Acme United (ACU) Proxy Filing summary

Executive summary

• The 2025 Annual Meeting will be held virtually on April 21, 2025, allowing shareholders to vote and submit questions online.

• Shareholders will vote on electing seven directors, executive compensation (say-on-pay), the frequency of say-on-pay votes, and ratification of the independent auditor.

• The Board recommends voting in favor of all proposals and supports annual say-on-pay votes.

• Proxy materials, including the annual report, are available online, and shareholders can vote by mail, phone, or internet.

Voting matters and shareholder proposals

• Proposals include electing seven directors, advisory approval of executive compensation, advisory vote on frequency of say-on-pay, and ratification of CBIZ CPAs, P.C. as auditor.

• Shareholders of record as of March 5, 2025, are eligible to vote.

• Board recommends annual frequency for say-on-pay votes.

• Shareholder proposals for the 2026 meeting must be submitted by November 27, 2025, for inclusion in proxy materials.

Board of directors and corporate governance

• Board currently has eight members, reducing to seven after the meeting due to a retirement.

• CEO and Chairman roles are combined; no lead independent director.

• Six of seven nominees are independent; Board committees (Audit, Compensation, Nominating, Executive) are composed solely of independent directors.

• Board emphasizes diversity in skills, background, and experience for director nominees.

• Shareholders can nominate directors with proper notice and documentation.