other current members of the Board of Directors, Messrs. Braverman and Weston and Dr. Faliks, have each been elected by the holders of the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock pursuant to the terms of the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock and a voting agreement entered into upon the issuance of our 10% Convertible Preferred Stock. These three directors will continue to hold office until the next annual meeting and until their respective successors are elected, or until their earlier resignation or removal.
    
Shares represented by all proxies received by the Board of Directors and not so marked to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee will be voted (unless one or more nominees are unable or unwilling to serve) FOR the election of all nominees. The Board of Directors knows of no reason why any such nominees should be unable or unwilling to serve, but if such should be the case, proxies may be voted for the election of some other person or for fixing the number of directors at a lesser number.
    
The following information is set forth with respect to each nominee for election as a director.
Nominee's Name
 


Position(s) Held  
 
Year Term will Expire
Maurice E. Needham
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
2014
Lyle Jensen
 
Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
 
2014
Lew F. Boyd
 
Director
 
2014

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each of the nominees listed above.


Occupations of Directors, Director Nominees and Executive Officers
Our directors and executive officers are as follows: 
Name
 
Age
 
Position
Maurice E. Needham
 
72
 
Chairman of the Board of Directors
Lyle Jensen
 
62
 
Chief Executive Officer; President; Director
Charles E. Coppa
 
50
 
Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer; Secretary
Lew F. Boyd
 
67
 
Director
Neil Braverman
 
74
 
Director
Dr. Aviel Faliks
 
38
 
Director
Jamie Weston
 
48
 
Director

Each director is elected for a period of one year at the annual meeting of stockholders and serves until his or her successor is duly elected by the stockholders. On and after March 31, 2013, and therefore effective at this Meeting, (i) the holders of our Common Stock, voting as a separate class, are entitled to elect three members of the Board of Directors, (ii) the holders of our 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, voting as a separate class, have the right to elect three members of the Board of Directors, and (iii) the holders of our Common Stock and our 10% Convertible Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, have the right to elect the balance of the total number of directors. The officers are appointed by and serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. All outside directors receive $5,000 per quarter as board compensation. Mr. Weston and Dr. Faliks have agreed to forgo their quarterly retainers.

We have established an Audit Committee consisting of Mr. Weston (Chair), effective February 5, 2013, and Dr. Faliks and a Compensation Committee consisting of Messrs. Boyd (Chair), Needham and, effective May 29, 2012, Messrs. Weston and Braverman. Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Weston is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning given that term by Item 407(d)(5) of Regulation S-K.



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MAURICE E. NEEDHAM has been Chairman since June 1993. From June 1993 to July 21, 1997, Mr. Needham also served as Chief Executive Officer. He has also served as a Director of Comtel Holdings, an electronics contract manufacturer since April 1999. He previously served as Chairman of Dynaco Corporation, a manufacturer of electronic components which he founded in 1987. Prior to 1987, Mr. Needham spent 17 years at Hadco Corporation, a manufacturer of electronic components, where he served as President, Chief Operating Officer and Director. We believe that Mr. Needham's extensive business, operational and management experience, including his over 17 years with our company give him the qualifications and skills to serve as a director and member of the Compensation Committee.

LYLE JENSEN has been a Director since May 2002. On April 12, 2006, Mr. Jensen became our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Jensen previously was Executive Vice President/Chief Operations Officer of Auto Life Acquisition Corporation, an automotive aftermarket dealer of fluid maintenance equipment. Prior to that, he was a Business Development and Operations consultant after holding executive roles as Chief Executive Officer and minority owner of Comtel and Corlund Electronics, Inc. He served as President of Dynaco Corporation from 1988 to 1997; General Manager of Interconics from 1984 to 1988; and various financial and general management roles within Rockwell International from 1973 to 1984. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Jensen has the necessary qualifications and skills to serve as Chief Executive Officer and as a director based on his financial and operational background and the management expertise he has cultivated during his nearly eight year tenure with our company.

CHARLES E. COPPA has served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Secretary since March 1998. From October 1995 to March 1998, he served as Corporate Controller. Mr. Coppa was Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Food Integrated Technologies, a publicly-traded development stage company from July 1994 to October 1995. Prior to joining Food Integrated Technologies, Inc., Mr. Coppa served as Corporate Controller for Boston Pacific Medical, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of disposable medical products, and Corporate Controller for Avatar Technologies, Inc., a computer networking company. From 1985 to 1990 Mr. Coppa was as an auditor with Grant Thornton where he obtained his CPA designation. The Board of Directors believes Mr. Coppa has the necessary qualifications and skills to serve as Chief Financial Officer based on his financial and management expertise he has cultivated during his nearly fifteen year tenure with the company.

LEW F. BOYD has been a Director since August 1994. Mr. Boyd is the founder and since 1985 has been the Chief Executive Officer of Coastal International, Inc., an international business development and executive search firm, specializing in the energy and environmental sectors. Previously, Mr. Boyd had been Vice President/General Manager of the Renewable Energy Division of Butler Manufacturing Corporation and had served in academic administration at Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We believe that Mr. Boyd's extensive business and executive recruitment experience, including his over 16 years with our company, give him the qualifications and skills to serve as a director and Chairman of the Compensation Committee.

NEIL BRAVERMAN has been a Director since April 30, 2012. Mr. Braverman is the founder of Associated Private Equity. He previously founded and was co-Chairman of Safeskin Corporation, the leading manufacturer of latex/synthetic gloves to the healthcare and electronic markets, which was sold to Kimberly Clark Corporation in 1999. Prior to Safeskin Corporation, Mr. Braverman founded Paramount Oil Corporation, a manufacturer of motor and industrial oils. During his career, Mr. Braverman founded and managed numerous real estate investments and manufacturing firms. He began his entrepreneur career founding and building the largest wig company in the U.S., which sold to U.S. Industries. We believe Mr. Braverman's extensive business and management experience give him the qualifications and skills to serve as a director.

AVIEL FALIKS, Ph.D. has been a Director since April 30, 2012. Since April 2011, Dr. Faliks has served as Managing Director of Spring Mountain Capital, LP. From January 2009 to March 2011, he previously was a private investor, acquiring distressed consumer companies that were restructured, rebuilt, and sold to strategic investors. From May 2004 to December 2008 and prior to his private equity investment activities, Dr. Faliks was the co-founder and Managing Director of Apex Capital Management, a hedge fund based in New York and Hong Kong specializing in Greater China investments. He was previously CEO of AccuImage Diagnostic Corp. Dr. Faliks began his investment career at Bear Stearns' Strategic Structures and Transactions Group. He received a Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from Princeton University and graduated with a B.A. with honors in Applied Mathematics from Harvard College. We believe Dr. Faliks' extensive business and financial experience give him the qualifications and skills to serve as a director.

JAMIE WESTON has been a Director since April 30, 2012. Since April 2012, Mr. Weston has served as a Managing Director of Spring Mountain Capital. From July 1995 to October 2010, he was a Partner at The Wicks Group of Companies, a private equity firm with close to $1 billion under management, focused on selected segments of the information, education, and media industries. During his 15 years at Wicks, Mr. Weston was an integral part of its investment and management activities and served on the board of directors of many of its portfolio companies. While at Wicks, he directly structured and negotiated more than 20 acquisitions and divestitures and worked on more than 40 additional closed transactions. Prior to Wicks, Mr. Weston worked at IBJ Whitehall Bank & Trust Company and National Westminster Bancorp, where he completed leveraged financings.

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He received an M.B.A. from Fordham University and a B.A. in Economics from Drew University. We believe that Mr. Weston's extensive business and financial experience give him the qualifications and skills to serve as a director.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K requires that we disclose any transaction or proposed transaction in which we are a participant and in which any related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest involving more than the lesser of (i) $120,000 or (ii) one percent of the average of our total assets at the end of each of the last two completed fiscal years. A related person is any executive officer, director, nominee for director, or holder of 5% or more of our Common Stock, or an immediate family member of any of those persons.

Stock Issuances; Options Granted

On September 17, 2010, Dr. Kahn (a former director) and Mr. Coppa loaned us $323,500 in aggregate, pursuant to the terms of a private offering of 12% unsecured, six-month notes payable. In addition, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of 161,750 shares of unregistered Common Stock in aggregate to Dr. Kahn and Mr. Coppa in conjunction with a debt offering and recorded a deferred financing expense of $72,788 (the assigned fair value based on the closing bid price). In February 2011, Mr. Boyd loaned us $20,000 under the same terms and was issued 10,000 shares of unregistered Common Stock valued at $4,700 (the assigned fair value based on the closing bid price). On March 11, 2011, Dr. Kahn and Mr. Coppa agreed to extend the maturity of their note for an additional six months after the original maturity date of their notes in return for the issuance of 161,750 shares of unregistered Common Stock valued at $84,293 (the assigned fair value based on the closing bid price).

During January 2011 Messrs. Needham, Coppa, Boyd and Dr. Kahn exercised options to purchase an aggregate of 108,667 shares of Common Stock at prices ranging from $.28 to $.45 per share.

In February 2011 and again in October 2011, Messrs. Tierney and Galvin (former directors) agreed to accept an aggregate of 101,668 shares of unregistered Common Stock (valued at $46,667) in lieu of cash for certain director's fees due the individuals.

In January 2012, Mr. Coppa agreed to accept 20,000 shares of unregistered Common Stock (valued at $9,000) in lieu of cash for certain wages due him.

On May 1, 2012, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of 25,000 shares of unregistered common stock as restricted stock awards to Mr. Braverman as future incentive and recorded a $15,000 expense (the assigned fair value based on the closing bid price) associated with the issuance of such shares during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. In addition, Mr. Braverman was granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $.60 per share.

During May and June 2012, Dr. Kahn and Mr. Galvin exercised options to purchase an aggregate of 79,000 shares of Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $0.23 to $0.51.

Related Party Transactions

On November 18, 2008, we entered into a month-to-month consulting agreement at a rate of $7,500 per month with a company owned by Mr. Boyd who also serves as the Chairman of our Compensation committee. The consulting firm is currently providing assistance in the areas of due diligence support as well as market opportunity identification and evaluation, Board of Director candidate identification and evaluation and other services as our Board may determine. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 we paid $97,978 and $97,508, respectively relating to this contract. The agreement was terminated in December 2012.

On June 17, 2009 we entered into an Exclusive Patent License Agreement between our company and M & R Development Inc. (“M&R”), formerly known as American Power Group, Inc. and currently co-owned by one of our American Power Group employees. Pursuant to the license, we acquired the exclusive worldwide right to commercialize M&R's patented dual fuel alternative energy technology. During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 we incurred license fees to M&R of $120,404 and $173,637, respectively.

On April 27, 2012, we entered into amendment to the patent license agreement. The amendment amends the royalty provisions in the license to modify the calculation of the royalty payments and to amend the timing of the royalty payments. Under the provisions of this amendment, effective April 1, 2012 the monthly royalty amount due to M&R will be the lesser of 10% of net sales or 30% of pre-royalty EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization). No royalties will be

11


due if cumulative EBITDA is less than zero. M&R also agreed to waive any prior defaults under the license. In addition, we amended the amended and restated promissory note dated December 1, 2009 to extend the maturity of the note until February 15, 2015 and to defer all interest and principal payments due under the note during calendar 2012. Thereafter, the aggregate principal amount due under the note will be paid in eight equal quarterly payments plus interest.

In conjunction with the July 2009 acquisition of substantially all the American Power Group operating assets we acquired a promissory note from the previous owners of M&R, payable to American Power Group Corporation, in the principal amount of $800,000. Per our agreement, 25% of any royalties due from time to time to M&R under a technology license agreement will be applied against outstanding interest and principal due under the terms of the note rather than be paid to M&R. In conjunction with the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock financing, on April 27, 2012, we amended the note to extend the maturity of the note from July 2013 to February 2015 and defer all interest and principal payments due under the note during calendar 2012. Thereafter, the aggregate principal amount due under the note will be paid in eight equal quarterly payments plus interest. During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 we applied $31,923 of license fees due against accrued interest due under the note. As of September 30, 2012, accrued interest due under the note was $19,146.

Our dual fuel conversion subsidiary leases office and warehousing space in Iowa from M&R. On October 1, 2010, we signed a one-year lease with M&R with monthly rental payments of $8,914 on a triple net basis. On October 1, 2011, we executed a new 2 year lease agreement requiring monthly rental payments of $10,000 on a triple net basis. On May 1, 2012, we executed a new 3 year lease with M&R. Under the terms of the lease, monthly rental payments of $10,000 on a triple net basis are required for the first year and then increasing in years two and three by the percentage growth in the Greater Des Moines Consumer Price Index (or equivalent index) for the latest available twelve months prior to the date of the increase. We have the option to renew this lease for an additional two year term at a mutually agreed upon rate. For the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, total related party rental expense in connection with non-cancellable real estate leases amounted to $143,248 and $145,460, respectively.

In February and March 2011, in connection with a private placement of additional promissory notes, Mr. Boyd loaned us $20,000. We issued 0.5 shares of unregistered Common Stock for each dollar invested in the offering, or 10,000 shares of Common Stock to Mr. Boyd. We repaid this note in full in May 2012.

On October 12, 2011 Mr. Jensen loaned us $150,000 pursuant to the terms of a 10% promissory note due November 27, 2011 (and subsequently extended to April 30, 2014).

On April 27, 2012, we entered into amendments to promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of $473,500 held by Mr. Coppa, our Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Jensen, a member of our Board of Directors and our President and Chief Executive Officer; and Dr. Kahn, a former member of our Board of Directors. These amendments reduced the interest rates of the promissory notes to 8% per annum and extended the maturity dates of the notes to April 30, 2014.

All transactions, including loans, between us and our officers, directors, principal stockholders, and their affiliates are approved by a majority of the independent and disinterested outside directors on the Board of Directors. Management believes these transactions were consummated on terms no less favorable to us than could be obtained from unaffiliated third parties.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

We have adopted a code of business conduct that applies to officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions, as well as to members of our Board of Directors. We have posted our code of ethics on our corporate website, www.americanpowergroupinc.com.
 
Board Leadership Structure

Currently, the positions of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer are held by separate persons, with the position of Chairman filled by Mr. Needham, an independent, non-executive director.  The Board believes that the separation of the roles of Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer is appropriate as it allows the Chief Executive Officer to focus primarily on management and strategy responsibilities, while allowing the independent Chairman to focus on leadership of the Board of Directors, providing feedback and advice to the Chief Executive Officer and providing a channel of communication between the Board members and the Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management.  The Chairman of the Board presides over all Board meetings and works with senior management to develop agendas for Board meetings. The Chairman advises the Chief Executive Officer and other members of senior management on business strategy and leadership development.  He also works with the Board to drive decisions about particular strategies and policies and,

12


in concert with the independent Board committees, facilitates a performance evaluation process of the Board and its committees. Our Board recognizes that future circumstances may lead it to change the leadership structure depending on our needs at the time, and as such, believes that it is important to retain flexibility.

Role of Board of Directors in Risk Oversight

One of the responsibilities of our Board is to review and evaluate the process used to assess major risks facing the Company and to periodically review assessments prepared by our senior management of such risks, as well as options for their mitigation. Our Board leadership structure, together with the frequent interaction between our directors and members of senior management, assist in this effort. Communications between our Board and senior management regarding long-term strategic planning and short-term operational practices include matters of material risk inherent in our business.

The Board of Directors also plays an active role, as a whole and at the committee level, in overseeing management of the Company's risks. The entire Board of Directors is formally apprised at least annually of the Company's enterprise risk management efforts. The Board reviews information regarding the Company's credit, liquidity and operations, as well as the risks associated with each. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of financial and accounting risks. The Compensation Committee is responsible for overseeing the management of risks relating to executive compensation plans and arrangements. While each committee is responsible for the evaluation and management of such risks, the entire Board is regularly informed through committee reports.
Independence of the Board of Directors

The Board of Directors has adopted director independence guidelines that are consistent with the definitions of “independence” as set forth in Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In accordance with these guidelines, the Board of Directors has reviewed and considered facts and circumstances relevant to the independence of each of our directors and has determined that, each of Messrs. Needham, Boyd, Braverman, Weston and Faliks qualifies as “independent.”


The Board of Directors has determined that each of Messrs. Needham, Boyd, Braverman, Weston and Faliks are independent as defined under the NYSE Alternext US Rules, including, in the case of members of the Audit Committee, the independence requirements contemplated by Rule 10A-3, under the Exchange Act.

Board Meetings

Our Board of Directors met 10 times, in person or by telephone, during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. None of the directors attended fewer than 75% of the meetings held during the period. There were no actions taken by unanimous consent in lieu of a meeting during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012.

Committees of the Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee and a Compensation Committee.

Audit Committee: The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors acts to: (i) acquire a complete understanding of our audit functions; (ii) review with management and our independent accountants our finances, financial condition and interim financial statements; (iii) review with the independent accountants our year-end financial statements; and (iv) review implementation with the independent accountants and management any action recommended by our independent accountants. The Audit Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. None of the members of the Audit Committee attended fewer than 75% of the meetings held during the period.

A copy of the Audit Committee charter is available at www.americanpowergroupinc.com. The Board of Directors has determined that the two members of the Audit Committee, Messrs. Weston and Faliks, are “independent” within the meaning given to the term by Section 803 of the NYSE Amex Company Guide.







13


Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed our audited consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations, cash flows and stockholders' equity for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 with management. The Audit Committee has discussed with our independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards No. 61.

The Audit Committee has also received and reviewed written disclosures and the letter from Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd. as required by Independent Standards Board No. 1 and has discussed with Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd. their independence. Based on the foregoing review and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Jamie Weston, Chairman
Dr. Aviel Faliks

Compensation Committee: The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors sets the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and reviews and approves the compensation arrangements proposed by the Chief Executive Officer for all other officers. In addition the Compensation Committee administers and interprets the Company's equity-based plans, including determining the individuals to whom stock options are awarded, the terms upon which the option grants are made, and the number of shares subject to each option granted. The Compensation Committee met four times during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012. None of the members of the Compensation Committee attended fewer than 75% of the meetings held during the period. A copy of the Compensation Committee charter is available at www.americanpowergroupinc.com. The Board of Directors has determined that four members of the Compensation Committee, Messrs. Boyd, Needham, Braverman and Weston are “independent” within the meaning given to the term by Section 803 of the NYSE Amex Company Guide.

Our Board of Directors has not established a nominating committee. Our Board believes that each of our current members should, and does, participate in the consideration of director nominees. The policy of our Board is to consider director candidates recommended by our stockholders. Stockholders wishing to nominate director candidates must comply with certain procedures and notice requirements set forth in our By-Laws. Nominations must be submitted in writing to our principal executive office on a timely basis and must contain certain information set forth in our By-Laws. See “Advance Notice Procedures” below. Our Board has not established a formal charter regarding the nomination and consideration of director candidates. We intend to evaluate the formation of a Nominating and Governance Committee, and a charter governing its operations, in fiscal 2013. When and if adopted, the charter will be posted on our corporate website.

Stockholders may communicate directly with members of our Board of Directors by sending a letter or other written communication to The Chairman of the Board (or, if applicable to an individual director by name), in care of the Corporate Secretary, American Power Group Corporation, 7 Kimball Lane, Building A, Lynnfield, MA 01940. Our current policy is to forward all communications to the Chairman of the Board or the individually named director, if applicable, but we reserve the right to modify that policy in the future.

Executive and Director Compensation
Summary Compensation Table

The following table summarizes the compensation paid or accrued for services rendered during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, to our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer. We did not grant any stock appreciation rights or make any long-term plan payouts during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 respectively.


14


 
 
Annual Compensation
 
Option
 
All Other
 
 
Name and Principal Position
 
Fiscal Year
 
Salary
 
Bonus
 
Awards (1)(2)
 
Compensation (3)
 
Total
Lyle Jensen...................................
 
2012
 
$
250,000

 
$
—

 
$
9,000

 
$
25,679

 
$
284,679

Chief Executive Officer
 
2011
 
250,000

 
—

 
4,800

 
20,353

 
275,153

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charles E. Coppa..........................
 
2012
 
$
161,500

 
$
—

 
$
9,000

 
$
25,544

 
$
196,044

Chief Financial Officer
 
2011
 
161,500

 
—

 
22,000

 
17,165

 
200,665

(1)
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the named executive officer. The amounts in the Option Awards column reflect the dollar amount recognized as compensation cost for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, in accordance with ASC 718 for all stock options granted in such fiscal years. The calculation in the table above excludes all assumptions with respect to forfeitures. There can be no assurance that the amounts set forth in the Option Awards column will ever be realized. A forfeiture rate of zero was used in the expense calculation in the financial statements.
(2)
During fiscal    year 2012 Messrs. Jensen and Coppa were each granted options to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock which vested immediately on the date of grant and have a ten-year term. In fiscal year 2011, Mr. Jensen and Mr. Coppa were granted options to purchase 15,000 and 75,000 shares of Common Stock respectively, which vest immediately on the date of grant and have a ten-year term.
(3)
Represents payments made to or on behalf of Messrs. Jensen and Coppa for health and life insurance and auto allowances.
Employment Agreements
Mr. Jensen has a five-year employment agreement pursuant to which he receives a base salary to $250,000 per year. The agreement automatically renews for one additional year upon each anniversary, unless notice of non-renewal is given by either party. We may terminate the agreement without cause on 30 days' prior notice. The agreement provides for payment of twelve months' salary and certain benefits as a severance payment for termination without cause. Any increases in Mr. Jensen's base salary will be made in the discretion of the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Jensen's employment agreement provides for cash incentive compensation in respect of any fiscal year of up to the lesser of (x) 20% of our audited annual profit after tax, as reported in the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for such fiscal year or (y) $150,000 and stock options based on (i) non-financial criteria which may be established by the Board of Directors and (ii) upon a calculation of our annual audited earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) as a percentage of our revenue, as follows:
 
 
EBITDA as a % of Revenue
 
Stock Option Performance Incentive Earned
Base:
 
<11.0%
 
None
Level 1:
 
11.1% - 11.99%
 
Options to purchase 20,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
Level II:
 
12.0% - 12.99%
 
Options to purchase 40,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
Level III:
 
13.0% - 13.99%
 
Options to purchase 60,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
Level IV:
 
14.0% - 14.99%
 
Options to purchase 80,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
Level V:
 
> 15.0%
 
Options to purchase 100,000 shares of the Company's common stock.
Mr. Jensen did not receive any incentive compensation during fiscal year 2012 or 2011.
Mr. Coppa has a two-year employment agreement pursuant to which he receives a base salary to $161,500 per year. The agreement automatically renews for two additional years upon each anniversary, unless notice of non-renewal is given by either party. We may terminate the agreement without cause on 30 days' prior notice. The agreement provides for payment of twelve months' salary and certain benefits as a severance payment for termination without cause. Any increases in Mr. Coppa's base salary will be made in the discretion of the Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Coppa's employment agreement also provides for incentive compensation in respect of any fiscal year based on mutually agreed performance measures as determined our Compensation Committee. Any increases or bonuses will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Coppa did not receive any incentive compensation during fiscal year 2012 or 2011.



15


Outstanding Equity Awards
The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding stock options for each named executive officer as of September 30, 2012:
 
 
 
 
Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options
 
 
 
 
Name
 
Date of Grant
 
Exercisable
 
Unexercisable
 
Exercise
Price
Per Share
 
            Option
         Expiration
              Date
Lyle Jensen
 
February 20, 2003 (1)
 
2,000

 
—

 
$1.95
 
February 20, 2013
 
 
April 24, 2004 (1)
 
2,000

 
—

 
$1.10
 
April 24, 2014
 
 
June 15, 2005 (1)
 
2,000

 
—

 
$0.51
 
June 15, 2015
 
 
April 12, 2006 (2)
 
500,000

 
—

 
$0.28
 
April 12, 2016
 
 
December 18, 2006 (2)
 
100,000

 
—

 
$0.35
 
December 18, 2016
 
 
December 29, 2006 (3)
 
25,000

 
—

 
$0.36
 
December 29, 2016
 
 
February 8, 2008 (3)
 
100,000

 
—

 
$0.34
 
February 8, 2018
 
 
September 30, 2008 (3)
 
100,000

 
—

 
$0.33
 
September 30, 2018
 
 
November 17, 2008 (2)
 
60,000

 
40,000

 
$0.33
 
November 17, 2018
 
 
June 8, 2009 (3)
 
100,000

 
—

 
$0.22
 
June 8, 2019
 
 
June 27, 2011 (3)
 
15,000

 
—

 
$0.80
 
June 27, 2021
 
 
January 18, 2012 (3)
 
50,000

 
—

 
$0.48
 
January 18, 2022
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charles Coppa
 
June 6, 2006 (2)
 
137,000

 
—

 
$0.36
 
June 6, 2016
 
 
September 28, 2007 (2)
 
45,000

 
—

 
$0.35
 
September 28, 2017
 
 
November 18, 2008 (2)
 
60,000

 
40,000

 
$0.35
 
November 18, 2018
 
 
June 8, 2009 (2)
 
120,000

 
80,000

 
$0.22
 
June 8, 2019
 
 
March 4, 2010 (2)
 
40,000

 
60,000

 
$0.36
 
March 4, 2020
 
 
December 16, 2010 (3)
 
25,000

 
—

 
$0.45
 
December 16, 2020
 
 
June 27, 2011 (3)
 
50,000

 
—

 
$0.80
 
June 27, 2021
 
 
January 18, 2012 (3)
 
50,000

 
—

 
$0.48
 
January 18, 2022
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)
These options were granted under the 1996 Non Employee Stock Option Plan, have a ten-year term and vested immediately on the date of grant.
(2)
These options were granted under the 2005 Stock Option Plan, have a ten-year term and vest at an annual rate of 20% over a five-year period from the date of grant.
(3)
These options were granted under the 2005 Stock Option Plan, have a ten-year term and vested immediately on the date of grant.
Director Compensation
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation of our Directors who are not named executive officers for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012:

16



Name
 
Fees Earned or Paid in Cash or Common Stock (1)
 
Option Awards
(2) (3)
 
All Other
Compensation(4)
 
Total
Maurice Needham
 
$
—

 
$
9,000

 
$
110,868

 
 
$
119,868

Lew Boyd
 
20,000

 
9,000

 
 
 
29,000
 
Kevin Tierney, Sr.
 
20,000

 
—

 
 
 
20,000
 
Neil Braverman
 
8,333

 
16,900

 
15,000
 
 
 
40,233
 
Dr. Aviel Faliks
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
—
 
Jamie Weston
 
—

 
—

 
 
 
—
 
Thomas Galvin
 
10,000

 
—

 
 
 
10,000
 
Dr. Allen Kahn
 
5,000

 
—

 
 
 
5,000
 

(1)
All non-employee directors receive a quarterly board fee of $5,000 per quarter with the exception of Messrs. Faliks and Weston who have agreed to forgo their quarterly retainers. Mr. Galvin and Dr. Kahn resigned from the Board on April 30, 2012.
(2)
Amounts shown do not reflect compensation actually received by the named director. The amounts in the Option Awards column reflect the dollar amount recognized as compensation cost for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012, in accordance with ASC 718 for all stock options granted in such fiscal years. The calculation in the table above excludes all assumptions with respect to forfeitures. There can be no assurance that the amounts set forth in the Option Awards column will ever be realized. A forfeiture rate was used in the expense calculation in the financial statements.
(3)
During fiscal year 2012, Messrs. Needham and Boyd were each granted immediately vested options to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $.48 per share and have a ten-year term from date of grant. Mr. Braverman was granted options to purchase 50,000 shares at an exercise price of $.60 per share which vest equally over a five-year term and have a ten-term from date of grant.
(4)
During fiscal year 2012, we paid Mr. Needham $110,868 including $92,000 of salary and $18,868 relating to health, life insurance and auto allowance. In May 2012, the Board of Directors approved the issuance of 25,000 shares of unregistered common stock as restricted stock awards to Mr. Braverman as future incentive, and recorded a $15,000 expense (the assigned fair value based on the closing bid price) associated with the issuance of such shares. Mr. Braverman has agreed to hold the shares for a minimum of 12 months after the issuance.

As of September 30, 2012, each Director who is not a named executive officer for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2012 holds the following aggregate number of shares under outstanding stock options:

Name
 
Number of Shares Underlying Outstanding Stock Options
Maury Needham
 
850,000

 
Lew Boyd
 
346,000

 
Kevin Tierney, Sr.
 
50,000

 
Neil Braverman
 
50,000

 
Aviel Faliks
 
—

 
Jamie Weston
 
—

 

17



PROPOSAL NO. 2

RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF AUDITORS

Upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors has reappointed Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd., to audit our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013. Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd., has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since fiscal 2007.

Stockholder ratification of our independent auditors is not required under Delaware law or under our Restated Certificate of Incorporation or By-Laws.

If the stockholders do not ratify the selection of Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd., as our independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013, our Board of Directors will evaluate what would be in the best interests of our company and our stockholders and consider whether to select new independent auditors for the current fiscal year or whether to wait until the completion of the audit for the current fiscal year before changing independent auditors.

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR ratification of its selection of Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd., as independent auditors for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2013.

Audit Fees

The following table shows the aggregate fees that we paid or accrued for the audit and other services provided by Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd. for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011. A representative of Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd., is expected to attend this year's Annual Meeting. It is also expected that such representative will be available to respond to appropriate questions.
 
Amount of Fee for
Type of Service
Fiscal 2012
 
Fiscal 2011
Audit Fees
$
147,715

 
$
155,915

Audit-Related Fees
—

 
12,171

Tax Fees
22,500

 
34,363

All Other Fees
—

 
—

 
$
170,215

 
$
202,449


Audit Fees: These fees are for professional services rendered in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements, review of financial statements included in our Form 10-Q Quarterly Reports and services that are customarily provided by independent auditors in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements for the relevant fiscal years.

Audit-Related Fees: These fees are for various accounting consultations.

Tax Fees: These fees are for professional services rendered for tax compliance, tax planning and tax advice. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include tax return preparation, research and technical tax advice.

Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures: The Audit Committee has adopted policies which provide that our independent auditors may only provide those audit and non-audit services that have been pre-approved by the Audit Committee, subject, with respect to non-audit services, to a de minimis exception (discussed below) and to the following additional requirements: (i) such services must not be prohibited under applicable federal securities rules and regulations, and (ii) the Audit Committee must make a determination that such services would be consistent with the principles that the independent auditor should not audit its own work, function as part of management, act as an advocate of our Company, or be a promoter of our Company's stock or other financial interests. The chairman of the Audit Committee has the authority to grant pre-approvals of permitted non-audit services between meetings, provided that any such pre-approval must be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting.

During fiscal 2012 and 2011, all of the non-audit services provided by Schechter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews & Selcer, Ltd., were pre-approved by the Audit Committee. Accordingly, the Audit Committee did not rely on the de minimis exception noted above. This exception waives the pre-approval requirements for non-audit services if certain conditions are satisfied, including, among others, that such services are promptly brought to the attention of and approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of the audit.

18


PROPOSAL NO. 3

ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (“SAY-ON-PAY”)
 
Pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we provide our shareholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a non-binding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
Our executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate, and retain our named executive officers, who are critical to our success, and to reward our named executive officers for the achievement of short-term and long-term strategic and operational goals and the achievement of increased total shareholder return.  We seek to closely align the interests of our named executive officers with the interests of our shareholders, and our Compensation Committee regularly reviews named executive officer compensation to ensure such compensation is consistent with our goals.
 
Required Vote
 
This vote is advisory, which means that the vote on executive compensation is not binding on the Company, our Board of Directors, or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The vote on this resolution is not intended to address any specific element of compensation, but rather relates to the overall compensation of our named executive officers, as described in this proxy statement in accordance with the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. To the extent there is a significant vote against our named executive officer compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, the Compensation Committee will evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address our shareholders' concerns.
 
Accordingly, we ask our shareholders to vote on the following resolution at the Annual Meeting:
 
“RESOLVED, that the Company's shareholders approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers, as disclosed in the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Summary Compensation Table, and the other related tables and disclosure.”

The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the approval of the compensation of our named executive officers, as disclosed in this proxy statement.

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PROPOSAL NO. 4
ADVISORY VOTE ON THE FREQUENCY OF FUTURE SAY-ON-PAY VOTES
 
Pursuant to Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, we provide our shareholders with the opportunity to vote, on a non-binding, advisory basis, for their preference as to how frequently to hold future say-on-pay votes.  Shareholders may indicate whether they would prefer that we conduct future say-on-pay votes once every one, two, or three years. Shareholders also may abstain from casting a vote on this proposal.
 
The Board of Directors has determined that an annual advisory vote on executive compensation will permit our shareholders to provide direct input on the Company's executive compensation philosophy, policies, and practices as disclosed in the Company's proxy statement, which is consistent with our efforts to engage in an ongoing dialogue with our shareholders on executive compensation and corporate governance matters.
 
Required Vote
 
This vote is advisory, which means that the vote on executive compensation is not binding on the company, our Board of Directors, or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company recognizes that the shareholders may have different views as to the best approach for the Company, and therefore we look forward to hearing from our shareholders as to their preferences on the frequency of an advisory vote on executive compensation. The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote; however, when considering the frequency of future say-on-pay votes, the Board of Directors may decide that it is in the best interests of our shareholders and the Company to hold future say-on-pay votes more or less frequently than the frequency receiving the most votes cast by our shareholders.
 
The proxy card provides shareholders with the opportunity to choose among four options (holding the vote every one, two, or three years, or abstain from voting) and, therefore, shareholders will not be voting to approve or disapprove the recommendation of the Board of Directors.
 
The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the option of an annual vote as the preferred frequency for future say-on-pay votes.

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TRANSACTION OF OTHER BUSINESS

Our Board of Directors knows of no other matters which may be brought before the Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, or any adjournment thereof, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote the proxy on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

ADVANCE NOTICE PROCEDURES

Under our By-Laws, nominations for a director may be made only by the Board of Directors, a committee appointed by the Board of Directors, or by a stockholder of record entitled to vote on the election of directors, who is also a stockholder at the record date of the meeting and also on the date of the meeting at which directors are to be elected, who has delivered notice to our principal executive offices (containing certain information specified in the By-laws) (i) not fewer than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the preceding year's annual meeting, or (ii) if the meeting is called for a date not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the date notice of such meeting is mailed or made public, whichever is earlier.

Our By-laws also provide that no business may be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders except as specified in the notice of the meeting or as otherwise brought before the meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, the presiding officer or by a stockholder who shall have been a stockholder of record on the record date for such meeting and who shall continue to be entitled to vote thereafter, who has delivered notice to our principal executive offices (containing certain information specified in the By-Laws) (i) not fewer than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the preceding year's annual meeting, or (ii) for a special meeting or an annual meeting called for a date not within 30 days before or after such anniversary date, not later than the close of business on the 10th day following the date notice of such meeting is mailed or made public, whichever is earlier.

These requirements are separate and apart from and in addition to the requirements that a stockholder must meet in order to have a stockholder proposal included in our Proxy Statement under Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. A copy of the full text of the By-Law provisions discussed above may be obtained by writing to the Corporate Secretary, American Power Group Corporation, 7 Kimball Lane, Building A, Lynnfield, MA 01940.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Proposals of stockholders intended for inclusion in the proxy statement to be mailed to all stockholders entitled to vote at our next annual meeting of stockholders must be received at our principal executive offices not later than November 25, 2013. In order to curtail controversy as to the date on which a proposal was received by us, it is suggested that proponents submit their proposals by Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested.

EXPENSES AND SOLICITATION

The cost of solicitation by proxies will be borne by us, in addition to directly soliciting stockholders by mail, we may request banks and brokers to solicit their customers who have our stock registered in the name of the nominee and, if so, will reimburse such banks and brokers for their reasonable out-of-pocket costs. Solicitation by our officers and employees may be made of some stockholders in person or by mail or telephone.


INFORMATION INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Our Annual Report, containing financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations for the year ended September 30, 2012 is being mailed contemporaneously with this proxy statement to all stockholders entitled to vote, and is incorporated herein by this reference.




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Appendix A - Common Stock

AMERICAN POWER GROUP CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
April 25, 2013

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of American Power Group Corporation (the “Company”) hereby appoints Lyle Jensen and Charles E. Coppa, and each of them acting singly, with full power of substitution, the attorneys and proxies of the undersigned and authorizes them to represent and vote on behalf of the undersigned, as designated, all of the shares of Common Stock of the Company that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on April 25, 2013, and at any adjournment or postponement of such meeting for the purposes identified on the reverse side of this proxy and with discretionary authority as to any other matters that properly come before the Annual Meeting, in accordance with and as described in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement. This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If this proxy is returned without direction being given, this proxy will be voted FOR all proposals.

(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
AMERICAN POWER GROUP CORPORATION
April 25, 2013

NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:
The Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card are available at
www.americanpowergroupinc.com/investors/apgi/2013ProxyStatement

Please sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, “FOR” PROPOSALS 2 AND 3, AND “FOR” 1 YEAR ON PROPOSAL 4.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x


1. Election of three Directors:

o
For all nominees
 
o
Withhold authority for all nominees
Nominees:

O Maurice E. Needham
O Lew F. Boyd
O Lyle Jensen
o
For all except (see instructions below)
 

Instructions: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: o

2. To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify Schecter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews, & Selcer Ltd. as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013.

oFor        oAgainst         oAbstain                

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3. To hold an advisory vote on the compensation of the Company's named Executive Officers (the “say-on-pay).
    
oFor        oAgainst         oAbstain
                        


4. To hold an advisory vote on the frequency of holding future say-on-pay votes.

o1 year        o2 years        o3 years        oAbstain


TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.

Please check here if you plan to attend the meeting.


____________________    ______        ____________________    ______
Signature of Stockholder     Date:         Signature of Stockholder     Date:

Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.


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Appendix A - 10% Convertible Preferred Stock

AMERICAN POWER GROUP CORPORATION
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
April 25, 2013

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of American Power Group Corporation (the “Company”) hereby appoints Lyle Jensen and Charles E. Coppa, and each of them acting singly, with full power of substitution, the attorneys and proxies of the undersigned and authorizes them to represent and vote on behalf of the undersigned, as designated, all of the shares of 10% Convertible Preferred Stock of the Company that the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the Company to be held on April 25, 2013, and at any adjournment or postponement of such meeting for the purposes identified on the reverse side of this proxy and with discretionary authority as to any other matters that properly come before the Annual Meeting, in accordance with and as described in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement. This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by the undersigned stockholder. If this proxy is returned without direction being given, this proxy will be voted FOR all proposals.

(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side)


ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS OF
AMERICAN POWER GROUP CORPORATION
April 25, 2013

NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL:
The Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card are available at www.americanpowergroupinc.com/investors/apgi/2013ProxyStatement

Please sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR PROPOSALS 2 AND 3 AND “FOR” 1 YEAR ON PROPOSAL 4.

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE x

1. Election of three Directors: Not applicable. Stockholders are not entitled to vote shares of the 10% Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to the election of these three Directors.


2. To consider and act upon a proposal to ratify Schecter, Dokken, Kanter, Andrews, & Selcer Ltd. as independent auditors for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2013.

oFor        oAgainst         oAbstain
                        


3. To hold an advisory vote on the compensation of the Company's named Executive Officers (the “say-on-pay).

oFor        oAgainst         oAbstain
                        



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4. To hold an advisory vote on the frequency of holding future say-on-pay votes.

o1 year        o2 years        o3 years        oAbstain


TO INCLUDE ANY COMMENTS, USE THE COMMENTS BOX ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THIS CARD.

Please check here if you plan to attend the meeting.


____________________    ______        ____________________    ______
Signature of Stockholder     Date:         Signature of Stockholder     Date:

Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.



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