Attached files
file | filename |
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10-K - FORM 10-K - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696e10vk.htm |
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696exv31w1.htm |
EX-23.2 - EXHIBIT 23.2 - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696exv23w2.htm |
EX-21.1 - EXHIBIT 21.1 - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696exv21w1.htm |
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696exv32w1.htm |
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696exv32w2.htm |
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696exv31w2.htm |
EX-99.1 - EXHIBIT 99.1 - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696exv99w1.htm |
EX-23.1 - EXHIBIT 23.1 - SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS INC | w81696exv23w1.htm |
EXHIBIT 14.1
SAFEGUARD SCIENTIFICS, INC.
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS
I. | Background Administration |
The reputation and integrity of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (Company) is a valuable asset that is
vital to our success.
Each Company employee, including each of the Companys officers, and each Company director is
responsible for conducting the Companys business in a manner that demonstrates a commitment to the
highest standards of integrity. This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Code), which applies
to all directors, officers and employees of the Company (collectively referred to as Company
Personnel), has been adopted to help Company Personnel meet these standards. Specifically, the
purpose of this Code is to:
| encourage among Company Personnel a culture of honesty, accountability and mutual respect; | |
| provide guidance to help Company Personnel recognize and deal with ethical issues; and | |
| provide mechanisms for Company Personnel to report unethical conduct. |
While this Code is designed to provide helpful guidelines, it is not intended to address every
specific situation. Nevertheless, in every instance, we require that Company Personnel act
honestly, fairly and with a view towards doing the right thing.
The Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. Board of Directors (Safeguard Board) is ultimately responsible
for the implementation of the Code. The Safeguard Board has designated Brian J. Sisko, or his
successor as General Counsel, to be the compliance officer (the Compliance Officer) for the
implementation and administration of the Code. Company Personnel should feel free to direct
questions concerning this Code to the Compliance Officer:
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.
Attention: Compliance Officer
800 The Safeguard Building
435 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087-1945
e-mail address: complianceofficer@safeguard.com
Attention: Compliance Officer
800 The Safeguard Building
435 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087-1945
e-mail address: complianceofficer@safeguard.com
II. | Overview |
It is the policy of the Company to: (a) comply with all applicable governmental laws, rules and
regulations; (b) expect that all Company Personnel at all times observe honest and ethical conduct
in the performance of their responsibilities, including the avoidance of conflicts of interest; (c)
expect all Company Personnel to treat others with dignity, including other employees, shareholders,
customers and vendors; and (d) encourage and support internal disclosure of any violation of this
Code for appropriate action.
The Code governs the business-related conduct of all Company Personnel, including, but not limited
to, the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and all other officers of Safeguard.
Directors of the Company who are not employees are subject to this Code only as it relates to their
capacities as directors.
III. | Compliance With Law |
A variety of laws apply to the Company and its operations. Company Personnel are expected to
comply with all such laws, as well as rules and regulations adopted under such laws. Examples of
criminal violations under these laws include:
| stealing, embezzling or misapplying corporate or bank funds; | |
| using threats, physical force or other unauthorized means to collect money; | |
| making false entries in the books and records of the Company, or engaging in any conduct that results in the making of such false entries; | |
| making a payment for an expressed purpose on the Companys behalf to an individual who intends to use it for a different purpose; | |
| utilizing the Companys funds or other assets or services to make a political contribution or expenditure; and | |
| making payments, whether corporate or personal, of cash or other items of value that are intended to influence the judgment or actions of political candidates, government officials or businesses in connection with any of the Companys activities. |
The Company must and will report all suspected criminal violations to the appropriate authorities
for possible prosecution and will investigate, address and report to governmental or other
authorities, as appropriate, non-criminal violations.
IV. | Conflicts of Interest |
Company Personnel are expected to make or participate in business decisions and actions in the
course of their employment with the Company based on the best interests of the Company as a whole,
and not based on personal relationships or personal benefits. A conflict of interest, which can
occur or appear to occur in a wide variety of situations, can compromise the business ethics of
Company Personnel. Generally speaking, a conflict of interest occurs when the personal interest of
Company Personnel or members of their immediate family interferes with, or has the potential to
interfere with, the interests or business of the Company. For example, a conflict of interest may
occur where an employee or a family member receives a gift, a unique advantage, or an improper
personal benefit as a result of the employees position at the Company. A conflict of interest
could make it difficult for such person to perform corporate duties objectively and effectively
because he or she is involved in a competing interest. The following is a discussion of certain
common areas that raise conflict of interest issues. However, a conflict of interest can occur in
a variety of situations. Company Personnel must be alert to recognize any situation that may raise
conflict of interest issues and must disclose to the Compliance Officer any material transaction or
relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to actual or apparent conflicts of
interest with the Company.
Outside Activities/Employment Any outside activity must not significantly encroach on
the time and attention Company Personnel devote to their corporate duties and should not adversely
affect the quality or quantity of their work. In addition, Company Personnel may not make use of
corporate equipment, facilities or supplies, or imply (without the Companys approval) the
Companys sponsorship or endorsement of any outside activity, and under no circumstances are
Company Personnel permitted to take for themselves or their family members business opportunities
that are discovered or made available by virtue of their positions at the Company. Moreover,
unless the Audit Committee of the Companys Board of Directors shall have approved or ratified a
particular transaction or situation in accordance with the Companys Statement of Policy with
Respect to Related Party Transactions, Company Personnel may not (i) have any financial interest in
(a) any entity that is, or to such persons knowledge may become, a
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vendor, customer or competitor of the Company or any of its partner companies; or (b) any entity
that otherwise has or may have a relationship with, or might expect financial or other support
from, the Company (including, but not limited to, any of its partner companies); or (ii) provide
services to or perform services for the benefit of any such entity, other than services performed
at the request of or on behalf of the Company. Company employees are prohibited from taking part
in any outside employment without Safeguards prior written approval.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Company employees generally may have (i) a passive investment in up
to five percent of the total outstanding shares of an entity that is listed on a national or
international exchange, the OTC Bulletin Board or a similar quotation service or (ii) a limited
partnership interest in a private equity, venture capital or similar fund constituting less than
five percent of such funds committed capital, provided that the investment is not so large
financially either in absolute dollars or as a percentage of the persons total net worth that it
creates the appearance of a conflict of interest.
Directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company must be sensitive to situations in
which they may be associated with, or have business or financial interests in, corporations or
other business entities that, from time to time, have business dealings with the Company or which
may compete with the Company. While these relationships and interests are not prohibited, they
should be avoided where reasonably practicable. Any Company director who becomes engaged in such a
relationship or interest must promptly bring it to the attention of the Chairperson of the
Safeguard Board. The Chairperson shall promptly refer such matter to the full Safeguard Board or
an appropriately authorized committee of the Safeguard Board for consideration and appropriate
disposition. If a conflict cannot be avoided, it must be managed in an ethical and responsible
manner.
Civic/Political Activities Company Personnel are encouraged to participate in civic,
charitable or political activities so long as such participation does not encroach on the time and
attention they are expected to devote to their Company-related duties. Such activities are to be
conducted in a manner that does not involve the Company or its assets or facilities and does not
create an appearance of the Companys sponsorship or endorsement.
Inventions, Books and Publications Company employees must receive written permission
from the Compliance Officer before developing, outside of the Company, any products, software or
intellectual property that may be related to the Companys current or potential business.
Proper Payments Company Personnel should pay for and receive only that which is proper.
Company Personnel should not make or promise payments to influence anothers acts or decisions, and
Company employees must not give gifts beyond those extended in normal business.
Gifts Company Personnel and members of their families must not give or receive valuable
gifts (including gifts of equipment or money, discounts, or favored personal treatment) to or from
any person associated with Safeguards vendors or customers. Acceptance of a gift in the nature of
a memento, such as a conference gift or other inconsequential gift valued at less than five hundred
dollars ($500), is permitted. Engaging in normal occasional business-related entertainment, such
as meals or the use of sporting, theatrical or other public event tickets, is permissible with the
understanding that it is expected that Company Personnel will exercise sound judgment in reliance
on this exception so as to avoid any situation that may otherwise be subject to question.
Loans to Directors and Employees The Company will not make loans or extend credit
guarantees to or for the personal benefit of directors and executive officers except as permitted
by law and the listing standards of any exchange or quotation system on which the Companys common
stock is listed. Loans or guarantees may be extended to other employees only with the Companys
approval.
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Insider Trading Company Personnel are prohibited from trading in securities while in
possession of material, nonpublic information. Among other things, trading while in possession of
material, nonpublic information can subject the person to criminal or civil penalties. The Company
has adopted a Statement of Company Policy for Insider Trading and Disclosure (the Insider Trading
Policy) and requires all Company Personnel to sign a statement acknowledging that they have read,
understand and will comply with the policies set forth therein.
V. | Fair Dealing |
Company Personnel should deal fairly and in good faith with each other and the Companys customers,
suppliers, regulators, business partners and others. Company Personnel may not take unfair
advantage of anyone through manipulation, misrepresentation, inappropriate threats, fraud, abuse of
confidential information or other related conduct.
VI. | Proper Use of Company Assets |
As a general rule, Company assets, including facilities, equipment, materials, supplies, time,
information, intellectual property, software, and other assets owned or leased by the Company, or
that are otherwise in the Companys possession, may be used only for legitimate business purposes.
However, the Company makes an exception for incidental personal use (e.g., telephone calls to a
friend or family member, sending a personal e-mail message, accessing the Web, etc.) provided that
such incidental personal use is legal, ethical, appropriate and does not interfere with the
conscientious performance of an employees duties.
VII. | Delegation of Authority |
Company Personnel, and particularly each of the Companys officers and other managerial employees,
must exercise due care to ensure that any delegation of authority is reasonable and appropriate in
scope and includes appropriate and continuous monitoring.
VIII. | Handling Confidential Information |
Company Personnel have an obligation to protect and keep confidential all nonpublic information
related to the Company (Confidential Information) unless and until its disclosure is approved by
the Company and one full business day has passed following its disclosure by the Company in
publicly filed SEC reports, press releases, external website, other institutionalized methods of
electronic communication, or where disclosure is otherwise mandated by law or regulation.
Confidential Information includes all nonpublic information entrusted to or obtained by Company
Personnel by virtue of their affiliation with or employment by the Company or their service on the
Companys Board of Directors. Confidential Information includes but is not limited to information
relating to:
| the Companys strategy, business, finances, prospects, plans, and operations; | ||
| proposed mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, new business ventures, opportunities, partnerships or agreements; | ||
| news of a pending initial or secondary public offering of securities, other public or private sales of securities, stock splits or tender offers; |
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| products, orders, contracts, customers, vendors or competitors; | ||
| employee records; | ||
| the proceedings, discussions and deliberations of the Board and its committees; | ||
| discussions relating to the Company by and among employees, officers and directors; and | ||
| third party confidential and proprietary information that has been provided to the Company and which the Company is under an obligation to maintain as confidential. |
In addition, Company Personnel must safeguard proprietary information, which includes information
that is not generally known to the public and has commercial value in the Companys business.
Proprietary information includes, among other things, software programs, source and object codes,
trade secrets, ideas, techniques, inventions (whether patentable or not) and other information
relating to designs, algorithms and research. It also includes information relating to marketing,
pricing, customers, and terms of compensation for Company Personnel. The obligation to safeguard
proprietary information continues even after employment or service with the Company ends.
Please keep in mind the following guidelines in order to protect Confidential Information:
| Do not discuss Confidential Information in public places. | ||
| Do not forward Confidential Information or proprietary information to non-Company email accounts. | ||
| Beware of informal telephone or email requests from outsiders requesting information (including but not limited to requests for comments on expected financial performance, information about current or former employees, or requests from the media). |
The Companys Statement of Company Policy on Insider Trading and Disclosure contains additional
information concerning confidentiality obligations for Company Personnel.
IX. | Public Disclosures |
As a public company, the Company must ensure that its filings and submissions with the SEC and
other public communications provide full, fair, timely, accurate and understandable disclosure.
Company Personnel engaged in the preparation of these filings, submissions and communications
(Public Disclosure Personnel) must endeavor to ensure that the Companys filings, submissions,
and communications meet these objectives. Depending on their duties and responsibilities, other
employees may be called upon to provide information to assure that the Companys reports are
complete, fair and understandable. To this end, all transactions affecting assets, liabilities,
stockholders equity, revenues and expenses must be recorded on a timely basis in detailed journals
and must be traceable through the general ledger and resulting financial statements. Accounting
and financial reporting practices must be fair and proper, in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
Company Personnel are expected to take this responsibility very seriously. Company Personnel are
prohibited from (i) directly or indirectly taking any action to influence, coerce, manipulate or
mislead the Companys independent public accounting firm in the performance of an audit of the
Companys financial statements for the purpose of rendering the Companys financial statements
materially
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misleading; (ii) altering, mutilating or concealing a record, document or other object, or
attempting to do so with intent to impair the objects integrity or availability for use in an
official proceeding; and (iii) using Company funds for any purpose other than as described in the
documents supporting the disbursement.
If requested by Public Disclosure Personnel to provide information for use in such filings,
submissions or communications, Company Personnel will provide, as promptly as practicable,
accurate, understandable and complete information on a timely basis.
Complaints or concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters
should be reported either to the Compliance Officer or to the Audit Committee of the Safeguard
Board as indicated in Article X of this Code. You may choose to submit such complaints or concerns
anonymously.
Special Ethics Guidelines for Employees with Financial Reporting Responsibilities
The Finance Department bears a special responsibility for promoting integrity throughout the
organization, with responsibilities to Company stockholders. The Chief Executive Officer and
Finance Department personnel have a special role both to adhere to these principles themselves and
also to ensure that a culture exists throughout the Company as a whole that ensures the fair and
timely reporting of Company financial results and condition, as well as other information required
by SEC regulations. Because of this special role, the Chief Executive Officer and all members of
Companys Finance Department are bound by the following Special Ethics Guidelines for Employees
with Financial Reporting Responsibilities.
The Chief Executive Officer and each member of the Finance Department will:
| Act with honesty and integrity, avoiding actual or apparent conflicts of interest in personal and professional relationships. | ||
| Provide to the Companys other employees, consultants and advisors who are engaged in filing reports and documents with the SEC (SEC Reports) or in disseminating other public communications such as press releases, information that is accurate, complete, relevant, timely and understandable. | ||
| Endeavor to ensure full, fair, timely, accurate and understandable disclosure in SEC Reports. | ||
| Comply with laws, rules and regulations of federal, state and local governments, and appropriate self-regulatory organizations. | ||
| Act in good faith, responsibly, with due care, competence and diligence, without misrepresenting material facts or allowing ones independent judgment to be subordinated. | ||
| Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of ones work except when authorized or otherwise legally obligated to disclose. | ||
| Refrain from using Confidential Information acquired in the course of employment for personal advantage. | ||
| Proactively promote and be an example of ethical behavior as a responsible partner among peers in the work environment. |
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| Achieve responsible use of and control over all assets and resources employed or entrusted. | ||
| Record or participate in the recording of entries in the Companys books and records that are accurate to the best of his or her knowledge. | ||
| Promptly report to the Compliance Officer and/or the Chair of the Audit Committee any conduct that he or she believes to be a violation of law or business ethics or of any provision of this Code, including any transaction or relationship that reasonably could be expected to give rise to such a conflict. |
Violations of these Special Ethics Guidelines for Employees with Financial Reporting
Responsibilities, including failures to report potential violations by others, will be viewed as a
severe disciplinary matter that may result in personnel action, including termination of
employment. If you believe that a violation of the Special Ethics Guidelines for Employees with
Financial Reporting Responsibilities has occurred, please contact the Chair of the Audit Committee.
X. | Report of Violations |
Administration General Policy Regarding Report of Violations Company Personnel who
observe, learn of, or, in good faith, suspect a violation of the Code must immediately
report the violation either to his or her immediate supervisor (who in turn is responsible for
informing the Compliance Officer of such report) or to the Compliance Officer (or, in connection
with complaints or concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or audit matters,
may report the violation to the Audit Committee of the Safeguard Board). You may be subject to
disciplinary action, including termination of employment, for failure to do so.
Complaint Procedure
| Notification of Complaint |
| To report a violation or a suspected violation to the Compliance Officer, provide the report to the following address or e-mail address: |
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.
Attention: Compliance Officer
800 The Safeguard Building
435 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087-1945
e-mail: complianceofficer@safeguard.com
Attention: Compliance Officer
800 The Safeguard Building
435 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087-1945
e-mail: complianceofficer@safeguard.com
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| Complaints or concerns regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters may also be submitted anonymously to the Audit Committee of the Safeguard Board in writing at the following address: |
Safeguard Scientifics, Inc.
Attention: Chair, Audit Committee CONFIDENTIAL
c/o Corporate Secretary
800 The Safeguard Building
435 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087-1945
Attention: Chair, Audit Committee CONFIDENTIAL
c/o Corporate Secretary
800 The Safeguard Building
435 Devon Park Drive
Wayne, PA 19087-1945
| Whenever practical, the complaint should be made in writing. It is unacceptable to submit a complaint knowing it is false. | ||
| Company Personnel who are not comfortable using the procedures and protocols outlined above can make an anonymous report via our third party provider, MySafeWorkplace. This anonymous and confidential reporting system is not affiliated with the Company and is accessible 24/7 through the Internet (www.MySafeWorkplace.com) or by calling the toll free number (800-461-9330). |
| Investigation and Corrective Action |
Reports of violations will promptly be investigated under the supervision of the Compliance
Officer or, if appropriate, the Audit Committee. Company Personnel are required to
cooperate fully in the investigation of reported violations and to provide truthful,
complete and accurate information. The investigation will be handled as discreetly as
reasonably possible, allowing for a fair investigation and any necessary corrective action.
Appropriate corrective action will be taken whenever a violation of this policy is
determined to have occurred. Depending on the nature of the violation, the offending
individual can be subject to disciplinary action which may include termination. In
addition, anyone who interferes with an investigation, or provides information in an
investigation that the individual knows to be untrue or inaccurate, will be subject to
disciplinary action, which may include termination of employment. Any employee who submits
a complaint relating to the handling of accounting, internal accounting controls or audit
matters in good faith should have no fear of dismissal or retaliation of any kind.
Retaliation against employees who, for lawful purposes, file a complaint or participate in
an investigation is strictly prohibited.
The Audit Committee will be responsible for the acceptance, investigation and management of
reports of suspected violations of this Code by the Chief Executive Officer, the Compliance
Officer and employees with financial reporting responsibilities and reports of questionable
or improper accounting or audit matters.
The Companys Compliance Officer will be responsible for the acceptance, investigation and
management of reports by attorneys regarding material violations of securities laws,
fiduciary duties or similar laws.
| Confidentiality |
Except as may be required by law or by the requirements of the resulting investigation or
the corrective action, all notices, reports and information received under this process will
be treated
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in a confidential manner. Every reasonable effort will be made to handle the matter with
discretion and to protect the identity of those who make reports as well as those who are
being investigated. However, the Compliance Officer regularly will report to the Audit
Committee any violations that have been reported. Further, if necessary to conduct a proper
review or to comply with legal requirements, our Audit Committee, independent accountants or
others may become involved in the review process. Also, as noted above, the Company must
and will report all suspected criminal violations to the appropriate authorities for
possible prosecution and will investigate, address and report to governmental or other
authorities, as appropriate, non-criminal violations.
XI. | Protection Against Retaliation |
Policy The Company prohibits any form of retaliation against employees who, for lawful
purposes, report to the Company any conduct or activity that may violate this Code, any law or
regulation applicable to the Company, or any other suspected improper, unethical or illegal conduct
or activities by anyone at the Company. The Company also prohibits any form of retaliation against
employees who provide information, cause information to be provided, or assist in an investigation
conducted by the Company or any governmental body regarding a possible violation of any law or
regulation relating to fraud, any labor law, or any rule or regulation of the SEC, or who file,
cause to be filed, or assist, participate or give testimony in any proceeding relating to an
alleged violation of any such law, rule or regulation.
Management Responsibility All Company officers and other managerial employees are
responsible for ensuring adherence to this policy. In addition, each Company officer and
managerial employee is responsible for communicating this policy to employees under his or her
supervision and for supporting programs and practices designed to develop understanding of,
commitment to and compliance with this policy. In the event that any Company officer, other
managerial employee or supervisor believes that a violation of this policy has occurred or receives
a report of a violation, he or she must immediately contact the Compliance Officer.
Procedures for Reporting Policy Violations If an employee believes that he or she has
been retaliated against (including threatened or harassed) in violation of this policy, he or she
should immediately report the retaliation either to his or her immediate supervisor (who in turn is
responsible for informing the Compliance Officer of such report) or to the Compliance Officer in
accordance with the contact procedures for the Compliance Officer set forth above (or, in
connection with retaliation related to complaints or concerns regarding accounting, internal
accounting controls or audit matters, may report the violation to the Audit Committee of the
Safeguard Board in accordance with the contact procedures for the Audit Committee set forth above).
Any employee who is not comfortable using the procedures and protocols outlined above can make an
anonymous report via our third party provider, MySafeWorkplace. This anonymous and confidential
reporting system is not affiliated with the Company and is accessible 24/7 through the Internet
(www.MySafeWorkplace.com) or by calling the toll free number (800.461.9330). Once an employee
reports retaliation prohibited by this policy, the Company will promptly investigate the matter in
accordance with the procedures described in Article X of this Code.
XII. | Waivers |
Requests for a waiver of a provision of the Code must be submitted in writing to the Compliance
Officer for appropriate review, and an executive officer of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc., the
Safeguard Board or an appropriate Safeguard Board committee will decide the outcome. For conduct
involving directors and executive officers, only the Audit Committee of the Safeguard Board has the
authority to waive a provision of the Code. The Audit Committee of the Safeguard Board must review
and approve any
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related party transaction as defined in Item 404 of Regulation S-K, promulgated by the SEC,
before it is consummated. In the event of an approved waiver involving the conduct of a director
or executive officer, appropriate and prompt disclosure must be made to the Companys shareholders
as required by the SEC or other regulation or by applicable listing standards of the principal
exchange or interdealer quotation system on which the Companys common stock is listed.
Statements in the Code to the effect that certain actions may be taken only with the Companys
approval or that certain items will be designated by the Company will be interpreted to mean
that appropriate executive officers of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. or members of the Safeguard
Board must give prior written approval or make such designation before the proposed action may be
undertaken or the proposed designation may be made.
Violations of the Special Ethics Guidelines for Employees with Financial Reporting Responsibilities
contained in this Code that go unaddressed are treated by the SEC as implicit waivers of this Code.
Accordingly, any violation that is discovered and not addressed will have to be disclosed in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC and applicable listing standards with respect
to a waiver of this Code. In such cases, the applicable SEC rules will require disclosure of the
nature of any violation, the date of the violation and the name of the person who committed the
violation. Such disclosure would not only be harmful to the Company but also to you either as one
who is responsible for monitoring the enforcing compliance with this Code or as one who has
violated it. In either case, depending on the nature of the violation, you may be dismissed or
your duties and responsibilities with the Company may be changed.
XIII. | Compliance |
Adherence to Code; Disciplinary Action All Company Personnel have a responsibility to
understand and follow this Code. In addition, all Company Personnel are expected to perform their
work with honesty and integrity in all areas not specifically addressed in this Code. A violation
of this policy or the Code may result in appropriate disciplinary action, including the possible
termination from employment with the Company.
Communications; Training; Annual Certification The Company strongly encourages dialogue
among employees and their supervisors to make everyone aware of situations that give rise to
ethical questions and to articulate acceptable ways of handling those situations. Company
employees will receive periodic training on the contents and importance of the Code and related
policies and the manner in which violations must be reported and waivers must be requested. All
Company Personnel must certify that they have read this Code and to the best of their knowledge are
in compliance with all its provisions. In addition, each director, officer and other managerial
employee of the Company, as may be designated by the Company from time to time, has an obligation
to annually certify that he or she has read and reviewed this Code with his or her subordinates.
Forms of these certifications are attached to this Code as Appendices I and II.
Responsibility of Senior Employees All Company officers and other managerial employees
will be responsible for the enforcement of, and compliance with, this Code, including necessary
distribution to assure Company employee knowledge and compliance. Directors, officers and other
managerial employees are expected to promote honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical
handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional
relationships. Managerial employees may be disciplined if they condone misconduct, do not report
misconduct, do not take reasonable measures to detect misconduct, or do not demonstrate the
appropriate leadership to insure compliance.
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XIV. | Related Policies; Enforceable by Company Only |
This Code should be read in conjunction with Safeguards other policy statements, including but not
limited to the Statement of Company Policy on Insider Trading and Disclosure. This Code is for the
benefit of the Company, and no other person or entity is entitled to enforce this Code. This Code
does not, and should not be interpreted to, create any private cause of action or remedy in any
other person or entity for a violation of the Code. In addition, this Code should not be construed
as a contract of employment and does not change any persons employment status.
Adopted:
|
April 8, 2004 | ||
Last Approved:
|
October 26, 2010 |
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APPENDIX I
INITIAL CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
As a director, officer or other employee of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (Company), I have read
and understand the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Code), and I hereby affirm my
agreement to comply with its terms. I hereby certify as follows:
1. | I have received a copy of the Code. | |
2. | I have read, understand and agree to comply with the Code. | |
3. | I am currently in compliance and, as applicable, members of my family are in compliance, with the terms of the Code and all obligations imposed by it, except as disclosed to the Compliance Officer or as otherwise disclosed in accordance with the procedures contained in Article X of the Code. | |
4. | I am not aware of any conduct on the part of any person associated with the Company that may constitute a violation of the Code, except with respect to any matters that I may have disclosed to the Compliance Officer or otherwise disclosed in accordance with the procedures contained in Article X of the Code. | |
5. | I understand that none of the benefits, policies, programs, procedures or statements in the Code are intended to confer any rights or privileges upon me or entitle me to be or remain an employee of the Company. I am aware that the Code is not a contract and is subject to change at any time, without notice, at the sole discretion of the Company. |
I understand that all Disclosure Statements may be available to the Compliance Officer, the
Companys Board of Directors, and internal and external legal counsel. Such information shall
otherwise be held in confidence in accordance with Article X of the Code.
Each person signing a Disclosure Statement is responsible for keeping his/her Disclosure Statement
current. These statements will be kept in Safeguards Legal Department.
APPENDIX II
ANNUAL CODE OF BUSINESS CONDUCT AND ETHICS DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
As a director, officer or other employee of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. (Company), I have read
and understand the Companys Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (Code), and I hereby reaffirm my
agreement to comply with its terms. With respect to the last 12 months, I hereby certify as
follows:
1. | I have complied and, as applicable, members of my family have complied, with the terms of the Code and all obligations imposed by it, except as disclosed to the Compliance Officer or as otherwise disclosed in accordance with the procedures contained in Article X of the Code. | |
2. | I have read and reviewed the Code with my subordinates and I am not aware of any conduct on the part of any person associated with the Company that may constitute a violation of the Code of Conduct, except with respect to any matters that I may have disclosed to the Compliance Officer or otherwise disclosed in accordance with the procedures contained in Article X of the Code. | |
3. | I understand that none of the benefits, policies, programs, procedures or statements in the Code are intended to confer any rights or privileges upon me or entitle me to be or remain an employee of the Company. I am aware that the Code is not a contract and is subject to change at any time, without notice, at the sole discretion of the Company. |
I understand that all Disclosure Statements may be available to the Compliance Officer, the
Companys Board of Directors, and internal and external legal counsel. Such information shall
otherwise be held in confidence except in accordance with Article X of the Code.
Each person signing a Disclosure Statement is responsible for keeping his/her Disclosure Statement
current. These statements will be kept in Safeguards Legal Department.