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January 16, 2006
Dear Partner:
Honesty, Exceed Customer Expectations, Commitment, Teamwork & Continuous
Improvement have been the core values guiding the WARN team for a number of years. As
WARN extends our global presence these same ethical standards are even more important
today.
As part of the Sarbanes Oxley compliance process, WARN has adopted the attached Code
of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Code of Conduct defines guidelines for WARN
employees, Suppliers, Distributors and other business partners.
The Code of Conduct standards apply to any business partner that represents WARN.
Specifically, those Partners need to apply the same ethical standards and be in compliance
with various laws and regulations.
If you have any questions about the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or how it applies
to you, please speak with your regular WARN team contact, or Mary Parfinovics at 503.722.3208.
Sincerely,
Tom Giacomini,
President
Attached: 2005 Code of Conduct
DOVER CORPORATION CODE OF
BUSINESS CONDUCT & ETHICS
Statement by Chief Executive Officer
Ethics are vital to Dover and each of its companies and employees. Dover is committed to
the highest ethical standards and to conducting its business with the highest level of
integrity. Personally, I believe this commitment is at the core of what makes Dover
successful.
An uncompromising adherence to ethical excellence is integral to creating and sustaining
the necessary strong foundation on which Dover's success is built and on which Dover
can grow and prosper.
Each Dover employee is responsible for the consequences of his or her actions. We must
each be honest and ethical in our personal conduct as well as be a guardian of Dover's
high ethical standards.
Leaders in Dover have the extra responsibility of setting an example by their personal
performance and an attitude that conveys our ethical values. That example leads us to treat
everyone - employees, customers, prospects, suppliers and competitors - with honesty and
respect.
If you are unsure of the appropriate action, take advantage of our open door,
informal environment and raise your concerns with management or, if you are still
uncomfortable, follow the processes outlined in this Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
Ronald L. Hoffman
Chief Executive Officer
Dover Corporation
Applicability
This Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to, and each reference to Dover or its
employees includes, Dover Corporation, all the subsidiaries, operating companies and
other businesses wholly or majority owned or controlled by Dover Corporation, and all
of their employees. The word "employees" and references to you and yours used in this
Code includes all employees, officers and, when they are acting on behalf of Dover,
directors.
Business Conduct and Ethics
Dover and each of its employees, wherever they may be located, must conduct their affairs
with uncompromising honesty and integrity. Business ethics are no different than personal
ethics. The same high standard applies to both. As an employee of Dover or a Dover
company you are required to adhere to the highest standard regardless of local custom.
Employees are expected to be honest and ethical in dealing with each other, with customers,
suppliers and all other third parties. Doing the right thing means doing it right every time.
Misconduct cannot be excused because it was directed or requested by another. In this
regard, you are expected to alert management whenever an illegal, dishonest or
unethical act is reasonably suspected. You will never be penalized for reporting your
reasonable suspicions.
The following statements concern frequently raised business conduct and ethical concerns. A
violation of the standards contained in this Code of Business Conduct & Ethics will
result in corrective action, including possible dismissal.
Compliance with Laws
General. It is Dover's policy to comply with all laws, rules and regulations that
are applicable to its business, both in the United States and in other countries. This
includes laws against commercial bribery (see "Gifts, Bribes and Kickbacks" below)
and laws against payments to foreign government officials, and export and import laws
and regulations (See "International Operations" below). Some actions are not permissible
under this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics even though they may not be a violation
of law.
Employment Matters. It is Dover's policy to comply with applicable employment
laws, including those governing working conditions, wages, hours, benefits, and minimum
age for employment. While employees and applicants for employment must be
qualified and meet the job requirements established by Dover, each person must be
accorded equal opportunity to the full extent provided by law and without regard to race,
color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or other
characteristic protected by law. Each employee must respect the rights of fellow
employees and third parties. Your actions must be free from libel, slander,
harassment or any form of unlawful discrimination.
Environmental Matters. It is Dover's policy to comply with all applicable laws and
regulations for the protection of the environment. Each employee must abide by these laws
and established environmental policies and procedures.
Fair Competition and Antitrust Laws. Dover must comply with all applicable fair
competition and antitrust laws. These laws attempt to ensure that businesses compete
fairly and honestly and prohibit conduct seeking to reduce or restrain competition. If you
are uncertain whether a contemplated action raises unfair competition or antitrust issues, the
Corporate Legal Department can assist you.
Conflicts of Interest
You must avoid any personal activity, investment or association which could appear to
interfere with good judgment concerning Dover's best interests. You may not exploit your
position or relationship with Dover for personal gain. You should avoid even the
appearance of such a conflict. For example, there is a likely conflict of interest if you:
- cause Dover to engage in business transactions with relatives or friends;
- use nonpublic Dover, customer or supplier information for personal gain by you,
relatives or friends (including securities transactions based on such information);
- have more than a modest financial interest in Dover's suppliers, customers or
competitors;
- receive a loan, or guarantee of obligations, from Dover (other than as specifically
allowed in the Dover accounting manual) or a third party as a result of your position at
Dover;
- compete, or prepare to compete, with Dover while still employed by Dover; or
- perform work (with or without compensation) for a competitor, governmental or
regulatory entity, customer or supplier of Dover, or do any work for a third party that may
adversely affect your performance or judgment on the job or diminish your ability to
devote the necessary time and attention to your duties.
There are other situations in which a conflict of interest may arise. If you have
concerns about any situation, follow the steps outlined in the Section on "Reporting Ethical
Violations" below.
Business Opportunities
You are responsible for advancing Dover's business interests where the opportunity to do so
arises. In addition to avoiding conflicts of interest, you must not take for yourself or
divert to others any business opportunity or idea discovered in the course of employment
in which Dover might have an interest.
Gifts, Bribes and Kickbacks
Other than for modest gifts given or received in the normal course of business (including
travel or entertainment) which could not be considered as business inducements, neither
you nor your relatives may give gifts to, or receive gifts from, Dover's customers and
suppliers. Gifts should not be accepted from a supplier or potential supplier during, or in
connection with, contract negotiations. Accepting cash or cash equivalents, including
checks, money orders, vouchers, gift certificates, loans, stock or stock options, is not
acceptable in any circumstances. Other gifts may be given or accepted only with prior
approval of your senior management. In no event should you put Dover or yourself in
a position that would be embarrassing if the gift were made public.
Dealing with government employees is often different than dealing with private persons.
Many governmental bodies strictly prohibit the receipt of any gratuities by their employees,
including meals and entertainment. You must be aware of and strictly follow these
prohibitions.
Any employee who pays or receives bribes or kickbacks will be immediately terminated and
reported, as warranted, to the appropriate authorities. A kickback or bribe includes any
item intended to improperly obtain favorable treatment.
International Operations
Dover conducts its affairs consistent with the applicable laws and regulations of the countries
where it does business. Business practices, customs and laws differ from country to country.
When conflicts arise between Dover's ethical practices and the practices, customs and laws
of a country, Dover seeks to resolve them consistent with its ethical beliefs. If the
conflict cannot be resolved consistent with its ethical beliefs, Dover will not proceed with the
proposed action giving rise to the conflict. These ethical standards reflect who
we are and are the standards by which we choose to be judged.
Dover also conducts its overseas business in accordance with applicable U.S. laws, including
the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act ("FCPA") which applies to business transactions
both inside the U.S. and in other countries. FCPA requirements relate to accurate and
complete financial books and records, transactions with foreign government officials and
prohibitions from directly or indirectly offering to pay, or authorizing payment to, foreign
government officials for the purpose of influencing the acts or decisions of foreign officials.
Violation of the FCPA can bring severe penalties and it is mandatory that all employees
living or working in a non-U.S. country become familiar with the FCPA
and its requirements.
In addition, Dover fully complies with all applicable U.S. laws governing imports, exports and
the conduct of business with non-U.S. entities. These laws contain limitations on the
types of products that may be imported into the United States and the manner of
importation. They also place limitations or licensing requirements on the export of
some products to certain countries and prohibit exports to, and most other
transactions with, certain other countries as well as cooperation with or participation in
foreign boycotts of countries that are not boycotted by the United States. If you would
like detailed guidance on these laws and the countries to which they pertain, the
Corporate Legal
Department can assist you.
Covering Up Mistakes; Falsifying Records
Mistakes should never be covered up, but should be immediately and fully disclosed and
corrected. Falsification of any Dover, customer or third party record is prohibited.
Financial Integrity
Investors, creditors and others have legitimate interests in Dover's financial and accounting
information. The integrity of Dover's financial reporting and accounting records is based on
the validity, accuracy and completeness of the basic information supporting the entries to
Dover's books and records. All financial books, records and accounts must accurately
reflect transactions and events and conform to generally accepted accounting principles
and to Dover's system of internal controls. It is the responsibility of each employee to
uphold these standards.
Employees are expected to cooperate fully with Dover's internal audit function and its
external auditors. Information must not be falsified or concealed under any circumstances.
Examples of unethical financial or accounting practices include:
- Making false entries that intentionally hide or disguise the true nature of any
transaction;
- Improperly accelerating or deferring the recording of expenses or revenues to achieve
financial results or goals;
- Maintaining any undisclosed or unrecorded funds or "off the book" assets;
- Establishing or maintaining improper, misleading, incomplete or fraudulent account
documentation or financial reporting;
- Making any payment for purposes other than those described in documents
supporting the payment; and
- Signing any documents believed to be inaccurate or untruthful.
Protection and Proper Use of Dover Property
Every employee must safeguard Dover property from loss or theft, and may not take such
property for personal use. Dover property includes confidential information, software,
computers, office equipment, and supplies. You must appropriately secure all Dover
property within your control to prevent its unauthorized use.
Dover's email, internet and intranet systems are to be used primarily for Dover business.
In no event may the systems be used for sending or receiving discriminatory or harassing
messages, chain letters, material which is obscene or in bad taste, for commercial
solicitations or in any way that would otherwise violate this Code.
Dover and third-party software may not be copied, distributed or disclosed without specific
authorization. All third-party software must be properly licensed. The license agreements for
such third-party software may place various restrictions on the disclosure, use and
copying of software, and such restrictions must be honored.
Confidentiality and Proper Use of Dover, Customer or Supplier Information
You may not use or reveal to others Dover, customer or supplier confidential or proprietary
information, except as authorized by your senior management or as legally required. This
includes business methods, pricing and marketing data, strategy, computer code, screens,
forms, experimental research, and information about Dover's current, former and
prospective customers and employees.
Gathering Competitive Information
You may not accept, use or disclose improperly obtained confidential information of our
competitors. When obtaining competitive information, you must not violate our
competitors' rights.
Particular care must be taken when dealing with competitors' customers, ex-customers
and ex-employees. Never ask for or receive confidential or proprietary competitive
information. Never ask a person to violate a non-compete or non-disclosure agreement.
If you are uncertain, the Corporate Legal Department can assist you.
Record Retention
Dover business records must be maintained for the periods specified in and in accordance
with the specific policies of your business units. Records may be destroyed only at the
expiration of the pertinent period. In no case may documents involved in a pending or
threatened litigation, government inquiry or under subpoena or other information
request be discarded or destroyed, regardless of the period specified in the applicable
policy. In addition, you may never destroy, alter, or conceal with an improper
purpose any record or otherwise impede any official proceedings either personally, in
conjunction with, or by attempting to influence, another person.
Sales: Defamation and Misrepresentation
Aggressive selling should not include misstatements, innuendo or rumors about our
competition or their products or financial condition. Do not make unsupportable promises
concerning Dover's products.
Fair Dealing
No Dover employee should take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation,
concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any
other unfair-dealing practice.
Securities Trading
It is illegal to buy or sell securities using material information not available to the public.
Persons who give such undisclosed "inside" information to others may be as liable as
persons who trade securities while possessing such information. Securities laws may be
violated if you, or any relatives or friends, trade in securities of Dover, or any of its
customers or suppliers, while possessing "inside" information related to that company.
If you are uncertain, the Corporate Legal Department can assist you.
Political Contributions
No company assets may be used for political contributions except in compliance with all
applicable laws and with the consent of the Dover Corporation General Counsel. You may,
however, engage in political activity with your own resources on your own time.
Workplace Safety
Dover is committed to providing safe and healthy work environments and to being an
environmentally responsible corporate citizen. It is our policy to comply with all applicable
environmental, safety and health laws and regulations. It is the responsibility of each
employee to comply with all company policies concerning violence, harassment and
similar matters in the workplace and substance abuse.
We are dedicated to designing, constructing, maintaining and operating facilities that
protect our people and physical resources. This includes providing and requiring the
use of adequate protective equipment and measures and insisting that all work be
done safely.
Waivers
There shall be no waiver of this Code for any executive officer or director, except by the
Board of Directors or a designated committee of the Board. In the event that any
such waiver is granted, the waiver will be disclosed promptly to Dover's stockholders
by filing a Form 8-K report or posting on the Dover website.
Reporting Ethical Violations
Your conduct can reinforce an ethical atmosphere and positively influence the conduct of
fellow employees. If you have evidence of a material violation of this Code, you must
report it.
To report questionable accounting or auditing matters, you should use the procedures
established by the Audit Committee for the confidential, anonymous submission of
concerns by employees, as described on Dover's website at
http://www.dovercorporation.com and on Dover's intranet. These procedures
apply only to accounting or auditing matters and to direct
communications to the non-management directors.
To report any other type of ethics violations or misconduct, you should report it in the first
instance to your Human Resources representative or to the appropriate level of
management at your location.
If you are still concerned after speaking with your Human Resources representative and
local management or feel uncomfortable speaking with them (for whatever reason), you
should follow the complaints procedure established and posted by your company.
This procedure may consist of a complaints hotline or other method of reporting
complaints, and maintained by the applicable independent subsidiary. If this procedure
does not function correctly, you may contact the Corporate Legal Department or
anonymously send a note, with relevant documents, to Dover Corporation, 280 Park
Avenue - 34W, New York, NY 10017, Attention: Corporate Legal Department. If requested,
your letters will be dealt with anonymously and confidentially.
You have Dover's commitment that you will be protected from retaliation for reports
made in good faith.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, you are the guardian of Dover's high ethical standards. While there
are no universal rules, when in doubt ask yourself:
- Will my actions be ethical in every respect and fully comply with the law and with
Dover policies?
- Will my actions have the appearance of impropriety?
- Will my actions be questioned by my supervisors, fellow employees, customers, family
and the general public?
- Am I trying to fool anyone, including myself, as to the propriety of my actions?
If you are uncomfortable with your answer to any of the above, you should not take the
contemplated actions without first discussing them with your local management. If you
are still uncomfortable, please follow the steps outlined above in the Section on "Reporting
Ethical Violations".
Any employee who ignores or violates this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and any
manager who penalizes a subordinate for trying to follow this Code, will be subject to
corrective action, which may include immediate dismissal. However, it is not the threat of
discipline that should govern your actions. We hope you share our belief that a dedicated
commitment to ethical behavior is the right thing to do, is good business, and is the
surest way for Dover to remain a highly successful company.
A copy of this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics can be found on Dover's website at
http://www.dovercorporation.com and on Dover's intranet.
[As last amended by the Board of Directors on November 3, 2005]
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