<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON DECEMBER 23, 1996
REGISTRATION NO. 333-12779
=============================================================================
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
------
Amendment No. 3
to
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
------
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Pennsylvania 6331 23-2852984
(State or other jurisdiction (Primary Standard Industrial (I.R.S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Classification Code Number) Identification No.)
</TABLE>
------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
2929 Lititz Pike David E. Hosler
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
(717) 569-5361 Old Guard Group, Inc.
(Address, including zip code, 2929 Lititz Pike
and telephone number, Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601
including area code, of registrant's (717) 581-6700
principal executive offices) (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)
</TABLE>
------
Copies to:
Jeffrey P. Waldron, Esquire John S. Chapman, Esquire
Stevens & Lee Richard A. Hemmings, Esquire
One Glenhardie Corporate Center Lord, Bissell & Brook
1275 Drummers Lane 115 South LaSalle Street
P.O. Box 236 Chicago, Illinois 60603
Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 (312) 443-0700
(610) 293-4961
------
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon
as practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered
on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 of the Securities Act
of 1933, check the following box. /X/
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the
following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of
the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. / /
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the
Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering. / /
If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. / /
<PAGE>
------
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proposed maximum Proposed maximum
Title of each class of securities Amount to be offering price aggregate offering Amount of
to be registered registered per share price(1) registration fees
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Common Stock 4,396,660
no par value per share ...... shares(2) $10.00 $43,966,000 $15,160.90
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in
accordance with Rule 457(d) and based on the maximum of the appraisal
valuation range of the Insurance Companies, as determined by an
independent appraiser, plus (i) 10% of such amount to reflect a possible
purchase by the registrant's employee stock ownership plan and (ii)
$1,500,000 which is equal to the outstanding principal balance of a
convertible surplus note to be converted into common stock.
(2) Represents maximum number of shares to be issued in the transactions
contemplated by this Registration Statement.
The registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant
shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this
Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with
Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the Registration
Statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange
Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
=============================================================================
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO]
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
UP TO 3,860,600 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
Old Guard Group, Inc. (the "Company"), a Pennsylvania corporation and the
proposed holding company for Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company ("Old Guard
Mutual"), Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company ("Old Guard Fire") and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company ("Goschenhoppen" and collectively
with Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire, the "Insurance Companies"), is
offering up to 3,860,600 shares, subject to adjustment, of its common stock,
no par value per share (the "Common Stock"), in a subscription offering (the
"Subscription Offering") pursuant to nontransferable subscription rights in
the following order of priority: (i) named insureds under policies of
insurance issued by the Insurance Companies and in force as of the close of
business on May 31, 1996 ("Eligible Policyholders"), (ii) a tax-qualified
employee stock ownership plan (the "ESOP"), and (iii) directors, officers and
employees of the Insurance Companies. Subscription rights received in any of
the foregoing categories will be subordinated to the subscription rights
received by those in a prior category. Subscription rights are not
transferable. Concurrently with the Subscription Offering, Common Stock will
be offered for sale to the general public in a community offering (the
"Community Offering"), giving preference to: (i) natural persons and trusts
of natural persons (including individual retirement and Keogh retirement
accounts) who reside in designated Pennsylvania counties, (ii) principals of
Eligible Policyholders in the case of an Eligible Policyholder that is not a
natural person, (iii) holders of policies of insurance originally issued
after May 31, 1996, (iv) licensed insurance agencies and their affiliates
that have been appointed by any of the Insurance Companies to market and
distribute policies of insurance, and (v) providers of goods or services to
any one or more of the Insurance Companies. Sales of Common Stock in the
Community Offering will be subject to the prior rights of holders of
subscription rights and the right of the Company, in its absolute discretion,
to reject orders in the Community Offering in whole or in part (the
Subscription Offering and the Community Offering shall be collectively
referred to herein as the "Offering").
It is anticipated that shares not subscribed for in the Offering, if any,
will be sold in a firm commitment underwritten public offering (the "Public
Offering") to be managed by Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated ("Legg
Mason") and McDonald & Company Securities, Inc. ("McDonald") (collectively,
the "Underwriters"), or, if the number of remaining shares do not warrant a
public offering, in one or more other registered transactions. The offering
is being made in connection with the conversion of the Insurance Companies
from mutual to stock form and the simultaneous acquisition of the capital
stock of each of the Insurance Companies by the Company pursuant to a Joint
Plan of Conversion adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Insurance
Companies on May 31, 1996, as amended and restated on July 19, 1996 (the
"Plan"). The conversion of the Insurance Companies to stock form, the
issuance of capital stock of the Insurance Companies to the Company and the
offer and sale of the Common Stock by the Company are collectively referred
to herein as the "Conversion." The completion of the Conversion is contingent
upon the sale of a minimum of 2,853,500 shares of Common Stock in the
Offering and the Public Offering.
For more information, please call the Stock Information Center toll-free
at 1-888-262-7731.
Prospective investors should review and consider the discussion under
"Risk Factors" beginning on page 14.
THESE SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR THE PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase Fees and Estimated Net
Price(1) Expenses(2) Proceeds(3)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Per Share(4) ................ $10.00 $0.99 $9.01
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Minimum ................ $28,535,000 $3,106,967 $25,428,033
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Midpoint ............... $33,570,000 $3,328,759 $30,241,241
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Maximum ................ $38,606,000 $3,550,594 $35,055,406
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
(1) The estimated aggregate purchase price of the Common Stock is based on an
independent appraisal by Berwind Financial Group, L.P. ("Berwind"), as of
August 19, 1996, of the pro forma market value of the Insurance
Companies, following the Conversion, as subsidiaries of the Company. As
of August 19, 1996, the estimated pro forma market value was $33,570,000,
which is the Total Midpoint in the above table. The resulting estimated
valuation range (the "Estimated Valuation Range") in Berwind's appraisal,
which extends 15% below and 15% above the appraisal of $33,570,000, is
from $28,535,000 (the "Total Minimum") to $38,606,000 (the "Total
Maximum"). Based on such appraisal, the Company has determined to offer
up to 3,860,600 shares, subject to adjustment, at a purchase price of
$10.00 per share (or, as permitted by the Plan, in the event the ESOP
purchases shares in excess of the maximum of the Estimated Valuation
Range in order to satisfy its 10% subscription, up to 4,246,660 shares).
The final appraised value will be determined at the time of closing of
the offering and is subject to change due to changing market conditions
and other factors. If a change in the final valuation is outside the
estimated valuation range, an appropriate adjustment will be made in the
number of shares being offered and subscribers will be resolicited. Such
upward or downward adjustment will have a corresponding effect on the
estimated net proceeds of the Conversion and the pro forma capitalization
and per share data of the Company. See "Use of Proceeds,"
"Capitalization" and "Pro Forma Data."
(2) Includes estimated registration fees, printing, postage, legal,
accounting, appraisal and miscellaneous expenses that will be incurred in
connection with the Conversion. Also includes estimated fees, sales
commissions and reimbursable expenses to be paid to Hopper Soliday & Co.,
Inc. ("Hopper Soliday") as manager of the Subscription Offering and
Community Offering and Legg Mason and McDonald as co-managers of the
Public Offering. For Hopper Soliday's services in the Offering, the
Company has paid Hopper Soliday a financial advisory fee equal to
$50,000. Upon completion of the Offering, Hopper Soliday will also
receive an advisory and administrative fee equal to 3% of the dollar
value of all stock sold in the Offering, except for sales to the ESOP,
shares sold to directors, officers and employees of the Company and the
Insurance Companies and the associates of such directors, officers and
employees, and certain designated providers of goods and services. Hopper
Soliday shall be reimbursed for its expenses, including its legal fees,
up to $40,000. For purposes of this estimate, the Company has assumed
that 50% of the shares offered hereby will be sold in the Subscription
and Community Offerings and 50% will be sold in the Public Offering. The
actual fees and expenses may vary from the estimates. See "Use of
Proceeds" and "Pro Forma Data" for the assumptions used to arrive at
these estimates. The Company and the Insurance Companies have agreed to
indemnify Hopper Soliday, Legg Mason and McDonald against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933. See
"The Conversion -- Marketing and Underwriting Arrangements for the
Offering" and "-- The Public Offering."
(3) Includes the expected purchase by the ESOP of 10% of the shares issued in
the Conversion with the proceeds of a loan. In accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles, the Company will report the loan to the
ESOP as a liability on the Company's combined balance sheet with a
corresponding charge to unearned ESOP compensation, a contra-equity
account. See "Use of Proceeds," for estimated net proceeds less the ESOP
debt. Does not reflect the conversion of an existing $1,500,000 surplus
note obligation of Old Guard Mutual into 150,000 shares of Common Stock.
See "Capitalization," "Pro Forma Data" and "The Conversion -- Surplus
Note."
(4) Based on the midpoint of the estimated valuation range. The estimated net
proceeds per share at the minimum and maximum are expected to be $8.91
and $9.08, respectively.
-------------------------------
HOPPER & SOLIDAY & CO., INC.
-------------------------------
The date of this Prospectus is , 1996
<PAGE>
The total number of shares to be issued in the Conversion may be increased
or decreased within the estimated valuation range without a resolicitation of
subscribers to reflect market and financial conditions and other factors just
prior to the completion of the Conversion. The aggregate purchase price of
all shares of Common Stock will be based on the estimated pro forma market
value of the Insurance Companies, following the Conversion, as determined by
Berwind's independent appraisal. All shares of Common Stock will be sold for
$10.00 per share (the "Purchase Price"). Except for the ESOP, which intends
to purchase 10% of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued in the
Conversion, no Eligible Policyholder, together with associates or persons
acting in concert with such Eligible Policyholder, may purchase more than
38,606 shares of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering (1% of the number
of shares equal to the maximum of the estimated valuation range divided by
the Purchase Price). In addition, no purchaser, together with associates or
persons acting in concert with such person, may purchase, in the aggregate,
more than 193,030 shares of Common Stock in the Conversion (5% of the number
of shares equal to the maximum of the estimated valuation range divided by
the Purchase Price). In addition, no person may purchase fewer than 25
shares. Directors and executive officers of the Company and the Insurance
Companies as a group (18 persons), including their associates, are expected
to purchase approximately 50,750 shares of the Common Stock to be issued in
the Conversion (1.5% at the midpoint of the estimated valuation range), not
including 10% of the Common Stock (335,700 shares at the midpoint) expected
to be purchased by the ESOP and excluding additional shares that are expected
to be issued (or issuable) following the Conversion, subject to shareholder
approval, in connection with the implementation of the Company's management
recognition plan and 1996 Stock Compensation Plan.
The Subscription Offering will terminate at 1:00 p.m., local time, on
, 1997, unless extended by the Company in its sole discretion for
up to an additional 10 days (the "Subscription Offering Termination Date").
Any shares not sold in the Subscription Offering may be sold in the Community
Offering, which is also expected to terminate at 1:00 p.m., local time on
, 1997, but may be extended up to an additional 45 days after the
Subscription Offering Termination Date in the sole discretion of the Company
(the "Community Offering Termination Date"). Subscribers may purchase shares
in the Offering by completing and returning to the Company a stock order
form, together with full payment for all Common Stock subscribed for at the
Purchase Price. An executed stock order form, once received by the Company,
may not be modified, amended or rescinded without the consent of the Company.
Subscriptions will be held in a separate escrow account at
established specifically for this purpose. If the Conversion is not completed
within 45 days after the last day of the Subscription Offering (which date
will be no later than , 1997) and if the Pennsylvania Department of
Insurance consents to an extension of time to complete the Conversion,
subscribers will be given the opportunity to (i) confirm their orders or (ii)
modify or cancel their subscriptions. If the Conversion is not completed
within such period or extended period, the Offering will be terminated and
all funds held will be promptly returned without interest. See "The
Conversion -- The Offering" and "-- Purchases in the Offering."
The Company and the Insurance Companies have engaged Hopper Soliday to
consult with and advise the Company and the Insurance Companies with respect
to the Offering, and Hopper Soliday has agreed to solicit subscriptions for
shares of Common Stock in the Offering. Neither Hopper Soliday nor any other
registered broker-dealer is obligated to purchase any shares of Common Stock
in the Offering. Hopper Soliday is a registered broker-dealer and a member of
the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").
The Common Stock has been approved for inclusion in the Nasdaq National
Market System ("Nasdaq NMS"), under the symbol "OGGI" upon completion of the
Conversion. Prior to the Conversion, there was no market for the Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active and liquid trading market
for the Common Stock will develop, or if developed, will be maintained after
completion of the Conversion. Hopper Soliday, Legg Mason and McDonald each
has advised the Company that, upon completion of the Conversion, it intends
to act as a market maker in the Common Stock, subject to market conditions
and compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
THE CONVERSION IS CONTINGENT UPON APPROVAL OF THE PLAN BY ELIGIBLE
POLICYHOLDERS OF EACH OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES AT SPECIAL MEETINGS OF
ELIGIBLE POLICYHOLDERS CALLED FOR THAT PURPOSE TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 11,
1997 (THE "SPECIAL MEETINGS") AND THE SALE OF THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES
OFFERED PURSUANT TO THE PLAN.
<PAGE>
IN CONNECTION WITH THE PUBLIC OFFERING, IF ANY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-
ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS THAT STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF
THE COMMON STOCK AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE
OPEN MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED IN THE OVER-THE- COUNTER
MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT
ANY TIME.
FOR NORTH CAROLINA INVESTORS: THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE OF THE STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE OFFERING, NOR HAS SUCH
COMMISSIONER PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
PENNSYLVANIA INSURANCE LAWS AND REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY
ACQUIRE CONTROL OF THE COMPANY, AND THUS INDIRECT CONTROL OF ITS INSURANCE
SUBSIDIARIES, UNLESS SUCH PERSON HAS OBTAINED THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE
PENNSYLVANIA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER. UNDER PENNSYLVANIA LAW, ANY PURCHASER OF
10% OR MORE OF THE VOTING STOCK OF AN INSURANCE HOLDING COMPANY IS PRESUMED
TO HAVE ACQUIRED CONTROL OF AFFILIATED OR SUBSIDIARY INSURERS.
===============================================================================
Organizational Structure Before The Conversion
Old Guard Mutual Old Guard Fire Grochenhoppen-Home
79% 15.4% 5.6%
Old Guard Investment Holding Company, Inc.
100% 100%
Commonwealth Insurance 2929 Service Corp. Comonwealth Insurance
Manager, Inc. Consultants, Inc.
===============================================================================
===============================================================================
Organizational Structure After The Conversion
LOGO
Shareholders
Old Guard Group, Inc.
100% 100% 100% 100%
Old Guard Old Guard Grochenhoppen-Home Old Guard Investment
Mutual Fire Holding Company, Inc.
100% 100%
Commonwealth Insurance 2929 Service Corp.--30%-- Comonwealth Insurance
Manager, Inc. Consultants, Inc.
===============================================================================
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by the more detailed information and the Combined Financial
Statements and Notes thereto of the Insurance Companies appearing elsewhere
in this Prospectus.
Old Guard Group, Inc........... The Company was formed under Pennsylvania
law in May 1996 for the purpose of becoming
the holding company for the Insurance
Companies upon completion of the Conversion.
Prior to the Conversion, the Company will
not engage in any significant operations.
After the Conversion, the Company's primary
assets will be the outstanding capital stock
of the Insurance Companies and a portion of
the net proceeds of the Conversion.
The Insurance Companies........ Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen are each Pennsylvania mutual
insurance companies that currently operate
as members of the Old Guard Insurance Group
(the "Group"), a group of mutual insurance
companies under common management. The Group
also includes Neffsville Mutual Fire
Insurance Company ("Neffsville"), which is
not a party to the Plan. Old Guard Mutual,
Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen began
operations in 1896, 1872, and 1843,
respectively. The Insurance Companies are
property and casualty insurers of farms,
small and medium-sized businesses and
residents primarily in rural and suburban
communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and
Delaware. The Insurance Companies market
farmowners, homeowners and businessowners
policies, as well as personal and commercial
automobile, workers' compensation and
commercial multi-peril coverages through
approximately 1,600 independent agents.
For 1995, the Insurance Companies had
combined revenues of $72.4 million and a net
loss of $684,000. For the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1996, the Insurance
Companies had combined revenues of $45.0
million and a net loss of $2.5 million. The
losses for the year ended December 31, 1995
and the nine-month period ended September
30, 1996 resulted directly from insured
property losses associated with late-1995
wind storms and the severe winter weather
experienced in the Middle Atlantic states in
the first quarter of 1996. A January
blizzard in 1996 contributed to record
seasonal snowfalls for much of the Insurance
Companies' market area that resulted in
increased property loss claims. At September
30, 1996, the Insurance Companies had
combined assets of $137.5 million, total
equity of $37.7 million and over 139,000
property and casualty policies in force.
Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance
Companies entered into a quota share
reinsurance treaty designed to lessen the
potential financial impact of catastrophic
or severe weather losses. Under this treaty,
the Insurance Companies cede 20% of their
liability remaining after cessions of excess
and catastrophic risks through other
reinsurance contracts in exchange for a
reinsurance premium equal to 20% of premiums
collected net of other reinsurance costs and
further reduced by a ceding allowance to the
Company equal to 35% of the reinsurance
premium. The treaty has a moderating effect
on the underwriting losses or gains
experienced
4
<PAGE>
by the Insurance Companies because
underwriting risk is shared with the
reinsurer. Accordingly, this reinsurance
treaty has had, and will continue to have, a
material effect on the financial condition
and results of operations of the Insurance
Companies. See "Business -- Reinsurance."
The principal strategies of the Company for
the future are to:
-- Achieve geographic diversification of
risk by acquisition of other insurance
companies or licensing of the Insurance
Companies in other jurisdictions with
reduced or different loss exposure;
-- Improve the mix of business by increasing
commercial writings and emphasizing
casualty coverages in order to enhance
profitability and lessen the impact of
property losses on overall results; and
-- Improve efficiency and maintain the high
level of personal service delivered to
agents and insureds through continued
enhancement of the Company's management
information systems (MIS).
Management has taken steps to implement each
of these strategies and views the Conversion
as a critical component of its strategic
plan. The additional capital generated by
the Conversion will permit the Insurance
Companies to accelerate implementation of
these strategies. The resulting holding
company structure will also provide needed
flexibility to achieve the Company's goals
by permitting the Company to use its Common
Stock and/or preferred stock to effect
future acquisitions or raise additional
capital. See "The Conversion -- Business
Purposes."
The Conversion ................ Pursuant to the Plan each Insurance Company
will (i) convert from a
Pennsylvania-chartered mutual insurance
company to a Pennsylvania-chartered stock
insurance company, and (ii) simultaneously
issue shares of its capital stock to the
Company in exchange for a portion of the net
proceeds from the sale of Common Stock in
the Conversion. The Conversion will be
accounted for as a simultaneous
reorganization, recapitalization and share
offering which will not change the
historical accounting basis of the Insurance
Companies' financial statements.
Background and Reasons For the
Converson.................... The Insurance Companies annually review and
adopt a strategic plan expressly predicated
upon company independence and capital
strength. The Insurance Companies have
considered various capital formation
alternatives and have elected to proceed
with the Conversion in accordance with the
provisions of the Pennsylvania Insurance
Company Mutual to Stock Conversion Act (the
"Act"). The Act was passed by the
Pennsylvania General Assembly in early
December 1995. On December 12, 1995,
management was directed by the Boards of
Directors of each Insurance Company to
explore the process and feasibility of
conversion under the Act. On January 12,
1996, the Boards of Directors authorized
further study and
5
<PAGE>
requested a presentation with respect to the
process at its meeting on March 31, 1996. At
a meeting of the Board of Directors of each
Insurance Company held on April 22, 1996,
management was directed to prepare the Plan
for consideration at a special meeting to be
held in May. Effective May 31, 1996, the
Board of Directors of each of the Insurance
Companies unanimously adopted the Plan,
subject to approval by the Department and
the policyholders of each of the Insurance
Companies. Each Board of Directors
unanimously adopted amendments to the Plan
on July 19, 1996. An application with
respect to the Conversion was filed by the
Insurance Companies with Pennsylvania
Department of Insurance (the "Department")
on August 21, 1996 and notice of the filing
and the opportunity to comment was
simultaneously mailed to all Eligible
Policyholders as required by law. The
Department informed the Insurance Companies
on November 27, 1996 that it did not intend
to hold any hearings regarding the
Conversion. The Plan was approved by the
Department on , 1996 and is subject
to the approval of Eligible Policyholders at
the Special Meetings. The Company also has
received approval of the Department to
acquire control of the Insurance Companies.
On November 19, 1996, the Company received
an unsolicited request from Donegal Group,
Inc., an insurance holding company located
in Marietta, Pennsylvania ("Donegal"), to
amend the Plan to provide for the merger of
the Company into Donegal in exchange for an
aggregate payment of $27.5 million to all
policyholders of the Insurance Companies, or
less than $200 per policyholder assuming
equal distribution to all policyholders.
Such amount was proposed to be payable
one-half in cash and one-half in a new class
of preferred stock of Donegal, the terms of
which were not specified. Because such a
transaction would not provide additional
capital to the Insurance Companies, would be
inconsistent with their strategic plan of
continued independence and would be
tantamount to a sale and liquidation of the
Insurance Companies, the Boards of Directors
of the Company and the Insurance Companies
determined that the request was contrary to
the best interests of the Insurance
Companies, including its policyholders,
agents, employees, suppliers and the
communities they serve, and further declined
to consider the request. Therefore, the
respective Boards of Directors affirmed
their course of independence and commitment
to the Plan.
An application to acquire the Company was
contemporaneously filed with the Department
by Donegal. The Department informed Donegal
that its application was both deficient and
premature and, as a result, the Department
informed Donegal that it is prohibited from
(i) making any public announcement of its
request to the Company to amend the Plan,
and (ii) soliciting policyholders of the
Insurance Companies in any way, including in
connection with the policyholder votes to be
held on the Plan at the Special Meetings. If
Eligible Policyholders do not approve the
Plan, the Boards of Directors of the
Insurance Companies intend to maintain their
current course of independence. See "The
Conversion -- Background and Reasons for the
Conversion."
6
<PAGE>
Organization Before and After
the Conversion............... Set forth on page 3 of the Prospectus is an
illustration of the organizational structure
of the Insurance Companies before the
Conversion and of the Company and the
Insurance Companies after the Conversion.
After completion of the Conversion, the
Insurance Companies intend to transfer all
of the capital stock of Old Guard Investment
Holding Company, Inc. ("Old Guard
Investment") to the Company and, as a
result, Old Guard Investment will become a
direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company.
Stock Pricing and Number of
Shares to be Issued.......... Pennsylvania law requires that the aggregate
purchase price of the Common Stock to be
issued in the Conversion be consistent with
an independent appraisal of the estimated
pro forma market value of the Insurance
Companies as subsidiaries of the Company
following the Conversion. Berwind, a firm
experienced in corporate valuations, has
made an independent appraisal of the
estimated pro forma market value of the
Insurance Companies as subsidiaries of the
Company and has determined that, as of
August 19, 1996, such estimated pro forma
market value was $33,570,000. The resulting
valuation range in Berwind's appraisal,
which extends 15% below and 15% above the
estimated value, is from $28,535,000 to
$38,606,000 (the "Estimated Valuation
Range"). The Company, in consultation with
its advisors, has determined to offer the
shares in the Conversion at the Purchase
Price. Such appraisal is not intended to be,
and must not be construed as, a
recommendation of any kind as to the
advisability of purchasing Common Stock or
as assurance that, after the Conversion,
shares of Common Stock can be resold at or
above the Purchase Price. The appraisal will
be updated immediately prior to completion
of the Conversion. If the updated appraisal
is different from the appraisal as of August
19, 1996 but is within the Estimated
Valuation Range, the Company will not notify
subscribers of the updated appraisal and the
Conversion will be consummated. If the
updated appraisal is not within the
Estimated Valuation Range, then, in such
event, the Company, after consultation with
the Department, may cancel the Offering and
terminate the Plan, establish a new
Estimated Valuation Range, extend, reopen or
hold a new Offering or take such other
action as may be authorized by the
Department. Subscribers will be notified of
any such action by mail and, if a new
Estimated Valuation Range is established,
subscribers will be given an opportunity to
affirm, amend or cancel their subscriptions.
Subscription orders may not be withdrawn for
any reason if the updated appraisal is
within the Estimated Valuation Range.
The total number of shares to be issued in
the Conversion may be increased or decreased
within the Estimated Valuation Range without
a resolicitation of subscribers. Based on
the Purchase Price of $10.00 per share, the
total number of shares that may be issued
without a resolicitation of subscribers is
from 2,853,500 to 3,860,600 (or, as
permitted by the Plan, in the event the ESOP
purchases shares in excess of the maximum of
the Estimated Valuation
7
<PAGE>
Range in order to satisfy its 10%
subscription, up to 4,246,660 shares). For
further information, see "The Conversion --
Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be
Issued."
The Subscription and
Community Offerings.......... The shares of Common Stock to be issued in
the Conversion are being offered at the
Purchase Price in the Subscription Offering
pursuant to nontransferable subscription
rights in the following order of priority:
(i) Eligible Policyholders, (ii) the ESOP,
and (iii) directors, officers and employees
of the Insurance Companies. Subscription
rights in any category will be subordinated
to subscription rights in a prior category.
Concurrently, and subject to the prior
rights of holders of subscription rights,
any shares of Common Stock not subscribed
for in the Subscription Offering are being
offered at the Purchase Price in the
Community Offering to members of the general
public. Preference will be given in the
Community Offering to (i) natural persons
and trusts of natural persons who are
permanent residents of Berks, Bucks,
Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster,
Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and
York Counties, Pennsylvania (the "Local
Community"), (ii) principals of Eligible
Policyholders in the case of an Eligible
Policyholder that is not a natural person,
(iii) licensed insurance agents that have
been appointed by any of the Insurance
Companies to market and distribute policies
of insurance, (iv) named insureds under
policies of insurance issued by the
Insurance Companies after May 31, 1996, and
(v) providers of goods and services to any
or all of the Insurance Companies.
Subscription rights will expire if not
exercised by 1:00 p.m., local time, on
, 1997, unless extended by the Company
in its sole discretion for up to an
additional 10 days. The Community Offering
will terminate on the Community Offering
Termination Date, unless extended by the
Company, in its sole discretion, for up to
an additional 45 days. The Company reserves
the absolute right to accept or reject any
orders in the Community Offering, in whole
or in part, either upon receipt of an order
or as soon as practicable following the
Community Offering Termination Date.
The Company and the Insurance Companies have
engaged Hopper Soliday to provide sales
assistance in connection with the Offering.
The sale of shares of Common Stock in the
Subscription Offering and the Community
Offering will be conducted by Hopper Soliday
on a best efforts basis.
How to Purchase Shares of
Common Stock................. The Company has established a Stock
Information Center to coordinate the
Offering, including tabulation of proxies
and orders and answering questions about the
Offering by telephone. The Stock Information
Center will be managed by Hopper Soliday.
All subscribers will be instructed to mail
payment directly to the Stock Information
Center. Payment for shares of Common Stock
may be made by cash (if delivered in
person), check or money order. Such funds
will not be released until the Conversion is
completed or ter-
8
<PAGE>
minated. For more information, please call
the Stock Information Center toll free at
1-888-262-7731. See "The Conversion --
Marketing and Underwriting Arrangements in
the Offering."
The Public Offering ........... All shares of Common Stock not purchased in
the Offering (if any) are expected to be
offered in a firm commitment public offering
(the "Public Offering") to be co-managed by
the Underwriters. The Public Offering will
commence as soon as practicable following
the later of the Subscription Offering
Termination Date or the Community Offering
Termination Date and must be completed
within 45 days after the Subscription
Offering Termination Date unless such period
is extended with the approval of the
Department. See "The Conversion -- Marketing
and Underwriting Arrangements in the
Offering and -- Public Offering."
Purchase Limitations .......... No person may purchase fewer than 25 shares
in the Offering. The ESOP may purchase up to
an aggregate of 10% of the shares of Common
Stock to be issued in the Conversion and is
expected to do so. With the exception of the
ESOP, no Eligible Policyholder may purchase
more than 38,606 shares of Common Stock in
the Subscription Offering (1% of the number
of shares equal to the maximum of the
Estimated Valuation Range divided by the
Purchase Price) and no person (including
Eligible Policyholders who elect to purchase
stock in the Conversion), together with
associates or persons acting in concert, may
purchase in the aggregate, more than 193,030
shares of Common Stock (5% of the number of
shares equal to the maximum of the Estimated
Valuation Range divided by the Purchase
Price). The Boards of Directors of the
Company and the Insurance Companies may
increase or decrease the purchase limitation
at any time, subject to any required
regulatory approval. In the event of an
oversubscription, shares will be allocated
as provided by the Plan. See "The Conversion
-- Limitations on Purchases of Shares."
Purchase of Common Stock by
Management................... The directors and executive officers of the
Company and the Insurance Companies,
together with their associates, propose to
purchase, in the aggregate, approximately
50,750 shares of Common Stock in the
Conversion, or 1.5% of the shares of Common
Stock issued in the Conversion, assuming an
offering at the midpoint of the Estimated
Valuation Range. See "The Conversion --
Proposed Management Purchases."
Benefits to Management......... The Company's ESOP is expected to purchase
10% of the shares of Common Stock sold in
the Offering, which will be awarded to
substantially all employees without payment
by such persons of cash consideration. In
addition, the Company adopted a Management
Recognition Plan (the "MRP") pursuant to
which the Company intends to award to
employees and directors of the Company a
number of shares of Common Stock equal to up
to 4% of the number of shares sold in the
Offering without payment by such persons of
cash consideration, and a Stock Compensation
Plan pursuant to which the Company intends
to award options to purchase a number of
shares of Common Stock equal to up to 10% of
the number of
9
<PAGE>
shares sold in the Offering at an exercise
price equal to the Purchase Price. The
Company intends to submit the MRP and the
Stock Compensation Plan to shareholders for
approval at the Company's first annual
meeting, and no stock options will be
awarded under the Stock Compensation Plan
and no shares of restricted stock will be
awarded under the MRP in the first year
after the conclusion of the Offering unless
such plans are approved by a majority vote
of shareholders.
Use of Proceeds ............... Net proceeds from the Offering will depend
upon the total number of shares sold and the
expenses of the Conversion. As a result, net
proceeds from the Offering cannot be
determined until the Conversion is
completed. The Company anticipates that net
proceeds (less the debt incurred to purchase
the ESOP shares) will be between
approximately $22.6 million and $31.2
million if the aggregate purchase price is
within the Estimated Valuation Range. See
"Use of Proceeds" for the assumptions used
to arrive at these estimates.
The Company has received Department approval
to exchange $16.0 million of net proceeds
from the Offering for all of the capital
stock of Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire
and Goschenhoppen to be issued in the
Conversion. Assuming net proceeds from the
Offering of between $22.6 million and $31.2
million, the Company would retain between
$8.1 and $16.7 million after acquiring the
stock of the Insurance Companies.
A portion of the net proceeds retained by
the Company will be used to repay
approximately $5.8 million in financing
incurred in connection with the pending
acquisition of First Delaware Insurance
Company, if completed as planned, and the
investment in New Castle Mutual Insurance
Company. The balance of the net proceeds
retained by the Company will be available
for a variety of corporate purposes,
including, but not limited to, additional
capital contributions to the Insurance
Companies, future acquisitions and
diversification within the property and
casualty insurance industry, dividends to
shareholders and future repurchases of
Common Stock to the extent permitted by
Pennsylvania law and the Department. With
the exception of the payment of dividends
and the pending acquisition of First
Delaware Insurance Company and the proposed
investment in New Castle Mutual Insurance
Company, the Company currently has no
specific plans, intentions, arrangements or
understandings regarding any of the
foregoing activities. See "Dividend Policy";
"The Company -- Acquisition of First
Delaware Insurance Company" and --
Investment in New Castle Mutual Insurance
Company."
Non-transferability of
Subscription Rights.......... The Plan provides that no person shall
transfer or enter into any agreement or
understanding to transfer the legal or
beneficial ownership of subscription rights
issued under the Plan or, prior to exercise
of the subscription rights, the shares of
Common Stock to be issued upon their
exercise. Persons violating such prohibition
will lose their right to purchase Common
Stock in the Conversion. Each person
exercising subscription rights will be
required to certify that
10
<PAGE>
his or her purchase of Common Stock is
solely for the purchaser's own account and
that there is no agreement or understanding
regarding the sale or transfer of such
shares.
Market for the Common Stock.... The Company has received approval to have
the Common Stock quoted on the Nasdaq NMS
under the symbol "OGGI" upon closing of the
Conversion. Hopper Soliday, Legg Mason and
McDonald have each advised the Company that,
upon completion of the Conversion, it
intends to act as a market maker in the
Common Stock, subject to market conditions
and compliance with applicable laws and
regulatory requirements. Prior to the
Offering, there was no public market for the
Common Stock and there can be no assurance
that an active and liquid market for the
Common Stock will develop in the foreseeable
future. Even if a market develops, there can
be no assurance that shareholders will be
able to sell their shares at or above the
Purchase Price after completion of the
Conversion. See "Market for the Common
Stock."
Dividends ..................... Declaration of dividends by the Board of
Directors of the Company will depend on a
number of factors, including the
requirements of applicable law and the
determination by the Board of Directors of
the Company that the net income, capital and
financial condition of the Company and the
Insurance Companies, industry trends,
general economic conditions and other
factors justify the payment of dividends.
The Company presently intends to pay an
annual dividend of $.10 per share, but no
assurance can be given that dividends in
such amount will ultimately be declared and
paid. See "Dividend Policy" and "Business --
Regulation."
Antitakeover Provisions ....... The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of
the Company, Pennsylvania statutory
provisions and employee benefit
arrangements, as well as certain other
provisions of state and federal law, may
have the effect of discouraging or
preventing a non-negotiated change in
control of the Company, as well as a proxy
contest for control of the Board of
Directors of the Company. For a detailed
discussion of those provisions, see
"Investment Considerations -- Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaw and Statutory
Provisions that could Discourage Hostile
Acquisitions of Control," "Management --
Certain Benefit Plans and Agreements,"
"Certain Restrictions on Acquisition of the
Company -- Pennsylvania Law" and -- "Certain
Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws" and "Description
of Capital Stock."
11
<PAGE>
SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected combined financial data for the
Insurance Companies prior to the Conversion at and for the periods indicated
and should be read in conjunction with the Combined Financial Statements, and
accompanying notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere
herein, as well as "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." See Note 3 in "Notes to Combined
Financial Statements" for a discussion of the principal differences between
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and statutory accounting
practices, and for a reconciliation of combined net income and equity, as
reported in conformity with GAAP, with combined statutory net income and
statutory surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting
practices, as prescribed or permitted by the Department. The combined
statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 1991 and 1992 and
for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996 and the combined
balance sheet data at December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993 and at September 30,
1995 and 1996 are derived from the unaudited combined financial statements of
the Insurance Companies. The Company believes that such unaudited financial
data fairly reflect the combined results of operations and the combined
financial condition of the Insurance Companies for such periods. For a
presentation of the pro forma effect of the Conversion and related
transactions on the Company, see "Pro Forma Data."
12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------------- -------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue Data:
Direct premiums written .................... $ 21,260 $ 19,776 $ 62,623 $ 59,729
Net premiums written(1) .................... 14,472 16,828 34,826 50,089
Statement of Income Data:
Net premiums earned(1) ................... 13,298 16,214 39,705 48,536
Net investment income .................... 1,502 1,101 3,434 3,408
Net realized investment gains ............ 383 310 1,328 650
Other income ............................. 224 60 484 172
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total revenues(1) ..................... 15,057 17,685 44,951 52,766
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Losses and Expenses: .......................
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ...... 8,900 11,055 34,548 33,892
Other underwriting expenses .............. 5,560 6,071 14,159 17,706
Other expenses ........................... -- -- 250 --
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total expenses ........................ 14,460 17,126 48,957 51,598
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Income (loss) before federal income taxes .. 597 559 (4,006) 1,168
Federal income tax expense (benefit) ....... 184 138 (1,458) 252
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net income (loss)(2) ....................... $ 413 $ 421 $ (2,548) $ 916
=========== ========== =========== ==========
Selected Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Total investments(3) ..................... $ 81,630 $ 91,951 $ 81,630 $ 91,951
Total assets ............................. 137,538 135,383 137,538 135,383
Subordinated debt ........................ 1,500 2,250 1,500 2,250
Total liabilities ........................ 99,869 92,736 99,869 92,736
Total equity(3) .......................... $ 37,669 $ 42,648 $ 37,669 $ 42,648
GAAP Ratios:(3)
Loss and loss adjustment expenses ratio(4) 66.4% 68.2% 87.0% 69.8%
Underwriting expense ratio(1)(5) ......... 41.5% 37.4% 35.7% 36.5%
Combined ratio(1)(6) ..................... 107.9% 105.6% 122.7% 106.3%
Statutory Data (at period end):
Statutory combined ratio(1) .............. 104.8% 104.3% 124.7% 107.4%
Industry combined ratio(7) ............... -- -- -- --
Statutory surplus ........................ $ 30,265 $ 31,563 $ 30,265 $ 31,563
Ratio of statutory net written premiums to
statutory surplus(1)(8) ............... 1.91x 2.13x 1.53x 2.12x
Pro Forma Data (9):
Net loss ................................. ($2,755)
Net income (loss) per share of common
stock ................................. ($1.00)
Weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding .............. 2,745,350
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue Data:
Direct premiums written ....................$ 78,832 $ 78,730 $ 74,756 $ 71,287 $ 67,699
Net premiums written ....................... 67,115 65,649 63,355 55,424 53,876
Statement of Income Data:
Net premiums earned ...................... 66,663 63,465 60,986 54,013 53,050
Net investment income .................... 4,458 3,932 3,928 4,444 4,789
Net realized investment gains ............ 1,011 476 1,758 1,444 560
Other income ............................. 274 266 244 264 197
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues ........................ 72,406 68,139 66,916 60,165 58,596
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Losses and Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ...... 50,509 46,440 42,154 38,096 36,527
Other underwriting expenses .............. 23,265 22,087 20,991 19,551 18,830
Other expenses ........................... -- -- -- -- --
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses ........................ 73,774 68,527 63,145 57,647 55,357
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before federal income taxes .. (1,368) (388) 3,771 2,518 3,239
Federal income tax expense (benefit) ....... (684) (532) 383 122 534
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)(2) ....................... $ (684) $ 144 $ 3,388 $ 2,396 $ 2,705
=========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Selected Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Total investments and cash(3) ............ $ 92,335 $ 82,879 $ 90,895 $ 80,826 $ 76,099
Total assets ............................. 134,853 127,831 140,213 136,979 142,764
Subordinated debt ........................ 2,250 3,000 3,750 4,500 5,250
Total liabilities ........................ 93,956 91,300 100,359 100,366 108,551
Total equity ............................. $ 40,897 $ 36,531 $ 39,854 $ 36,613 $ 34,212
GAAP Ratios:
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio(4) 75.8% 73.2% 69.1% 70.5% 68.8%
Underwriting expense ratio(5) ............ 34.9% 34.8% 34.4% 36.2% 35.5%
Combined ratio(6) ........................ 110.7% 108.0% 103.5% 106.7% 104.3%
Statutory Data (at period end):
Statutory combined ratio ................. 107.9% 106.3% 99.5% 106.2% 105.0%
Industry combined ratio(7) ............... 106.4% 108.4% 106.9% 115.7% 108.8%
Statutory surplus ........................ $ 32,249 $ 31,097 $ 31,487 $ 27,936 $ 26,607
Ratio of statutory net written premiums to
statutory surplus(8) .................. 2.15x 2.16x 2.10x 2.00x 2.02x
Pro Forma Data(9):
Net loss ................................. ($959)
Net income (loss) per share of common
stock ................................. ($0.35)
Weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding .............. 2,727,850
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and American
Re-Insurance Company entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty
pursuant to which the Insurance Companies cede 20% of their liability
14
<PAGE>
remaining after cessions of excess and catastrophic risks through other
reinsurance contracts. Pro rata cessions of unearned premiums as of
January 1, 1996 and the transfer of premiums written during the three and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 accounted, in part, for the
decline in net premiums written, net premiums earned and total revenues,
the increase in the underwriting expense ratio and the GAAP and statutory
combined ratios and the decrease in the ratio of statutory net written
premiums to statutory surplus, when the three and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1996 are compared to the corresponding periods.
(2) Net income for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the
nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 was adversely affected by the
frequency and severity of weather-related property losses. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations."
(3) Due to the adoption by the Insurance Companies on January 1, 1994 of SFAS
No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities," total investments and equity were adjusted to reflect
changes in market value, which resulted in a reduction of $4.2 million
and an increase of $1.5 million as of December 31, 1994 and 1995,
respectively, and an increase of $1.9 million and a decrease of $122,000
as of September 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
(4) Calculated by dividing losses and loss adjustment expenses by net
premiums earned.
(5) Calculated by dividing other underwriting expenses by net premiums
earned.
(6) The sum of the Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Ratio and the
Underwriting Expense Ratio.
(7) As reported by A.M. Best Company, Inc., an independent insurance rating
organization. Data unavailable for the periods ended September 30, 1996
and September 30, 1995.
(8) Annualized for the periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995.
(9) Information excerpted from unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of
Income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the year end
December 31, 1995. See "Pro Forma Data".
15
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
Before investing in the Common Stock offered hereby, prospective investors
should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus
and, in particular, the matters presented below.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF CATASTROPHE AND NATURAL PERIL LOSSES ON FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In common with other property and casualty insurers, the Insurance
Companies are subject to claims arising from catastrophes that may have a
significant impact on their results of operations and financial condition.
The Insurance Companies have experienced, and can be expected to experience
in the future, catastrophe losses that may materially affect financial
condition and results of operations. Catastrophe losses can be caused by
various events, including snow storms, ice storms, freezing, hurricanes,
earthquakes, tornadoes, wind, hail and fires and their incidence and severity
are inherently unpredictable. The extent of net losses from catastrophes is a
function of three factors: the total amount of insured exposure in the area
affected by the event, the severity of the event and the amount of
reinsurance coverage.
The Insurance Companies' financial condition and results of operations
also are affected periodically by losses caused by natural perils, regardless
of whether such losses, because of their magnitude, qualify as
"catastrophes," as classified by the Property Claims Service Division of
American Insurance Services Group, Inc., an insurance industry body. Because
of the geographic concentration of their business, the Insurance Companies
may be more exposed to losses of this type than other property and casualty
insurers. A multiplicity of such events, all or some of which do not qualify
as catastrophes, in the aggregate, may materially affect the Company's
financial condition and results of operations. This is true, in part, because
losses from individual events may not permit recovery under the Insurance
Companies' catastrophe reinsurance coverage. The frequency and severity of
storms and freezes during 1994, 1995 and the first nine months of 1996 that
adversely affected the Insurance Companies' results for these periods are
examples of this phenomenon. See "-- Geographic Concentration of Business,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and "Business -- Reinsurance."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF INADEQUATE LOSS RESERVES ON FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The Insurance Companies are required to maintain reserves to cover their
estimated ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE")
with respect to reported and unreported claims incurred. Reserves are
estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given time of
what the Insurance Companies expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement
and administration of claims based on facts and circumstances then known,
predictions of future events, estimates of future trends in claims severity
and judicial theories of liability, legislative activity and other variable
factors, such as inflation. The Insurance Companies' overall reserve practice
provides for ongoing claims evaluation and adjustment (if necessary) based on
the development of related data and other relevant information pertaining to
such claims. Loss and LAE reserves, including reserves for claims that have
been incurred but not yet reported, are adjusted no less than monthly. The
uncertainties of estimating insurance reserves are greater for certain types
of property and casualty insurance lines written by the Insurance Companies,
particularly workers' compensation and other liability coverages, because a
longer period of time may elapse before a definitive determination of
ultimate liability may be made and because of the changing judicial and
political climates relating to these types of claims.
Management believes that the Insurance Companies' reserves for losses and
loss adjustment expenses are adequate and are in accordance with generally
accepted actuarial principles and practices. However, the establishment of
appropriate loss and loss adjustment expense reserves is an inherently
uncertain process and there can be no assurance that ultimate losses will not
exceed the Insurance Companies' loss reserves. To the extent that reserves
prove to be inadequate in the future, the Insurance Companies would have to
increase reserves which would adversely affect earnings in the period such
reserves are increased and could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition. See "Business --
Loss and LAE Reserves."
16
<PAGE>
POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANT FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS
The operating results of property and casualty insurers are subject to
significant fluctuation due to a number of factors, including extreme weather
conditions and natural disasters, regulation, competition, judicial trends,
changes in the investment and interest rate environment and general economic
conditions. The Company's operating results may also be affected by changes
in the supply of, and the pricing for, property and casualty insurance and
reinsurance, which historically have been highly cyclical. The
unpredictability of claims experience and competitive nature of the property
and casualty insurance industry has contributed historically to significant
quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year fluctuations in the underwriting results
and net earnings of the Insurance Companies. Because of these and other
factors, historic results of operations may not be indicative of future
operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT DUE TO GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS
All direct premiums written by the Insurance Companies are generated in
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. For the years ended December 31, 1993,
1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, 94%, 94%, 93%
and 93%, respectively, of the Insurance Companies' direct premiums written
were derived from policies written in Pennsylvania. The revenues and
profitability of the Insurance Companies could be significantly affected by
legal and judicial trends and prevailing economic, regulatory, demographic
and other conditions in Pennsylvania as well as the impact of catastrophe and
natural peril losses in that state. See "-- Catastrophe and Natural Peril
Losses."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE OR INADEQUATE IMPACT OF ACQUISITION STRATEGY
The Company intends to pursue a strategy of growth through acquisition of
other insurance companies. The success of the Company's growth strategy will
depend largely upon its ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates
and effect acquisitions at a reasonable cost. No assurance can be given that
the Company will be successful in doing so. Moreover, this growth strategy
may present special risks, such as the risk that the Insurance Company will
not efficiently integrate an acquisition with present operations, the risk of
dilution of book value and earnings per share of the Company's Common Stock
as a result of an acquisition, the risk that the Company and the Insurance
Companies will not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel needed
for expanded operations, and the risk that internal monitoring and control
systems may prove inadequate. Purchasers of Common Stock should also be aware
that the Company, in many instances, may be able to make an acquisition
without any requirement under law or Nasdaq listing rules to seek shareholder
approval of the acquisition.
In January 1997, the Company expects to acquire 80% of the capital stock
of First Delaware Insurance Company for an acquisition price of approximately
$4.8 million. However, the Company has not yet executed a definitive
acquisition agreement with respect to such acquisition and there can be no
assurance that such acquisition can be consummated on the terms or within the
time frame currently contemplated. See "The Company -- First Delaware
Insurance Company Acquisition."
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE NATURE OF INSURANCE INDUSTRY
The property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive.
Competition is based on many factors, including perceived financial strength
of the insurer, premiums charged, policy terms and conditions, service,
reputation and experience. The Insurance Companies compete with stock
insurance companies, mutual companies, local cooperatives and other
underwriting organizations. Certain of these competitors have substantially
greater financial, technical and operating resources than the Insurance
Companies. Many of the lines of insurance written by the Insurance Companies
are subject to significant price competition. Some companies may offer
insurance at lower premium rates through the use of salaried personnel,
rather than the use of agents paid on a commission basis as the Insurance
Companies do, or other methods. See "Business -- Competition."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF CHANGE IN A.M. BEST RATING
Ratings assigned by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") are an important
factor influencing the competitive position of insurance companies. A.M. Best
ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders
17
<PAGE>
and are not directed toward the protection of investors. As such, the
Company's A.M. Best rating should not be relied upon as a basis for an
investment decision to purchase Common Stock hereunder. A.M. Best affirmed an
"A-" (Excellent) rating (its fourth highest out of 15 rating categories) for
the Group in February 1996 based on year-end 1995 financial data. The
Insurance Companies had $3.7 million of net catastrophe losses directly
attributable to severe winter weather for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1996. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Group
will be able to maintain its current rating. The Insurance Companies believe
that their business is sensitive to ratings and that a rating downgrade may
affect their ability to underwrite new business. As a result, if the Group
were to experience a rating downgrade, the Company's business and results of
operations could be materially adversely affected. See "Business -- A.M. Best
Rating."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF REGULATORY CHANGES
The Insurance Companies are subject to substantial regulation by
government agencies in the states in which they do business. Such regulation
usually includes (i) regulating premium rates, policy forms, and lines of
business, (ii) setting minimum capital and surplus requirements, (iii)
imposing guaranty fund assessments and requiring residual market
participation, (iv) licensing companies and agents, (v) approving accounting
methods and methods of setting loss and expense reserves, (vi) setting
requirements for and limiting the types and amounts of investments, (vii)
establishing requirements for the filing of annual statements and other
financial reports, (viii) conducting periodic statutory examinations of the
affairs of insurance companies, (ix) approving proposed changes in control,
(x) limiting the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior
regulatory approval, (xi) regulating transactions with affiliates, and (xii)
regulating trade practices and market conduct. Such regulation and
supervision are primarily for the benefit and protection of policyholders and
not for the benefit of investors. The insurance regulatory structure has been
subject to increased scrutiny in recent years by federal and state
legislative bodies and state regulatory authorities.
In 1990, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the "NAIC")
began an accreditation program to ensure that states have adequate procedures
in place for effective insurance regulation, especially with respect to
financial solvency. The accreditation program requires that a state meet
specific minimum standards in over 5 regulatory areas to be considered for
accreditation. The accreditation program is an ongoing process and once
accredited, a state must enact any new or modified standards approved by the
NAIC within two years following adoption. As of September 30, 1996,
Pennsylvania, the state in which the Insurance Companies are domiciled, was
accredited.
The NAIC has adopted risk-based capital ("RBC") requirements that require
insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based
formula that attempts to measure statutory capital and surplus needs based on
the risks in a company's mix of products and investment portfolio. The
formula is designed to allow state insurance regulators to identify weakly
capitalized companies. The RBC requirements provide for four different levels
of regulatory attention in the event of noncompliance with required capital
levels that range from a requirement to file a corrective plan of action to
mandatory seizure. The Insurance Companies have never failed to exceed the
required levels of capital. There can be no assurance that the capital
requirements applicable to the business of the Insurance Companies will not
increase in the future.
The NAIC has also developed a set of financial ratios, referred to as the
Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS), for use by state insurance
regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. The
NAIC has established an acceptable range of values for each of the IRIS
financial ratios. Generally, an insurance company will become the subject of
increased scrutiny where four or more of its IRIS ratio results fall outside
the range deemed acceptable by the NAIC. During the last three years, each of
the Insurance Companies reported results outside the acceptable range for
certain IRIS tests. See "Business -- Regulation."
No assurance can be given that future legislation or regulatory changes
will not adversely affect the business and results of operations of the
Insurance Companies. See "Business -- Regulation."
Adverse legislative and regulatory activity constraining the Insurance
Companies' ability adequately to price automobile, workers' compensation and
other insurance coverages may occur in the future. In recent years, insurers
in certain states have been under pressure from regulators, legislatures and
special interest groups to reduce, freeze or set rates at levels that may not
correspond with current underlying costs. The Insurance Com-
18
<PAGE>
panies presently do not operate in such states and management of the Company
has no present intent to operate in such states absent favorable prospects
for approval of adequate rates. In addition, as a condition of their license
to do business, the Insurance Companies are required to participate in a
variety of mandatory residual market mechanisms (assigned risk plans and
mandatory pools) that provide certain insurance coverages (most notably
automobile insurance coverages) to consumers who are otherwise unable to
obtain such coverages from private insurers. Losses or assessments from
residual market mechanisms cannot be predicted with certainty and could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of
operations.
DEPENDENCE UPON DIVIDENDS FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES
Because the operations of the Company following the Conversion will be
conducted through its subsidiaries, the Insurance Companies, the Company will
be dependent upon dividends and other payments from the Insurance Companies
for funds to meet its obligations. Pennsylvania law regulates the
distribution of dividends and other payments by the Insurance Companies to
the Company. Such restrictions or any subsequently imposed restrictions may
in the future affect the Company's ability to pay debt, expenses and cash
dividends to its shareholders. See "Dividend Policy" and "Business --
Regulation."
AVAILABILITY AND ADEQUACY OF REINSURANCE
The Insurance Companies' insurance operations rely on the use of
reinsurance arrangements to limit and manage the amount of risk retained, to
stabilize underwriting results and increase underwriting capacity. The
availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market
conditions and may vary significantly over time. No assurance can be given
that reinsurance will continue to be available to the Insurance Companies in
the future at commercially reasonable rates. While the Insurance Companies
seek to obtain reinsurance with coverage limits that they believe are
appropriate for the risk exposures assumed, there can be no assurance that
losses experienced by the Company will be within the coverage limits of the
Insurance Companies' reinsurance treaties and facultative arrangements. The
Insurance Companies also are subject to credit risk with respect to their
reinsurers because the ceding of risk to reinsurers does not relieve the
Insurance Companies of their liability to insureds. The insolvency or
inability of any reinsurer to meet its obligations may have a material
adverse effect on the business and results of operations of the Company. See
"Business -- Reinsurance."
RELIANCE ON EXISTING MANAGEMENT
The operations of the Company and the Insurance Companies to date have
been largely dependent on existing management. The loss to the Company or the
Insurance Companies of one or more of their existing executive officers could
have a material adverse effect on their business and results of operations.
The Company has entered into employment agreements with the executive
officers of the Company and the Insurance Companies. See "Management of the
Company -- Executive Officers," "-- Certain Benefit Plans and Agreements."
MANAGEMENT'S DISCRETION IN ALLOCATION OF PROCEEDS
The Company has received Department approval to exchange $16.0 million of
net proceeds from the Offering for all of the capital stock of Old Guard
Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen to be issued in the Conversion. The
Company will retain the balance of the net proceeds. The net proceeds
retained by the Company will be available for a variety of corporate
purposes, including additional capital contributions, future acquisitions and
diversification of business, and dividends to shareholders. However,
management has discretion in determining the actual manner in which net
proceeds will be applied. The precise use, amounts and timing of the
application of proceeds will depend upon, among other things, the funding
requirements of the Insurance Companies, the availability of other funds, and
the existence of acquisition opportunities. See "Use of Proceeds."
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CONVERSION TO MANAGEMENT AND IMPACT OF PURCHASES BY
MANAGEMENT AND STOCK BENEFIT PLANS
It is currently expected that directors and executive officers of the
Insurance Companies and their associates will subscribe for approximately
50,750 shares of the Common Stock to be issued in the Conversion, or 1.5% at
the midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range, and that the ESOP will
purchase 10% of the shares to
19
<PAGE>
be issued in the Conversion. In addition, following the Conversion, and
subject to shareholder approval, the Company will implement a management
recognition plan (the "MRP"), under which employees and directors would be
awarded (at no cost to them) an aggregate amount of Common Stock equal to 4%
of the shares issued in the Conversion and a stock compensation plan (the
"Compensation Plan"), under which employees and directors would be granted
(at no cost to them) options to purchase an aggregate amount of Common Stock
equal to 10% of the shares issued in the Conversion at an exercise price
equal to the Purchase Price. At the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the
Estimated Valuation Range, assuming all options granted under the
Compensation Plan were exercised and all shares issued pursuant to the
exercise of the options and all shares held by the MRP were newly issued
shares, such persons would receive, in the aggregate, 399,490, 469,980 and
540,484 shares, respectively, or in each case, 12.3% of the then outstanding
Common Stock. In addition to the possible financial benefits under the stock
benefit plans, management could benefit from certain statutory and regulatory
provisions, as well as certain provisions in the Company's Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws, that may tend to promote the continuity of existing
management and discourage certain acquisition proposals.
As a result of the foregoing, management could acquire a substantial
interest in the Company and, if each member of management were to act
consistently with each other, could have significant influence over the
outcome of the election of directors and any shareholder vote, especially
matters requiring the approval of 80% of the Company's outstanding Common
Stock, such as certain business combinations. Management might thus have the
power to authorize actions that may be viewed as contrary to the best
interests of non-affiliated holders of Common Stock and might have
substantial power to block actions that such holders may deem to be in their
best interests. See "Pro Forma Data," "Management -- Certain Benefit Plans
and Agreements," "The Conversion -- Proposed Management Purchases," "Certain
Restrictions on Acquisition of the Company."
DILUTIVE EFFECT OF MRP AND STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has adopted the Compensation Plan and the MRP, both of which
will be subject to shareholder approval at the Company's first annual meeting
of shareholders after the Conversion. Under the MRP, employees and directors
would be awarded, at no cost to them, an aggregate amount of Common Stock
equal to 4% of the shares issued in the Conversion, and under the
Compensation Plan, employees and directors would be granted options to
purchase an aggregate amount of Common Stock equal to 10% of the shares
issued in the Conversion at the Purchase Price. Under the MRP, the shares
issued to directors and employees could be newly issued shares or shares
purchased in the open market. In the event the shares issued to the MRP and
pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the Compensation Plan
consist of newly issued shares of Common Stock, the interests of existing
shareholders would be diluted. See "Pro Forma Data" and "Management --
Certain Benefit Plans and Agreements -- Stock Compensation Plan" and "--
Management Recognition Plan."
RISK OF LEGAL CHALLENGE
To the knowledge of the Insurance Companies, the Conversion is the first
mutual to stock conversion of solvent mutual insurance companies under the
Act. Passage of the Act was supported by the Department. The Act is very
similar to laws enacted in Illinois and Michigan and is based upon federal
legislation governing mutual to stock conversions of savings and loans under
which several hundred conversion transactions have been successfully
completed. The Act eliminates any requirement to distribute surplus to
policyholders and instead authorizes the grant to policyholders of a first
priority right to purchase stock in a converting insurance company. No
significant opposition to the Act or the Conversion has arisen as of the date
hereof. However, under the Act, a legal challenge to the Conversion, which
could be based on procedural grounds or a constitutional challenge to the
Act, can be brought up to thirty (30) days after approval of the Plan by
Eligible Policyholders at the Special Meetings. The Conversion is expected to
close prior to expiration of this 30-day period regardless of whether any
legal challenge is mounted. The Company would vigorously oppose any such
legal challenge. However, if a legal challenge to the Conversion were
initiated, such challenge could have a material adverse effect on the market
price of the Common Stock pending resolution of the challenge and, if the
challenge were successful, there could be a material adverse effect on the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
20
<PAGE>
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, BYLAW AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS THAT COULD
DISCOURAGE HOSTILE ACQUISITIONS OF CONTROL
The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain
provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a non-negotiated tender
or exchange offer for the Common Stock, a proxy contest for control of the
Company, the assumption of control of the Company by a holder of a large
block of Common Stock or the removal of the Company's management, all of
which certain shareholders might deem to be in their best interests. These
provisions include, among other things (i) the classification of the terms of
the members of the Board of Directors, (ii) supermajority provisions for the
approval of certain business combinations and amendment of the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, (iii) elimination of cumulative
voting in the election of directors, and (iv) restrictions on the voting of
the Company's equity securities by any individual, entity or group owning
more than 10% of the Common Stock. The provisions in the Company's Articles
of Incorporation requiring a supermajority vote for the approval of certain
business combinations and containing restrictions on voting of the Company's
equity securities provide that the supermajority voting requirements and
voting restrictions do not apply to business combinations and acquisitions of
voting Common Stock meeting specified Board of Director approval
requirements. The Articles of Incorporation also authorize the issuance of
5,000,000 shares of preferred stock as well as additional shares of Common
Stock. These shares could be issued without shareholder approval on terms or
in circumstances that could deter a future takeover attempt.
In addition, the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law (the "Pennsylvania
BCL") provides for certain restrictions on acquisition of the Company, and
Pennsylvania law contains various restrictions on acquisitions of control of
insurance holding companies.
The Articles of Incorporation, Bylaw and statutory provisions, as well as
certain other provisions of state and federal law, may have the effect of
discouraging or preventing a future takeover attempt not supported by the
Company's Board of Directors in which shareholders of the Company otherwise
might receive a substantial premium for their shares over then-current market
prices. For a detailed discussion of those provisions, see "Management --
Certain Benefit Plans and Agreements," "Certain Restrictions on Acquisition
of the Company," "Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws" and "Description of Capital Stock."
ABSENCE OF PRIOR MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK
The Company has never issued capital stock, and consequently there is no
established market for the Common Stock. The Company has received preliminary
approval to have the Common Stock quoted on the Nasdaq NMS under the symbol
"OGGI," conditioned upon completion of the Conversion. Hopper Soliday, Legg
Mason and McDonald each have advised the Company that, upon completion of the
Conversion, it intends to act as a market maker in the Common Stock, subject
to market conditions and compliance with applicable laws and regulatory
requirements. There can be no assurance that an active and liquid trading
market for the Common Stock will develop or that, if one develops, it will
continue, nor is there any assurance that persons purchasing Common Stock
will be able to sell the Common Stock at or above the Purchase Price. See
"Market for the Common Stock."
21
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
GENERAL
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania in May 1996 for the purpose of serving as a holding company for
the Insurance Companies upon the acquisition of all of their capital stock in
connection with the Conversion. The Company has received approval from the
Department to acquire control of the Insurance Companies subject to
satisfaction of certain conditions. Prior to the Conversion, the Company has
not engaged and will not engage in any significant operations. Upon
completion of the Conversion, the Company's primary assets will be the
outstanding capital stock of the Insurance Companies and a portion of the net
proceeds of the Conversion.
Management believes that the holding company structure will permit the
Company to expand the services beyond those currently offered through the
Insurance Companies, although there are no definitive plans or arrangements
for such expansion at present. As a holding company, the Company will have
greater flexibility to diversify its business activities through existing or
newly formed subsidiaries or through the issuance of capital stock to
facilitate acquisitions or mergers or to obtain additional financing in the
future. See "First Delaware Insurance Company Acquisition" and "New Castle
Insurance Company Investment" below. The portion of the net proceeds from the
sale of Common Stock in the Conversion that the Company will contribute to
the Insurance Companies will substantially increase the Insurance Companies'
surplus which will, in turn, enhance policyholder protection and increase the
amount of funds available to support both current operations and future
growth. After the Conversion, the Company will be classified as a holding
company and will be subject to regulation by the Department.
The Company's executive offices are located at 2929 Lititz Pike,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604, and its main telephone number is (717)
569-5361.
FIRST DELAWARE INSURANCE COMPANY ACQUISITION
Management expects that in January 1997, Old Guard Investment Holding
Company, Inc. ("Old Guard Investment"), a subsidiary of the Insurance
Companies (Old Guard, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen own 79.0%, 15.4% and
5.6% of Old Guard Investment, respectively), will execute an agreement with
First Delaware Insurance Company ("First Delaware"), a Delaware insurance
company, and International Corporation ("IC"), First Delaware's sole
shareholder, pursuant to which Old Guard Investment will acquire 80% of the
capital stock of First Delaware. The acquisition will be made through a
combination of (i) a $3 million cash investment in First Delaware in exchange
for a number of shares of First Delaware common stock equal to $3 million
divided by 1.5 times the GAAP book value per share of First Delaware as of
the month end immediately preceding the closing date and (ii) the purchase
from IC for cash of a number of additional shares of First Delaware, at a
price per share equal to 1.5 times the GAAP book value per share of First
Delaware, such that Old Guard Investment will hold 80% of the stock of First
Delaware after closing. Management estimates that the total acquisition price
will equal approximately $4.8 million. Old Guard Investment expects to
finance the acquisition of the common stock of First Delaware by drawing on
an existing $7.0 million line of credit with Dauphin Deposit Bank and Trust
Company ("Dauphin") which provides for advances for terms not to exceed 60
months, an amortization schedule not to exceed 120 months, monthly payments
and an interest rate equal to either (i) Dauphin's floating base rate, less
1/2% or (ii) a fixed rate offered at Dauphin's sole discretion (the "Line of
Credit").
At closing, which is expected to occur in January 1997, Old Guard
Investment and IC will execute a shareholder agreement that, among other
things, will prohibit IC from transferring its remaining 20% interest in
First Delaware prior to December 31, 2003 to anyone other than Old Guard
Investment or an affiliate of Old Guard Investment. The shareholder agreement
also gives the parties certain "put" and "call" rights prior to December 31,
2003 during specified periods with respect to the remaining 20% of the common
stock of First Delaware held by IC at a purchase price of between 1 and 1.5
times then current GAAP book value per share. The exercise price of the put
or call varies depending upon the time period when the put or call is
exercised and is payable in cash or Common Stock at the election of the party
exercising the put or call right. In addition, after December 30, 1999, IC
can relinquish its put right and extinguish Old Guard Investment's call right
in exchange for a payment from Old Guard Investment to IC of 10% of the put
price.
22
<PAGE>
Upon closing, the First Delaware Board of Directors will consist of up to
five members, three of whom will be elected by Old Guard Investment. David E.
Hosler, the Chairman of the Company, will become Chairman of First Delaware.
First Delaware and Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc. ("CIMI"), a
subsidiary of Old Guard Investment, also will execute a management agreement
pursuant to which CIMI will provide management advice on actuarial services,
reinsurance purchasing, investment management, management information
systems, security custody services, independent accounting/auditing services,
human resource services and employee benefits. In order to retain the
services of the two principals of First Delaware, First Delaware will enter
into employment agreements acceptable to Old Guard Investment with such
principals.
The acquisition of First Delaware furthers the Company's strategic goals
of geographic and product line diversification because First Delaware's
business is principally commercial lines, including surety business in the
Delaware and Maryland markets. The Insurance Companies intend to renew their
current commercial writings in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland
with First Delaware and support a planned expansion of First Delaware into
Virginia. At September 30, 1996, First Delaware had $4.3 million in assets
and $1.8 million in equity. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
First Delaware had direct premiums written of $2.8 million and net income of
$120,000. For the year ended December 31, 1995, First Delaware had direct
premiums written of $3.3 million and net income of $150,000.
Notwithstanding the Company's expectations, no definitive agreement with
respect to such acquisition has yet been executed. Unless and until such
agreement has been executed, there can be no assurance that such acquisition
can be consummated within the time or on the terms presently contemplated.
NEW CASTLE INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTMENT
On December 23, 1996, Old Guard Investment executed an Investment
Agreement with New Castle Mutual Insurance Company ("New Castle"), a Delaware
insurance company that is licensed in Delaware and Pennsylvania and sells
primarily homeowners and other personal property and casualty lines through
independent agents. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Old Guard
Investment, or an affiliate designated by Old Guard Investment, purchased a
$1.0 million convertible surplus note. After the Conversion, Old Guard
Investment, or an affiliate designated by Old Guard Investment, will
purchase, from time to time, up to an additional $3.0 million of convertible
surplus notes based on cancellation of reinsurance or an increase in the
ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus to an amount in excess of
2.9%. The surplus notes will bear interest payable monthly at a floating rate
equal to Dauphin's base rate with a maximum interest rate of 10%. All
principal amounts under the surplus notes will be due at maturity on January
1, 2007. Old Guard Investment expects to finance this investment by drawing
on the Line of Credit. The Investment Agreement contains customary
representations, warranties, covenants and conditions to closing.
The surplus notes will be convertible into common stock of New Castle if,
but only if, New Castle converts from mutual to stock form. The surplus notes
will be convertible into that number of shares of common stock of New Castle
equal to the greater of (i) the principal balance of the surplus notes
divided by (A) the price at which a share of common stock of New Castle is
offered and sold in a mutual to stock conversion of New Castle, if such an
offering is made, or (B) the value assigned to a share of New Castle common
stock distributed to New Castle policyholders in a mutual to stock conversion
of New Castle, if such a distribution is made, or (ii) the number of
authorized shares of common stock of New Castle multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is the principal amount of the surplus notes and the
denominator of which is the statutory surplus of New Castle on the last day
of the month immediately preceding a mutual to stock conversion of New
Castle. New Castle has covenanted to use its best efforts to convert from
mutual to stock form within three years from the date of the initial surplus
note purchase.
New Castle has also agreed that it will reconstitute its board to consist
of seven members with three members nominated for election as proposed by Old
Guard Investment. Subject to election, David E. Hosler will become Chairman
of New Castle. New Castle also will enter into a management contract with
CIMI pursuant to which CIMI will provide advice on actuarial services,
reinsurance purchasing, investment management, security custody services,
independent accounting/auditing services, human resource services and
employee benefits.
23
<PAGE>
The surplus note investment in New Castle furthers the Company's strategic
goal of geographic diversification because New Castle's business is
principally located in the Delaware market. At September 30, 1996, New Castle
had $5.2 million in assets on a statutory basis and $1.6 million in statutory
surplus. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996, New Castle had direct
premiums written of $7.6 million and statutory net loss of $215,000. For the
year ended December 31, 1995, New Castle had direct premiums written of $10.7
million and a statutory net loss of $749,000.
THE INSURANCE COMPANIES
Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen are each Pennsylvania
mutual insurance companies that currently operate as members of the Group.
The Group also includes Neffsville, which is not a party to the Plan. The
Insurance Companies are property and casualty insurers of farms, small and
medium-sized businesses and residents primarily in rural and suburban
communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. The Insurance Companies
market farmowners, homeowners and businessowners policies, as well as
personal and commercial automobile, workers' compensation and commercial
multi-peril coverages through approximately 1,600 independent agents.
The Insurance Companies operate under a reinsurance pooling agreement
pursuant to which all premium revenue, loss and loss adjustment expense are
ceded to Old Guard Mutual and a fixed percentage of those items is retroceded
by Old Guard Mutual to Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen. The allocation of
pooled revenue and expense is determined by the parties and is currently as
follows: Old Guard Mutual - 60%, Old Guard Fire - 29% and Goschenhoppen -
11%. Investment income and investment gains and losses are not pooled. In
addition, Neffsville reinsures 90% of its book of business with Old Guard
Mutual.
Old Guard Mutual. Old Guard Mutual was originally chartered in 1896. At
September 30, 1996, Old Guard Mutual had total assets of $116.1 million
(prior to the elimination of intercompany accounts in consolidation) and
equity of $22.5 million.
Old Guard Fire. Old Guard Fire was originally chartered in 1872. At
September 30, 1996, Old Guard Fire had total assets of $36.1 million (prior
to the elimination of intercompany accounts in consolidation) and equity of
$11.0 million.
Goschenhoppen. Goschenhoppen was originally chartered in 1843. At
September 30, 1996, Goschenhoppen had total assets of $23.4 million (prior to
the elimination of intercompany accounts in consolidation) and equity of $4.1
million.
The Insurance Companies are subject to examination and comprehensive
regulation by the Department. See "Business -- Regulation."
24
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company has received Department approval to exchange $16.0 million of
net proceeds from the Offering for all of the capital stock of Old Guard
Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen to be issued in the Conversion.
Assuming net proceeds (less ESOP debt) of between $22.6 million and $31.2
million, the Company will retain between $8.1 million and $16.7 million after
acquiring the stock of the Insurance Companies.
The net proceeds retained by the Company will be available for a variety
of corporate purposes, including additional capital contributions, future
acquisitions and diversification of business and dividends to shareholders.
The Company expects to use approximately $5.8 million of the net proceeds to
repay Dauphin under the Line of Credit to be used by Old Guard Investment in
connection with the acquisition of First Delaware and the investment in New
Castle. In the event that the First Delaware acquisition is not completed,
those proceeds will be added to the Company's working capital. With the
exception of dividends and the pending acquisition of First Delaware and the
investment in New Castle, the Company currently has no specific plans,
arrangements or understandings regarding any of the foregoing activities. See
"Dividend Policy," "The Company -- Acquisition of First Delaware Insurance
Company" and -- Investment in New Castle Mutual Insurance Company."
The net proceeds used to effect the exchange of the stock of the Insurance
Companies will become part of their capital, thereby expanding underwriting
capacity and permitting diversification of their businesses. Any payment of
dividends to the Company will be limited by regulatory restrictions on
capital distributions by the Insurance Companies. See "Business --
Regulation."
The amount of proceeds from the sale of Common Stock in the Offering will
depend upon the total number of shares actually sold, the relative
percentages of Common Stock sold in the Subscription, Community and Public
Offerings and the actual expenses of the Conversion. As a result, the net
proceeds from the sale of Common Stock cannot be determined until the
Conversion is completed. Set forth below are the estimated net proceeds to
the Company, assuming the sale of Common Stock at the minimum, midpoint and
maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range, based upon the following
assumptions: (i) shares of Common Stock will be sold as follows: (a) 50% of
the shares will be sold in the Subscription and Community Offerings of which
(1) 38.5% of the shares will be sold to policyholders and the community with
respect to which the Company will pay a 3% commission to Hopper Soliday and
(2) 11.5% of the shares will be sold to the ESOP and directors, officers and
employees with respect to which no commission will be paid to Hopper Soliday,
and (b) 50% of the shares will be sold in the Public Offering with respect to
which the Underwriters will receive an underwriting discount of 6.5%; (ii)
the purchase of the shares sold to the ESOP will be financed with the
proceeds of a loan; and (iii) other Conversion expenses, not including sales
commissions, will be approximately $1.5 million. The foregoing assumptions
regarding estimated purchases in the Subscription, Community and Public
Offerings are illustrative only and are not based on comparable transactions.
The Company is not aware of any recent comparable transactions. Actual
expenses may vary from those estimated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Minimum of Midpoint of Maximum of
2,853,500 3,357,000 3,860,600
shares at shares at shares at
$10.00 $10.00 $10.00
per share per share per share
------------ ------------- ------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross proceeds of Offering(1) ................. $28,535 $33,570 $38,606
Less estimated expenses, including
underwriting fees ........................ 3,107 3,329 3,551
------------ ------------- ------------
Estimated net proceeds ........................ 25,428 30,241 35,055
Less ESOP debt .............................. 2,854 3,357 3,861
------------ ------------- ------------
Estimated net proceeds less ESOP debt ....... $22,574 $26,884 $31,194
============ ============= ============
</TABLE>
(1) Does not include the conversion of the American Re Surplus Note because
such conversion results only in the conversion of debt to equity but no
additional proceeds.
25
<PAGE>
DIVIDEND POLICY
Payment of dividends on the Common Stock is subject to determination and
declaration by the Company's Board of Directors. Any dividend policy of the
Company will depend upon the financial condition, results of operations and
future prospects of the Company. At present, the Company intends to pay an
annual dividend of $.10 per share. However, there can be no assurance that
dividends will be paid or, if paid initially, that they will continue to be
paid in the future. In addition, because the Company initially will have no
significant source of income other than dividends from the Insurance
Companies and earnings from investment of the net proceeds of the Conversion
retained by the Company, the payment of dividends by the Company will depend
significantly upon receipt of dividends from the Insurance Companies, which
is subject to significant regulatory restrictions. See "Business --
Regulation."
Unlike the Insurance Companies, the Company is not subject to regulatory
restrictions on the payment of dividends to shareholders. The Company is
subject to the requirements of the Pennsylvania BCL, which generally permits
dividends or distributions to be paid as long as, after making the dividend
or distribution, the Company will be able to pay its debts in the ordinary
course of business and the Company's total assets will exceed its total
liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential
rights upon dissolution of holders of stock with senior liquidation rights if
the Company were to be dissolved at the time the dividend or distribution is
paid.
MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK
The Company has never issued any capital stock. Consequently, there is no
established market for the Common Stock. The Common Stock has been approved
for quotation on the Nasdaq NMS under the symbol "OGGI" upon completion of
the Conversion.
Hopper Soliday, Legg Mason and McDonald each have advised the Company
that, upon completion of the Conversion, it intends to act as a market maker
in the Common Stock, subject to market conditions and compliance with
applicable laws and regulatory requirements. The development of a public
market having the desirable characteristics of depth, liquidity and
orderliness, however, depends upon the presence in the marketplace of a
sufficient number of willing buyers and sellers at any given time, over which
neither the Company nor any market maker has any control. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that an established and liquid market for the Common
Stock will develop, or if one develops, that it will continue. Furthermore,
there can be no assurance that purchasers will be able to resell their shares
of Common Stock at or above the Purchase Price after the Conversion.
26
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth information regarding the combined
historical capitalization of the Insurance Companies at September 30, 1996
and the pro forma consolidated capitalization of the Company giving effect to
the sale of Common Stock at the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the
Estimated Valuation Range based upon the assumptions set forth under "Use of
Proceeds." For additional financial information regarding the Insurance
Companies, see the Combined Financial Statements and related Notes appearing
elsewhere herein. Depending on market and financial conditions, the total
number of shares to be issued in the Conversion may be significantly
increased or decreased above or below the midpoint of the Estimated Valuation
Range. No resolicitation of subscribers and other purchasers will be made
unless the final appraised value of the Insurance Companies is below the
minimum or above the maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range. A change in
the number of shares to be issued in the Conversion may materially affect the
Company's pro forma capitalization. See "Use of Proceeds" and "The Conversion
- -- Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma Consolidated
Capitalization of the Company
Based on the Sale of
----------------------------------------
Historical
Combined
Capitalization
of the
Insurance 2,853,500 3,357,000 3,860,600
Companies at shares at shares at shares at
September 30, $10.00 $10.00 $10.00
1996(1) per share per share per share
------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Long-term ESOP debt(2) ..................... $ -- $ 2,854 $ 3,357 $ 3,861
=========== =========== ===========
Subordinated debt(3) ....................... 1,500 -- -- --
Shareholders' equity(4): ==========
Common stock, no par value per share:
authorized -- 15,000,000 shares;
shares to be outstanding -- as shown(5) -- 26,928 31,741 36,555
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan
compensation .......................... -- (2,854) (3,357) (3,861)
Retained earnings -- substantially
restricted ............................ 36,357 36,357 36,357 36,357
Unrealized gains ......................... 1,312 1,312 1,312 1,312
------------------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity ............... $39,169 $61,743 $66,053 $70,363
=================== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Subsequent to September 30, 1996 and prior to completion of the
Conversion, Old Guard Investment expects to borrow an aggregate of
approximately $5.8 million under the Line of Credit in connection with
the acquisition of First Delaware and the investment in New Castle. See
"The Company -- First Delaware Insurance Company Acquisition" and "-- New
Castle Insurance Company Investment." The Company will repay the amount
borrowed by Old Guard Investment in connection with the New Castle
investment and, if completed, the First Delaware acquisition from
proceeds of the Offering. See "Use of Proceeds."
(2) Assumes that 10% of the shares of Common Stock to be sold in the
Conversion are purchased by the ESOP, and that the funds used to purchase
such shares are borrowed from an unaffiliated lender. Although repayment
of such debt will be secured solely by the shares purchased by the ESOP,
the Company expects to make discretionary contributions to the ESOP in an
amount at least equal to the principal and interest payments on the ESOP
debt. The approximate amount expected to be borrowed by the ESOP is
reflected in this table as borrowed funds. See "Management -- Certain
Benefit Plans and Agreements -- Employee Stock Ownership Plan" and "Pro
Forma Data."
(3) Subordinated debt consists of a surplus note payable by Old Guard Mutual
to American Re. This surplus note will be assigned to the Company in
exchange for 150,000 shares of Common Stock upon completion of the
Conversion.
(4) Pro forma shareholders' equity is not intended to represent the fair
market value of the Common Stock, the net fair market value of the
Company's assets and liabilities or the amounts, if any, that would be
available for distribution to shareholders in the event of liquidation.
Such pro forma data may be materially affected by a change in the number
of shares to be sold in the Conversion and by other factors.
27
<PAGE>
(5) Does not reflect additional shares of Common Stock that could be
purchased pursuant to the Compensation Plan, if implemented, under which
directors, executive officers and other employees of the Company would be
granted options to purchase an aggregate amount of Common Stock equal to
10% of the shares issued in the Conversion (335,700 shares at the
midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range) at an exercise price equal to
the Purchase Price. Implementation of the Compensation Plan requires
shareholder approval. See "Management -- Certain Benefit Plans and
Agreements -- Stock Compensation Plan" and "Investment Considerations --
Dilutive Effect of MRP and Stock Options."
PRO FORMA DATA
The following pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September
30, 1996 gives effect to the Conversion and implementation of the ESOP as if
they had occurred as of September 30, 1996 and assumes that 2,853,500 shares
of Common Stock (the minimum number of such shares required to be sold) are
sold in the Offering and the Public Offering. The following pro forma
condensed combined statements of income for the year ended December 31, 1995
and the nine months ended September 30, 1996 present combined operating
results for the Insurance Companies as if the Conversion and implementation
of the ESOP had occurred as of January 1, 1995. The pro forma financial
statements combine the accounts of Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen. Pursuant to the Plan, each of the Insurance Companies will
convert from a Pennsylvania-chartered mutual insurance company to a
Pennsylvania-chartered stock insurance company and simultaneously issue
shares of its capital stock to the Company in exchange for a portion of the
net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock in the Conversion. The Conversion
will be accounted for as a simultaneous reorganization, recapitalization and
share offering which will not change the historical accounting basis of the
Insurance Companies' financial statements. Completion of the Conversion is
contingent on the sale of a minimum of 2,853,500 shares of Common Stock. If
less than 2,853,500 shares of Common Stock are sold in the Offering, the
remaining shares, up to a maximum of 3,860,600 shares, will be sold in the
Public Offering.
The unaudited pro forma information does not purport to represent what the
Insurance Companies' financial position or results of operations actually
would have been had the Conversion and implementation of the ESOP occurred on
the dates indicated, or to project the Insurance Companies' financial
position or results of operations for any future date or period. The pro
forma adjustments are based on available information and certain assumptions
that the Insurance Companies believe are reasonable in the circumstances. The
unaudited pro forma combined financial information should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying notes thereto, and the other financial
information pertaining to the Insurance Companies included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
The pro forma adjustments and pro forma combined amounts are provided for
information purposes only. The Insurance Companies' financial statements will
reflect the effects of the Conversion and implementation of the ESOP only
from the dates such events occur.
28
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma Pro Forma
Combined Adjustments Combined(5)
------------ ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed income securities, available for sale, at fair
value ............................................... $ 69,786 $25,428 (1) $ 95,214
Preferred stocks, at fair value ........................ 5,100 5,100
Common stocks, at fair value ........................... 6,425 6,425
Other invested assets .................................. 318 318
------------ ------------- -----------
Total investments ...................................... 81,629 25,428 107,057
Cash and cash equivalents ................................ 3,737 3,737
Premiums receivable ...................................... 7,911 7,911
Reinsurance recoverables and unearned premiums ........... 25,659 25,659
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net ................... 5,934 5,834
Accrued investment income ................................ 1,103 1,103
Deferred income taxes, net ............................... 2,371 2,371
Property and equipment, net .............................. 6,164 6,164
Receivable from affiliate ................................ 413 413
Other assets ............................................. 2,717 2,717
------------ ------------- -----------
Total assets ............................................. $137,538 $25,428 $162,966
============ ============= ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses ........ $ 56,799 $ 56,799
Unearned premiums ...................................... 35,774 35,774
Accrued expenses ....................................... 2,203 2,203
Subordinated debt ...................................... 1,500 $(1,500)(2) 0
Other liabilities ...................................... 3,593 2,854 (3) 6,447
------------ ------------- -----------
Total liabilities ...................................... 99,869 1,354 100,223
------------ ------------- -----------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock ........................................... 26,928 (4) 26,928
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan compensation .... (2,854)(3) (2,854)
Retained earnings ...................................... 36,357 36,357
Unrealized capital gains (losses) on securities, net of
deferred income taxes ............................... 1,312 1,312
------------ ------------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity ............................. 37,669 24,074 61,743
------------ ------------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ............... $137,538 $23,428 $162,966
============ ============= ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet
29
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(1) The pro forma adjustment to reflect the Conversion is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Issuance of 2,853,500 shares at $10/share $28,535
Estimated conversion expenses .................................. (3,107)
---------
Net proceeds from conversion ................................... $25,428
=========
</TABLE>
(2) Pro forma adjustment to effect the conversion of a $1,500 surplus note by
American Re into 150,000 shares of Common Stock at $10.00 per share.
(3) Upon completion of the Conversion, the Company will implement an ESOP for
the benefit of participating employees. The ESOP will borrow funds from
an unaffiliated lender in an amount sufficient to purchase 10% of the
Common Stock issued upon Conversion or $2,854. The ESOP loan is assumed
to bear interest at 8% per year and require monthly payments of
approximately $35 for a term of ten years. The ESOP will be accounted for
in accordance with Statement of Position 93-6, "Employers' Accounting for
Employee Stock Ownership Plans" issued by the Accounting Standards
Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accounts. Accordingly, the Company will report the loan to the ESOP as a
liability on the Company's combined balance sheet with a corresponding
charge to unearned ESOP compensation, a contra-equity account.
(4) The effect of adjustments (1) and (2).
(5) The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet, as prepared, gives effect
to the sale of Common Stock at the minimum of the Estimated Valuation
Range based upon the assumptions set forth under "Use of Proceeds." The
following table provides a comparison between the sale of Common Stock at
the minimum and maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Minimum Maximum
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
Net proceeds from Conversion ............... $25,428 $35,055
Conversion of American-Re Subordinated debt $ 1,500 $ 1,500
ESOP loan .................................. $ 2,854 $ 3,861
</TABLE>
30
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma Pro Forma
Combined Adjustments Combined(5)
------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Net premiums earned ............................ $66,663 $ 66,663
Investment income, net of expenses ............. 4,458 4,458
Net realized investment gains .................. 1,011 1,011
Other revenue .................................. 274 274
------------ ------------- -------------
Total revenue .................................. 72,406 0 72,406
------------ ------------- -------------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ............ 50,509 50,509
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs ....................................... 17,611 17,611
Operating expenses ............................. 5,655 194 (1) 5,849
Interest expense ............................... 222 (2) 222
------------ ------------- -------------
Total expenses ................................. 73,775 416 74,191
------------ ------------- -------------
Loss before income tax benefit ................... (1,369) (416) (1,785)
Income tax benefit ............................... (685) (141)(3) (826)
------------ ------------- -------------
Net loss ......................................... $ (684) $(275) $ (959)
============ ============= =============
Earnings per share data:
Net income (loss) per share of common stock .... $ (0.35)
=============
Weighted average number of shares of common
stock outstanding ........................... 2,727,850(4)
=============
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income.
31
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma Pro Forma
Combined Adjustments Combined(5)
------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Net premiums earned ........................... $39,705 $ 39,705
Investment income, net of expenses ............ 3,434 3,434
Net realized investment gains ................. 1,328 1,328
Other revenue ................................. 484 484
------------ ------------- -------------
Total revenue ................................. 44,951 0 44,951
------------ ------------- -------------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ........... 34,548 34,548
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs ...................................... 9,079 9,079
Operating expenses ............................ 5,330 156 (1) 5,486
Interest expense .............................. 157 (2) 157
------------ ------------- -------------
Total expenses ................................ 48,957 313 49,270
------------ ------------- -------------
Loss before income tax benefit ................ (4,006) (313) (4,319)
Income tax benefit ............................ (1,458) (106)(3) (1,564)
------------ ------------- -------------
Net loss ...................................... $(2,548) $(207) $ (2,755)
============ ============= =============
Earnings per share data:
Net income (loss) per share of common stock ... $ (1.00)
=============
Weighted average number of shares of common
stock outstanding .......................... 2,745,350(4)
=============
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income
32
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(1) Pro forma adjustment to recognize compensation expense under ESOP for
shares committed to be released to participants as the ESOP loan is
repaid.
(2) Pro forma adjustment to recognize interest expense under the $2,854 ESOP
Loan at the assumed rate of 8% for 10 years (approximately $35 monthly).
(3) Adjustment to reflect the federal income tax effects of (1) and (2)
above.
(4) Calculation of weighted average number of shares outstanding:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Shares Less: Encumbered Shares
Issued ESOP Shares Outstanding
-------------- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
January 1, 1995 ..... 3,003,500 (285,350) 2,718,150
ESOP shares released . 19,400 19,400
-------------- ---------------- -------------
December 31, 1995 ... 3,003,500 (265,950) 2,737,550
ESOP shares released . 15,600 15,600
-------------- ---------------- -------------
September 30, 1996 .. 3,003,500 (250,350) 2,753,150
============== ================ =============
</TABLE>
ESOP shares are released evenly throughout each of the periods and
therefore the weighted average number of shares outstanding is determined by
adding beginning of period and end of period shares outstanding and dividing
by two.
(5) The unaudited pro forma combined statements of income, as prepared, give
effect to the sale of Common Stock at the minimum of the Estimated
Valuation Range based upon the assumptions set forth under "Use of
Proceeds." The following table provides a comparison between the sale of
Common Stock at the minimum and maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, 1995 September 30, 1996
-------------------------- -------------------------
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Compensation expense ............................ $194 $ 263 $ 156 $ 211
Interest expense ................................ $222 $ 299 $ 157 $ 211
Net income (loss) ............................... ($959) ($1,055) ($2,755) ($2,827)
Net income (loss) per share of Common Stock ..... ($0.35) ($0.29) ($1.00) ($0.77)
Weighted average number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding .................................... 2,727,850 3,637,690 2,745,350 3,661,390
</TABLE>
33
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company has only recently been formed and, accordingly, has no results
of operations. As a result, this discussion relates to the Insurance
Companies.
This analysis of the Insurance Companies' combined financial condition and
results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Insurance
Companies' Combined Financial Statements and the other financial data
regarding the Insurance Companies found elsewhere in this Prospectus. The
discussion covers the Insurance Companies' combined financial condition and
results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September
30, 1996 and September 30, 1995 and for the three years ended December 31,
1995. The Insurance Companies' fiscal years end on December 31, and reference
herein to a particular year means, unless otherwise stated, the fiscal year
ended on December 31 of that year.
NINE MONTHS AND THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO NINE
MONTHS AND THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
Premiums. Direct premiums written increased 4.9% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996, compared to the same period in 1995. Personal automobile,
commercial auto and workers' compensation all increased in excess of 11.0%
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to the corresponding
period in 1995, while all other lines were either relatively stable or
declined slightly from period to period. The continuing focus on liability
business is intended to balance the overall book of business between property
and liability exposures. The relatively stable premium volume in other lines
is attributable to premium rate increases that were offset by policyholders
replacing coverage with lower cost providers. The farmowners line also
increased, by 5.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 due to
premium rate increases and reacquiring business lost due to pricing
competition in 1994 and 1995. Personal automobile now represents 22.1% of the
total book of business, up from 20.8% at September 30, 1995, while homeowners
is down slightly to 26.2%.
Direct premiums written increased 7.5% for the three months ended
September 30, 1996 compared to the same period in 1995. Farmowners,
commercial multi-peril, personal automobile, commercial auto and workers'
compensation all increased in excess of 7.0% during the three months ended
September 30, 1996 compared to the corresponding period in 1995. All other
lines were either relatively stable or declined slightly from period to
period.
Written Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $18.2 million to $27.9
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to the nine
months ended September 30, 1995. The increase in premiums ceded was directly
attributable to the effects of instituting a quota share reinsurance treaty
between the Insurance Companies and American Re effective January 1, 1996.
Under the treaty, the Insurance Companies cede 20% of all premium revenue,
after all other reinsurance ceded, in exchange for American Re assuming 20%
of all losses and loss adjustment expense. The Insurance Companies receive a
35% ceding commission under the treaty. Ceded premiums written and ceded
premiums earned under the treaty amounted to $16.9 million and $10.1 million,
respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. This reinsurance
treaty is designed to lessen the potential financial impact of catastrophic
or severe weather-related losses and has had, and will continue to have, a
material effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the
Insurance Companies.
Written premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $4.2 million, or 131.9% for
the three months ended September 30, 1996 compared to the three months ended
September 30, 1995. The increase in premiums ceded was directly attributable
to the quota share reinsurance treaty. Ceded premiums written and ceded
premiums earned under the treaty amounted to $3.7 million and $3.9 million,
respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 1996.
Net premiums written decreased $15.3 million, or 30.5%, for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 to $34.8 million from $50.1 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1995. For the same comparative
34
<PAGE>
periods, net premiums earned decreased $8.8 million, or 18.1%, to $39.7
million from $48.5 million. The decreases in net premiums written and net
premiums earned were directly attributable to the effects of instituting the
quota share reinsurance treaty between the Insurance Companies and
American-Re.
Net premiums written decreased $2.3 million, or 14.0% for the three months
ended September 30, 1996, to $14.5 million from $16.8 million for the three
months ended September 30, 1995. For the same comparative periods, net
premiums earned decreased $2.8 million, or 17.4% to 13.4 million from $16.2
million. The decreases in net premiums written and net premiums earned were
directly attributable to the effects of instituting the quota share
reinsurance treaty between the Insurance Companies and American-Re.
Net Investment Income. Cash and invested assets decreased $13.0 million,
or 13.2%, to $85.4 million as of September 30, 1996 compared to $98.4 million
as of September 30, 1995. The yield on the average cash and invested assets
remained stable at 4.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and
1995. Although the September 30, 1996 cash and invested asset balance
declined substantially in comparison to September 30, 1995, the average cash
and invested balance for each of the nine month periods remained relatively
level. The level average invested asset balance and stable yields resulted in
less than a 1.0% increase in net investment income to $3.4 million for the
nine month period ended September 30, 1996. Additionally, interest income of
$53,000 in 1996 was generated from funds advanced to Neffsville. These
advances were necessary due to the abnormal claim activity and the method of
billing premiums employed by Neffsville.
Net investment income of $1.05 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1996 was $48,000 less than the comparable period in 1995. The
decrease was attributable to the significant cash outflows experienced during
the third quarter of 1996. These outflows included settlement of the quota
share cessions from the first quarter, repayment of $750,000 of principal on
the American Re Surplus Note and continuing settlement of winter storm
claims. Cash and invested assets were down by $13.0 million compared to
September 30, 1995.
Net Realized Investment Gains. Net realized investment gains were $1.3
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to $650,000 for
the same period in 1995. The adverse claims experience of the first half of
1996 placed a severe burden on the Insurance Companies' cash flow and,
accordingly, certain investments in bonds and preferred stocks were
liquidated to meet cash needs. In addition, certain investment portfolio
restructurings took place during the first nine months of 1996. Interest rate
and general economic conditions in 1996 also created capital gains
opportunities. For the three months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 net
realized investment gains were at comparable levels.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses
increased by $657,000, or 1.9%, to $34.5 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 from $33.9 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1995. Net losses and loss adjustment expenses increased during 1996 due to
substantial numbers of insurance claims arising out of abnormally severe
winter storms during January 1996. Net catastrophic losses arising directly
out of these storms amounted to $3.7 million. In addition, non-storm related
losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $7.1 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 compared to the nine months ended September
30, 1995 primarily because of increases in winter, fire and wind related
claims. The magnitude of the difference in non-storm related losses and loss
adjustment expenses between the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the
nine months ended September 30, 1995 was accentuated by exceptionally
favorable experience during the first nine months of 1995. These net losses
and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
totalling $10.8 million, were reduced by implementation of the 20% quota
share reinsurance treaty effective January 1, 1996 pursuant to which the
Insurance Companies ceded $9.0 million of losses and loss adjustment expenses
during the nine months ended September 30, 1996. Also, the Insurance
Companies recovered reinsurance of $2.5 million from their aggregate excess
of loss reinsurer. Loss and loss adjustment expenses were 87.0% of net
premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, compared to
69.8% of net premiums earned in the same period in 1995.
For the three months ended September 30, 1996 net losses and loss
adjustment expenses were $8.9 million. This represents a decrease of $2.1
million or 19.5% compared to net losses and loss adjustment expenses for the
three months ended September 30, 1995. This decrease is attributable to the
quota share reinsurance treaty which
35
<PAGE>
reduced losses by $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1996.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses were 66.4% of net premiums earned for the
three months ended September 30, 1996 compared to 68.2% of net earned
premiums earned for the same period in 1995.
Underwriting Expenses. Underwriting expenses were $14.2 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996, a decrease of $3.5 million, or 20.0%,
compared to the same period in 1995. The reduction is primarily due to a $3.7
million reduction in amortization of policy acquisition costs arising out of
the implementation of the quota share reinsurance treaty offset by a $185,000
increase in operating expenses. Expenses for the three months ended September
30, 1996 were $500,000 lower than the comparable period in 1995 for the
reasons stated above.
Other Expenses. A nonrecurring expense incurred in the first nine months
of 1996 was the writeoff of a $250,000 surplus note investment in an
unaffiliated Missouri insurance company whose surplus is impaired. Old Guard
Mutual had an agreement to acquire this company but the agreement was
terminated by Old Guard Mutual because of a deterioration in the financial
condition of that company. See Note 15 to the Combined Financial Statements.
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit). The federal income tax benefit for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996, was $1.5 million compared to an
expense of $252,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995. The
decrease in the Insurance Companies' effective federal income tax rate was
attributable to the loss for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. For
the comparable three month periods federal income tax expense was consistent
with operating results.
Net Income. The Insurance Companies had a net loss of $2.5 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to net income of $916,000 for
the nine months ended September 30, 1995, primarily as a result of the
foregoing factors. Net income for the third quarter was $400,000 for both
1996 and 1995.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
Premiums. The Insurance Companies experienced a slight increase in direct
premiums written in 1995 of $102,000 that was concentrated in personal
automobile, which grew 5.5%, and homeowners, which grew 3.2%. Farmowners and
workers' compensation direct premiums declined by 3.6% and 2.4%,
respectively. The increases in personal lines premiums were the result of new
business as well as modest rate increases. Farmowners writings declined due
to competitive rate pressures and workers' compensation writings declined due
to rate decreases arising out of improvements in loss experience attributable
to legislative initiatives in 1993.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers decreased $1.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995 compared to the year ended December 31, 1994. The decrease
in premiums ceded in 1995 arose from: (i) a $1.5 million reduction in
catastrophe reinsurance premiums due primarily to charges in 1994 for
reinstatements of coverage as well as a mid-term placement of an additional
cover in 1994, both of which arose directly as a result of 1994 winter storm
events, and (ii) a redetermination of the expected ultimate premium rate for
retrospectively rated casualty excess of loss reinsurance coverage. This
result was offset slightly by an increase in certain pro rata cessions on
farmowners business due to revisions in the manner in which such business is
classified for reinsurance coverage purposes.
Net premiums written increased $1.5 million, or 2.2%, for the year ended
December 31, 1995 to $67.1 million from $65.6 million in 1995. For the same
comparative periods, net premiums earned increased by $3.2 million, or 5.2%,
to $66.7 million from $63.5 million. The increase in net premiums earned was
the result of the previously discussed increase in direct premiums written,
the decrease in premiums ceded to reinsurers and an increase in the change in
unearned premiums of $1.7 million.
Net Investment Income. Cash and invested assets increased $10.3 million,
or 11.4%, to $100.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 from $90.2
million for the year ended December 31, 1994. For the year ended December 31,
1995, the yield on invested assets was 4.7% compared to 4.1% for the year
ended December 31, 1994. The net result of these changes was that net
investment income increased $526,000, or 15.4%, to $4.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995 from $3.9 million in 1994. Components of the increase
in net investment income arose from an increase in gross income from fixed
income securities of $785,000, or 21.4%,
36
<PAGE>
a decrease in income from the preferred stock portfolio of $431,000 and a
decrease in investment expenses of $101,000. Income from the common stock
portfolio increased $134,000, and income from short-term and other
investments decreased by $63,000 accounting for the balance of the increase
in net investment income.
The increase in income from fixed income securities was attributable to a
shift in the portfolio from collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") to
corporate obligations. The corporate obligations provided slightly higher
yields on a level investment base. The CMOs experienced an increase in the
rate of principal repayment as interest rates fell during 1995 and therefore
became a less attractive utilization of investment capital.
Limited cash flow in 1994 and early 1995, as well as declines in
short-term interest rates, caused short-term investment income to decline by
$74,000 in 1995 as compared to 1994.
The common stock portfolio, comprised primarily of growth stocks,
experienced an increase in dividend income due to the favorable results of
the equities comprising the portfolio. The composition of the portfolio and
general increases in dividend rates provided the Insurance Companies with the
aforementioned increase in investment income from this segment of the
portfolio.
Net Realized Investment Gains. Net realized investment gains were $1.0
million for the year ended December 31, 1995 compared to $476,000 in 1994.
The increase in investment gains occurred as part of the previously discussed
portfolio restructuring; a similar shift in the composition of the portfolio
did not occur in 1994 and far fewer securities were sold.
Underwriting Results. For the year ended December 31, 1995 the Insurance
Companies had an underwriting loss of $7.1 million and a combined ratio of
110.7% compared to an underwriting loss of $5.1 million and a combined ratio
of 108.0% for the year ended December 31, 1994. In both years the
underwriting loss was primarily attributable to severe weather in the
Insurance Companies' territory.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Net losses and loss adjustment
expenses incurred increased by $4.1 million, or 8.8%, to $50.5 million for
the year ended December 31, 1995 from $46.4 million in 1994. Loss and loss
adjustment expenses were 75.8% of net premiums earned for the year ended
December 31, 1995 compared to 73.2% in 1994.
Affecting losses and loss adjustment expenses in both 1995 and 1994 were
several significant weather events that individually resulted in increased
property loss claims. In 1995 a series of localized wind storms produced $3.2
million of net claims. Because none of these events met the definition of a
catastrophe under the Insurance Companies' catastrophe reinsurance programs,
no catastrophe reinsurance recovery was made in 1995. The year 1994 produced
the single most significant claim event in the Insurance Companies' history.
Winter snow and ice storms produced nearly $19.2 million in gross claims.
After recoveries under catastrophe reinsurance programs, the Insurance
Companies incurred $3.1 million of net losses and loss adjustment expenses
from these winter storms. The respective impact of these storms on the loss
ratio was 4.8 percentage points and 4.9 percentage points for 1995 and 1994,
respectively. For the five year period preceding 1994 the Insurance Companies
never had a single event resulting in claims in excess of $2.7 million. The
1996 catastrophe reinsurance retention limit is $3.5 million.
Adjustments to loss reserves are made when analysis shows that reserve
levels were estimated higher or lower than is necessary. Any adjustment to
reserves is reflected as a charge or addition to income in the period in
which it is made. The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses
incurred in 1995 was attributable to the adverse development of prior year
losses and loss adjustment expense reserves of $2.4 million; favorable loss
reserve development occurred in 1994 and reduced losses and loss adjustment
expenses by $5.5 million. The effect of the adverse development in 1995
increased the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio by 3.7 percentage points
while the favorable development in 1994 decreased the ratio by 8.7 percentage
points. On an accident year basis the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
was 72.1% in 1995 and 81.9% in 1994.
Underwriting Expenses. Underwriting expenses increased by $1.2 million, or
5.3%, for the year ended December 31, 1995 to $23.3 million from $22.1
million for 1994. This 5.3% increase in underwriting expenses is attributable
to increased policy acquisition costs and closely parallels the associated
5.2% increase in net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 1995
compared to the year ended December 31, 1994. For the year ended December 31,
1995 the Insurance Companies had an underwriting expense ratio of 34.9%
compared to 34.8% for the year ended December 31, 1994.
37
<PAGE>
Federal Income Tax Expense. Federal income tax expense decreased $152,000,
resulting in a tax benefit of $684,000 in 1995 compared to a $532,000 tax
benefit in 1994. The decrease in federal income tax expense is attributable
to the decrease in taxable income in 1995 compared to 1994 offset by a
decrease in tax exempt income of $644,000 for 1995 compared to 1994.
Net Income. Net income decreased $828,000 to a $684,000 loss in 1995 from
net income of $144,000 in 1994 primarily as a result of the foregoing
factors.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
Premiums. Direct premiums written increased $4.0 million, or 5.3% for the
year ended December 31, 1994 to $78.8 million from $74.8 million for the year
ended December 31, 1993. This increase in direct premiums written was
concentrated in personal lines of business as homeowners and automobile
writings increased in 1994 by 7.6% and 19.1%, respectively. These increases
were the result of new business, as well as modest rate increases. The
workers' compensation line of business experienced an 11.9% decline in direct
premiums written in 1994 due primarily to legislative action in Pennsylvania
that required a roll back in premium rates. These roll backs were deemed
appropriate due to corresponding legislation intended to assist in
controlling insurers' costs associated with workers' compensation claims.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $1.7 million in 1994. This increase
in premiums ceded arose primarily due to an increase in the Insurance
Companies' catastrophe reinsurance premiums in 1994 arising out of
reinstatement charges that were required to be paid and management's decision
to purchase additional mid-year coverages. The additional premiums were the
result of severe winter weather in early 1994 that resulted in substantial
claim activity and ultimately in recoveries of losses under the catastrophe
reinsurance program.
Net premiums written increased $2.2 million, or 3.5%, for the year ended
December 31, 1994 to $65.6 million from $63.4 million in 1993. For the same
comparative periods, net premiums earned increased $2.5 million, or 4.1%, to
$63.5 million from $61.0 million. The increase in net premiums earned was
comprised of the $4.0 million increase in direct premiums written and an
increase in the change in unearned premiums of $200,000, offset by a $1.7
million increase in premiums ceded to reinsurers. The increase in net
unearned premiums arose from the increase in direct writings as well as the
restructuring of the Goschenhoppen reinsurance program from a pro rata
program to an excess of loss program.
Net Investment Income. Cash and invested assets decreased $9.5 million, or
9.5%, to $90.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1994 from $99.7
million for the year ended December 31, 1993. Although the 1994 year end
balance in cash and invested assets declined significantly, the average cash
and invested assets balance and the yield on cash and invested assets for
1994 of $94.9 million and 4.1%, respectively, were substantially unchanged
compared to 1993. The net result of these changes was that net investment
income was essentially flat, totaling $3.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1993. This was primarily due to demands on cash flow
associated with the severe winter in 1994 that did not permit the Insurance
Companies to significantly add to the average balance of investment
securities. Changes did occur, however, in the components of net investment
income. Investment income from investments in fixed income securities, cash
and cash equivalents and other investments increased $150,000 or 3.7% and
investment expenses decreased $11,000, or 0.8%, in 1994, while investment
income from investments in preferred and common stock decreased $157,000, or
12.2%, from 1993 to 1994. The shift in the mix of securities comprising the
portfolio resulted in the aforementioned shift in the composition of
investment income. During 1994, preferred stocks were de-emphasized and the
focus shifted to U.S. Government and corporate bonds. The primary motivation
for this shift arose from income tax considerations.
Net Realized Investment Gains. Net realized investment gains were $476,000
for the year ended December 31, 1994 compared to $1.8 million in 1993, a
decline of $1.3 million or 72.2%. The decrease in net realized investment
gains was attributable to a marked decline in the sale of available-for-sale
securities in 1994 compared to 1993 because sales in 1994 would have
generated losses due to higher interest rates during the period.
Underwriting Results. For the year ended December 31, 1994 the Insurance
Companies had an underwriting loss of $5.1 million and a combined ratio of
108.0% compared to an underwriting loss of $2.2 million and a combined ratio
of 103.5% for the year ended December 31, 1993.
38
<PAGE>
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses
increased $4.3 million, or 10.0%, to $46.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1994 from $42.2 million in 1993. Losses and loss adjustment
expenses were 73.2% of premium revenue for the year ended December 31, 1994
compared to 69.1% for 1993. The majority of the aforementioned increase was
attributable to severe winter weather in early 1994. Snow, ice and water
damage claims produced record levels of loss activity. After recovery from
catastrophe reinsurers the net increase in losses and loss adjustment
expenses was $3.1 million, or 4.9%, of net premiums earned in 1994.
Underwriting Expenses. Underwriting expenses increased $1.1 million, or
5.2%, to $22.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1994 from $21.0
million in 1993. This 5.2% increase in underwriting expenses reflected an
increase in policy acquisition costs associated with the 4.1% increase in net
premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 1994 compared to the year
ended December 31, 1993 as well as additional costs attributable to the
restructuring of Goschenhoppen's reinsurance program in 1994. For 1994, the
underwriting expense ratio was 34.8% compared to an underwriting expense
ratio of 34.4% in 1993.
Federal Income Tax Expense. The Insurance Companies received a $533,000
federal income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 1994 compared to
income tax expense of $383,000 for 1993. The decrease in federal income tax
expense in 1994 was attributable to the decrease in net income offset by a
reduction in tax exempt income of $1.2 million from amounts earned in 1993.
Net Income. The Insurance Companies had net income of $144,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1994 compared to net income of $3.4 million in 1993,
primarily as a result of the foregoing factors.
EFFECT OF PENDING TRANSACTIONS ON THE COMPANY'S FUTURE FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The future financial condition and results of operations of the Company
will be affected by the Conversion and related transactions, the acquisition
of First Delaware and the investment in New Castle.
The Conversion. Upon completion of the Conversion, the Company's capital
will increase by between $24.1 million and $32.7 million, an increase of
approximately 63.9% to 86.8% over the combined capital of the Insurance
Companies at September 30, 1996. See "Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization" and
"Pro Form Data." This increased capitalization should permit the Company to
(i) further its business strategy of geographic diversification through
acquisitions, including the use of capital stock to effect such acquisitions,
(ii) increase direct premium volume to the extent competitive conditions
permit, (iii) increase net premium volume by decreasing the use of
reinsurance, and (iv) enhance investment income.
The Conversion will be accounted for as a simultaneous reorganization,
recapitalization and share offering which will not change the historical
accounting basis of the Insurance Companies' financial statements.
In connection with the Conversion, the ESOP intends to finance the
purchase of 10% of the Common Stock with a loan and the Company will make
annual contributions to the ESOP sufficient to repay the loan which the
Company estimates will total between $2.9 million and $3.9 million on a
pre-tax basis.
Acquisition of First Delaware. Old Guard Investment expects to acquire 80%
of the common stock of First Delaware through the purchase of shares directly
from First Delaware for $3.0 million and the purchase of additional shares
from the sole shareholder of First Delaware for approximately $1.8 million
for an aggregate investment of $4.8 million.
Old Guard Investment will finance this acquisition by drawing on the Line
of Credit which will be repaid from the proceeds of the Offering and the
Public Offering. Accordingly, the Company does not expect the acquisition
will have any future material impact on liquidity.
Although the acquisition of First Delaware is not a material transaction
to the Company on a consolidated basis, the Company believes that it
represents an important step in its strategic plan to grow and diversify
geographically through acquisitions. In addition, substantially all of First
Delaware's book of business is in commercial lines, including businessowners
and commercial multi-peril products and surety products, which are
distributed through independent agents. This furthers the Company's goal of
achieving a greater balance between personal and commercial lines. The $3.0
million infusion of additional capital also should permit First Delaware
39
<PAGE>
to increase writings. Finally, underwriting results for First Delaware have
been good. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996, First Delaware had a
combined ratio of 95.8% on net premiums earned of $1.2 million. For the year
ended December 31, 1995, First Delaware had a combined ratio of 90.0% on net
premium earned of $1.4 million. The Company has not yet executed a definitive
acquisition agreement with respect to the acquisition and accordingly there
can be no assurance that such acquisition will be consummated on the terms or
within the time frame currently contemplated.
Investment in New Castle. Old Guard Investment will initially purchase a
$1.0 million convertible surplus note from New Castle and will have a
commitment to purchase an additional $3.0 million of convertible surplus
notes, subject to certain conditions. The initial $1.0 million investment
will be financed by drawing on the Line of Credit which will be repaid with
the proceeds of the Offering and the Public Offering. Initially, because New
Castle will not be consolidated with the Company and no present plan exists
to include New Castle in the Insurance Companies' intercompany pooling
arrangement, the Company does not expect the investment to have any effect on
its financial condition, results of operation or liquidity. If New Castle
elects to convert from mutual to stock form, Old Guard Investment elects to
convert the surplus notes, and such conversion results in the indirect
control of New Castle by the Company, the result would be a material increase
in assets and direct premiums written.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Historically, the principal sources of the Insurance Companies' cash flow
have been premiums, investment income, maturing investments and proceeds from
sales of invested assets. In addition to the need for cash flow to meet
operating expenses, the liquidity requirements of the Insurance Companies
relate primarily to the payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses. The
short- and long-term liquidity requirements of the Insurance Companies vary
because of the uncertainties regarding the settlement dates for liabilities
for unpaid claims and because of the potential for large losses, either
individually or in the aggregate.
The Insurance Companies and their subsidiaries have in place unsecured
lines of credit with local financial institutions under which they may borrow
up to an aggregate of $9.2 million. At September 30, 1996, no amounts were
outstanding on these lines of credit, which has an annual interest rate equal
to the lending institutions' prime rate. Old Guard Investment intends to
borrow $1 million under one of these credit lines to finance its initial
investment in New Castle. See "The Company -- New Castle Insurance Company
Investment." In addition, at September 30, 1996, Old Guard Mutual had a $1.5
million surplus note outstanding. The holder has elected to exchange the $1.5
million balance of the surplus note for 150,000 shares of Common Stock of the
Company upon completion of the Conversion. See "The Conversion -- Surplus
Note."
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $(14.5) million
during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and was $4.9 million, ($2.9)
million and $8.4 million during the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and
1993, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities
during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 was primarily attributable to
the net loss for the period and an increase in reinsurance recoverable. The
increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 1995 was primarily
attributable to the increase in net income and a decrease in reinsurance
recoverable. The increase in net cash used in operating activities in 1994
was primarily attributable to a net operating loss and an increase in
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses during 1994 compared to
1993, offset by an increase in deferred policy acquisition costs.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $9.5 million during the nine
months ended September 30, 1996. Net cash provided by investing activities
was ($3.3) million, $2.2 million, and ($9.5) million during the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The increase in net cash
provided by investing activities during the nine months ended September 30,
1996 primarily resulted from a decrease in the Insurance Companies'
fixed-income securities. The increase in net cash used in investing
activities in 1995 as compared to 1994 resulted primarily from the net
increase in cash available from the Company's operations during 1995. The
increase in net cash provided by investing activities in 1994 as compared to
1993 resulted primarily from the sale of fixed income and equity securities
materially exceeding the purchase of such securities.
In February 1996, Old Guard Investment and American Technologies, Inc., a
California based software lessor, entered into a lease financing agreement in
connection with the acquisition by the Insurance Companies of a new policy
processing software system for approximately $2.5 million. See "Business --
Strategy." The terms
40
<PAGE>
of the lease financing agreement provide for an aggregate lease facility up
to $1.5 million. The implied interest rate under the lease is 9.5%. As of
September 30, 1996, the lease facility was fully utilized. Under the terms of
the lease financing agreement, Old Guard Investment is required to make
payments of approximately $57,000 per month for 24 months.
The principal source of liquidity for the Company will be dividend
payments and other fees received from the Insurance Companies. The Company's
insurance subsidiaries, including the Insurance Companies, will be restricted
by the insurance laws of the state of domicile as to the amount of dividends
or other distributions they may pay to the Company without the prior approval
of the state regulatory authority. Under Pennsylvania law, the maximum amount
that may be paid by each of the Insurance Companies during any twelve-month
period after notice to, but without prior approval of, the Department cannot
exceed the greater of 10% of the Insurance Company's statutory surplus as
reported on the most recent annual statement filed with the Department, or
the net income of the Insurance Company for the period covered by such annual
statement. As of December 31, 1995, amounts available for payment of
dividends in 1996 without the prior approval of the Department would have
been approximately $2.0 million, $879,000 and $494,000 from Old Guard Mutual,
from Old Guard Fire and from Goschenhoppen, respectively. Such restrictions
or any subsequently imposed restrictions may in the future affect the
Company's liquidity.
The ESOP intends to borrow funds from an unaffiliated lender in an amount
sufficient to purchase 10% of the Common Stock issued in the Conversion.
Although the ESOP has not yet received a commitment from a lender with
respect to such a loan, based on preliminary discussions with potential
lenders the Company expects that the loan will bear an 8% interest rate, and
will require the ESOP to make monthly payments of approximately $35,000 for a
term of 10 years. The loan will be secured by the shares of Common Stock
purchased and earnings thereon. Shares purchased with such loan proceeds will
be held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loan
is repaid. The Company expects to contribute sufficient funds to the ESOP to
repay such loan, plus such other amounts as the Company's Board of Directors
may determine in its discretion.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
The effects of inflation on the Insurance Companies are implicitly
considered in estimating reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses, and in the premium rate-making process. The actual effects of
inflation on the Insurance Companies' results of operations cannot be
accurately known until the ultimate settlement of claims. However, based upon
the actual results reported to date, it is management's opinion that the
Insurance Companies' loss reserves, including reserves for losses that have
been incurred but not yet reported, make adequate provision for the effects
of inflation.
41
<PAGE>
BUSINESS
GENERAL
The Company was organized at the direction of the Boards of Directors of
the Insurance Companies for the purpose of becoming a holding company for all
of the outstanding capital stock of the Insurance Companies. Upon Conversion,
the Insurance Companies will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
The Insurance Companies underwrite property and casualty insurance,
concentrating on providing insurance to farms, small to medium-sized
businesses and residents primarily in rural and suburban communities in
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. Pennsylvania accounted for in excess of
93% of the direct premiums written for the nine-month period ended September
30, 1996 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1995. The Insurance Companies market farmowners, homeowners and
businessowners policies, as well as personal and commercial automobile,
workers' compensation and commercial multi-peril coverages through
approximately 1,600 independent agents located primarily in rural and
suburban communities. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurance Companies had
over 139,000 property and casualty policies in force.
Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen have underwritten
property and casualty insurance since 1896, 1872 and 1843, respectively. Old
Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire are licensed to underwrite property and
casualty insurance in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Goschenhoppen is
licensed only in Pennsylvania. At September 30, 1996, the consolidated assets
of the Insurance Companies were $137.5 million.
STRATEGY
The Company's principal strategies for the future are to:
-- Achieve geographic diversification of risk by acquisition of other
insurance companies or licensing of the Insurance Companies in other
jurisdictions with reduced or different loss exposure;
-- Improve the mix of business by increasing commercial writings and
emphasizing casualty coverages in order to enhance profitability and
lessen the impact of property losses on overall results; and
-- Improve efficiency and maintain the high level of personal service
delivered to agents and insureds through continued enhancement of the
Company's management information systems (MIS).
Management has taken steps to implement each of these strategies and views
the Conversion as a critical component of its strategic plan. The additional
capital generated by the Conversion will permit the Insurance Companies to
accelerate implementation of these strategies and the resulting holding
company structure will provide needed flexibility to achieve the Company's
goals.
Geographic Diversification. The Company's goal is to achieve geographic
diversification of risk outside Pennsylvania to areas with reduced or
different catastrophic loss exposure and in which management believes
insurers generally have been permitted to manage risk selection and pricing
without undue regulatory interference. Concentration of property insurance in
Pennsylvania has caused the Insurance Companies to be susceptible to
localized catastrophic events primarily related to severe weather. The
Company expects to accomplish geographic diversification principally through
acquisition but expects also to seek authority for the Insurance Companies to
do business in additional jurisdictions. The acquisition of an 80% interest
in First Delaware, if and when completed, and the investment in New Castle
represent initial steps to diversify geographically. See "The Company --
Acquisition of First Delaware Insurance Company" and "-- Investment in New
Castle Insurance Company."
Upon completion of the Conversion, the Company plans to seek additional
acquisitions outside Pennsylvania. The Company is currently targeting for
acquisitions companies located in jurisdictions adjacent to its current
markets and in the upper Midwest. Completion of the conversion will provide
funds for cash acquisitions and the holding company structure will facilitate
the use of capital stock for acquisitions as well. Insurance companies
acquired may be added to the existing reinsurance pool among the Insurance
Companies.
The determination whether to add acquired companies to the Insurance
Companies' intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement will be made on a
case by case basis as acquisitions are completed. Some of the fac-
42
<PAGE>
tors considered in evaluating an acquired company for possible inclusion in
the reinsurance pool will include the acquired company's capital position,
the quality of the book of business, reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses, settlement practices, the lines of business written, existing
reinsurance relationships, the level of control which management of the
Insurance Companies will have over the operations of the acquired company,
and rating considerations.
Neither the Company nor Old Guard Investment will control New Castle after
purchase of the surplus notes and there are no present plans to add New
Castle to the intercompany pooling arrangement. Management of the Insurance
Companies has not yet determined whether First Delaware will be added to the
reinsurance pool in the event Old Guard Investment successfully completes the
acquisition of First Delaware. If First Delaware and/or New Castle are added
to the reinsurance pool, there will be no retroactive coverage.
Diversification of Lines of Business. The Insurance Companies have taken,
and will continue to take, steps to increase commercial and casualty premium
volume, both to reduce property loss exposure and to provide greater product
diversification from personal into commercial lines that may provide a
countercyclical balance to personal lines.
One such initiative is the introduction in the third quarter of 1996 of
new commercial multi-peril packages tailored to specific business and
industry segments chosen based on the experience of the underwriting staff
and market opportunities available to existing agents. These packages should
permit the Insurance Companies to serve larger commercial accounts as well as
to sell accompanying workers' compensation and commercial automobile
coverages. Another initiative is the introduction of tiered pricing for
workers' compensation coverage through a policy with more attractive pricing
and the opportunity for dividends. The acquisition of First Delaware
Insurance Company, which has a commercial book of business, will further the
goal of diversification into commercial lines.
Management believes that it has the opportunity to increase the volume of
casualty business by focused marketing to existing agents, many of whom have
traditionally associated the Insurance Companies with farm- related property
insurance and may not identify and choose the Insurance Companies for their
customers as providers of casualty line products. For example, currently less
than 20% of the Insurance Companies' farm and homeowner customers purchase
auto policies from the Insurance Companies. Management believes an increasing
share of this market is desirable and attainable given the existing
relationships among the Insurance Companies, its agents and its insureds.
Completion of the Conversion will supply the additional surplus necessary
to support substantially increased commercial and casualty premium volume.
Service Capabilities. Management believes the Insurance Companies have a
strong reputation for personal attention to agents and insureds. The
Insurance Companies have undertaken a program to enhance their MIS
capabilities, with the goal of improving efficiency, internal reporting and
service to agents and insureds, as well as facilitating acquisitions. The
Insurance Companies have been actively involved in the search, review,
selection, customization and testing of a new policy processing software
system since the second quarter of 1994. The licensing rights for the new
software system were acquired from Strategic Data Systems, Inc., an insurance
industry software specialty company. The software system is a personal
computer database system designed to eliminate most paperwork required in
traditional systems. Claims, billing and accounting functions are also fully
integrated in the new software system. The ability to operate multiple
companies, maintain on-line remote offices and enhancements in the quality
and timeliness of management information are additional benefits of the new
software system. Personal automobile is the first line of business being
phased into the new software system, and it is expected to begin processing
policies in early 1997. By 1999, management of the Insurance Companies
expects to integrate homeowners, farmowners and commercial lines of business
into the new software system. This new MIS environment should permit a
greater volume of business to be processed by the same or fewer number of
staff. It will also allow direct agent interface to enhance service to agents
and insureds and build upon the Insurance Companies' strong reputation in
this area.
43
<PAGE>
PRODUCTS
The Insurance Companies offer a variety of property and casualty insurance
products primarily designed to meet the insurance needs of the rural and
suburban communities in which the Insurance Companies do business, including
their agricultural clients. The following tables set forth the direct
premiums written, net premiums earned, net loss ratios, expense ratios and
combined ratios by product line of the Insurance Companies for the periods
indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------
% of % of % of % of % of
1996 Total 1995 Total 1995 Total 1994 Total 1993 Total
---------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct Premiums
Written:
Farmowners .... $12,663 20.2% $12,046 20.2% $15,494 19.7% $16,080 20.4% $15,319 20.5%
Homeowners .... 16,411 26.2 15,995 26.8 21,157 26.8 20,509 26.1 19,067 25.5
Businessowners
and
commercial
multi-peril . 8,409 13.4 8,307 13.9 11,083 14.1 10,587 13.4 10,367 13.9
Personal
automobile .. 13,864 22.2 12,401 20.7 16,810 21.3 15,928 20.2 13,376 17.9
Commercial
automobile .. 714 1.1 638 1.1 776 0.9 815 1.0 807 1.0
Workers'
compensation . 4,901 7.8 4,398 7.4 5,432 6.9 5,563 7.1 6,312 8.4
Fire, allied,
inland marine . 4,604 7.4 4,921 8.2 6,763 8.6 7,917 10.1 8,192 11.0
Other liability . 1,057 1.7 1,023 1.7 1,317 1.7 1,331 1.7 1,316 1.8
---------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Total .... $62,623 100.0% $58,729 100.0% $78,832 100.0% $78,730 100.0% $74,756 100.0%
========== ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
% of % of % of % of % of
1996(1) Total 1995(1) Total 1995 Total 1994 Total 1993 Total
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Premiums
Earned
Farmowners .... $ 7,375 18.6% $ 9,888 20.4% $13,413 20.1% $13,315 21.0% $13,368 21.9%
Homeowners .... 11,080 27.9 13,714 28.3 18,391 27.6 16,755 26.4 14,622 24.0
Businessowners
and
commercial
multi-peril . 5,230 13.2 6,362 13.1 8,828 13.2 8,387 13.2 8,548 14.0
Personal
automobile .. 9,405 23.7 10,336 21.3 14,459 21.7 12,521 19.8 11,402 18.7
Commercial
automobile .. 407 1.0 501 1.0 769 1.2 717 1.1 675 1.1
Workers'
compensation . 2,660 6.7 3,075 6.3 4,233 6.4 4,266 6.7 4,394 7.2
Fire, allied,
inland marine . 3,347 8.4 4,401 9.1 6,294 9.4 6,930 10.9 7,465 12.3
Other liability . 201 0.5 259 0.5 276 0.4 574 0.9 512 0.8
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Total .... $39,705 100.0% $48,536 100.0% $66,663 100.0% $63,465 100.0% $60,986 100.0%
========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ========
Net Loss Ratio
Farmowners .... 93.0% 77.8% 78.7% 78.8% 71.2%
Homeowners .... 103.0 81.1 80.8 98.0 83.3
Businessowners
and
commercial
multi-peril . 92.0 54.3 62.2 47.8 51.6
Personal
automobile .. 73.5 68.9 90.4 70.9 73.2
Commercial
automobile .. 75.7 63.7 70.9 53.8 35.1
Workers'
compensation 57.2 38.3 43.0 58.3 74.3
Fire, allied,
inland marine 75.6 48.5 53.4 49.7 50.1
Other liability . 55.2 327.2 326.3 49.9 83.9
Total .... 87.0% 69.8% 75.8% 73.2% 69.1%
44
<PAGE>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
% of % of % of % of % of
1996(1) Total 1995(1) Total 1995 Total 1994 Total 1993 Total
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
Expense Ratios
Farmowners .... 40.0% 39.4% 36.6% 34.1% 34.3%
Homeowners .... 32.1 34.3 39.0 39.7 39.3
Businessowners
and
commercial
multiple
peril ....... 44.1 43.7 41.2 36.4 36.1
Personal
automobile .. 20.5 24.1 22.6 24.0 24.5
Commercial
automobile .. 33.2 32.6 24.9 27.3 32.5
Workers'
compensation 20.6 26.2 23.6 25.7 29.1
Fire, allied,
inland marine 76.4 65.3 47.2 49.6 42.0
Other liability . 41.4 39.5 46.9 25.2 33.3
Total .... 35.7% 36.5% 34.9% 34.8% 34.4%
Combined
Ratios(2)
Farmowners .... 133.0% 117.2% 115.2% 112.8% 105.5%
Homeowners .... 135.1 115.4 119.7 137.7 122.6
Businessowners
and
commercial
multiple
peril ....... 136.1 97.9 103.4 84.1 87.7
Personal
automobile .. 94.1 92.9 113.1 94.8 97.7
Commercial
automobile .. 108.9 96.4 95.8 81.2 67.6
Workers'
compensation 77.8 64.6 66.7 84.1 103.4
Fire, allied,
inland marine 152.0 113.9 100.6 99.2 92.1
Other liability . 96.6 366.8 373.2 75.1 117.2
Total .... 122.7% 106.2% 110.7% 108.0% 103.5%
Industry
Combined
Ratio ....... -- -- 106.4% 108.4% 106.9%
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and American Re
entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty pursuant to which the
Insurance Companies cede 20% of their liability remaining after cessions
of excess and catastrophic risks through other reinsurance contracts. Pro
rata cessions of unearned premiums as of January 1, 1996 and the transfer
of premiums written during the nine months ended September 30, 1996
accounts, in part, for the decline in net premiums earned when the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 is compared to the nine months ended
September 30, 1995.
(2) A combined ratio over 100% means that an insurer's underwriting
operations are not profitable.
<PAGE>
FARMOWNERS POLICY.
The farmowners policy, developed in 1975, is a flexible, multi-line
package of insurance coverages. As a result of its flexible features, this
product can be adapted to meet the needs of a variety of agricultural and
related businesses, including a package designed for farmers with large dairy
operations. The farmowners policy combines property and liability insurance
for the farm owner, as well as owners of other agricultural related
businesses, such as nurseries and greenhouses. The largest numbers of
farmowners policies written by the Insurance Companies are for dairy, beef,
horse and crop farming risks. In general, standing crops are not insured
except under limited circumstances but harvested and stored crops generally
are insured. Policyholders may select property damage coverages for specific
peril groups, such as basic perils that include fire and allied lines,
extended coverage and vandalism or broad form and special perils. Personal
liability coverage insures policyholders against third party liability from
accidents occurring on their premises or arising out of their operations or
from their products. The farmowners policy contains a limited liability
extension of pollution-type coverage for damages caused to third persons or
their crops resulting from above-ground, off-premises contamination, such as
overspray of fertilizers and pesticides. As of September 30, 1996, the
Insurance Companies had approximately 11,500 farmowner policies in force.
HOMEOWNERS POLICY.
The Insurance Companies' homeowners policy, introduced in 1963, is a
multi-peril policy providing property and liability coverages and optional
inland marine coverage. The homeowners policy is sold to provide coverage for
the insured's principal residence. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurance
Companies had approximately 71,000 homeowners policies in force.
45
<PAGE>
BUSINESSOWNERS AND COMMERCIAL MULTI-PERIL.
Businessowners. The Insurance Companies introduced a businessowners policy
in 1983 that provides property and liability coverages to small businesses
within its rural and suburban markets. This product is marketed to six
distinct groups: (i) apartment owners with relatively small property-based
risks; (ii) condominium owners; (iii) landlords with dwelling properties of
up to four family units; (iv) mercantile businessowners, such as florists,
gift shops and antique dealers, with property-based risks; (v) offices with
owner and/or tenant occupancies; and (vi) religious institutions consisting
of smaller, rural properties. As of September 30, 1996, approximately 6,700
businessowners policies were in force.
Commercial Multi-Peril. The Insurance Companies also issue a number of
commercial multi-peril policies providing property and liability coverage to
accounts that, because of their larger size, do not meet the eligibility
requirements for the businessowners product. As of September 30, 1996,
approximately 1600 such policies were in force. The Insurance Companies are
working to increase market penetration for this product because it includes
commercial liability risks that help to diversify exposures and lessen the
impact of property losses on overall results. One such marketing initiative
is the promotion of commercial multi-peril packages targeted to the following
businesses: (i) food processing, (ii) retailing, (iii) manufacturing, (iv)
metal working, (v) offices, and (vi) service operations. These packages are
being written using existing policy forms and were chosen based on the
experience of the underwriting staff and market opportunities available to
existing agents. The packages are of a type generally written by larger
companies and should permit the Insurance Companies to sell commercial
packages as well as accompanying workers' compensation and commercial
automobile coverages to larger accounts.
PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE.
The Insurance Companies' personal automobile policy insures individuals
against claims resulting from injury and property damage and can be marketed
in conjunction with the Insurance Companies' other products, such as the
farmowners policy, the businessowners policy or the homeowners policy. As of
September 30, 1996, the Insurance Companies had approximately 20,000 personal
automobile policies in force.
COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE.
The Insurance Companies' commercial automobile policies are generally
marketed in conjunction with farmowners, businessowners or commercial
multi-peril policies. Commercial automobile is one of the Insurance
Companies' lower volume products. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurance
Companies had approximately 1,000 commercial automobile insurance policies in
force.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
The Insurance Companies generally write workers' compensation policies in
conjunction with farmowners policies, businessowners policies or other
commercial packages. However, the Insurance Companies may write stand-alone
workers' compensation policies. A recent initiative is tiered pricing for
workers' compensation coverage with the introduction of a policy with more
attractive pricing and the opportunity for dividends. As of September 30,
1996, approximately 80% of the Insurance Companies' in force workers'
compensation policies were written in connection with farmowners,
businessowners, or commercial multi-peril policies.
FIRE, ALLIED, INLAND MARINE.
Fire and allied lines insurance generally covers fire, lightning and
extended coverage. Inland marine coverage insures merchandise or cargo in
transit and business and personal property. The Insurance Companies offer
fire, allied and inland marine insurance coverage only as endorsements
available under the Insurance Companies' other insurance products.
OTHER LIABILITY.
Umbrella Liability. The Insurance Companies write commercial and personal
line excess liability policies covering business, farm and personal
liabilities in excess of amounts covered under the farmowners, homeowners,
businessowners, commercial multi-peril and automobile policies. Such policies
are available generally with
46
<PAGE>
limits of $1 million to $5 million. The Insurance Companies do not generally
market excess liability policies to individuals and farmowners unless they
also write an underlying liability policy. However, the Insurance Companies
may write excess liability coverage for commercial accounts without all
underlying liability coverages.
Commercial General Liability. The Insurance Companies write a stand-alone
commercial general liability policy for certain business situations that do
not meet the criteria for liability coverage under a farmowners,
businessowners or commercial multi-peril policy. The policy insures
businesses against third party liability from accidents occurring on their
premises or arising out of their operations or products. Most of the
Insurance Companies' products liability line is written as part of the
commercial general liability product.
MARKETING
The Insurance Companies market their property and casualty insurance
products in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware through approximately 483
independent agencies: 454 in Pennsylvania, 27 in Maryland and 2 in Delaware.
These agencies collectively employ a force of 1,600 agents. The Insurance
Companies manage their agents through quarterly business reviews (with
underwriter participation) and establishment of benchmarks/goals for premium
volume. The Insurance Companies have managed a decline in the number of
agencies in recent years to eliminate low volume agencies and reduce
concentration in southern Pennsylvania. Most of the Insurance Companies'
independent agents represent multiple carriers and are established residents
of the rural and suburban communities in which they operate. The Insurance
Companies' independent agents generally market and write the full range of
the Insurance Companies' products. The Insurance Companies consider their
relationships with agents to be good.
As of September 30, 1996, no agency accounted for over 5% of direct
premiums written, with the top 10 agencies accounting for 18% of direct
premiums written. Average volume per agency is $163,000, with the largest
agency generating approximately $3.0 million in premium revenue for the
Insurance Companies.
The Insurance Companies emphasize personal contact between their agents
and the policyholders. The Insurance Companies believe that their name
recognition, policyholder loyalty and policyholder satisfaction with agent
and claims relationships are the principal sources of new customer referrals,
cross-selling of additional insurance products and policyholder retention.
The Insurance Companies' policies are marketed exclusively through their
network of independent agents. The Insurance Companies depend upon their
agency force to produce new business and to provide customer service. The
network of independent agents also serves as an important source of
information about the needs of the communities served by the Insurance
Companies. This information is utilized by the Insurance Companies to develop
new products and new product features.
Agency compensation is based on one of three compensation plans. Each
agency may elect: fixed base commission only, fixed base commission with some
opportunity for bonus commission based on the agency's loss experience, or
floating base commission based on the agency's three year loss ratio with
some opportunity to earn bonus commission depending on the agency's one-year
loss experience.
The Insurance Companies' independent agencies are supervised and supported
by agent representatives, who are employees of the Insurance Companies and
who have principal responsibility for recruiting agencies and training new
agents. To support its marketing efforts, the Insurance Companies develop and
produce print and radio advertising and hold seminars for agents. Agencies
are then able to purchase advertising (using prepared materials) in local
markets. The Insurance Companies and agent representatives conduct training
programs that provide both technical training about products and sales
training on how to market insurance products.
The Insurance Companies provide personal computer software to agencies
that allows them to quote rates on homeowners, farmowners, businessowners and
personal auto. In addition, a home page has been established on the Internet
for the public that is periodically updated with pertinent information about
the Insurance Companies and their products.
UNDERWRITING
The Insurance Companies seek to write their commercial and personal lines
by evaluating each risk with consistently applied standards. The Insurance
Companies maintain information on all aspects of their business
47
<PAGE>
that is regularly reviewed to determine product line profitability. The
Insurance Companies' staff of 24 underwriters generally specializes in farm,
personal or commercial lines. Specific information is monitored with regard
to individual insureds that is used to assist the Insurance Companies in
making decisions about policy renewals or modifications. The Insurance
Companies' underwriters have an average of over 14 years of experience as
underwriters. The Insurance Companies believe their extensive knowledge of
local markets is a key underwriting advantage.
The Insurance Companies rely on information provided by their independent
agents, who, subject to certain guidelines, also act as field underwriters
and pre-screen policy applicants. The independent agents have the authority
to sell and bind insurance coverages in accordance with pre-established
guidelines. Agents' underwriting results are monitored and on occasion agents
with historically poor loss ratios have had their binding authority removed
until more profitable underwriting results were achieved.
CLAIMS
Claims on insurance policies written by the Insurance Companies are
usually investigated and settled by one of the Insurance Companies' staff
claims representatives who work in teams led by a supervisor. Supervisors
report to the claims manager. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurance
Companies' claim staff included 29 claims representatives and 5 supervisors.
The Insurance Companies' claims philosophy emphasizes timely investigation,
evaluation and fair settlement of claims, while maintaining adequate case
reserves and controlling claim adjustment expenses. The claims philosophy is
designed to support the Insurance Companies marketing efforts by providing
prompt service and making the claims process a positive experience for agents
and policyholders.
Claims settlement authority levels are established for each representative
and claims manager based upon their level of experience. Claims are typically
reported by the agents. Multi-line teams exist to handle all claims.
Subrogation is centralized in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania office. The claims
department is responsible for reviewing all claims, obtaining necessary
documentation, estimating the loss reserves and resolving the claims. The
Insurance Companies engage independent appraisers and adjusters to evaluate
and settle claims as claims volume or specialized needs require.
The Insurance Companies attempt to minimize claims costs by encouraging
the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures. Less than 3% of all
claims result in litigation. Litigated claims are assigned to outside
counsel, who then work closely as a team with a staff claims representative.
Outside counsel must comply with a formal litigation management plan and all
bills are audited.
REINSURANCE
REINSURANCE CEDED
In accordance with insurance industry practice, the Insurance Companies
reinsure a portion of their exposure and pay to the reinsurers a portion of
the premiums received on all policies reinsured. Insurance is ceded
principally to reduce net liability on individual risks, to mitigate the
effect of individual loss occurrences (including catastrophic losses), to
stabilize underwriting results and to increase the Insurance Companies'
underwriting capacity.
Reinsurance can be facultative reinsurance or treaty reinsurance. Under
facultative reinsurance, each risk or portion of a risk is reinsured
individually. Under treaty reinsurance, an agreed-upon portion of business
written is automatically reinsured. Reinsurance can also be classified as
quota share reinsurance or excess of loss reinsurance. Under quota share
reinsurance, the ceding company cedes a percentage of its insurance liability
to the reinsurer in exchange for a like percentage of premiums less a ceding
commission, and in turn will recover from the reinsurer the reinsurer's share
of all losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred on those risks. Under
excess reinsurance, an insurer limits its liability to all or a particular
portion of the amount in excess of a predetermined deductible or retention.
Regardless of type, reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer
from primary liability for the full amount due under the reinsured policies.
However, the assuming reinsurer is obligated to reimburse the ceding company
to the extent of the coverage ceded. The Company generally places all of its
reinsurance directly without the use of brokers.
48
<PAGE>
The Insurance Companies determine the amount and scope of reinsurance
coverage to purchase each year based upon their evaluation of the risks
accepted, consultations with reinsurance representatives and a review of
market conditions, including the availability and pricing of reinsurance. For
the year ended December 31, 1995, the Insurance Companies ceded to reinsurers
$9.4 million of earned premiums. For the nine months ended September 30,
1996, the Insurance Companies ceded earned premiums of $20.6 million. The
significant increase in ceded premiums in the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1996 reflects the effect of a new quota share reinsurance
treaty that was effective as of January 1, 1996 and which is described
herein.
The Insurance Companies' reinsurance arrangements are placed with
non-affiliated reinsurers, principally American Re, and are generally
renegotiated annually. Coverages described herein are generally for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
Except for certain excluded classes of property and losses due to flood,
the largest exposure retained by the Insurance Companies on any one
individual property risk is $150,000. Excess reinsurance is provided on a
treaty basis in layers as follows: Individual property risks in excess of
$150,000 are covered on an excess of loss basis up to $500,000 per risk
pursuant to a reinsurance treaty with American Re and Munich-American
Reinsurance Company ("Munich Re"). Except for certain excluded classes of
property and losses due to flood and auto physical damage, per risk property
losses in excess of $500,000 but less than $2.0 million are reinsured on a
proportional treaty basis by American Re and Munich Re. Facultative coverage
also is available for certain property risks in excess of $2.0 million per
risk.
Individual casualty risks for most lines of business, excluding umbrella
liability, that are in excess of $100,000 are covered on an excess of loss
basis, up to $2.0 million per occurrence pursuant to a reinsurance treaty
with American Re. In addition, casualty losses arising from workers'
compensation claims are reinsured on a per occurrence and per person treaty
basis by various reinsurers up to $10.0 million. Umbrella liability losses
are reinsured by American Re on a 95% quota share basis up to $1.0 million
and a 100% quota share basis in excess of $2.0 million up to $5.0 million
with a ceding commission of 27.5%.
Catastrophic reinsurance protects the ceding insurer from significant
aggregate loss exposure arising from a single event such as windstorm, hail,
tornado, hurricane, earthquake, riot, blizzard, freezing temperatures or
other extraordinary events. The Insurance Companies have purchased layers of
excess treaty reinsurance for catastrophic property losses for 1996, under
which the Insurance Companies reinsure 97.5% of losses per occurrence over
$3.5 million up to a maximum of $10 million and 100% of the losses between
$13.5 million and $30 million per occurrence. The Insurance Companies also
have an underlying catastrophe and aggregate excess of loss treaty
reinsurance agreement with American Re designed to protect against multiple
events each of which is below the $3.5 million retention under the primary
catastrophe reinsurance treaty. Under this agreement, losses are reinsured to
the extent of (i) (A) 95% of $1.5 million in excess of $3.5 million on
property catastrophe losses or (B) aggregate net losses exceeding a 75% loss
ratio in any accident year up to the lesser of a 78.33% loss ratio or $3.0
million, and (ii) 100% of losses in excess of $2.0 million for winter storm
losses during specified periods, up to a maximum of $3.0 million. The
Insurance Companies recovered under this latter coverage provision for losses
attributable to the January 1996 blizzard.
Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and American Re entered
into a quota share reinsurance treaty. Under the terms of the treaty, the
Insurance Companies cede 20% of their liability remaining after cessions of
excess and catastrophic risks through other reinsurance contracts. The result
of the new quota share treaty is a pro rata sharing of risk (80% of losses
and loss adjustment expenses are borne by the Insurance Companies and 20% by
American Re) with both the Insurance Companies and American Re benefiting
from other excess and catastrophe reinsurance. This treaty protects the
Insurance Companies' surplus from high frequency and low severity type
losses. The Insurance Companies pay American Re a reinsurance premium equal
to 20% of premiums collected net of other reinsurance costs. Reinsurance
premiums due American Re on the quota share treaty are reduced by a ceding
allowance equal to 35% of the reinsurance premium. This reinsurance treaty is
designed to stabilize underwriting results.
Quota share reinsurance may be used to moderate the adverse impact of
underwriting losses to the ceding company but also decreases underwriting
profits which would otherwise be retained by the ceding company. The quota
share reinsurance treaty entered into by the Insurance Companies with
American Re has had, and will have, a material effect on the financial
condition and results of operations of the Insurance Companies during the
term of the reinsurance treaty.
49
<PAGE>
The insolvency or inability of any reinsurer to meet its obligations to
the Insurance Companies could have a material adverse effect on the results
of operations or financial condition of the Insurance Companies. American Re
and Munich Re are the Insurance Companies' major reinsurers, providing
approximately 64.2% of ceded reinsurance written. American Re and Munich Re
are both rated A+ (superior) by A.M. Best. The A+ rating is the second
highest of A.M. Best's fifteen ratings. For the year ended December 31, 1995
and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Insurance Companies
paid reinsurance premiums in an aggregate amount of approximately $6.9
million and $17.2 million to American Re, respectively, and $847,000 and
$657,000 to Munich Re, respectively. The Insurance Companies monitor the
solvency of reinsurers through regular review of their financial statements
and A.M. Best ratings. The Insurance Companies have experienced no
significant difficulties collecting amounts due from reinsurers.
LOSS AND LAE RESERVES
Property and Casualty Reserves. The Insurance Companies are required by
applicable insurance laws and regulations to maintain reserves for payment of
losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") for both reported claims and for
claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"), arising from the policies they
have issued. These laws and regulations require that provision be made for
the ultimate cost of those claims without regard to how long it takes to
settle them or the time value of money. The determination of reserves
involves actuarial and statistical projections of what the Insurance
Companies expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement and administration
of such claims based on facts and circumstances then known, estimates of
future trends in claims severity, and other variable factors such as
inflation and changing judicial theories of liability.
The estimation of ultimate liability for losses and LAE is an inherently
uncertain process and does not represent an exact calculation of that
liability. The Insurance Companies' reserve policy recognizes this
uncertainty by maintaining reserves at a level providing for the possibility
of adverse development relative to the estimation process. The Insurance
Companies do not discount their reserves to recognize the time value of
money.
When a claim is reported to the Insurance Companies, claims personnel
establish a "case reserve" for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment.
This estimate reflects an informed judgment based upon general insurance
reserving practices and on the experience and knowledge of the estimator
regarding the nature and value of the specific claim, the severity of injury
or damage, and the policy provisions relating to the type of loss. Case
reserves are adjusted by the Insurance Companies' claims staff as more
information becomes available. It is the Insurance Companies' policy to
settle each claim as expeditiously as possible.
The Insurance Companies maintain IBNR reserves to provide for future
reporting of already incurred claims and developments on reported claims. The
IBNR reserve is determined by estimating the Insurance Companies' ultimate
net liability for both reported and IBNR claims and then subtracting the case
reserves for reported claims.
Each month, the Insurance Companies compute their estimated ultimate
liability using principles and procedures applicable to the lines of business
written. Such reserves are also considered annually by the Insurance
Companies' independent auditors in connection with their audit of the
Insurance Companies' combined financial statements. However, because the
establishment of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process, there can
be no assurance that ultimate losses will not exceed the Insurance Companies'
loss reserves. Adjustments in aggregate reserves, if any, are reflected in
the operating results of the period during which such adjustments are made.
As required by insurance regulatory authorities, the Insurance Companies
submit to the various jurisdictions in which they are licensed a statement of
opinion by its appointed actuary concerning the adequacy of statutory
reserves. The results of these actuarial studies have consistently indicated
that reserves are adequate. Management of the Insurance Companies does not
believe the Insurance Companies are subject to any material potential
asbestos or environmental liability claims.
Based on actuarial studies, the IBNR reserve provision was increased at
December 31, 1995 by $1.8 million and at December 31, 1994 it was decreased
by $2.3 million. Prior to 1995, the Insurance Companies had consistently
shown loss reserve redundancies. This led to the decrease in the IBNR reserve
at December 31, 1994. At December 31, 1995, it was determined that the
December 31, 1994 reserves were deficient. This deficiency was primarily due
to a change in the methodology for case reserving for liability claims. The
change was
50
<PAGE>
to reserve cases at expected settlement value rather than at ultimate
exposure amounts. The 1995 actuarial study indicated that the reduction in
IBNR reserves coupled with the changes in case reserving methodology may have
been overstated. The majority of the December 31, 1995 IBNR reserve
strengthening was to correct potential deficiencies in the reserves for the
1994 accident year.
The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending loss
and LAE reserve balances of the Insurance Companies for the years ended
December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 and 1995 as prepared in accordance with GAAP.
RECONCILIATION OF RESERVE FOR LOSSES
AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
---------------------- ----------------------------------
1996 1995 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses at the beginning of period ... $52,091 $51,309 $51,309 $59,057 $59,629
Less: Reinsurance recoverables and
receivables ........................... 16,000 18,499 18,499 22,175 24,963
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net reserves for losses and loss
adjustment expenses at beginning of
period ................................ 36,091 32,810 32,810 36,882 34,666
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Add: Provision for losses and loss
adjustment expenses for claims
occurring in:
The current year .................. 35,719 33,861 48,067 51,959 44,950
Prior years ....................... (1,171) 31 2,442 (5,519) (2,796)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total incurred losses and loss
adjustment expenses ............. 34,548 33,892 50,509 46,440 42,154
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expenses
payments for claims occurring in:
The current year .................. 23,978 20,307 29,970 35,196 25,952
Prior years ....................... 14,302 14,069 17,258 15,316 13,986
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total losses and loss adjustment
expenses ........................ 38,280 34,376 47,228 50,512 39,938
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net reserves for losses and loss
adjustment expenses at end of period . 32,359 32,326 36,091 32,810 36,882
Add: Reinsurance recoverables and
receivables .......................... 24,440 18,967 16,000 18,499 22,175
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses at end of period ............ $56,799 $51,293 $52,091 $51,309 $59,057
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE>
The following table shows the development of the reserves for unpaid
losses and LAE from 1985 through 1995 for the Insurance Companies on a GAAP
basis. The top line of the table shows the liabilities at the balance sheet
date, including losses incurred but not yet reported. The upper portion of
the table shows the cumulative amounts subsequently paid as of successive
years with respect to the liability. The lower portion of the table shows the
reestimated amount of the previously recorded liability based on experience
as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimates change as more
information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for
individual years. The redundancy (deficiency) exists when the reestimated
liability at each December 31 is less (greater) than the prior liability
estimate. The "cumulative redundancy (deficiency)" depicted in the table, for
any particular calendar year, represents the aggregate change in the initial
estimates over all subsequent calendar years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
-------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Liability for unpaid losses and LAE net of
reinsurance recoverable ................. $8,496 $10,115 $12,273 $15,921 $22,118
Cumulative amount of liability paid
through:
One year later ......................... 3,568 4,165 5,162 7,770 10,435
Two years later ........................ 4,418 5,540 8,158 10,783 14,097
Three years later ...................... 6,202 7,187 9,890 12,881 16,594
Four years later ....................... 6,712 7,866 10,946 13,924 18,165
Five years later ....................... 7,137 8,354 11,363 14,808 18,810
Six years later ........................ 7,392 8,566 11,864 15,203 18,965
Seven years later ...................... 7,646 8,853 12,014 15,575
Eight years later ...................... 7,901 8,890 12,107
Nine years later ....................... 7,972 8,913
Ten years later ........................ 8,073
Liability estimated as of:
Calendar year end ......................... 8,496 10,115 12,273 15,921 22,118
One year later ......................... 7,900 8,956 11,615 17,436 21,910
Two years later ........................ 7,558 8,951 13,206 17,474 22,113
Three years later ...................... 7,294 9,473 13,274 17,590 21,824
Four years later ....................... 7,246 9,679 13,306 17,554 21,924
Five years later ....................... 7,215 9,828 13,200 17,512 21,080
Six years later ........................ 7,255 9,627 13,057 17,387 20,878
Seven years later ...................... 7,179 9,618 13,264 17,262
Eight years later ...................... 7,208 9,890 13,125
Nine years later ....................... 7,204 9,798
Ten years later ........................ 7,281
Cumulative total redundancy (deficiency) . 1,215 317 (852) (1,341) 1,240
Gross liability -- end of year ...........
Reinsurance recoverables .................
Net liability -- end of year .............
Gross reestimated liability -- latest ....
Reestimated reinsurance recoverables --
latest .................................
Net reestimated liability -- latest ......
Gross cumulative (deficiency) redundancy .
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
(RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Liability for unpaid losses and LAE net of
reinsurance recoverable ................. $25,568 $29,107 $34,666 $36,882 $32,810 $36,091
Cumulative amount of liability paid
through:
One year later ......................... 11,052 11,063 13,986 15,316 17,258 --
Two years later ........................ 15,417 16,394 21,572 22,195
Three years later ...................... 18,827 21,110 23,665
Four years later ....................... 20,501 22,165
Five years later ....................... 21,646
Six years later ........................
Seven years later ......................
Eight years later ......................
Nine years later .......................
Ten years later ........................
Liability estimated as of:
Calendar year end 25,568 29,107 34,666 36,882 32,810 36,091
One year later ......................... 25,454 28,517 31,870 31,363 35,252 --
Two years later ........................ 25,774 28,044 28,716 32,359
Three years later ...................... 25,523 26,172 27,916
Four years later ....................... 24,191 25,352
Five years later ....................... 24,019
Six years later ........................
Seven years later ......................
Eight years later ......................
Nine years later .......................
Ten years later ........................
Cumulative total redundancy (deficiency) . 1,549 3,755 6,750 4,523 (2,442) --
Gross liability -- end of year ........... 59,057 51,309 52,091
Reinsurance recoverables ................. 22,175 18,499 16,000
--------- --------- ---------
Net liability -- end of year ............. $36,882 $32,810 $36,091
========= ========= =========
Gross reestimated liability -- latest .... 49,964 58,022
Reestimated reinsurance recoverables --
latest ................................. 17,605 22,770
--------- ---------
Net reestimated liability -- latest ...... 32,359 35,252
========= =========
Gross cumulative (deficiency) redundancy . 9,093 (6,713)
========= =========
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE>
The following table is derived from the preceding table and summarizes the
effect of reserve reestimates, net of reinsurance, on calendar year
operations for the same ten-year period ended December 31, 1995. The total of
each column details the amount of reserve reestimates made in the indicated
calendar year and shows the accident years to which the reestimates are
applicable. The amounts in the total accident year column on the far right
represent the cumulative reserve reestimates for the indicated accident
year(s).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Effect of Reserve Reestimates on Calendar Year
Operations
--------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Reserves for Calendar Year
--------------------------------------------------
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
------- --------- ------- ------- -------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accident Years
1985 .................... (596) (342) (264) (48) (31)
1986 .................... (817) 259 570 237
1987 .................... (653) 1,069 (138)
1988 .................... (76) (30)
1989 .................... (246)
1990 ....................
1991 ....................
1992 ....................
1993 ....................
1994 ....................
Total calendar year effect (596) (1,159) (658) 1,515 (208)
</TABLE>
(RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cumulative
Deficiency
(Redundancy)
from
Reestimates
for
Each
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Accident Year
------- ------- --------- --------- ------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accident Years
1985 .................... 40 (76) 29 (4) 77 (1,215)
1986 .................... 109 (125) (38) 276 (169) 302
1987 .................... (117) 95 (134) (65) (47) 10
1988 .................... 84 70 101 (332) 14 (169)
1989 .................... 87 (253) 142 (719) (77) (1,066)
1990 .................... (317) 609 (351) (488) 30 (517)
1991 .................... (910) (222) (540) (648) (2,320)
1992 .................... (2,323) (1,282) 20 (3,585)
1993 .................... (2,365) 1,796 (569)
1994 .................... 1,446 1,446
Total calendar year effect (114) (590) (2,796) (5,519) 2,442 (7,683)
</TABLE>
53
<PAGE>
INVESTMENTS
All of the Insurance Companies' investment securities are classified as
available for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115.
An important component of the operating results of the Insurance Companies
has been the return on invested assets. The Insurance Companies' investment
objective is to maximize current yield while maintaining safety of capital
together with adequate liquidity for its insurance operations. The Insurance
Companies' investments are managed by outside investment advisors.
The following table sets forth certain combined information concerning the
Insurance Companies' investments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At September 30, 1996 At December 31, 1995 At December 31, 1994
---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------
Market Market Market
Cost(2) Value Cost(2) Value Cost(2) Value
--------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed income securities(1)
United States government and government
agencies and authorities ........... $28,803 $28,304 $33,419 $33,380 $33,270 $30,382
Obligations of states, municipalities and
political subdivisions ............. 60 60 1,553 1,566 3,687 3,666
Corporate obligations ................. 30,865 31,211 25,868 27,015 16,155 15,414
Collateralized mortgage obligations ... 5,862 5,932 9,564 9,840 17,916 17,364
Other obligations .................. 4,317 4,279 6,626 6,727 3,356 3,334
--------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
Total fixed income securities ...... 69,907 69,786 77,030 78,528 74,384 70,160
Equity securities ....................... 9,307 11,526 12,031 13,579 12,930 12,528
Other invested assets ................... 325 318 242 228 191 191
--------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
Total .............................. $79,539 $81,630 $89,303 $92,335 $87,505 $82,879
========= ========= ========= ========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) In the combined financial statements of the Insurance Companies,
investments are carried at fair value as established by quoted market
prices on secondary markets.
(2) Original cost of equity securities; original cost of fixed income
securities adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of
discount.
The table below contains information concerning the investment ratings of
the Insurance Companies' fixed maturity investments at September 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type/Ratings of Amortized Market
Investment(1) Cost Value Percentages(2)
- ---------------- ----------- --------- --------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government and agencies $28,802 $28,304 40.6%
AAA ........................ 21,531 21,521 30.8
AA ......................... 5,674 5,668 8.1
A .......................... 9,117 9,298 13.3
BBB ........................ 4,548 4,674 6.7
----------- --------- --------------
Total BBB or Better ....... $69,672 $69,465 99.5%
BB ......................... 235 321 0.5
----------- --------- --------------
Total ..................... $69,907 $69,786 100.0%
=========== ========= ==============
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) The ratings set forth in this table are based on the ratings, if any,
assigned by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"). If S&P's ratings were
unavailable, the equivalent ratings supplied by Moody's Investors
Services, Inc., Fitch Investors Service, Inc. or the NAIC were used where
available.
(2) Represents percent of market value for classification as a percent of
total for each portfolio.
54
<PAGE>
The table below sets forth the maturity profile of the Insurance
Companies' combined fixed maturity investments as of September 30, 1996
(substituting average life for mortgage-backed securities):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortized Market
Maturity Cost(1) Value Percentages(2)
- ---------- ----------- --------- --------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 year or less .............................. $ 5,896 $ 5,853 8.4%
More than 1 year through 5 years ............ 17,114 17,075 24.5
More than 5 years through 10 years .......... 4,342 4,547 6.5
More than 10 years .......................... 9,567 9,558 13.7
Collateralized and asset backed securities(3) 32,988 32,753 46.9
----------- --------- --------------
Total ..................................... $69,907 $69,786 100.0%
=========== ========= ==============
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Fixed maturities are carried at market value in the combined financial
statements of the Insurance Companies.
(2) Represents percent of market value for classification as a percent of
total for each portfolio.
(3) Collateralized and asset backed securities consist of mortgage
pass-through holdings and securities backed by credit card receivables,
auto loans and home equity loans. These securities follow a structured
principal repayment schedule and are of high credit quality rated "AA" or
better by Standard & Poor's. These securities are presented separately in
the maturity schedule due to the inherent risk associated with prepayment
or early authorization. The average duration of this portfolio is 3.9
years.
The average duration of the Insurance Companies' fixed maturity
investments, excluding collateralized and asset backed securities which are
subject to paydown, as of September 30, 1996 was approximately 2.7 years. As
a result, the market value of the Company's investments may fluctuate
significantly in response to changes in interest rates. In addition, the
Company may experience investment losses to the extent its liquidity needs
require the disposition of fixed maturity securities in unfavorable interest
rate environments.
The Insurance Companies' net investment income, average cash and invested
assets and return on average cash and invested assets for the three years
ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the nine months ended September
30, 1995 and 1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
---------------------- ----------------------------------
(Dollars In thousands)
1996 1995 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average cash and invested assets . $92,928 $94,302 $95,323 $94,891 $95,530
Net investment income ............ 3,434 3,409 4,458 3,932 3,928
Return on average cash and
invested assets ................. 4.9% 4.8% 4.7% 4.1% 4.1%
</TABLE>
A.M. BEST RATING
A.M. Best, which rates insurance companies based on factors of concern to
policyholders, currently assigns an "A-" (Excellent) rating (its fourth
highest rating category out of 15 categories) to the Insurance Companies as a
group. A.M. Best assigns "A" or "A-" ratings to companies which, in its
opinion, have demonstrated excellent overall performance when compared to the
standards established by A.M. Best. Companies rated "A" and "A-" have a
strong ability to meet their obligations to policyholders over a long period
of time. In evaluating a company's financial and operating performance, A.M.
Best reviews the company's profitability, leverage and liquidity, as well as
the company's book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its
reinsurance, the quality and estimated market value of its assets, the
adequacy of its loss reserves, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital
structure, the experience and competency of its management and its market
presence. No assurance can be given that A.M. Best will not reduce the
Insurance Companies' current rating in the future. See "Investment
Considerations -- A.M. Best Rating."
COMPETITION
The property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive. The
Insurance Companies compete with stock insurance companies, mutual companies,
local cooperatives and other underwriting organizations. Certain
55
<PAGE>
of these competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and
operating resources than the Insurance Companies. The Insurance Companies'
ability to compete successfully in their principal markets is dependent upon
a number of factors, many of which (including market and competitive
conditions) are outside the Insurance Companies' control. Many of the lines
of insurance written by the Insurance Companies are subject to significant
price competition. Some companies may offer insurance at lower premium rates
through the use of salaried personnel or other methods, rather than through
independent agents paid on a commission basis, as the Insurance Companies do.
In addition to price, competition in the lines of business written by the
Insurance Companies is based on quality of the products, quality and speed of
service (including claims service), financial strength, ratings, distribution
systems and technical expertise.
REGULATION
Insurance companies are subject to supervision and regulation in the
states in which they transact business. Such supervision and regulation
relates to numerous aspects of an insurance company's business and financial
condition. The primary purpose of such supervision and regulation is the
protection of policyholders. The extent of such regulation varies, but
generally derives from state statutes which delegate regulatory, supervisory
and administrative authority to state insurance departments. Accordingly, the
authority of the state insurance departments includes the establishment of
standards of solvency which must be met and maintained by insurers, the
licensing to do business of insurers and agents, the nature of and
limitations on investments, premium rates for property and casualty
insurance, the provisions which insurers must make for current losses and
future liabilities, the deposit of securities for the benefit of
policyholders, the approval of policy forms, notice requirements for the
cancellation of policies and the approval of certain changes in control.
State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs
of insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports
relating to the financial condition of insurance companies.
Examinations are regularly conducted by the Department every three to five
years. The Department's last examinations of Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard
Fire Company were as of December 31, 1991. The Department's last examination
of Goschenhoppen was as of December 31, 1994. These examinations did not
result in any adjustments to the financial position of any of the Insurance
Companies. In addition, there were no substantive qualitative matters
indicated in the examination reports that had a material adverse impact on
the operations of the Insurance Companies.
In addition to state-imposed insurance laws and regulations, the NAIC has
adopted risk-based capital ("RBC") requirements that require insurance
companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based formula that
attempts to measure statutory capital and surplus needs based on the risks in
a company's mix of products and investment portfolio. Under the formula, a
company first determines its Authorized Control Level risk-based capital
("ACL") by taking into account (i) the risk with respect to the insurer's
assets; (ii) the risk of adverse insurance experience with respect to the
insurer's liabilities and obligations, (iii) the interest rate risk with
respect to the insurer's business; and (iv) all other business risks and such
other relevant risks as are set forth in the RBC instructions. A company's
"Total Adjusted Capital" is the sum of statutory capital and surplus and such
other items as the RBC instructions may provide. The formula is designed to
allow state insurance regulators to identify potential weakly capitalized
companies.
The requirements provide for four different levels of regulatory
attention. The "Company Action Level" is triggered if a company's Total
Adjusted Capital is less than 2.0 times its ACL but greater than or equal to
1.5 times its ACL. At the Company Action Level, the company must submit a
comprehensive plan to the regulatory authority which discusses proposed
corrective actions to improve the capital position. The "Regulatory Action
Level" is triggered if a company's Total Adjust Capital is less than 1.5
times but greater than or equal to 1.0 times its ACL. At the Regulatory
Action Level, the regulatory authority will perform a special examination of
the company and issue an order specifying corrective actions that must be
followed. The "Authorized Control Level" is triggered if a company's Total
Adjusted Capital is than 1.0 times but greater than or equal to 0.7 times its
ACL, and the regulatory authority may take action it deems necessary,
including placing the company under regulatory control. The "Mandatory
Control Level" is triggered if a company's Total Adjusted Capital is less
than 0.7 times its ACL, and the regulatory authority is mandated to place the
company under its control. The Insurance Companies have never failed to
exceed the required levels of capital. There can be no assurance that the
capital requirements applicable to the business of the Insurance Companies
will not increase in the future.
56
<PAGE>
The NAIC has also developed a set of financial ratios, referred to as the
Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS), for use by state insurance
regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. The
NAIC has established an acceptable range of values for each of the IRIS
financial ratios. Generally, an insurance company will become the subject of
increased scrutiny where four or more of its IRIS ratio results fall outside
the range deemed acceptable by the NAIC. The nature of increased regulatory
scrutiny resulting from IRIS ratio results outside the acceptable range is
subject to the judgment of the applicable state insurance department.
During the last three years, each of the Insurance Companies reported
results outside the acceptable range for certain IRIS tests including the
two-year overall operating ratio, investment yield, and the estimated current
reserve deficiency to surplus. The two-year overall operating ratio is a
measure of company profitability which combines three ratios: the loss ratio,
plus the expense ratio, minus the investment income ratio. A ratio result
below 100% indicates a profit, and a ratio result above 100% indicates a
loss. The investment yield calculation provides a measure of investment
performance. The investment yield expresses net investment income as a
percentage of the average cash and invested assets during the year. The
estimated current reserve deficiency to surplus ratio provides an estimate of
the adequacy of current reserves. The ratio is calculated as the difference
between estimated and reported reserves divided by policyholders surplus. The
table below sets forth IRIS ratios outside the acceptable range for the
Insurance Companies during 1993, 1994 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Insurance
Values
Equal to or Old Guard Mutual Old Guard Fire Goschenhoppen
----------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
Ratio Name/Description Over Under 1995 1994 1993 1995 1994 1993 1995 1994 1993
------------------------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Two-Year Overall
Operating Ratio ........ 100 101 104 106 N/A
Investment Yield ........ 100 4.5 4.3 4.5 4.2 N/A
Estimated Current Reserve
Deficiency to Surplus .. 25 74 82 N/A
</TABLE>
For Old Guard Mutual, the 1994 and 1993 investment yields were outside the
acceptable range. This was attributable to substantial investments in
tax-exempt fixed income securities with reduced before tax investment yields.
For Old Guard Fire, the 1995 two-year overall operating ratio was outside
the acceptable range. For 1995 and 1994, operating results were adversely
impacted by winter storms and wind storms which resulted in significant
losses.
For Goschenhoppen, the 1995 and 1994 two-year overall operating ratio, the
1994 investment yield and the 1995 and 1994 estimated current reserve
deficiency to surplus were outside the acceptable range. The 1995 and 1994
two-year overall operating ratios were negatively impacted by poor
underwriting performance stemming from winter storm and wind storm activity
and adverse development on prior year losses. The 1994 investment yield was
adversely affected by substantial investments in tax-exempt fixed income
securities with lower before tax yields. For 1995 and 1994 the estimated
current reserve deficiency to surplus ratio was adversely affected by the
merger of Home Mutual Insurance Company into Goschenhoppen Mutual Insurance
Company to form Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company on December 31,
1993. The amounts upon which the projected deficiency were computed did not
reflect the combined entity. After considering such data, the ratio was
within NAIC limits. All 1993 ratios are not available for Goschenhoppen-Home
because the combined entity was not formed until December 31, 1993.
In 1996, the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act was amended to create
a more favorable business environment for employers and insurers. The
amendments to the Workers' Compensation Act provides employers and insurers
greater ability to control costs by (i) reducing wage loss benefits by
amounts of income received through other sources; (ii) requiring claimants to
submit to the employer's medical provider for 90 days following the first
visit after an injury; and (iii) requiring claimants to submit to a medical
examination after 104 weeks of disability.
Recently, an emergency regulation was promulgated in Maryland concerning
the content of antifraud plans of insurers. Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard
Fire are not required to supplement their existing antifraud plans
57
<PAGE>
under the emergency regulation. Under the emergency regulation, all insurers
licensed in Maryland will be required to file an annual report containing
fraud related information. This report is similar to a report currently filed
in Pennsylvania and will be filed by Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire on
or before March 31, 1997 as required under the Maryland emergency regulation.
Failure to comply with the emergency regulation could result in regulatory
sanctions, including monetary penalties.
The states in which the Insurance Companies do business (Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Delaware), have guaranty fund laws under which insurers doing
business in such states can be assessed on the basis of premiums written by
the insurer in that state in order to fund policyholder liabilities of
insolvent insurance companies. Under these laws in general, an insurer is
subject to assessment, depending upon its market share of a given line of
business, to assist in the payment of policyholder claims against insolvent
insurers. The Insurance Companies make accruals for their portion of
assessments related to such insolvencies when notified of assessments by the
guaranty associations.
The property and casualty insurance industry has recently received a
considerable amount of publicity because of rising insurance costs and the
unavailability of insurance. New regulations and legislation are being
proposed to limit damage awards, to control plaintiffs' counsel fees, to
bring the industry under regulation by the federal government and to control
premiums, policy terminations and other policy terms. It is not possible to
predict whether, in what form or in what jurisdictions any of these proposals
might be adopted or the effect, if any, on the Insurance Companies.
Most states have enacted legislation that regulates insurance holding
company systems. Each insurance company in a holding company system is
required to register with the insurance supervisory agency of its state of
domicile and furnish information concerning the operations of companies
within the holding company system that may materially affect the operations,
management or financial condition of the insurers within the system. Pursuant
to these laws, the respective insurance departments may examine the Insurance
Companies, the Company and their respective insurance subsidiaries at any
time, require disclosure of material transactions by the Insurance Companies
and the Company and require prior approval of certain transactions, such as
"extraordinary dividends" from the Insurance Companies to the Company.
All transactions within the holding company system affecting the Insurance
Companies, the Company and their respective subsidiaries must be fair and
equitable. Approval of the applicable insurance commissioner is required
prior to consummation of transactions affecting the control of an insurer. In
some states, including Pennsylvania, the acquisition of 10% or more of the
outstanding capital stock of an insurer or its holding company is presumed to
be a change in control. These laws also require notice to the applicable
insurance commissioner of certain material transactions between an insurer
and any person in its holding company system and, in some states, certain of
such transactions cannot be consummated without the prior approval of the
applicable insurance commissioner.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries, including the Insurance Companies,
will be restricted by the insurance laws of the state of domicile as to the
amount of dividends or other distributions they may pay to the Company
without the prior approval of the state regulatory authority. Under
Pennsylvania law, the maximum amount that may be paid by each of the
Insurance Companies during any twelve-month period after notice to, but
without prior approval of, the Department cannot exceed the greater of 10% of
the Insurance Company's statutory surplus as reported on the most recent
annual statement filed with the Department, or the net income of the
Insurance Company for the period covered by such annual statement. As of
December 31, 1995, amounts available for payment of dividends in 1996 without
the prior approval of the Department would have been approximately $2.0
million, $879,000 and $494,000 from Old Guard Mutual, from Old Guard Fire and
from Goschenhoppen, respectively.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Insurance Companies are parties to litigation in the normal course of
business. Based upon information presently available to them, the Insurance
Companies' do not consider any threatened or pending litigation to be
material. However, given the uncertainties attendant to litigation, there can
be no assurance that the Insurance Companies' results of operations and
financial condition will not be materially adversely affected by any
threatened or pending litigation.
58
<PAGE>
SUBSIDIARIES
The Insurance Companies jointly own all the capital stock of Old Guard
Investment Holding Company, Inc. ("Old Guard Investment"), a Delaware
corporation (Old Guard, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen own 79.0%, 15.4% and
5.6% of Old Guard Investment, respectively). Old Guard Investment owns all of
the capital stock of Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., a Pennsylvania
corporation ("CIMI"). CIMI is a management company that employs and pays
senior management of the Insurance Companies. CIMI derives all its revenues
from management agreements with the Insurance Companies. Old Guard Investment
also owns 2929 Service Corp., a licensed insurance agency that distributes
products of the Insurance Companies to customers whose agents are no longer
in business or no longer an agent for the Insurance Companies. 2929 Service
Corp. owns a 30% interest in Commonwealth Insurance Consultants, Inc.
("CIC"). CIC provides certain consulting services to other insurance
companies, but its financial condition and results of operations are
immaterial to the Insurance Companies.
After completion of the Conversion, the Insurance Companies intend to
transfer all of the capital stock of Old Guard Investment to the Company and,
as a result, Old Guard Investment will become a direct wholly- owned
subsidiary of the Company and CIMI and 2929 Service Corp. will become a
second tier subsidiary of the Company. The Company will also indirectly own a
30% interest in CIC through the Company's ownership of Old Guard Investment.
PROPERTIES
The Company's and Insurance Companies' main offices are located at 2929
Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania in a 33,000 square foot facility owned
by Old Guard Mutual. Old Guard Fire owns a 25,000 square foot office facility
near the main office at 147 West Airport Road in Lancaster. Goschenhoppen
leases 7,500 square feet of office space in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
Old Guard Investment has entered into an agreement to purchase a 21,507
square foot facility situated on 8.07 acres of land adjacent to the Company's
headquarters. The purchase price is expected to be $1.1 million. The parcel
of land will allow expansion to include an additional 50,000 square foot
facility. The Company has received an $880,000 mortgage loan commitment from
Dauphin for the purchase of such property. The mortgage loan will be for a
term of 15 years, carry a 20-year amortization schedule and bear interest at
an annual rate equal to the federal funds rate, plus 1.90% per annum. The
Mortgage loan will be repaid in 180 consecutive monthly payments of principal
and interest. The mortgage loan will be secured by the purchased property.
Old Guard Fire has listed the Airport Road facility for sale.
EMPLOYEES
As of September 30, 1996, the total number of full-time equivalent
employees of the Insurance Companies was 193. None of these employees are
covered by a collective bargaining agreement and the Insurance Companies
believe that employee relations are good.
59
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company consists of James W. Appel, John E.
Barry, Luther R. Campbell, Jr., M. Scott Clemens, David E. Hosler, Richard B.
Neiley, Jr., G. Arthur Weaver and Robert Wechter, each of whom presently
serves as a director of one or more of the Insurance Companies. The Board is
divided into three classes with directors serving for three-year terms with
approximately one-third of the directors being elected at each annual meeting
of shareholders, beginning with the first annual meeting of shareholders
following the Conversion. Messrs. Campbell and Wechter have terms of office
expiring at the first annual meeting, Messrs. Appel, Clemens, and Weaver have
terms of office expiring at the annual meeting to be held one year
thereafter, and Messrs. Barry, Hosler, and Neiley have terms of office
expiring at the annual meeting to be held two years thereafter.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the directors
of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Age at Business Experience
September 30, Director for the Last Five Years;
1996 Since(1) Other Directorships
--------------- ---------- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
James W. Appel ......... 52 1980 Director, the Company and the Insurance Companies; Partner, Appel
& Yost LLP (law firm); Vice President, Aardvark Abstracting,
Inc. (title insurance agency).
John E. Barry .......... 70 1971 Director, the Company and Old Guard Fire; Retired Representative,
Hopper Soliday & Co., Inc. (investment banking and brokerage
firm); prior thereto, Registered Representative, Hopper Soliday
& Co., Inc.
Luther R. Campbell, Jr. 68 1992 Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual and Goschenhoppen; Partner,
Campbell Rappold & Yurasits LLP (C.P.A. firm); Director, Piel
& Egan P.C. (law firm); Member, First Union North Advisory Board
and First Union Lehigh Valley Advisory Board; prior thereto,
Director, First Fidelity Bancorporation.
M. Scott Clemens ....... 49 1994(1) Director, the Company and Old Guard Mutual; President/Owner,
John T. Fretz Insurance Agency, Inc.; prior thereto, Insurance
Agent, P/C Insurance Agency.
David E. Hosler ........ 45 1985(1) Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, the
Company; Director and Chairman, the Insurance Companies; President
and Chief Executive Officer, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire;
Chief Executive Officer, Goschenhoppen.
Richard B. Neiley , Jr. 70 1991(1) Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen; Retired Insurance Executive, Harleysville
Insurance Group; prior thereto Independent Insurance Consultant.
G. Arthur Weaver ....... 63 1966(1) Director, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire; Insurance and
Real Estate Agent, George A. Weaver, Inc.; also, Director of
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. and Sovereign Bank, F.S.B.
Robert L. Wechter ...... 67 1956(1) Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire; Owner,
Robert L. Wechter Insurance Agency; prior thereto, Vice-President,
Claims Department, Old Guard Mutual.
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Indicates year first elected as a director of one or more of the
Insurance Companies. All members of the Board of Directors of the Company
have served as directors of the Company since its incorporation.
60
<PAGE>
Following the Conversion, directors will be paid an annual retainer of
$10,000. Directors who are employees of the Company will not be paid an
annual retainer fee or other additional compensation for services performed
in their capacity as directors. No director of the Company has received any
remuneration from the Company since its formation. Directors of Old Guard
Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen receive an annual retainer of
$5,400, $2,400 and $900, respectively, and each director is entitled to
receive a minimum annual retainer of $2,600 regardless of the number of
boards on which he serves. Directors also receive up to $150 for each
committee meeting attended. Directors of the Insurance Companies who receive
a salary from the Insurance Companies or their affiliates are not entitled to
receive an annual retainer or other additional compensation for services
rendered as directors or committee members.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers of the Company are elected annually and hold office
until their respective successors have been elected and qualified or until
death, resignation or removal by the Board of Directors of the Company.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive
officers of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Age at Executive
September 30, Officer Business Experience
Name 1996 Since(1) Title For the Last Five Years
------------------ --------------- ----------- ----------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David E. Hosler .. 45 1980 Chairman of the Board, Chairman, President, Chief Executive
President and Chief Officer and Director, the Company;
Executive Officer Chairman; President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director, the Insurance
Companies.
Mark J. Keyser ... 43 1991 Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer,
and Treasurer the Company and the Insurance Companies.
Steven D. Dyer ... 39 1991 Secretary and General Secretary and General Counsel, the
Counsel Company and the Insurance Companies.
Scott A. Orndorff 40 1993 Executive Vice Executive Vice President of Operations,
President the Company and the Insurance Companies;
Vice President of Claims, the Insurance
Companies; prior thereto, Vice
President of Claim Operations, Gulf
Insurance Group.
Donald W. Manley . 43 1986 Vice President Vice President of Underwriting, the
Company and the Insurance Companies.
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Indicates year first appointed as an executive officer of one or more of
the Insurance Companies. Each executive officer of the Company was first
appointed on May 24, 1996.
61
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The executive officers of the Company have received no compensation from
the Company since its formation. The following table sets forth information
regarding the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief
Financial Officer and the Executive Vice President of the Company for each of
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995. The amounts below
represent the aggregate compensation paid in 1994 and 1995 to such executive
officers by CIMI pursuant to CIMI's management agreements with the Insurance
Companies. Amounts paid in 1993 were paid by Old Guard Mutual. No other
executive officer of the Company received compensation in excess of $100,000
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other All Other
Name and Annual Compen-
Principal Salary Compen- sation
Position Year (1) Bonus sation(2) (3)(4)
--------------------- ------ ---------- --------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David E. Hosler 1995 $174,769 $10,501 $ 0 $16,370(5)
Chairman, President 1994 163,192 15,000 0 16,053(5)
and Chief Executive 1993 136,269 18,500 0 18,208(5)(8)
Officer
Mark J. Keyser, 1995 101,539 8,000 0 8,540
Chief Financial 1994 95,962 15,000 0 8,040
Officer and Treasurer 1993 84,554 15,600 0 7,565
Scott A. Orndorff, 1995 85,777 10,000 0 7,466
Executive Vice 1994 77,731 6,000 0 8,552(6)
President 1993 46,792 -- -- 10,557(7)(8)
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Includes amounts which were deferred pursuant to Old Guard Mutual's
401(k) plan. Under the 401(k) plan, employees who elect to participate
may elect to have earnings reduced and to cause the amount of such
reduction to be contributed to the 401(k) plan's related trust in an
amount up to 12% of earnings. Any employee who has completed 1 year of
service and has worked 1,000 hours in a plan year is eligible to
participate in the 401(k) plan.
(2) CIMI provided other benefits to the executive officers in connection with
their employment. The value of such personal benefits, which is not
directly related to job performance, is not included in the table above
because the value of such benefits does not exceed the lesser of $50,000
or 10% of the salary and bonus paid to any executive officer.
(3) Includes amounts contributed under a 401(k) plan for the benefit of the
executive officer. Old Guard Mutual will make a matching contribution
equal to 100% of the employee's salary reduction up to a maximum of 3% of
the employee's salary.
(4) Includes amounts contributed under a Profit Sharing Plan for the benefit
of the executive officer.
(5) Includes the amount of insurance premiums paid by the Insurance Companies
with respect to a split dollar term life insurance policy.
(6) Includes fair rental value of residential property owned by Old Guard
Mutual.
(7) The amount includes the amount of moving expenses paid by the Insurance
Companies.
(8) Includes the value of unused vacation purchased from the executive
officer under a one-time exception to customary policy.
62
<PAGE>
CERTAIN BENEFIT PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
In connection with the Conversion, the Company's Board of Directors has
approved certain stock incentive plans and employment agreements with the
executive officers of the Company. In addition, Old Guard Mutual has an
existing 401(k) plan and profit sharing plan in which the executive officers
of the Company will be eligible to participate after the Conversion.
Implementation of certain of these stock incentive plans requires shareholder
approval.
Stock Compensation Plan.
On ___________ 1996, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Stock
Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), subject to receipt of
shareholder approval at the Company's first annual meeting of shareholders
after the Conversion.
The purpose of the Compensation Plan is to provide additional incentive to
directors and employees of the Company and the Insurance Companies by
facilitating their purchase of stock in the Company. The Compensation Plan
will have a term of ten years from the date of its approval by the Company's
shareholders (unless the plan is earlier terminated by the Board of Directors
of the Company) after which no awards may be made. Pursuant to the
Compensation Plan, a number of shares equal to 10% of the shares of Common
Stock that are issued in the Conversion would be reserved for future issuance
by the Company, in the form of newly-issued or treasury shares, upon exercise
of stock options ("Options") or stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), or the
grant of restricted stock ("Restricted Stock"). Options, SARs, and Restricted
Stock are collectively referred to herein as "Awards." If Awards should
expire, become unexercisable or be forfeited for any reason without having
been exercised or without becoming vested in full, the shares of Common Stock
subject to such Awards would, unless the Compensation Plan shall have been
terminated, be available for the grant of additional Awards under the
Compensation Plan.
The Compensation Plan will be administered by a committee of at least
three directors of the Company who are designated by the Board of Directors
and who are "non-employee directors" within the meaning of the federal
securities laws (the "Compensation Committee"). It is expected that the
Compensation Committee will initially consist of Directors James W. Appel,
Luther R. Campbell, Jr., and Richard B. Neiley, Jr. The Compensation
Committee will select the employees to whom Awards are to be granted, the
number of shares to be subject to such Awards, and the terms and conditions
of such Awards (provided that any discretion exercised by the Compensation
Committee must be consistent with the terms of the Compensation Plan).
It is intended that Options granted under the Compensation Plan will
constitute both incentive stock options (options that afford favorable tax
treatment to recipients upon compliance with certain restrictions pursuant to
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
and that do not result in tax deductions to the Company unless participants
fail to comply with Section 422 of the Code) ("ISOs") and options that do not
so qualify ("Non-ISOs"). The exercise price for Options will be the price at
which the Common Stock is sold in the Offering. The Compensation Plan permits
the Compensation Committee to impose transfer restrictions, such as a right
of first refusal, on the Common Stock that optionees may purchase. It is
possible that the Compensation Committee will impose transfer restrictions on
shares subject to options granted on the Compensation Plan's effective date.
No Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the
date it is granted; provided, however, that in the case of any employee who
owns more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock at the time an ISO is
granted, the option price for the ISO shall not be less than 110% of the
price at which the Common Stock is sold in the Offering, and the ISO shall
not be exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date it is
granted. An otherwise unexpired Option, unless otherwise determined by the
Compensation Committee, shall cease to be exercisable upon (i) an employee's
termination of employment for "just cause" (as defined in the Compensation
Plan), (ii) the date three months after an employee terminates service for a
reason other than just cause, death, or disability, (iii) the date one year
after an employee terminates service due to disability, or (iv) the date two
years after termination of such service due to the employee's death. Options
granted to non-employee directors will automatically expire one year after
termination of service on the Board of Directors (two years in the event of
death). Options granted at the time of the implementation of the Compensation
Plan are expected to be exercisable six months after the date such options
are granted.
63
<PAGE>
A SAR may be granted in tandem with all or any part of any Option or
without any relationship to any Option. Whether or not a SAR is granted in
tandem with an Option, exercise of the SAR will entitle the optionee to
receive, as the Compensation Committee prescribes in the grant, all or a
percentage of the excess of the then fair market value of the shares of
Common Stock subject to the SAR at the time of its exercise, over the
aggregate exercise price of the shares subject to the SAR. Payment to the
optionee may be made in cash or shares of Common Stock, as determined by the
Compensation Committee.
Restricted Stock is Common Stock which is nontransferable and forfeitable
until a grantee's interest vests. Nevertheless, the grantee is entitled to
vote the Restricted Stock and to receive dividends and other distributions
made with respect to the Restricted Stock. To the extent that a grantee
becomes vested in his Restricted Stock at any time during the "Restriction
Period" (as defined in the Compensation Plan) and has satisfied applicable
income tax withholding obligations, the Company may deliver unrestricted
shares of Common Stock to the grantee. Vesting of Restricted Stock may be
accelerated at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. At the end of
the Restriction Period, the grantee will forfeit to the Company any shares of
Restricted Stock as to which he did not earn a vested interest during the
Restriction Period.
The Company will receive no monetary consideration for the granting of
Awards under the Compensation Plan, and will receive no monetary
consideration other than the Option exercise price for each share issued to
optionees upon the exercise of Options. The Option exercise price may be paid
in cash or Common Stock. The exercise of Options and SARs and the conditions
under which Restricted Stock vests will be subject to such terms and
conditions established by the Compensation Committee as are set forth in a
written agreement between the Compensation Committee and the optionee (to be
entered into at the time an Award is granted). In the event that the fair
market value per share of the Common Stock falls below the option price of
previously granted Options or SARs, the Compensation Committee will have the
authority, with the consent of the optionee, to cancel outstanding Options or
SARs and to reissue new Options or SARs at the then current fair market price
per share of the Common Stock.
Although directors and officers of the Company generally would be
prohibited under the federal securities laws from profiting from certain
purchases and sales of shares of Common Stock within any six-month period,
they generally will not be prohibited by such laws from exercising options
and immediately selling the shares they receive. As a result, the Company's
directors and officers generally will be permitted to benefit in the event
the market price for the shares exceeds the exercise price of their Options,
without being subject to loss in the event the market price falls below the
exercise price.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any Award that provides for its exercise
or vesting in installments, all shares of Restricted Stock shall become fully
vested upon a "change in control" (as defined in the Compensation Plan) and,
for a period of 60 days beginning on the date of such change in control, all
Options and SARs shall be immediately exercisable and fully vested. In the
event of a change in control, the Compensation Committee may permit the
holders of exercisable Options to surrender their Options in exchange for
cash in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Common
Stock subject to the Options over their exercise price. No Award is
assignable or transferable except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, or pursuant to the terms of a "qualified domestic relations
order" (within the meaning of Section 414(p) of the Code and the regulations
and rulings thereunder).
The initial grant of Options under the Compensation Plan is expected to
take place on the date of the receipt of shareholder and regulatory approval
of the Compensation Plan, and the Option exercise price would be the price at
which the Common Stock is sold in the Offering. No decisions concerning the
number of options to be granted to any director or officer have been made at
this time. No SARs or Restricted Stock Awards are expected to be granted when
the Compensation Plan becomes effective, and no Awards would be made prior to
the receipt of shareholder approval of the Compensation Plan.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
In connection with the Conversion, the Company's Board of Directors has
adopted the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP") for the
exclusive benefit of participating employees, to be implemented upon the
completion of the Conversion. Participating employees are all employees of
the Company and
64
<PAGE>
its subsidiaries who have attained age 21 and completed one year of service
with the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company will submit to the IRS an
application for a letter of determination as to the tax-qualified status of
the ESOP. Although no assurances can be given, the Company expects that the
ESOP will receive a favorable letter of determination from the IRS.
The ESOP intends to borrow funds from an unaffiliated lender in an amount
sufficient to purchase 10% of the Common Stock issued in the Conversion.
Although the ESOP has not yet received a commitment from a lender with
respect to such a loan, based on preliminary discussions with potential
lenders, the Company expects that the loan will bear an 8% interest rate, and
will require the ESOP to make monthly payments of approximately $35,000 for a
term of 10 years. The loan will be secured by the shares of Common Stock
purchased and earnings thereon. Shares purchased with such loan proceeds will
be held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loan
is repaid. The Company expects to contribute sufficient funds to the ESOP to
repay such loan, plus such other amounts as the Company's Board of Directors
may determine in its discretion.
Contributions to the ESOP and shares released from the suspense account
will be allocated among participants on the basis of their annual wages
subject to federal income tax withholding, plus any amounts withheld under a
plan qualified under Sections 125 or 401(k) of the Code and sponsored by the
Company or an affiliate of the Company. Participants must be employed at
least 500 hours in a calendar year in order to receive an allocation. A
participant becomes 100% vested in his or her right to ESOP benefits only
after completing 5 years of service. For vesting purposes, a year of service
means any year in which an employee completes at least 1,000 hours of
service. Vesting will be accelerated to 100% upon a participant's attainment
of age 65, death, or disability or a change in control of the Company.
Forfeitures will be reallocated to participants on the same basis as other
contributions. Benefits are payable upon a participant's retirement, death,
disability, or separation from service, and will be paid in a lump sum or
whole shares of Common Stock (with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares).
Dividends paid on allocated shares are expected to be credited to participant
accounts within the ESOP or paid to participants, and dividends on
unallocated shares are expected to be used to repay the ESOP loan.
The Company will administer the ESOP, and an unaffiliated bank or trust
company will be appointed as trustee of the ESOP (the "ESOP Trustee"). The
ESOP Trustee must vote all allocated shares held in the ESOP in accordance
with the instructions of the participants. Unallocated shares and allocated
shares for which no timely direction is received will be voted by the ESOP
Trustee in the same proportion as the participant-directed voting of
allocated shares.
Management Recognition Plan.
On _________________, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a
management recognition plan (the "MRP") subject to receipt of shareholder
approval at the Company's first annual meeting of shareholders after the
Conversion.
The objective of the MRP is to enable the Company to reward and retain key
personnel. Those eligible to receive benefits under the MRP will be directors
and executive officers of the Company and the Insurance Companies who are
selected by members of the Compensation Committee.
The MRP will be managed through a separate trust (the "MRP Trust"). The
Trustees of the MRP Trust (the "MRP Trustees"), who are expected to be the
members of the Compensation Committee, have the responsibility to invest all
funds contributed to the MRP Trust. The Company will contribute sufficient
funds to the MRP Trust so that the MRP Trust can purchase, from the Company,
up to an aggregate number of shares equal to 4% of the shares of the Common
Stock that were issued in the Conversion. Because the MRP will be acquiring
additional authorized but unissued shares after the Conversion, the interests
of existing shareholders will be diluted. It is possible that the Company's
Board of Directors will impose certain transfer restrictions on the shares of
Common Stock that the Company sells to the MRP, and that these restrictions
will reduce their value, for financial reporting purposes, to a price below
the fair market value of freely transferable shares as of the date of such
sale.
It is anticipated that all shares of Common Stock purchased by the MRP
Trust will be granted to eligible directors and executive officers at no cost
to them pursuant to the terms of the MRP. Unless the Compensation Committee
decides to the contrary (which is not expected to occur in the case of awards
made on the MRP's
65
<PAGE>
effective date), vesting will occur at the rate of 20% per year of service
following the award date. Unvested shares held in the MRP Trust shall be
voted by the MRP Trustees in the same proportion as the trustee of the
Company's ESOP trust votes Common Stock held therein, and shall be
distributed as the award vests. Dividends on unvested shares will be held in
the MRP Trust for payment as vesting occurs. At the election of the
participant, but subject to approval by the Compensation Committee, unvested
shares that would otherwise be held by the MRP Trust may be distributed to
the participant in the form of restricted stock subject to forfeiture. A
participant who has received restricted stock may vote such shares, will
receive any dividends paid thereon (subject to the same vesting rules
applicable to the restricted stock), and will be able to exchange restricted
shares for unrestricted shares as vesting occurs.
If an employee terminates employment for reasons other than retirement at
or after age 65 death, or disability, he or she forfeits all rights to the
allocated shares under restriction. If the employee's termination is caused
by retirement at or after age 65 death, or disability, all restrictions
expire and all shares allocated become vested and, consequently,
unrestricted. The same vesting rules apply to directors except that the
director retirement age is 70. The MRP provides that in the event of a change
in control of the Company, all shares of the Common Stock subject to
outstanding awards will be immediately payable to the holders of the awards.
Participants will recognize compensation income when their interests vest,
or at such earlier date pursuant to a participant's election to accelerate
income recognition pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code.
The Company's Board of Directors intends to seek shareholder approval of
the MRP at the first annual meeting of shareholders following completion of
the Conversion and can terminate the MRP at any time, and, if it does so, any
shares not allocated will revert to the Company. No decisions have been made
concerning the number of MRP awards to be granted to any director or officer.
Assuming shares are sold equal to the maximum of the Estimated Valuation
Range in the Conversion, and further assuming that share awards of restricted
stock have a value of $10 per share, the maximum aggregate value of MRP
awards to employees and non-employee directors upon the MRP's receipt of
shareholder approval would be $1.5 million. No awards will be made prior to
shareholder approval of the MRP.
Employment Agreements.
Chief Executive Officer. As of June 1, 1996, Mr. David E. Hosler entered
into an Employment Agreement with the Company and Commonwealth Insurance
Managers, Inc. ("CIMI"). The Employment Agreement has an initial three-year
term and provides for automatic annual one-year extensions commencing on June
1, 1997 and continuing on each June 1 thereafter unless the Company or Mr.
Hosler gives prior written notice of nonrenewal. Under the Employment
Agreement, Mr. Hosler is entitled to receive an annual base salary of not
less than $180,000. In addition, Mr. Hosler is entitled to participate in any
other incentive compensation and employee benefit plans that the Company
maintains.
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Hosler's employment for "Cause" as
defined in the Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler would be entitled to receive
his accrued but unpaid base salary and an amount for all accumulated but
unused leave time.
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Hosler's employment without Cause,
Mr. Hosler would be entitled to receive an annual amount equal to the greater
of (i) his highest base salary received during one of the two years
immediately preceding the year in which he is terminated, or (ii) his base
salary in effect immediately prior to his termination for the remainder of
the term of the Employment Agreement. In addition, Mr. Hosler would be
entitled to continuation annually during the remaining term of the Employment
Agreement, of (i) an amount equal to the higher of the aggregate bonuses paid
to him in one of the two years immediately preceding the year in which he is
terminated and (ii) an amount equal to the sum of the highest annual
contribution made on his behalf (other than his own salary reduction
contributions) to each of the Company's tax qualified and non- qualified
defined contribution plans (as such term is defined in Section 3(35) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") in the
year in which he is terminated or in one of the two years immediately
preceding such year. Mr. Hosler would also be entitled to certain retirement,
health and welfare benefits.
In the event Mr. Hosler terminates his employment with the Company with
"Good Reason," as defined in the Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler would be
entitled to receive the same amounts and benefits he would
66
<PAGE>
receive if terminated without Cause. In the event Mr. Hosler terminates his
employment with the Company without Good Reason, Mr. Hosler would be entitled
to receive his accrued but unpaid base salary until the date of termination
and an amount for all accumulated but unused leave time.
In the event of Mr. Hosler's death or disability during the term of his
Employment, Mr. Hosler and his eligible dependents or his spouse and her
eligible dependents, as the case may be, would be entitled to receive certain
cash amounts and certain health and welfare benefits.
In the event that Mr. Hosler is required to pay any excise tax imposed
under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax imposed under federal,
state or local law) as a result of any compensation and benefits received
under the Employment Agreement in connection with a change in control, the
Company will pay to Mr. Hosler an additional amount such that the net amount
retained by him, after the payment of such excise taxes (and any additional
income tax resulting from such payment by the Company), equals the amount he
would have received but for the imposition of such taxes.
The Employment Agreement further provides that in the event Mr. Hosler's
employment is terminated for Cause or without Good Reason prior to a "Change
in Control," as defined in the Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler may not, for
a period of twelve months after the date of termination, without the prior
written consent of the Company's Board of Directors, become an officer,
director or a shareholder or equity owner of 4.9% or more of any entity
engaged in the property and casualty insurance business with its corporate
headquarters located within fifty miles of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In
addition, during Mr. Hosler's employment and for a period of 12 months
following the termination of his employment, except following a Change in
Control, Mr. Hosler may not solicit, endeavor to entice away from the
Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise interfere with the
relationship of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates with any person
who is, or was within the then most recent 12-month period, an employee or
associate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Other Named Executive Officers. As of June 1, 1996, Mr. Mark J. Keyser,
Steven D. Dyer, Scott A. Orndorff and Donald W. Manley entered into
Employment Agreements with the Company and CIMI. The Employment Agreements
have an initial three-year term and provide for automatic annual one-year
extensions commencing on June 1, 1997 and continuing on each June 1
thereafter. Under the Employment Agreements, Messrs. Keyser, Dyer, Orndorff
and Manley are entitled to receive annual base salaries of not less than
$106,080, $87,200, $94,000 and $86,400, respectively.
In the event the Company terminates an Executive Officer's employment for
"Cause," as defined in the Employment Agreement, the executive would be
entitled to receive his accrued but unpaid base salary and an amount for all
accumulated but unused leave time.
In the event the Company terminates an Executive Officer's employment
without Cause, the Executive Officer would be entitled to receive an amount
equal to the greater of (i) his highest base salary received during one of
the two years immediately preceding the year in which he is terminated, or
(ii) his base salary in effect immediately prior to his termination for the
two-year period, beginning with the date of termination. In addition, the
Executive Officer would be entitled to continuation, for two years, of (i) an
amount equal to the higher of the aggregate bonuses paid to him in one of the
two years immediately preceding the year in which he is terminated and (ii)
an amount equal to the sum of the highest annual contribution made on his
behalf (other than his own salary reduction contributions) to each of the
Company's tax qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans (as such
term is defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA), in the year in which he is
terminated or in one of the two years immediately preceding such year. The
Executive Officer would also be entitled to certain retirement, health and
welfare benefits.
In the event the Executive Officer terminates his employment with the
Company with "Good Reason," as defined in the Employment Agreement, the
Executive Officer would be entitled to receive the same amounts and benefits
he would receive if terminated without Cause. In the event the Executive
Officer terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason, the
Executive Officer would be entitled to receive his accrued but unpaid base
salary and an amount for all accumulated but unused leave time.
In the event of the Executive Officer's death or disability during the
term of the Employment Agreement, the Executive Officer and his eligible
dependents or his spouse and her eligible dependents, as the case may be,
would be entitled to receive certain cash amounts and certain health and
welfare benefits.
67
<PAGE>
In the event that the Executive Officer is required to pay any excise tax
imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax imposed under
federal, state or local law) as a result of any compensation and benefits
received under his Employment Agreement in connection with a change in
control, the Company will pay to the Executive Officer an additional amount
such that the net amount retained by him, after the payment of such excise
taxes (and any additional tax resulting from such payment by the Company),
equals the amount he would have received but for the imposition of such
taxes.
The Employment Agreement for each Executive Officer further provides that
in the event the Executive Officer's employment is terminated for Cause or he
voluntarily terminates his employment prior to a "Change in Control," as
defined in the Employment Agreement, the Executive Officer may not for a
period of twelve months after the date of termination, without the prior
written consent of the Company's Board of Directors, become an officer,
director or a shareholder or equity owner of 4.9% or more of any entity
engaged in the property and casualty insurance business with its corporate
headquarters located within fifty miles of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In
addition, during the Executive Officer's employment and for a period of 12
months following the termination of his employment, except following a Change
in Control, the Executive Officer may not solicit, endeavor to entice away
from the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise interfere with
the relationship of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates with any
person who is, or was within the most recent 12-month period, an employee or
associate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
THE CONVERSION
The Plan has been approved by the Department, subject to the Plan's
approval by the policyholders of the Insurance Companies entitled to vote and
the satisfaction of certain other conditions imposed by the Department in its
approval. Approval by the Department does not constitute a recommendation or
endorsement of the Plan.
BACKGROUND AND REASONS FOR THE CONVERSIONS
The Insurance Companies annually review and adopt a strategic plan whose
goals, by their terms, have been expressly predicated upon company
independence and capital strength. The Insurance Companies have considered
various capital formation alternatives in the past, such as the issuance of
surplus notes or a stock offering by a subsidiary company. Surplus notes were
used in the past to enhance statutory capital and a subsidiary company
offering was actively considered in prior years. However, each was limited;
surplus notes do not provide either GAAP capital or permanent statutory
capital and a subsidiary offering may not yield the amount of capital the
Insurance Companies would like to obtain to fully implement their strategic
plan, which the Insurance Companies estimated to be $20 million.
As a result of the inadequate avenues for capital formation by mutual
insurance companies, the Insurance Companies were active supporters of the
Pennsylvania Insurance Company Mutual to Stock Conversion Act (the "Act"),
which is designed to encourage capital formation by changing the manner in
which Pennsylvania mutual insurance companies convert from mutual to stock
form. Under the Act, distribution of surplus to policyholders upon conversion
is not required. Instead, policyholders are given a first priority right to
purchase the stock of a converting company.
The Act was passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in early December
1995. On December 12, 1995, management was directed by the Boards of
Directors of each Insurance Company to explore the process and feasibility of
conversion under the Act. On January 12, 1996, the Boards of Directors
authorized further study and requested a presentation with respect to the
process at its meeting on March 31, 1996. At the March 31, 1996 meeting,
counsel for the Insurance Companies made a presentation regarding conversion
under the Act, including the process, advantages and disadvantages of
conversion and public company status, tax considerations, the financial
impact of conversion and the costs of conversion. No decision regarding
conversion was made at this meeting. At a meeting of the Board of Directors
of each Insurance Company held on April 22, 1996, management was directed to
prepare the Plan for consideration at a special meeting to be held in May.
Effective May 31, 1996, the Board of Directors of each of the Insurance
Companies unanimously adopted, subject to approval by the Department and the
policyholders of each of the Insurance Companies, the Plan, pursuant to which
each of the Insurance Companies will convert from a Pennsylvania mutual
insurance company to a Penn-
68
<PAGE>
sylvania stock insurance company and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. The Insurance Companies did not engage a financial adviser in
connection with their decision to adopt the Plan. Each Board of Directors
unanimously adopted amendments to the Plan on July 19, 1996. An application
with respect to the Conversion was filed by the Insurance Companies on August
21, 1996 and notice of the filing and the opportunity to comment was
simultaneously mailed to all Eligible Policyholders as required by law. The
Insurance Companies know of no significant opposition to the Conversion from
the Insurance Companies' policyholders. The Department informed the Insurance
Companies on November 27, 1996 that it did not intend to hold any hearings
regarding the Conversion.
The Department has approved the Plan subject to its approval by the
policyholders of each of the Insurance Companies at their respective Special
Meetings called for that purpose to be held on ___________, 1997.
On November 19, 1996, the Company received an unsolicited request from
Donegal Group, Inc., an insurance holding company located in Marietta,
Pennsylvania ("Donegal") to amend the Plan to provide for the merger of the
Company into Donegal in exchange for an aggregate payment of $27.5 million to
all policyholders of the Insurance Companies, or less than $200 per
policyholder assuming equal distribution to all policyholders. Such amount
was proposed to be payable one-half in cash and one-half in a new class of
preferred stock of Donegal, the terms of which were not specified. The Boards
of Directors of the Company and the Insurance Companies met on November 22,
1996. Because such a transaction would not provide additional capital to the
Insurance Companies, would be inconsistent with their strategic plan of
continued independence and would be tantamount to a sale and liquidation of
the Insurance Companies, the Boards of Directors of the Company and the
Insurance Companies determined that the request was contrary to the best
interests of the Insurance Companies, including its policyholders, agents,
employees, suppliers and the communities they serve, and further declined to
consider the request. Therefore, the respective Boards of Directors affirmed
their course of independence and commitment to the Plan.
An application to acquire the Company was contemporaneously filed with the
Department by Donegal. In response to the application, the Department
informed Donegal that its application was both deficient and premature
because no stock of the Company is outstanding. Pending cure of these
deficiencies and approval of the application by the Department, the
Department informed Donegal that it is prohibited from (i) making any public
announcement of its request to the Company to amend the Plan, and (ii)
soliciting policyholders of the Insurance Companies in any way, including in
connection with the policyholder votes to be held on the Plan at the Special
Meetings. The Company believes Donegal will be unable to cure the
deficiencies in its application and secure Department approval, on a timely
basis, if at all. If Eligible Policyholders do not approve the Plan, the
Boards of Directors of the Insurance Companies intend to maintain their
current course of independence.
GENERAL
The Conversion will be accomplished through the filing with the Department
of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania amended and restated Articles of
Incorporation of each of the Insurance Companies. The Company has received
Department approval to exchange $16.0 million of the net proceeds of the
Offering for all of the capital stock of Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen to be issued in the Conversion. See "Use of Proceeds." Upon
issuance of the shares of capital stock of the Insurance Companies to the
Company, the Insurance Companies will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the
Company. The Conversion will be effected only upon completion of the sale of
at least the minimum number of shares of Common Stock required to be sold by
the Company pursuant to the Plan. The Conversion will be accounted for as a
simultaneous reorganization, recapitalization and share offering which will
not change the historical accounting basis of the Insurance Companies'
financial statements.
The aggregate purchase price of the Common Stock to be issued in the
Conversion will be within the Estimated Valuation Range of between
$28,535,000 and $38,606,000, based upon an independent appraisal of the
estimated pro forma market value of the Common Stock prepared by Berwind
Financial Group, L.P. ("Berwind"), a Pennsylvania limited partnership. All
shares of Common Stock to be issued and sold in the Conversion will be sold
at the same price of $10.00 per share. The independent appraisal will be
updated, if necessary, and the final aggregate purchase price of the shares
of Common Stock will be determined at the completion of the Offering, and, if
necessary, the Public Offering. Berwind is a consulting firm experienced in
corporate valuations. For additional information, see "Stock Pricing and
Number of Shares to be Issued" herein.
69
<PAGE>
The following is a summary of certain aspects of the Conversion. The
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the
Plan, a copy of which is attached to the proxy statements prepared by the
Insurance Companies in connection with the Special Meetings. A copy of the
Plan is available for inspection at the Company's principal executive offices
located at 2929 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Plan is also filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC. See "Additional
Information."
OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK
Under the Plan, the Company is offering shares of Common Stock in a
subscription offering (the "Subscription Offering") first to the Eligible
Policyholders, second to the ESOP, and third to the directors, officers and
employees of the Insurance Companies. Subscription rights received in any of
the foregoing categories will be subordinated to the subscription rights
received by those in a prior category, except that the ESOP may purchase up
to 10% of the shares of Common Stock issued in the Conversion. The Company is
also concurrently offering Common Stock to the general public in a Community
Offering (the "Community Offering"). The Subscription Offering and the
Community Offering are collectively referred to herein as the "Offering." See
"The Offering" herein. The Offering will be managed by Hopper Soliday.
It is anticipated that all shares not purchased in the Offering will be
sold to a syndicate of underwriters to be managed by Legg Mason and McDonald
(collectively, the "Underwriters") for resale to the general public in a
Public Offering. See "Public Offering" herein. The Plan provides that in the
event a Public Offering does not appear feasible, the Company will consult
with the Department to determine the most practical alternative available to
complete the Conversion, including the sale of the remaining shares of Common
Stock in other registered transactions or a reduction in the Estimated
Valuation Range. Should no viable alternative exist, the Company may
discontinue the Conversion and terminate the Plan in accordance with the
provisions of the Plan.
The completion of the Offering and the Public Offering are subject to
market conditions and other factors beyond the Company's control. No
assurance can be given as to the length of time that will be required to
complete the sale of Common Stock to be offered in the Conversion after
approval of the Plan by Eligible Policyholders at the Special Meetings. If
delays are experienced, significant changes may occur in the estimated pro
forma market value of the Company, together with corresponding changes in the
offering price and the net proceeds realized by the Company from the sale of
the Common Stock. The Insurance Companies would also incur substantial
additional legal, accounting and other expenses in completing the Conversion.
In the event that the Conversion is not completed, the Insurance Companies
will remain as mutual insurance companies and all subscription funds will be
promptly returned to subscribers without interest. In addition, the Insurance
Companies would be required to charge all Conversion expenses against current
income.
BUSINESS PURPOSES
The Company was formed to serve as the holding company for all of the
issued and outstanding capital stock of the Insurance Companies upon
completion of the Conversion. The portion of the net proceeds from the sale
of Common Stock in the Conversion that the Company will contribute to the
Insurance Companies will substantially increase the Insurance Companies'
surplus which will, in turn, enhance policyholder protection and increase the
amount of funds available to support both current operations and future
growth. The holding company structure also will provide greater flexibility
for diversification of business activities and geographic operations.
Management believes that this increased capital and operating flexibility
will enable the Company and the Insurance Companies to compete more
effectively with other insurance companies. In addition, the Conversion will
enhance the future access of the Company and the Insurance Companies to the
capital markets.
After completion of the Conversion, the unissued Common Stock and
preferred stock authorized by the Company's Articles of Incorporation will
permit the Company to raise additional equity capital through further sales
of securities and to issue securities in connection with possible
acquisitions. At the present time, the Company has no plans with respect to
additional offerings of securities following the Conversion, other than the
proposed issuance of additional shares under the MRP and Compensation Plan,
if implemented. Following completion of Conversion, the Company also will be
able to use stock-related incentive programs to attract, motivate and retain
highly qualified employees for itself and its subsidiaries. See "Management
of the Company."
70
<PAGE>
EFFECT OF CONVERSION ON POLICYHOLDERS
General.
Each policyholder in a mutual insurance company, including each
policyholder of the Insurance Companies, has certain interests in its policy
issuing insurance company in addition to the contractual right to insurance
coverage afforded by the policyholder's policy of insurance. These interests
are (i) the right to vote with respect to the election of directors of the
company and certain other fundamental corporate transactions, such as an
amendment to the articles of incorporation of the company or a merger of the
company, (ii) the right to receive dividends if, as and when declared by the
board of directors of the company (the Insurance Companies have never
declared a policyholder dividend and have no intention of doing so in the
future), and (iii) in the unlikely event of a solvent dissolution of the
company, the right to receive a pro rata distribution of any surplus
remaining after the satisfaction of all claims and other liabilities of the
company. However, these interests are incident to, and contingent upon the
existence of, the underlying insurance policy. These interests have no
tangible market value separate from such insurance policy and a policyholder
who terminates his policy automatically forfeits the interests in the company
described above. Policyholder interests other than contract rights under
policies of insurance will be terminated as a result of the Conversion.
If the Plan is not approved by the Eligible Policyholders or if the
Conversion fails to be completed for any other reason, the Insurance
Companies will continue their existence as mutual insurance companies and
Eligible Policyholders will retain the rights described above.
Continuity of Insurance Coverage and Business Operations.
The Conversion will not affect the contractual rights of policyholders to
insurance protection under their individual insurance policies with the
Insurance Companies. During and after the Conversion, the normal business of
the Insurance Companies of issuing insurance policies in exchange for premium
payments and processing and paying claims will continue without change or
interruption. After the Conversion, the Insurance Companies will continue to
provide services for policyholders under current policies and by its present
management and staff.
The Board of Directors of each of the Insurance Companies at the time of
the Conversion will continue to serve as the Boards of Directors of the
Insurance Companies after the Conversion. The Board of Directors of the
Company will consist of the following persons, each of whom is an existing
director of one or more of the Insurance Companies: James W. Appel, John E.
Barry, Luther R. Campbell, Jr., M. Scott Clemens, David E. Hosler, Richard B.
Neiley, Jr., G. Arthur Weaver and Robert Wechter. See "Management of the
Company -- Directors." All officers of each of the Insurance Companies at the
time of the Conversion will retain their positions with the Insurance
Companies after the Conversion.
Voting Rights.
Upon completion of the Conversion, the voting rights of all policyholders
in each Insurance Company will terminate and policyholders will no longer
have the right to elect the directors of such Insurance Company or approve
transactions involving the Insurance Company. Instead, voting rights in the
Insurance Companies will be vested exclusively in the Company, which will own
all the capital stock of the Insurance Companies. Voting rights in the
Company will be vested exclusively in the shareholders of the Company,
including Eligible Policyholders who purchase shares of Common Stock in the
Subscription Offering. Each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote
on any matter to be considered by the shareholders of the Company, subject to
the terms of the Company's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and to the
provisions of Pennsylvania and federal law. See "Description of Capital Stock
- -- Common Stock."
Dividends.
The Conversion will not affect the right of a policyholder to receive
dividends from the Insurance Companies in accordance with the terms of the
policyholder's existing policy of insurance, which provides that dividends
will be paid only if, as and when declared by the Boards of Directors of the
Insurance Companies. However, the Insurance Companies have never declared a
policyholder dividend and have no present intention of
71
<PAGE>
doing so in the future, whether or not the Insurance Companies convert to
stock form. Shareholders of the Company, including eligible policyholders who
purchase shares of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering, will have the
exclusive right to receive dividends paid by the Company, if any. See
"Description of Capital Stock -- Common Stock." Rights Upon Dissolution.
After the Conversion, policyholders will no longer have the right to
receive a pro rata distribution of any remaining surplus in the unlikely
occurrence of a solvent dissolution of the Insurance Companies. Instead, this
right will vest in the Company as the sole shareholder of the Insurance
Companies. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, shareholders of the Company, including Eligible Policyholders who
purchase shares of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering, would be
entitled to receive, after payment of all debts and liabilities of the
Company, a pro rata portion of all assets of the Company. See "Description of
Capital Stock -- Common Stock."
THE OFFERING
Subscription Offering.
Nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of Common Stock are
being issued to all persons entitled to purchase stock in the Subscription
Offering at no cost to such persons. The amount of Common Stock that these
parties may purchase will be determined, in part, by the total number of
shares of Common Stock to be issued and the availability of Common Stock for
purchase under the categories set forth in the Plan.
Preference categories have been established for the allocation of Common
Stock to the extent that shares are available. These categories are as
follows:
Subscription Category No. 1 is reserved for Eligible Policyholders of the
Insurance Companies, i.e., those persons who are named insureds at the close
of business on May 31, 1996 (the "Eligibility Record Date") under an existing
insurance policy issued by any of the Insurance Companies. Each Eligible
Policyholder will receive, without payment, subscription rights to purchase
up to one percent (1%) of that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the
maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range divided by the Purchase Price;
provided, however, that the maximum number of shares that may be purchased by
Eligible Policyholders in the aggregate shall be equal to the maximum of the
Estimated Valuation Range divided by $10.00. In the event of an
oversubscription, shares of Common Stock will be allocated among subscribing
Eligible Policyholders, as follows. First, shares of Common Stock will be
allocated among subscribing Eligible Policyholders so as to permit each such
Eligible Policyholder, to the extent possible, to purchase the lesser of (i)
100 shares, or (ii) the number of shares for which such Eligible Policyholder
has subscribed. Second, any shares of Common Stock remaining after such
initial allocation will be allocated among the subscribing Eligible
Policyholders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied in the proportion in
which the aggregate premiums payable to the Insurance Companies by each such
Eligible Policyholder in respect of all policies issued to such Eligible
Policyholder and in force on the Eligibility Record Date, bears to the
aggregate premiums payable to the Insurance Companies in respect of all
policies issued to all such Eligible Policyholders and in force on the
Eligibility Record Date; provided, however, that no fractional shares of
Common Stock shall be issued. To ensure a proper allocation of Common Stock,
each Eligible Account Holder must list on his Stock Order Form all policies
issued by the Insurance Companies under which he is the named insured as of
the close of business on May 31, 1996. Failure to list a policy could result
in fewer shares being allocated than if all policies had been disclosed.
Subscription Category No. 2 is reserved for the Company's tax-qualified
employee stock benefit plans, i.e., the ESOP, which shall receive, without
payment, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase, in the aggregate,
up to 10% of the shares of Common Stock to be issued in the Conversion. The
ESOP is expected to purchase 10% of the Common Stock issued in the
Conversion.
Subscription Category No. 3 is reserved for directors, officers and
employees of the Insurance Companies. Each director, officer and employee of
each Insurance Company will receive, without payment, subscription rights to
purchase up to 1% of that number of shares of Common Stock equal to the
maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range divided by $10.00; provided,
however, that such subscription rights shall be subordinated to the
subscription rights received by the Eligible Policyholders and the ESOP and
may be exercised only to the extent that there are shares of Common Stock
that could have been purchased by Eligible Policyholders, but which
72
<PAGE>
remain unsold after satisfying the subscriptions of all Eligible
Policyholders. In the event of an oversubscription among the directors,
officers and employees, shares of Common Stock shall be allocated among them
on the basis of a point system under which one point will be assigned for
each year of service to each Insurance Company, one point for each then
current annual salary increment of $5,000, and one point for each office held
in each Insurance Company. If any director, officer or employee does not
subscribe for his full allocation of shares, the shares not subscribed for
shall be allocated among the directors, officers and employees whose
subscriptions remain unsatisfied in proportion to their respective
subscriptions. A director, officer or employee of an Insurance Company who
subscribes to purchase shares of Common Stock and who is also eligible to
purchase shares of Common Stock as an Eligible Policyholder will be deemed to
purchase Common Stock first in his or her capacity as an Eligible
Policyholder.
The Company will make reasonable efforts to comply with the securities
laws of all states in the United States in which persons entitled to
subscribe for Common Stock pursuant to the Plan reside. However, no person
will be offered or allowed to purchase any Common Stock under the Plan if he
or she resides in a foreign country or in a state of the United States with
respect to which any or all of the following apply: (i) a small number of
persons otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under the Plan reside in
such state or foreign country; (ii) the granting of subscription rights or
the offer or sale of shares of Common Stock to such persons would require the
Company or the Insurance Companies or their employees to register, under the
securities laws of such state, as a broker, dealer, salesman or agent or to
register or otherwise qualify its securities for sale in such state or
foreign country; or (iii) such registration or qualification would be
impracticable for reasons of cost or otherwise. No payments will be made in
lieu of the granting of subscription rights to any such person.
Community Offering.
Concurrently with the Subscription Offering, the Company is offering
shares of the Common Stock to the general public in a Community Offering.
Preference in the Community Offering will be given to (i) natural persons and
trusts of natural persons who are permanent residents of Berks, Bucks,
Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery,
Northampton and York Counties, Pennsylvania (the "Local Community"), (ii)
principals of Eligible Policyholders in the case of an Eligible Policyholder
that is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other
entity, (iii) licensed insurance agents who have been appointed by any of the
Insurance Companies to market and distribute insurance products, (iv) named
insureds under policies of insurance issued by any Insurance Company after
May 31, 1996, and (v) providers of goods or services to any one or more of
the Insurance Companies. The term "resident," as used in relation to the
preference afforded natural persons in the Local Community, means any natural
person who occupies a dwelling within the Local Community, has an intention
to remain within the Local Community for a period of time (manifested by
establishing a physical, ongoing, non-transitory presence within one of the
counties in the Local Community) and continues to reside in the Local
Community at the time of the Community Offering. The Company may utilize
policyholder records or such other evidence provided to it to make the
determination whether a person is a resident of the Local Community. In the
case of a corporation or other business entity, such entity shall be deemed
to be a resident of the Local Community only if its principal place of
business or headquarters is located within the Local Community. All
determinations as to the status of a person as a resident of the Local
Community shall be made by the Insurance Companies in their sole and absolute
discretion. Subscriptions for Common Stock received from members of the
general public in the Community Offering will be subject to the availability
of shares of Common Stock after satisfaction of all subscriptions in the
Subscription Offering, as well as the maximum and minimum purchase
limitations set forth in the Plan. The Community Offering will terminate on
the Community Offering Termination Date, which is expected to coincide with
the Subscription Offering Termination Date, unless extended by the Company,
in its sole discretion, for up to an additional 45 days. The sale of shares
of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering will
be conducted by Hopper Soliday on a best efforts basis. Furthermore, the
right of any person to purchase shares in the Community Offering, including
the preferred subscribers described in clauses (i)-(v) above, is subject to
the absolute right of the Company to accept or reject such purchases in whole
or in part. The Company presently intends to terminate the Community Offering
when it has received orders for at least the minimum number of shares
available for purchase in the Conversion.
73
<PAGE>
STOCK PRICING AND NUMBER OF SHARES TO BE ISSUED
The Plan requires that the purchase price of the Common Stock be based on
the appraised pro forma market value of the Insurance Companies as
subsidiaries of the Company, as determined on the basis of an independent
valuation by an appraiser who is experienced in corporate valuation. The
Company has retained Berwind to prepare such appraisal. Berwind, as part of
its investment banking business, is engaged regularly in the valuation of
assets, securities and companies in connection with various types of asset
and security transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, private
placements, and valuations for various other purposes and in the
determination of adequate consideration in such transactions. Berwind will
receive a fee of approximately $75,000 for its appraisal.
Berwind has determined that, as of August 19, 1996, the estimated pro
forma market value of the Insurance Companies as subsidiaries of the Company
was $33,570,000. Under the Plan, the aggregate purchase price of the common
Stock to be offered in the Conversion must equal the pro forma market value
of the Insurance Companies as subsidiaries of the Company. The Company, in
consultation with its advisors, has determined to offer the shares in the
Conversion at a price of $10.00 per share, and by dividing the price per
share into the Estimated Valuation Range, initially plans to issue between
2,853,500 and 3,860,600 shares (exclusive of purchases by the ESOP) of the
Common Stock, at the midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range, in the
Conversion.
The Plan requires that an appraiser establish a valuation range (the
"Estimated Valuation Range") consisting of a midpoint valuation, a valuation
15 percent (15%) above the midpoint valuation (the "Maximum of the Valuation
Range") and a valuation 15 percent (15%) below the midpoint valuation (the
"Minimum of the Valuation Range"). Accordingly, Berwind has established a
range of value from $28,535,000 to $38,606,000. Upon completion of the
Offering, after taking into account factors similar to those involved in its
prior appraisal, Berwind will submit to the Company and to the Department its
updated estimate of the pro forma fair market value of the Insurance
Companies as subsidiaries of the Company as of the last day of the Offering.
If such updated estimated valuation does not fall within the Estimated
Valuation Range, then, in such event, the Company, after consultation with
the Department, may cancel the Offering and terminate the Plan, establish a
new Estimated Valuation Range, extend, reopen or hold a new Offering or take
such other action as may be authorized by the Department. Subscribers will be
notified of any such action by mail and, if a new Estimated Valuation Range
is established, subscribers will be given an opportunity to affirm, amend or
cancel their subscriptions. Subscription orders may not be withdrawn for any
reason, if the updated appraisal is within the Estimated Valuation Range.
If the updated estimated valuation Berwind submits to the Company and the
Department upon completion of the Offering falls within the Estimated
Valuation Range, the following steps will be taken:
Subscription Offering Meets or Exceeds Maximum.
If, upon conclusion of the Subscription Offering and the Community
Offering, the number of shares subscribed for by participants in the
Subscription Offering multiplied by the Purchase Price is equal to or greater
than the Maximum of the Valuation Range, then in such event the Conversion
shall be promptly consummated and the Company shall on the effective date of
the Conversion (the "Effective Date") issue shares of Common Stock to the
subscribing participants; provided, however, that the number of shares of
Common Stock issued shall not exceed the number of shares of Common Stock
offered in the Offering. In the event of an oversubscription in the
Subscription Offering, shares of Common Stock shall be allocated among the
subscribing participants in the priorities set forth in the Plan; provided,
however, that no fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued. See "--
Subscription Offering," herein.
Subscription Offering Meets or Exceeds Minimum.
If, upon conclusion of the Subscription Offering and the Community
Offering, the number of shares of Common Stock subscribed for by participants
in the Subscription Offering multiplied by the Purchase Price is equal to or
greater than the Minimum of the Valuation Range, but less than the Maximum of
the Valuation Range, then in such event the Conversion shall be promptly
consummated and the Company shall on the Effective Date issue to the
subscribing participants shares of Common Stock in an amount sufficient to
satisfy the subscriptions of such participants in full. To the extent that
shares of Common Stock remain unsold after the
74
<PAGE>
subscriptions of all participants in the Subscription Offering have been
satisfied in full, the Company shall have the right in its absolute
discretion to accept, in whole or in part, subscriptions received from any or
all subscribers in the Community Offering and/or to sell shares of Common
Stock to purchasers in a Public Offering or in one or more other registered
transactions; provided, however, that the number of shares of Common Stock
issued shall not exceed the number of shares of Common Stock offered in the
Offering; and, provided further, that no fractional shares of Common Stock
shall be issued.
Subscription Offering Does Not Meet Minimum.
If, upon conclusion of the Subscription Offering and the Community
Offering, the number of shares of Common Stock subscribed for by participants
in the Subscription Offering multiplied by the Purchase Price is less than
the Minimum of the Valuation Range, then in such event the Company shall
accept subscriptions received from subscribers in the Community Offering
and/or sell shares of Common Stock to purchasers in a Public Offering or in
one or more other registered transactions. If the aggregate number of shares
of Common Stock subscribed for in the Subscription Offering, the Community
Offering and in any Public Offering or other registered transaction
multiplied by the Purchase Price is equal to or greater than the Minimum of
the Valuation Range, then in such event the Conversion shall be consummated
promptly and the Company shall on the Effective Date: (i) issue to
subscribing participants in the Subscription Offering shares of Common Stock
in an amount sufficient to satisfy the subscriptions of such participants in
full, and (ii) issue to subscribers in the Community Offering and/or to
purchasers in any Public Offering or other registered transaction such
additional number of shares of Common Stock such that the aggregate number of
shares of Common Stock to be issued to subscribing participants, to
subscribers in the Community Offering and/or to purchasers in any Public
Offering or other registered transaction multiplied by the Purchase Price
shall be equal to the Minimum of the Valuation Range; provided, however, that
no fractional shares of Common Stock shall be issued. The Company may in its
absolute discretion elect to issue shares of Common Stock to subscribers in
the Community Offering and/or to purchasers in any Public Offering in excess
of the number determined by reference to clause (ii) of the preceding
sentence; provided, however, that the number of shares of Common Stock issued
shall not exceed the number of shares of Common Stock offered in the
Offering.
Offering Does Not Meet Minimum.
If the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock subscribed for in the
Subscription Offering, the Community Offering and in any Public Offering or
in one or more other registered transactions multiplied by the Purchase Price
is less than the Minimum of the Estimated Valuation Range, then in such event
the Company, in consultation with the Department, may cancel the Offering and
terminate the Plan, establish a new Estimated Valuation Range, extend, reopen
or hold a new Offering or take such other action as may be authorized by the
Department.
If, following a reduction in the Valuation Range approved by the
Department, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock subscribed for in
the Offering multiplied by the Purchase Price is equal to or greater than the
Minimum of the Valuation Range (as such Estimated Valuation Range has been
reduced), then in such event the Conversion shall be promptly consummated.
The Company shall on the Effective Date: (i) issue shares of Common Stock to
participants in the Subscription Offering in an amount sufficient to satisfy
the subscriptions of such subscribers in full, and (ii) issue to subscribers
in the Community Offering and/or to purchasers in any Public Offering or
other registered transaction such additional number of shares of Common Stock
such that the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock to be issued
multiplied by the purchase price shall be equal to the Minimum of the
Valuation Range (as such Estimated Valuation Range has been reduced).
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the Plan, the
Company shall have the right in its absolute discretion and without liability
to any subscriber, purchaser, underwriter or any other person: (i) to
determine which subscriptions, if any, to accept in the Community Offering
and to accept or reject any such subscription in whole or in part for any
reason or for no reason, and (ii) to determine whether and to what extent
shares of Common Stock are to be sold in a Public Offering or one or more
registered transactions.
An increase in the number of shares to be issued in the Conversion
(assuming no change in the per share Purchase Price) would decrease both a
subscriber's ownership interest and the Company's pro forma net income and
shareholders' equity on a per share basis, while increasing pro forma net
income and shareholders' equity
75
<PAGE>
on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares to be issued in the
Conversion (assuming no change in the Purchase Price) would increase both a
subscriber's ownership interest and the Company's pro forma net income and
shareholders' equity on a per share basis, while decreasing pro forma net
income and shareholders' equity on an aggregate basis. For a presentation of
the effects of such changes, see "Pro Forma Data."
Under the Act, the Company is permitted to require a minimum subscription
of 25 shares of Common Stock provided that any required minimum subscription
amount established cannot exceed $500. Based on these minimum subscription
parameters, the maximum price at which the Company could offer shares of
Common Stock in the Conversion is $20 per share. However, at a purchase price
of $20 per share the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that could be
offered in the Conversion would be 1,930,300 compared to a maximum of
3,860,600 at $10 per share. Therefore, the Company determined to offer the
Common Stock in the Conversion at the price of $10.00 per share to increase
the number of shares available for purchase by policyholders. There were no
other factors considered by the Board of Directors of the Company in
determining to offer shares of Common Stock at $10.00 per share in the
Conversion.
The appraisal is not intended, and must not be construed, as a
recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing Common Stock.
In preparing the valuation, Berwind has relied upon and assumed the accuracy
and completeness of financial and statistical information provided by the
Company and the Insurance Companies. Berwind did not independently verify the
financial statements and other information provided by the Company and the
Insurance Companies, and Berwind did not value independently the assets and
liabilities of the Company and the Insurance Companies. The valuation
considers the Company and the Insurance Companies only as a going concern and
should not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of the
Company and the Insurance Companies. Moreover, because such valuation is
necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all
of which are subject to change from time to time, no assurance can be given
that persons purchasing Common Stock will thereafter be able to sell such
shares at or above the initial purchase price. Copies of the appraisal report
of Berwind setting forth the method and assumptions for such appraisal are on
file and available for inspection at the principal executive offices of the
Company. Any subsequent updated appraisal report of Berwind also will be
available for inspection.
Promptly after completion of the sale of all of the Common Stock, Berwind
will confirm to the Department, if such is the case, that, to the best of its
knowledge and judgment, nothing of a material nature has occurred (taking
into account all of the relevant factors including those that would be
involved in a cancellation of the Subscription and Community Offerings and
Public Offering, if any) that would cause it to conclude that the aggregate
dollar amount of shares ordered in the Conversion was incompatible with its
estimate of the consolidated pro forma market value of the Insurance
Companies as subsidiaries of the Company. If, however, the facts do not
justify such a statement, the Subscription and Community Offerings or other
sale may be cancelled, a new Estimated Valuation Range set, and a
resolicitation of subscribers and other purchasers held.
TAX EFFECTS.
General.
The Insurance Companies have obtained from the Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS") a private letter ruling (the "PLR") concerning the material tax
effects of the Conversion and the Subscription Offering to the Insurance
Companies, Eligible Policyholders, and certain other participants in the
Subscription Offering. The PLR confirms, among other things, that the
Conversion of each of the Insurance Companies from a mutual to stock form of
corporation will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
and that, for federal income tax purposes: (i) no gain or loss will be
recognized by any of the Insurance Companies as a result of the Conversion;
(ii) each Insurance Company's basis in its assets, holding period for its
assets, net operating loss carryforward, if any, capital loss carryforward,
if any, earnings and profits and accounting methods will not be changed by
reason of the Conversion; (iii) as discussed below, Eligible Policyholders
will be required to recognize gain upon the receipt of subscription rights if
and to the extent that the subscription rights that are allocated to an
Eligible Policyholder are determined to have fair market value; (iv) the
basis of the Common Stock purchased by an Eligible Policyholder pursuant to
the exercise of subscription rights will equal the sum of the purchase price
of such stock, plus the gain, if any, recognized by the Eligible Policyholder
on the subscription rights that are exercised by the Eligible Poli-
76
<PAGE>
cyholder; and (v) the holding period of the Common Stock purchased by an
Eligible Policyholder pursuant to the exercise of subscription rights will
begin on the date on which the subscription rights are exercised. In all
other cases, the holding period of Common Stock purchased by an Eligible
Policyholder will begin on the date following the date on which the stock is
purchased.
Subscription Rights.
Generally, the federal income tax consequences of the receipt, exercise
and lapse of subscription rights are uncertain. They present novel issues of
tax law which are not addressed by any direct authorities. Nevertheless, the
IRS has ruled in the PLR that any gain realized by an Eligible Policyholder
as a result of the receipt of subscription rights with a fair market value
must be recognized, whether or not such rights are exercised. The amount of
gain recognized by each Eligible Policyholder will equal the fair market
value of subscription rights received by the Eligible Policyholder. If an
Eligible Policyholder is required to recognize gain on the receipt of
subscription rights and does not exercise some or all of such subscription
rights, such Eligible Policyholder should recognize a corresponding loss upon
the expiration or lapse of such Eligible Policyholder's unexercised
subscription rights. The amount of such loss should equal the gain previously
recognized upon receipt of such unexercised subscription rights, although
such loss may not have the same character as the corresponding gain. Although
not free from doubt, provided the subscription rights are capital assets in
the hands of an Eligible Policyholder, any gain resulting from the receipt of
the subscription rights should constitute a capital gain, and provided the
Common Stock that an Eligible Policyholder would have received upon exercise
of the lapsed subscription rights would have constituted a capital asset, the
resulting loss upon expiration of such subscription rights should constitute
a capital loss. For purposes of determining gain, it is unclear how the
subscription rights should be valued or how to determine the number of
subscription rights that may be allocated to each Eligible Policyholder
during the Subscription Offering.
In the opinion of Berwind, the subscription rights do not have any fair
market value, inasmuch as such rights are nontransferable, personal rights of
short duration, that are provided to Eligible Policyholders and other
participants in the Subscription Offering without charge, and afford the
holder only the right to purchase shares of Common Stock in the Subscription
Offering at a price equal to its estimated fair market value, which is the
same price at which such stock will be sold to purchasers in the Community
Offering or the Public Offering, if any. Nevertheless, Eligible Policyholders
are encouraged to consult with their tax advisors about the tax consequences
of the Conversion and the Subscription Offering.
THE FEDERAL INCOME TAX DISCUSSION SET FORTH ABOVE DOES NOT PURPORT TO
CONSIDER ALL ASPECTS OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION WHICH MAY BE RELEVANT TO EACH
ELIGIBLE POLICYHOLDER THAT MAY BE SUBJECT TO SPECIAL TREATMENT UNDER THE
CODE, SUCH AS TRUSTS, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS, OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT
PLANS, INSURANCE COMPANIES, AND ELIGIBLE POLICYHOLDERS WHO ARE EMPLOYEES OF
AN INSURANCE COMPANY OR WHO ARE NOT CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS OF THE UNITED
STATES. DUE TO THE INDIVIDUAL NATURE OF TAX CONSEQUENCES, EACH ELIGIBLE
POLICYHOLDER IS URGED TO CONSULT HIS OR HER TAX AND FINANCIAL ADVISOR AS TO
THE EFFECT OF SUCH FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES ON HIS OR HER OWN
PARTICULAR FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE RECEIPT AND EXERCISE OF
SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS, AND ALSO AS TO ANY STATE, LOCAL, FOREIGN OR OTHER TAX
CONSEQUENCES ARISING OUT OF THE CONVERSION.
PURCHASES IN THE OFFERING.
Termination Dates.
The Subscription Offering will expire at __:__ _.m., local time, on
___________, 1996, unless extended by the Board of Directors of the Company
with regulatory approval for up to an additional ________ days (the
"Subscription Offering Termination Date"). Subscription rights not exercised
prior to the Subscription Offering Termination Date will be void. The
Community Offering will terminate on the Subscription Offering Termination
Date, unless extended by the Board of Directors of the Company for up to an
additional ___ days (the "Community Offering Termination Date").
77
<PAGE>
Orders will not be executed by the Company until at least the minimum
number of shares of Common Stock offered have been subscribed for or sold. If
at least the minimum number of shares of Common Stock offered have not been
subscribed for or sold within 45 days of the end of the Subscription Offering
(unless such period is extended with consent of the Department), all funds
delivered to the Company pursuant to the Subscription Offering will be
promptly returned to subscribers.
Use of Order Forms.
Rights to subscribe may be exercised only by completion of a Stock Order
Form. Any person who desires to subscribe for shares of Common Stock must do
so prior to the Subscription Offering Termination Date or Community Offering
Termination Date, as the case may be, by delivering (by mail or in person) to
the Company's principal executive offices located at 2929 Lititz Pike,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17601 a properly executed and completed Stock Order
Form, together with full payment for all shares for which the subscription is
made. All checks or money orders must be made payable to
"______________________________." All subscription rights under the Plan will
expire on the Subscription Offering Termination Date whether or not the
Company has been able to locate each person entitled to such subscription
rights. Once tendered, orders to purchase Common Stock in the Offering cannot
be revoked. In order to ensure that Eligible Policyholders are properly
identified as to their stock purchase priorities, such persons must list all
of their insurance policies with the Insurance Companies on the Stock Order
Form.
To ensure that each purchaser receives a prospectus at least 48 hours
prior to the Subscription Offering Termination Date in accordance with Rule
15c2-8 under the Exchange Act, no Prospectus will be mailed any later than
five days prior to such date or hand delivered any later than two days prior
to such date. Execution of the Stock Order Form will confirm receipt or
delivery in accordance with Rule 15c2-8. Stock Order Forms will be
distributed only with a Prospectus. Photocopies and facsimile copies of Stock
Order Forms will not be accepted. Payment by cash, check or money order must
accompany the Stock Order Form. No wire transfers will be accepted.
Each subscription right may be exercised only by the Eligible Policyholder
to whom it is issued and only for his or her own account. The subscription
rights granted under the Plan are nontransferable. Each Eligible Policyholder
subscribing for shares of Common Stock is required to represent to the
Company that such Eligible Policyholder is purchasing such shares for such
Eligible Policyholder's own account and that such Eligible Policyholder has
no agreement or understanding with any other person for the sale or transfer
of such shares.
In the event a Stock Order Form (i) is not delivered and is returned to
the sender by the United States Postal Service or the Company is unable to
locate the addressee, (ii) is not returned or is received after the
Subscription Offering Termination Date or Community Offering Termination
Date, as the case may be, (iii) is defectively completed or executed, or (iv)
is not accompanied by payment in full for the shares of Common Stock
subscribed for, the subscription rights of the Eligible Policyholder to whom
such rights have been granted will not be honored or the subscriber
participating in the Community Offering, as the case may be, will be treated
as having failed to return the completed Stock Order Form within the time
period specified therein. Alternatively, the Company may (but will not be
required to) waive any irregularity relating to any Stock Order Form or
require the submission of a corrected Stock Order Form or the remittance of
full payment for the shares of Common Stock subscribed for by such date as
the Company may specify. Subscription orders, once tendered, may not be
revoked. The Company's interpretations of the terms and conditions of the
Plan and determinations with respect to the acceptability of the Stock Order
Forms will be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons and neither the
Company nor any Insurance Company (or the directors, officers, employees and
agents of any of them) shall be liable to any person in connection with any
such interpretation or determination.
Payment for Shares.
Payment in full for all subscribed shares of Common Stock is required to
accompany all completed Stock Order Forms for subscriptions to be considered
complete. Payment for subscribed shares of Common Stock may be made by cash,
check or money order in U.S. Dollars. Payments made by cash, check or money
order will be placed in an Escrow Account at ______________________________.
The Escrow Account will be administered by ______________________________
(the "Escrow Agent"). An executed Stock Order Form, once received
78
<PAGE>
by the Company, may not be modified, amended or rescinded without the consent
of the Company, unless the Conversion is not completed within 45 days of the
termination of the Subscription Offering or Community Offering, as the case
may be. Payments accompanying such Stock Order Forms will not be available to
subscribers for such 45-day period, and may not be available for an
additional period of time if an extension of the period of time for
completion of the Conversion is approved by the Department and subscribers
affirm or modify but do not rescind their orders after the initial 45-day
period. If an extension of the period of time to complete the Conversion is
approved by the Department, subscribers will be resolicited and must confirm
their orders prior to the expiration of the extension granted by the
Department. Subscribers who do not confirm their orders upon resolicitation
during an extension period granted by the Department will be deemed to have
cancelled their subscriptions and their subscription funds will be promptly
refunded. During an extension period granted by the Department, subscribers
may also modify or cancel their subscriptions. No interest will be paid on
such funds during the 45-day period or any approved extension period.
The ESOP will not be required to pay for the shares subscribed for at the
time it subscribes, but may pay for such shares upon completion of the
Offering.
Delivery of Certificates.
Certificates representing shares of the Common Stock will be delivered to
subscribers promptly after completion of the Offering and the Public
Offering. Until certificates for the Common Stock are available and delivered
to subscribers, subscribers may not be able to sell the shares of Common
Stock for which they subscribed even though trading of the Common Stock will
have commenced.
MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS IN THE OFFERING
The Company has engaged Hopper Soliday to serve as financial advisor to
the Company and the Insurance Companies with respect to the Offering. Hopper
Soliday is a registered broker- dealer and is a member of the NASD. Hopper
Soliday will assist the Company and the Insurance Companies in the Conversion
by, among other things, (i) developing marketing materials; (ii) targeting
potential investors in the Subscription Offering and other investors eligible
to participate in the Community Offering; (iii) soliciting potential
investors by phone or in person; (iv) training management and staff to
perform tasks in connection with the Conversion; (v) establishing and
managing the Stock Information Center; and (vi) managing the subscription
campaign.
Subject to the limitations described below, for Hopper Soliday's services
in the Offering, the Company has paid Hopper Soliday a financial advisory fee
equal to $50,000. Upon completion of the Offering, Hopper Soliday will also
receive an advisory and administrative fee equal to 3% of the dollar value of
all stock sold in the Offering, except for sales to the ESOP, shares sold to
directors, officers and employees of the Company and the Insurance Companies
and the associates of such directors, officers and employees, and certain
designated providers of goods and services. Hopper Soliday shall be
reimbursed for its expenses, including its legal fees, up to $40,000. The
Company will reimburse Hopper Soliday for any expenses in excess of $40,000
if Hopper Soliday incurred such expenses with the written consent of the
Company. If the Conversion is not completed, Hopper Soliday will be entitled
to retain the $50,000 financial advisory fee and will be reimbursed for all
out-of- pocket expenses. The Company has also agreed to indemnify Hopper
Soliday against certain liabilities arising in connection with the Conversion
and the Offering. See "Public Offering" herein.
DESCRIPTION OF SALES ACTIVITIES IN THE OFFERING
The Common Stock will be offered in the Offering principally by the
distribution of this Prospectus and through activities conducted at the Stock
Information Center, which is expected to operate during normal business hours
throughout the Offering. Employees of Hopper Soliday will manage the Stock
Information Center and will have overall responsibility for mailing materials
relating to the Offering, responding to questions regarding the Conversion
and processing proxies and stock order forms. It is anticipated that certain
employees of the Insurance Companies will be present in the Stock Information
Center to assist employees of Hopper Soliday with administrative matters and
proxy and stock order solicitation.
In addition to the activity in the Stock Information Center, certain
officers of the Insurance Companies will participate in marketing the
Offering and may contact potential offerees. It is also expected that the
President of the Company and members of the Company's Board of Directors may
contact potential offerees to discuss the Offering.
79
<PAGE>
During the Offering, officers of the Company and the Insurance Companies
will be available to answer questions about the Offering and also may hold
informational meetings for interested persons. Such officers will not be
permitted to make statements about the Insurance Companies unless such
information is also set forth in the Prospectus, nor may they render
investment advice. None of the Insurance Companies' employees or directors
who participate in marketing the Offering, either in the Stock Information
Center or otherwise, will receive any special compensation or other
remuneration for such activities.
None of the Company's or Insurance Companies' personnel participating in
marketing the Offering are registered or licensed as a broker or dealer or an
agent of a broker or dealer. Personnel of the Company and the Insurance
Companies will assist in the above-described sales activities pursuant to an
exemption from registration as a broker or dealer provided by Rule 3a4-1
("Rule 3a4-1") promulgated under the Exchange Act. Rule 3a4-1 generally
provides that an "associated person of an issuer" of securities shall not be
deemed a broker solely by reason of participation in the sale of securities
of such issuer if the associated person meets certain conditions. Such
conditions include, but are not limited to, that the associated person
participating in the sale of an issuer's securities not be compensated in
connection therewith at the time of participation, that such person not be
associated with a broker or dealer and that such person observe certain
limitations on his or her participation in the sale of securities. For
purposes of this exemption, "associated person of an issuer" is defined to
include any person who is a director, officer or employee of the issuer or a
company that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the
issuer.
PUBLIC OFFERING
As a final step in the sale of shares of Common Stock to be issued in the
Conversion, all shares of Common Stock not purchased in the Offering may be
sold to a syndicate of underwriters to be managed by the Underwriters for
resale in a firm commitment Public Offering. It is anticipated that the
Underwriters will purchase shares not subscribed for in the Offering at the
Purchase Price less an underwriting discount. An underwriting agreement
between the Company and the Underwriters, as representatives for the
syndicate, will not be entered into until immediately prior to the Public
Offering. Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, the Underwriters will be
obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase all shares of Common
Stock that have not been subscribed for in the Offering. In the event shares
of Common Stock are sold in the Public Offering, the Underwriters will be
paid an underwriters' discount (gross spread) of 6.5% of the aggregate
purchase price of all shares sold in the Public Offering (including the
underwriting discount on shares sold pursuant to the exercise of the
Underwriters' overallotment option of 15% of the shares sold in the Offering
and the Public Offering), subject to the Underwriters' right to receive a
minimum payment of $300,000, regardless of the number of shares of Common
Stock sold in the Public Offering.
In the event no shares of Common Stock are available for sale after
completion of the Offering, the Company will pay the Underwriters $150,000.
In the event the Conversion is abandoned for any reason other than as a
result of the Underwriters' refusal to proceed, without cause, or the
Conversion is not completed by March 31, 1997, the Underwriters will be
reimbursed for their expenses up to $150,000, including any portion of such
expenses allocable to Hopper Soliday.
The number of shares offered in the Public Offering and the amount of the
overallotment option, if any, will be determined if and when a Public
Offering occurs. If an underwriting agreement is entered into in connection
with the Public Offering, it also is expected to contain provisions under
which the Company will indemnify the Underwriters.
The Public Offering will commence as soon as practicable following the
later of the Subscription Offering Termination Date or Community Offering
Termination Date and must be completed within 45 days after the Subscription
Offering Termination Date, unless such period is extended with the approval
of the Department. In the event such an extension is approved by the
Department, subscribers would be given the opportunity to increase, decrease
or rescind their subscriptions. The commencement and completion of the Public
Offering will be subject to market conditions and other factors beyond the
Company's control. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Public
Offering will commence immediately after the Subscription Offering
Termination Date or as to the length of time that will be required to
complete the sale of all shares of Common Stock offered in the Conversion. If
delays are experienced in the commencement or completion of the Public
Offering, signifi-
80
<PAGE>
cant changes may occur in the estimated pro forma market value of the Common
Stock, together with corresponding changes in the offering price, the number
of shares being offered and the net proceeds realized from the sale of the
Common Stock. In such event, additional printing, legal and accounting
expenses may be incurred by the Company to complete the Conversion.
SURPLUS NOTE
Pursuant to the terms of a $6,000,000 promissory note, dated December 20,
1989, as amended (the "Surplus Note"), payable by Old Guard Mutual to
American Re, American Re has the right upon completion of the Conversion to
convert the outstanding principal balance of the Surplus Note into that
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal balance
divided by the Purchase Price. The outstanding principal balance of the
Surplus Note was $1.5 million at September 30, 1996. American Re has elected
to convert the Surplus Note into 150,000 shares of Common Stock by assigning
the Surplus Note to the Company in exchange for 150,000 shares of Common
Stock upon completion of the Conversion. These shares are in addition to the
shares of Common Stock offered and sold in the Offering. Any accrued interest
outstanding at the time of conversion of the Surplus Note will be paid in
cash (accrued interest on the Surplus Note at September 30, 1996 was
approximately $140,000). See "Pro Forma Data."
LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK
The Plan provides for certain limitations upon the purchase of shares in
the Conversion. No person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of Common Stock
in the Conversion. Except for the ESOP, which intends to purchase 10% of the
total number of shares of Common Stock issued in the Conversion, no Eligible
Policyholder, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such
Eligible Policyholder, may purchase more than 38,606 shares of Common Stock
in the Subscription Offering (1% of the number of shares equal to the maximum
of the Estimated Valuation Range divided by the Purchase Price). In addition,
no purchaser (including any Eligible Policyholders who elect to purchase
stock in the Conversion), together with such person's affiliates and
associates (as defined in the Plan) or a group acting in concert (as defined
in the Plan), may purchase more than 193,030 shares of Common Stock in the
Conversion (5% of the number of shares equal to the maximum of the Estimated
Valuation Range divided by the Purchase Price). Shares of Common Stock to be
held by the ESOP and attributable to a participant thereunder shall not be
aggregated with shares of Common Stock purchased by such participant or any
other purchaser of Common Stock in the Conversion. Officers and directors of
the Insurance Companies and the Company, together with their associates, may
not purchase, in the aggregate, more than thirty-four percent (34%) of the
shares of Common Stock. Directors of the Company and of the Insurance
Companies shall not be deemed to be associates of one another or a group
acting in concert with other directors solely as a result of membership on
the Board of Directors of the Company or the Board of Directors of any
Insurance Company or any subsidiary of an Insurance Company. Subject to any
required regulatory approval and the requirements of applicable law, the
Company may increase or decrease any of the purchase limitations at any time.
In the event that the individual purchase limitation is increased after
commencement of the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering, the
Company shall permit any person who subscribed for the maximum number of
shares of Common Stock to purchase an additional number of shares, such that
such person shall be permitted to subscribe for the then maximum number of
shares permitted to be subscribed for by such person, subject to the rights
and preferences of any person who has priority subscription rights. In the
event that either the individual purchase limitation or the number of shares
of Common Stock to be sold in the Conversion is decreased after commencement
of the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering, the order of any
person who subscribed for the maximum number of shares of Common Stock shall
be decreased by the minimum amount necessary so that such person shall be in
compliance with the then maximum number of shares permitted to be subscribed
for by such person.
Each person purchasing Common Stock in the Conversion shall be deemed to
confirm that such purchase does not conflict with the purchase limitations
under the Plan or otherwise imposed by law. In the event that such purchase
limitations are violated by any person (including any associate or affiliate
of such person or person otherwise acting in concert with such person), the
Company shall have the right to purchase from such person at the Purchase
Price all shares acquired by such person in excess of any such purchase
limitation or, if such
81
<PAGE>
excess shares have been sold by such person, to receive the difference
between the aggregate Purchase Price paid for such excess shares and the
proceeds received by such person from the sale of such excess shares. This
right of the Company to purchase such excess shares shall be assignable by
the Company.
PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PURCHASES
The following table sets forth information regarding the approximate
number of shares of Common Stock intended to be purchased by each of the
directors and executive officers of the Company and the Insurance Companies,
including each such person's associates, and by all directors, trustees and
executive officers as a group, including all of their associates, and other
related information. For purposes of the following table, it has been assumed
that 3,357,000 shares of the Common Stock will be sold at $10 per share, the
midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range (see "The Conversion -- Stock
Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued") and that sufficient shares will
be available to satisfy subscriptions in all categories.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Name Shares(1)(2)(3)
--------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
Robert C. Alderfer (4) ...................................... 500
James W. Appel (5) .......................................... 1,000
John E. Barry (5) ........................................... 1,000
Luther R. Campbell, Jr. (6) ................................. 3,000
M. Scott Clemens (6) ........................................ 2,500
Steven D. Dyer (7) .......................................... 6,500
Stanley E. Honig (8) ........................................ 5,000
David E. Hosler (9) ......................................... 12,000
William S. Huber (8) ........................................ 1,000
Mark J. Keyser (10) ......................................... 8,000
Noah W. Kreider, Jr. (11) ................................... 500
C. Donald Lechner (4) ....................................... 500
Donald W. Manley (12) ....................................... 5,000
Richard B. Neiley, Jr. (5) .................................. 2,500
Scott A. Orndorff (12) ...................................... 6,000
Robert L. Spanninger (4) .................................... 500
G. Arthur Weaver (13) ....................................... 500
Robert L. Wechter (13) ...................................... 250
-----------
Total 56,250
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Does not include shares that could be allocated to participants in the
ESOP, under which officers and other employees would be allocated, in the
aggregate, 10% of the Common Stock issued in the Conversion.
(2) Does not include shares that would be awarded to participants in the MRP,
if implemented, under which directors, officers and other employees would
be awarded, at no cost to them, an aggregate number of newly issued
shares equal to 4% of the Common Stock issued in the Conversion (134,280
shares at the midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range). The dollar
amount of the Common Stock to be purchased by the MRP is based on the
purchase price in the Conversion and does not reflect possible increases
or decreases in the value of such stock relative to the price per share
in the Conversion. Implementation of the MRP requires shareholder
approval.
(3) Does not include shares that would be purchased by participants in the
Compensation Plan, if implemented, under which directors, executive
officers and other employees would be granted options to purchase an
aggregate amount of Common Stock equal to 10% of the shares issued in the
Conversion (335,700 shares at the midpoint of the Estimated Valuation
Range) at exercise prices equal to the price at which the Common Stock is
sold in the Offering. Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options
could be from treasury stock or newly issued shares. Implementation of
the Compensation Plan requires shareholder approval.
(4) Director of Goschenhoppen.
82
<PAGE>
(5) Director of the Company and the Insurance Companies.
(6) Director of the Company and Old Guard Mutual.
(7) Secretary and General Counsel of the Company.
(8) Director of Old Guard Fire.
(9) Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the
Insurance Companies and President of the Company, Old Guard Mutual and
Old Guard Fire.
(10) Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Insurance
Companies.
(11) Director of Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire.
(12) Vice President of the Company and the Insurance Companies.
(13) Director of the Company, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire.
LIMITATIONS ON RESALES
The Common Stock issued in the Conversion will be freely transferable
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"); provided,
however that (i) shares issued in a Private Placement, if any, would be
subject to transfer restrictions under Rule 144 of the 1933 Act, and (ii)
shares issued to directors and officers of any of the Insurance Companies or
of the Company would be restricted as to transfer for a period of one year
from the Effective Date pursuant to the provisions of the Conversion Act and
would be subject to additional resale restrictions under Rule 144 of the 1933
Act. Shares of Common Stock issued to directors and officers will bear a
legend giving appropriate notice of these restrictions and the Company will
give instructions to the transfer agent for the Common Stock with respect to
these transfer restrictions. Any shares issued to directors and officers as a
stock dividend, stock split or otherwise with respect to restricted stock
shall be subject to the same restrictions. Shares acquired by directors and
officers other than in the Conversion will not be subject to certain
restrictions.
In addition, under guidelines of the NASD, members of the NASD and their
associates are subject to certain restrictions on the transfer of securities
purchased in accordance with subscription rights and to certain reporting
requirements upon purchase of such securities.
INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION
To the extent permitted by law, all interpretations of the Plan by the
Board of Directors of each Insurance Company and the Board of Directors of
the Company will be final. The Plan may be amended at any time before it is
approved by the Department by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
directors of the Company and each Insurance Company. The Plan similarly may
be amended at any time after it is approved by the Department, subject to the
Department's approval of such amendment. The Plan may be amended at any time
after it is approved by the Eligible Policyholders of each Insurance Company
and prior to the Effective Date by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
directors of the Company and of each Insurance Company then in office;
provided, however, that any such amendment shall be subject to approval by
the Department; and provided further, that, if such amendment is determined
by the Department to be material, such amendment shall be subject to approval
by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting
of Eligible Policyholders called for that purpose. In the event Eligible
Policyholders are required to approve an amendment to the Plan, the Company
will send an a Proxy Statement to each Eligible Policyholder as soon as
practical after the amendment is approved by the directors of the Company and
each Insurance Company and, if required, the Department.
In the event that the Department adopts mandatory regulations applicable
to the Conversion prior to the Effective Date, the Plan may be amended to
conform to such regulations at any time prior to such Effective Date by the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors of the Company and of each
Insurance Company, and no resolicitation of proxies or further approval by
Eligible Policyholders shall be required. In the event that the Department
adopts regulations applicable to the Conversion prior to the Effective Date
and if such regulations
83
<PAGE>
contain optional provisions, the Plan may be amended to conform to any such
optional provision at any time before such Effective Date by the affirmative
vote of two-thirds of the directors of the Company and of each Insurance
Company, and no resolicitation of proxies or further approval by Eligible
Policyholders shall be required.
TERMINATION
The Plan may be terminated at any time before it is approved by the
Department by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors of the
Company and of each Insurance Company. The Plan may be terminated at any time
after it is approved by the Department by the affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the directors of the Company and of each Insurance Company. The Plan may
be terminated at any time after it is approved by Eligible Policyholders and
prior to the Effective Date by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
directors of the Company and of each Insurance Company; provided, however,
that any such termination shall be subject to approval by the Department.
CONDITIONS
As required by the Plan, the Plan has been approved by the Department and
the Board of Directors of the Company and each of the Insurance Companies.
Completion of the Conversion also requires approval of the Plan by the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by Eligible
Policyholders of each of the Insurance Companies. If the Eligible
Policyholders do not approve the Plan, the Plan will be terminated, and the
Insurance Companies will continue to conduct business as mutual insurance
companies.
CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION
OF THE COMPANY
PENNSYLVANIA LAW
The Pennsylvania BCL contains certain provisions applicable to the Company
that may have the effect of impeding a change in control of the Company.
These provisions, among other things, (a) require that, following any
acquisition by any person or group of 20% of a public corporation's voting
power, the remaining shareholders have the right to receive payment for their
shares, in cash, from such person or group in an amount equal to the "fair
value" of their shares, including an increment representing a proportion of
any value payable for acquisition of control of the corporation; and (b)
prohibit, for five years after an interested shareholder's acquisition date,
a "business combination" (which includes a merger or consolidation of the
corporation or a sale, lease or exchange of assets having a minimum specified
aggregate value or representing a minimum specified percentage earning power
or net income of the corporation) with a shareholder or group of shareholders
beneficially owning 20% or more of a public corporation's voting power.
In 1990, the Pennsylvania legislature further amended the Pennsylvania BCL
to expand the antitakeover protections afforded by Pennsylvania law by
redefining the fiduciary duty of directors and adopting disgorgement and
control-share acquisition statutes. To the extent applicable to the Company
at the present time, this legislation generally (a) expands the factors and
groups (including shareholders) that the Board of Directors can consider in
determining whether a certain action is in the best interests of the
corporation; (b) provides that the Board of Directors need not consider the
interests of any particular group as dominant or controlling; (c) provides
that directors, in order to satisfy the presumption that they have acted in
the best interests of the corporation, need not satisfy any greater
obligation or higher burden of proof with respect to actions relating to an
acquisition or potential acquisition of control; (d) provides that actions
relating to acquisitions of control that are approved by a majority of
"disinterested directors" are presumed to satisfy the directors' standard
unless it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the directors did
not assent to such action in good faith after reasonable investigation; and
(e) provides that the fiduciary duty of directors is solely to the
corporation and may be enforced by the corporation or by a shareholder in a
derivative action, but not by a shareholder directly. The 1990 amendments to
the BCL explicitly provide that the fiduciary duty of directors shall not be
deemed to require directors (a) to redeem any rights under, or to modify or
render inapplicable, any shareholder rights plan; (b) to render inapplicable,
or make determinations under, provisions of the BCL relating to control
transactions,
84
<PAGE>
business combinations, control-share acquisitions or disgorgement by certain
controlling shareholders following attempts to acquire control; or (c) to act
as the board of directors, a committee of the board or an individual director
solely because of the effect such action might have on an acquisition or
potential or proposed acquisition of control of the corporation or the
consideration that might be offered or paid to shareholders in such an
acquisition. One of the effects of these fiduciary duty provisions may be to
make it more difficult for a shareholder to successfully challenge the
actions of the Company's Board of Directors in a potential change in control
context. Pennsylvania case law appears to provide that the fiduciary duty
standard under the 1990 amendment to the BCL grants directors the statutory
authority to reject or refuse to consider any potential or proposed
acquisition of the corporation.
Under the Pennsylvania control-share acquisition statute, a person or
group is entitled to voting rights with respect to "control shares" only
after shareholders (both disinterested shareholders and all shareholders)
have approved the granting of such voting rights at a meeting of
shareholders. "Control shares" are shares acquired since January 1, 1988,
that upon acquisition of voting power by an "acquiring person," would result
in a "control-share acquisition." ("Control shares" also include voting
shares where beneficial ownership was acquired by the "acquiring person"
within 180 days of the control-share acquisition or with the intention of
making a control-share acquisition.) An "acquiring person" is a person or
group who makes or proposes to make a "control-share acquisition." A
"control-share acquisition" is an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of
voting power over voting shares that would, when added to all voting power of
the person over other voting shares, entitle the person to cast or direct the
casting of such percentage of votes for the first time with respect to any of
the following ranges that all shareholders would be entitled to cast in an
election of directors: (a) at least 20% but less than 33-1/3%; (b) at least
33-1/3 but less than 50%; or (c) 50% or more. The effect of these provisions
is to require a new shareholder vote when each threshold is exceeded. In the
event shareholders do not approve the granting of voting rights, voting
rights are lost only with respect to "control shares."
A special meeting of shareholders is required to be called to establish
voting rights of control shares if an acquiring person (a) files with the
corporation an information statement containing specified information, (b)
makes a written request for a special meeting at the time of delivery of the
information statement, (c) makes a control-share acquisition or a bona fide
written offer to make a control-share acquisition, and (d) provides a written
undertaking at the time of delivery of the information statement to pay or
reimburse the corporation for meeting expenses. If the information statement
is filed and a control-share acquisition is made or proposed to be made, but
no request for a special meeting is made or no written undertaking to pay
expenses is provided, the issue of voting rights will be submitted to
shareholders at the next annual or special meeting of shareholders of the
corporation.
A corporation may redeem all "control shares" at the average of the high
and low sales price, as reported on a national securities exchange or
national quotation system or similar quotation system, on the date the
corporation provides notice of redemption (a) at any time within 24 months
after the date on which the control- share acquisition occurs if the
acquiring person does not, within 30 days after the completion of the
control-share acquisition, properly request that shareholders consider the
issue of voting rights to be accorded to control shares and (b) at any time
within 24 months after the issue of voting rights is submitted to
shareholders and such voting rights either are not accorded or are accorded
and subsequently lapse. Voting rights accorded to control shares by a vote of
shareholders lapse and are lost if any proposed control-share acquisition is
not consummated within 90 days after shareholder approval is obtained.
A person will not be considered an "acquiring person" if the person holds
voting power within any of the ranges specified in the definition of
"control-share acquisition" as a result of a solicitation of revocable
proxies if such proxies (a) are given without consideration in response to a
proxy or consent solicitation made in accordance with the Exchange Act and
(b) do not empower the holder to vote the shares except on the specific
matters described in the proxy and in accordance with the instructions of the
giver of the proxy.
The statute does not apply to certain control-share acquisitions effected
pursuant to a gift or laws of inheritance, in connection with certain family
trusts or pursuant to a merger, consolidation or plan of share exchange if
the corporation is a party to the agreement.
The effect of this statutory provision is to deter the accumulation of a
substantial block of Common Stock, including accumulation with a view to
effecting a non-negotiated tender or exchange offer for Common Stock.
85
<PAGE>
Under the disgorgement provisions of the Pennsylvania BCL, any profit
realized by any person or group who is or was a "controlling person or group"
from the disposition of any equity security of a corporation shall belong to
and be recoverable by the corporation where the profit is realized (i) within
18 months after the person becomes a "controlling person or group" and (ii)
the equity security had been acquired by the "controlling person or group"
within 24 months prior to or 18 months after obtaining the status of a
"controlling person or group."
A "controlling person or group" is a person or group who (a) has acquired,
offered to acquire or, directly or indirectly, publicly disclosed the
intention of acquiring 20% voting power of the corporation or (b) publicly
disclosed that it may seek to acquire control of the corporation.
A person will not be deemed a "controlling person or group" if the person
holds voting power as a result of a solicitation of revocable proxies if,
among other things, such proxies (a) are given without consideration in
response to a proxy or consent solicitation made in accordance with the
Exchange Act and (b) do not empower the holder to vote the shares except on
the specific matters described in the proxy and in accordance with the
instructions of the giver of the proxy. This exception does not apply to
proxy contests in connection with or as a means toward acquiring control of
the Company.
The effect of this statutory provision is to deter the accumulation of a
substantial block of Common Stock with a view to putting the Company "in
play" and then selling shares at a profit (whether to the Company, in the
market or in connection with an acquisition of the Company).
CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS IN THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
While the Board of Directors of the Company is not aware of any effort
that might be made to obtain control of the Company after Conversion, the
Board believes that it is appropriate to include certain provisions as part
of the Company's Articles of Incorporation to protect the interests of the
Company and its shareholders from hostile takeovers that the Board might
conclude are not in the best interests of the Company or the Company's
shareholders. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging a future
takeover attempt that is not approved by the Board but which individual
shareholders may deem to be in their best interests or in which shareholders
may receive a substantial premium for their shares over the then current
market price. As a result, shareholders who might desire to participate in
such a transaction may not have an opportunity to do so. Such provisions will
also render the removal of the Company's current Board of Directors or
management more difficult.
The following discussion is a general summary of certain provisions of the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company that may be deemed to
have such an "anti-takeover" effect. The description of these provisions is
necessarily general and reference should be made in each case to the Articles
of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company. For information regarding how to
obtain a copy of these documents without charge, see "Additional
Information."
Classified Board of Directors and Related Provisions
The Company's Articles of Incorporation provide that the Board of
Directors is to be divided into three classes which shall be as nearly equal
in number as possible. The directors in each class will hold office following
their initial appointment to office for terms of one year, two years and
three years, respectively, and, upon reelection, will serve for terms of
three years thereafter. Each director will serve until his or her successor
is elected and qualified. The Articles of Incorporation provide that a
director may be removed by shareholders only upon the affirmative vote of at
least a majority of the votes which all shareholders would be entitled to
cast. The Articles of Incorporation further provide that any vacancy
occurring in the Board of Directors, including a vacancy created by an
increase in the number of directors, shall be filled for the remainder of the
unexpired term by a majority vote of the directors then in office.
A classified board of directors could make it more difficult for
shareholders, including those holding a majority of the outstanding shares,
to force an immediate change in the composition of a majority of the Board of
Directors. Because the terms of only one-third of the incumbent directors
expire each year, it requires at least two annual elections for the
shareholders to change a majority, whereas a majority of a non-classified
board may be changed in one year. In the absence of the provisions of the
Articles of Incorporation classifying the Board, all of the directors would
be elected each year.
86
<PAGE>
Management of the Company believes that the staggered election of
directors tends to promote continuity of management because only one-third of
the Board of Directors is subject to election each year. Staggered terms
guarantee that in the ordinary course approximately two-thirds of the
Directors, or more, at any one time have had at least one year's experience
as directors of the Company, and moderate the pace of change in the
composition of the Board of Directors by extending the minimum time required
to elect a majority of Directors from one to two years.
Other Antitakeover Provisions
The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain other
provisions that may also have the effect of deterring or discouraging, among
other things, a non-negotiated tender or exchange offer for the Common Stock,
a proxy contest for control of the Company, the assumption of control of the
Company by a holder of a large block of the Common Stock and the removal of
the Company's management. These provisions: (1) empower the Board of
Directors, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock, the terms
of which, including voting power, are set by the Board; (2) restrict the
ability of shareholders to remove directors; (3) require that shares with at
least 80% of total voting power approve mergers and other similar
transactions with a person or entity holding Common Stock with more than 5%
of the Company's voting power, if the transaction is not approved, in
advance, by the Board of Directors; (4) prohibit shareholders' actions
without a meeting; (5) require that shares with at least 80%, or in certain
instances a majority, of total voting power approve the repeal or amendment
of the Articles of Incorporation; (6) require any person who acquires stock
of the Company with voting power of 25% or more to offer to purchase for cash
all remaining shares of the Company's voting stock at the highest price paid
by such person for shares of the Company's voting stock during the preceding
year; (7) limit the right of a person or entity to vote more than 10% of the
Company's voting stock; (8) eliminate cumulative voting in elections of
directors; and (9) require that shares with at least 66-2/3% of total voting
power approve, repeal or amend the Bylaws.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
GENERAL
The Company is authorized to issue 15,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
without par value, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, having such par
value as the Board of Directors of the Company shall fix and determine. The
Company currently expects to issue between 2,853,450 and 3,860,000 shares
(or, as permitted by the Plan, in the event the ESOP purchases shares in
excess of the maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range in order to satisfy
its 10% subscription, up to 4,246,660 shares), subject to adjustment, of the
Common Stock and no shares of preferred stock in the Conversion. The Company
has reserved for future issuance under the Compensation Plan and MRP an
amount of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock equal to 10% and 4%,
respectively, of the shares to be issued in the Conversion.
COMMON STOCK
Voting Rights
Each share of the Common Stock will have the same relative rights and will
be identical in all respects with every other share of the Common Stock. The
holders of the Common Stock will possess exclusive voting rights in the
Company, except to the extent that shares of preferred stock issued in the
future may have voting rights, if any. Each holder of shares of the Common
Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all
matters submitted to a vote of holders of shares of the Common Stock. Holders
of Common Stock will not be entitled to cumulate their votes for election of
directors.
Dividends
The Company may, from time to time, declare dividends to the holders of
Common Stock, who will be entitled to share equally in any such dividends.
For additional information as to cash dividends, see "Dividend Policy."
Liquidation
87
<PAGE>
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of any or all
of the Insurance Companies, the Company, as holder of all of the capital
stock of the Insurance Companies, would be entitled to receive all assets of
the Insurance Companies after payment of all debts and liabilities of the
Insurance Companies. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, each holder of shares of Common Stock would be entitled to
receive, after payment of all debts and liabilities of the Company, a pro
rata portion of all assets of the Company available for distribution to
holders of Common Stock. If any preferred stock is issued, the holders
thereof may have a priority in liquidation or dissolution over the holders of
the Common Stock.
Other Characteristics
Holders of the Common Stock will not have preemptive rights with respect
to any additional shares of Common Stock that may be issued. The Common Stock
is not subject to call for redemption, and the outstanding shares of Common
Stock, when issued and upon receipt by the Company of the full purchase price
therefor, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
None of the 5,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock of the Company
will be issued in the Conversion. After the Conversion is completed, the
Board of Directors of the Company will be authorized, without shareholder
approval, to issue preferred stock and to fix and state voting powers,
designations, preferences or other special rights of such shares and the
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. The preferred stock may
rank prior to the Common Stock as to dividend rights or liquidation
preferences, or both, and may have full or limited voting rights. The Board
of Directors has no present intention to issue any of the preferred stock.
Should the Board of Directors of the Company subsequently issue preferred
stock, no holder of any such stock shall have any preemptive right to
subscribe for or purchase any stock or any other securities of the Company
other than such, if any, as the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion,
may determine and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as the
Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may fix.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The Company will register its Common Stock with the SEC pursuant to the
Exchange Act upon completion of the Conversion and will not deregister said
shares for a period of at least three years following completion of the
Conversion. Upon such registration, the proxy and tender offer rules, insider
trading reporting and restrictions, annual and periodic reporting and other
requirements of the Exchange Act will be applicable.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The legality of the Common Stock will be passed upon for the Company by
Stevens & Lee, Reading, Pennsylvania. Stevens & Lee has consented to the
reference herein to its opinion. Certain legal matters will be passed upon
for Hopper Soliday and the Underwriters by Lord, Bissell & Brook, Chicago,
Illinois.
EXPERTS
The combined financial statements of the Insurance Companies as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the combined statements of income, changes in
surplus and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1995 have been included in this prospectus in reliance upon the
report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given on the
authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Berwind has consented to the publication herein of the summary of its
opinion as to the estimated pro forma aggregate market value of the Common
Stock to be issued in the Conversion and the value of subscription rights to
purchase the Common Stock and to the use of its name and statements with
respect to it appearing herein.
88
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF SELECTED INSURANCE TERMS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Acquisition costs ................. Agents' or brokers' commissions, premium taxes, marketing, and certain underwriting
expenses associated with the production of business.
Assumed reinsurance ............... Insurance or reinsurance transferred from another insurance or reinsurance entity.
Automobile Liability and Automobile
Physical Damage .................. Automobile liability coverage insures individuals and businesses against claims
resulting from bodily injury and property damage. Automobile physical damage coverage
insures individuals and businesses against claims resulting from property damage
to an insured's vehicle.
Cede .............................. To transfer to an insurer or a reinsurer all or a part of the insurance or reinsurance
written by an insurance or reinsurance entity.
Combined ratio .................... The sum of the expense ratio and the loss ratio, determined either in accordance
with statutory accounting practices or GAAP. A combined ratio under 100% generally
indicates an underwriting profit and a combined ratio over 100% generally indicates
an underwriting loss. The extent by which the combined ratio deviates from 100%
indicates relative underwriting profit or loss.
Commercial Multi-peril ............ Commercial multi-peril coverage insures against losses to businesses and business
personal property, such as those caused by fire, wind, hail, water damage, theft
and vandalism, as well as comprehensive general liability for injuries to others.
Optional coverages written include inland marine, crime and boiler and machinery.
Direct written premiums ........... Total premiums written by an insurer other than premiums for reinsurance assumed
by an insurer.
Earned premiums ................... The portion of net written premiums applicable to the expired period of policies.
Expense ratio ..................... Under statutory accounting practices, the ratio of underwriting expenses to net
written premiums.
Fire & Allied Lines ............... Fire and allied lines insurance generally covers fire, lightning, and removal and
extended coverage.
Gross premiums .................... Total premiums for insurance written and reinsurance assumed during a given period.
Homeowners ........................ Homeowners coverage insures individuals for losses to their residences and personal
property, such as those caused by fire, wind, hail, water damage, theft and vandalism,
and against third party liability claims.
Incurred losses ................... The sum of losses paid plus the change in the estimated liability for claims which
have been reported but which have not been settled and claims which have occurred
but have not yet been reported to the insurer.
Inland marine ..................... Inland marine coverage insures merchandise or cargo in transit and business and
personal property. It is also written as an endorsement to a homeowner's policy
to provide coverage for scheduled property, such as antiques, fine art, sports
equipment, boats, firearms, jewelry and camera equipment.
89
<PAGE>
Loss adjustment expenses .......... The expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and the general
expenses of administering the claims adjustment process.
Loss and LAE ratio ................ Under statutory accounting practices, the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment
expenses to earned premiums.
Net earned premiums ............... The portion of written premiums that is recognized for accounting purposes as revenue
during a period.
Net premiums ...................... Gross premiums written less premiums ceded to reinsurers.
Net written premiums .............. Gross premiums written and insured by an insurer less premiums ceded to reinsurers.
Reinsurance ....................... A procedure whereby an insurer remits or cedes a portion of the premiums to another
insurer or reinsurer as payment to that insurer or reinsurer for assuming a portion
of the related risk.
Residual market ................... The market consisting of those persons (most frequently drivers seeking automobile
insurance) who are unable to obtain insurance coverage in the voluntary market.
Statutory accounting practices .... Recording transactions and preparing financial statements in accordance with the
rules and procedures prescribed or permitted by statute or regulatory authorities,
generally reflecting a liquidating, rather than a going concern, concept of accounting.
The principal differences between statutory accounting practices ("SAP") and GAAP
for property and casualty insurance companies, are: (a) under SAP, certain assets
that are not admitted assets are eliminated from the balance sheet; (b) under SAP,
policy acquisition costs are expenses as incurred, while under GAAP, they are deferred
and amortized over the term of the policies; (c) under SAP, no provision is made
for deferred income taxes; (d) under SAP, certain reserves are recognized that
are not recognized under GAAP; and (e) under SAP, fixed income securities (bonds,
redeemable preferred stocks and mortgage-backed securities) and equity securities
are carried at cost, while under GAAP, they are carried at market value.
Statutory surplus ................. The sum remaining after all liabilities are subtracted from all assets, applying
statutory accounting practices. This sum is regarded as financial protection to
policyholders in the event an insurance company suffers unexpected or catastrophic
losses.
Underwriting ...................... The process whereby an insurer reviews applications submitted for insurance coverage
and determines whether it will accept all or part of the coverage being requested
and what the applicable premiums should be. Underwriting also includes an ongoing
review of existing policies and their pricing.
Underwriting expenses ............. The aggregate of policy acquisition costs and the portion of administrative, general
and other expenses attributable to underwriting operations.
Underwriting profit (loss) ........ The excess (deficiency), determined under statutory accounting practices, resulting
from the difference between earned premiums and the sum of incurred losses, loss
adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses.
Voluntary market .................. The market consisting of those persons who insurance companies voluntarily choose
to insure because such companies believe that they can do so profitably at competitive
rates.
Workers' Compensation ............. Workers' compensation coverage insures employers against employee medical and
indemnity claims resulting from injuries related to work as well as third party
employer's liability.
</TABLE>
90
<PAGE>
INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
--------
<S> <C>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS .......................................... F-2
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
(As of December 31, 1995 and 1994) .................................. F-3
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993) .............. F-4
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SURPLUS
(For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993) .............. F-5
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(For the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993) .............. F-6
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ................................ F-7
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
(As of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995) .................... F-20
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited)
(For the nine months and three months ended September 30, 1996 and
1995) ............................................................... F-21
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SURPLUS (Unaudited)
(For the nine months and three months ended September 30, 1996 and
1995) ............................................................... F-22
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(For the nine months and three months ended September 30, 1996 and
1995) ............................................................... F-23
NOTES TO INTERIM COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) ............ F-24
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Boards of Directors and Policyholders
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary:
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Old Guard
Mutual Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company and subsidiary (the Group) as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the related combined statements of income,
changes in surplus and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the
Group's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
combined financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free
of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of
the Group as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the combined results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994
and 1993 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, the Group
changed its method of accounting for investments in 1994.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
One South Market Square
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
July 19, 1996, except for
Notes 15 E and F which are
dated as of December 5, 1996
F-2
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
-------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed income securities, available for sale, at fair value ......... $ 78,527,888 $ 70,160,387
Preferred stocks, at fair value .................................... 9,230,609 8,601,126
Common stocks, at fair value ....................................... 4,348,463 3,926,543
Other invested assets .............................................. 228,304 191,028
-------------- --------------
Total investments ............................................... 92,335,264 82,879,084
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................ 8,153,125 7,279,176
Premiums receivable .................................................. 6,313,635 6,505,566
Reinsurance recoverables and unearned premiums ....................... 10,274,527 14,041,030
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net ............................... 7,180,779 7,103,411
Accrued investment income ............................................ 1,033,140 1,045,869
Deferred income taxes, net ........................................... 1,234,685 3,181,157
Property and equipment, net .......................................... 5,656,074 3,970,478
Receivable from affiliate ............................................ 214,582 385,465
Other assets ......................................................... 2,457,554 1,439,818
-------------- --------------
Total assets .................................................... $134,853,365 $127,831,054
============== ==============
LIABILITIES AND SURPLUS
Liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses .................... 52,091,497 51,309,427
Unearned premiums .................................................. 33,329,250 32,646,969
Accrued expenses ................................................... 3,153,110 2,816,979
Subordinated debt .................................................. 2,250,000 3,000,000
Other liabilities .................................................. 3,132,194 1,526,233
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities ............................................... 93,956,051 91,299,608
-------------- --------------
Commitments and contingent liabilities (Notes 9 and 12)
Surplus:
Unassigned surplus ................................................. 38,905,128 39,588,699
Unrealized capital gains (losses) of securities, net of deferred
income taxes .................................................... 1,992,186 (3,057,253)
-------------- --------------
Total surplus ................................................... 40,897,314 36,531,446
-------------- --------------
Total liabilities and surplus ................................... $134,853,365 $127,831,054
============== ==============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined financial
statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Net premiums written ........................... $67,114,947 $65,648,812 $63,354,790
Change in unearned premiums .................... (451,523) (2,184,227) (2,369,214)
------------- ------------- -------------
Net premiums earned ......................... 66,663,424 63,464,585 60,985,576
Investment income, net of expenses .......... 4,458,438 3,932,458 3,927,852
Net realized investment gains ............... 1,010,993 476,257 1,758,352
Other revenue ............................... 273,575 265,645 244,188
------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenue ............................... 72,406,430 68,138,945 66,915,968
------------- ------------- -------------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred ... 50,509,295 46,439,908 42,153,837
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs ....................................... 17,610,525 17,036,383 15,358,089
Operating expenses ............................. 5,654,712 5,051,112 5,632,637
------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses .............................. 73,774,532 68,527,403 63,144,563
------------- ------------- -------------
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes .. (1,368,102) (388,458) 3,771,405
Income tax expense (benefit) ..................... (684,531) (532,750) 383,048
------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) ........................... $ (683,571) $ 144,292 $ 3,388,357
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
combined financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SURPLUS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
-------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Unassigned surplus:
Balance, beginning of year ............................. $39,588,699 $39,444,407 $36,056,050
Net income (loss) ...................................... (683,571) 144,292 3,388,357
-------------- -------------- -------------
Balance, end of year ................................... $38,905,128 $39,588,699 $39,444,407
============== ============== =============
Unrealized capital gains (losses) of securities, net of
deferred income taxes:
Balance, beginning of year ............................. $(3,057,253) $ 409,152 $ 557,390
Cumulative effect of classifying fixed income securities
as available for sale .................................. 629,225
Change in unrealized capital gains (losses) of securities 5,049,439 (4,095,630) (148,238)
-------------- -------------- -------------
Balance, end of year ..................................... $ 1,992,186 $(3,057,253) $ 409,152
============== ============== =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the combined financial
statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
-------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) ........................................ $ (683,571) $ 144,292 $ 3,388,357
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment ................ 629,858 563,325 598,788
Amortization of premium ............................... 396,224 647,935 498,887
Net realized investment gain .......................... (1,010,993) (476,257) (1,758,352)
Net realized (gain) loss on sale of property and
equipment ........................................... 21,285 381 (5,080)
Deferred income tax provision (benefit) ............... (661,728) (594,747) (440,616)
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Premiums receivable ................................. 191,931 350,611 619,140
Reinsurance receivable .............................. 3,766,503 5,913,152 5,763,312
Deferred policy acquisition costs ................... (77,368) (644,443) (530,014)
Accrued investment income ........................... 12,729 155,889 38,738
Other assets, excluding receivable for sale of
security ......................................... 9,260 (134,883) (523,159)
Receivable from affiliate ........................... 170,883 (385,465)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses ..... 782,070 (7,747,121) (572,056)
Unearned premium .................................... 682,281 582,396 (127,060)
Accrued expenses .................................... 336,131 (1,016,647) 611,250
Other liabilities, excluding payable for purchase of
security ......................................... 310,174 (284,262) 831,365
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities ..................................... 4,875,669 (2,925,844) 8,393,500
-------------- -------------- --------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cost of purchases of fixed income securities, available
for sale .............................................. (35,935,523) (27,873,564) (48,548,987)
Proceeds from sales of fixed income securities, available
for sale .............................................. 32,594,494 19,345,631 41,598,495
Proceeds from maturities of fixed income securities,
available for sale .................................... 865,000 1,475,000 1,075,000
Cost of equity securities acquired ....................... (4,772,358) (1,235,743) (10,818,455)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities ................. 5,800,281 11,074,709 7,469,958
Change in receivable/payable for securities .............. 268,009 155,759
Cost of purchases of other invested assets ............... (50,000) (242,979)
Proceeds from sale of other invested assets .............. 190,000 53,921 198,526
Cost of purchase of property and equipment ............... (2,405,430) (526,356) (593,261)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment ............. 193,807 550 91,984
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing
activities ..................................... (3,251,720) 2,226,928 (9,526,740)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayment of subordinated debt ........................... (750,000) (750,000) (750,000)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net cash used in financing activities ............ (750,000) (750,000) (750,000)
-------------- -------------- --------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents .................................... 873,949 (1,448,916) (1,883,240)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ............. 7,279,176 8,728,092 10,611,332
-------------- -------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year ................... $ 8,153,125 $ 7,279,176 $ 8,728,092
============== ============== ==============
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest ................................................. $ 265,861 $ 309,254 $ 376,931
Income taxes ............................................. $ 203,674 $ 691,785 $ 258,700
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the
combined financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
Basis of Combination:
The combined financial statements include the accounts of Old Guard Mutual
Insurance Company (OGM), Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company (OGF) and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company (GHM) and their subsidiary Old
Guard Investment Holding Company, Inc. (OGIHC). 2929 Service Corporation and
Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc. (CIMI) are wholly-owned subsidiaries of
OGIHC. The companies operate collectively as the Old Guard Insurance Group
(the Group). Management believes that presentation of combined financial
statements is the most meaningful given the pending transaction described in
footnote 15 B, "Demutualization," and since the companies operate under
common management and, through a pooling agreement, share in the premiums
written and the loss experience of each company.
Each of the insurance company members of the Group, as described above, is
a party to a joint application for approval to convert from mutual to stock
form of organization which will be filed with the Insurance Department of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (Insurance Department). The application requests
regulatory approval of the formation of an insurance holding company,
incorporated in Pennsylvania, to purchase all of the authorized stock of OGM,
OGF and GHM, which will convert from the mutual to the stock form of
organization. Until completion of the conversion, the insurance holding
company will not engage in any significant operations and has no assets or
liabilities (see Note 15 B).
The accompanying combined financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. All significant
intercompany transactions have been eliminated in combination.
Description of Business:
The Group sells personal, farm and commercial property and casualty
insurance in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, with Pennsylvania
comprising in excess of 95% of the direct premiums written. The principal
lines of business are homeowners, farmowners, personal automobile and
commercial multi-peril which represent approximately 27%, 18%, 23% and 14%,
respectively, of the net premiums written.
Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Cash and cash equivalents are carried at cost which approximates market
value. The Group considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Investments:
Effective January 1, 1994, the Group adopted Financial Accounting
Standards Board Statement No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities" (SFAS 115). Under SFAS 115 debt and marketable
equity securities must be classified as held-to-maturity, trading, or
available-for-sale. Due to periodic shifts in the portfolio arising out of
income tax and asset-liability matching, as well as securities markets and
economic factors, management considers the entire portfolio of fixed income
securities as available-for-sale. Each new security is evaluated at the time
of purchase and reevaluated at each balance sheet date. Available-for-sale
securities are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses,
net of deferred income tax, reported as a separate component of surplus. The
cumulative effect as of January 1, 1994 of adopting SFAS 115, representing
the unrealized gains on fixed income securities classified as
available-for-sale, net of deferred income tax, was to increase surplus by
$629,225.
Equity securities for all periods are stated at fair value with changes in
fair value, net of deferred income tax, reflected in surplus. Realized gains
and losses are calculated on the specific identification basis.
The fair value of all investments is subject to various market
fluctuations which include changes in equity markets, interest rate
environment and general economic conditions. Interest on fixed maturities and
short-term investments is credited to income as it accrues on the principal
amounts outstanding, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of
discounts computed utilizing the effective interest rate method.
F-7
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: - (Continued)
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Net:
Acquisition costs such as commissions, premium taxes and certain other
expenses which vary with and are directly related to the production of
business, are deferred and amortized over the effective period of the related
insurance policies. The method followed in computing deferred policy
acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated
realizable value, which gives effect to premiums to be earned, related
investment income, loss and loss adjustment expenses and certain other
maintenance costs expected to be incurred as the premiums are earned. To the
extent that deferred policy acquisition costs are not realizable, the
deficiency is charged to income currently.
Property and Equipment, Net:
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Property is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the useful lives
ranging from fifteen to fifty years. Equipment is depreciated on a
straight-line basis with useful lives of five to ten years. Computer software
is amortized on a straight-line basis over a useful life of five years.
Premiums:
Premiums written are earned on a pro rata basis over the terms of the
respective policies. Unearned premiums represent the unexpired portion of the
policies in-force.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses include amounts
determined on the basis of claims adjusters' evaluations, other estimates and
estimates of losses incurred but not reported, calculated using historical
experience. Any adjustments resulting from changes in estimates are reflected
in current operating results. Estimated amounts of salvage and subrogation
recoverable on paid and unpaid losses are reflected as a reduction of
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses.
Income Taxes:
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes", deferred income taxes are accounted for using
the liability method, wherein deferred tax assets or liabilities are
calculated on the differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for
financial statement purposes versus tax purposes (temporary differences)
using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are
expected to reverse. Tax expense in the combined statements of income is
equal to the sum of taxes currently payable, including the effect of the
alternative minimum tax, if any, plus an amount necessary to adjust deferred
tax assets and liabilities to an amount equal to period-end temporary
differences at prevailing tax rates.
The Group members file individual federal income tax returns.
Reinsurance:
The Group cedes insurance to, and assumes insurance from, unrelated
insurers to limit its maximum loss exposure through risk diversification.
In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 113,
"Accounting and Reporting for Reinsurance of Short-Duration and Long-Duration
Contracts", reinsurance receivables and unearned premiums are reported as
assets, and reserve liabilities are reported gross of reinsurance credits.
Certain reinsurance contracts provide for retrospective rate adjustments
based on experience. Management estimates the ultimate ceded premium based
upon historical experience. Any adjustments resulting from changes in
estimates are reflected in current operating results.
F-8
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies: - (Continued)
Assessments:
The Group's insurance members are subject to assessments in the states in
which each insurance company is licensed. Assessments consist primarily of
charges from the residual markets and guaranty fund associations. The expense
is recognized upon notification.
Use of Estimates:
The preparation of the accompanying combined financial statements requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the combined financial statements and the results of their
operations during the period. The combined financial statements include
estimates the most significant of which are reserve for losses and loss
adjustment expenses, deferred policy acquisition costs and reinsurance.
Actual results may differ from those estimates.
2. STATUTORY INFORMATION:
The Group's insurance companies which are domiciled in the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, prepare their statutory financial statements in accordance with
accounting principles and practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance
Department. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include state laws,
regulations, and general administrative rules, as well as a variety of
publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).
Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices
that are not prescribed; such practices differ from state to state, may
differ from company to company within a state, and may change in the future.
Furthermore, the NAIC has a project to codify statutory accounting practices,
the result of which is expected to constitute the only source of "prescribed"
statutory accounting practices. Accordingly, that project will likely change
the definitions of what comprise prescribed versus permitted statutory
accounting practices, and may result in changes to the accounting policies
that insurance enterprises use to prepare their statutory financial
statements. The effects of any such changes are not presently determinable
and will not likely affect financial statements prepared under generally
accepted accounting principles.
Risk based capital is designed to measure the acceptable amount of capital
an insurer should have based on the inherent risks of the insurer's business.
Insurers failing to meet adequate capital levels may be subject to insurance
department scrutiny and ultimately rehabilitation or liquidation. Based on
established standards, OGM, OGF and GHM maintain surplus in excess of
prescribed risk based capital requirements.
3. STATUTORY SURPLUS:
Statutory surplus and net income (loss), determined in accordance with
accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the Insurance Department for
the Group, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Statutory Statutory
Surplus Net Income (Loss)
------------------------------ ------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1995 1994 1993
------------- ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OGM .... $19,973,068 $18,951,633 $(128,349) $ 822,297 $2,865,961
OGF .... 8,786,985 9,100,592 (265,828) (207,295) 1,753,945
GHM .... 3,489,304 3,044,383 494,455 (344,470) (253,167)
Other .. 20,503 21,136 1,564
------------- ------------- ------------ ----------- ------------
$32,249,357 $31,096,608 $ 120,781 $ 291,668 $4,368,303
============= ============= ============ =========== ============
</TABLE>
F-9
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
3. Statutory Surplus: - (Continued)
A reconciliation of the Group's statutory net income and surplus to the
Group's net income and surplus, under generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP), is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net income:
Statutory net income .......................... $ 120,781 $ 291,668 $ 4,368,303
GAAP adjustments:
Increase (decrease) in deferred policy
acquisition costs ........................ 77,368 644,443 530,014
Provision for deferred income taxes ........ 661,728 594,747 444,217
Recognition of salvage and subrogation ..... (276,600)
Other ...................................... (1,543,448) (1,386,566) (1,677,577)
------------- ------------- -------------
GAAP net income (loss) ................... $ (683,571) $ 144,292 $ 3,388,357
============= ============= =============
Policyholders' surplus:
Statutory surplus ............................. $32,249,357 $31,096,608
GAAP adjustments:
Deferred policy acquisition costs .......... 7,180,779 7,103,411
Deferred income taxes ...................... 1,234,685 3,181,157
Restoration of nonadmitted assets .......... 463,246 464,648
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities ....... 1,722,410 (4,316,013)
Elimination of excess of statutory over
statement reserves liability ............. 657,158 127,173
Elimination of statutory unauthorized
reinsurance .............................. 77,800
Reclassification of subordinated debt ...... (2,250,000) (3,000,000)
Other ...................................... (360,321) 1,796,662
------------- -------------
GAAP surplus ............................. $40,897,314 $36,531,446
============= =============
</TABLE>
Other includes adjustments as to the period of recognition of income or
expense items between statutory and GAAP accounting.
At December 31, 1993, the Group changed its statutory method of accounting
for the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses to include the effect
of anticipated salvage and subrogation. Previously, the reserve was reported
without consideration for salvage and subrogation.
The Group is required to maintain a minimum aggregate surplus balance of
$9,825,000 on a statutory basis of accounting to satisfy regulatory
requirements.
F-10
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
4. INVESTMENTS:
Net investment income, net realized investment gains and change in
unrealized capital gains (losses) on investment securities are as follows for
each of the three years ended December 31:
NET INVESTMENT INCOME AND NET REALIZED INVESTMENT GAINS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investment income:
Fixed income securities .................. $4,457,884 $3,672,544 $3,615,180
Preferred stocks ......................... 623,396 1,054,803 1,194,867
Common stocks ............................ 211,545 77,895 94,669
Cash and cash equivalents ................ 334,747 408,821 360,780
Other .................................... 116,899 105,847 60,961
------------ ------------ -------------
Gross investment income ............... 5,744,471 5,319,910 5,326,457
------------ ------------ -------------
Less investment expenses ................... 1,286,033 1,387,452 1,398,605
------------ ------------ -------------
Net investment income ...................... 4,458,438 3,932,458 3,927,852
------------ ------------ -------------
Realized gains (losses):
Fixed income securities .................. 543,696 204,493 1,492,697
Preferred stocks ......................... 73,156 131,509 205,860
Common stocks ............................ 268,080 140,255 59,795
Other .................................... 126,061
------------ ------------ -------------
Net realized investment gains ......... 1,010,993 476,257 1,758,352
------------ ------------ -------------
Net investment income and net realized
investment gains .................... $5,469,431 $4,408,715 $5,686,204
============ ============ =============
</TABLE>
CHANGE IN UNREALIZED CAPITAL GAINS (LOSSES) OF SECURITIES:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------- -------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed income securities ............... $ 5,722,298 $(5,199,848) $
Preferred stocks ...................... 853,101 (736,763) 22,448
Common stocks ......................... 1,096,943 (264,265) 106,367
Other invested assets ................. (14,703) (344,553)
Cumulative effect of accounting change 953,371
------------- -------------- ------------
7,657,639 (5,247,505) (215,738)
Tax effect ....................... (2,608,200) 1,781,100 67,500
------------- -------------- ------------
$ 5,049,439 $(3,466,405) $(148,238)
============= ============== ============
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
4. Investments: - (Continued)
The cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale investment
securities at December 31, 1995 and 1994 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized
1995 Cost(1) Appreciation Depreciation Fair Value
---------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. Government
corporations and agencies ......... $33,419,508 $ 155,894 $195,038 $33,380,364
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions ...................... 1,552,670 13,421 1,566,091
Corporate obligations ................ 25,867,568 1,293,989 147,123 27,014,434
Collateralized mortgage obligations .. 9,564,068 280,348 4,904 9,839,512
Other obligations .................... 6,625,805 101,682 6,727,487
------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total fixed income securities 77,029,619 1,845,334 347,065 78,527,888
Equity securities:
Preferred stocks ..................... 8,992,192 348,611 110,194 9,230,609
Common stocks ........................ 3,038,960 1,392,647 83,144 4,348,463
------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total available-for-sale ..... $89,060,771 $3,586,592 $540,403 $92,106,960
============= ============== ============== =============
</TABLE>
(1) Original cost of equity securities; original cost of fixed income
securities adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Gross Gross
Unrealized Unrealized Estimated
1994 Cost(1) Appreciation Depreciation Fair Value
---------------------------------------- ------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed income securities:
U.S. Treasury securities and
obligations of U.S. Government
corporations and agencies ......... $33,270,002 $ 429 $2,888,262 $30,382,169
Obligations of states and political
subdivisions ...................... 3,686,569 5,961 26,169 3,666,361
Corporate obligations ................ 16,155,078 89,445 830,269 15,414,254
Collateralized mortgage obligations .. 17,916,000 34,849 587,463 17,363,386
Other obligations .................... 3,356,767 28,647 51,197 3,334,217
------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total fixed income securities 74,384,416 159,331 4,383,360 70,160,387
Equity securities:
Preferred stock ...................... 9,215,810 19,054 633,738 8,601,126
Common stock ......................... 3,713,983 680,760 468,200 3,926,543
------------- -------------- -------------- -------------
Total available-for-sale ..... $87,314,209 $859,145 $5,485,298 $82,688,056
============= ============== ============== =============
</TABLE>
(1) Original cost of equity securities; original cost of fixed income
securities adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of
discount.
F-12
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
4. Investments: - (Continued)
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed income securities at
December 31, 1995 by contractual maturity are shown below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortized Estimated
Cost Fair Value
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less ................... $ 4,995,869 $ 4,978,017
Due after one year through five years ..... 26,141,961 26,384,195
Due after five years through ten years .... 4,104,017 4,437,992
Due after ten years ....................... 2,950,428 3,095,279
Collateralized and asset backed securities 38,837,344 39,632,405
------------- -------------
$77,029,619 $78,527,888
============= =============
</TABLE>
Actual maturities may differ from contractual and anticipated maturities
because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or
without call or prepayment penalties.
Collateralized and asset-backed securities consist of mortgage
pass-through holdings and securities backed by credit card receivables, auto
loans and home equity loans. These securities follow a structured principal
repayment schedule and are of high credit quality rated "AA" or better by
Standard & Poor's. These securities are presented separately in the maturity
schedule due to the inherent risk associated with prepayment on early
authorization. The average duration of this portfolio is 3.9 years.
The gross realized gains and losses on investment securities for each of
the years ended December 31, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Gross realized gains $ 2,995,584 $ 886,774 $2,157,599
Gross realized losses (1,984,591) (410,517) (399,247)
------------- ----------- ------------
Net realized gains .. $ 1,010,993 $ 476,257 $1,758,352
============= =========== ============
</TABLE>
Insurance laws require that certain amounts be deposited with various
state insurance departments for the benefit and protection of policyholders.
The amortized cost of fixed income securities on deposit with governmental
authorities was $501,095 and $452,371 at December 31, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
F-13
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
5. LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES:
Activity in the reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses is
summarized as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance as of January 1 ...... $51,309,427 $59,056,548 $59,628,604
Less reinsurance recoverables 18,499,642 22,175,358 24,962,955
------------- ------------- -------------
Net balance at January 1 ..... 32,809,785 36,881,190 34,665,649
------------- ------------- -------------
Incurred related to:
Current year ............... 48,067,295 51,958,607 44,949,599
Prior years ................ 2,442,000 (5,518,699) (2,795,762)
------------- ------------- -------------
Total incurred .......... 50,509,295 46,439,908 42,153,837
------------- ------------- -------------
Paid related to:
Current year ............... 29,970,071 35,196,027 25,952,565
Prior years ................ 17,258,165 15,315,286 13,985,731
------------- ------------- -------------
Total paid .............. 47,228,236 50,511,313 39,938,296
------------- ------------- -------------
Net balance as of December 31 36,090,844 32,809,785 36,881,190
Plus reinsurance recoverables 16,000,653 18,499,642 22,175,358
------------- ------------- -------------
Balance at December 31 ....... $52,091,497 $51,309,427 $59,056,548
============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
The changes in the reserve estimates for prior years are primarily
attributable to the paid and incurred loss development experience across all
lines of business.
The reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses reflect management's
best estimate of future amounts needed to pay claims and related settlement
costs with respect to insured events which have occurred, including events
that have not been reported to the Group. In many cases, significant periods
of time, ranging up to several years, may elapse between the occurrence of an
insured loss, the reporting of the loss, and the payment of that loss. As
part of the process in determining these amounts, historical data is reviewed
and consideration is given to the impact of various factors, such as legal
developments, changes in social attitudes, and economic conditions.
Management believes that its reserve for losses and loss adjustment
expenses are fairly stated, in accordance with generally accepted actuarial
principles and practices. However, estimating the ultimate claims liability
is a complex and judgmental process inasmuch as the amounts are based on
management's informed estimates and judgments using data currently available.
As additional experience and data become available regarding claim payments
and reporting patterns, legislative developments, and economic conditions,
the estimates are revised accordingly and the impact is reflected currently
in the Group's combined financial statements.
F-14
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
6. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET:
Property and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 1995 and
1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
Land ......................................... $ 287,407 $ 287,407
Buildings and improvements ................... 4,089,767 3,753,677
Furniture, fixtures and equipment ............ 4,684,460 4,540,148
------------- -------------
Total property and equipment ............ 9,061,634 8,581,232
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (4,493,992) (4,610,754)
------------- -------------
4,567,642 3,970,478
Computer software ............................ 1,088,432
------------- -------------
Property and equipment, net .................. $ 5,656,074 $ 3,970,478
============= =============
</TABLE>
7. REINSURANCE:
The Group maintains reinsurance agreements, which include coverage for
excess of loss and catastrophe loss. These reinsurance programs mitigate loss
exposure from individually large losses and an aggregation of losses arising
from a single loss event. The Group is contingently liable for reinsured
claims if the assuming reinsurers cannot meet their obligations under the
reinsurance agreements.
The following amounts represent the Group's reinsurance activity with
unrelated insurers for each of the three years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Ceded:
Premiums earned ........................... $9,362,861 $12,543,855 $12,217,139
Unearned premiums ......................... $1,469,316 $ 1,238,558 $ 2,836,257
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
incurred ............................... $6,897,673 $19,217,783 $ 9,283,057
Assumed:
Premiums earned ........................... $ 114,395 $ (11,610) $ 1,949,850
Unearned premiums ......................... $ 22,431 $ 22,870 $ 631,362
Losses and loss adjustment expenses
incurred ............................... $ 384,762 $ 83,347 $ 620,893
</TABLE>
The Group performs credit reviews of its reinsurers, focusing on financial
stability and commitment to the reinsurance business. At December 31, 1995,
the Group had a reinsurance recoverable of $8,630,000 due from its principal
reinsurer, American Re-Insurance Company with an A.M. Best rating of A+.
The ultimate ceded premium estimated by management for retrospective
contracts were $2,000,000, $1,400,000 and $1,300,000 for 1995, 1994 and 1993,
respectively. No material adjustments from amounts originally estimated have
been recorded.
8. SUBORDINATED DEBT:
During 1989, OGM received an advance to surplus for statutory purposes
from a third party. Repayment of principal began in April 1991 and continues
annually through 1998 in the amount of $750,000 per year. Interest, at 9%, is
to be paid each December. Such repayments of principal and payments of
interest are subject to certain notification and approval requirements of the
Insurance Department. Amounts not paid in accordance
F-15
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
8. Subordinated Debt: - (Continued)
with the aforementioned schedule will accrue interest at 9%. Certain
additional terms related to liquidation, merger or demutualization of the
Company provide for the principal to become due and payable. OGM paid
interest of $224,877, $309,025 and $376,705 under the obligation in 1995,
1994 and 1993, respectively.
9. LINES OF CREDIT:
The insurance companies of the Group jointly maintain cash management
programs with a local financial institution. The programs provide for draws
by any member of the Group against a line of credit in the event of
overdrafts. The line of credit is subject to a maximum of $2,250,000 and
bears interest at the prime rate. The Group must maintain zero balances on
the lines for one thirty-day period each year and must meet certain demand
deposit requirements. No borrowings were outstanding under these arrangements
during the years or at December 31, 1995 and 1994.
During 1995, the insurance companies of the Group obtained a $7,000,000
credit facility which provides for a five-year term borrowing capacity at the
prime interest rate less 1/4%. The credit facility is expected to be used in
connection with future acquisitions. During the year or at December 31, 1995,
there were no borrowings under this credit facility.
10. INCOME TAXES:
The tax effect of significant temporary differences that give rise to the
Group's net deferred tax asset as of December 31, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Unearned premium .......................................... $1,815,247 $1,657,771
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses ........... 2,166,680 2,135,772
Unrealized loss on investment securities available-for-sale 1,568,900
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward ............... 324,356 220,558
Net operating loss carryforward ........................... 536,254 698,056
Other ..................................................... 211,823 389,979
------------ ------------
Deferred tax asset ................................... 5,054,360 6,671,036
------------ ------------
Deferred policy acquisition costs ......................... 2,441,465 2,415,159
Unrealized gain on investment securities .................. 1,039,300
Depreciation and other .................................... 338,910 1,074,720
------------ ------------
Deferred tax liability ............................... 3,819,675 3,489,879
------------ ------------
Net deferred tax asset ............................... $1,234,685 $3,181,157
============ ============
</TABLE>
The net deferred tax asset has not been reduced by a valuation allowance
because management believes that, while it is not assured, it is more likely
than not that it will generate sufficient future taxable income to utilize
these net excess tax deductions. The amount of the deferred tax asset
considered realizable, however, could be materially reduced in the near term
if estimates of future taxable income in the years in which the differences
are expected to reverse are not realized.
F-16
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
10. Income Taxes: - (Continued)
Actual income tax expense (benefit) differed from expected tax expense
(benefit), computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate
of 34% to income before income taxes, for each of the three years ended
December 31 as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Expected tax expense (benefit) $(465,155) $ (132,076) $1,282,278
Tax-exempt interest ........... (61,558) (227,249) (620,080)
Dividends received deduction .. (161,764) (215,139) (236,902)
Other ......................... 3,946 41,714 (42,248)
------------ ------------- ------------
Income tax expense (benefit) .. $(684,531) $ (532,750) $ 383,048
============ ============= ============
</TABLE>
The components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for each of the
three years ended December 31 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
------------ ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current federal income tax expense (benefit) $ (22,803) $ 61,997 $ 827,265
Deferred federal income tax (benefit) ....... (661,728) (594,747) (444,217)
------------ ------------ -----------
Income tax expense (benefit) ................ $(684,531) $(532,750) $ 383,048
============ ============ ===========
</TABLE>
GHM has a net operating loss carryforward at December 31, 1995, of
approximately $1,577,000. GHM utilized approximately $476,000 of net
operating loss carryforwards in 1995 to offset current taxable income. GHM's
net operating loss carryforwards expire $243,000 in 2007, $554,000 in 2008
and $780,000 in 2009.
As of December 31, 1995, OGM had alternative minimum tax credit
carryforwards of approximately $324,000 available to offset future tax
liability.
11. RETIREMENT PROGRAMS:
The Group has a discretionary noncontributory profit sharing plan covering
eligible employees. The Group's contribution to the plan amounted to
$262,945, $233,214, and $208,734 for the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994,
and 1993, respectively.
The Group also maintains a voluntary defined contribution savings plan
covering substantially all full-time employees. The Group matches employee
contributions up to 3% of compensation. The Group's contribution to this plan
amounted to $144,367, $136,121, and $107,567 for the years ended December 31,
1995, 1994, and 1993, respectively.
12. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
In the event a property and casualty insurer, operating in a jurisdiction
where the Group also operated becomes or is declared insolvent, state
insurance regulations provide for the assessment of other insurers to fund
any capital deficiency of the insolvent insurer. Generally, this assessment
is based upon the ratio of an insurer's voluntary written premiums to total
written premiums for all insurers in that particular state. The Group charges
these assessments to income in the period in which it is notified. The Group
is not aware of any material assessments which have not been recorded at
December 31, 1995.
13. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments
and subordinated debt approximate their fair value.
F-17
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
13. Fair Values of Financial Instruments: - (Continued)
Fixed income securities, preferred stocks and common stocks are reported
at fair value as established by quoted market prices on secondary markets as
of the balance sheet dates.
14. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
Neffsville Mutual Fire Insurance Company (NMF) is affiliated with the
Group through common management and reinsurance programs.
NMF is provided senior management services by CIMI for a fee as determined
under the management agreement. Management fees recognized by CIMI during
1995 and 1994 were approximately $45,000 and $10,900, respectively.
NMF maintains a quota share reinsurance agreement with OGF whereby 90% and
100% of NMF's business is assumed by OGF during 1995 and 1994, respectively.
There was no quota share agreement with NMF in 1993. The following summarizes
the business ceded under the intercompany reinsurance agreement as of and for
each of the years ended December 31:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Premiums written ............................... $2,094,759 $ 844,487
------------ -----------
Premiums earned ........................... 2,094,759 844,487
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ............ (860,823) (332,965)
Commissions .................................... (837,904) (337,795)
------------ -----------
$ 396,032 $ 173,727
============ ===========
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses $ 328,590 $ 199,167
Receivable from affiliate ...................... $ 214,582 $ 385,465
</TABLE>
15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:
A. REINSURANCE TREATY:
Effective January 1, 1996 the Group executed a 20% quota share reinsurance
treaty with its primary reinsurer. The treaty provides for a 35% flat ceding
commission and is on the net business written by the Group. This treaty is
intended to protect the Group from high frequency and low severity type
losses.
B. DEMUTUALIZATION:
In May 1996 the Group's Boards of Directors approved a plan of conversion
for changing the corporate form of OGM, OGF and GHM from the mutual form to
the stock form (demutualization). Under the plan, policyholders and other
targeted groups will have the opportunity to acquire stock in a newly formed
holding company, Old Guard Group, Inc. (OGGI).
OGGI will in turn acquire all of the newly issued stock of OGM, OGF and
GHM upon conversion. Prior to the conversion, OGGI will not engage in any
significant operations and will have no assets or liabilities. The
demutualization plan is subject to approval from the Insurance Department and
ultimately receipt of sufficient stock subscriptions to effect the
transaction. The Group has received a ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service regarding the tax treatment of the demutualization as a tax-free
reorganization. In the event that the plan is executed, the converted
companies will be subject to certain insurance laws and regulations specific
to stock insurance companies as well as regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Limitations on the payment of dividends and Insurance
Holding Company regulations are among the types of regulatory requirements
with which the Group will have to comply. Assuming the conversion were
complete as of December 31, 1995, dividends and other distributions in 1996
to OGGI would be limited to approximately $2,000,000 for OGM, $879,000 for
OGF and $494,000 for GHM without prior approval of the Insurance Department.
F-18
<PAGE>
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary
Notes to Combined Financial Statements - (Continued)
B. Demutualization: - (Continued)
NMF is not eligible for inclusion in the plan for demutualization under
the laws of the Insurance Department of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and
therefore is excluded from these combined financial statements.
C. PROPOSED PLAN OF AFFILIATION:
In January 1996, OGM made a loan of $250,000 to a Missouri domiciled
property and casualty insurance exchange (Exchange). The loan represented the
initial phase of a proposed plan of affiliation with the Exchange. In June,
1996 OGM withdrew from the plan of affiliation in accordance with the terms
of the controlling letter of intent. Recovery of the loan is highly doubtful
and accordingly the Group charged the advance against earnings in 1996.
D. LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING:
In July 1996, OGIHC executed a letter of understanding with a Delaware
domiciled property and casualty insurance company. The letter provides for
the Delaware insurance company to secure insurance management services from
CIMI and pursue mutual to stock conversion and for the Group to purchase a
$1.0 million convertible surplus note and at its discretion to purchase up to
an additional $3.0 million of convertible surplus notes. The agreement is
subject to satisfactory completion of due diligence investigations by
management and regulatory approval and is expected to be completed by
December 31, 1995.
E. LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING:
In October 1996, OGIHC executed a letter of understanding with a Delaware
domiciled property and casualty insurance company and its sole shareholder to
acquire 80% of the stock of the insurance company for approximately $4.8
million. The letter also provides for the insurance company to secure
insurance management services from CIMI. The agreement is subject to
satisfactory completion of due diligence investigations by management and
regulatory approval.
F. OPERATING RESULTS (UNAUDITED):
Severe winter weather in January and February 1996 in the geographic areas
in which the Group writes business has produced adverse operating results
through September 1996. Management believes that such results are consistent
with those of similar carriers in the same region. The Group expects to
report a net loss of approximately $2.5 million through September 1996.
F-19
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY,
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
September 30, 1996 December 31, 1995
------------------ -----------------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed income securities, available for sale, at fair value ....... $ 69,785,634 $ 78,527,888
Preferred stocks at fair value ................................... 5,100,434 9,230,609
Common stocks at fair value ...................................... 6,425,351 4,348,463
Other invested assets ............................................ 318,434 228,304
------------------ -----------------
Total investments ........................................ 81,629,853 92,335,264
Cash and cash equivalents .......................................... 3,737,536 8,153,125
Premiums receivable ................................................ 7,910,672 6,313,635
Reinsurance recoverables and unearned premiums ..................... 25,659,185 10,274,527
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net ............................. 5,833,960 7,180,779
Accrued investment income .......................................... 1,102,600 1,033,140
Deferred income taxes, net ......................................... 2,370,641 1,234,685
Property and equipment, net ........................................ 6,164,008 5,656,074
Receivable from affiliate .......................................... 412,836 214,582
Other assets ....................................................... 2,716,623 2,457,554
------------------ -----------------
Total assets ............................................. $137,537,914 $134,853,365
================== =================
LIABILITIES & SURPLUS
Liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses .................. $ 56,798,586 52,091,497
Unearned premiums ................................................ 35,773,725 33,329,250
Accrued expenses ................................................. 2,203,007 3,153,110
Capital lease obligations ........................................ 1,848,492 509,194
Subordinated debt ................................................ 1,500,000 2,250,000
Other liabilities ................................................ 1,744,703 2,623,000
------------------ -----------------
Total liabilities ........................................ 99,868,513 93,956,051
Surplus: ...........................................................
Unassigned surplus ............................................... 36,356,971 38,905,128
Unrealized capital gains of securities, net of deferred income
taxes ......................................................... 1,312,430 1,992,186
------------------ -----------------
Total surplus ............................................ 37,669,401 40,897,314
------------------ -----------------
Total liabilities and surplus ............................ $137,537,914 $134,853,365
================== =================
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY,
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE NINE MONTHS AND THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Three Months Ended
Ended September 30, September 30,
------------------------------- ------------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Net premiums written ....................... $34,825,650 $50,089,488 $14,471,741 $16,828,120
Change in unearned premiums ................ 4,878,988 (1,553,794) (1,073,352) (613,766)
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net premiums earned ................ 39,704,638 48,535,694 13,398,389 16,214,354
Investment income, net of expenses ......... 3,434,066 3,408,538 1,052,583 1,100,442
Net realized investment gains .............. 1,328,217 649,546 382,822 309,526
Other revenue .............................. 483,986 172,055 223,599 60,359
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total revenue ...................... 44,950,907 52,655,843 15,057,393 17,684,681
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred 34,548,664 33,891,881 8,900,172 11,055,047
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs ................................... 9,078,515 12,811,109 3,396,480 4,099,778
Operating expenses ......................... 5,330,300 4,894,626 2,163,594 1,971,222
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Total expenses ..................... 48,957,479 51,597,616 14,460,246 17,126,047
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Income (loss) before provision for income tax (4,006,572) 1,168,227 597,147 558,634
Income tax expense (benefit) ................. (1,458,415) 252,112 184,189 137,880
-------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) ............................ ($ 2,548,157) $ 916,115 $ 412,958 $ 420,754
============== ============= ============= =============
</TABLE>
F-21
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY,
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SURPLUS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS AND THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Three Months
Ended September 30, Ended September 30,
------------------------------- ------------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Unassigned surplus:
Balance, beginning of year .................. $38,905,128 $39,588,699 $35,944,013 $40,084,060
Net income .................................. (2,548,157) 916,115 412,958 420,754
------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Balance, end of period ...................... $36,356,971 $40,504,814 $36,356,971 $40,504,814
============= ============== ============= =============
Unrealized capital gains (losses) of
securities, net of deferred income taxes:
Balance, beginning of period .................. $ 1,992,186 $(3,057,253) $ 1,097,228 $ 1,666,267
Net increase (decrease) in unrealized capital
gains of securities available for sale ...... (679,756) 5,307,648 215,202 584,128
------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Balance, end of period ........................ $ 1,312,430 $ 2,250,395 $ 1,312,430 $ 2,250,395
============= ============== ============= =============
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY,
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS AND THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Three Months Ended
Ended September 30, September 30,
-------------------------------- ------------------------------
-------------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
-------------- -------------- ------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) ........................................... ($ 2,548,157) $ 916,115 $ 412,958 $ 420,754
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used by
operating activities:
Depreciation of property and equipment ................... 462,432 381,240 264,618 187,674
Amortization of discount/accretion of premium ............ 240,855 305,430 72,734 106,293
Net realized investment gain ............................. (1,328,215) (649,546) (382,819) (309,526)
Net realized gain on sale of property and equipment ...... (11,400) (8,977) 0 (8,977)
Deferred income tax provision (benefit) .................. (887,851) 226,586 124,138 157,243
(Increase) decrease in assets:
Premiums receivable .................................... (1,597,037) (1,300,133) (669,064) 315,137
Reinsurance recoverable ................................ (15,384,658) 568,514 (4,626,468) (2,437,853)
Deferred policy acquisition costs ...................... 1,346,819 (373,095) 74,551 (85,142)
Accrued investment income .............................. (69,460) (241) (104,198) (24,832)
Other assets, excluding receivable from sale of security . (1,286,065) (209,554) (611,651) (79,617)
Receivable from affiliate .............................. (198,254) 641,269 1,095,930 1,327,390
Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses ........ 4,707,089 (16,879) (2,142,686) 1,655,105
Unearned premium ....................................... 2,444,475 1,743,805 1,366,584 720,661
Accrued expenses ....................................... (950,103) (371,039) 587,782 529,641
Other liabilities, excluding payable for purchase of
security ............................................ 572,467 270,146 (96,283) 54,859
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Net cash used by operating activities ............... (14,487,063) 2,123,641 (4,633,874) 2,528,810
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cost of purchases of fixed income securities, available
for sale (19,283,725) (29,008,791) (6,846,570) (15,734,768)
Proceeds from sales of fixed income securities, available
for sale 25,377,279 26,582,882 8,749,146 11,015,596
Proceeds from maturities of fixed income securities, available
for sale ................................................. 1,700,000 865,000 200,000 250,000
Cost of equity securities acquired .......................... (3,200,300) (1,966,538) (850,427) (445,314)
Proceeds from sales of equity securities .................... 6,358,616 2,567,857 1,260,344 689,529
Change in receivable/payable for securities ................. (423,768) 0 0 155,759
Cost of purchases of other invested assets .................. (86,959) (30,000) (27,883) 0
Proceeds from sale of other invested assets ................. 0 190,000 0 190,000
Cost of purchase of property and equipment .................. (970,367) (1,433,875) (513,462) (710,939)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment ................ 11,400 169,813 0 169,813
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Net cash provided by investing activities ........... 9,482,176 (2,063,652) 1,971,148 (4,420,324)
-------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on principal of capital lease ...................... (159,730) (93,498) (159,730) (93,498)
Proceeds from capital lease funding ......................... 1,499,028 0 344,277 0
Repayment of subordinated debt .............................. (750,000) (750,000) (750,000) 0
-------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities . 589,298 (843,498) (565,453) (93,498)
-------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ........ (4,415,589) (783,509) (3,228,179) (1,985,012)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year ................ 8,153,125 7,279,176 6,965,715 8,480,679
-------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of nine months ............... $ 3,737,536 6,495,667 3,737,536 6,495,667
-------------- -------------- ------------- -------------
Additional Disclosures:
Cash paid (received) during the nine months for:
Interest .................................................... $ 29,638 $ 28,761 $ 29,638 $ 28,761
Income taxes ................................................ $ (45,843) $ 252,949 $ 0 $ 80,949
</TABLE>
F-23
<PAGE>
NOTES TO INTERIM COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
The unaudited interim combined financial statements, which reflect all
adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring items) that management
believes necessary to present fairly results of interim operations, should be
read in conjunction with the Notes to Combined Financial Statements
(including the Summary of Significant Accounting policies) included in the
Insurance Companies and subsidiary audited combined financial statements for
the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
The accounting policies of the Insurance Companies and Subsidiary, as
applied in the combined interim financial statements presented herein, are
consistent with those applied in the audited financial statements for the
years ended December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
2. REINSURANCE:
Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and American
Re-Insurance Company entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty pursuant
to which the Insurance Companies cede 20% of their liability remaining after
cessions of excess and catastrophic risks through other reinsurance
contracts. Pro rata cessions of unearned premiums as of January 1, 1996 and
the transfer of premiums written during the six months ended June 30, 1996
accounted, in part, for the decline in net premiums written, net premiums
earned and total revenues.
3. PROPOSED TRANSACTIONS:
First Delaware Insurance Company Acquisition
Management expects that in January 1997, Old Guard Investment Holding
Company, Inc. a subsidiary of the Insurance Companies (Old Guard Investment)
will execute an agreement with First Delaware Insurance Company (First
Delaware), a Delaware insurance company, and International Corporation (IC),
First Delaware's sole shareholder, pursuant to which Old Guard Investment
will acquire 80% of the capital stock of First Delaware. The acquisition will
be made through a combination of (i) a $3 million cash investment in First
Delaware in exchange for a number of shares of First Delaware common stock
equal to $3 million divided by 1.5 times the GAAP book value per share of
First Delaware as of the month end immediately preceding the closing date and
(ii) the purchase from IC for cash of a number of additional shares of First
Delaware, at a price per share equal to 1.5 times the GAAP book value per
share of First Delaware, such that Old Guard Investment will hold 80% of the
stock of First Delaware after closing. Management estimates that the total
acquisition price will equal approximately $4.8 million. Old Guard Investment
expects to finance the acquisition of the common stock of First Delaware by
drawing down on an existing $7.0 million line of credit.
New Castle Insurance Company Investment
Management expects that in November 1996, Old Guard Investment will
execute an Investment Agreement with New Castle Mutual Insurance Company (New
Castle), a Delaware insurance company that is licensed in Delaware and
Pennsylvania and sells primarily homeowners and other personal property and
casualty lines through independent agents. Pursuant to the Investment
Agreement, Old Guard Investment, or an affiliate designated by Old Guard
Investment, will purchase a $1.0 million convertible surplus note and, from
time to time, at its discretion, will purchase up to an additional $3.0
million of convertible surplus notes based on cancellation of reinsurance or
an increase in the ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus to an
amount in excess of 2.9% Old Guard Investment expects to finance this
investment by drawing on an existing $7.0 million line of credit.
4. TERMINATION OF A PROPOSED PLAN OF AFFILIATION:
A nonrecurring expense incurred for the six month period ended June 30,
1996 was the write off of a $250,000 surplus note investment in an
unaffiliated Missouri insurance company whose surplus is impaired. Old Guard
Mutual had an agreement to affiliate with this company but the agreement was
terminated because of a deterioration in the financial condition of that
company. See Note 15 to the Combined Financial Statements.
F-24
<PAGE>
=============================================================================
No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representation other than as contained in this
Prospectus in connection with the offering made hereby, and, if given or
made, such information shall not be relied upon as having been authorized by
the Company, the Insurance Companies, or Hopper Soliday & Co., Inc. This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer
to buy any of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction
in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person
making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person
to whom it is unlawful. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale
hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has
been no change in the affairs of the Company or the Insurance Companies,
since the date as of which information is furnished herein or since the date
hereof.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
--------
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary .............................. 4
Selected Financial Information and Other Data ... 12
Risk Factors .................................... 15
The Company ..................................... 20
The Insurance Companies ......................... 22
Use of Proceeds ................................. 23
Dividend Policy ................................. 24
Market for the Common Stock ..................... 24
Capitalization .................................. 25
Pro Forma Data .................................. 26
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of
Operations ..................................... 32
Business ........................................ 40
Management of the Company ....................... 58
The Conversion .................................. 66
Certain Restrictions on Acquisition of the
Company ........................................ 82
Description of Capital Stock .................... 85
Registration Requirements ....................... 86
Legal Opinions .................................. 86
Experts ......................................... 86
Index to Combined Financial Statements .......... F-1
</TABLE>
Until __________, 1997, all dealers effecting transactions in the
registered securities, whether or not participating in this distribution, may
be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of
dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect
to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
=============================================================================
<PAGE>
=============================================================================
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
UP TO
3,860,600 SHARES
COMMON STOCK
------
PROSPECTUS
------
HOPPER SOLIDAY & CO., INC.
__________, 1996
==============================================================================
<PAGE>
The following pages Constitute the Public Offering Prospectus
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
[LOGO]
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
The shares offered hereby (the "Public Offering") constitute a portion of the
shares of common stock, no par value per share (the "Common Stock") to be issued
by Old Guard Group, Inc. (the "Company"), a Pennsylvania corporation and the
proposed holding company for Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company ("Old Guard
Mutual"), Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company ("Old Guard Fire") and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company ("Goschenhoppen" and collectively
with Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire, the "Insurance Companies"). shares of
Common Stock have been subscribed for in a subscription offering (the
"Subscription Offering") by: (i) certain named insureds under policies of
insurance issued by the Insurance Companies and in force as of the close of
business on May 31, 1996 ("Eligible Policyholders"), (ii) a tax-qualified
employee stock ownership plan (the "ESOP"), and (iii) certain directors,
officers and employees of the Insurance Companies and in a community offering to
the general public (the "Community Offering").
The Public offering is being made in connection with the conversion of the
Insurance Companies from mutual to stock form and the simultaneous acquisition
of the capital stock of each of the Insurance Companies by the Company pursuant
to a Joint Plan of Conversion adopted by the Boards of Directors of the
Insurance Companies on May 31, 1996, as amended and restated on July 19, 1996
(the "Plan"). The conversion of the Insurance Companies to stock form, the
issuance of capital stock of the Insurance Companies to the Company and the
offer and sale of the Common Stock by the Company are collectively referred to
herein as the "Conversion." The completion of the Conversion is contingent upon
the sale of a minimum of 2,853,500 shares of Common Stock in the Subscription
Offering, the Community Offering and this Public Offering.
Prospective investors should review and consider the discussion under
"Risk Factors" beginning on page 15.
THESE SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR THE PENNSYLVANIA
DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR THE PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION
TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
================================================================================
Purchase Fees and Estimated Net
Price Expenses(1) Proceeds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Per Share ..................... $10.00 $ $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total ......................... $ $ $
================================================================================
(1) Includes estimated registration fees, printing, postage, legal,
accounting, appraisal and miscellaneous expenses that will be incurred in
connection with the Conversion. Also includes estimated fees, sales
commissions and reimbursable expenses to be paid to Hopper Soliday & Co.,
Inc. ("Hopper Soliday") as manager of the Subscription Offering and
Community Offering and Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated ("Legg
Mason") and McDonald & Company Securities, Inc. ("McDonald" and together
with Legg Mason, the "Underwriters") as co-managers of the Public
Offering. See "The Conversion -- Marketing and Underwriting Arrangements
for the Offering" and "-- The Public Offering."
The shares are offered by the Underwriters when, as and if issued by the
Company and accepted by the Underwriters and subject to their right to reject
orders in whole or in part. It is expected that the shares will be ready for
delivery on or about , 1997.
LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER, MCDONALD & COMPANY
INCORPORATED SECURITIES, INC.
The date of this Prospectus is , 1997
<PAGE>
The aggregate purchase price of all shares of Common Stock sold in the
Subscription, Community and Public Offerings is based on the estimated pro
forma market value of the Insurance Companies, following the Conversion, as
determined by an independent appraisal performed by Berwind Financial Group,
L.P. ("Berwind") as of August 19, 1996. All shares of Common Stock will be
sold for $10.00 per share (the "Purchase Price"). Except for the ESOP, which
subscribed for 10% of the total number of shares of Common Stock issued in
the Conversion, no purchaser, together with associates or persons acting in
concert with such person, may purchase, in the aggregate, more than 193,030
shares of Common Stock in the Conversion (5% of the number of shares equal to
the maximum of the estimated valuation range divided by the Purchase Price).
In addition, no person may purchase fewer than 25 shares. Directors and
executive officers of the Company and the Insurance Companies as a group (18
persons), including their associates, are expected to purchase approximately
50,750 shares of the Common Stock to be issued in the Conversion (1.5% at the
midpoint of the estimated valuation range), not including 10% of the Common
Stock (335,700 shares at the midpoint) expected to be purchased by the ESOP
and excluding additional shares that are expected to be issued (or issuable)
following the Conversion, subject to shareholder approval, in connection with
the implementation of the Company's management recognition plan and 1996
Stock Compensation Plan.
The Common Stock has been approved for inclusion in the Nasdaq National
Market System ("Nasdaq NMS"), under the symbol "OGGI" upon completion of the
Conversion. Prior to the Conversion, there was no market for the Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active and liquid trading market
for the Common Stock will develop, or if developed, will be maintained after
completion of the Conversion. Hopper Soliday, Legg Mason and McDonald each
has advised the Company that, upon completion of the Conversion, it intends
to act as a market maker in the Common Stock, subject to market conditions
and compliance with applicable laws and regulatory requirements.
THE CONVERSION IS CONTINGENT UPON APPROVAL OF THE PLAN BY ELIGIBLE
POLICYHOLDERS OF EACH OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES AT SPECIAL MEETINGS OF
ELIGIBLE POLICYHOLDERS CALLED FOR THAT PURPOSE TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 11,
1997 (THE "SPECIAL MEETINGS") AND THE SALE OF THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF SHARES
OFFERED PURSUANT TO THE PLAN.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE PUBLIC OFFERING, IF ANY, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-
ALLOT OR EFFECT TRANSACTIONS THAT STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF
THE COMMON STOCK AT A LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE
OPEN MARKET. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY BE EFFECTED IN THE OVER-THE-COUNTER
MARKET OR OTHERWISE. SUCH STABILIZING, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT
ANY TIME.
FOR NORTH CAROLINA INVESTORS: THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE OF THE STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE OFFERING, NOR HAS SUCH
COMMISSIONER PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS.
<PAGE>
PENNSYLVANIA INSURANCE LAWS AND REGULATIONS PROVIDE THAT NO PERSON MAY
ACQUIRE CONTROL OF THE COMPANY, AND THUS INDIRECT CONTROL OF ITS INSURANCE
SUBSIDIARIES, UNLESS SUCH PERSON HAS OBTAINED THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE
PENNSYLVANIA INSURANCE COMMISSIONER. UNDER PENNSYLVANIA LAW, ANY PURCHASER OF
10% OR MORE OF THE VOTING STOCK OF AN INSURANCE HOLDING COMPANY IS PRESUMED
TO HAVE ACQUIRED CONTROL OF AFFILIATED OR SUBSIDIARY INSURERS.
===============================================================================
Organizational Structure Before The Conversion
Old Guard Mutual Old Guard Fire Grochenhoppen-Home
79% 15.4% 5.6%
Old Guard Investment Holding Company, Inc.
100% 100%
Commonwealth Insurance 2929 Service Corp. Comonwealth Insurance
Manager, Inc. Consultants, Inc.
===============================================================================
===============================================================================
Organizational Structure After The Conversion
LOGO
Shareholders
Old Guard Group, Inc.
100% 100% 100% 100%
Old Guard Old Guard Grochenhoppen-Home Old Guard Investment
Mutual Fire Holding Company, Inc.
100% 100%
Commonwealth Insurance 2929 Service Corp.--30%-- Comonwealth Insurance
Manager, Inc. Consultants, Inc.
===============================================================================
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in
its entirety by the more detailed information and the Combined Financial
Statements and Notes thereto of the Insurance Companies appearing elsewhere
in this Prospectus.
Old Guard Group, Inc........... The Company was formed under Pennsylvania
law in May 1996 for the purpose of becoming
the holding company for the Insurance
Companies upon completion of the Conversion.
Prior to the Conversion, the Company will
not engage in any significant operations.
After the Conversion, the Company's primary
assets will be the outstanding capital stock
of the Insurance Companies and a portion of
the net proceeds of the Conversion.
The Insurance Companies........ Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen are each Pennsylvania mutual
insurance companies that currently operate
as members of the Old Guard Insurance Group
(the "Group"), a group of mutual insurance
companies under common management. The Group
also includes Neffsville Mutual Fire
Insurance Company ("Neffsville"), which is
not a party to the Plan. Old Guard Mutual,
Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen began
operations in 1896, 1872, and 1843,
respectively. The Insurance Companies are
property and casualty insurers of farms,
small and medium-sized businesses and
residents primarily in rural and suburban
communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and
Delaware. The Insurance Companies market
farmowners, homeowners and businessowners
policies, as well as personal and commercial
automobile, workers' compensation and
commercial multi-peril coverages through
approximately 1,600 independent agents.
For 1995, the Insurance Companies had
combined revenues of $72.4 million and a net
loss of $684,000. For the nine-month period
ended September 30, 1996, the Insurance
Companies had combined revenues of $45.0
million and a net loss of $2.5 million. The
losses for the year ended December 31, 1995
and the nine-month period ended September
30, 1996 resulted directly from insured
property losses associated with late-1995
wind storms and the severe winter weather
experienced in the Middle Atlantic states in
the first quarter of 1996. A January
blizzard in 1996 contributed to record
seasonal snowfalls for much of the Insurance
Companies' market area that resulted in
increased property loss claims. At September
30, 1996, the Insurance Companies had
combined assets of $137.5 million, total
equity of $37.7 million and over 139,000
property and casualty policies in force.
Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance
Companies entered into a quota share
reinsurance treaty designed to lessen the
potential financial impact of catastrophic
or severe weather losses. Under this treaty,
the Insurance Companies cede 20% of their
liability remaining after cessions of excess
and catastrophic risks through other
reinsurance contracts in exchange for a
reinsurance premium equal to 20% of premiums
collected net of other reinsurance costs and
further reduced by a ceding allowance to the
Company equal to 35% of the reinsurance
premium. The treaty has a moderating effect
on the underwriting losses or gains
experienced
4
<PAGE>
by the Insurance Companies because
underwriting risk is shared with the
reinsurer. Accordingly, this reinsurance
treaty has had, and will continue to have, a
material effect on the financial condition
and results of operations of the Insurance
Companies. See "Business -- Reinsurance."
The principal strategies of the Company for
the future are to:
-- Achieve geographic diversification of
risk by acquisition of other insurance
companies or licensing of the Insurance
Companies in other jurisdictions with
reduced or different loss exposure;
-- Improve the mix of business by increasing
commercial writings and emphasizing
casualty coverages in order to enhance
profitability and lessen the impact of
property losses on overall results; and
-- Improve efficiency and maintain the high
level of personal service delivered to
agents and insureds through continued
enhancement of the Company's management
information systems (MIS).
Management has taken steps to implement each
of these strategies and views the Conversion
as a critical component of its strategic
plan. The additional capital generated by
the Conversion will permit the Insurance
Companies to accelerate implementation of
these strategies. The resulting holding
company structure will also provide needed
flexibility to achieve the Company's goals
by permitting the Company to use its Common
Stock and/or preferred stock to effect
future acquisitions or raise additional
capital. See "The Conversion -- Business
Purposes."
The Conversion ................ Pursuant to the Plan each Insurance Company
will (i) convert from a
Pennsylvania-chartered mutual insurance
company to a Pennsylvania-chartered stock
insurance company, and (ii) simultaneously
issue shares of its capital stock to the
Company in exchange for a portion of the net
proceeds from the sale of Common Stock in
the Conversion. The Conversion will be
accounted for as a simultaneous
reorganization, recapitalization and share
offering which will not change the
historical accounting basis of the Insurance
Companies' financial statements.
Background and Reasons For the
Converson.................... The Insurance Companies annually review and
adopt a strategic plan expressly predicated
upon company independence and capital
strength. The Insurance Companies have
considered various capital formation
alternatives and have elected to proceed
with the Conversion in accordance with the
provisions of the Pennsylvania Insurance
Company Mutual to Stock Conversion Act (the
"Act"). The Act was passed by the
Pennsylvania General Assembly in early
December 1995. On December 12, 1995,
management was directed by the Boards of
Directors of each Insurance Company to
explore the process and feasibility of
conversion under the Act. On January 12,
1996, the Boards of Directors authorized
further study and
5
<PAGE>
requested a presentation with respect to the
process at its meeting on March 31, 1996. At
a meeting of the Board of Directors of each
Insurance Company held on April 22, 1996,
management was directed to prepare the Plan
for consideration at a special meeting to be
held in May. Effective May 31, 1996, the
Board of Directors of each of the Insurance
Companies unanimously adopted the Plan,
subject to approval by the Department and
the policyholders of each of the Insurance
Companies. Each Board of Directors
unanimously adopted amendments to the Plan
on July 19, 1996. An application with
respect to the Conversion was filed by the
Insurance Companies with Pennsylvania
Department of Insurance (the "Department")
on August 21, 1996 and notice of the filing
and the opportunity to comment was
simultaneously mailed to all Eligible
Policyholders as required by law. The
Department informed the Insurance Companies
on November 27, 1996 that it did not intend
to hold any hearings regarding the
Conversion. The Plan was approved by the
Department on , 1996 and is subject
to the approval of Eligible Policyholders at
the Special Meetings. The Company also has
received approval of the Department to
acquire control of the Insurance Companies.
On November 19, 1996, the Company received
an unsolicited request from Donegal Group,
Inc., an insurance holding company located
in Marietta, Pennsylvania ("Donegal"), to
amend the Plan to provide for the merger of
the Company into Donegal in exchange for an
aggregate payment of $27.5 million to all
policyholders of the Insurance Companies, or
less than $200 per policyholder assuming
equal distribution to all policyholders.
Such amount was proposed to be payable
one-half in cash and one-half in a new class
of preferred stock of Donegal, the terms of
which were not specified. Because such a
transaction would not provide additional
capital to the Insurance Companies, would be
inconsistent with their strategic plan of
continued independence and would be
tantamount to a sale and liquidation of the
Insurance Companies, the Boards of Directors
of the Company and the Insurance Companies
determined that the request was contrary to
the best interests of the Insurance
Companies, including its policyholders,
agents, employees, suppliers and the
communities they serve, and further declined
to consider the request. Therefore, the
respective Boards of Directors affirmed
their course of independence and commitment
to the Plan.
An application to acquire the Company was
contemporaneously filed with the Department
by Donegal. The Department informed Donegal
that its application was both deficient and
premature and, as a result, the Department
informed Donegal that it is prohibited from
(i) making any public announcement of its
request to the Company to amend the Plan,
and (ii) soliciting policyholders of the
Insurance Companies in any way, including in
connection with the policyholder votes to be
held on the Plan at the Special Meetings. If
Eligible Policyholders do not approve the
Plan, the Boards of Directors of the
Insurance Companies intend to maintain their
current course of independence. See "The
Conversion -- Background and Reasons for the
Conversion."
6
<PAGE>
Organization Before and After
the Conversion............... Set forth on page 3 of the Prospectus is an
illustration of the organizational structure
of the Insurance Companies before the
Conversion and of the Company and the
Insurance Companies after the Conversion.
After completion of the Conversion, the
Insurance Companies intend to transfer all
of the capital stock of Old Guard Investment
Holding Company, Inc. ("Old Guard
Investment") to the Company and, as a
result, Old Guard Investment will become a
direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company.
Stock Pricing and Number of
Shares to be Issued.......... Pennsylvania law requires that the aggregate
purchase price of the Common Stock to be
issued in the Conversion be consistent with
an independent appraisal of the estimated
pro forma market value of the Insurance
Companies as subsidiaries of the Company
following the Conversion. Berwind, a firm
experienced in corporate valuations, has
made an independent appraisal of the
estimated pro forma market value of the
Insurance Companies as subsidiaries of the
Company and has determined that, as of
August 19, 1996, such estimated pro forma
market value was $33,570,000. The resulting
valuation range in Berwind's appraisal,
which extends 15% below and 15% above the
estimated value, is from $28,535,000 to
$38,606,000 (the "Estimated Valuation
Range"). The Company, in consultation with
its advisors, has determined to offer the
shares in the Conversion at the Purchase
Price. Such appraisal is not intended to be,
and must not be construed as, a
recommendation of any kind as to the
advisability of purchasing Common Stock or
as assurance that, after the Conversion,
shares of Common Stock can be resold at or
above the Purchase Price. The appraisal will
be updated immediately prior to completion
of the Conversion. If the updated appraisal
is different from the appraisal as of August
19, 1996 but is within the Estimated
Valuation Range, the Conversion will be
consummated. If the updated appraisal is not
within the Estimated Valuation Range, then,
in such event, the Company, after
consultation with the Department, may
terminate the Plan, establish a new
Estimated Valuation Range, extend, reopen or
hold a new offering or take such other
action as may be authorized by the
Department. Subscribers will be notified of
any such action by mail and, if a new
Estimated Valuation Range is established,
subscribers will be given an opportunity to
affirm, amend or cancel their subscriptions.
The Subscription and
Community Offerings.......... shares of Common Stock were subscribed
for at the Purchase Price in the
Subscription Offering pursuant to
nontransferable subscription rights by: (i)
certain Eligible Policyholders, (ii) the
ESOP, and (iii) certain directors, officers
and employees of the Insurance Companies and
shares of Common Stock were subscribed
for in the Community Offering by members of
the general public. The Subscription
Offering and the Community Offering
terminated on , 1997.
The Public Offering ........... Common Stock being offered in a firm
commitment public offering (the "Public
Offering") to be co-managed by the
Underwriters. See "Underwriting."
7
<PAGE>
Purchase Limitations .......... No person may purchase fewer than 25 shares
in the Offering. The ESOP may purchase up to
an aggregate of 10% of the shares of Common
Stock to be issued in the Conversion and is
expected to do so. With the exception of the
ESOP, no person (including Eligible
Policyholders who elect to purchase stock in
the Conversion), together with associates or
persons acting in concert, may purchase in
the aggregate, more than 193,030 shares of
Common Stock (5% of the number of shares
equal to the maximum of the Estimated
Valuation Range divided by the Purchase
Price). The Boards of Directors of the
Company and the Insurance Companies may
increase or decrease the purchase limitation
at any time, subject to any required
regulatory approval. See "The Conversion --
Limitations on Purchases of Shares."
Purchase of Common Stock by
Management................... The directors and executive officers of the
Company and the Insurance Companies,
together with their associates, propose to
purchase, in the aggregate, approximately
50,750 shares of Common Stock in the
Conversion, or 1.5% of the shares of Common
Stock issued in the Conversion, assuming an
offering at the midpoint of the Estimated
Valuation Range. See "The Conversion --
Proposed Management Purchases."
Benefits to Management......... The Company's ESOP is expected to purchase
10% of the shares of Common Stock sold in
the Offering, which will be awarded to
substantially all employees without payment
by such persons of cash consideration. In
addition, the Company adopted a Management
Recognition Plan (the "MRP") pursuant to
which the Company intends to award to
employees and directors of the Company a
number of shares of Common Stock equal to up
to 4% of the number of shares sold in the
Offering without payment by such persons of
cash consideration, and a Stock Compensation
Plan pursuant to which the Company intends
to award options to purchase a number of
shares of Common Stock equal to up to 10% of
the number of shares sold in the Offering at
an exercise price equal to the Purchase
Price. The Company intends to submit the MRP
and the Stock Compensation Plan to
shareholders for approval at the Company's
first annual meeting, and no stock options
will be awarded under the Stock Compensation
Plan and no shares of restricted stock will
be awarded under the MRP in the first year
after the conclusion of the Offering unless
such plans are approved by a majority vote
of shareholders.
Use of Proceeds ............... Net proceeds from the Conversion will depend
upon the total number of shares sold and the
expenses of the Conversion. As a result, net
proceeds cannot be determined until the
Conversion is completed. The Company
anticipates that net proceeds (less the debt
incurred to purchase the ESOP shares) will
be approximately $ million if the
aggregate purchase price is within the
Estimated Valuation Range. See "Use of
Proceeds" for the assumptions used to arrive
at these estimates.
The Company has received Department approval
to exchange $16.0 million of net proceeds
from the Offering for all of the capital
stock
8
<PAGE>
of Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen to be issued in the
Conversion. Assuming net proceeds from the
Offering of approximately $ million, the
Company would retain approximately $
million after acquiring the stock of the
Insurance Companies.
A portion of the net proceeds retained by
the Company will be used to repay
approximately $5.8 million in financing
incurred in connection with the pending
acquisition of First Delaware Insurance
Company, if completed as planned, and the
investment in New Castle Mutual Insurance
Company. The balance of the net proceeds
retained by the Company will be available
for a variety of corporate purposes,
including, but not limited to, additional
capital contributions to the Insurance
Companies, future acquisitions and
diversification within the property and
casualty insurance industry, dividends to
shareholders and future repurchases of
Common Stock to the extent permitted by
Pennsylvania law and the Department. With
the exception of the payment of dividends
and the pending acquisition of First
Delaware Insurance Company and the proposed
investment in New Castle Mutual Insurance
Company, the Company currently has no
specific plans, intentions, arrangements or
understandings regarding any of the
foregoing activities. See "Dividend Policy";
"The Company -- Acquisition of First
Delaware Insurance Company" and --
Investment in New Castle Mutual Insurance
Company."
Market for the Common Stock.... The Company has received approval to have
the Common Stock quoted on the Nasdaq NMS
under the symbol "OGGI" upon closing of the
Conversion. Hopper Soliday, Legg Mason and
McDonald have each advised the Company that,
upon completion of the Conversion, it
intends to act as a market maker in the
Common Stock, subject to market conditions
and compliance with applicable laws and
regulatory requirements. Prior to the Public
Offering, there was no public market for the
Common Stock and there can be no assurance
that an active and liquid market for the
Common Stock will develop in the foreseeable
future. Even if a market develops, there can
be no assurance that shareholders will be
able to sell their shares at or above the
Purchase Price after completion of the
Conversion. See "Market for the Common
Stock."
Dividends ..................... Declaration of dividends by the Board of
Directors of the Company will depend on a
number of factors, including the
requirements of applicable law and the
determination by the Board of Directors of
the Company that the net income, capital and
financial condition of the Company and the
Insurance Companies, industry trends,
general economic conditions and other
factors justify the payment of dividends.
The Company presently intends to pay an
annual dividend of $.10 per share, but no
assurance can be given that dividends in
such amount will ultimately be declared and
paid. See "Dividend Policy" and "Business --
Regulation."
Antitakeover Provisions ....... The Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of
the Company, Pennsylvania statutory
provisions and employee benefit
arrangements, as well as certain other
provisions of state and federal law, may
have
9
<PAGE>
the effect of discouraging or preventing a
non-negotiated change in control of the
Company, as well as a proxy contest for
control of the Board of Directors of the
Company. For a detailed discussion of those
provisions, see "Investment Considerations
-- Articles of Incorporation, Bylaw and
Statutory Provisions that could Discourage
Hostile Acquisitions of Control,"
"Management -- Certain Benefit Plans and
Agreements," "Certain Restrictions on
Acquisition of the Company -- Pennsylvania
Law" and -- "Certain Anti-Takeover
Provisions in the Articles of Incorporation
and Bylaws" and "Description of Capital
Stock."
10
<PAGE>
SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected combined financial data for the
Insurance Companies prior to the Conversion at and for the periods indicated
and should be read in conjunction with the Combined Financial Statements, and
accompanying notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere
herein, as well as "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations." See Note 3 in "Notes to Combined
Financial Statements" for a discussion of the principal differences between
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and statutory accounting
practices, and for a reconciliation of combined net income and equity, as
reported in conformity with GAAP, with combined statutory net income and
statutory surplus, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting
practices, as prescribed or permitted by the Department. The combined
statement of income data for the years ended December 31, 1991 and 1992 and
for the nine months ended September 30, 1995 and 1996 and the combined
balance sheet data at December 31, 1991, 1992 and 1993 and at September 30,
1995 and 1996 are derived from the unaudited combined financial statements of
the Insurance Companies. The Company believes that such unaudited financial
data fairly reflect the combined results of operations and the combined
financial condition of the Insurance Companies for such periods. For a
presentation of the pro forma effect of the Conversion and related
transactions on the Company, see "Pro Forma Data."
11
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
hree Months Ended Nine Months Ended
September 30, September 30,
------------------------- -------------------------
1996 1995 1996 1995
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue Data:
Direct premiums written .................... $21,260 $ 19,776 $ 62,623 $ 59,729
Net premiums written(1) .................... 14,472 16,828 34,826 50,089
Statement of Income Data:
Net premiums earned(1) ................... 13,298 16,214 39,705 48,536
Net investment income .................... 1,502 1,101 3,434 3,408
Net realized investment gains ............ 383 310 1,328 650
Other income ............................. 224 60 484 172
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total revenues(1) ..................... 15,057 17,685 44,951 52,766
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Losses and Expenses: .......................
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ...... 8,900 11,055 34,548 33,892
Other underwriting expenses .............. 5,560 6,071 14,159 17,706
Other expenses ........................... -- -- 250 --
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Total expenses ........................ 14,460 17,126 48,957 51,598
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Income (loss) before federal income taxes .. 597 559 (4,006) 1,168
Federal income tax expense (benefit) ....... 184 138 (1,458) 252
----------- ---------- ----------- ----------
Net income (loss)(2) ....................... $413 $ 421 $ (2,548) $ 916
=========== ========== =========== ==========
Selected Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Total investments(3) ..................... $85,367 $ 98,477 $ 81,630 $ 91,951
Total assets ............................. 137,538 135,383 137,538 135,383
Subordinated debt ........................ 1,500 2,250 1,500 2,250
Total liabilities ........................ 99,869 92,736 99,869 92,736
Total equity(3) .......................... $37,041 $ 42,648 $ 37,669 $ 42,648
GAAP Ratios:(3)
Loss and loss adjustment expenses ratio(4) 66.4% 68.2% 87.0% 69.8%
Underwriting expense ratio(1)(5) ......... 41.5% 37.4% 35.7% 36.5%
Combined ratio(1)(6) ..................... 107.9% 105.6% 122.7% 106.3%
Statutory Data (at period end):
Statutory combined ratio(1) .............. 104.8% 104.3% 124.7% 107.4%
Industry combined ratio(7) ............... -- -- -- --
Statutory surplus ........................ $30,265 $ 31,563 $ 30,265 $ 31,563
Ratio of statutory net written premiums to
statutory surplus(1)(8) ............... 1.91x 2.13x 1.53x 2.12x
Pro Forma Data (9):
Net loss ................................. ($2,755)
Net income (loss) per share of common
stock ................................. ($1.00)
Weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding .............. 2,745,350
</TABLE>
12
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue Data:
Direct premiums written ....................$ 78,832 $ 78,730 $ 74,756 $ 71,287 $ 67,699
Net premiums written ....................... 67,115 65,649 63,355 55,424 53,876
Statement of Income Data:
Net premiums earned ...................... 66,663 63,465 60,986 54,013 53,050
Net investment income .................... 4,458 3,932 3,928 4,444 4,789
Net realized investment gains ............ 1,011 476 1,758 1,444 560
Other income ............................. 274 266 244 264 197
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenues ........................ 72,406 68,139 66,916 60,165 58,596
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Losses and Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ...... 50,509 46,440 42,154 38,096 36,527
Other underwriting expenses .............. 23,265 22,087 20,991 19,551 18,830
Other expenses ........................... -- -- -- -- --
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total expenses ........................ 73,774 68,527 63,145 57,647 55,357
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before federal income taxes .. (1,368) (388) 3,771 2,518 3,239
Federal income tax expense (benefit) ....... (684) (532) 383 122 534
----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss)(2) ....................... $ (684) $ 144 $ 3,388 $ 2,396 $ 2,705
=========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Selected Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
Total investments and cash(3) ............ $ 92,335 $ 82,879 $ 90,895 $ 80,826 $ 76,099
Total assets ............................. 134,853 127,831 140,213 136,979 142,764
Subordinated debt ........................ 2,250 3,000 3,750 4,500 5,250
Total liabilities ........................ 93,956 91,300 100,359 100,366 108,551
Total equity ............................. $ 40,897 $ 36,531 $ 39,854 $ 36,613 $ 34,212
GAAP Ratios:
Loss and loss adjustment expense ratio(4) 75.8% 73.2% 69.1% 70.5% 68.8%
Underwriting expense ratio(5) ............ 34.9% 34.8% 34.4% 36.2% 35.5%
Combined ratio(6) ........................ 110.7% 108.0% 103.5% 106.7% 104.3%
Statutory Data (at period end):
Statutory combined ratio ................. 107.9% 106.3% 99.5% 106.2% 105.0%
Industry combined ratio(7) ............... 106.4% 108.4% 106.9% 115.7% 108.8%
Statutory surplus ........................ $ 32,249 $ 31,097 $ 31,487 $ 27,936 $ 26,607
Ratio of statutory net written premiums to
statutory surplus(8) .................. 2.15x 2.16x 2.10x 2.00x 2.02x
Pro Forma Data(9):
Net loss ................................. ($959)
Net income (loss) per share of common
stock ................................. ($0.35)
Weighted average number of shares of
common stock outstanding .............. 2,727,850
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and American
Re-Insurance Company entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty
pursuant to which the Insurance Companies cede 20% of their liability
13
<PAGE>
remaining after cessions of excess and catastrophic risks through other
reinsurance contracts. Pro rata cessions of unearned premiums as of
January 1, 1996 and the transfer of premiums written during the three and
nine-month periods ended September 30, 1996 accounted, in part, for the
decline in net premiums written, net premiums earned and total revenues,
the increase in the underwriting expense ratio and the GAAP and statutory
combined ratios and the decrease in the ratio of statutory net written
premiums to statutory surplus, when the three and nine-month periods
ended September 30, 1996 are compared to the corresponding periods.
(2) Net income for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1995 and the
nine-month period ended September 30, 1996 was adversely affected by the
frequency and severity of weather-related property losses. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations."
(3) Due to the adoption by the Insurance Companies on January 1, 1994 of SFAS
No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity
Securities," total investments and equity were adjusted to reflect
changes in market value, which resulted in a reduction of $4.2 million
and an increase of $1.5 million as of December 31, 1994 and 1995,
respectively, and an increase of $1.9 million and a decrease of $122,000
as of September 30, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
(4) Calculated by dividing losses and loss adjustment expenses by net
premiums earned.
(5) Calculated by dividing other underwriting expenses by net premiums
earned.
(6) The sum of the Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Ratio and the
Underwriting Expense Ratio.
(7) As reported by A.M. Best Company, Inc., an independent insurance rating
organization. Data unavailable for the periods ended September 30, 1996
and September 30, 1995.
(8) Annualized for the periods ended September 30, 1996 and 1995.
(9) Information excerpted from unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statements of
Income for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the year end
December 31, 1995. See "Pro Forma Data".
14
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
Before investing in the Common Stock offered hereby, prospective investors
should carefully consider all of the information set forth in this prospectus
and, in particular, the matters presented below.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF CATASTROPHE AND NATURAL PERIL LOSSES ON FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
In common with other property and casualty insurers, the Insurance
Companies are subject to claims arising from catastrophes that may have a
significant impact on their results of operations and financial condition.
The Insurance Companies have experienced, and can be expected to experience
in the future, catastrophe losses that may materially affect financial
condition and results of operations. Catastrophe losses can be caused by
various events, including snow storms, ice storms, freezing, hurricanes,
earthquakes, tornadoes, wind, hail and fires and their incidence and severity
are inherently unpredictable. The extent of net losses from catastrophes is a
function of three factors: the total amount of insured exposure in the area
affected by the event, the severity of the event and the amount of
reinsurance coverage.
The Insurance Companies' financial condition and results of operations
also are affected periodically by losses caused by natural perils, regardless
of whether such losses, because of their magnitude, qualify as
"catastrophes," as classified by the Property Claims Service Division of
American Insurance Services Group, Inc., an insurance industry body. Because
of the geographic concentration of their business, the Insurance Companies
may be more exposed to losses of this type than other property and casualty
insurers. A multiplicity of such events, all or some of which do not qualify
as catastrophes, in the aggregate, may materially affect the Company's
financial condition and results of operations. This is true, in part, because
losses from individual events may not permit recovery under the Insurance
Companies' catastrophe reinsurance coverage. The frequency and severity of
storms and freezes during 1994, 1995 and the first nine months of 1996 that
adversely affected the Insurance Companies' results for these periods are
examples of this phenomenon. See "-- Geographic Concentration of Business,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and "Business -- Reinsurance."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF INADEQUATE LOSS RESERVES ON FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
The Insurance Companies are required to maintain reserves to cover their
estimated ultimate liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE")
with respect to reported and unreported claims incurred. Reserves are
estimates involving actuarial and statistical projections at a given time of
what the Insurance Companies expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement
and administration of claims based on facts and circumstances then known,
predictions of future events, estimates of future trends in claims severity
and judicial theories of liability, legislative activity and other variable
factors, such as inflation. The Insurance Companies' overall reserve practice
provides for ongoing claims evaluation and adjustment (if necessary) based on
the development of related data and other relevant information pertaining to
such claims. Loss and LAE reserves, including reserves for claims that have
been incurred but not yet reported, are adjusted no less than monthly. The
uncertainties of estimating insurance reserves are greater for certain types
of property and casualty insurance lines written by the Insurance Companies,
particularly workers' compensation and other liability coverages, because a
longer period of time may elapse before a definitive determination of
ultimate liability may be made and because of the changing judicial and
political climates relating to these types of claims.
Management believes that the Insurance Companies' reserves for losses and
loss adjustment expenses are adequate and are in accordance with generally
accepted actuarial principles and practices. However, the establishment of
appropriate loss and loss adjustment expense reserves is an inherently
uncertain process and there can be no assurance that ultimate losses will not
exceed the Insurance Companies' loss reserves. To the extent that reserves
prove to be inadequate in the future, the Insurance Companies would have to
increase reserves which would adversely affect earnings in the period such
reserves are increased and could have a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition. See "Business --
Loss and LAE Reserves."
15
<PAGE>
POSSIBLE SIGNIFICANT FLUCTUATIONS IN OPERATING RESULTS
The operating results of property and casualty insurers are subject to
significant fluctuation due to a number of factors, including extreme weather
conditions and natural disasters, regulation, competition, judicial trends,
changes in the investment and interest rate environment and general economic
conditions. The Company's operating results may also be affected by changes
in the supply of, and the pricing for, property and casualty insurance and
reinsurance, which historically have been highly cyclical. The
unpredictability of claims experience and competitive nature of the property
and casualty insurance industry has contributed historically to significant
quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year fluctuations in the underwriting results
and net earnings of the Insurance Companies. Because of these and other
factors, historic results of operations may not be indicative of future
operations. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT DUE TO GEOGRAPHIC CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS
All direct premiums written by the Insurance Companies are generated in
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. For the years ended December 31, 1993,
1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, 94%, 94%, 93%
and 93%, respectively, of the Insurance Companies' direct premiums written
were derived from policies written in Pennsylvania. The revenues and
profitability of the Insurance Companies could be significantly affected by
legal and judicial trends and prevailing economic, regulatory, demographic
and other conditions in Pennsylvania as well as the impact of catastrophe and
natural peril losses in that state. See "-- Catastrophe and Natural Peril
Losses."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE OR INADEQUATE IMPACT OF ACQUISITION STRATEGY
The Company intends to pursue a strategy of growth through acquisition of
other insurance companies. The success of the Company's growth strategy will
depend largely upon its ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates
and effect acquisitions at a reasonable cost. No assurance can be given that
the Company will be successful in doing so. Moreover, this growth strategy
may present special risks, such as the risk that the Insurance Company will
not efficiently integrate an acquisition with present operations, the risk of
dilution of book value and earnings per share of the Company's Common Stock
as a result of an acquisition, the risk that the Company and the Insurance
Companies will not be able to attract and retain qualified personnel needed
for expanded operations, and the risk that internal monitoring and control
systems may prove inadequate. Purchasers of Common Stock should also be aware
that the Company, in many instances, may be able to make an acquisition
without any requirement under law or Nasdaq listing rules to seek shareholder
approval of the acquisition.
In January 1997, the Company expects to acquire 80% of the capital stock
of First Delaware Insurance Company for an acquisition price of approximately
$4.8 million. However, the Company has not yet executed a definitive
acquisition agreement with respect to such acquisition and there can be no
assurance that such acquisition can be consummated on the terms or within the
time frame currently contemplated. See "The Company -- First Delaware
Insurance Company Acquisition."
HIGHLY COMPETITIVE NATURE OF INSURANCE INDUSTRY
The property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive.
Competition is based on many factors, including perceived financial strength
of the insurer, premiums charged, policy terms and conditions, service,
reputation and experience. The Insurance Companies compete with stock
insurance companies, mutual companies, local cooperatives and other
underwriting organizations. Certain of these competitors have substantially
greater financial, technical and operating resources than the Insurance
Companies. Many of the lines of insurance written by the Insurance Companies
are subject to significant price competition. Some companies may offer
insurance at lower premium rates through the use of salaried personnel,
rather than the use of agents paid on a commission basis as the Insurance
Companies do, or other methods. See "Business -- Competition."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF CHANGE IN A.M. BEST RATING
Ratings assigned by A.M. Best Company, Inc. ("A.M. Best") are an important
factor influencing the competitive position of insurance companies. A.M. Best
ratings are based upon factors of concern to policyholders
16
<PAGE>
and are not directed toward the protection of investors. As such, the
Company's A.M. Best rating should not be relied upon as a basis for an
investment decision to purchase Common Stock hereunder. A.M. Best affirmed an
"A-" (Excellent) rating (its fourth highest out of 15 rating categories) for
the Group in February 1996 based on year-end 1995 financial data. The
Insurance Companies had $3.7 million of net catastrophe losses directly
attributable to severe winter weather for the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1996. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that the Group
will be able to maintain its current rating. The Insurance Companies believe
that their business is sensitive to ratings and that a rating downgrade may
affect their ability to underwrite new business. As a result, if the Group
were to experience a rating downgrade, the Company's business and results of
operations could be materially adversely affected. See "Business -- A.M. Best
Rating."
POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF REGULATORY CHANGES
The Insurance Companies are subject to substantial regulation by
government agencies in the states in which they do business. Such regulation
usually includes (i) regulating premium rates, policy forms, and lines of
business, (ii) setting minimum capital and surplus requirements, (iii)
imposing guaranty fund assessments and requiring residual market
participation, (iv) licensing companies and agents, (v) approving accounting
methods and methods of setting loss and expense reserves, (vi) setting
requirements for and limiting the types and amounts of investments, (vii)
establishing requirements for the filing of annual statements and other
financial reports, (viii) conducting periodic statutory examinations of the
affairs of insurance companies, (ix) approving proposed changes in control,
(x) limiting the amount of dividends that may be paid without prior
regulatory approval, (xi) regulating transactions with affiliates, and (xii)
regulating trade practices and market conduct. Such regulation and
supervision are primarily for the benefit and protection of policyholders and
not for the benefit of investors. The insurance regulatory structure has been
subject to increased scrutiny in recent years by federal and state
legislative bodies and state regulatory authorities.
In 1990, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (the "NAIC")
began an accreditation program to ensure that states have adequate procedures
in place for effective insurance regulation, especially with respect to
financial solvency. The accreditation program requires that a state meet
specific minimum standards in over 5 regulatory areas to be considered for
accreditation. The accreditation program is an ongoing process and once
accredited, a state must enact any new or modified standards approved by the
NAIC within two years following adoption. As of September 30, 1996,
Pennsylvania, the state in which the Insurance Companies are domiciled, was
accredited.
The NAIC has adopted risk-based capital ("RBC") requirements that require
insurance companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based
formula that attempts to measure statutory capital and surplus needs based on
the risks in a company's mix of products and investment portfolio. The
formula is designed to allow state insurance regulators to identify weakly
capitalized companies. The RBC requirements provide for four different levels
of regulatory attention in the event of noncompliance with required capital
levels that range from a requirement to file a corrective plan of action to
mandatory seizure. The Insurance Companies have never failed to exceed the
required levels of capital. There can be no assurance that the capital
requirements applicable to the business of the Insurance Companies will not
increase in the future.
The NAIC has also developed a set of financial ratios, referred to as the
Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS), for use by state insurance
regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. The
NAIC has established an acceptable range of values for each of the IRIS
financial ratios. Generally, an insurance company will become the subject of
increased scrutiny where four or more of its IRIS ratio results fall outside
the range deemed acceptable by the NAIC. During the last three years, each of
the Insurance Companies reported results outside the acceptable range for
certain IRIS tests. See "Business -- Regulation."
No assurance can be given that future legislation or regulatory changes
will not adversely affect the business and results of operations of the
Insurance Companies. See "Business -- Regulation."
Adverse legislative and regulatory activity constraining the Insurance
Companies' ability adequately to price automobile, workers' compensation and
other insurance coverages may occur in the future. In recent years, insurers
in certain states have been under pressure from regulators, legislatures and
special interest groups to reduce, freeze or set rates at levels that may not
correspond with current underlying costs. The Insurance Com-
17
<PAGE>
panies presently do not operate in such states and management of the Company
has no present intent to operate in such states absent favorable prospects
for approval of adequate rates. In addition, as a condition of their license
to do business, the Insurance Companies are required to participate in a
variety of mandatory residual market mechanisms (assigned risk plans and
mandatory pools) that provide certain insurance coverages (most notably
automobile insurance coverages) to consumers who are otherwise unable to
obtain such coverages from private insurers. Losses or assessments from
residual market mechanisms cannot be predicted with certainty and could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of
operations.
DEPENDENCE UPON DIVIDENDS FROM INSURANCE COMPANIES
Because the operations of the Company following the Conversion will be
conducted through its subsidiaries, the Insurance Companies, the Company will
be dependent upon dividends and other payments from the Insurance Companies
for funds to meet its obligations. Pennsylvania law regulates the
distribution of dividends and other payments by the Insurance Companies to
the Company. Such restrictions or any subsequently imposed restrictions may
in the future affect the Company's ability to pay debt, expenses and cash
dividends to its shareholders. See "Dividend Policy" and "Business --
Regulation."
AVAILABILITY AND ADEQUACY OF REINSURANCE
The Insurance Companies' insurance operations rely on the use of
reinsurance arrangements to limit and manage the amount of risk retained, to
stabilize underwriting results and increase underwriting capacity. The
availability and cost of reinsurance are subject to prevailing market
conditions and may vary significantly over time. No assurance can be given
that reinsurance will continue to be available to the Insurance Companies in
the future at commercially reasonable rates. While the Insurance Companies
seek to obtain reinsurance with coverage limits that they believe are
appropriate for the risk exposures assumed, there can be no assurance that
losses experienced by the Company will be within the coverage limits of the
Insurance Companies' reinsurance treaties and facultative arrangements. The
Insurance Companies also are subject to credit risk with respect to their
reinsurers because the ceding of risk to reinsurers does not relieve the
Insurance Companies of their liability to insureds. The insolvency or
inability of any reinsurer to meet its obligations may have a material
adverse effect on the business and results of operations of the Company. See
"Business -- Reinsurance."
RELIANCE ON EXISTING MANAGEMENT
The operations of the Company and the Insurance Companies to date have
been largely dependent on existing management. The loss to the Company or the
Insurance Companies of one or more of their existing executive officers could
have a material adverse effect on their business and results of operations.
The Company has entered into employment agreements with the executive
officers of the Company and the Insurance Companies. See "Management of the
Company -- Executive Officers," "-- Certain Benefit Plans and Agreements."
MANAGEMENT'S DISCRETION IN ALLOCATION OF PROCEEDS
The Company has received Department approval to exchange $16.0 million of
net proceeds from the Offering for all of the capital stock of Old Guard
Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen to be issued in the Conversion. The
Company will retain the balance of the net proceeds. The net proceeds
retained by the Company will be available for a variety of corporate
purposes, including additional capital contributions, future acquisitions and
diversification of business, and dividends to shareholders. However,
management has discretion in determining the actual manner in which net
proceeds will be applied. The precise use, amounts and timing of the
application of proceeds will depend upon, among other things, the funding
requirements of the Insurance Companies, the availability of other funds, and
the existence of acquisition opportunities. See "Use of Proceeds."
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CONVERSION TO MANAGEMENT AND IMPACT OF PURCHASES BY
MANAGEMENT AND STOCK BENEFIT PLANS
It is currently expected that directors and executive officers of the
Insurance Companies and their associates will subscribe for approximately
50,750 shares of the Common Stock to be issued in the Conversion, or 1.5% at
the midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range, and that the ESOP will
purchase 10% of the shares to
18
<PAGE>
be issued in the Conversion. In addition, following the Conversion, and
subject to shareholder approval, the Company will implement a management
recognition plan (the "MRP"), under which employees and directors would be
awarded (at no cost to them) an aggregate amount of Common Stock equal to 4%
of the shares issued in the Conversion and a stock compensation plan (the
"Compensation Plan"), under which employees and directors would be granted
(at no cost to them) options to purchase an aggregate amount of Common Stock
equal to 10% of the shares issued in the Conversion at an exercise price
equal to the Purchase Price. At the minimum, midpoint and maximum of the
Estimated Valuation Range, assuming all options granted under the
Compensation Plan were exercised and all shares issued pursuant to the
exercise of the options and all shares held by the MRP were newly issued
shares, such persons would receive, in the aggregate, 399,490, 469,980 and
540,484 shares, respectively, or in each case, 12.3% of the then outstanding
Common Stock. In addition to the possible financial benefits under the stock
benefit plans, management could benefit from certain statutory and regulatory
provisions, as well as certain provisions in the Company's Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws, that may tend to promote the continuity of existing
management and discourage certain acquisition proposals.
As a result of the foregoing, management could acquire a substantial
interest in the Company and, if each member of management were to act
consistently with each other, could have significant influence over the
outcome of the election of directors and any shareholder vote, especially
matters requiring the approval of 80% of the Company's outstanding Common
Stock, such as certain business combinations. Management might thus have the
power to authorize actions that may be viewed as contrary to the best
interests of non-affiliated holders of Common Stock and might have
substantial power to block actions that such holders may deem to be in their
best interests. See "Pro Forma Data," "Management -- Certain Benefit Plans
and Agreements," "The Conversion -- Proposed Management Purchases," "Certain
Restrictions on Acquisition of the Company."
DILUTIVE EFFECT OF MRP AND STOCK OPTIONS
The Company has adopted the Compensation Plan and the MRP, both of which
will be subject to shareholder approval at the Company's first annual meeting
of shareholders after the Conversion. Under the MRP, employees and directors
would be awarded, at no cost to them, an aggregate amount of Common Stock
equal to 4% of the shares issued in the Conversion, and under the
Compensation Plan, employees and directors would be granted options to
purchase an aggregate amount of Common Stock equal to 10% of the shares
issued in the Conversion at the Purchase Price. Under the MRP, the shares
issued to directors and employees could be newly issued shares or shares
purchased in the open market. In the event the shares issued to the MRP and
pursuant to the exercise of options granted under the Compensation Plan
consist of newly issued shares of Common Stock, the interests of existing
shareholders would be diluted. See "Pro Forma Data" and "Management --
Certain Benefit Plans and Agreements -- Stock Compensation Plan" and "--
Management Recognition Plan."
RISK OF LEGAL CHALLENGE
To the knowledge of the Insurance Companies, the Conversion is the first
mutual to stock conversion of solvent mutual insurance companies under the
Act. Passage of the Act was supported by the Department. The Act is very
similar to laws enacted in Illinois and Michigan and is based upon federal
legislation governing mutual to stock conversions of savings and loans under
which several hundred conversion transactions have been successfully
completed. The Act eliminates any requirement to distribute surplus to
policyholders and instead authorizes the grant to policyholders of a first
priority right to purchase stock in a converting insurance company. No
significant opposition to the Act or the Conversion has arisen as of the date
hereof. However, under the Act, a legal challenge to the Conversion, which
could be based on procedural grounds or a constitutional challenge to the
Act, can be brought up to thirty (30) days after approval of the Plan by
Eligible Policyholders at the Special Meetings. The Conversion is expected to
close prior to expiration of this 30-day period regardless of whether any
legal challenge is mounted. The Company would vigorously oppose any such
legal challenge. However, if a legal challenge to the Conversion were
initiated, such challenge could have a material adverse effect on the market
price of the Common Stock pending resolution of the challenge and, if the
challenge were successful, there could be a material adverse effect on the
financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
19
<PAGE>
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, BYLAW AND STATUTORY PROVISIONS THAT COULD
DISCOURAGE HOSTILE ACQUISITIONS OF CONTROL
The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain
provisions that may have the effect of discouraging a non-negotiated tender
or exchange offer for the Common Stock, a proxy contest for control of the
Company, the assumption of control of the Company by a holder of a large
block of Common Stock or the removal of the Company's management, all of
which certain shareholders might deem to be in their best interests. These
provisions include, among other things (i) the classification of the terms of
the members of the Board of Directors, (ii) supermajority provisions for the
approval of certain business combinations and amendment of the Articles of
Incorporation or Bylaws of the Company, (iii) elimination of cumulative
voting in the election of directors, and (iv) restrictions on the voting of
the Company's equity securities by any individual, entity or group owning
more than 10% of the Common Stock. The provisions in the Company's Articles
of Incorporation requiring a supermajority vote for the approval of certain
business combinations and containing restrictions on voting of the Company's
equity securities provide that the supermajority voting requirements and
voting restrictions do not apply to business combinations and acquisitions of
voting Common Stock meeting specified Board of Director approval
requirements. The Articles of Incorporation also authorize the issuance of
5,000,000 shares of preferred stock as well as additional shares of Common
Stock. These shares could be issued without shareholder approval on terms or
in circumstances that could deter a future takeover attempt.
In addition, the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law (the "Pennsylvania
BCL") provides for certain restrictions on acquisition of the Company, and
Pennsylvania law contains various restrictions on acquisitions of control of
insurance holding companies.
The Articles of Incorporation, Bylaw and statutory provisions, as well as
certain other provisions of state and federal law, may have the effect of
discouraging or preventing a future takeover attempt not supported by the
Company's Board of Directors in which shareholders of the Company otherwise
might receive a substantial premium for their shares over then-current market
prices. For a detailed discussion of those provisions, see "Management --
Certain Benefit Plans and Agreements," "Certain Restrictions on Acquisition
of the Company," "Certain Anti-Takeover Provisions in the Articles of
Incorporation and Bylaws" and "Description of Capital Stock."
ABSENCE OF PRIOR MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK
The Company has never issued capital stock, and consequently there is no
established market for the Common Stock. The Company has received preliminary
approval to have the Common Stock quoted on the Nasdaq NMS under the symbol
"OGGI," conditioned upon completion of the Conversion. Hopper Soliday, Legg
Mason and McDonald each have advised the Company that, upon completion of the
Conversion, it intends to act as a market maker in the Common Stock, subject
to market conditions and compliance with applicable laws and regulatory
requirements. There can be no assurance that an active and liquid trading
market for the Common Stock will develop or that, if one develops, it will
continue, nor is there any assurance that persons purchasing Common Stock
will be able to sell the Common Stock at or above the Purchase Price. See
"Market for the Common Stock."
20
<PAGE>
THE COMPANY
GENERAL
The Company was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania in May 1996 for the purpose of serving as a holding company for
the Insurance Companies upon the acquisition of all of their capital stock in
connection with the Conversion. The Company has received approval from the
Department to acquire control of the Insurance Companies subject to
satisfaction of certain conditions. Prior to the Conversion, the Company has
not engaged and will not engage in any significant operations. Upon
completion of the Conversion, the Company's primary assets will be the
outstanding capital stock of the Insurance Companies and a portion of the net
proceeds of the Conversion.
Management believes that the holding company structure will permit the
Company to expand the services beyond those currently offered through the
Insurance Companies, although there are no definitive plans or arrangements
for such expansion at present. As a holding company, the Company will have
greater flexibility to diversify its business activities through existing or
newly formed subsidiaries or through the issuance of capital stock to
facilitate acquisitions or mergers or to obtain additional financing in the
future. See "First Delaware Insurance Company Acquisition" and "New Castle
Insurance Company Investment" below. The portion of the net proceeds from the
sale of Common Stock in the Conversion that the Company will contribute to
the Insurance Companies will substantially increase the Insurance Companies'
surplus which will, in turn, enhance policyholder protection and increase the
amount of funds available to support both current operations and future
growth. After the Conversion, the Company will be classified as a holding
company and will be subject to regulation by the Department.
The Company's executive offices are located at 2929 Lititz Pike,
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17604, and its main telephone number is (717)
569-5361.
FIRST DELAWARE INSURANCE COMPANY ACQUISITION
Management expects that in January 1997, Old Guard Investment Holding
Company, Inc. ("Old Guard Investment"), a subsidiary of the Insurance
Companies (Old Guard, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen own 79.0%, 15.4% and
5.6% of Old Guard Investment, respectively), will execute an agreement with
First Delaware Insurance Company ("First Delaware"), a Delaware insurance
company, and International Corporation ("IC"), First Delaware's sole
shareholder, pursuant to which Old Guard Investment will acquire 80% of the
capital stock of First Delaware. The acquisition will be made through a
combination of (i) a $3 million cash investment in First Delaware in exchange
for a number of shares of First Delaware common stock equal to $3 million
divided by 1.5 times the GAAP book value per share of First Delaware as of
the month end immediately preceding the closing date and (ii) the purchase
from IC for cash of a number of additional shares of First Delaware, at a
price per share equal to 1.5 times the GAAP book value per share of First
Delaware, such that Old Guard Investment will hold 80% of the stock of First
Delaware after closing. Management estimates that the total acquisition price
will equal approximately $4.8 million. Old Guard Investment expects to
finance the acquisition of the common stock of First Delaware by drawing on
an existing $7.0 million line of credit with Dauphin Deposit Bank and Trust
Company ("Dauphin") which provides for advances for terms not to exceed 60
months, an amortization schedule not to exceed 120 months, monthly payments
and an interest rate equal to either (i) Dauphin's floating base rate, less
1/2% or (ii) a fixed rate offered at Dauphin's sole discretion (the "Line of
Credit").
At closing, which is expected to occur in January 1997, Old Guard
Investment and IC will execute a shareholder agreement that, among other
things, will prohibit IC from transferring its remaining 20% interest in
First Delaware prior to December 31, 2003 to anyone other than Old Guard
Investment or an affiliate of Old Guard Investment. The shareholder agreement
also gives the parties certain "put" and "call" rights prior to December 31,
2003 during specified periods with respect to the remaining 20% of the common
stock of First Delaware held by IC at a purchase price of between 1 and 1.5
times then current GAAP book value per share. The exercise price of the put
or call varies depending upon the time period when the put or call is
exercised and is payable in cash or Common Stock at the election of the party
exercising the put or call right. In addition, after December 30, 1999, IC
can relinquish its put right and extinguish Old Guard Investment's call right
in exchange for a payment from Old Guard Investment to IC of 10% of the put
price.
21
<PAGE>
Upon closing, the First Delaware Board of Directors will consist of up to
five members, three of whom will be elected by Old Guard Investment. David E.
Hosler, the Chairman of the Company, will become Chairman of First Delaware.
First Delaware and Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc. ("CIMI"), a
subsidiary of Old Guard Investment, also will execute a management agreement
pursuant to which CIMI will provide management advice on actuarial services,
reinsurance purchasing, investment management, management information
systems, security custody services, independent accounting/auditing services,
human resource services and employee benefits. In order to retain the
services of the two principals of First Delaware, First Delaware will enter
into employment agreements acceptable to Old Guard Investment with such
principals.
The acquisition of First Delaware furthers the Company's strategic goals
of geographic and product line diversification because First Delaware's
business is principally commercial lines, including surety business in the
Delaware and Maryland markets. The Insurance Companies intend to renew their
current commercial writings in Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland
with First Delaware and support a planned expansion of First Delaware into
Virginia. At September 30, 1996, First Delaware had $4.3 million in assets
and $1.8 million in equity. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
First Delaware had direct premiums written of $2.8 million and net income of
$120,000. For the year ended December 31, 1995, First Delaware had direct
premiums written of $3.3 million and net income of $150,000.
Notwithstanding the Company's expectations, no definitive agreement with
respect to such acquisition has yet been executed. Unless and until such
agreement has been executed, there can be no assurance that such acquisition
can be consummated within the time or on the terms presently contemplated.
NEW CASTLE INSURANCE COMPANY INVESTMENT
On December 23, 1996, Old Guard Investment executed an Investment
Agreement with New Castle Mutual Insurance Company ("New Castle"), a Delaware
insurance company that is licensed in Delaware and Pennsylvania and sells
primarily homeowners and other personal property and casualty lines through
independent agents. Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, Old Guard
Investment, or an affiliate designated by Old Guard Investment, purchased a
$1.0 million convertible surplus note. After the Conversion, Old Guard
Investment, or an affiliate designated by Old Guard Investment, will
purchase, from time to time, up to an additional $3.0 million of convertible
surplus notes based on cancellation of reinsurance or an increase in the
ratio of net premiums written to statutory surplus to an amount in excess of
2.9%. The surplus notes will bear interest payable monthly at a floating rate
equal to Dauphin's base rate with a maximum interest rate of 10%. All
principal amounts under the surplus notes will be due at maturity on January
1, 2007. Old Guard Investment expects to finance this investment by drawing
on the Line of Credit. The Investment Agreement contains customary
representations, warranties, covenants and conditions to closing.
The surplus notes will be convertible into common stock of New Castle if,
but only if, New Castle converts from mutual to stock form. The surplus notes
will be convertible into that number of shares of common stock of New Castle
equal to the greater of (i) the principal balance of the surplus notes
divided by (A) the price at which a share of common stock of New Castle is
offered and sold in a mutual to stock conversion of New Castle, if such an
offering is made, or (B) the value assigned to a share of New Castle common
stock distributed to New Castle policyholders in a mutual to stock conversion
of New Castle, if such a distribution is made, or (ii) the number of
authorized shares of common stock of New Castle multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is the principal amount of the surplus notes and the
denominator of which is the statutory surplus of New Castle on the last day
of the month immediately preceding a mutual to stock conversion of New
Castle. New Castle has covenanted to use its best efforts to convert from
mutual to stock form within three years from the date of the initial surplus
note purchase.
New Castle has also agreed that it will reconstitute its board to consist
of seven members with three members nominated for election as proposed by Old
Guard Investment. Subject to election, David E. Hosler will become Chairman
of New Castle. New Castle also will enter into a management contract with
CIMI pursuant to which CIMI will provide advice on actuarial services,
reinsurance purchasing, investment management, security custody services,
independent accounting/auditing services, human resource services and
employee benefits.
22
<PAGE>
The surplus note investment in New Castle furthers the Company's strategic
goal of geographic diversification because New Castle's business is
principally located in the Delaware market. At September 30, 1996, New Castle
had $5.2 million in assets on a statutory basis and $1.6 million in statutory
surplus. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996, New Castle had direct
premiums written of $7.6 million and statutory net loss of $215,000. For the
year ended December 31, 1995, New Castle had direct premiums written of $10.7
million and a statutory net loss of $749,000.
THE INSURANCE COMPANIES
Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen are each Pennsylvania
mutual insurance companies that currently operate as members of the Group.
The Group also includes Neffsville, which is not a party to the Plan. The
Insurance Companies are property and casualty insurers of farms, small and
medium-sized businesses and residents primarily in rural and suburban
communities in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. The Insurance Companies
market farmowners, homeowners and businessowners policies, as well as
personal and commercial automobile, workers' compensation and commercial
multi-peril coverages through approximately 1,600 independent agents.
The Insurance Companies operate under a reinsurance pooling agreement
pursuant to which all premium revenue, loss and loss adjustment expense are
ceded to Old Guard Mutual and a fixed percentage of those items is retroceded
by Old Guard Mutual to Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen. The allocation of
pooled revenue and expense is determined by the parties and is currently as
follows: Old Guard Mutual - 60%, Old Guard Fire - 29% and Goschenhoppen -
11%. Investment income and investment gains and losses are not pooled. In
addition, Neffsville reinsures 90% of its book of business with Old Guard
Mutual.
Old Guard Mutual. Old Guard Mutual was originally chartered in 1896. At
September 30, 1996, Old Guard Mutual had total assets of $116.1 million
(prior to the elimination of intercompany accounts in consolidation) and
equity of $22.5 million.
Old Guard Fire. Old Guard Fire was originally chartered in 1872. At
September 30, 1996, Old Guard Fire had total assets of $36.1 million (prior
to the elimination of intercompany accounts in consolidation) and equity of
$11.0 million.
Goschenhoppen. Goschenhoppen was originally chartered in 1843. At
September 30, 1996, Goschenhoppen had total assets of $23.4 million (prior to
the elimination of intercompany accounts in consolidation) and equity of $4.1
million.
The Insurance Companies are subject to examination and comprehensive
regulation by the Department. See "Business -- Regulation."
23
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
The Company estimates that it will receive net proceeds of $ . The
Company has received Department approval to exchange $16.0 million of net
proceeds for all of the capital stock of Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen to be issued in the Conversion. The Company will retain
approximately $ million after acquiring the stock of the Insurance
Companies.
The net proceeds retained by the Company will be available for a variety
of corporate purposes, including additional capital contributions, future
acquisitions and diversification of business and dividends to shareholders.
The Company expects to use approximately $5.8 million of the net proceeds to
repay Dauphin under the Line of Credit to be used by Old Guard Investment in
connection with the acquisition of First Delaware and the investment in New
Castle. In the event that the First Delaware acquisition is not completed,
those proceeds will be added to the Company's working capital. With the
exception of dividends and the pending acquisition of First Delaware and the
investment in New Castle, the Company currently has no specific plans,
arrangements or understandings regarding any of the foregoing activities. See
"Dividend Policy," "The Company -- Acquisition of First Delaware Insurance
Company" and -- Investment in New Castle Mutual Insurance Company."
The net proceeds used to effect the exchange of the stock of the Insurance
Companies will become part of their capital, thereby expanding underwriting
capacity and permitting diversification of their businesses. Any payment of
dividends to the Company will be limited by regulatory restrictions on
capital distributions by the Insurance Companies. See "Business --
Regulation."
24
<PAGE>
DIVIDEND POLICY
Payment of dividends on the Common Stock is subject to determination and
declaration by the Company's Board of Directors. Any dividend policy of the
Company will depend upon the financial condition, results of operations and
future prospects of the Company. At present, the Company intends to pay an
annual dividend of $.10 per share. However, there can be no assurance that
dividends will be paid or, if paid initially, that they will continue to be
paid in the future. In addition, because the Company initially will have no
significant source of income other than dividends from the Insurance
Companies and earnings from investment of the net proceeds of the Conversion
retained by the Company, the payment of dividends by the Company will depend
significantly upon receipt of dividends from the Insurance Companies, which
is subject to significant regulatory restrictions. See "Business --
Regulation."
Unlike the Insurance Companies, the Company is not subject to regulatory
restrictions on the payment of dividends to shareholders. The Company is
subject to the requirements of the Pennsylvania BCL, which generally permits
dividends or distributions to be paid as long as, after making the dividend
or distribution, the Company will be able to pay its debts in the ordinary
course of business and the Company's total assets will exceed its total
liabilities plus the amount that would be needed to satisfy the preferential
rights upon dissolution of holders of stock with senior liquidation rights if
the Company were to be dissolved at the time the dividend or distribution is
paid.
MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK
The Company has never issued any capital stock. Consequently, there is no
established market for the Common Stock. The Common Stock has been approved
for quotation on the Nasdaq NMS under the symbol "OGGI" upon completion of
the Conversion.
Hopper Soliday, Legg Mason and McDonald each have advised the Company
that, upon completion of the Conversion, it intends to act as a market maker
in the Common Stock, subject to market conditions and compliance with
applicable laws and regulatory requirements. The development of a public
market having the desirable characteristics of depth, liquidity and
orderliness, however, depends upon the presence in the marketplace of a
sufficient number of willing buyers and sellers at any given time, over which
neither the Company nor any market maker has any control. Accordingly, there
can be no assurance that an established and liquid market for the Common
Stock will develop, or if one develops, that it will continue. Furthermore,
there can be no assurance that purchasers will be able to resell their shares
of Common Stock at or above the Purchase Price after the Conversion.
25
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth information regarding the combined
historical capitalization of the Insurance Companies at September 30, 1996
and the pro forma consolidated capitalization of the Company giving effect to
the sale of Common Stock based upon the assumed net proceeds set forth under
"Use of Proceeds."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Pro Forma
Consolidated
Capitalization
Historical of the
Combined Company Based
Capitalization on the
of the Sale of
Insurance --
Companies at shares at
September 30, $10.00
1996(1) per share
------------------ --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Long-term ESOP debt(2) ....................... $ -- $
Subordinated debt(3) ......................... 1,500 --
Shareholders' equity(4):
Common stock, no par value per share:
authorized -- 15,000,000 shares;
shares to be outstanding -- as shown(5) . --
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan
compensation ............................ --
Retained earnings -- substantially
restricted .............................. 36,357 36,357
Unrealized gains ........................... 1,312 1,312
------------------ --------------
Total shareholders' equity ................. $39,169 $
================== ==============
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Subsequent to September 30, 1996 and prior to completion of the
Conversion, Old Guard Investment expects to borrow an aggregate of
approximately $5.8 million under the Line of Credit in connection with
the acquisition of First Delaware and the investment in New Castle. See
"The Company -- First Delaware Insurance Company Acquisition" and "-- New
Castle Insurance Company Investment." The Company will repay the amount
borrowed by Old Guard Investment in connection with the New Castle
investment and, if completed, the First Delaware acquisition from
proceeds of the Offering. See "Use of Proceeds."
(2) Assumes that 10% of the shares of Common Stock to be sold in the
Conversion are purchased by the ESOP, and that the funds used to purchase
such shares are borrowed from an unaffiliated lender. Although repayment
of such debt will be secured solely by the shares purchased by the ESOP,
the Company expects to make discretionary contributions to the ESOP in an
amount at least equal to the principal and interest payments on the ESOP
debt. The approximate amount expected to be borrowed by the ESOP is
reflected in this table as borrowed funds. See "Management -- Certain
Benefit Plans and Agreements -- Employee Stock Ownership Plan" and "Pro
Forma Data."
(3) Subordinated debt consists of a surplus note payable by Old Guard Mutual
to American Re. This surplus note will be assigned to the Company in
exchange for 150,000 shares of Common Stock upon completion of the
Conversion.
(4) Pro forma shareholders' equity is not intended to represent the fair
market value of the Common Stock, the net fair market value of the
Company's assets and liabilities or the amounts, if any, that would be
available for distribution to shareholders in the event of liquidation.
Such pro forma data may be materially affected by a change in the number
of shares to be sold in the Conversion and by other factors.
(5) Does not reflect additional shares of Common Stock that could be
purchased pursuant to the Compensation Plan, if implemented, under which
directors, executive officers and other employees of the Company would be
granted options to purchase an aggregate amount of Common Stock equal to
10% of the shares issued in the Conversion (335,700 shares at the
midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range) at an exercise price equal to
the Purchase Price. Implementation of the Compensation Plan requires
shareholder approval. See "Management -- Certain Benefit Plans and
Agreements -- Stock Compensation Plan" and "Investment Considerations --
Dilutive Effect of MRP and Stock Options."
26
<PAGE>
PRO FORMA DATA
The following pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September
30, 1996 gives effect to the Conversion and implementation of the ESOP as if
they had occurred as of September 30, 1996 and assumes that 2,853,500 shares
of Common Stock (the minimum number of such shares required to be sold) are
sold in the Subscription, Community and Public Offerings. The following pro
forma condensed combined statements of income for the year ended December 31,
1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 1996 present combined operating
results for the Insurance Companies as if the Conversion and implementation
of the ESOP had occurred as of January 1, 1995. The pro forma financial
statements combine the accounts of Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen. Pursuant to the Plan, each of the Insurance Companies will
convert from a Pennsylvania-chartered mutual insurance company to a
Pennsylvania-chartered stock insurance company and simultaneously issue
shares of its capital stock to the Company in exchange for a portion of the
net proceeds from the sale of Common Stock in the Conversion. The Conversion
will be accounted for as a simultaneous reorganization, recapitalization and
share offering which will not change the historical accounting basis of the
Insurance Companies' financial statements. Completion of the Conversion is
contingent on the sale of a minimum of 2,853,500 shares of Common Stock.
The unaudited pro forma information does not purport to represent what the
Insurance Companies' financial position or results of operations actually
would have been had the Conversion and implementation of the ESOP occurred on
the dates indicated, or to project the Insurance Companies' financial
position or results of operations for any future date or period. The pro
forma adjustments are based on available information and certain assumptions
that the Insurance Companies believe are reasonable in the circumstances. The
unaudited pro forma combined financial information should be read in
conjunction with the accompanying notes thereto, and the other financial
information pertaining to the Insurance Companies included elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
The pro forma adjustments and pro forma combined amounts are provided for
information purposes only. The Insurance Companies' financial statements will
reflect the effects of the Conversion and implementation of the ESOP only
from the dates such events occur.
27
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma Pro Forma
Combined Adjustments Combined
------------ ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed income securities, available for sale, at fair
value ............................................... $ 69,786 $25,428 (1) $ 95,214
Preferred stocks, at fair value ........................ 5,100 5,100
Common stocks, at fair value ........................... 6,425 6,425
Other invested assets .................................. 318 318
------------ ------------- -----------
Total investments ...................................... 81,629 25,428 107,057
Cash and cash equivalents ................................ 3,737 3,737
Premiums receivable ...................................... 7,911 7,911
Reinsurance recoverables and unearned premiums ........... 25,659 25,659
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net ................... 5,934 5,834
Accrued investment income ................................ 1,103 1,103
Deferred income taxes, net ............................... 2,371 2,371
Property and equipment, net .............................. 6,164 6,164
Receivable from affiliate ................................ 413 413
Other assets ............................................. 2,717 2,717
------------ ------------- -----------
Total assets ............................................. $137,538 $25,428 $162,966
============ ============= ===========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses ........ $ 56,799 $ 56,799
Unearned premiums ...................................... 35,774 35,774
Accrued expenses ....................................... 2,203 2,203
Subordinated debt ...................................... 1,500 $(1,500)(2) 0
Other liabilities ...................................... 3,593 2,854 (3) 6,447
------------ ------------- -----------
Total liabilities ...................................... 99,869 1,354 100,223
------------ ------------- -----------
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock ........................................... 26,928 (4) 26,928
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan compensation .... (2,854)(3) (2,854)
Retained earnings ...................................... 36,357 36,357
Unrealized capital gains (losses) on securities, net of
deferred income taxes ............................... 1,312 1,312
------------ ------------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity ............................. 37,669 24,074 61,743
------------ ------------- -----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity ............... $137,538 $23,428 $162,966
============ ============= ===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet
28
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED BALANCE SHEET
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(1) The pro forma adjustment to reflect the Conversion is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Issuance of 2,853,500 shares at $10/share ...................... $28,535
Estimated conversion expenses ................................. (3,107)
---------
Net proceeds from conversion .................................. $25,428
=========
</TABLE>
(2) Pro forma adjustment to effect the conversion of a $1,500 surplus note by
American Re into 150,000 shares of Common Stock at $10.00 per share.
(3) Upon completion of the Conversion, the Company will implement an ESOP for
the benefit of participating employees. The ESOP will borrow funds from
an unaffiliated lender in an amount sufficient to purchase 10% of the
Common Stock issued upon Conversion or $2,854. The ESOP loan is assumed
to bear interest at 8% per year and require monthly payments of
approximately $35 for a term of ten years. The ESOP will be accounted for
in accordance with Statement of Position 93-6, "Employers' Accounting for
Employee Stock Ownership Plans" issued by the Accounting Standards
Executive Committee of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accounts. Accordingly, the Company will report the loan to the ESOP as a
liability on the Company's combined balance sheet with a corresponding
charge to unearned ESOP compensation, a contra- equity account.
(4) The effect of adjustments (1) and (2).
29
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma Pro Forma
Combined Adjustments Combined
------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Net premiums earned ............................ $66,663 $ 66,663
Investment income, net of expenses ............. 4,458 4,458
Net realized investment gains .................. 1,011 1,011
Other revenue .................................. 274 274
------------ ------------- -------------
Total revenue .................................. 72,406 0 72,406
------------ ------------- -------------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ............ 50,509 50,509
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs ....................................... 17,611 17,611
Operating expenses ............................. 5,655 194 (1) 5,849
Interest expense ............................... 222 (2) 222
------------ ------------- -------------
Total expenses ................................. 73,775 416 74,191
------------ ------------- -------------
Loss before income tax benefit ................... (1,369) (416) (1,785)
Income tax benefit ............................... (685) (141)(3) (826)
------------ ------------- -------------
Net loss ......................................... $ (684) $(275) $ (959)
============ ============= =============
Earnings per share data:
Net income (loss) per share of common stock .... $ (0.35)
=============
Weighted average number of shares of common
stock outstanding ........................... 2,727,850(4)
=============
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income.
30
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Historical Pro Forma Pro Forma
Combined Adjustments Combined
------------ ------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenue:
Net premiums earned ........................... $39,705 $ 39,705
Investment income, net of expenses ............ 3,434 3,434
Net realized investment gains ................. 1,328 1,328
Other revenue ................................. 484 484
------------ ------------- -------------
Total revenue ................................. 44,951 0 44,951
------------ ------------- -------------
Expenses:
Losses and loss adjustment expenses ........... 34,548 34,548
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition
costs ...................................... 9,079 9,079
Operating expenses ............................ 5,330 156 (1) 5,486
Interest expense .............................. 157 (2) 157
------------ ------------- -------------
Total expenses ................................ 48,957 313 49,270
------------ ------------- -------------
Loss before income tax benefit ................ (4,006) (313) (4,319)
Income tax benefit ............................ (1,458) (106)(3) (1,564)
------------ ------------- -------------
Net loss ...................................... $(2,548) $(207) $ (2,755)
============ ============= =============
Earnings per share data:
Net income (loss) per share of common stock ... $ (1.00)
=============
Weighted average number of shares of common
stock outstanding .......................... 2,745,350(4)
=============
</TABLE>
See accompanying Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Income
31
<PAGE>
NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA
COMBINED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(1) Pro forma adjustment to recognize compensation expense under ESOP for
shares committed to be released to participants as the ESOP loan is
repaid.
(2) Pro forma adjustment to recognize interest expense under the $2,854 ESOP
Loan at the assumed rate of 8% for 10 years (approximately $35 monthly).
(3) Adjustment to reflect the federal income tax effects of (1) and (2)
above.
(4) Calculation of weighted average number of shares outstanding:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total Shares Less: Encumbered Shares
Issued ESOP Shares Outstanding
-------------- ---------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
January 1, 1995 ..... 3,003,500 (285,350) 2,718,150
ESOP shares released . 19,400 19,400
-------------- ---------------- -------------
December 31, 1995 ... 3,003,500 (265,950) 2,737,550
ESOP shares released . 15,600 15,600
-------------- ---------------- -------------
September 30, 1996 .. 3,003,500 (250,350) 2,753,150
============== ================ =============
</TABLE>
ESOP shares are released evenly throughout each of the periods and
therefore the weighted average number of shares outstanding is determined by
adding beginning of period and end of period shares outstanding and dividing
by two.
32
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The Company has only recently been formed and, accordingly, has no results
of operations. As a result, this discussion relates to the Insurance
Companies.
This analysis of the Insurance Companies' combined financial condition and
results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Insurance
Companies' Combined Financial Statements and the other financial data
regarding the Insurance Companies found elsewhere in this Prospectus. The
discussion covers the Insurance Companies' combined financial condition and
results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September
30, 1996 and September 30, 1995 and for the three years ended December 31,
1995. The Insurance Companies' fiscal years end on December 31, and reference
herein to a particular year means, unless otherwise stated, the fiscal year
ended on December 31 of that year.
NINE MONTHS AND THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 COMPARED TO NINE
MONTHS AND THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
Premiums. Direct premiums written increased 4.9% for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996, compared to the same period in 1995. Personal automobile,
commercial auto and workers' compensation all increased in excess of 11.0%
for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to the corresponding
period in 1995, while all other lines were either relatively stable or
declined slightly from period to period. The continuing focus on liability
business is intended to balance the overall book of business between property
and liability exposures. The relatively stable premium volume in other lines
is attributable to premium rate increases that were offset by policyholders
replacing coverage with lower cost providers. The farmowners line also
increased, by 5.0%, during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 due to
premium rate increases and reacquiring business lost due to pricing
competition in 1994 and 1995. Personal automobile now represents 22.1% of the
total book of business, up from 20.8% at September 30, 1995, while homeowners
is down slightly to 26.2%.
Direct premiums written increased 7.5% for the three months ended
September 30, 1996 compared to the same period in 1995. Farmowners,
commercial multi-peril, personal automobile, commercial auto and workers'
compensation all increased in excess of 7.0% during the three months ended
September 30, 1996 compared to the corresponding period in 1995. All other
lines were either relatively stable or declined slightly from period to
period.
Written Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $18.2 million to $27.9
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to the nine
months ended September 30, 1995. The increase in premiums ceded was directly
attributable to the effects of instituting a quota share reinsurance treaty
between the Insurance Companies and American Re effective January 1, 1996.
Under the treaty, the Insurance Companies cede 20% of all premium revenue,
after all other reinsurance ceded, in exchange for American Re assuming 20%
of all losses and loss adjustment expense. The Insurance Companies receive a
35% ceding commission under the treaty. Ceded premiums written and ceded
premiums earned under the treaty amounted to $16.9 million and $10.1 million,
respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. This reinsurance
treaty is designed to lessen the potential financial impact of catastrophic
or severe weather-related losses and has had, and will continue to have, a
material effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the
Insurance Companies.
Written premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $4.2 million, or 131.9% for
the three months ended September 30, 1996 compared to the three months ended
September 30, 1995. The increase in premiums ceded was directly attributable
to the quota share reinsurance treaty. Ceded premiums written and ceded
premiums earned under the treaty amounted to $3.7 million and $3.9 million,
respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 1996.
Net premiums written decreased $15.3 million, or 30.5%, for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 to $34.8 million from $50.1 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1995. For the same comparative
33
<PAGE>
periods, net premiums earned decreased $8.8 million, or 18.1%, to $39.7
million from $48.5 million. The decreases in net premiums written and net
premiums earned were directly attributable to the effects of instituting the
quota share reinsurance treaty between the Insurance Companies and
American-Re.
Net premiums written decreased $2.3 million, or 14.0% for the three months
ended September 30, 1996, to $14.5 million from $16.8 million for the three
months ended September 30, 1995. For the same comparative periods, net
premiums earned decreased $2.8 million, or 17.4% to 13.4 million from $16.2
million. The decreases in net premiums written and net premiums earned were
directly attributable to the effects of instituting the quota share
reinsurance treaty between the Insurance Companies and American-Re.
Net Investment Income. Cash and invested assets decreased $13.0 million,
or 13.2%, to $85.4 million as of September 30, 1996 compared to $98.4 million
as of September 30, 1995. The yield on the average cash and invested assets
remained stable at 4.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and
1995. Although the September 30, 1996 cash and invested asset balance
declined substantially in comparison to September 30, 1995, the average cash
and invested balance for each of the nine month periods remained relatively
level. The level average invested asset balance and stable yields resulted in
less than a 1.0% increase in net investment income to $3.4 million for the
nine month period ended September 30, 1996. Additionally, interest income of
$53,000 in 1996 was generated from funds advanced to Neffsville. These
advances were necessary due to the abnormal claim activity and the method of
billing premiums employed by Neffsville.
Net investment income of $1.05 million for the three months ended
September 30, 1996 was $48,000 less than the comparable period in 1995. The
decrease was attributable to the significant cash outflows experienced during
the third quarter of 1996. These outflows included settlement of the quota
share cessions from the first quarter, repayment of $750,000 of principal on
the American Re Surplus Note and continuing settlement of winter storm
claims. Cash and invested assets were down by $13.0 million compared to
September 30, 1995.
Net Realized Investment Gains. Net realized investment gains were $1.3
million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to $650,000 for
the same period in 1995. The adverse claims experience of the first half of
1996 placed a severe burden on the Insurance Companies' cash flow and,
accordingly, certain investments in bonds and preferred stocks were
liquidated to meet cash needs. In addition, certain investment portfolio
restructurings took place during the first nine months of 1996. Interest rate
and general economic conditions in 1996 also created capital gains
opportunities. For the three months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 net
realized investment gains were at comparable levels.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses
increased by $657,000, or 1.9%, to $34.5 million for the nine months ended
September 30, 1996 from $33.9 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1995. Net losses and loss adjustment expenses increased during 1996 due to
substantial numbers of insurance claims arising out of abnormally severe
winter storms during January 1996. Net catastrophic losses arising directly
out of these storms amounted to $3.7 million. In addition, non-storm related
losses and loss adjustment expenses increased by $7.1 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 compared to the nine months ended September
30, 1995 primarily because of increases in winter, fire and wind related
claims. The magnitude of the difference in non-storm related losses and loss
adjustment expenses between the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and the
nine months ended September 30, 1995 was accentuated by exceptionally
favorable experience during the first nine months of 1995. These net losses
and loss adjustment expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 1996,
totalling $10.8 million, were reduced by implementation of the 20% quota
share reinsurance treaty effective January 1, 1996 pursuant to which the
Insurance Companies ceded $9.0 million of losses and loss adjustment expenses
during the nine months ended September 30, 1996. Also, the Insurance
Companies recovered reinsurance of $2.5 million from their aggregate excess
of loss reinsurer. Loss and loss adjustment expenses were 87.0% of net
premiums earned for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, compared to
69.8% of net premiums earned in the same period in 1995.
For the three months ended September 30, 1996 net losses and loss
adjustment expenses were $8.9 million. This represents a decrease of $2.1
million or 19.5% compared to net losses and loss adjustment expenses for the
three months ended September 30, 1995. This decrease is attributable to the
quota share reinsurance treaty which
34
<PAGE>
reduced losses by $2.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 1996.
Losses and loss adjustment expenses were 66.4% of net premiums earned for the
three months ended September 30, 1996 compared to 68.2% of net earned
premiums earned for the same period in 1995.
Underwriting Expenses. Underwriting expenses were $14.2 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996, a decrease of $3.5 million, or 20.0%,
compared to the same period in 1995. The reduction is primarily due to a $3.7
million reduction in amortization of policy acquisition costs arising out of
the implementation of the quota share reinsurance treaty offset by a $185,000
increase in operating expenses. Expenses for the three months ended September
30, 1996 were $500,000 lower than the comparable period in 1995 for the
reasons stated above.
Other Expenses. A nonrecurring expense incurred in the first nine months
of 1996 was the writeoff of a $250,000 surplus note investment in an
unaffiliated Missouri insurance company whose surplus is impaired. Old Guard
Mutual had an agreement to acquire this company but the agreement was
terminated by Old Guard Mutual because of a deterioration in the financial
condition of that company. See Note 15 to the Combined Financial Statements.
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit). The federal income tax benefit for
the nine months ended September 30, 1996, was $1.5 million compared to an
expense of $252,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 1995. The
decrease in the Insurance Companies' effective federal income tax rate was
attributable to the loss for the nine months ended September 30, 1996. For
the comparable three month periods federal income tax expense was consistent
with operating results.
Net Income. The Insurance Companies had a net loss of $2.5 million for the
nine months ended September 30, 1996 compared to net income of $916,000 for
the nine months ended September 30, 1995, primarily as a result of the
foregoing factors. Net income for the third quarter was $400,000 for both
1996 and 1995.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1995 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994
Premiums. The Insurance Companies experienced a slight increase in direct
premiums written in 1995 of $102,000 that was concentrated in personal
automobile, which grew 5.5%, and homeowners, which grew 3.2%. Farmowners and
workers' compensation direct premiums declined by 3.6% and 2.4%,
respectively. The increases in personal lines premiums were the result of new
business as well as modest rate increases. Farmowners writings declined due
to competitive rate pressures and workers' compensation writings declined due
to rate decreases arising out of improvements in loss experience attributable
to legislative initiatives in 1993.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers decreased $1.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1995 compared to the year ended December 31, 1994. The decrease
in premiums ceded in 1995 arose from: (i) a $1.5 million reduction in
catastrophe reinsurance premiums due primarily to charges in 1994 for
reinstatements of coverage as well as a mid-term placement of an additional
cover in 1994, both of which arose directly as a result of 1994 winter storm
events, and (ii) a redetermination of the expected ultimate premium rate for
retrospectively rated casualty excess of loss reinsurance coverage. This
result was offset slightly by an increase in certain pro rata cessions on
farmowners business due to revisions in the manner in which such business is
classified for reinsurance coverage purposes.
Net premiums written increased $1.5 million, or 2.2%, for the year ended
December 31, 1995 to $67.1 million from $65.6 million in 1995. For the same
comparative periods, net premiums earned increased by $3.2 million, or 5.2%,
to $66.7 million from $63.5 million. The increase in net premiums earned was
the result of the previously discussed increase in direct premiums written,
the decrease in premiums ceded to reinsurers and an increase in the change in
unearned premiums of $1.7 million.
Net Investment Income. Cash and invested assets increased $10.3 million,
or 11.4%, to $100.5 million for the year ended December 31, 1995 from $90.2
million for the year ended December 31, 1994. For the year ended December 31,
1995, the yield on invested assets was 4.7% compared to 4.1% for the year
ended December 31, 1994. The net result of these changes was that net
investment income increased $526,000, or 15.4%, to $4.5 million for the year
ended December 31, 1995 from $3.9 million in 1994. Components of the increase
in net investment income arose from an increase in gross income from fixed
income securities of $785,000, or 21.4%,
35
<PAGE>
a decrease in income from the preferred stock portfolio of $431,000 and a
decrease in investment expenses of $101,000. Income from the common stock
portfolio increased $134,000, and income from short-term and other
investments decreased by $63,000 accounting for the balance of the increase
in net investment income.
The increase in income from fixed income securities was attributable to a
shift in the portfolio from collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") to
corporate obligations. The corporate obligations provided slightly higher
yields on a level investment base. The CMOs experienced an increase in the
rate of principal repayment as interest rates fell during 1995 and therefore
became a less attractive utilization of investment capital.
Limited cash flow in 1994 and early 1995, as well as declines in
short-term interest rates, caused short-term investment income to decline by
$74,000 in 1995 as compared to 1994.
The common stock portfolio, comprised primarily of growth stocks,
experienced an increase in dividend income due to the favorable results of
the equities comprising the portfolio. The composition of the portfolio and
general increases in dividend rates provided the Insurance Companies with the
aforementioned increase in investment income from this segment of the
portfolio.
Net Realized Investment Gains. Net realized investment gains were $1.0
million for the year ended December 31, 1995 compared to $476,000 in 1994.
The increase in investment gains occurred as part of the previously discussed
portfolio restructuring; a similar shift in the composition of the portfolio
did not occur in 1994 and far fewer securities were sold.
Underwriting Results. For the year ended December 31, 1995 the Insurance
Companies had an underwriting loss of $7.1 million and a combined ratio of
110.7% compared to an underwriting loss of $5.1 million and a combined ratio
of 108.0% for the year ended December 31, 1994. In both years the
underwriting loss was primarily attributable to severe weather in the
Insurance Companies' territory.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Net losses and loss adjustment
expenses incurred increased by $4.1 million, or 8.8%, to $50.5 million for
the year ended December 31, 1995 from $46.4 million in 1994. Loss and loss
adjustment expenses were 75.8% of net premiums earned for the year ended
December 31, 1995 compared to 73.2% in 1994.
Affecting losses and loss adjustment expenses in both 1995 and 1994 were
several significant weather events that individually resulted in increased
property loss claims. In 1995 a series of localized wind storms produced $3.2
million of net claims. Because none of these events met the definition of a
catastrophe under the Insurance Companies' catastrophe reinsurance programs,
no catastrophe reinsurance recovery was made in 1995. The year 1994 produced
the single most significant claim event in the Insurance Companies' history.
Winter snow and ice storms produced nearly $19.2 million in gross claims.
After recoveries under catastrophe reinsurance programs, the Insurance
Companies incurred $3.1 million of net losses and loss adjustment expenses
from these winter storms. The respective impact of these storms on the loss
ratio was 4.8 percentage points and 4.9 percentage points for 1995 and 1994,
respectively. For the five year period preceding 1994 the Insurance Companies
never had a single event resulting in claims in excess of $2.7 million. The
1996 catastrophe reinsurance retention limit is $3.5 million.
Adjustments to loss reserves are made when analysis shows that reserve
levels were estimated higher or lower than is necessary. Any adjustment to
reserves is reflected as a charge or addition to income in the period in
which it is made. The increase in net losses and loss adjustment expenses
incurred in 1995 was attributable to the adverse development of prior year
losses and loss adjustment expense reserves of $2.4 million; favorable loss
reserve development occurred in 1994 and reduced losses and loss adjustment
expenses by $5.5 million. The effect of the adverse development in 1995
increased the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio by 3.7 percentage points
while the favorable development in 1994 decreased the ratio by 8.7 percentage
points. On an accident year basis the loss and loss adjustment expense ratio
was 72.1% in 1995 and 81.9% in 1994.
Underwriting Expenses. Underwriting expenses increased by $1.2 million, or
5.3%, for the year ended December 31, 1995 to $23.3 million from $22.1
million for 1994. This 5.3% increase in underwriting expenses is attributable
to increased policy acquisition costs and closely parallels the associated
5.2% increase in net premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 1995
compared to the year ended December 31, 1994. For the year ended December 31,
1995 the Insurance Companies had an underwriting expense ratio of 34.9%
compared to 34.8% for the year ended December 31, 1994.
36
<PAGE>
Federal Income Tax Expense. Federal income tax expense decreased $152,000,
resulting in a tax benefit of $684,000 in 1995 compared to a $532,000 tax
benefit in 1994. The decrease in federal income tax expense is attributable
to the decrease in taxable income in 1995 compared to 1994 offset by a
decrease in tax exempt income of $644,000 for 1995 compared to 1994.
Net Income. Net income decreased $828,000 to a $684,000 loss in 1995 from
net income of $144,000 in 1994 primarily as a result of the foregoing
factors.
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994 COMPARED TO YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
Premiums. Direct premiums written increased $4.0 million, or 5.3% for the
year ended December 31, 1994 to $78.8 million from $74.8 million for the year
ended December 31, 1993. This increase in direct premiums written was
concentrated in personal lines of business as homeowners and automobile
writings increased in 1994 by 7.6% and 19.1%, respectively. These increases
were the result of new business, as well as modest rate increases. The
workers' compensation line of business experienced an 11.9% decline in direct
premiums written in 1994 due primarily to legislative action in Pennsylvania
that required a roll back in premium rates. These roll backs were deemed
appropriate due to corresponding legislation intended to assist in
controlling insurers' costs associated with workers' compensation claims.
Premiums ceded to reinsurers increased $1.7 million in 1994. This increase
in premiums ceded arose primarily due to an increase in the Insurance
Companies' catastrophe reinsurance premiums in 1994 arising out of
reinstatement charges that were required to be paid and management's decision
to purchase additional mid-year coverages. The additional premiums were the
result of severe winter weather in early 1994 that resulted in substantial
claim activity and ultimately in recoveries of losses under the catastrophe
reinsurance program.
Net premiums written increased $2.2 million, or 3.5%, for the year ended
December 31, 1994 to $65.6 million from $63.4 million in 1993. For the same
comparative periods, net premiums earned increased $2.5 million, or 4.1%, to
$63.5 million from $61.0 million. The increase in net premiums earned was
comprised of the $4.0 million increase in direct premiums written and an
increase in the change in unearned premiums of $200,000, offset by a $1.7
million increase in premiums ceded to reinsurers. The increase in net
unearned premiums arose from the increase in direct writings as well as the
restructuring of the Goschenhoppen reinsurance program from a pro rata
program to an excess of loss program.
Net Investment Income. Cash and invested assets decreased $9.5 million, or
9.5%, to $90.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1994 from $99.7
million for the year ended December 31, 1993. Although the 1994 year end
balance in cash and invested assets declined significantly, the average cash
and invested assets balance and the yield on cash and invested assets for
1994 of $94.9 million and 4.1%, respectively, were substantially unchanged
compared to 1993. The net result of these changes was that net investment
income was essentially flat, totaling $3.9 million for the years ended
December 31, 1994 and 1993. This was primarily due to demands on cash flow
associated with the severe winter in 1994 that did not permit the Insurance
Companies to significantly add to the average balance of investment
securities. Changes did occur, however, in the components of net investment
income. Investment income from investments in fixed income securities, cash
and cash equivalents and other investments increased $150,000 or 3.7% and
investment expenses decreased $11,000, or 0.8%, in 1994, while investment
income from investments in preferred and common stock decreased $157,000, or
12.2%, from 1993 to 1994. The shift in the mix of securities comprising the
portfolio resulted in the aforementioned shift in the composition of
investment income. During 1994, preferred stocks were de-emphasized and the
focus shifted to U.S. Government and corporate bonds. The primary motivation
for this shift arose from income tax considerations.
Net Realized Investment Gains. Net realized investment gains were $476,000
for the year ended December 31, 1994 compared to $1.8 million in 1993, a
decline of $1.3 million or 72.2%. The decrease in net realized investment
gains was attributable to a marked decline in the sale of available-for-sale
securities in 1994 compared to 1993 because sales in 1994 would have
generated losses due to higher interest rates during the period.
Underwriting Results. For the year ended December 31, 1994 the Insurance
Companies had an underwriting loss of $5.1 million and a combined ratio of
108.0% compared to an underwriting loss of $2.2 million and a combined ratio
of 103.5% for the year ended December 31, 1993.
37
<PAGE>
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses. Losses and loss adjustment expenses
increased $4.3 million, or 10.0%, to $46.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 1994 from $42.2 million in 1993. Losses and loss adjustment
expenses were 73.2% of premium revenue for the year ended December 31, 1994
compared to 69.1% for 1993. The majority of the aforementioned increase was
attributable to severe winter weather in early 1994. Snow, ice and water
damage claims produced record levels of loss activity. After recovery from
catastrophe reinsurers the net increase in losses and loss adjustment
expenses was $3.1 million, or 4.9%, of net premiums earned in 1994.
Underwriting Expenses. Underwriting expenses increased $1.1 million, or
5.2%, to $22.1 million for the year ended December 31, 1994 from $21.0
million in 1993. This 5.2% increase in underwriting expenses reflected an
increase in policy acquisition costs associated with the 4.1% increase in net
premiums earned for the year ended December 31, 1994 compared to the year
ended December 31, 1993 as well as additional costs attributable to the
restructuring of Goschenhoppen's reinsurance program in 1994. For 1994, the
underwriting expense ratio was 34.8% compared to an underwriting expense
ratio of 34.4% in 1993.
Federal Income Tax Expense. The Insurance Companies received a $533,000
federal income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 1994 compared to
income tax expense of $383,000 for 1993. The decrease in federal income tax
expense in 1994 was attributable to the decrease in net income offset by a
reduction in tax exempt income of $1.2 million from amounts earned in 1993.
Net Income. The Insurance Companies had net income of $144,000 for the
year ended December 31, 1994 compared to net income of $3.4 million in 1993,
primarily as a result of the foregoing factors.
EFFECT OF PENDING TRANSACTIONS ON THE COMPANY'S FUTURE FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The future financial condition and results of operations of the Company
will be affected by the Conversion and related transactions, the acquisition
of First Delaware and the investment in New Castle.
The Conversion. Upon completion of the Conversion, the Company's capital
will increase by approximately $ million, an increase of approximately %
over the combined capital of the Insurance Companies at September 30, 1996.
See "Use of Proceeds," "Capitalization" and "Pro Form Data." This increased
capitalization should permit the Company to (i) further its business strategy
of geographic diversification through acquisitions, including the use of
capital stock to effect such acquisitions, (ii) increase direct premium
volume to the extent competitive conditions permit, (iii) increase net
premium volume by decreasing the use of reinsurance, and (iv) enhance
investment income.
The Conversion will be accounted for as a simultaneous reorganization,
recapitalization and share offering which will not change the historical
accounting basis of the Insurance Companies' financial statements.
In connection with the Conversion, the ESOP intends to finance the
purchase of 10% of the Common Stock with a loan and the Company will make
annual contributions to the ESOP sufficient to repay the loan which the
Company estimates will total approximately $ million on a pre-tax basis.
Acquisition of First Delaware. Old Guard Investment expects to acquire 80%
of the common stock of First Delaware through the purchase of shares directly
from First Delaware for $3.0 million and the purchase of additional shares
from the sole shareholder of First Delaware for approximately $1.8 million
for an aggregate investment of $4.8 million.
Old Guard Investment will finance this acquisition by drawing on the Line
of Credit which will be repaid from the proceeds of the Offering and the
Public Offering. Accordingly, the Company does not expect the acquisition
will have any future material impact on liquidity.
Although the acquisition of First Delaware is not a material transaction
to the Company on a consolidated basis, the Company believes that it
represents an important step in its strategic plan to grow and diversify
geographically through acquisitions. In addition, substantially all of First
Delaware's book of business is in commercial lines, including businessowners
and commercial multi-peril products and surety products, which are
distributed through independent agents. This furthers the Company's goal of
achieving a greater balance between personal and commercial lines. The $3.0
million infusion of additional capital also should permit First Delaware
38
<PAGE>
to increase writings. Finally, underwriting results for First Delaware have
been good. For the nine months ended September 30, 1996, First Delaware had a
combined ratio of 95.8% on net premiums earned of $1.2 million. For the year
ended December 31, 1995, First Delaware had a combined ratio of 90.0% on net
premium earned of $1.4 million. The Company has not yet executed a definitive
acquisition agreement with respect to the acquisition and accordingly there
can be no assurance that such acquisition will be consummated on the terms or
within the time frame currently contemplated.
Investment in New Castle. Old Guard Investment will initially purchase a
$1.0 million convertible surplus note from New Castle and will have a
commitment to purchase an additional $3.0 million of convertible surplus
notes, subject to certain conditions. The initial $1.0 million investment
will be financed by drawing on the Line of Credit which will be repaid with
the proceeds of the Offering and the Public Offering. Initially, because New
Castle will not be consolidated with the Company and no present plan exists
to include New Castle in the Insurance Companies' intercompany pooling
arrangement, the Company does not expect the investment to have any effect on
its financial condition, results of operation or liquidity. If New Castle
elects to convert from mutual to stock form, Old Guard Investment elects to
convert the surplus notes, and such conversion results in the indirect
control of New Castle by the Company, the result would be a material increase
in assets and direct premiums written.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Historically, the principal sources of the Insurance Companies' cash flow
have been premiums, investment income, maturing investments and proceeds from
sales of invested assets. In addition to the need for cash flow to meet
operating expenses, the liquidity requirements of the Insurance Companies
relate primarily to the payment of losses and loss adjustment expenses. The
short- and long-term liquidity requirements of the Insurance Companies vary
because of the uncertainties regarding the settlement dates for liabilities
for unpaid claims and because of the potential for large losses, either
individually or in the aggregate.
The Insurance Companies and their subsidiaries have in place unsecured
lines of credit with local financial institutions under which they may borrow
up to an aggregate of $9.2 million. At September 30, 1996, no amounts were
outstanding on these lines of credit, which has an annual interest rate equal
to the lending institutions' prime rate. Old Guard Investment intends to
borrow $1 million under one of these credit lines to finance its initial
investment in New Castle. See "The Company -- New Castle Insurance Company
Investment." In addition, at September 30, 1996, Old Guard Mutual had a $1.5
million surplus note outstanding. The holder has elected to exchange the $1.5
million balance of the surplus note for 150,000 shares of Common Stock of the
Company upon completion of the Conversion. See "The Conversion -- Surplus
Note."
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $(14.5) million
during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and was $4.9 million, ($2.9)
million and $8.4 million during the years ended December 31, 1995, 1994, and
1993, respectively. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities
during the nine months ended September 30, 1996 was primarily attributable to
the net loss for the period and an increase in reinsurance recoverable. The
increase in net cash provided by operating activities in 1995 was primarily
attributable to the increase in net income and a decrease in reinsurance
recoverable. The increase in net cash used in operating activities in 1994
was primarily attributable to a net operating loss and an increase in
reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses during 1994 compared to
1993, offset by an increase in deferred policy acquisition costs.
Net cash provided by investing activities was $9.5 million during the nine
months ended September 30, 1996. Net cash provided by investing activities
was ($3.3) million, $2.2 million, and ($9.5) million during the years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The increase in net cash
provided by investing activities during the nine months ended September 30,
1996 primarily resulted from a decrease in the Insurance Companies'
fixed-income securities. The increase in net cash used in investing
activities in 1995 as compared to 1994 resulted primarily from the net
increase in cash available from the Company's operations during 1995. The
increase in net cash provided by investing activities in 1994 as compared to
1993 resulted primarily from the sale of fixed income and equity securities
materially exceeding the purchase of such securities.
In February 1996, Old Guard Investment and American Technologies, Inc., a
California based software lessor, entered into a lease financing agreement in
connection with the acquisition by the Insurance Companies of a new policy
processing software system for approximately $2.5 million. See "Business --
Strategy." The terms
39
<PAGE>
of the lease financing agreement provide for an aggregate lease facility up
to $1.5 million. The implied interest rate under the lease is 9.5%. As of
September 30, 1996, the lease facility was fully utilized. Under the terms of
the lease financing agreement, Old Guard Investment is required to make
payments of approximately $57,000 per month for 24 months.
The principal source of liquidity for the Company will be dividend
payments and other fees received from the Insurance Companies. The Company's
insurance subsidiaries, including the Insurance Companies, will be restricted
by the insurance laws of the state of domicile as to the amount of dividends
or other distributions they may pay to the Company without the prior approval
of the state regulatory authority. Under Pennsylvania law, the maximum amount
that may be paid by each of the Insurance Companies during any twelve-month
period after notice to, but without prior approval of, the Department cannot
exceed the greater of 10% of the Insurance Company's statutory surplus as
reported on the most recent annual statement filed with the Department, or
the net income of the Insurance Company for the period covered by such annual
statement. As of December 31, 1995, amounts available for payment of
dividends in 1996 without the prior approval of the Department would have
been approximately $2.0 million, $879,000 and $494,000 from Old Guard Mutual,
from Old Guard Fire and from Goschenhoppen, respectively. Such restrictions
or any subsequently imposed restrictions may in the future affect the
Company's liquidity.
The ESOP intends to borrow funds from an unaffiliated lender in an amount
sufficient to purchase 10% of the Common Stock issued in the Conversion.
Although the ESOP has not yet received a commitment from a lender with
respect to such a loan, based on preliminary discussions with potential
lenders the Company expects that the loan will bear an 8% interest rate, and
will require the ESOP to make monthly payments of approximately $35,000 for a
term of 10 years. The loan will be secured by the shares of Common Stock
purchased and earnings thereon. Shares purchased with such loan proceeds will
be held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loan
is repaid. The Company expects to contribute sufficient funds to the ESOP to
repay such loan, plus such other amounts as the Company's Board of Directors
may determine in its discretion.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
The effects of inflation on the Insurance Companies are implicitly
considered in estimating reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment
expenses, and in the premium rate-making process. The actual effects of
inflation on the Insurance Companies' results of operations cannot be
accurately known until the ultimate settlement of claims. However, based upon
the actual results reported to date, it is management's opinion that the
Insurance Companies' loss reserves, including reserves for losses that have
been incurred but not yet reported, make adequate provision for the effects
of inflation.
40
<PAGE>
BUSINESS
GENERAL
The Company was organized at the direction of the Boards of Directors of
the Insurance Companies for the purpose of becoming a holding company for all
of the outstanding capital stock of the Insurance Companies. Upon Conversion,
the Insurance Companies will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company.
The Insurance Companies underwrite property and casualty insurance,
concentrating on providing insurance to farms, small to medium-sized
businesses and residents primarily in rural and suburban communities in
Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. Pennsylvania accounted for in excess of
93% of the direct premiums written for the nine-month period ended September
30, 1996 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 1995. The Insurance Companies market farmowners, homeowners and
businessowners policies, as well as personal and commercial automobile,
workers' compensation and commercial multi-peril coverages through
approximately 1,600 independent agents located primarily in rural and
suburban communities. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurance Companies had
over 139,000 property and casualty policies in force.
Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen have underwritten
property and casualty insurance since 1896, 1872 and 1843, respectively. Old
Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire are licensed to underwrite property and
casualty insurance in Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania. Goschenhoppen is
licensed only in Pennsylvania. At September 30, 1996, the consolidated assets
of the Insurance Companies were $137.5 million.
STRATEGY
The Company's principal strategies for the future are to:
-- Achieve geographic diversification of risk by acquisition of other
insurance companies or licensing of the Insurance Companies in other
jurisdictions with reduced or different loss exposure;
-- Improve the mix of business by increasing commercial writings and
emphasizing casualty coverages in order to enhance profitability and
lessen the impact of property losses on overall results; and
-- Improve efficiency and maintain the high level of personal service
delivered to agents and insureds through continued enhancement of the
Company's management information systems (MIS).
Management has taken steps to implement each of these strategies and views
the Conversion as a critical component of its strategic plan. The additional
capital generated by the Conversion will permit the Insurance Companies to
accelerate implementation of these strategies and the resulting holding
company structure will provide needed flexibility to achieve the Company's
goals.
Geographic Diversification. The Company's goal is to achieve geographic
diversification of risk outside Pennsylvania to areas with reduced or
different catastrophic loss exposure and in which management believes
insurers generally have been permitted to manage risk selection and pricing
without undue regulatory interference. Concentration of property insurance in
Pennsylvania has caused the Insurance Companies to be susceptible to
localized catastrophic events primarily related to severe weather. The
Company expects to accomplish geographic diversification principally through
acquisition but expects also to seek authority for the Insurance Companies to
do business in additional jurisdictions. The acquisition of an 80% interest
in First Delaware, if and when completed, and the investment in New Castle
represent initial steps to diversify geographically. See "The Company --
Acquisition of First Delaware Insurance Company" and "-- Investment in New
Castle Insurance Company."
Upon completion of the Conversion, the Company plans to seek additional
acquisitions outside Pennsylvania. The Company is currently targeting for
acquisitions companies located in jurisdictions adjacent to its current
markets and in the upper Midwest. Completion of the conversion will provide
funds for cash acquisitions and the holding company structure will facilitate
the use of capital stock for acquisitions as well. Insurance companies
acquired may be added to the existing reinsurance pool among the Insurance
Companies.
The determination whether to add acquired companies to the Insurance
Companies' intercompany reinsurance pooling arrangement will be made on a
case by case basis as acquisitions are completed. Some of the fac-
41
<PAGE>
tors considered in evaluating an acquired company for possible inclusion in
the reinsurance pool will include the acquired company's capital position,
the quality of the book of business, reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses, settlement practices, the lines of business written, existing
reinsurance relationships, the level of control which management of the
Insurance Companies will have over the operations of the acquired company,
and rating considerations.
Neither the Company nor Old Guard Investment will control New Castle after
purchase of the surplus notes and there are no present plans to add New
Castle to the intercompany pooling arrangement. Management of the Insurance
Companies has not yet determined whether First Delaware will be added to the
reinsurance pool in the event Old Guard Investment successfully completes the
acquisition of First Delaware. If First Delaware and/or New Castle are added
to the reinsurance pool, there will be no retroactive coverage.
Diversification of Lines of Business. The Insurance Companies have taken,
and will continue to take, steps to increase commercial and casualty premium
volume, both to reduce property loss exposure and to provide greater product
diversification from personal into commercial lines that may provide a
countercyclical balance to personal lines.
One such initiative is the introduction in the third quarter of 1996 of
new commercial multi-peril packages tailored to specific business and
industry segments chosen based on the experience of the underwriting staff
and market opportunities available to existing agents. These packages should
permit the Insurance Companies to serve larger commercial accounts as well as
to sell accompanying workers' compensation and commercial automobile
coverages. Another initiative is the introduction of tiered pricing for
workers' compensation coverage through a policy with more attractive pricing
and the opportunity for dividends. The acquisition of First Delaware
Insurance Company, which has a commercial book of business, will further the
goal of diversification into commercial lines.
Management believes that it has the opportunity to increase the volume of
casualty business by focused marketing to existing agents, many of whom have
traditionally associated the Insurance Companies with farm-related property
insurance and may not identify and choose the Insurance Companies for their
customers as providers of casualty line products. For example, currently less
than 20% of the Insurance Companies' farm and homeowner customers purchase
auto policies from the Insurance Companies. Management believes an increasing
share of this market is desirable and attainable given the existing
relationships among the Insurance Companies, its agents and its insureds.
Completion of the Conversion will supply the additional surplus necessary
to support substantially increased commercial and casualty premium volume.
Service Capabilities. Management believes the Insurance Companies have a
strong reputation for personal attention to agents and insureds. The
Insurance Companies have undertaken a program to enhance their MIS
capabilities, with the goal of improving efficiency, internal reporting and
service to agents and insureds, as well as facilitating acquisitions. The
Insurance Companies have been actively involved in the search, review,
selection, customization and testing of a new policy processing software
system since the second quarter of 1994. The licensing rights for the new
software system were acquired from Strategic Data Systems, Inc., an insurance
industry software specialty company. The software system is a personal
computer database system designed to eliminate most paperwork required in
traditional systems. Claims, billing and accounting functions are also fully
integrated in the new software system. The ability to operate multiple
companies, maintain on-line remote offices and enhancements in the quality
and timeliness of management information are additional benefits of the new
software system. Personal automobile is the first line of business being
phased into the new software system, and it is expected to begin processing
policies in early 1997. By 1999, management of the Insurance Companies
expects to integrate homeowners, farmowners and commercial lines of business
into the new software system. This new MIS environment should permit a
greater volume of business to be processed by the same or fewer number of
staff. It will also allow direct agent interface to enhance service to agents
and insureds and build upon the Insurance Companies' strong reputation in
this area.
42
<PAGE>
PRODUCTS
The Insurance Companies offer a variety of property and casualty insurance
products primarily designed to meet the insurance needs of the rural and
suburban communities in which the Insurance Companies do business, including
their agricultural clients. The following tables set forth the direct
premiums written, net premiums earned, net loss ratios, expense ratios and
combined ratios by product line of the Insurance Companies for the periods
indicated:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------------------
% of % of % of % of % of
1996 Total 1995 Total 1995 Total 1994 Total 1993 Total
---------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Direct Premiums
Written:
Farmowners ........ $12,663 20.2% $12,046 20.2% $15,494 19.7% $16,080 20.4% $15,319 20.5%
Homeowners ........ 16,411 26.2 15,995 26.8 21,157 26.8 20,509 26.1 19,067 25.5
Businessowners and
commercial
multi-peril ...... 8,409 13.4 8,307 13.9 11,083 14.1 10,587 13.4 10,367 13.9
Personal automobile . 13,864 22.2 12,401 20.7 16,810 21.3 15,928 20.2 13,376 17.9
Commercial
automobile ....... 714 1.1 638 1.1 776 0.9 815 1.0 807 1.0
Workers'
compensation ..... 4,901 7.8 4,398 7.4 5,432 6.9 5,563 7.1 6,312 8.4
Fire, allied, inland
marine ........... 4,604 7.4 4,921 8.2 6,763 8.6 7,917 10.1 8,192 11.0
Other liability ... 1,057 1.7 1,023 1.7 1,317 1.7 1,331 1.7 1,316 1.8
---------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Total ........ $62,623 100.0% $58,729 100.0% $78,832 100.0% $78,730 100.0% $74,756 100.0%
========== ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
% of % of % of % of % of
1996(1) Total 1995(1) Total 1995 Total 1994 Total 1993 Total
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Premiums Earned
Farmowners ........ $ 7,375 18.6% $ 9,888 20.4% $13,413 20.1% $13,315 21.0% $13,368 21.9%
Homeowners ........ 11,080 27.9 13,714 28.3 18,391 27.6 16,755 26.4 14,622 24.0
Businessowners and
commercial
multi-peril ...... 5,230 13.2 6,362 13.1 8,828 13.2 8,387 13.2 8,548 14.0
Personal automobile . 9,405 23.7 10,336 21.3 14,459 21.7 12,521 19.8 11,402 18.7
Commercial
automobile ....... 407 1.0 501 1.0 769 1.2 717 1.1 675 1.1
Workers'
compensation ..... 2,660 6.7 3,075 6.3 4,233 6.4 4,266 6.7 4,394 7.2
Fire, allied, inland
marine ........... 3,347 8.4 4,401 9.1 6,294 9.4 6,930 10.9 7,465 12.3
Other liability ... 201 0.5 259 0.5 276 0.4 574 0.9 512 0.8
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
Total ........ $39,705 100.0% $48,536 100.0% $66,663 100.0% $63,465 100.0% $60,986 100.0%
========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ======== ========= ========
Net Loss Ratio
Farmowners ........ 93.0% 77.8% 78.7% 78.8% 71.2%
Homeowners ........ 103.0 81.1 80.8 98.0 83.3
Businessowners and
commercial
multi-peril ..... 92.0 54.3 62.2 47.8 51.6
Personal automobile . 73.5 68.9 90.4 70.9 73.2
Commercial
automobile ...... 75.7 63.7 70.9 53.8 35.1
Workers'
compensation .... 57.2 38.3 43.0 58.3 74.3
Fire, allied, inland
marine .......... 75.6 48.5 53.4 49.7 50.1
Other liability ... 55.2 327.2 326.3 49.9 83.9
Total ........ 87.0% 69.8% 75.8% 73.2% 69.1%
43
<PAGE>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
----------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------
% of % of % of % of % of
1996(1) Total 1995(1) Total 1995 Total 1994 Total 1993 Total
--------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- -------- --------- --------
(Dollars in thousands)
Expense Ratios
Farmowners ........ 40.0% 39.4% 36.6% 34.1% 34.3%
Homeowners ........ 32.1 34.3 39.0 39.7 39.3
Businessowners and
commercial
multiple peril .. 44.1 43.7 41.2 36.4 36.1
Personal automobile . 20.5 24.1 22.6 24.0 24.5
Commercial
automobile ...... 33.2 32.6 24.9 27.3 32.5
Workers'
compensation .... 20.6 26.2 23.6 25.7 29.1
Fire, allied, inland
marine .......... 76.4 65.3 47.2 49.6 42.0
Other liability ... 41.4 39.5 46.9 25.2 33.3
Total ........ 35.7% 36.5% 34.9% 34.8% 34.4%
Combined Ratios(2)
Farmowners ........ 133.0% 117.2% 115.2% 112.8% 105.5%
Homeowners ........ 135.1 115.4 119.7 137.7 122.6
Businessowners and
commercial
multiple peril .. 136.1 97.9 103.4 84.1 87.7
Personal automobile . 94.1 92.9 113.1 94.8 97.7
Commercial
automobile ...... 108.9 96.4 95.8 81.2 67.6
Workers'
compensation .... 77.8 64.6 66.7 84.1 103.4
Fire, allied, inland
marine .......... 152.0 113.9 100.6 99.2 92.1
Other liability ... 96.6 366.8 373.2 75.1 117.2
Total ........ 122.7% 106.2% 110.7% 108.0% 103.5%
Industry Combined
Ratio ........... -- -- 106.4% 108.4% 106.9%
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and American Re
entered into a quota share reinsurance treaty pursuant to which the
Insurance Companies cede 20% of their liability remaining after cessions
of excess and catastrophic risks through other reinsurance contracts. Pro
rata cessions of unearned premiums as of January 1, 1996 and the transfer
of premiums written during the nine months ended September 30, 1996
accounts, in part, for the decline in net premiums earned when the nine
months ended September 30, 1996 is compared to the nine months ended
September 30, 1995.
(2) A combined ratio over 100% means that an insurer's underwriting
operations are not profitable.
FARMOWNERS POLICY.
The farmowners policy, developed in 1975, is a flexible, multi-line
package of insurance coverages. As a result of its flexible features, this
product can be adapted to meet the needs of a variety of agricultural and
related businesses, including a package designed for farmers with large dairy
operations. The farmowners policy combines property and liability insurance
for the farm owner, as well as owners of other agricultural related
businesses, such as nurseries and greenhouses. The largest numbers of
farmowners policies written by the Insurance Companies are for dairy, beef,
horse and crop farming risks. In general, standing crops are not insured
except under limited circumstances but harvested and stored crops generally
are insured. Policyholders may select property damage coverages for specific
peril groups, such as basic perils that include fire and allied lines,
extended coverage and vandalism or broad form and special perils. Personal
liability coverage insures policyholders against third party liability from
accidents occurring on their premises or arising out of their operations or
from their products. The farmowners policy contains a limited liability
extension of pollution-type coverage for damages caused to third persons or
their crops resulting from above-ground, off-premises contamination, such as
overspray of fertilizers and pesticides. As of September 30, 1996, the
Insurance Companies had approximately 11,500 farmowner policies in force.
HOMEOWNERS POLICY.
The Insurance Companies' homeowners policy, introduced in 1963, is a
multi-peril policy providing property and liability coverages and optional
inland marine coverage. The homeowners policy is sold to provide coverage for
the insured's principal residence. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurance
Companies had approximately 71,000 homeowners policies in force.
44
<PAGE>
BUSINESSOWNERS AND COMMERCIAL MULTI-PERIL.
Businessowners. The Insurance Companies introduced a businessowners policy
in 1983 that provides property and liability coverages to small businesses
within its rural and suburban markets. This product is marketed to six
distinct groups: (i) apartment owners with relatively small property-based
risks; (ii) condominium owners; (iii) landlords with dwelling properties of
up to four family units; (iv) mercantile businessowners, such as florists,
gift shops and antique dealers, with property-based risks; (v) offices with
owner and/or tenant occupancies; and (vi) religious institutions consisting
of smaller, rural properties. As of September 30, 1996, approximately 6,700
businessowners policies were in force.
Commercial Multi-Peril. The Insurance Companies also issue a number of
commercial multi-peril policies providing property and liability coverage to
accounts that, because of their larger size, do not meet the eligibility
requirements for the businessowners product. As of September 30, 1996,
approximately 1600 such policies were in force. The Insurance Companies are
working to increase market penetration for this product because it includes
commercial liability risks that help to diversify exposures and lessen the
impact of property losses on overall results. One such marketing initiative
is the promotion of commercial multi-peril packages targeted to the following
businesses: (i) food processing, (ii) retailing, (iii) manufacturing, (iv)
metal working, (v) offices, and (vi) service operations. These packages are
being written using existing policy forms and were chosen based on the
experience of the underwriting staff and market opportunities available to
existing agents. The packages are of a type generally written by larger
companies and should permit the Insurance Companies to sell commercial
packages as well as accompanying workers' compensation and commercial
automobile coverages to larger accounts.
PERSONAL AUTOMOBILE.
The Insurance Companies' personal automobile policy insures individuals
against claims resulting from injury and property damage and can be marketed
in conjunction with the Insurance Companies' other products, such as the
farmowners policy, the businessowners policy or the homeowners policy. As of
September 30, 1996, the Insurance Companies had approximately 20,000 personal
automobile policies in force.
COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE.
The Insurance Companies' commercial automobile policies are generally
marketed in conjunction with farmowners, businessowners or commercial
multi-peril policies. Commercial automobile is one of the Insurance
Companies' lower volume products. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurance
Companies had approximately 1,000 commercial automobile insurance policies in
force.
WORKERS' COMPENSATION.
The Insurance Companies generally write workers' compensation policies in
conjunction with farmowners policies, businessowners policies or other
commercial packages. However, the Insurance Companies may write stand-alone
workers' compensation policies. A recent initiative is tiered pricing for
workers' compensation coverage with the introduction of a policy with more
attractive pricing and the opportunity for dividends. As of September 30,
1996, approximately 80% of the Insurance Companies' in force workers'
compensation policies were written in connection with farmowners,
businessowners, or commercial multi-peril policies.
FIRE, ALLIED, INLAND MARINE.
Fire and allied lines insurance generally covers fire, lightning and
extended coverage. Inland marine coverage insures merchandise or cargo in
transit and business and personal property. The Insurance Companies offer
fire, allied and inland marine insurance coverage only as endorsements
available under the Insurance Companies' other insurance products.
OTHER LIABILITY.
Umbrella Liability. The Insurance Companies write commercial and personal
line excess liability policies covering business, farm and personal
liabilities in excess of amounts covered under the farmowners, homeowners,
businessowners, commercial multi-peril and automobile policies. Such policies
are available generally with
45
<PAGE>
limits of $1 million to $5 million. The Insurance Companies do not generally
market excess liability policies to individuals and farmowners unless they
also write an underlying liability policy. However, the Insurance Companies
may write excess liability coverage for commercial accounts without all
underlying liability coverages.
Commercial General Liability. The Insurance Companies write a stand-alone
commercial general liability policy for certain business situations that do
not meet the criteria for liability coverage under a farmowners,
businessowners or commercial multi-peril policy. The policy insures
businesses against third party liability from accidents occurring on their
premises or arising out of their operations or products. Most of the
Insurance Companies' products liability line is written as part of the
commercial general liability product.
MARKETING
The Insurance Companies market their property and casualty insurance
products in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware through approximately 483
independent agencies: 454 in Pennsylvania, 27 in Maryland and 2 in Delaware.
These agencies collectively employ a force of 1,600 agents. The Insurance
Companies manage their agents through quarterly business reviews (with
underwriter participation) and establishment of benchmarks/goals for premium
volume. The Insurance Companies have managed a decline in the number of
agencies in recent years to eliminate low volume agencies and reduce
concentration in southern Pennsylvania. Most of the Insurance Companies'
independent agents represent multiple carriers and are established residents
of the rural and suburban communities in which they operate. The Insurance
Companies' independent agents generally market and write the full range of
the Insurance Companies' products. The Insurance Companies consider their
relationships with agents to be good.
As of September 30, 1996, no agency accounted for over 5% of direct
premiums written, with the top 10 agencies accounting for 18% of direct
premiums written. Average volume per agency is $163,000, with the largest
agency generating approximately $3.0 million in premium revenue for the
Insurance Companies.
The Insurance Companies emphasize personal contact between their agents
and the policyholders. The Insurance Companies believe that their name
recognition, policyholder loyalty and policyholder satisfaction with agent
and claims relationships are the principal sources of new customer referrals,
cross-selling of additional insurance products and policyholder retention.
The Insurance Companies' policies are marketed exclusively through their
network of independent agents. The Insurance Companies depend upon their
agency force to produce new business and to provide customer service. The
network of independent agents also serves as an important source of
information about the needs of the communities served by the Insurance
Companies. This information is utilized by the Insurance Companies to develop
new products and new product features.
Agency compensation is based on one of three compensation plans. Each
agency may elect: fixed base commission only, fixed base commission with some
opportunity for bonus commission based on the agency's loss experience, or
floating base commission based on the agency's three year loss ratio with
some opportunity to earn bonus commission depending on the agency's one-year
loss experience.
The Insurance Companies' independent agencies are supervised and supported
by agent representatives, who are employees of the Insurance Companies and
who have principal responsibility for recruiting agencies and training new
agents. To support its marketing efforts, the Insurance Companies develop and
produce print and radio advertising and hold seminars for agents. Agencies
are then able to purchase advertising (using prepared materials) in local
markets. The Insurance Companies and agent representatives conduct training
programs that provide both technical training about products and sales
training on how to market insurance products.
The Insurance Companies provide personal computer software to agencies
that allows them to quote rates on homeowners, farmowners, businessowners and
personal auto. In addition, a home page has been established on the Internet
for the public that is periodically updated with pertinent information about
the Insurance Companies and their products.
UNDERWRITING
The Insurance Companies seek to write their commercial and personal lines
by evaluating each risk with consistently applied standards. The Insurance
Companies maintain information on all aspects of their business
46
<PAGE>
that is regularly reviewed to determine product line profitability. The
Insurance Companies' staff of 24 underwriters generally specializes in farm,
personal or commercial lines. Specific information is monitored with regard
to individual insureds that is used to assist the Insurance Companies in
making decisions about policy renewals or modifications. The Insurance
Companies' underwriters have an average of over 14 years of experience as
underwriters. The Insurance Companies believe their extensive knowledge of
local markets is a key underwriting advantage.
The Insurance Companies rely on information provided by their independent
agents, who, subject to certain guidelines, also act as field underwriters
and pre-screen policy applicants. The independent agents have the authority
to sell and bind insurance coverages in accordance with pre-established
guidelines. Agents' underwriting results are monitored and on occasion agents
with historically poor loss ratios have had their binding authority removed
until more profitable underwriting results were achieved.
CLAIMS
Claims on insurance policies written by the Insurance Companies are
usually investigated and settled by one of the Insurance Companies' staff
claims representatives who work in teams led by a supervisor. Supervisors
report to the claims manager. As of September 30, 1996, the Insurance
Companies' claim staff included 29 claims representatives and 5 supervisors.
The Insurance Companies' claims philosophy emphasizes timely investigation,
evaluation and fair settlement of claims, while maintaining adequate case
reserves and controlling claim adjustment expenses. The claims philosophy is
designed to support the Insurance Companies marketing efforts by providing
prompt service and making the claims process a positive experience for agents
and policyholders.
Claims settlement authority levels are established for each representative
and claims manager based upon their level of experience. Claims are typically
reported by the agents. Multi-line teams exist to handle all claims.
Subrogation is centralized in the Lancaster, Pennsylvania office. The claims
department is responsible for reviewing all claims, obtaining necessary
documentation, estimating the loss reserves and resolving the claims. The
Insurance Companies engage independent appraisers and adjusters to evaluate
and settle claims as claims volume or specialized needs require.
The Insurance Companies attempt to minimize claims costs by encouraging
the use of alternative dispute resolution procedures. Less than 3% of all
claims result in litigation. Litigated claims are assigned to outside
counsel, who then work closely as a team with a staff claims representative.
Outside counsel must comply with a formal litigation management plan and all
bills are audited.
REINSURANCE
REINSURANCE CEDED
In accordance with insurance industry practice, the Insurance Companies
reinsure a portion of their exposure and pay to the reinsurers a portion of
the premiums received on all policies reinsured. Insurance is ceded
principally to reduce net liability on individual risks, to mitigate the
effect of individual loss occurrences (including catastrophic losses), to
stabilize underwriting results and to increase the Insurance Companies'
underwriting capacity.
Reinsurance can be facultative reinsurance or treaty reinsurance. Under
facultative reinsurance, each risk or portion of a risk is reinsured
individually. Under treaty reinsurance, an agreed-upon portion of business
written is automatically reinsured. Reinsurance can also be classified as
quota share reinsurance or excess of loss reinsurance. Under quota share
reinsurance, the ceding company cedes a percentage of its insurance liability
to the reinsurer in exchange for a like percentage of premiums less a ceding
commission, and in turn will recover from the reinsurer the reinsurer's share
of all losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred on those risks. Under
excess reinsurance, an insurer limits its liability to all or a particular
portion of the amount in excess of a predetermined deductible or retention.
Regardless of type, reinsurance does not legally discharge the ceding insurer
from primary liability for the full amount due under the reinsured policies.
However, the assuming reinsurer is obligated to reimburse the ceding company
to the extent of the coverage ceded. The Company generally places all of its
reinsurance directly without the use of brokers.
47
<PAGE>
The Insurance Companies determine the amount and scope of reinsurance
coverage to purchase each year based upon their evaluation of the risks
accepted, consultations with reinsurance representatives and a review of
market conditions, including the availability and pricing of reinsurance. For
the year ended December 31, 1995, the Insurance Companies ceded to reinsurers
$9.4 million of earned premiums. For the nine months ended September 30,
1996, the Insurance Companies ceded earned premiums of $20.6 million. The
significant increase in ceded premiums in the nine-month period ended
September 30, 1996 reflects the effect of a new quota share reinsurance
treaty that was effective as of January 1, 1996 and which is described
herein.
The Insurance Companies' reinsurance arrangements are placed with
non-affiliated reinsurers, principally American Re, and are generally
renegotiated annually. Coverages described herein are generally for the year
ended December 31, 1996.
Except for certain excluded classes of property and losses due to flood,
the largest exposure retained by the Insurance Companies on any one
individual property risk is $150,000. Excess reinsurance is provided on a
treaty basis in layers as follows: Individual property risks in excess of
$150,000 are covered on an excess of loss basis up to $500,000 per risk
pursuant to a reinsurance treaty with American Re and Munich-American
Reinsurance Company ("Munich Re"). Except for certain excluded classes of
property and losses due to flood and auto physical damage, per risk property
losses in excess of $500,000 but less than $2.0 million are reinsured on a
proportional treaty basis by American Re and Munich Re. Facultative coverage
also is available for certain property risks in excess of $2.0 million per
risk.
Individual casualty risks for most lines of business, excluding umbrella
liability, that are in excess of $100,000 are covered on an excess of loss
basis, up to $2.0 million per occurrence pursuant to a reinsurance treaty
with American Re. In addition, casualty losses arising from workers'
compensation claims are reinsured on a per occurrence and per person treaty
basis by various reinsurers up to $10.0 million. Umbrella liability losses
are reinsured by American Re on a 95% quota share basis up to $1.0 million
and a 100% quota share basis in excess of $2.0 million up to $5.0 million
with a ceding commission of 27.5%.
Catastrophic reinsurance protects the ceding insurer from significant
aggregate loss exposure arising from a single event such as windstorm, hail,
tornado, hurricane, earthquake, riot, blizzard, freezing temperatures or
other extraordinary events. The Insurance Companies have purchased layers of
excess treaty reinsurance for catastrophic property losses for 1996, under
which the Insurance Companies reinsure 97.5% of losses per occurrence over
$3.5 million up to a maximum of $10 million and 100% of the losses between
$13.5 million and $30 million per occurrence. The Insurance Companies also
have an underlying catastrophe and aggregate excess of loss treaty
reinsurance agreement with American Re designed to protect against multiple
events each of which is below the $3.5 million retention under the primary
catastrophe reinsurance treaty. Under this agreement, losses are reinsured to
the extent of (i) (A) 95% of $1.5 million in excess of $3.5 million on
property catastrophe losses or (B) aggregate net losses exceeding a 75% loss
ratio in any accident year up to the lesser of a 78.33% loss ratio or $3.0
million, and (ii) 100% of losses in excess of $2.0 million for winter storm
losses during specified periods, up to a maximum of $3.0 million. The
Insurance Companies recovered under this latter coverage provision for losses
attributable to the January 1996 blizzard.
Effective January 1, 1996, the Insurance Companies and American Re entered
into a quota share reinsurance treaty. Under the terms of the treaty, the
Insurance Companies cede 20% of their liability remaining after cessions of
excess and catastrophic risks through other reinsurance contracts. The result
of the new quota share treaty is a pro rata sharing of risk (80% of losses
and loss adjustment expenses are borne by the Insurance Companies and 20% by
American Re) with both the Insurance Companies and American Re benefiting
from other excess and catastrophe reinsurance. This treaty protects the
Insurance Companies' surplus from high frequency and low severity type
losses. The Insurance Companies pay American Re a reinsurance premium equal
to 20% of premiums collected net of other reinsurance costs. Reinsurance
premiums due American Re on the quota share treaty are reduced by a ceding
allowance equal to 35% of the reinsurance premium. This reinsurance treaty is
designed to stabilize underwriting results.
Quota share reinsurance may be used to moderate the adverse impact of
underwriting losses to the ceding company but also decreases underwriting
profits which would otherwise be retained by the ceding company. The quota
share reinsurance treaty entered into by the Insurance Companies with
American Re has had, and will have, a material effect on the financial
condition and results of operations of the Insurance Companies during the
term of the reinsurance treaty.
48
<PAGE>
The insolvency or inability of any reinsurer to meet its obligations to
the Insurance Companies could have a material adverse effect on the results
of operations or financial condition of the Insurance Companies. American Re
and Munich Re are the Insurance Companies' major reinsurers, providing
approximately 64.2% of ceded reinsurance written. American Re and Munich Re
are both rated A+ (superior) by A.M. Best. The A+ rating is the second
highest of A.M. Best's fifteen ratings. For the year ended December 31, 1995
and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996, the Insurance Companies
paid reinsurance premiums in an aggregate amount of approximately $6.9
million and $17.2 million to American Re, respectively, and $847,000 and
$657,000 to Munich Re, respectively. The Insurance Companies monitor the
solvency of reinsurers through regular review of their financial statements
and A.M. Best ratings. The Insurance Companies have experienced no
significant difficulties collecting amounts due from reinsurers.
LOSS AND LAE RESERVES
Property and Casualty Reserves. The Insurance Companies are required by
applicable insurance laws and regulations to maintain reserves for payment of
losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") for both reported claims and for
claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR"), arising from the policies they
have issued. These laws and regulations require that provision be made for
the ultimate cost of those claims without regard to how long it takes to
settle them or the time value of money. The determination of reserves
involves actuarial and statistical projections of what the Insurance
Companies expect to be the cost of the ultimate settlement and administration
of such claims based on facts and circumstances then known, estimates of
future trends in claims severity, and other variable factors such as
inflation and changing judicial theories of liability.
The estimation of ultimate liability for losses and LAE is an inherently
uncertain process and does not represent an exact calculation of that
liability. The Insurance Companies' reserve policy recognizes this
uncertainty by maintaining reserves at a level providing for the possibility
of adverse development relative to the estimation process. The Insurance
Companies do not discount their reserves to recognize the time value of
money.
When a claim is reported to the Insurance Companies, claims personnel
establish a "case reserve" for the estimated amount of the ultimate payment.
This estimate reflects an informed judgment based upon general insurance
reserving practices and on the experience and knowledge of the estimator
regarding the nature and value of the specific claim, the severity of injury
or damage, and the policy provisions relating to the type of loss. Case
reserves are adjusted by the Insurance Companies' claims staff as more
information becomes available. It is the Insurance Companies' policy to
settle each claim as expeditiously as possible.
The Insurance Companies maintain IBNR reserves to provide for future
reporting of already incurred claims and developments on reported claims. The
IBNR reserve is determined by estimating the Insurance Companies' ultimate
net liability for both reported and IBNR claims and then subtracting the case
reserves for reported claims.
Each month, the Insurance Companies compute their estimated ultimate
liability using principles and procedures applicable to the lines of business
written. Such reserves are also considered annually by the Insurance
Companies' independent auditors in connection with their audit of the
Insurance Companies' combined financial statements. However, because the
establishment of loss reserves is an inherently uncertain process, there can
be no assurance that ultimate losses will not exceed the Insurance Companies'
loss reserves. Adjustments in aggregate reserves, if any, are reflected in
the operating results of the period during which such adjustments are made.
As required by insurance regulatory authorities, the Insurance Companies
submit to the various jurisdictions in which they are licensed a statement of
opinion by its appointed actuary concerning the adequacy of statutory
reserves. The results of these actuarial studies have consistently indicated
that reserves are adequate. Management of the Insurance Companies does not
believe the Insurance Companies are subject to any material potential
asbestos or environmental liability claims.
Based on actuarial studies, the IBNR reserve provision was increased at
December 31, 1995 by $1.8 million and at December 31, 1994 it was decreased
by $2.3 million. Prior to 1995, the Insurance Companies had consistently
shown loss reserve redundancies. This led to the decrease in the IBNR reserve
at December 31, 1994. At December 31, 1995, it was determined that the
December 31, 1994 reserves were deficient. This deficiency was primarily due
to a change in the methodology for case reserving for liability claims. The
change was
49
<PAGE>
to reserve cases at expected settlement value rather than at ultimate
exposure amounts. The 1995 actuarial study indicated that the reduction in
IBNR reserves coupled with the changes in case reserving methodology may have
been overstated. The majority of the December 31, 1995 IBNR reserve
strengthening was to correct potential deficiencies in the reserves for the
1994 accident year.
The following table provides a reconciliation of beginning and ending loss
and LAE reserve balances of the Insurance Companies for the years ended
December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30,
1996 and 1995 as prepared in accordance with GAAP.
RECONCILIATION OF RESERVE FOR LOSSES
AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
---------------------- ----------------------------------
1996 1995 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses at the beginning of period ... $52,091 $51,309 $51,309 $59,057 $59,629
Less: Reinsurance recoverables and
receivables ........................... 16,000 18,499 18,499 22,175 24,963
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net reserves for losses and loss
adjustment expenses at beginning of
period ................................ 36,091 32,810 32,810 36,882 34,666
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Add: Provision for losses and loss
adjustment expenses for claims
occurring in:
The current year .................. 35,719 33,861 48,067 51,959 44,950
Prior years ....................... (1,171) 31 2,442 (5,519) (2,796)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total incurred losses and loss
adjustment expenses ............. 34,548 33,892 50,509 46,440 42,154
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Less: Loss and loss adjustment expenses
payments for claims occurring in:
The current year .................. 23,978 20,307 29,970 35,196 25,952
Prior years ....................... 14,302 14,069 17,258 15,316 13,986
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total losses and loss adjustment
expenses ........................ 38,280 34,376 47,228 50,512 39,938
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net reserves for losses and loss
adjustment expenses at end of period . 32,359 32,326 36,091 32,810 36,882
Add: Reinsurance recoverables and
receivables .......................... 24,440 18,967 16,000 18,499 22,175
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment
expenses at end of period ............ $56,799 $51,293 $52,091 $51,309 $59,057
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
50
<PAGE>
The following table shows the development of the reserves for unpaid
losses and LAE from 1985 through 1995 for the Insurance Companies on a GAAP
basis. The top line of the table shows the liabilities at the balance sheet
date, including losses incurred but not yet reported. The upper portion of
the table shows the cumulative amounts subsequently paid as of successive
years with respect to the liability. The lower portion of the table shows the
reestimated amount of the previously recorded liability based on experience
as of the end of each succeeding year. The estimates change as more
information becomes known about the frequency and severity of claims for
individual years. The redundancy (deficiency) exists when the reestimated
liability at each December 31 is less (greater) than the prior liability
estimate. The "cumulative redundancy (deficiency)" depicted in the table, for
any particular calendar year, represents the aggregate change in the initial
estimates over all subsequent calendar years.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31,
---------------------------------------------------------
1985 1986 1987 1988 1989
-------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Liability for unpaid losses and LAE net of
reinsurance recoverable ................. $8,496 $10,115 $12,273 $15,921 $22,118
Cumulative amount of liability paid
through:
One year later ......................... 3,568 4,165 5,162 7,770 10,435
Two years later ........................ 4,418 5,540 8,158 10,783 14,097
Three years later ...................... 6,202 7,187 9,890 12,881 16,594
Four years later ....................... 6,712 7,866 10,946 13,924 18,165
Five years later ....................... 7,137 8,354 11,363 14,808 18,810
Six years later ........................ 7,392 8,566 11,864 15,203 18,965
Seven years later ...................... 7,646 8,853 12,014 15,575
Eight years later ...................... 7,901 8,890 12,107
Nine years later ....................... 7,972 8,913
Ten years later ........................ 8,073
Liability estimated as of:
Calendar year end ......................... 8,496 10,115 12,273 15,921 22,118
One year later ......................... 7,900 8,956 11,615 17,436 21,910
Two years later ........................ 7,558 8,951 13,206 17,474 22,113
Three years later ...................... 7,294 9,473 13,274 17,590 21,824
Four years later ....................... 7,246 9,679 13,306 17,554 21,924
Five years later ....................... 7,215 9,828 13,200 17,512 21,080
Six years later ........................ 7,255 9,627 13,057 17,387 20,878
Seven years later ...................... 7,179 9,618 13,264 17,262
Eight years later ...................... 7,208 9,890 13,125
Nine years later ....................... 7,204 9,798
Ten years later ........................ 7,281
Cumulative total redundancy (deficiency) . 1,215 317 (852) (1,341) 1,240
Gross liability -- end of year ...........
Reinsurance recoverables .................
Net liability -- end of year .............
Gross reestimated liability -- latest ....
Reestimated reinsurance recoverables --
latest .................................
Net reestimated liability -- latest ......
Gross cumulative (deficiency) redundancy .
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
(RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Liability for unpaid losses and LAE net of
reinsurance recoverable ................. $25,568 $29,107 $34,666 $36,882 $32,810 $36,091
Cumulative amount of liability paid
through:
One year later ......................... 11,052 11,063 13,986 15,316 17,258 --
Two years later ........................ 15,417 16,394 21,572 22,195
Three years later ...................... 18,827 21,110 23,665
Four years later ....................... 20,501 22,165
Five years later ....................... 21,646
Six years later ........................
Seven years later ......................
Eight years later ......................
Nine years later .......................
Ten years later ........................
Liability estimated as of:
Calendar year end ......................... 25,568 29,107 34,666 36,882 32,810 36,091
One year later ......................... 25,454 28,517 31,870 31,363 35,252 --
Two years later ........................ 25,774 28,044 28,716 32,359
Three years later ...................... 25,523 26,172 27,916
Four years later ....................... 24,191 25,352
Five years later ....................... 24,019
Six years later ........................
Seven years later ......................
Eight years later ......................
Nine years later .......................
Ten years later ........................
Cumulative total redundancy (deficiency) . 1,549 3,755 6,750 4,523 (2,442) --
Gross liability -- end of year ........... 59,057 51,309 52,091
Reinsurance recoverables ................. 22,175 18,499 16,000
--------- --------- ---------
Net liability -- end of year ............. $36,882 $32,810 $36,091
========= ========= =========
Gross reestimated liability -- latest .... 49,964 58,022
Reestimated reinsurance recoverables --
latest ................................. 17,605 22,770
--------- ---------
Net reestimated liability -- latest ...... 32,359 35,252
========= =========
Gross cumulative (deficiency) redundancy . 9,093 (6,713)
========= =========
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE>
The following table is derived from the preceding table and summarizes the
effect of reserve reestimates, net of reinsurance, on calendar year
operations for the same ten-year period ended December 31, 1995. The total of
each column details the amount of reserve reestimates made in the indicated
calendar year and shows the accident years to which the reestimates are
applicable. The amounts in the total accident year column on the far right
represent the cumulative reserve reestimates for the indicated accident
year(s).
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Effect of Reserve Reestimates on Calendar Year
Operations
--------------------------------------------------
Increase (Decrease) in Reserves for Calendar Year
--------------------------------------------------
1986 1987 1988 1989 1990
------- --------- ------- ------- -------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accident Years
1985 .................... (596) (342) (264) (48) (31)
1986 .................... (817) 259 570 237
1987 .................... (653) 1,069 (138)
1988 .................... (76) (30)
1989 .................... (246)
1990 ....................
1991 ....................
1992 ....................
1993 ....................
1994 ....................
Total calendar year effect (596) (1,159) (658) 1,515 (208)
</TABLE>
(RESTUBBED TABLE CONTINUED FROM ABOVE)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Cumulative
Deficiency
(Redundancy)
from
Reestimates
for
Each
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 Accident Year
------- ------- --------- --------- ------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Accident Years
1985 .................... 40 (76) 29 (4) 77 (1,215)
1986 .................... 109 (125) (38) 276 (169) 302
1987 .................... (117) 95 (134) (65) (47) 10
1988 .................... 84 70 101 (332) 14 (169)
1989 .................... 87 (253) 142 (719) (77) (1,066)
1990 .................... (317) 609 (351) (488) 30 (517)
1991 .................... (910) (222) (540) (648) (2,320)
1992 .................... (2,323) (1,282) 20 (3,585)
1993 .................... (2,365) 1,796 (569)
1994 .................... 1,446 1,446
Total calendar year effect (114) (590) (2,796) (5,519) 2,442 (7,683)
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE>
INVESTMENTS
All of the Insurance Companies' investment securities are classified as
available for sale in accordance with SFAS No. 115.
An important component of the operating results of the Insurance Companies
has been the return on invested assets. The Insurance Companies' investment
objective is to maximize current yield while maintaining safety of capital
together with adequate liquidity for its insurance operations. The Insurance
Companies' investments are managed by outside investment advisors.
The following table sets forth certain combined information concerning the
Insurance Companies' investments.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
At September 30, 1996 At December 31, 1995 At December 31, 1994
---------------------- ----------------------- ----------------------
Market Market Market
Cost(2) Value Cost(2) Value Cost(2) Value
--------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed income securities(1)
United States government and government
agencies and authorities ........... $28,803 $28,304 $33,419 $33,380 $33,270 $30,382
Obligations of states, municipalities and
political subdivisions ............. 60 60 1,553 1,566 3,687 3,666
Corporate obligations ................. 30,865 31,211 25,868 27,015 16,155 15,414
Collateralized mortgage obligations ... 5,862 5,932 9,564 9,840 17,916 17,364
Other obligations .................. 4,317 4,279 6,626 6,727 3,356 3,334
--------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
Total fixed income securities ...... 69,907 69,786 77,030 78,528 74,384 70,160
Equity securities ....................... 9,307 11,526 12,031 13,579 12,930 12,528
Other invested assets ................... 325 318 242 228 191 191
--------- --------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------
Total .............................. $79,539 $81,630 $89,303 $92,335 $87,505 $82,879
========= ========= ========= ========== ========= =========
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) In the combined financial statements of the Insurance Companies,
investments are carried at fair value as established by quoted market
prices on secondary markets.
(2) Original cost of equity securities; original cost of fixed income
securities adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of
discount.
The table below contains information concerning the investment ratings of
the Insurance Companies' fixed maturity investments at September 30, 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Type/Ratings of Amortized Market
Investment(1) Cost Value Percentages(2)
---------------------------- ----------- --------- --------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government and agencies $28,802 $28,304 40.6%
AAA ........................ 21,531 21,521 30.8
AA ......................... 5,674 5,668 8.1
A .......................... 9,117 9,298 13.3
BBB ........................ 4,548 4,674 6.7
----------- --------- --------------
Total BBB or Better ....... $69,672 $69,465 99.5%
BB ......................... 235 321 0.5
----------- --------- --------------
Total ..................... $69,907 $69,786 100.0%
=========== ========= ==============
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) The ratings set forth in this table are based on the ratings, if any,
assigned by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P"). If S&P's ratings were
unavailable, the equivalent ratings supplied by Moody's Investors
Services, Inc., Fitch Investors Service, Inc. or the NAIC were used where
available.
(2) Represents percent of market value for classification as a percent of
total for each portfolio.
53
<PAGE>
The table below sets forth the maturity profile of the Insurance
Companies' combined fixed maturity investments as of September 30, 1996
(substituting average life for mortgage-backed securities):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Amortized Market
Maturity Cost(1) Value Percentages(2)
--------------------------------------------- ----------- --------- --------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1 year or less .............................. $ 5,896 $ 5,853 8.4%
More than 1 year through 5 years ............ 17,114 17,075 24.5
More than 5 years through 10 years .......... 4,342 4,547 6.5
More than 10 years .......................... 9,567 9,558 13.7
Collateralized and asset backed securities(3) 32,988 32,753 46.9
----------- --------- --------------
Total ..................................... $69,907 $69,786 100.0%
=========== ========= ==============
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Fixed maturities are carried at market value in the combined financial
statements of the Insurance Companies.
(2) Represents percent of market value for classification as a percent of
total for each portfolio.
(3) Collateralized and asset backed securities consist of mortgage
pass-through holdings and securities backed by credit card receivables,
auto loans and home equity loans. These securities follow a structured
principal repayment schedule and are of high credit quality rated "AA" or
better by Standard & Poor's. These securities are presented separately in
the maturity schedule due to the inherent risk associated with prepayment
or early authorization. The average duration of this portfolio is 3.9
years.
The average duration of the Insurance Companies' fixed maturity
investments, excluding collateralized and asset backed securities which are
subject to paydown, as of September 30, 1996 was approximately 2.7 years. As
a result, the market value of the Company's investments may fluctuate
significantly in response to changes in interest rates. In addition, the
Company may experience investment losses to the extent its liquidity needs
require the disposition of fixed maturity securities in unfavorable interest
rate environments.
The Insurance Companies' net investment income, average cash and invested
assets and return on average cash and invested assets for the three years
ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995 and the nine months ended September
30, 1995 and 1996 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months
Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
---------------------- ----------------------------------
(Dollars In thousands)
1996 1995 1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Average cash and invested assets . $92,928 $94,302 $95,323 $94,891 $95,530
Net investment income ............ 3,434 3,409 4,458 3,932 3,928
Return on average cash and
invested assets ................. 4.9% 4.8% 4.7% 4.1% 4.1%
</TABLE>
A.M. BEST RATING
A.M. Best, which rates insurance companies based on factors of concern to
policyholders, currently assigns an "A-" (Excellent) rating (its fourth
highest rating category out of 15 categories) to the Insurance Companies as a
group. A.M. Best assigns "A" or "A-" ratings to companies which, in its
opinion, have demonstrated excellent overall performance when compared to the
standards established by A.M. Best. Companies rated "A" and "A-" have a
strong ability to meet their obligations to policyholders over a long period
of time. In evaluating a company's financial and operating performance, A.M.
Best reviews the company's profitability, leverage and liquidity, as well as
the company's book of business, the adequacy and soundness of its
reinsurance, the quality and estimated market value of its assets, the
adequacy of its loss reserves, the adequacy of its surplus, its capital
structure, the experience and competency of its management and its market
presence. No assurance can be given that A.M. Best will not reduce the
Insurance Companies' current rating in the future. See "Investment
Considerations -- A.M. Best Rating."
54
<PAGE>
COMPETITION
The property and casualty insurance market is highly competitive. The
Insurance Companies compete with stock insurance companies, mutual companies,
local cooperatives and other underwriting organizations. Certain of these
competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and operating
resources than the Insurance Companies. The Insurance Companies' ability to
compete successfully in their principal markets is dependent upon a number of
factors, many of which (including market and competitive conditions) are
outside the Insurance Companies' control. Many of the lines of insurance
written by the Insurance Companies are subject to significant price
competition. Some companies may offer insurance at lower premium rates
through the use of salaried personnel or other methods, rather than through
independent agents paid on a commission basis, as the Insurance Companies do.
In addition to price, competition in the lines of business written by the
Insurance Companies is based on quality of the products, quality and speed of
service (including claims service), financial strength, ratings, distribution
systems and technical expertise.
REGULATION
Insurance companies are subject to supervision and regulation in the
states in which they transact business. Such supervision and regulation
relates to numerous aspects of an insurance company's business and financial
condition. The primary purpose of such supervision and regulation is the
protection of policyholders. The extent of such regulation varies, but
generally derives from state statutes which delegate regulatory, supervisory
and administrative authority to state insurance departments. Accordingly, the
authority of the state insurance departments includes the establishment of
standards of solvency which must be met and maintained by insurers, the
licensing to do business of insurers and agents, the nature of and
limitations on investments, premium rates for property and casualty
insurance, the provisions which insurers must make for current losses and
future liabilities, the deposit of securities for the benefit of
policyholders, the approval of policy forms, notice requirements for the
cancellation of policies and the approval of certain changes in control.
State insurance departments also conduct periodic examinations of the affairs
of insurance companies and require the filing of annual and other reports
relating to the financial condition of insurance companies.
Examinations are regularly conducted by the Department every three to five
years. The Department's last examinations of Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard
Fire Company were as of December 31, 1991. The Department's last examination
of Goschenhoppen was as of December 31, 1994. These examinations did not
result in any adjustments to the financial position of any of the Insurance
Companies. In addition, there were no substantive qualitative matters
indicated in the examination reports that had a material adverse impact on
the operations of the Insurance Companies.
In addition to state-imposed insurance laws and regulations, the NAIC has
adopted risk-based capital ("RBC") requirements that require insurance
companies to calculate and report information under a risk-based formula that
attempts to measure statutory capital and surplus needs based on the risks in
a company's mix of products and investment portfolio. Under the formula, a
company first determines its Authorized Control Level risk-based capital
("ACL") by taking into account (i) the risk with respect to the insurer's
assets; (ii) the risk of adverse insurance experience with respect to the
insurer's liabilities and obligations, (iii) the interest rate risk with
respect to the insurer's business; and (iv) all other business risks and such
other relevant risks as are set forth in the RBC instructions. A company's
"Total Adjusted Capital" is the sum of statutory capital and surplus and such
other items as the RBC instructions may provide. The formula is designed to
allow state insurance regulators to identify potential weakly capitalized
companies.
The requirements provide for four different levels of regulatory
attention. The "Company Action Level" is triggered if a company's Total
Adjusted Capital is less than 2.0 times its ACL but greater than or equal to
1.5 times its ACL. At the Company Action Level, the company must submit a
comprehensive plan to the regulatory authority which discusses proposed
corrective actions to improve the capital position. The "Regulatory Action
Level" is triggered if a company's Total Adjust Capital is less than 1.5
times but greater than or equal to 1.0 times its ACL. At the Regulatory
Action Level, the regulatory authority will perform a special examination of
the company and issue an order specifying corrective actions that must be
followed. The "Authorized Control Level" is triggered if a company's Total
Adjusted Capital is than 1.0 times but greater than or equal to 0.7 times its
ACL, and the regulatory authority may take action it deems necessary,
including placing the company under
55
<PAGE>
regulatory control. The "Mandatory Control Level" is triggered if a company's
Total Adjusted Capital is less than 0.7 times its ACL, and the regulatory
authority is mandated to place the company under its control. The Insurance
Companies have never failed to exceed the required levels of capital. There
can be no assurance that the capital requirements applicable to the business
of the Insurance Companies will not increase in the future.
The NAIC has also developed a set of financial ratios, referred to as the
Insurance Regulatory Information System (IRIS), for use by state insurance
regulators in monitoring the financial condition of insurance companies. The
NAIC has established an acceptable range of values for each of the IRIS
financial ratios. Generally, an insurance company will become the subject of
increased scrutiny where four or more of its IRIS ratio results fall outside
the range deemed acceptable by the NAIC. The nature of increased regulatory
scrutiny resulting from IRIS ratio results outside the acceptable range is
subject to the judgment of the applicable state insurance department.
During the last three years, each of the Insurance Companies reported
results outside the acceptable range for certain IRIS tests including the
two-year overall operating ratio, investment yield, and the estimated current
reserve deficiency to surplus. The two-year overall operating ratio is a
measure of company profitability which combines three ratios: the loss ratio,
plus the expense ratio, minus the investment income ratio. A ratio result
below 100% indicates a profit, and a ratio result above 100% indicates a
loss. The investment yield calculation provides a measure of investment
performance. The investment yield expresses net investment income as a
percentage of the average cash and invested assets during the year. The
estimated current reserve deficiency to surplus ratio provides an estimate of
the adequacy of current reserves. The ratio is calculated as the difference
between estimated and reported reserves divided by policyholders surplus. The
table below sets forth IRIS ratios outside the acceptable range for the
Insurance Companies during 1993, 1994 and 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Insurance
Values
Equal to or Old Guard Mutual Old Guard Fire Goschenhoppen
----------------- ------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------
Ratio Name/Description Over Under 1995 1994 1993 1995 1994 1993 1995 1994 1993
------------------------- ------ ------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Two-Year Overall
Operating Ratio ........ 100 101 104 106 N/A
Investment Yield ........ 100 4.5 4.3 4.5 4.2 N/A
Estimated Current Reserve
Deficiency to Surplus .. 25 74 82 N/A
</TABLE>
For Old Guard Mutual, the 1994 and 1993 investment yields were outside the
acceptable range. This was attributable to substantial investments in
tax-exempt fixed income securities with reduced before tax investment yields.
For Old Guard Fire, the 1995 two-year overall operating ratio was outside
the acceptable range. For 1995 and 1994, operating results were adversely
impacted by winter storms and wind storms which resulted in significant
losses.
For Goschenhoppen, the 1995 and 1994 two-year overall operating ratio, the
1994 investment yield and the 1995 and 1994 estimated current reserve
deficiency to surplus were outside the acceptable range. The 1995 and 1994
two-year overall operating ratios were negatively impacted by poor
underwriting performance stemming from winter storm and wind storm activity
and adverse development on prior year losses. The 1994 investment yield was
adversely affected by substantial investments in tax-exempt fixed income
securities with lower before tax yields. For 1995 and 1994 the estimated
current reserve deficiency to surplus ratio was adversely affected by the
merger of Home Mutual Insurance Company into Goschenhoppen Mutual Insurance
Company to form Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company on December 31,
1993. The amounts upon which the projected deficiency were computed did not
reflect the combined entity. After considering such data, the ratio was
within NAIC limits. All 1993 ratios are not available for Goschenhoppen-Home
because the combined entity was not formed until December 31, 1993.
In 1996, the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act was amended to create
a more favorable business environment for employers and insurers. The
amendments to the Workers' Compensation Act provides employ-
56
<PAGE>
ers and insurers greater ability to control costs by (i) reducing wage loss
benefits by amounts of income received through other sources; (ii) requiring
claimants to submit to the employer's medical provider for 90 days following
the first visit after an injury; and (iii) requiring claimants to submit to a
medical examination after 104 weeks of disability.
Recently, an emergency regulation was promulgated in Maryland concerning
the content of antifraud plans of insurers. Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard
Fire are not required to supplement their existing antifraud plans under the
emergency regulation. Under the emergency regulation, all insurers licensed
in Maryland will be required to file an annual report containing fraud
related information. This report is similar to a report currently filed in
Pennsylvania and will be filed by Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire on or
before March 31, 1997 as required under the Maryland emergency regulation.
Failure to comply with the emergency regulation could result in regulatory
sanctions, including monetary penalties.
The states in which the Insurance Companies do business (Pennsylvania,
Maryland and Delaware), have guaranty fund laws under which insurers doing
business in such states can be assessed on the basis of premiums written by
the insurer in that state in order to fund policyholder liabilities of
insolvent insurance companies. Under these laws in general, an insurer is
subject to assessment, depending upon its market share of a given line of
business, to assist in the payment of policyholder claims against insolvent
insurers. The Insurance Companies make accruals for their portion of
assessments related to such insolvencies when notified of assessments by the
guaranty associations.
The property and casualty insurance industry has recently received a
considerable amount of publicity because of rising insurance costs and the
unavailability of insurance. New regulations and legislation are being
proposed to limit damage awards, to control plaintiffs' counsel fees, to
bring the industry under regulation by the federal government and to control
premiums, policy terminations and other policy terms. It is not possible to
predict whether, in what form or in what jurisdictions any of these proposals
might be adopted or the effect, if any, on the Insurance Companies.
Most states have enacted legislation that regulates insurance holding
company systems. Each insurance company in a holding company system is
required to register with the insurance supervisory agency of its state of
domicile and furnish information concerning the operations of companies
within the holding company system that may materially affect the operations,
management or financial condition of the insurers within the system. Pursuant
to these laws, the respective insurance departments may examine the Insurance
Companies, the Company and their respective insurance subsidiaries at any
time, require disclosure of material transactions by the Insurance Companies
and the Company and require prior approval of certain transactions, such as
"extraordinary dividends" from the Insurance Companies to the Company.
All transactions within the holding company system affecting the Insurance
Companies, the Company and their respective subsidiaries must be fair and
equitable. Approval of the applicable insurance commissioner is required
prior to consummation of transactions affecting the control of an insurer. In
some states, including Pennsylvania, the acquisition of 10% or more of the
outstanding capital stock of an insurer or its holding company is presumed to
be a change in control. These laws also require notice to the applicable
insurance commissioner of certain material transactions between an insurer
and any person in its holding company system and, in some states, certain of
such transactions cannot be consummated without the prior approval of the
applicable insurance commissioner.
The Company's insurance subsidiaries, including the Insurance Companies,
will be restricted by the insurance laws of the state of domicile as to the
amount of dividends or other distributions they may pay to the Company
without the prior approval of the state regulatory authority. Under
Pennsylvania law, the maximum amount that may be paid by each of the
Insurance Companies during any twelve-month period after notice to, but
without prior approval of, the Department cannot exceed the greater of 10% of
the Insurance Company's statutory surplus as reported on the most recent
annual statement filed with the Department, or the net income of the
Insurance Company for the period covered by such annual statement. As of
December 31, 1995, amounts available for payment of dividends in 1996 without
the prior approval of the Department would have been approximately $2.0
million, $879,000 and $494,000 from Old Guard Mutual, from Old Guard Fire and
from Goschenhoppen, respectively.
57
<PAGE>
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Insurance Companies are parties to litigation in the normal course of
business. Based upon information presently available to them, the Insurance
Companies' do not consider any threatened or pending litigation to be
material. However, given the uncertainties attendant to litigation, there can
be no assurance that the Insurance Companies' results of operations and
financial condition will not be materially adversely affected by any
threatened or pending litigation.
SUBSIDIARIES
The Insurance Companies jointly own all the capital stock of Old Guard
Investment Holding Company, Inc. ("Old Guard Investment"), a Delaware
corporation (Old Guard, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen own 79.0%, 15.4% and
5.6% of Old Guard Investment, respectively). Old Guard Investment owns all of
the capital stock of Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., a Pennsylvania
corporation ("CIMI"). CIMI is a management company that employs and pays
senior management of the Insurance Companies. CIMI derives all its revenues
from management agreements with the Insurance Companies. Old Guard Investment
also owns 2929 Service Corp., a licensed insurance agency that distributes
products of the Insurance Companies to customers whose agents are no longer
in business or no longer an agent for the Insurance Companies. 2929 Service
Corp. owns a 30% interest in Commonwealth Insurance Consultants, Inc.
("CIC"). CIC provides certain consulting services to other insurance
companies, but its financial condition and results of operations are
immaterial to the Insurance Companies.
After completion of the Conversion, the Insurance Companies intend to
transfer all of the capital stock of Old Guard Investment to the Company and,
as a result, Old Guard Investment will become a direct wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company and CIMI and 2929 Service Corp. will become a
second tier subsidiary of the Company. The Company will also indirectly own a
30% interest in CIC through the Company's ownership of Old Guard Investment.
PROPERTIES
The Company's and Insurance Companies' main offices are located at 2929
Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania in a 33,000 square foot facility owned
by Old Guard Mutual. Old Guard Fire owns a 25,000 square foot office facility
near the main office at 147 West Airport Road in Lancaster. Goschenhoppen
leases 7,500 square feet of office space in Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
Old Guard Investment has entered into an agreement to purchase a 21,507
square foot facility situated on 8.07 acres of land adjacent to the Company's
headquarters. The purchase price is expected to be $1.1 million. The parcel
of land will allow expansion to include an additional 50,000 square foot
facility. The Company has received an $880,000 mortgage loan commitment from
Dauphin for the purchase of such property. The mortgage loan will be for a
term of 15 years, carry a 20-year amortization schedule and bear interest at
an annual rate equal to the federal funds rate, plus 1.90% per annum. The
Mortgage loan will be repaid in 180 consecutive monthly payments of principal
and interest. The mortgage loan will be secured by the purchased property.
Old Guard Fire has listed the Airport Road facility for sale.
EMPLOYEES
As of September 30, 1996, the total number of full-time equivalent
employees of the Insurance Companies was 193. None of these employees are
covered by a collective bargaining agreement and the Insurance Companies
believe that employee relations are good.
58
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of the Company consists of James W. Appel, John E.
Barry, Luther R. Campbell, Jr., M. Scott Clemens, David E. Hosler, Richard B.
Neiley, Jr., G. Arthur Weaver and Robert Wechter, each of whom presently
serves as a director of one or more of the Insurance Companies. The Board is
divided into three classes with directors serving for three-year terms with
approximately one-third of the directors being elected at each annual meeting
of shareholders, beginning with the first annual meeting of shareholders
following the Conversion. Messrs. Campbell and Wechter have terms of office
expiring at the first annual meeting, Messrs. Appel, Clemens, and Weaver have
terms of office expiring at the annual meeting to be held one year
thereafter, and Messrs. Barry, Hosler, and Neiley have terms of office
expiring at the annual meeting to be held two years thereafter.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the directors
of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Age at Business Experience
September 30, Director for the Last Five Years;
1996 Since(1) Other Directorships
--------------- ---------- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
James W. Appel ......... 52 1980 Director, the Company and the Insurance Companies; Partner, Appel
& Yost LLP (law firm); Vice President, Aardvark Abstracting,
Inc. (title insurance agency).
John E. Barry .......... 70 1971 Director, the Company and Old Guard Fire; Retired Representative,
Hopper Soliday & Co., Inc. (investment banking and brokerage
firm); prior thereto, Registered Representative, Hopper Soliday
& Co., Inc.
Luther R. Campbell, Jr. 68 1992 Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual and Goschenhoppen; Partner,
Campbell Rappold & Yurasits LLP (C.P.A. firm); Director, Piel
& Egan P.C. (law firm); Member, First Union North Advisory Board
and First Union Lehigh Valley Advisory Board; prior thereto,
Director, First Fidelity Bancorporation.
M. Scott Clemens ....... 49 1994(1) Director, the Company and Old Guard Mutual; President/Owner,
John T. Fretz Insurance Agency, Inc.; prior thereto, Insurance
Agent, P/C Insurance Agency.
David E. Hosler ........ 45 1985(1) Chairman, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director, the
Company; Director and Chairman, the Insurance Companies; President
and Chief Executive Officer, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire;
Chief Executive Officer, Goschenhoppen.
Richard B. Neiley , Jr. 70 1991(1) Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen; Retired Insurance Executive, Harleysville
Insurance Group; prior thereto Independent Insurance Consultant.
G. Arthur Weaver ....... 63 1966(1) Director, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire; Insurance and
Real Estate Agent, George A. Weaver, Inc.; also, Director of
Sovereign Bancorp, Inc. and Sovereign Bank, F.S.B.
Robert L. Wechter ...... 67 1956(1) Director, the Company, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire; Owner,
Robert L. Wechter Insurance Agency; prior thereto, Vice-President,
Claims Department, Old Guard Mutual.
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Indicates year first elected as a director of one or more of the
Insurance Companies. All members of the Board of Directors of the Company
have served as directors of the Company since its incorporation.
59
<PAGE>
Following the Conversion, directors will be paid an annual retainer of
$10,000. Directors who are employees of the Company will not be paid an
annual retainer fee or other additional compensation for services performed
in their capacity as directors. No director of the Company has received any
remuneration from the Company since its formation. Directors of Old Guard
Mutual, Old Guard Fire and Goschenhoppen receive an annual retainer of
$5,400, $2,400 and $900, respectively, and each director is entitled to
receive a minimum annual retainer of $2,600 regardless of the number of
boards on which he serves. Directors also receive up to $150 for each
committee meeting attended. Directors of the Insurance Companies who receive
a salary from the Insurance Companies or their affiliates are not entitled to
receive an annual retainer or other additional compensation for services
rendered as directors or committee members.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers of the Company are elected annually and hold office
until their respective successors have been elected and qualified or until
death, resignation or removal by the Board of Directors of the Company.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive
officers of the Company.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Age at Executive
September 30, Officer Business Experience
Name 1996 Since(1) Title For the Last Five Years
------------------ --------------- ----------- ----------------------- -----------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David E. Hosler .. 45 1980 Chairman of the Board, Chairman, President, Chief Executive
President and Chief Officer and Director, the Company;
Executive Officer Chairman; President, Chief Executive
Officer and Director, the Insurance
Companies.
Mark J. Keyser ... 43 1991 Chief Financial Officer Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer,
and Treasurer the Company and the Insurance Companies.
Steven D. Dyer ... 39 1991 Secretary and General Secretary and General Counsel, the
Counsel Company and the Insurance Companies.
Scott A. Orndorff 40 1993 Executive Vice Executive Vice President of Operations,
President the Company and the Insurance Companies;
Vice President of Claims, the Insurance
Companies; prior thereto, Vice
President of Claim Operations, Gulf
Insurance Group.
Donald W. Manley . 43 1986 Vice President Vice President of Underwriting, the
Company and the Insurance Companies.
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Indicates year first appointed as an executive officer of one or more of
the Insurance Companies. Each executive officer of the Company was first
appointed on May 24, 1996.
60
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The executive officers of the Company have received no compensation from
the Company since its formation. The following table sets forth information
regarding the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief
Financial Officer and the Executive Vice President of the Company for each of
the fiscal years ended December 31, 1993, 1994 and 1995. The amounts below
represent the aggregate compensation paid in 1994 and 1995 to such executive
officers by CIMI pursuant to CIMI's management agreements with the Insurance
Companies. Amounts paid in 1993 were paid by Old Guard Mutual. No other
executive officer of the Company received compensation in excess of $100,000
for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Other All Other
Name and Annual Compen-
Principal Salary Compen- sation
Position Year (1) Bonus sation(2) (3)(4)
--------------------- ------ ---------- --------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
David E. Hosler 1995 $174,769 $10,501 $ 0 $16,370(5)
Chairman, President 1994 163,192 15,000 0 16,053(5)
and Chief Executive 1993 136,269 18,500 0 18,208(5)(8)
Officer
Mark J. Keyser, 1995 101,539 8,000 0 8,540
Chief Financial 1994 95,962 15,000 0 8,040
Officer and Treasurer 1993 84,554 15,600 0 7,565
Scott A. Orndorff, 1995 85,777 10,000 0 7,466
Executive Vice 1994 77,731 6,000 0 8,552(6)
President 1993 46,792 -- -- 10,557(7)(8)
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Includes amounts which were deferred pursuant to Old Guard Mutual's
401(k) plan. Under the 401(k) plan, employees who elect to participate
may elect to have earnings reduced and to cause the amount of such
reduction to be contributed to the 401(k) plan's related trust in an
amount up to 12% of earnings. Any employee who has completed 1 year of
service and has worked 1,000 hours in a plan year is eligible to
participate in the 401(k) plan.
(2) CIMI provided other benefits to the executive officers in connection with
their employment. The value of such personal benefits, which is not
directly related to job performance, is not included in the table above
because the value of such benefits does not exceed the lesser of $50,000
or 10% of the salary and bonus paid to any executive officer.
(3) Includes amounts contributed under a 401(k) plan for the benefit of the
executive officer. Old Guard Mutual will make a matching contribution
equal to 100% of the employee's salary reduction up to a maximum of 3% of
the employee's salary.
(4) Includes amounts contributed under a Profit Sharing Plan for the benefit
of the executive officer.
(5) Includes the amount of insurance premiums paid by the Insurance Companies
with respect to a split dollar term life insurance policy.
(6) Includes fair rental value of residential property owned by Old Guard
Mutual.
(7) The amount includes the amount of moving expenses paid by the Insurance
Companies.
(8) Includes the value of unused vacation purchased from the executive
officer under a one-time exception to customary policy.
61
<PAGE>
CERTAIN BENEFIT PLANS AND AGREEMENTS
In connection with the Conversion, the Company's Board of Directors has
approved certain stock incentive plans and employment agreements with the
executive officers of the Company. In addition, Old Guard Mutual has an
existing 401(k) plan and profit sharing plan in which the executive officers
of the Company will be eligible to participate after the Conversion.
Implementation of certain of these stock incentive plans requires shareholder
approval.
Stock Compensation Plan.
On ___________ 1996, the Company's Board of Directors adopted the Stock
Compensation Plan (the "Compensation Plan"), subject to receipt of
shareholder approval at the Company's first annual meeting of shareholders
after the Conversion.
The purpose of the Compensation Plan is to provide additional incentive to
directors and employees of the Company and the Insurance Companies by
facilitating their purchase of stock in the Company. The Compensation Plan
will have a term of ten years from the date of its approval by the Company's
shareholders (unless the plan is earlier terminated by the Board of Directors
of the Company) after which no awards may be made. Pursuant to the
Compensation Plan, a number of shares equal to 10% of the shares of Common
Stock that are issued in the Conversion would be reserved for future issuance
by the Company, in the form of newly-issued or treasury shares, upon exercise
of stock options ("Options") or stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), or the
grant of restricted stock ("Restricted Stock"). Options, SARs, and Restricted
Stock are collectively referred to herein as "Awards." If Awards should
expire, become unexercisable or be forfeited for any reason without having
been exercised or without becoming vested in full, the shares of Common Stock
subject to such Awards would, unless the Compensation Plan shall have been
terminated, be available for the grant of additional Awards under the
Compensation Plan.
The Compensation Plan will be administered by a committee of at least
three directors of the Company who are designated by the Board of Directors
and who are "non-employee directors" within the meaning of the federal
securities laws (the "Compensation Committee"). It is expected that the
Compensation Committee will initially consist of Directors James W. Appel,
Luther R. Campbell, Jr., and Richard B. Neiley, Jr. The Compensation
Committee will select the employees to whom Awards are to be granted, the
number of shares to be subject to such Awards, and the terms and conditions
of such Awards (provided that any discretion exercised by the Compensation
Committee must be consistent with the terms of the Compensation Plan).
It is intended that Options granted under the Compensation Plan will
constitute both incentive stock options (options that afford favorable tax
treatment to recipients upon compliance with certain restrictions pursuant to
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
and that do not result in tax deductions to the Company unless participants
fail to comply with Section 422 of the Code) ("ISOs") and options that do not
so qualify ("Non-ISOs"). The exercise price for Options will be the price at
which the Common Stock is sold in the Offering. The Compensation Plan permits
the Compensation Committee to impose transfer restrictions, such as a right
of first refusal, on the Common Stock that optionees may purchase. It is
possible that the Compensation Committee will impose transfer restrictions on
shares subject to options granted on the Compensation Plan's effective date.
No Option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the
date it is granted; provided, however, that in the case of any employee who
owns more than 10% of the outstanding Common Stock at the time an ISO is
granted, the option price for the ISO shall not be less than 110% of the
price at which the Common Stock is sold in the Offering, and the ISO shall
not be exercisable after the expiration of five years from the date it is
granted. An otherwise unexpired Option, unless otherwise determined by the
Compensation Committee, shall cease to be exercisable upon (i) an employee's
termination of employment for "just cause" (as defined in the Compensation
Plan), (ii) the date three months after an employee terminates service for a
reason other than just cause, death, or disability, (iii) the date one year
after an employee terminates service due to disability, or (iv) the date two
years after termination of such service due to the employee's death. Options
granted to non-employee directors will automatically expire one year after
termination of service on the Board of Directors (two years in the event of
death). Options granted at the time of the implementation of the Compensation
Plan are expected to be exercisable six months after the date such options
are granted.
62
<PAGE>
A SAR may be granted in tandem with all or any part of any Option or
without any relationship to any Option. Whether or not a SAR is granted in
tandem with an Option, exercise of the SAR will entitle the optionee to
receive, as the Compensation Committee prescribes in the grant, all or a
percentage of the excess of the then fair market value of the shares of
Common Stock subject to the SAR at the time of its exercise, over the
aggregate exercise price of the shares subject to the SAR. Payment to the
optionee may be made in cash or shares of Common Stock, as determined by the
Compensation Committee.
Restricted Stock is Common Stock which is nontransferable and forfeitable
until a grantee's interest vests. Nevertheless, the grantee is entitled to
vote the Restricted Stock and to receive dividends and other distributions
made with respect to the Restricted Stock. To the extent that a grantee
becomes vested in his Restricted Stock at any time during the "Restriction
Period" (as defined in the Compensation Plan) and has satisfied applicable
income tax withholding obligations, the Company may deliver unrestricted
shares of Common Stock to the grantee. Vesting of Restricted Stock may be
accelerated at the discretion of the Compensation Committee. At the end of
the Restriction Period, the grantee will forfeit to the Company any shares of
Restricted Stock as to which he did not earn a vested interest during the
Restriction Period.
The Company will receive no monetary consideration for the granting of
Awards under the Compensation Plan, and will receive no monetary
consideration other than the Option exercise price for each share issued to
optionees upon the exercise of Options. The Option exercise price may be paid
in cash or Common Stock. The exercise of Options and SARs and the conditions
under which Restricted Stock vests will be subject to such terms and
conditions established by the Compensation Committee as are set forth in a
written agreement between the Compensation Committee and the optionee (to be
entered into at the time an Award is granted). In the event that the fair
market value per share of the Common Stock falls below the option price of
previously granted Options or SARs, the Compensation Committee will have the
authority, with the consent of the optionee, to cancel outstanding Options or
SARs and to reissue new Options or SARs at the then current fair market price
per share of the Common Stock.
Although directors and officers of the Company generally would be
prohibited under the federal securities laws from profiting from certain
purchases and sales of shares of Common Stock within any six-month period,
they generally will not be prohibited by such laws from exercising options
and immediately selling the shares they receive. As a result, the Company's
directors and officers generally will be permitted to benefit in the event
the market price for the shares exceeds the exercise price of their Options,
without being subject to loss in the event the market price falls below the
exercise price.
Notwithstanding the provisions of any Award that provides for its exercise
or vesting in installments, all shares of Restricted Stock shall become fully
vested upon a "change in control" (as defined in the Compensation Plan) and,
for a period of 60 days beginning on the date of such change in control, all
Options and SARs shall be immediately exercisable and fully vested. In the
event of a change in control, the Compensation Committee may permit the
holders of exercisable Options to surrender their Options in exchange for
cash in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the Common
Stock subject to the Options over their exercise price. No Award is
assignable or transferable except by will or the laws of descent and
distribution, or pursuant to the terms of a "qualified domestic relations
order" (within the meaning of Section 414(p) of the Code and the regulations
and rulings thereunder).
The initial grant of Options under the Compensation Plan is expected to
take place on the date of the receipt of shareholder and regulatory approval
of the Compensation Plan, and the Option exercise price would be the price at
which the Common Stock is sold in the Offering. No decisions concerning the
number of options to be granted to any director or officer have been made at
this time. No SARs or Restricted Stock Awards are expected to be granted when
the Compensation Plan becomes effective, and no Awards would be made prior to
the receipt of shareholder approval of the Compensation Plan.
Employee Stock Ownership Plan.
In connection with the Conversion, the Company's Board of Directors has
adopted the Company's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "ESOP") for the
exclusive benefit of participating employees, to be implemented upon the
completion of the Conversion. Participating employees are all employees of
the Company and
63
<PAGE>
its subsidiaries who have attained age 21 and completed one year of service
with the Company or its subsidiaries. The Company will submit to the IRS an
application for a letter of determination as to the tax-qualified status of
the ESOP. Although no assurances can be given, the Company expects that the
ESOP will receive a favorable letter of determination from the IRS.
The ESOP intends to borrow funds from an unaffiliated lender in an amount
sufficient to purchase 10% of the Common Stock issued in the Conversion.
Although the ESOP has not yet received a commitment from a lender with
respect to such a loan, based on preliminary discussions with potential
lenders, the Company expects that the loan will bear an 8% interest rate, and
will require the ESOP to make monthly payments of approximately $35,000 for a
term of 10 years. The loan will be secured by the shares of Common Stock
purchased and earnings thereon. Shares purchased with such loan proceeds will
be held in a suspense account for allocation among participants as the loan
is repaid. The Company expects to contribute sufficient funds to the ESOP to
repay such loan, plus such other amounts as the Company's Board of Directors
may determine in its discretion.
Contributions to the ESOP and shares released from the suspense account
will be allocated among participants on the basis of their annual wages
subject to federal income tax withholding, plus any amounts withheld under a
plan qualified under Sections 125 or 401(k) of the Code and sponsored by the
Company or an affiliate of the Company. Participants must be employed at
least 500 hours in a calendar year in order to receive an allocation. A
participant becomes 100% vested in his or her right to ESOP benefits only
after completing 5 years of service. For vesting purposes, a year of service
means any year in which an employee completes at least 1,000 hours of
service. Vesting will be accelerated to 100% upon a participant's attainment
of age 65, death, or disability or a change in control of the Company.
Forfeitures will be reallocated to participants on the same basis as other
contributions. Benefits are payable upon a participant's retirement, death,
disability, or separation from service, and will be paid in a lump sum or
whole shares of Common Stock (with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares).
Dividends paid on allocated shares are expected to be credited to participant
accounts within the ESOP or paid to participants, and dividends on
unallocated shares are expected to be used to repay the ESOP loan.
The Company will administer the ESOP, and an unaffiliated bank or trust
company will be appointed as trustee of the ESOP (the "ESOP Trustee"). The
ESOP Trustee must vote all allocated shares held in the ESOP in accordance
with the instructions of the participants. Unallocated shares and allocated
shares for which no timely direction is received will be voted by the ESOP
Trustee in the same proportion as the participant-directed voting of
allocated shares.
Management Recognition Plan.
On _________________, 1996, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a
management recognition plan (the "MRP") subject to receipt of shareholder
approval at the Company's first annual meeting of shareholders after the
Conversion.
The objective of the MRP is to enable the Company to reward and retain key
personnel. Those eligible to receive benefits under the MRP will be directors
and executive officers of the Company and the Insurance Companies who are
selected by members of the Compensation Committee.
The MRP will be managed through a separate trust (the "MRP Trust"). The
Trustees of the MRP Trust (the "MRP Trustees"), who are expected to be the
members of the Compensation Committee, have the responsibility to invest all
funds contributed to the MRP Trust. The Company will contribute sufficient
funds to the MRP Trust so that the MRP Trust can purchase, from the Company,
up to an aggregate number of shares equal to 4% of the shares of the Common
Stock that were issued in the Conversion. Because the MRP will be acquiring
additional authorized but unissued shares after the Conversion, the interests
of existing shareholders will be diluted. It is possible that the Company's
Board of Directors will impose certain transfer restrictions on the shares of
Common Stock that the Company sells to the MRP, and that these restrictions
will reduce their value, for financial reporting purposes, to a price below
the fair market value of freely transferable shares as of the date of such
sale.
It is anticipated that all shares of Common Stock purchased by the MRP
Trust will be granted to eligible directors and executive officers at no cost
to them pursuant to the terms of the MRP. Unless the Compensation Committee
decides to the contrary (which is not expected to occur in the case of awards
made on the MRP's
64
<PAGE>
effective date), vesting will occur at the rate of 20% per year of service
following the award date. Unvested shares held in the MRP Trust shall be
voted by the MRP Trustees in the same proportion as the trustee of the
Company's ESOP trust votes Common Stock held therein, and shall be
distributed as the award vests. Dividends on unvested shares will be held in
the MRP Trust for payment as vesting occurs. At the election of the
participant, but subject to approval by the Compensation Committee, unvested
shares that would otherwise be held by the MRP Trust may be distributed to
the participant in the form of restricted stock subject to forfeiture. A
participant who has received restricted stock may vote such shares, will
receive any dividends paid thereon (subject to the same vesting rules
applicable to the restricted stock), and will be able to exchange restricted
shares for unrestricted shares as vesting occurs.
If an employee terminates employment for reasons other than retirement at
or after age 65 death, or disability, he or she forfeits all rights to the
allocated shares under restriction. If the employee's termination is caused
by retirement at or after age 65 death, or disability, all restrictions
expire and all shares allocated become vested and, consequently,
unrestricted. The same vesting rules apply to directors except that the
director retirement age is 70. The MRP provides that in the event of a change
in control of the Company, all shares of the Common Stock subject to
outstanding awards will be immediately payable to the holders of the awards.
Participants will recognize compensation income when their interests vest,
or at such earlier date pursuant to a participant's election to accelerate
income recognition pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code.
The Company's Board of Directors intends to seek shareholder approval of
the MRP at the first annual meeting of shareholders following completion of
the Conversion and can terminate the MRP at any time, and, if it does so, any
shares not allocated will revert to the Company. No decisions have been made
concerning the number of MRP awards to be granted to any director or officer.
Assuming shares are sold equal to the maximum of the Estimated Valuation
Range in the Conversion, and further assuming that share awards of restricted
stock have a value of $10 per share, the maximum aggregate value of MRP
awards to employees and non-employee directors upon the MRP's receipt of
shareholder approval would be $1.5 million. No awards will be made prior to
shareholder approval of the MRP.
Employment Agreements.
Chief Executive Officer. As of June 1, 1996, Mr. David E. Hosler entered
into an Employment Agreement with the Company and Commonwealth Insurance
Managers, Inc. ("CIMI"). The Employment Agreement has an initial three-year
term and provides for automatic annual one-year extensions commencing on June
1, 1997 and continuing on each June 1 thereafter unless the Company or Mr.
Hosler gives prior written notice of nonrenewal. Under the Employment
Agreement, Mr. Hosler is entitled to receive an annual base salary of not
less than $180,000. In addition, Mr. Hosler is entitled to participate in any
other incentive compensation and employee benefit plans that the Company
maintains.
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Hosler's employment for "Cause" as
defined in the Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler would be entitled to receive
his accrued but unpaid base salary and an amount for all accumulated but
unused leave time.
In the event the Company terminates Mr. Hosler's employment without Cause,
Mr. Hosler would be entitled to receive an annual amount equal to the greater
of (i) his highest base salary received during one of the two years
immediately preceding the year in which he is terminated, or (ii) his base
salary in effect immediately prior to his termination for the remainder of
the term of the Employment Agreement. In addition, Mr. Hosler would be
entitled to continuation annually during the remaining term of the Employment
Agreement, of (i) an amount equal to the higher of the aggregate bonuses paid
to him in one of the two years immediately preceding the year in which he is
terminated and (ii) an amount equal to the sum of the highest annual
contribution made on his behalf (other than his own salary reduction
contributions) to each of the Company's tax qualified and non-qualified
defined contribution plans (as such term is defined in Section 3(35) of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended ("ERISA") in the
year in which he is terminated or in one of the two years immediately
preceding such year. Mr. Hosler would also be entitled to certain retirement,
health and welfare benefits.
In the event Mr. Hosler terminates his employment with the Company with
"Good Reason," as defined in the Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler would be
entitled to receive the same amounts and benefits he would
65
<PAGE>
receive if terminated without Cause. In the event Mr. Hosler terminates his
employment with the Company without Good Reason, Mr. Hosler would be entitled
to receive his accrued but unpaid base salary until the date of termination
and an amount for all accumulated but unused leave time.
In the event of Mr. Hosler's death or disability during the term of his
Employment, Mr. Hosler and his eligible dependents or his spouse and her
eligible dependents, as the case may be, would be entitled to receive certain
cash amounts and certain health and welfare benefits.
In the event that Mr. Hosler is required to pay any excise tax imposed
under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax imposed under federal,
state or local law) as a result of any compensation and benefits received
under the Employment Agreement in connection with a change in control, the
Company will pay to Mr. Hosler an additional amount such that the net amount
retained by him, after the payment of such excise taxes (and any additional
income tax resulting from such payment by the Company), equals the amount he
would have received but for the imposition of such taxes.
The Employment Agreement further provides that in the event Mr. Hosler's
employment is terminated for Cause or without Good Reason prior to a "Change
in Control," as defined in the Employment Agreement, Mr. Hosler may not, for
a period of twelve months after the date of termination, without the prior
written consent of the Company's Board of Directors, become an officer,
director or a shareholder or equity owner of 4.9% or more of any entity
engaged in the property and casualty insurance business with its corporate
headquarters located within fifty miles of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In
addition, during Mr. Hosler's employment and for a period of 12 months
following the termination of his employment, except following a Change in
Control, Mr. Hosler may not solicit, endeavor to entice away from the
Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise interfere with the
relationship of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates with any person
who is, or was within the then most recent 12-month period, an employee or
associate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
Other Named Executive Officers. As of June 1, 1996, Mr. Mark J. Keyser,
Steven D. Dyer, Scott A. Orndorff and Donald W. Manley entered into
Employment Agreements with the Company and CIMI. The Employment Agreements
have an initial three-year term and provide for automatic annual one-year
extensions commencing on June 1, 1997 and continuing on each June 1
thereafter. Under the Employment Agreements, Messrs. Keyser, Dyer, Orndorff
and Manley are entitled to receive annual base salaries of not less than
$106,080, $87,200, $94,000 and $86,400, respectively.
In the event the Company terminates an Executive Officer's employment for
"Cause," as defined in the Employment Agreement, the executive would be
entitled to receive his accrued but unpaid base salary and an amount for all
accumulated but unused leave time.
In the event the Company terminates an Executive Officer's employment
without Cause, the Executive Officer would be entitled to receive an amount
equal to the greater of (i) his highest base salary received during one of
the two years immediately preceding the year in which he is terminated, or
(ii) his base salary in effect immediately prior to his termination for the
two-year period, beginning with the date of termination. In addition, the
Executive Officer would be entitled to continuation, for two years, of (i) an
amount equal to the higher of the aggregate bonuses paid to him in one of the
two years immediately preceding the year in which he is terminated and (ii)
an amount equal to the sum of the highest annual contribution made on his
behalf (other than his own salary reduction contributions) to each of the
Company's tax qualified and non-qualified defined contribution plans (as such
term is defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA), in the year in which he is
terminated or in one of the two years immediately preceding such year. The
Executive Officer would also be entitled to certain retirement, health and
welfare benefits.
In the event the Executive Officer terminates his employment with the
Company with "Good Reason," as defined in the Employment Agreement, the
Executive Officer would be entitled to receive the same amounts and benefits
he would receive if terminated without Cause. In the event the Executive
Officer terminates his employment with the Company without Good Reason, the
Executive Officer would be entitled to receive his accrued but unpaid base
salary and an amount for all accumulated but unused leave time.
In the event of the Executive Officer's death or disability during the
term of the Employment Agreement, the Executive Officer and his eligible
dependents or his spouse and her eligible dependents, as the case may be,
would be entitled to receive certain cash amounts and certain health and
welfare benefits.
66
<PAGE>
In the event that the Executive Officer is required to pay any excise tax
imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (or any similar tax imposed under
federal, state or local law) as a result of any compensation and benefits
received under his Employment Agreement in connection with a change in
control, the Company will pay to the Executive Officer an additional amount
such that the net amount retained by him, after the payment of such excise
taxes (and any additional tax resulting from such payment by the Company),
equals the amount he would have received but for the imposition of such
taxes.
The Employment Agreement for each Executive Officer further provides that
in the event the Executive Officer's employment is terminated for Cause or he
voluntarily terminates his employment prior to a "Change in Control," as
defined in the Employment Agreement, the Executive Officer may not for a
period of twelve months after the date of termination, without the prior
written consent of the Company's Board of Directors, become an officer,
director or a shareholder or equity owner of 4.9% or more of any entity
engaged in the property and casualty insurance business with its corporate
headquarters located within fifty miles of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In
addition, during the Executive Officer's employment and for a period of 12
months following the termination of his employment, except following a Change
in Control, the Executive Officer may not solicit, endeavor to entice away
from the Company, its subsidiaries or affiliates, or otherwise interfere with
the relationship of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates with any
person who is, or was within the most recent 12-month period, an employee or
associate of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
THE CONVERSION
The Plan has been approved by the Department, subject to the Plan's
approval by the policyholders of the Insurance Companies entitled to vote and
the satisfaction of certain other conditions imposed by the Department in its
approval. Approval by the Department does not constitute a recommendation or
endorsement of the Plan.
BACKGROUND AND REASONS FOR THE CONVERSIONS
The Insurance Companies annually review and adopt a strategic plan whose
goals, by their terms, have been expressly predicated upon company
independence and capital strength. The Insurance Companies have considered
various capital formation alternatives in the past, such as the issuance of
surplus notes or a stock offering by a subsidiary company. Surplus notes were
used in the past to enhance statutory capital and a subsidiary company
offering was actively considered in prior years. However, each was limited;
surplus notes do not provide either GAAP capital or permanent statutory
capital and a subsidiary offering may not yield the amount of capital the
Insurance Companies would like to obtain to fully implement their strategic
plan, which the Insurance Companies estimated to be $20 million.
As a result of the inadequate avenues for capital formation by mutual
insurance companies, the Insurance Companies were active supporters of the
Pennsylvania Insurance Company Mutual to Stock Conversion Act (the "Act"),
which is designed to encourage capital formation by changing the manner in
which Pennsylvania mutual insurance companies convert from mutual to stock
form. Under the Act, distribution of surplus to policyholders upon conversion
is not required. Instead, policyholders are given a first priority right to
purchase the stock of a converting company.
The Act was passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly in early December
1995. On December 12, 1995, management was directed by the Boards of
Directors of each Insurance Company to explore the process and feasibility of
conversion under the Act. On January 12, 1996, the Boards of Directors
authorized further study and requested a presentation with respect to the
process at its meeting on March 31, 1996. At the March 31, 1996 meeting,
counsel for the Insurance Companies made a presentation regarding conversion
under the Act, including the process, advantages and disadvantages of
conversion and public company status, tax considerations, the financial
impact of conversion and the costs of conversion. No decision regarding
conversion was made at this meeting. At a meeting of the Board of Directors
of each Insurance Company held on April 22, 1996, management was directed to
prepare the Plan for consideration at a special meeting to be held in May.
Effective May 31, 1996, the Board of Directors of each of the Insurance
Companies unanimously adopted, subject to approval by the Department and the
policyholders of each of the Insurance Companies, the Plan, pursuant to which
each of the Insurance Companies will convert from a Pennsylvania mutual
insurance company to a Penn-
67
<PAGE>
sylvania stock insurance company and become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company. The Insurance Companies did not engage a financial adviser in
connection with their decision to adopt the Plan. Each Board of Directors
unanimously adopted amendments to the Plan on July 19, 1996. An application
with respect to the Conversion was filed by the Insurance Companies on August
21, 1996 and notice of the filing and the opportunity to comment was
simultaneously mailed to all Eligible Policyholders as required by law. The
Insurance Companies know of no significant opposition to the Conversion from
the Insurance Companies' policyholders. The Department informed the Insurance
Companies on November 27, 1996 that it did not intend to hold any hearings
regarding the Conversion.
The Department has approved the Plan subject to its approval by the
policyholders of each of the Insurance Companies at their respective Special
Meetings called for that purpose to be held on ___________, 1997.
On November 19, 1996, the Company received an unsolicited request from
Donegal Group, Inc., an insurance holding company located in Marietta,
Pennsylvania ("Donegal") to amend the Plan to provide for the merger of the
Company into Donegal in exchange for an aggregate payment of $27.5 million to
all policyholders of the Insurance Companies, or less than $200 per
policyholder assuming equal distribution to all policyholders. Such amount
was proposed to be payable one-half in cash and one-half in a new class of
preferred stock of Donegal, the terms of which were not specified. The Boards
of Directors of the Company and the Insurance Companies met on November 22,
1996. Because such a transaction would not provide additional capital to the
Insurance Companies, would be inconsistent with their strategic plan of
continued independence and would be tantamount to a sale and liquidation of
the Insurance Companies, the Boards of Directors of the Company and the
Insurance Companies determined that the request was contrary to the best
interests of the Insurance Companies, including its policyholders, agents,
employees, suppliers and the communities they serve, and further declined to
consider the request. Therefore, the respective Boards of Directors affirmed
their course of independence and commitment to the Plan.
An application to acquire the Company was contemporaneously filed with the
Department by Donegal. In response to the application, the Department
informed Donegal that its application was both deficient and premature
because no stock of the Company is outstanding. Pending cure of these
deficiencies and approval of the application by the Department, the
Department informed Donegal that it is prohibited from (i) making any public
announcement of its request to the Company to amend the Plan, and (ii)
soliciting policyholders of the Insurance Companies in any way, including in
connection with the policyholder votes to be held on the Plan at the Special
Meetings. The Company believes Donegal will be unable to cure the
deficiencies in its application and secure Department approval, on a timely
basis, if at all. If Eligible Policyholders do not approve the Plan, the
Boards of Directors of the Insurance Companies intend to maintain their
current course of independence.
GENERAL
The Conversion will be accomplished through the filing with the Department
of State of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania amended and restated Articles of
Incorporation of each of the Insurance Companies. The Company has received
Department approval to exchange $16.0 million of the net proceeds of the
Offering for all of the capital stock of Old Guard Mutual, Old Guard Fire and
Goschenhoppen to be issued in the Conversion. See "Use of Proceeds." Upon
issuance of the shares of capital stock of the Insurance Companies to the
Company, the Insurance Companies will become wholly-owned subsidiaries of the
Company. The Conversion will be effected only upon completion of the sale of
at least the minimum number of shares of Common Stock required to be sold by
the Company pursuant to the Plan. The Conversion will be accounted for as a
simultaneous reorganization, recapitalization and share offering which will
not change the historical accounting basis of the Insurance Companies'
financial statements.
The following is a summary of certain aspects of the Conversion. The
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the
Plan, a copy of which is attached to the proxy statements prepared by the
68
<PAGE>
Insurance Companies in connection with the Special Meetings. A copy of the
Plan is available for inspection at the Company's principal executive offices
located at 2929 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Plan is also filed
as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a
part, copies of which may be obtained from the SEC. See "Additional
Information."
OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK
Under the Plan, the Company offered shares of Common Stock in a
subscription offering (the "Subscription Offering") first to the Eligible
Policyholders, second to the ESOP, and third to the directors, officers and
employees of the Insurance Companies. Subscription rights received in any of
the foregoing categories were subordinated to the subscription rights
received by those in a prior category, except that the ESOP will purchase 10%
of the shares of Common Stock issued in the Conversion. The Company
concurrently offered Common Stock to the general public in a Community
Offering (the "Community Offering").
All shares not purchased in the Subscription and Community Offerings are
being sold to a syndicate of underwriters to be managed by Legg Mason and
McDonald (collectively, the "Underwriters") for resale to the general public
in the Public Offering.
The completion of the Subscription, Community and Public Offerings are
subject to market conditions and other factors beyond the Company's control.
No assurance can be given as to the length of time that will be required to
complete the sale of Common Stock to be offered in the Conversion after
approval of the Plan by Eligible Policyholders at the Special Meetings. If
delays are experienced, significant changes may occur in the estimated pro
forma market value of the Company, together with corresponding changes in the
offering price and the net proceeds realized by the Company from the sale of
the Common Stock. The Insurance Companies would also incur substantial
additional legal, accounting and other expenses in completing the Conversion.
In the event that the Conversion is not completed, the Insurance Companies
will remain as mutual insurance companies and all subscription funds will be
promptly returned to subscribers without interest. In addition, the Insurance
Companies would be required to charge all Conversion expenses against current
income.
BUSINESS PURPOSES
The Company was formed to serve as the holding company for all of the
issued and outstanding capital stock of the Insurance Companies upon
completion of the Conversion. The portion of the net proceeds from the sale
of Common Stock in the Conversion that the Company will contribute to the
Insurance Companies will substantially increase the Insurance Companies'
surplus which will, in turn, enhance policyholder protection and increase the
amount of funds available to support both current operations and future
growth. The holding company structure also will provide greater flexibility
for diversification of business activities and geographic operations.
Management believes that this increased capital and operating flexibility
will enable the Company and the Insurance Companies to compete more
effectively with other insurance companies. In addition, the Conversion will
enhance the future access of the Company and the Insurance Companies to the
capital markets.
After completion of the Conversion, the unissued Common Stock and
preferred stock authorized by the Company's Articles of Incorporation will
permit the Company to raise additional equity capital through further sales
of securities and to issue securities in connection with possible
acquisitions. At the present time, the Company has no plans with respect to
additional offerings of securities following the Conversion, other than the
proposed issuance of additional shares under the MRP and Compensation Plan,
if implemented. Following completion of Conversion, the Company also will be
able to use stock-related incentive programs to attract, motivate and retain
highly qualified employees for itself and its subsidiaries. See "Management
of the Company."
EFFECT OF CONVERSION ON POLICYHOLDERS
General.
Each policyholder in a mutual insurance company, including each
policyholder of the Insurance Companies, has certain interests in its policy
issuing insurance company in addition to the contractual right to insurance
coverage afforded by the policyholder's policy of insurance. These interests
are (i) the right to vote with respect to the election of directors of the
company and certain other fundamental corporate transactions, such as an
amendment to the articles of incorporation of the company or a merger of the
company, (ii) the right to
69
<PAGE>
receive dividends if, as and when declared by the board of directors of the
company (the Insurance Companies have never declared a policyholder dividend
and have no intention of doing so in the future), and (iii) in the unlikely
event of a solvent dissolution of the company, the right to receive a pro
rata distribution of any surplus remaining after the satisfaction of all
claims and other liabilities of the company. However, these interests are
incident to, and contingent upon the existence of, the underlying insurance
policy. These interests have no tangible market value separate from such
insurance policy and a policyholder who terminates his policy automatically
forfeits the interests in the company described above. Policyholder interests
other than contract rights under policies of insurance will be terminated as
a result of the Conversion.
If the Plan is not approved by the Eligible Policyholders or if the
Conversion fails to be completed for any other reason, the Insurance
Companies will continue their existence as mutual insurance companies and
Eligible Policyholders will retain the rights described above.
Continuity of Insurance Coverage and Business Operations.
The Conversion will not affect the contractual rights of policyholders to
insurance protection under their individual insurance policies with the
Insurance Companies. During and after the Conversion, the normal business of
the Insurance Companies of issuing insurance policies in exchange for premium
payments and processing and paying claims will continue without change or
interruption. After the Conversion, the Insurance Companies will continue to
provide services for policyholders under current policies and by its present
management and staff.
The Board of Directors of each of the Insurance Companies at the time of
the Conversion will continue to serve as the Boards of Directors of the
Insurance Companies after the Conversion. The Board of Directors of the
Company will consist of the following persons, each of whom is an existing
director of one or more of the Insurance Companies: James W. Appel, John E.
Barry, Luther R. Campbell, Jr., M. Scott Clemens, David E. Hosler, Richard B.
Neiley, Jr., G. Arthur Weaver and Robert Wechter. See "Management of the
Company -- Directors." All officers of each of the Insurance Companies at the
time of the Conversion will retain their positions with the Insurance
Companies after the Conversion.
Voting Rights.
Upon completion of the Conversion, the voting rights of all policyholders
in each Insurance Company will terminate and policyholders will no longer
have the right to elect the directors of such Insurance Company or approve
transactions involving the Insurance Company. Instead, voting rights in the
Insurance Companies will be vested exclusively in the Company, which will own
all the capital stock of the Insurance Companies. Voting rights in the
Company will be vested exclusively in the shareholders of the Company,
including Eligible Policyholders who purchase shares of Common Stock in the
Subscription Offering. Each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to vote
on any matter to be considered by the shareholders of the Company, subject to
the terms of the Company's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and to the
provisions of Pennsylvania and federal law. See "Description of Capital Stock
- -- Common Stock."
Dividends.
The Conversion will not affect the right of a policyholder to receive
dividends from the Insurance Companies in accordance with the terms of the
policyholder's existing policy of insurance, which provides that dividends
will be paid only if, as and when declared by the Boards of Directors of the
Insurance Companies. However, the Insurance Companies have never declared a
policyholder dividend and have no present intention of doing so in the
future, whether or not the Insurance Companies convert to stock form.
Shareholders of the Company, including eligible policyholders who purchase
shares of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering, will have the exclusive
right to receive dividends paid by the Company, if any. See "Description of
Capital Stock -- Common Stock." Rights Upon Dissolution.
After the Conversion, policyholders will no longer have the right to
receive a pro rata distribution of any remaining surplus in the unlikely
occurrence of a solvent dissolution of the Insurance Companies. Instead, this
right will vest in the Company as the sole shareholder of the Insurance
Companies. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company, shareholders of the Company, including Eligible Policyholders who
purchase shares of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering, would be
entitled to receive, after payment of all debts and liabilities of the
Company, a pro rata portion of all assets of the Company. See "Description of
Capital Stock -- Common Stock."
70
<PAGE>
THE SUBSCRIPTION AND COMMUNITY OFFERINGS
Subscription Offering.
shares of Common Stock were subscribed for at the Purchase Price in
the Subscription Offering pursuant to nontransferable subscription rights by:
(i) certain Eligible Policyholders, (ii) the ESOP, and (iii) certain
directors, officers and employees of the Insurance Companies and shares
of Common Stock were subscribed for in the Community Offering by members of
the general public. The Subscription Offering and the Community Offering
terminated on , 1997.
STOCK PRICING AND NUMBER OF SHARES TO BE ISSUED
The Plan requires that the purchase price of the Common Stock be based on
the appraised pro forma market value of the Insurance Companies as
subsidiaries of the Company, as determined on the basis of an independent
valuation by an appraiser who is experienced in corporate valuation. The
Company has retained Berwind to prepare such appraisal. Berwind, as part of
its investment banking business, is engaged regularly in the valuation of
assets, securities and companies in connection with various types of asset
and security transactions, including mergers, acquisitions, private
placements, and valuations for various other purposes and in the
determination of adequate consideration in such transactions. Berwind
received a fee of approximately $75,000 for its appraisal.
Berwind has determined that, as of August 19, 1996, the estimated pro
forma market value of the Insurance Companies as subsidiaries of the Company
was $33,570,000. Under the Plan, the aggregate purchase price of the Common
Stock to be offered in the Conversion must equal the pro forma market value
of the Insurance Companies as subsidiaries of the Company. The Company, in
consultation with its advisors, has determined to offer the shares in the
Conversion at a price of $10.00 per share, and by dividing the price per
share into the Estimated Valuation Range, initially offered between 2,853,500
and 3,860,600 shares (exclusive of purchases by the ESOP) of the Common Stock
in the Conversion.
The Plan requires that an appraiser establish a valuation range (the
"Estimated Valuation Range") consisting of a midpoint valuation, a valuation
15 percent (15%) above the midpoint valuation (the "Maximum of the Valuation
Range") and a valuation 15 percent (15%) below the midpoint valuation (the
"Minimum of the Valuation Range"). Accordingly, Berwind established a range
of value from $28,535,000 to $38,606,000. Upon completion of the Public
Offering, after taking into account factors similar to those involved in its
prior appraisal, Berwind will submit to the Company and to the Department its
updated estimate of the pro forma fair market value of the Insurance
Companies as subsidiaries of the Company as of the last day of the Offering.
If such updated estimated valuation does not fall within the Estimated
Valuation Range, then, in such event, the Company, after consultation with
the Department, may terminate the Plan, establish a new Estimated Valuation
Range, extend, reopen or hold a new offering or take such other action as may
be authorized by the Department. Subscribers will be notified of any such
action by mail and, if a new Estimated Valuation Range is established,
subscribers will be given an opportunity to affirm, amend or cancel their
subscriptions. Subscription orders may not be withdrawn for any reason, if
the updated appraisal is within the Estimated Valuation Range.
Under the Act, the Company is permitted to require a minimum subscription
of 25 shares of Common Stock provided that any required minimum subscription
amount established cannot exceed $500. Based on these minimum subscription
parameters, the maximum price at which the Company could offer shares of
Common Stock in the Conversion is $20 per share. However, at a purchase price
of $20 per share the maximum number of shares of Common Stock that could be
offered in the Conversion would be 1,930,300 compared to a maximum of
3,860,600 at $10 per share. Therefore, the Company determined to offer the
Common Stock in the Conversion at the price of $10.00 per share to increase
the number of shares available for purchase by policyholders. There were no
other factors considered by the Board of Directors of the Company in
determining to offer shares of Common Stock at $10.00 per share in the
Conversion.
The appraisal is not intended, and must not be construed, as a
recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing Common Stock.
In preparing the valuation, Berwind has relied upon and assumed the accuracy
and completeness of financial and statistical information provided by the
Company and the Insurance Companies. Berwind did not independently verify the
financial statements and other
71
<PAGE>
information provided by the Company and the Insurance Companies, and Berwind
did not value independently the assets and liabilities of the Company and the
Insurance Companies. The valuation considers the Company and the Insurance
Companies only as a going concern and should not be considered as an
indication of the liquidation value of the Company and the Insurance
Companies. Moreover, because such valuation is necessarily based upon
estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which are subject to
change from time to time, no assurance can be given that persons purchasing
Common Stock will thereafter be able to sell such shares at or above the
initial purchase price. Copies of the appraisal report of Berwind setting
forth the method and assumptions for such appraisal are on file and available
for inspection at the principal executive offices of the Company. Any
subsequent updated appraisal report of Berwind also will be available for
inspection.
TAX EFFECTS.
General.
The Insurance Companies have obtained from the Internal Revenue Service
(the "IRS") a private letter ruling (the "PLR") concerning the material tax
effects of the Conversion and the Subscription Offering to the Insurance
Companies, Eligible Policyholders, and certain other participants in the
Subscription Offering. The PLR confirms, among other things, that the
Conversion of each of the Insurance Companies from a mutual to stock form of
corporation will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"),
and that, for federal income tax purposes: (i) no gain or loss will be
recognized by any of the Insurance Companies as a result of the Conversion;
and (ii) each Insurance Company's basis in its assets, holding period for its
assets, net operating loss carryforward, if any, capital loss carryforward,
if any, earnings and profits and accounting methods will not be changed by
reason of the Conversion.
SURPLUS NOTE
Pursuant to the terms of a $6,000,000 promissory note, dated December 20,
1989, as amended (the "Surplus Note"), payable by Old Guard Mutual to
American Re, American Re has the right upon completion of the Conversion to
convert the outstanding principal balance of the Surplus Note into that
number of shares of Common Stock equal to the outstanding principal balance
divided by the Purchase Price. The outstanding principal balance of the
Surplus Note was $1.5 million at September 30, 1996. American Re has elected
to convert the Surplus Note into 150,000 shares of Common Stock by assigning
the Surplus Note to the Company in exchange for 150,000 shares of Common
Stock upon completion of the Conversion. These shares are in addition to the
shares of Common Stock offered and sold in the Offering. Any accrued interest
outstanding at the time of conversion of the Surplus Note will be paid in
cash (accrued interest on the Surplus Note at September 30, 1996 was
approximately $140,000). See "Pro Forma Data."
LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK
The Plan provides for certain limitations upon the purchase of shares in
the Conversion. No person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of Common Stock
in the Conversion. Except for the ESOP, which intends to purchase 10% of the
total number of shares of Common Stock issued in the Conversion, no purchaser
(including any Eligible Policyholders who elect to purchase stock in the
Conversion), together with such person's affiliates and associates (as
defined in the Plan) or a group acting in concert (as defined in the Plan),
may purchase more than 193,030 shares of Common Stock in the Conversion (5%
of the number of shares equal to the maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range
divided by the Purchase Price). Shares of Common Stock to be held by the ESOP
and attributable to a participant thereunder shall not be aggregated with
shares of Common Stock purchased by such participant or any other purchaser
of Common Stock in the Conversion. Officers and directors of the Insurance
Companies and the Company, together with their associates, may not purchase,
in the aggregate, more than thirty-four percent (34%) of the shares of Common
Stock. Directors of the Company and of the Insurance Companies shall not be
deemed to be associates of one another or a group acting in concert with
other directors solely as a result of membership on the Board of Directors of
the Company or the Board of Directors of any Insurance Company or any
subsidiary of an Insurance Company.
72
<PAGE>
Each person purchasing Common Stock in the Conversion shall be deemed to
confirm that such purchase does not conflict with the purchase limitations
under the Plan or otherwise imposed by law. In the event that such purchase
limitations are violated by any person (including any associate or affiliate
of such person or person otherwise acting in concert with such person), the
Company shall have the right to purchase from such person at the Purchase
Price all shares acquired by such person in excess of any such purchase
limitation or, if such excess shares have been sold by such person, to
receive the difference between the aggregate Purchase Price paid for such
excess shares and the proceeds received by such person from the sale of such
excess shares. This right of the Company to purchase such excess shares shall
be assignable by the Company.
PROPOSED MANAGEMENT PURCHASES
The following table sets forth information regarding the approximate
number of shares of Common Stock intended to be purchased by each of the
directors and executive officers of the Company and the Insurance Companies,
including each such person's associates, and by all directors, trustees and
executive officers as a group, including all of their associates, and other
related information. For purposes of the following table, it has been assumed
that 3,357,000 shares of the Common Stock will be sold at $10 per share, the
midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range (see "The Conversion -- Stock
Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued") and that sufficient shares will
be available to satisfy subscriptions in all categories.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Total
Name Shares(1)(2)(3)
--------------------------- -----------
<S> <C>
Robert C. Alderfer (4) ...................................... 500
James W. Appel (5) .......................................... 1,000
John E. Barry (5) ........................................... 1,000
Luther R. Campbell, Jr. (6) ................................. 3,000
M. Scott Clemens (6) ........................................ 2,500
Steven D. Dyer (7) .......................................... 6,500
Stanley E. Honig (8) ........................................ 5,000
David E. Hosler (9) ......................................... 12,000
William S. Huber (8) ........................................ 1,000
Mark J. Keyser (10) ......................................... 8,000
Noah W. Kreider, Jr. (11) ................................... 500
C. Donald Lechner (4) ....................................... 500
Donald W. Manley (12) ....................................... 5,000
Richard B. Neiley, Jr. (5) .................................. 2,500
Scott A. Orndorff (12) ...................................... 6,000
Robert L. Spanninger (4) .................................... 500
G. Arthur Weaver (13) ....................................... 500
Robert L. Wechter (13) ...................................... 250
-----------
Total ....................................................... 56,250
</TABLE>
- ------
(1) Does not include shares that could be allocated to participants in the
ESOP, under which officers and other employees would be allocated, in the
aggregate, 10% of the Common Stock issued in the Conversion.
(2) Does not include shares that would be awarded to participants in the MRP,
if implemented, under which directors, officers and other employees would
be awarded, at no cost to them, an aggregate number of newly issued
shares equal to 4% of the Common Stock issued in the Conversion (134,280
shares at the midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range). The dollar
amount of the Common Stock to be purchased by the MRP is based on the
purchase price in the Conversion and does not reflect possible increases
or decreases in the value of such stock relative to the price per share
in the Conversion. Implementation of the MRP requires shareholder
approval.
(3) Does not include shares that would be purchased by participants in the
Compensation Plan, if implemented, under which directors, executive
officers and other employees would be granted options to purchase an
aggregate amount of Common Stock equal to 10% of the shares issued in the
Conversion (335,700 shares
73
<PAGE>
at the midpoint of the Estimated Valuation Range) at exercise prices
equal to the price at which the Common Stock is sold in the Offering.
Shares issued pursuant to the exercise of options could be from treasury
stock or newly issued shares. Implementation of the Compensation Plan
requires shareholder approval.
(4) Director of Goschenhoppen.
(5) Director of the Company and the Insurance Companies.
(6) Director of the Company and Old Guard Mutual.
(7) Secretary and General Counsel of the Company.
(8) Director of Old Guard Fire.
(9) Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the
Insurance Companies and President of the Company, Old Guard Mutual and
Old Guard Fire.
(10) Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Insurance
Companies.
(11) Director of Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire.
(12) Vice President of the Company and the Insurance Companies.
(13) Director of the Company, Old Guard Mutual and Old Guard Fire.
LIMITATIONS ON RESALES
The Common Stock issued in the Conversion will be freely transferable
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act"); provided,
however that (i) shares issued in a Private Placement, if any, would be
subject to transfer restrictions under Rule 144 of the 1933 Act, and (ii)
shares issued to directors and officers of any of the Insurance Companies or
of the Company would be restricted as to transfer for a period of one year
from the Effective Date pursuant to the provisions of the Conversion Act and
would be subject to additional resale restrictions under Rule 144 of the 1933
Act. Shares of Common Stock issued to directors and officers will bear a
legend giving appropriate notice of these restrictions and the Company will
give instructions to the transfer agent for the Common Stock with respect to
these transfer restrictions. Any shares issued to directors and officers as a
stock dividend, stock split or otherwise with respect to restricted stock
shall be subject to the same restrictions. Shares acquired by directors and
officers other than in the Conversion will not be subject to certain
restrictions.
In addition, under guidelines of the NASD, members of the NASD and their
associates are subject to certain restrictions on the transfer of securities
purchased in accordance with subscription rights and to certain reporting
requirements upon purchase of such securities.
INTERPRETATION AND AMENDMENT OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION
To the extent permitted by law, all interpretations of the Plan by the
Board of Directors of each Insurance Company and the Board of Directors of
the Company will be final. The Plan may be amended at any time before it is
approved by the Department by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
directors of the Company and each Insurance Company. The Plan similarly may
be amended at any time after it is approved by the Department, subject to the
Department's approval of such amendment. The Plan may be amended at any time
after it is approved by the Eligible Policyholders of each Insurance Company
and prior to the Effective Date by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
directors of the Company and of each Insurance Company then in office;
provided, however, that any such amendment shall be subject to approval by
the Department; and provided further, that, if such amendment is determined
by the Department to be material, such amendment shall be subject to approval
by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting
of Eligible Policyholders called for that purpose. In the event Eligible
Policyholders are required to approve an amendment to the Plan, the Company
will send an a Proxy Statement to each Eligible Policyholder as soon as
practical after the amendment is approved by the directors of the Company and
each Insurance Company and, if required, the Department.
74
<PAGE>
In the event that the Department adopts mandatory regulations applicable
to the Conversion prior to the Effective Date, the Plan may be amended to
conform to such regulations at any time prior to such Effective Date by the
affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors of the Company and of each
Insurance Company, and no resolicitation of proxies or further approval by
Eligible Policyholders shall be required. In the event that the Department
adopts regulations applicable to the Conversion prior to the Effective Date
and if such regulations contain optional provisions, the Plan may be amended
to conform to any such optional provision at any time before such Effective
Date by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors of the Company
and of each Insurance Company, and no resolicitation of proxies or further
approval by Eligible Policyholders shall be required.
TERMINATION
The Plan may be terminated at any time before it is approved by the
Department by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors of the
Company and of each Insurance Company. The Plan may be terminated at any time
after it is approved by the Department by the affirmative vote of two-thirds
of the directors of the Company and of each Insurance Company. The Plan may
be terminated at any time after it is approved by Eligible Policyholders and
prior to the Effective Date by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the
directors of the Company and of each Insurance Company; provided, however,
that any such termination shall be subject to approval by the Department.
CONDITIONS
As required by the Plan, the Plan has been approved by the Department and
the Board of Directors of the Company and each of the Insurance Companies.
Completion of the Conversion also requires approval of the Plan by the
affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes cast by Eligible
Policyholders of each of the Insurance Companies. If the Eligible
Policyholders do not approve the Plan, the Plan will be terminated, and the
Insurance Companies will continue to conduct business as mutual insurance
companies.
UNDERWRITING
The Company has entered into an Underwriting Agreement (the "Underwriting
Agreement") with the underwriters listed in the table below (referred to
individually as an "Underwriter" and collectively as the "Underwriters"), for
whom Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated and McDonald & Company Securities,
Inc. are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"). Subject to the
terms and conditions set forth in the Underwriting Agreement, the Company has
agreed to sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters has
severally agreed to purchase from the Company, the number of shares of Common
Stock set forth opposite each Underwriter's name in the table below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Underwriters Number of Shares
--------------------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C>
Legg Mason Wood Walker, Incorporated ..
McDonald & Company Securities, Inc. ...
--------------------
TOTAL ...............................
====================
</TABLE>
Subject to the terms and conditions of the Underwriting Agreement, the
Underwriters have agreed to purchase all of the Common Stock being sold
pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement if any is purchased (excluding shares
covered by the over-allotment option granted therein). In the event of a
default by any Underwriter, the Underwriting Agreement provides that, in
certain circumstances, purchase commitments of the non-defaulting
Underwriters may be increased or the Underwriting Agreement may be
terminated.
The Representatives have advised the Company that the Underwriters
proposed to offer the Common Stock to the public initially at the public
offering price set forth in the cover page of this Prospectus and to selected
dealers at such price less a concession of not more than $------ per share.
Additionally, the Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of $------ per share to certain other dealers. After
the initial public offering, the public offering price and other selling
terms may be changed by the Underwriters.
75
<PAGE>
The Company has granted to the Underwriters an option, exercisable within
30 days after the date of this Prospectus, to purchase up to an additional
- ------ shares of Common Stock at the same price per share to be paid by the
Underwriters for the other shares offered hereby and such that the total
number of shares sold in the Conversion will not exceed the maximum of the
Estimated Valuation Range. If the Underwriters purchase any of such
additional shares pursuant to this option, each Underwriter will be committed
to purchase such additional shares in approximately the same proportion as
set forth in the table above. The Underwriters may exercise the option only
for the purpose of covering over-allotment, if any, made in connection with
the distribution of the Common Stock offered hereby.
The initial public offering price of the shares of Common Stock will be
$10.00 per share, as specified in the Plan. See "The Conversion -- Stock
Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued" herein.
The Representatives have informed the Company that the Underwriters will
not, without customer authority, confirm sales to any accounts over which
they exercise discretionary authority.
The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters and their controlling
persons against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the
1933 Act, or to contribute to payments the Underwriters may be required to
make in respect thereof.
CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION
OF THE COMPANY
PENNSYLVANIA LAW
The Pennsylvania BCL contains certain provisions applicable to the Company
that may have the effect of impeding a change in control of the Company.
These provisions, among other things, (a) require that, following any
acquisition by any person or group of 20% of a public corporation's voting
power, the remaining shareholders have the right to receive payment for their
shares, in cash, from such person or group in an amount equal to the "fair
value" of their shares, including an increment representing a proportion of
any value payable for acquisition of control of the corporation; and (b)
prohibit, for five years after an interested shareholder's acquisition date,
a "business combination" (which includes a merger or consolidation of the
corporation or a sale, lease or exchange of assets having a minimum specified
aggregate value or representing a minimum specified percentage earning power
or net income of the corporation) with a shareholder or group of shareholders
beneficially owning 20% or more of a public corporation's voting power.
In 1990, the Pennsylvania legislature further amended the Pennsylvania BCL
to expand the antitakeover protections afforded by Pennsylvania law by
redefining the fiduciary duty of directors and adopting disgorgement and
control-share acquisition statutes. To the extent applicable to the Company
at the present time, this legislation generally (a) expands the factors and
groups (including shareholders) that the Board of Directors can consider in
determining whether a certain action is in the best interests of the
corporation; (b) provides that the Board of Directors need not consider the
interests of any particular group as dominant or controlling; (c) provides
that directors, in order to satisfy the presumption that they have acted in
the best interests of the corporation, need not satisfy any greater
obligation or higher burden of proof with respect to actions relating to an
acquisition or potential acquisition of control; (d) provides that actions
relating to acquisitions of control that are approved by a majority of
"disinterested directors" are presumed to satisfy the directors' standard
unless it is proven by clear and convincing evidence that the directors did
not assent to such action in good faith after reasonable investigation; and
(e) provides that the fiduciary duty of directors is solely to the
corporation and may be enforced by the corporation or by a shareholder in a
derivative action, but not by a shareholder directly. The 1990 amendments to
the BCL explicitly provide that the fiduciary duty of directors shall not be
deemed to require directors (a) to redeem any rights under, or to modify or
render inapplicable, any shareholder rights plan; (b) to render inapplicable,
or make determinations under, provisions of the BCL relating to control
transactions, business combinations, control-share acquisitions or
disgorgement by certain controlling shareholders following attempts to
acquire control; or (c) to act as the board of directors, a committee of the
board or an individual director solely because of the effect such action
might have on an acquisition or potential or proposed acquisition of control
of the corporation or the consideration that might be offered or paid to
shareholders in such an acquisition. One of the effects of these fiduciary
duty provisions may be to make it more difficult for a share-
76
<PAGE>
holder to successfully challenge the actions of the Company's Board of
Directors in a potential change in control context. Pennsylvania case law
appears to provide that the fiduciary duty standard under the 1990 amendment
to the BCL grants directors the statutory authority to reject or refuse to
consider any potential or proposed acquisition of the corporation.
Under the Pennsylvania control-share acquisition statute, a person or
group is entitled to voting rights with respect to "control shares" only
after shareholders (both disinterested shareholders and all shareholders)
have approved the granting of such voting rights at a meeting of
shareholders. "Control shares" are shares acquired since January 1, 1988,
that upon acquisition of voting power by an "acquiring person," would result
in a "control-share acquisition." ("Control shares" also include voting
shares where beneficial ownership was acquired by the "acquiring person"
within 180 days of the control-share acquisition or with the intention of
making a control-share acquisition.) An "acquiring person" is a person or
group who makes or proposes to make a "control-share acquisition." A
"control-share acquisition" is an acquisition, directly or indirectly, of
voting power over voting shares that would, when added to all voting power of
the person over other voting shares, entitle the person to cast or direct the
casting of such percentage of votes for the first time with respect to any of
the following ranges that all shareholders would be entitled to cast in an
election of directors: (a) at least 20% but less than 33-1/3%; (b) at least
33-1/3 but less than 50%; or (c) 50% or more. The effect of these provisions
is to require a new shareholder vote when each threshold is exceeded. In the
event shareholders do not approve the granting of voting rights, voting
rights are lost only with respect to "control shares."
A special meeting of shareholders is required to be called to establish
voting rights of control shares if an acquiring person (a) files with the
corporation an information statement containing specified information, (b)
makes a written request for a special meeting at the time of delivery of the
information statement, (c) makes a control-share acquisition or a bona fide
written offer to make a control-share acquisition, and (d) provides a written
undertaking at the time of delivery of the information statement to pay or
reimburse the corporation for meeting expenses. If the information statement
is filed and a control-share acquisition is made or proposed to be made, but
no request for a special meeting is made or no written undertaking to pay
expenses is provided, the issue of voting rights will be submitted to
shareholders at the next annual or special meeting of shareholders of the
corporation.
A corporation may redeem all "control shares" at the average of the high
and low sales price, as reported on a national securities exchange or
national quotation system or similar quotation system, on the date the
corporation provides notice of redemption (a) at any time within 24 months
after the date on which the control-share acquisition occurs if the
acquiring person does not, within 30 days after the completion of the
control-share acquisition, properly request that shareholders consider the
issue of voting rights to be accorded to control shares and (b) at any time
within 24 months after the issue of voting rights is submitted to
shareholders and such voting rights either are not accorded or are accorded
and subsequently lapse. Voting rights accorded to control shares by a vote of
shareholders lapse and are lost if any proposed control-share acquisition is
not consummated within 90 days after shareholder approval is obtained.
A person will not be considered an "acquiring person" if the person holds
voting power within any of the ranges specified in the definition of
"control-share acquisition" as a result of a solicitation of revocable
proxies if such proxies (a) are given without consideration in response to a
proxy or consent solicitation made in accordance with the Exchange Act and
(b) do not empower the holder to vote the shares except on the specific
matters described in the proxy and in accordance with the instructions of the
giver of the proxy.
The statute does not apply to certain control-share acquisitions effected
pursuant to a gift or laws of inheritance, in connection with certain family
trusts or pursuant to a merger, consolidation or plan of share exchange if
the corporation is a party to the agreement.
The effect of this statutory provision is to deter the accumulation of a
substantial block of Common Stock, including accumulation with a view to
effecting a non-negotiated tender or exchange offer for Common Stock.
Under the disgorgement provisions of the Pennsylvania BCL, any profit
realized by any person or group who is or was a "controlling person or group"
from the disposition of any equity security of a corporation shall belong to
and be recoverable by the corporation where the profit is realized (i) within
18 months after the person becomes a "controlling person or group" and (ii)
the equity security had been acquired by the "controlling person or group"
within 24 months prior to or 18 months after obtaining the status of a
"controlling person or group."
77
<PAGE>
A "controlling person or group" is a person or group who (a) has acquired,
offered to acquire or, directly or indirectly, publicly disclosed the
intention of acquiring 20% voting power of the corporation or (b) publicly
disclosed that it may seek to acquire control of the corporation.
A person will not be deemed a "controlling person or group" if the person
holds voting power as a result of a solicitation of revocable proxies if,
among other things, such proxies (a) are given without consideration in
response to a proxy or consent solicitation made in accordance with the
Exchange Act and (b) do not empower the holder to vote the shares except on
the specific matters described in the proxy and in accordance with the
instructions of the giver of the proxy. This exception does not apply to
proxy contests in connection with or as a means toward acquiring control of
the Company.
The effect of this statutory provision is to deter the accumulation of a
substantial block of Common Stock with a view to putting the Company "in
play" and then selling shares at a profit (whether to the Company, in the
market or in connection with an acquisition of the Company).
CERTAIN ANTI-TAKEOVER PROVISIONS IN THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS
While the Board of Directors of the Company is not aware of any effort
that might be made to obtain control of the Company after Conversion, the
Board believes that it is appropriate to include certain provisions as part
of the Company's Articles of Incorporation to protect the interests of the
Company and its shareholders from hostile takeovers that the Board might
conclude are not in the best interests of the Company or the Company's
shareholders. These provisions may have the effect of discouraging a future
takeover attempt that is not approved by the Board but which individual
shareholders may deem to be in their best interests or in which shareholders
may receive a substantial premium for their shares over the then current
market price. As a result, shareholders who might desire to participate in
such a transaction may not have an opportunity to do so. Such provisions will
also render the removal of the Company's current Board of Directors or
management more difficult.
The following discussion is a general summary of certain provisions of the
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company that may be deemed to
have such an "anti-takeover" effect. The description of these provisions is
necessarily general and reference should be made in each case to the Articles
of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company. For information regarding how to
obtain a copy of these documents without charge, see "Additional
Information."
Classified Board of Directors and Related Provisions
The Company's Articles of Incorporation provide that the Board of
Directors is to be divided into three classes which shall be as nearly equal
in number as possible. The directors in each class will hold office following
their initial appointment to office for terms of one year, two years and
three years, respectively, and, upon reelection, will serve for terms of
three years thereafter. Each director will serve until his or her successor
is elected and qualified. The Articles of Incorporation provide that a
director may be removed by shareholders only upon the affirmative vote of at
least a majority of the votes which all shareholders would be entitled to
cast. The Articles of Incorporation further provide that any vacancy
occurring in the Board of Directors, including a vacancy created by an
increase in the number of directors, shall be filled for the remainder of the
unexpired term by a majority vote of the directors then in office.
A classified board of directors could make it more difficult for
shareholders, including those holding a majority of the outstanding shares,
to force an immediate change in the composition of a majority of the Board of
Directors. Because the terms of only one-third of the incumbent directors
expire each year, it requires at least two annual elections for the
shareholders to change a majority, whereas a majority of a non-classified
board may be changed in one year. In the absence of the provisions of the
Articles of Incorporation classifying the Board, all of the directors would
be elected each year.
Management of the Company believes that the staggered election of
directors tends to promote continuity of management because only one-third of
the Board of Directors is subject to election each year. Staggered terms
guarantee that in the ordinary course approximately two-thirds of the
Directors, or more, at any one time have had at least one year's experience
as directors of the Company, and moderate the pace of change in the
composition of the Board of Directors by extending the minimum time required
to elect a majority of Directors from one to two years.
78
<PAGE>
Other Antitakeover Provisions
The Company's Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain certain other
provisions that may also have the effect of deterring or discouraging, among
other things, a non-negotiated tender or exchange offer for the Common Stock,
a proxy contest for control of the Company, the assumption of control of the
Company by a holder of a large block of the Common Stock and the removal of
the Company's management. These provisions: (1) empower the Board of
Directors, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock, the terms
of which, including voting power, are set by the Board; (2) restrict the
ability of shareholders to remove directors; (3) require that shares with at
least 80% of total voting power approve mergers and other similar
transactions with a person or entity holding Common Stock with more than 5%
of the Company's voting power, if the transaction is not approved, in
advance, by the Board of Directors; (4) prohibit shareholders' actions
without a meeting; (5) require that shares with at least 80%, or in certain
instances a majority, of total voting power approve the repeal or amendment
of the Articles of Incorporation; (6) require any person who acquires stock
of the Company with voting power of 25% or more to offer to purchase for cash
all remaining shares of the Company's voting stock at the highest price paid
by such person for shares of the Company's voting stock during the preceding
year; (7) limit the right of a person or entity to vote more than 10% of the
Company's voting stock; (8) eliminate cumulative voting in elections of
directors; and (9) require that shares with at least 66-2/3% of total voting
power approve, repeal or amend the Bylaws.
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
GENERAL
The Company is authorized to issue 15,000,000 shares of Common Stock,
without par value, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, having such par
value as the Board of Directors of the Company shall fix and determine. The
Company currently expects to issue between 2,853,450 and 3,860,000 shares
(or, as permitted by the Plan, in the event the ESOP purchases shares in
excess of the maximum of the Estimated Valuation Range in order to satisfy
its 10% subscription, up to 4,246,660 shares), subject to adjustment, of the
Common Stock and no shares of preferred stock in the Conversion. The Company
has reserved for future issuance under the Compensation Plan and MRP an
amount of authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock equal to 10% and 4%,
respectively, of the shares to be issued in the Conversion.
COMMON STOCK
Voting Rights
Each share of the Common Stock will have the same relative rights and will
be identical in all respects with every other share of the Common Stock. The
holders of the Common Stock will possess exclusive voting rights in the
Company, except to the extent that shares of preferred stock issued in the
future may have voting rights, if any. Each holder of shares of the Common
Stock will be entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all
matters submitted to a vote of holders of shares of the Common Stock. Holders
of Common Stock will not be entitled to cumulate their votes for election of
directors.
Dividends
The Company may, from time to time, declare dividends to the holders of
Common Stock, who will be entitled to share equally in any such dividends.
For additional information as to cash dividends, see "Dividend Policy."
Liquidation
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of any or all
of the Insurance Companies, the Company, as holder of all of the capital
stock of the Insurance Companies, would be entitled to receive all assets of
the Insurance Companies after payment of all debts and liabilities of the
Insurance Companies. In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up
of the Company, each holder of shares of Common Stock would be entitled to
receive, after payment of all debts and liabilities of the Company, a pro
rata portion of all assets of the Company available for distribution to
holders of Common Stock. If any preferred stock is issued, the holders
thereof may have a priority in liquidation or dissolution over the holders of
the Common Stock.
79
<PAGE>
Other Characteristics
Holders of the Common Stock will not have preemptive rights with respect
to any additional shares of Common Stock that may be issued. The Common Stock
is not subject to call for redemption, and the outstanding shares of Common
Stock, when issued and upon receipt by the Company of the full purchase price
therefor, will be fully paid and nonassessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
None of the 5,000,000 authorized shares of preferred stock of the Company
will be issued in the Conversion. After the Conversion is completed, the
Board of Directors of the Company will be authorized, without shareholder
approval, to issue preferred stock and to fix and state voting powers,
designations, preferences or other special rights of such shares and the
qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof. The preferred stock may
rank prior to the Common Stock as to dividend rights or liquidation
preferences, or both, and may have full or limited voting rights. The Board
of Directors has no present intention to issue any of the preferred stock.
Should the Board of Directors of the Company subsequently issue preferred
stock, no holder of any such stock shall have any preemptive right to
subscribe for or purchase any stock or any other securities of the Company
other than such, if any, as the Board of Directors, in its sole discretion,
may determine and at such price or prices and upon such other terms as the
Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may fix.
REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
The Company will register its Common Stock with the SEC pursuant to the
Exchange Act upon completion of the Conversion and will not deregister said
shares for a period of at least three years following completion of the
Conversion. Upon such registration, the proxy and tender offer rules, insider
trading reporting and restrictions, annual and periodic reporting and other
requirements of the Exchange Act will be applicable.
LEGAL OPINIONS
The legality of the Common Stock will be passed upon for the Company by
Stevens & Lee, Reading, Pennsylvania. Stevens & Lee has consented to the
reference herein to its opinion. Certain legal matters will be passed upon
for Hopper Soliday and the Underwriters by Lord, Bissell & Brook, Chicago,
Illinois.
EXPERTS
The combined financial statements of the Insurance Companies as of
December 31, 1995 and 1994, and the combined statements of income, changes in
surplus and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1995 have been included in this prospectus in reliance upon the
report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, given on the
authority of that firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Berwind has consented to the publication herein of the summary of its
opinion as to the estimated pro forma aggregate market value of the Common
Stock to be issued in the Conversion and the value of subscription rights to
purchase the Common Stock and to the use of its name and statements with
respect to it appearing herein.
80
<PAGE>
GLOSSARY OF SELECTED INSURANCE TERMS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Acquisition costs ................. Agents' or brokers' commissions, premium taxes, marketing, and certain underwriting
expenses associated with the production of business.
Assumed reinsurance ............... Insurance or reinsurance transferred from another insurance or reinsurance entity.
Automobile Liability and Automobile
Physical Damage .................. Automobile liability coverage insures individuals and businesses against claims
resulting from bodily injury and property damage. Automobile physical damage coverage
insures individuals and businesses against claims resulting from property damage
to an insured's vehicle.
Cede .............................. To transfer to an insurer or a reinsurer all or a part of the insurance or reinsurance
written by an insurance or reinsurance entity.
Combined ratio .................... The sum of the expense ratio and the loss ratio, determined either in accordance
with statutory accounting practices or GAAP. A combined ratio under 100% generally
indicates an underwriting profit and a combined ratio over 100% generally indicates
an underwriting loss. The extent by which the combined ratio deviates from 100%
indicates relative underwriting profit or loss.
Commercial Multi-peril ............ Commercial multi-peril coverage insures against losses to businesses and business
personal property, such as those caused by fire, wind, hail, water damage, theft
and vandalism, as well as comprehensive general liability for injuries to others.
Optional coverages written include inland marine, crime and boiler and machinery.
Direct written premiums ........... Total premiums written by an insurer other than premiums for reinsurance assumed
by an insurer.
Earned premiums ................... The portion of net written premiums applicable to the expired period of policies.
Expense ratio ..................... Under statutory accounting practices, the ratio of underwriting expenses to net
written premiums.
Fire & Allied Lines ............... Fire and allied lines insurance generally covers fire, lightning, and removal and
extended coverage.
Gross premiums .................... Total premiums for insurance written and reinsurance assumed during a given period.
Homeowners ........................ Homeowners coverage insures individuals for losses to their residences and personal
property, such as those caused by fire, wind, hail, water damage, theft and vandalism,
and against third party liability claims.
Incurred losses ................... The sum of losses paid plus the change in the estimated liability for claims which
have been reported but which have not been settled and claims which have occurred
but have not yet been reported to the insurer.
Inland marine ..................... Inland marine coverage insures merchandise or cargo in transit and business and
personal property. It is also written as an endorsement to a homeowner's policy
to provide coverage for scheduled property, such as antiques, fine art, sports
equipment, boats, firearms, jewelry and camera equipment.
81
<PAGE>
Loss adjustment expenses .......... The expenses of settling claims, including legal and other fees and the general
expenses of administering the claims adjustment process.
Loss and LAE ratio ................ Under statutory accounting practices, the ratio of incurred losses and loss adjustment
expenses to earned premiums.
Net earned premiums ............... The portion of written premiums that is recognized for accounting purposes as revenue
during a period.
Net premiums ...................... Gross premiums written less premiums ceded to reinsurers.
Net written premiums .............. Gross premiums written and insured by an insurer less premiums ceded to reinsurers.
Reinsurance ....................... A procedure whereby an insurer remits or cedes a portion of the premiums to another
insurer or reinsurer as payment to that insurer or reinsurer for assuming a portion
of the related risk.
Residual market ................... The market consisting of those persons (most frequently drivers seeking automobile
insurance) who are unable to obtain insurance coverage in the voluntary market.
Statutory accounting practices .... Recording transactions and preparing financial statements in accordance with the
rules and procedures prescribed or permitted by statute or regulatory authorities,
generally reflecting a liquidating, rather than a going concern, concept of accounting.
The principal differences between statutory accounting practices ("SAP") and GAAP
for property and casualty insurance companies, are: (a) under SAP, certain assets
that are not admitted assets are eliminated from the balance sheet; (b) under SAP,
policy acquisition costs are expenses as incurred, while under GAAP, they are deferred
and amortized over the term of the policies; (c) under SAP, no provision is made
for deferred income taxes; (d) under SAP, certain reserves are recognized that
are not recognized under GAAP; and (e) under SAP, fixed income securities (bonds,
redeemable preferred stocks and mortgage-backed securities) and equity securities
are carried at cost, while under GAAP, they are carried at market value.
Statutory surplus ................. The sum remaining after all liabilities are subtracted from all assets, applying
statutory accounting practices. This sum is regarded as financial protection to
policyholders in the event an insurance company suffers unexpected or catastrophic
losses.
Underwriting ...................... The process whereby an insurer reviews applications submitted for insurance coverage
and determines whether it will accept all or part of the coverage being requested
and what the applicable premiums should be. Underwriting also includes an ongoing
review of existing policies and their pricing.
Underwriting expenses ............. The aggregate of policy acquisition costs and the portion of administrative, general
and other expenses attributable to underwriting operations.
Underwriting profit (loss) ........ The excess (deficiency), determined under statutory accounting practices, resulting
from the difference between earned premiums and the sum of incurred losses, loss
adjustment expenses and underwriting expenses.
Voluntary market .................. The market consisting of those persons who insurance companies voluntarily choose
to insure because such companies believe that they can do so profitably at competitive
rates.
Workers' Compensation ............. Workers' compensation coverage insures employers against employee medical and
indemnity claims resulting from injuries related to work as well as third party
employer's liability.
</TABLE>
82
<PAGE>
=============================================================================
No dealer, salesman or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representation other than as contained in this
Prospectus in connection with the offering made hereby, and, if given or
made, such information shall not be relied upon as having been authorized by
the Company, the Insurance Companies, or Hopper Soliday & Co., Inc. This
Prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer
to buy any of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction
in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person
making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person
to whom it is unlawful. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus nor any sale
hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has
been no change in the affairs of the Company or the Insurance Companies,
since the date as of which information is furnished herein or since the date
hereof.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page
--------
<S> <C>
Prospectus Summary ............................................. 4
Selected Financial Information and Other Data .................. 11
Risk Factors ................................................... 15
The Company .................................................... 21
The Insurance Companies ........................................ 23
Use of Proceeds ................................................ 24
Dividend Policy ................................................ 25
Market for the Common Stock .................................... 25
Capitalization ................................................. 26
Pro Forma Data ................................................. 27
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of
Operations .................................................... 33
Business ....................................................... 41
Management of the Company ...................................... 59
The Conversion ................................................. 67
Underwriting ................................................... 75
Certain Restrictions on Acquisition of the
Company ....................................................... 76
Description of Capital Stock ................................... 79
Registration Requirements ...................................... 80
Legal Opinions ................................................. 80
Experts ........................................................ 80
Index to Combined Financial Statements ......................... F-1
</TABLE>
Until __________, 1997, all dealers effecting transactions in the
registered securities, whether or not participating in this distribution, may
be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of
dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect
to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
=============================================================================
<PAGE>
=============================================================================
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
SHARES
COMMON STOCK
------
PROSPECTUS
------
LEGG MASON WOOD WALKER
INCORPORATED
AND
MCDONALD & COMPANY
SECURITIES, INC.
__________, 1997
===============================================================================
<PAGE>
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSE OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
The Company anticipates the following expenses:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
SEC registration fee ............................... $ 15,161
Printing, postage, and mailing* .................... $ 500,000
Legal fees and expenses* ........................... $ 450,000
Accounting fees and expenses* ...................... $ 250,000
Appraisal fee and expenses ......................... $ 75,000
Blue sky fees and expenses (including counsel fees)* $ 25,000
Transfer and conversion agent fees and expenses* ... $ 100,000
Miscellaneous* ..................................... $ 84,839
-----------
Total ......................................... $1,500,000
===========
</TABLE>
- ------
*Estimated
ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
Pennsylvania law provides that a Pennsylvania corporation may indemnify
directors, officers, employees, and agents of the corporation against
liabilities they may incur in such capacities for any action taken or any
failure to act, whether or not the corporation would have the power to
indemnify the person under any provision of law, unless such action or
failure to act is determined by a court to have constituted recklessness or
willful misconduct. Pennsylvania law also permits the adoption of a Bylaw
amendment, approved by shareholders, providing for the elimination of a
director's liability for monetary damages for any action taken or any failure
to taken any action unless (1) the director has breached or failed to perform
the duties of his/her office; and (2) the breach or failure to perform
constitutes self-dealing, willful misconduct or recklessness.
The Bylaws of the Company provide for (1) indemnification of directors,
officers, employees, and agents of the Company and its subsidiaries; and (2)
the elimination of a director's liability for monetary damages, each to the
fullest extent permitted by Pennsylvania law.
Directors and officers are also insured against certain liabilities for
their actions as such by an insurance policy obtained by the Company.
ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES.
Not applicable.
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) Exhibits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
2.1 Joint Plan of Conversion, dated as of May 31, 1996, as amended and restated July 19, 1996, of Old Guard
Mutual Insurance Group, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Goschenhoppen- Home Mutual Insurance
Company*
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Old Guard Group, Inc.*
3.2 Bylaws of Old Guard Group, Inc.*
4.1 Form of certificate evidencing shares of Old Guard Group, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 000-21611) of Old Guard Group, Inc.).
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
5. Opinion of Stevens & Lee re: Legality
10.1 Old Guard Group, Inc. -- Management Recognition Plan
10.2 Old Guard Group, Inc. -- 1996 Stock Compensation Plan
10.3 Old Guard Group, Inc. -- Employee Stock Ownership Plan
10.4 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard
Group, Inc. and David E. Hosler*
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard
Group, Inc. and Mark J. Keyser*
10.6 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard
Group, Inc. and Steven D. Dyer*
10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard
Group, Inc. and Scott A. Orndorff*
10.8 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old Guard
Group, Inc. and Donald W. Manley*
10.9 Proportional Reinsurance Agreement for the year 1996, dated January 1, 1996, between Old Guard Mutual Insurance
Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Goschenhoppen -- Home Mutual Insurance Company.*
10.10 Surplus Note, as amended, issued by Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company to American Re-Insurance Company.*
10.11 Property and Casualty Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, between Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company, Old
Guard Fire Insurance Company, Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company, Neffsville Mutual Fire Insurance
Company and American Re-Insurance Company.*
23.1 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
23.3 Consent of Berwind Financial Group, L.P.
23.4 Consent of Stevens & Lee (contained in Exhibit 5)
24 Power of Attorney (contained on signature page)*
27 Amended Financial Data Schedule*
99.1 Revised Appraisal of Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company by Berwind Financial Group, L.P.*
99.2 Stock Order Form*
99.3 Question and Answer Brochures
99.4 Letters to prospective purchasers*
99.5 Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company Policyholder Information Statement*
99.6 Old Guard Fire Mutual Insurance Company Policyholder Information Statement*
99.7 Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company Policyholder Information Statement*
99.8 Opinion of Berwind Financial Group, L.P.
</TABLE>
- ------
* Previously filed.
** To be filed by amendment.
II-2
<PAGE>
(b) Financial Statement Schedules:
Schedule I -- Summary of Investments -- Other than Investments in Related
Parties.
Schedule II -- Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Not
Applicable).
Schedule IV -- Reinsurance.
Schedule VI -- Supplemental Information Concerning Property -- Casualty
Insurance Operations.
II-3
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Policyholders
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
and Subsidiary:
Our report on the combined financial statements of Old Guard Mutual Insurance
Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and Goschenhoppen-Home
Mutual Insurance Company and Subsidiary (the Group) has been included in this
Form S-1. In connection with our audits of such financial statements, we have
also audited the related financial statement schedules I, IV and VI of this
Form S-1. These supplementary financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of the Group's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these supplementary financial statement schedules based on our
audit.
In our opinion, the financial statement schedules referred to above, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole,
present fairly, in all material respects, the information required to be
included therein.
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
One South Market Square
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
July 19, 1996
II-4
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS -- OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED
PARTIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Market Balance
Type of Investment Cost Value Sheet
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Fixed Maturities:
Bonds:
United States Government and Government
Agencies and Authorities ............. $47,995 $48,273 $48,273
States, Municipalities and Political
Subdivisions ......................... 1,553 1,566 1,566
Convertibles and Bonds with Warrants
Attached ............................. 6,205 6,638 6,638
All Other Corporate Bonds .............. 21,277 22,051 22,051
Redeemable Preferred Stock .................. 6,920 7,036 7,036
---------- ---------- ----------
Total Fixed Maturities ............ $83,950 $85,564 $85,564
---------- ---------- ----------
Equity Securities:
Common Stocks:
Public Utilities ....................... 0 0 0
Banks, Trust and Insurance Companies ... 475 720 720
Industrial, Miscellaneous and All Other 2,564 3,628 3,628
Non-redeemable Preferred Stock ......... 2,072 2,195 2,195
-------- ---------- ----------
Total Equity Securities ........... 5,111 6,543 6,543
-------- ---------- ----------
Other Long-Term Investments ...................... 242 228 228
---------- ---------- ----------
Total Investments ................. $89,303 $92,335 $92,335
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE
FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F
------------------ ---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------
Assumed Percentage
Ceded to from of Amount
Gross Other Other Net Assumed
Amount Companies Companies Amount to Net
---------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------
(Dollars in thousands)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1995 $76,054 $11,600 $2,209 $66,663 3.3%
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31. 1994 75,694 13,063 833 63,465 1.3%
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1993 73,194 13,442 1,234 60,986 2.0%
</TABLE>
II-6
<PAGE>
OLD GUARD MUTUAL INSURANCECOMPANY,
OLD GUARD MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY, AND
GOSCHENHOPPEN-HOME MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY
AND SUBSIDIARY
SCHEDULE VI -- SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
CONCERNING PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS
AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F
------------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
RESERVE
DEFERRED FOR DISCOUNT
POLICY LOSSES IF ANY
AFFILIATION ACQUISI- AND DEDUCTED NET
WITH TION LOSS ADJ IN UNEARNED EARNED
REGISTRANT COSTS EXPENSES COLUMN C PREMIUMS PREMIUMS
------------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
CONSOLIDATED
PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY
ENTITIES
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1995 . $7,181 $52,091 $0 $33,329 $66,663
DECEMBER 31, 1994 . 7,103 51,309 0 32,647 63,465
DECEMBER 31, 1993 . 6,459 59,057 0 32,065 60,986
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
RESTUBBED TABLE FROM ABOVE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN G COLUMN H COLUMN I COLUMN J COLUMN K
---------- ------------------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
PAID
LOSSES
NET LOSSES AND LAE AND LOSS
AFFILIATION INVEST- INCURRED ADJUST- NET
WITH MENT CURRENT PRIOR AMORT MENT WRITTEN
REGISTRANT INCOME YEAR YEAR OF DPAC EXPENSES PREMIUMS
------------------ ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(In thousands)
CONSOLIDATED
PROPERTY AND
CASUALTY
ENTITIES
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
DECEMBER 31, 1995 . $4,458 $48,067 $ 2,442 $17,611 $47,228 $67,115
DECEMBER 31, 1994 . 3,932 51,959 (5,519) 17,036 50,511 65,649
DECEMBER 31, 1993 . 3,928 44,950 (2,796) 15,358 39,938 63,355
</TABLE>
II-7
<PAGE>
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS.
(a) Rule 415 Offering: The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made,
a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: (i) to include
any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any fact or events arising after the
effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
registration statement; and (iii) to include any material information with
respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the
registration statement or any material change to such information in the
registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post- effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be
deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post- effective amendment
any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
termination of the offering.
(b) Request for acceleration of effective date: Insofar as indemnification
for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to
directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the
bylaws of the registrant, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that
in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification
is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and is, therefore,
unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such
liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or
paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities
being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.
II-8
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Lancaster,
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, on December 20, 1996.
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
By: /s/ David E. Hosler
-------------------------------
David E. Hosler,
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed below by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Capacity Date
------------------------------- ---------------------------------- --------------------
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ David E. Hosler President, Chief Executive December 20, 1996
------------------------------ Officer and Director
David E. Hosler (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ James W. Appel* Director December 20, 1996
------------------------------
James W. Appel
/s/ John E. Barry* Director December 20, 1996
------------------------------
John E. Barry
/s/ Luther R. Campbell, Jr.* Director December 20, 1996
------------------------------
Luther R. Campbell, Jr.
/s/ M. Scott Clemens* Director December 20, 1996
------------------------------
M. Scott Clemens
Director December 20, 1996
------------------------------
Richard B. Neiley, Jr.
Director December 20, 1996
------------------------------
G. Arthur Weaver
/s/ Robert L. Wechter* Director December 20, 1996
------------------------------
Robert L. Wechter
/s/ Mark J. Keyser Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer December 20, 1996
------------------------------ (Principal Financial and Accounting
Mark J. Keyser Officer)
*By /s/ David E. Hosler
---------------------------
David E. Hosler
Attorney-in-fact
</TABLE>
II-9
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number Title
---------- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
2.1 Joint Plan of Conversion, dated as of May 31, 1996, as amended and restated July 19, 1996, of Old
Guard Mutual Insurance Group, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual
Insurance Company*
3.1 Articles of Incorporation of Old Guard Group, Inc.*
3.2 Bylaws of Old Guard Group, Inc.*
4.1 Form of certificate evidencing shares of Old Guard Group, Inc. (Incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 1 to the Registration Statement on Form 8-A (File No. 000-21611) of Old Guard Group, Inc.).
5. Opinion of Stevens & Lee re: Legality
10.1 Old Guard Group, Inc. - Management Recognition Plan
10.2 Old Guard Group, Inc. - 1996 Stock Compensation Plan
10.3 Old Guard Group, Inc. - Employee Stock Ownership Plan
10.4 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old
Guard Group, Inc. and David E. Hosler*
10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old
Guard Group, Inc. and Mark J. Keyser*
10.6 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old
Guard Group, Inc. and Steven D. Dyer*
10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old
Guard Group, Inc. and Scott A. Orndorff*
10.8 Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 1996, between Commonwealth Insurance Managers, Inc., Old
Guard Group, Inc. and Donald W. Manley*
10.9 Proportional Reinsurance Agreement for the year 1996, dated January 1, 1996, between Old Guard Mutual
Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Goschenhoppen - Home Mutual Insurance
Company.*
10.10 Surplus Note, as amended, issued by Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company to American Re-Insurance Company.*
10.11 Property and Casualty Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, between Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Fire Insurance Company, Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company, Neffsville Mutual Fire
Insurance Company and American Re-Insurance Company.*
23.1 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
23.3 Consent of Berwind Financial Group, L.P.
23.4 Consent of Stevens & Lee (contained in Exhibit 5)
24 Power of Attorney (contained on signature page)*
27 Amended Financial Data Schedule*
99.1 Revised Appraisal of Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company by Berwind Financial Group, L.P.*
99.2 Stock Order Form*
99.3 Question and Answer Brochures
99.4 Letters to prospective purchasers*
99.5 Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company Policyholder Information Statement*
99.6 Old Guard Fire Mutual Insurance Company Policyholder Information Statement*
99.7 Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company Policyholder Information Statement*
99.8 Opinion of Berwind Financial Group, L.P.
</TABLE>
- ------
* Previously filed.
** To be filed by amendment.
<PAGE>
December 23, 1996
Board of Directors
Old Guard Group, Inc.
2929 Lititz Pike
Lancaster, Pennsylvania 19601
Re: Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-12779)
Gentlemen:
In connection with the proposed offering by Old Guard Group, Inc. (the
"Company") of up to 4,396,660 shares of the Company's common stock, no par value
per share (the "Common Stock"), covered by the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (No. 333-12779) (the "Registration Statement"), we, as counsel to
the Company, have reviewed:
1. the Articles of Incorporation of the Company;
2. the Bylaws of the Company;
3. a subsentence certificate with respect to the Company
issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State on
December 19, 1996;
4. the minute books of the Company;
5. the Registration Statement; and
6. a form of the certificates representing shares of the
Common Stock.
Based upon our review of such documents, it is our opinion that:
1. The Company has been duly incorporated under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and is validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of such Commonwealth.
2. The 4,396,660 shares of Common Stock covered by the
Registration Statement have been duly authorized and,
<PAGE>
Board of Directors
Old Guard Group, Inc.
December 23, 1996
Page 2
when issued and sold for cash or, in the case of 150,000
shares of Common Stock, when issued in exchange for a surplus
note with an outstanding principal balance of $1,500,000,
pursuant to the terms described in the Registration Statement,
will be legally issued by the Company and fully paid and
nonassessable.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, and to the reference to us under the heading "Legal
Matters" in the related Prospectus. In giving this consent, we do not thereby
admit that we come within the category of persons whose consent is required
under Section 7 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Rules and
Regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours,
/s/ STEVENS & LEE
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.1
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
Management Recognition
Plan and Trust Agreement
<PAGE>
SUMMARY
I. PLAN PURPOSE
This management recognition plan (the "Plan") is adopted by Old Guard
Group, Inc. (the "Company"). The purpose of the Plan is to retain employees of
the Company with experience and ability in key positions by providing them with
a proprietary interest in the Company through grants of shares of common stock,
no par value (the "Common stock"), of the Company. Awards of Common Stock will
be made in recognition of service to the Company and its subsidiaries and
affiliates and as encouragement to continue such contributions in the future.
II. PLAN SHARE AWARDS
A. Aggregate Number: The total number of Plan Shares that may be issued
pursuant to the Plan will be equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that
are purchased by the Trust, not to exceed 4% of the shares of Common Stock
issued by the Company in connection with the conversion of the Insurance
Companies from mutual to stock form (i.e., 175,866 shares). The Trust will
acquire Common Stock with funds contributed to it by the Company.
B. Individual Awards: All directors and executive officers of the
Company and the Insurance Companies are eligible to receive awards. The
Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company will determine
which eligible persons will be granted Plan Share Awards and the number of
shares covered by each Plan Share Award. Such determinations will be based upon
the position and responsibilities of the eligible person, the value of their
services, and any other fact the Compensation Committee deems relevant.
Plan Share Awards will not be made until the Company's shareholders have
approved the Plan.
C. Conditions Upon Earning of Plan Shares Subject to Awards: Plan Shares
covered by Plan Share Awards are earned (i.e., become vested) at the rate
determined by the Compensation Committee and as provided herein.
Awards are nontransferable and nonassignable.
Recipients of Plan Share Awards may direct the voting of all vested
shares of Plan Shares, and will receive dividends paid on such Plan Shares when
shares are distributed.
D. Distribution of Earned Plan Shares: Earned Plan Shares are
distributed to recipients as soon as practicable following the date on which
they are earned. The Plan Trustee may withhold cash distributions as needed for
tax purposes and, if necessary,
MRP-1
<PAGE>
can require distributees to provide funds required to satisfy tax obligations
as a condition to distributing Plan Shares.
E. Forfeitures: Plan Shares forfeited in accordance with Sections
7.01(b) or 7.01(c) will be returned to the pool of Plan Shares with respect to
which additional Plan Share Awards may be granted.
III. Plan Administration
A. Plan Administration: The Plan will be administered by the
Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and a Plan Trustee
appointed by the Board. The Board may designate as Plan Trustee one or more
persons or an entity, subject to replacement by the Board at any time. Expenses
of administering the Plan and the Trust will be borne by the Company. The
Company shall indemnify the Plan Trustee and Board members as to activities with
respect to the Plan.
B. ERISA: The Plan is not "qualified" within the meaning of the Internal
Revenue Code, and is not subject to ERISA's requirements and restrictions.
C. Duration: The Plan will become effective upon execution and will
continue until the earliest of (1) 21 years from such Effective Date, (2) the
time at which the Board terminates the Plan, or (3) the time at which all of the
Trust assets have been expended. The Board may amend or terminate the Plan at
any time.
ARTICLE I
ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PLAN AND TRUST
1.01 The Company hereby establishes the Old Guard Group, Inc. Management
Recognition Plan (the "Plan") and Trust upon the terms and conditions
hereinafter stated in this Agreement.
1.02 The Plan Trustee hereby accepts this Trust and agrees to hold legal
title to the Trust assets existing on the date of this Agreement and all
additions and accretions thereto on the terms and conditions hereinafter stated.
ARTICLE II
PURPOSE OF THE PLAN
2.01 The purpose of the Plan is to retain personnel of experience and
ability in key positions by providing such key employees with a proprietary
interest in the Company in consideration for, and in recognition of, their
contributions to the Company, its subsidiaries and its affiliates and as an
incentive to make such contributions in the future.
MRP-2
<PAGE>
ARTICLE III
DEFINITIONS
The following words and phrases when used in this Agreement with an
initial capital letter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, shall
have the meanings set forth below. Wherever appropriate, the masculine pronoun
shall include the feminine pronoun and the singular shall include the plural.
All terms used herein and not defined shall have the meanings given such terms
in the Joint Plan of Conversion.
3.01 "Agreement" means this Management Recognition Plan and Trust
Agreement between the Company and the Plan Trustee.
3.02 "Beneficiary" means the person or persons designated by a Recipient
to receive any benefits payable under the Plan in the event of such Recipient's
death. Such person or persons shall be designated in writing on forms provided
for this purpose by the Board and may be changed from time to time by similar
written notice to the Board. In the absence of a written designation, the
Beneficiary shall be the recipient's surviving spouse, if any, or if none, his
estate.
3.03 "Board" means, for purposes of administering the Plan, the Board of
Directors of the Company.
3.04 "Cause" means:
(i) willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other
than traffic violations or similar offenses that would not in the
Board's good faith reasonable determination effect the ability to
perform and discharge one's duties to the Company or a subsidiary);
(ii) breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit or an
act of personal dishonesty in connection with the performance of one's
duties; or
(iii) willful failure to follow the lawful instructions of the
Board of Directors after receipt of written notice of such instructions,
other than a failure resulting from the incapacity because of physical
or mental illness.
3.05 "Common Stock" means shares of the Company's common stock, no par
value.
3.06 "Company" means Old Guard Group, Inc.
3.07 "Disability" means any physical or mental impairment which
qualifies an employee for disability benefits under the applicable long-term
disability plan maintained by the Company, or a subsidiary, or, if no such plan
applies to the employee,
MRP-3
<PAGE>
which would qualify such employee for disability benefits under the long-term
disability plan maintained by the Company, if such employee were covered by
that Plan.
3.08 "Effective Date" means __________________________________________.
3.09 "Eligible Person" means any director or executive officer of the
Company or any of the Insurance Companies.
3.10 "Insurance Companies" means Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company, Old
Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance
Company, collectively.
3.11 "Joint Plan of Conversion" means the Joint Plan of Conversion
adopted on May 31, 1996 by the Company and the Insurance Companies, as amended
and restated as of July 19, 1996.
3.12 "Plan Shares" means shares of Common Stock held in the Trust and
issued or issuable to a Recipient pursuant to the Plan.
3.13 "Plan Share Award" means a right granted under this Agreement to
earn Plan Shares.
3.14 "Plan Share Reserve" means the shares of Common Stock held by the
Trustee as determined pursuant to Sections 5.03 and 5.04.
3.15 "Plan Trustee" means that person(s) or entity nominated and
approved by the Board pursuant to Section 4.01 and 4.02 to hold legal title to
the Plan assets for the purposes set forth herein.
3.16 "Recipient" means an Eligible Person who receives a Plan Share
Award under the Plan.
3.17 "Retirement" means a termination of employment which constitutes a
"retirement" under any applicable qualified pension benefit plan maintained by
the Company or any subsidiary which employs the Recipient, or, if no such Plan
is maintained, pursuant to the retirement policy of the Company.
3.18 "Trust" means the trust established pursuant to this Agreement.
MRP-4
<PAGE>
ARTICLE IV
ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN
4.01 Role and Powers of the Board. The Plan shall be administered and
interpreted by the Compensation Committee of the Board. The interpretation and
construction by the Compensation Committee of any provisions of this Agreement
or of any Plan Share Award granted hereunder shall be final and binding. Subject
to the express provisions and limitations of this Agreement, the Compensation
Committee may adopt such rules, regulations and procedures as it deems
appropriate for the Plan's affairs. The Board shall appoint one or more persons
(excluding Eligible Persons) or an entity to act as Plan Trustee in accordance
with this Agreement and the terms of Article VIII hereof. The Board may reverse
or override any action taken or decision made with respect to the Plan,
provided, however, except as provided in Sections 7.01(b) or 7.01(c) hereof,
that the Board may not revoke any Plan Share Award already made.
4.02 Limitation on Liability. Neither any member of the Board nor any
Plan Trustee shall be liable for any determination made in good faith with
respect to the Plan or any Plan Shares or Plan Share Awards granted under the
Plan. If a member of the Board or any Plan Trustee is a party or is threatened
to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason
of anything done or not done by him in such capacity under or with respect to
the Plan, the Company shall indemnify such member or Plan Trustee against
expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and disbursements),
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred
by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if 1) he acted in good
faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the
Company (in the case of a member of the Board) or in the best interests of the
beneficiaries of the Trust (in the case of the Plan Trustee), and 2) with
respect to any criminal action or proceeding, he had no reasonable cause to
believe his conduct was unlawful.
ARTICLE V
CONTRIBUTIONS; PLAN SHARE RESERVE
5.01 Amount and Timing of Contributions. The Board shall determine the
amounts (or the method of computing the amounts) to be contributed by the
Company to the Trust. Such amounts shall be paid to the Plan Trustee at the time
of contribution. No contributions by Eligible Persons shall be permitted.
5.02 Initial Investment. Any amounts held by the Trust prior to the
purchase of Common Stock shall be invested by the
MRP-5
<PAGE>
Plan Trustee in such interest-bearing account or accounts as the Plan Trustee
shall determine to be appropriate.
5.03 Investment of Trust Assets; Conversion; Creation of Plan Share
Reserve. Except as otherwise permitted under this Agreement, the Plan Trustee
shall invest all of the Trust's assets exclusively in Common Stock. The Common
Stock initially acquired by the Trust, together with any shares thereafter
acquired by the Trust, shall constitute the "Plan Share Reserve." Any cash
earnings received with respect to Common Stock held in the Trust subject to the
Plan Share Awards shall be distributed to the individual Recipient.
5.04 Effect of Allocations, Returns and Forfeitures Upon Plan Share
Reserves. Upon the allocation of Plan Share Awards under Section 6.02, the Plan
Share Reserve shall be reduced by the number of Plan Shares subject to the Plan
Share Awards so allocated. Any Plan Shares subject to a Plan Share Award which
may no longer be earned because of a forfeiture by the Recipient pursuant to
Sections 7.01(b) or 7.01(c) shall be added to the Plan Share Reserve.
ARTICLE VI
ELIGIBILITY; ALLOCATIONS
6.01 Allocations. The Compensation Committee will determine which
Eligible Persons will be granted Plan Share Awards and the number of Plan Shares
covered by each Plan Share Award, provided, however, that the number of Plan
Shares covered by such Plan Share Awards may not exceed the number of Plan
Shares in the Plan Share Reserve immediately prior to the grant of such Plan
Share Awards, and provided, further, that in no event shall any Plan Share Award
be made which will violate the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws or
any applicable law. In the event Plan Shares are forfeited for any reason, the
Compensation Committee may, from time to time, determine which Eligible Persons
will be granted Plan Share Awards from forfeited Plan Shares.
In selecting those Eligible Persons to whom Plan Share Awards will be
granted and the number of Plan Shares covered by such Plan Share Awards, the
Compensation Committee shall consider the position and responsibilities of the
Eligible Persons, the value of their services to the Company and/or the
Insurance Companies and any other fact the Compensation Committee may deem
relevant.
6.02 Form of Allocation. Promptly after making a Plan Share Award, the
Compensation Committee shall notify the Recipient in writing of the grant of the
Plan Share Award, the number of Plan Shares covered by the Plan Share Award, and
the terms upon which the Plan Shares subject to the Plan Share Award may be
earned. The date on which the Compensation Committee so
MRP-6
<PAGE>
notifies the Recipient shall be considered the date of grant of the Plan Share
Awards. The Compensation Committee shall maintain records as to all grants of
Plan Share Awards under the Plan.
6.03 Allocations Not Required. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
in Sections 6.01 and 6.02, no Eligible Person shall have any right or
entitlement to receive a Plan Share Award hereunder, the grant of Plan Share
Awards being at the total discretion of the Compensation Committee.
ARTICLE VII
EARNING AND DISTRIBUTION OF PLAN SHARES; VOTING RIGHTS
7.01 Earning Plan Shares; Forfeitures.
(a) General Rules. Unless the Compensation Committee shall
specifically state otherwise at the time a Plan Share Award is granted, Plan
Shares subject to a Plan Share Award shall be earned by a Recipient at the rate
of twenty percent (20%) of the aggregate number of Plan Shares covered by the
Plan Share Award at the end of each full twelve month period following the date
of the grant.
(b) Forfeiture Upon Termination of Employment. Except as set forth
in Section 7.01(c) below, the termination of employment by a Recipient for
reasons other than retirement at or after age 65, in the case of an executive
officer of the Company or any of the Insurance Companies, or 70, in the case of
a director of the Company or any of the Insurance Companies, death, or
disability shall constitute revocation of the Recipient's unearned Plan Share
Award. If the termination of a Recipient's employment is caused by death, or
disability, all unearned Plan Share Awards shall be deemed fully vested.
(c) Revocation for Misconduct. Notwithstanding anything hereinafter
to the contrary, the Compensation Committee of the Board may, by resolution,
immediately revoke, rescind and terminate any Plan Share Award, or portion
thereof, previously awarded under this Plan, to the extent Plan Shares have not
been delivered thereunder to the Recipient, whether or not yet earned, in the
case of a Recipient who is discharged from the employ of the Company or any
Insurance Company for Cause, or who is discovered after termination of
employment to have engaged in conduct that would have justified termination for
Cause, and in the case of a member of the Board, who is removed from the Board
for Cause.
7.02 Payment of Dividends. Cash dividends on earned Plan Shares shall be
allocated and distributed to a Recipient when declared and paid by the Company
with respect to all shares. [Except as provided in Section 7.03(a) below,] Cash
dividends on unearned Plan Shares will be held in the Trust and will be
allocated and distributed to a Recipient as such Plan Shares vest.
MRP-7
<PAGE>
7.03 Distribution of Plan Shares.
(a) Timing of Distributions. Plan Shares shall be distributed to
the Recipient or his Beneficiary, as the case may be, as soon as practicable
after they have been earned. At the election of the Recipient, but subject to
approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board, unearned Plan Shares
subject to a Plan Share Award that would otherwise be held by the Trust may be
distributed to the Recipient in the form of restricted stock subject to
forfeiture. A Recipient who receives restricted stock may vote such shares,
[will receive any dividends paid thereon (subject to the same vesting rules
applicable to restricted stock)], and will be able to exchange restricted shares
for unrestricted shares as vesting occurs.
(b) Form of Distribution. All Plan Shares, together with any shares
representing stock dividends, shall be distributed in the form of Common Stock.
One share of Common Stock shall be given for each Plan Share earned and payable.
(c) Withholding. The Plan Trustee may withhold from any payment or
distribution made under this Plan sufficient amounts of cash or shares of Common
Stock to cover any applicable withholding and employment taxes, and if the
amount of such payment is insufficient, the Plan Trustee may require the
Recipient or Beneficiary to pay to the Plan Trustee the amount required to be
withheld as a condition of delivering the Plan Shares. The Plan Trustee shall
pay over to the Company or any of the Insurance Companies which employs or
employed such Recipient any such amount withheld from or paid by the Recipient
or Beneficiary.
7.04 Voting of Plan Shares. After a Plan Share Award has been granted,
the Recipient shall be entitled to vote the Plan Shares which are covered by the
Plan Share Award and which have been earned, subject to rules and procedures
adopted by the Compensation Committee of the Board for this purpose. All shares
of Common Stock held by the Trust as to which Recipients are not entitled to
direct, or have not directed, the voting, shall be voted by the Plan Trustee in
the same proportion as the trustee of the Company's Employee Stock Ownership
Plan trust votes the Common Stock held therein, except as otherwise provided in
Section 7.03(a).
MRP-8
<PAGE>
ARTICLE VIII
TRUST
8.01 Trust. The Plan Trustee shall receive, hold, administer, invest and
make distributions and disbursements from the Trust in accordance with the
provisions of this Agreement and the applicable directions, rules, regulations,
procedures and policies established by the Compensation Committee pursuant to
this Agreement.
8.02 Management of Trust. It is the intent of this Agreement that,
subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Plan Trustee shall have
complete authority and discretion with respect to the management, control and
investment of the Trust, and that the Plan Trustee shall invest all assets of
the Trust in Common Stock to the fullest extent practicable, and except to the
extent that the Plan Trustee determines that the holding of monies in cash or
cash equivalents is necessary to meet the obligations of the Trust. In
performing its duties, the Plan Trustee shall have the power to do all things
and execute such instruments as may be deemed necessary or proper, including the
following powers:
(a) To invest up to one hundred percent (100%) of all Trust assets
in Common Stock without regard to any law now or hereafter in force limiting
investments by trustees or other fiduciaries. The investment authorized herein
constitutes the only investment of the Trust, and in making such investment, the
Plan Trustee is authorized to purchase Common Stock from the Company or from any
other source, and such Common Stock so purchased may be outstanding, newly
issued, or treasury shares.
(b) To invest any Trust assets not otherwise invested in accordance
with (a) above in such deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, obligations of
the United States government or its agencies or such other investments as shall
be considered the equivalent of cash, or to invest in mutual funds which invest
in such securities.
(c) To sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of any property at any
time held or acquired by the Trust.
(d) To cause stocks, bonds or other securities to be registered in
the name of a nominee, without the addition of words indicating that such
security is an asset of the Trust (but accurate records shall be maintained
showing that such security is an asset of the Trust).
(e) To hold cash without interest in such amounts as may be in the
opinion of the Trustee reasonable for the proper operation of the Plan and
Trust.
MRP-9
<PAGE>
(f) To employ brokers, agents, consultants and accountants.
(g) To hire counsel to render advice with respect to the Plan
Trustee's rights, duties and obligations hereunder, and such other legal
services or representation as the Plan Trustee may deem desirable.
(h) To hold funds and securities representing the amounts to be
distributed to a Recipient or his Beneficiary as a consequence of a dispute as
to the disposition thereof, whether in a segregated account or held in common
with other assets of the Trust.
Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the Plan
Trustee shall not be required to make any inventory, appraisal or settlement or
report to any court, or to secure any order of court for the exercise of any
power herein contained, or give bond.
8.03 Records and Accounts. The Trustee shall maintain accurate and
detailed records and accounts of all transactions of the Trust, which shall be
available at all reasonable times for inspection by any legally entitled person
or entity to the extent required by applicable law, or any other person
determined by the Board.
8.04 Earnings. All earnings, gains and losses with respect to Trust
assets shall be allocated in accordance with a reasonable procedure adopted by
the Compensation Committee of the Board.
8.05 Expenses. All costs and expenses incurred in the operation and
administration of this Plan shall be borne by the Company.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
9.01 Adjustments for Capital Changes. The aggregate number of Plan
Shares available for issuance pursuant to Plan Share Awards and the number of
Plan Shares to which any Plan Share Award relates shall be proportionately
adjusted for any increase or decrease in the total number of outstanding shares
of Common Stock issued subsequent to the Effective Date resulting from any
split, subdivision or consolidation of shares or other capital adjustment, or
other increase or decrease in such Common Stock effected without receipt or
payment of consideration, by the Company.
9.02 Amendment and Termination of Plan. The Board may, by resolution, at
any time amend or terminate the Agreement. Upon termination, the Company may
direct the Plan Trustee to return to
MRP-10
<PAGE>
the Company Common Stock held in the Plan Share Reserve and any other
unallocated assets of the Trust. Termination or amendment of the Trust shall not
affect a Recipient's right to earn Plan Shares pursuant to previously granted
Plan Share Awards or to the distribution of Common Stock relating thereto,
including earnings thereon. Termination of the Plan shall not become effective
as to previously awarded Plan Share Awards that remain outstanding on the
proposed termination date unless the Board elects to distribute all unearned
Plan Shares subject to such Plan Share Awards immediately upon such termination.
9.03 Nontransferable. Plan Share Awards and rights to Plan Shares shall
not be transferable by a Recipient or Beneficiary, and during the lifetime of
the Recipient, Plan Shares may only be earned by and paid to the Recipient who
was notified in writing of the Plan Share Award by the Compensation Committee of
the Board pursuant to Section 6.02.
9.04 Employment Rights. Neither the Plan nor any grant of a Plan Share
Award or Plan Shares hereunder nor any action taken by the Plan Trustee or the
Compensation Committee of the Board in connection with the Plan shall create any
right on the part of any Eligible Person to continue in the employ of the
Company or any of the Insurance Companies or to continue to sit on the Board
thereof.
9.05 Voting and Dividend Rights. No Recipient shall have any voting or
dividend rights or other rights of a shareholder in respect of any Plan Shares
covered by a Plan Share Award, except as expressly provided in Sections 7.02 and
7.04 above, prior to the time said Plan Shares are actually distributed to him.
9.06 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania without regard
to its conflicts of law rules.
9.07 Effective Date. The date of its execution by the Company and the
Plan Trustee.
9.08 Term of Plan. This Plan shall remain in effect until the earlier of
(1) 21 years from the Effective Date, (2) termination by the Board, or (3) the
distribution of all assets of the Trust. Termination or amendment of the Plan
MRP-11
<PAGE>
shall not affect any Plan Share Awards previously granted, and such Plan Share
Awards shall remain valid and in effect until they have been earned and paid, or
by their terms expire or are forfeited.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed
by its duly authorized officers and the corporate seal to be affixed and duly
attested, as of the ____ day of _________, 1996.
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
By:___________________________________
Attest:_______________________________
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, _______________, _______________
and _______________, as members of the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of OLD GUARD GROUP, INC., hereby execute this Agreement, as Plan
Trustee undertaking to perform the obligations and duties of the Plan Trustee
hereunder and consenting to the foregoing Management Recognition Plan and Trust
Agreement.
Signed: ______________________________
______________________________
______________________________
MRP-12
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.2
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
STOCK COMPENSATION PROGRAM
1. Purpose. The Old Guard Group, Inc. Stock Compensation Program
("Program") is intended to secure for Old Guard Group, Inc. (the "Company") and
its shareholders the benefits arising from ownership of the Company's common
stock, no par value per share ("Common Stock"), by those selected executives and
other key employees and directors of the Company who will be responsible for its
future growth. The Program is designed to help attract and retain superior
personnel for positions of substantial responsibility with the Company, and to
provide key employees with an additional incentive to contribute to the success
of the Company.
2. Elements of the Program. In order to maintain flexibility in the
award of stock benefits, the Program is comprised of four parts. The first part
is the Incentive Stock Option Plan ("Incentive Plan"). The second part is the
Compensatory Stock Option Plan ("Compensatory Plan"). The third part is the
Stock Appreciation Rights Plan ("S.A.R. Plan"). The fourth part is the
Performance Shares Plan ("Performance Plan"). Copies of the Incentive Plan,
Compensatory Plan, S.A.R. Plan, and Performance Plan are attached hereto as Part
I, Part II, Part III and Part IV, respectively, and are collectively referred to
herein as the "Plans." The grant of an option, appreciation right or performance
share under one of the Plans shall not be construed to prohibit the grant of an
option, appreciation right or performance share under any of the other Plans.
3. Applicability of General Provisions. Unless any Plan specifically
indicates to the contrary, all Plans shall be subject to the General Provisions
of the Stock Compensation Program set forth below.
4. Administration of the Plans. The Plans shall be administered,
construed, governed and amended in accordance with their respective terms.
GENERAL PROVISIONS OF STOCK COMPENSATION PROGRAM
Article 1. Administration. The Program shall be administered by a
committee appointed by the Board of Directors of the Company and composed of not
less than three directors of the Company, except that no director shall serve as
a member of the committee if such person is then eligible, or has been eligible
at any time during the prior twelve months, to receive stock options, stock
appreciation rights, or performance shares under the Program, or under any other
option, stock purchase or similar plan of the Company or of any parent or
subsidiary. The
1
<PAGE>
committee shall be composed of "disinterested persons" within the meaning of
Rule 16b-3 promulgated pursuant to the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended. The committee, when acting to administer the Program, is
referred to as the "Program Administrators." Any action of the Program
Administrators shall be taken by majority vote or the unanimous written consent
of the Program Administrators. The Board of Directors, with the Program
Administrators not voting, shall administer the Program with respect to the
options granted to the Program Administrators in accordance with the provisions
of Plan II. No Program Administrator or member of the Board of Directors of the
Company or any parent or subsidiary, shall be liable for any action or
determination made in good faith with respect to the Program or to any option,
stock appreciation right, or performance share granted thereunder.
Article 2. Authority of Program Administrators. Subject to the other
provisions of this Program, and with a view to effecting its purpose, the
Program Administrators shall have sole authority in their absolute discretion:
(a) to construe and interpret the Program; (b) to define the terms used herein;
(c) to prescribe, amend, and rescind rules and regulations relating to the
Program; (d) to determine the employees to whom options, appreciation rights and
performance shares shall be granted under the Program; (e) to determine the time
or times at which options, appreciation rights and performance shares shall be
granted under the Program; (f) to determine the number of shares subject to any
option or stock appreciation right under the Program and the number of shares to
be awarded as performance shares under the Program as well as the option price,
and the duration of each option, appreciation right and performance share, and
any other terms and conditions of options, appreciation rights and performance
shares; (g) to terminate the Program; and (h) to make any other determinations
necessary or advisable for the administration of the Program and to do
everything necessary or appropriate to administer the Program. All decisions,
determinations, and interpretations made by the Program Administrators shall be
binding and conclusive on all participants in the Program and on their legal
representatives, heirs and beneficiaries.
Article 3. Maximum Number of Shares Subject to the Program. The maximum
aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available pursuant to the Plans,
subject to adjustment as provided in Article 6 hereof, shall be equal to the
number of shares that represent 10% of the Company's initial issuance of Common
Stock. If any of the options granted under this Program expire or terminate for
any reason before they have been exercised in full, the unpurchased shares
subject to those expired or terminated options shall again be available for the
purposes of the Program. If the performance objectives associated with the grant
of any performance share(s) are not achieved within the specified performance
period or if the performance share grant terminates for any reason before the
performance objective date arrives, the
2
<PAGE>
shares of Common Stock associated with such performance shares shall again be
available for the purposes of the Program.
Article 4. Eligibility and Participation. Only regular full-time
employees of the Company, including officers whether or not directors of the
Company, or of any parent or any subsidiary, shall be eligible for selection by
the Program Administrators to participate in the Program. Directors who are not
full-time employees of the Company shall only be eligible to participate in Plan
II of the Program.
Article 5. Effective Date and Term of Program. The Program shall become
effective upon its adoption by the Board of Directors of the Company and
subsequent approval of the Program by a majority of the total votes eligible to
be cast at a meeting of shareholders, which vote shall be taken within 12 months
of adoption of the Program by the Company's Board of Directors; provided,
however, that options, appreciation rights, and performance shares may be
granted under this Program prior to obtaining shareholder approval of the
Program, but after the Company's original issuance of Common Stock, but any such
options or appreciation rights or performance shares shall be contingent upon
such shareholder approval being obtained and may not be exercised prior to such
approval. The Program shall continue in effect for a term of 10 years unless
sooner terminated under Article 2 of the General Provisions.
Article 6. Adjustments. If the shares of Common Stock of the Company as
a whole are increased, decreased, changed into, or exchanged for a different
number or kind of shares or securities through merger, consolidation,
combination, exchange of shares, other reorganization, recapitalization,
reclassification, stock dividend, stock split or reverse stock split, an
appropriate and proportionate adjustment shall be made in the maximum number and
kind of shares as to which options, appreciation rights and performance shares
may be granted under this Program. A corresponding adjustment changing the
number or kind of shares allocated to unexercised options, appreciation rights,
performance shares, or portions thereof, which shall have been granted prior to
any such change, shall likewise be made. Any such adjustment in outstanding
options and appreciation rights shall be made without change in the aggregate
purchase price applicable to the unexercised portion of the option or
appreciation right, but with a corresponding adjustment in the price for each
share or other unit of any security covered by the option or appreciation right.
In making any adjustment pursuant to this Article 6, any fractional shares shall
be disregarded.
Article 7. Termination and Amendment of Program. The Program shall
terminate no later than 10 years from the date such Program is adopted by the
Board of Directors, or the date such Program is approved by the shareholders,
whichever is earlier. No options, appreciation rights, or performance shares
shall be granted under the Program after that date. Subject to the
3
<PAGE>
limitation contained in Article 8 of the General Provisions, the Program
Administrators may at any time amend or revise the terms of the Program,
including the form and substance of the option, appreciation right, and
performance shares agreements to be used hereunder; provided that no amendment
or revision shall (a) increase the maximum aggregate number of shares that may
be sold, subjected to appreciation, or distributed pursuant to options,
appreciation rights, or performance shares granted under this Program, except as
permitted under Article 6 of the General Provisions; (b) change the minimum
purchase price for shares under Section 4 of Plans I and II; (c) increase the
maximum term established under the Plans for any option, appreciation right, or
performance share; or (d) permit the granting of an option, appreciation right,
or performance share to anyone other than as provided in Article 4 of the
General Provisions.
Article 8. Prior Rights and Obligations. No amendment, suspension, or
termination of the Program shall, without the consent of the employee who has
received an option, appreciation right, or performance share, alter or impair
any of that employee's rights or obligations under any option, appreciation
right or performance share granted under the Program prior to such amendment,
suspension, or termination.
Article 9. Privileges of Stock Ownership. Notwithstanding the exercise
of any options granted pursuant to the terms of this Program or the achievement
of any performance objective specified in any performance share granted pursuant
to the terms of this Program, no employee shall have any of the rights or
privileges of a shareholder of the Company in respect of any shares of stock
issuable upon the exercise of his or her option or achievement of his or her
performance goal until certificates representing the shares have been issued and
delivered. No shares shall be required to be issued and delivered upon exercise
of any option or achievement of any performance goal as specified in a
performance share unless and until all of the requirements of law and of all
regulatory agencies having jurisdiction over the issuance and delivery of the
securities shall have been fully complied with. No adjustment shall be made for
dividends or any other distributions for which the record date is prior to the
date on which such stock certificate is issued.
Article 10. Reservation of Shares of Common Stock. The Company, during
the term of this Program, will at all times reserve and keep available such
number of shares of its Common Stock as shall be sufficient to satisfy the
requirements of the Program. In addition, the Company will from time to time, as
is necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Program, seek to obtain from any
regulatory agency having jurisdiction, any requisite authority in order to issue
and sell shares of Common Stock hereunder. The inability of the Company to
obtain from any regulatory agency having jurisdiction the authority deemed, by
the Company's counsel, to be necessary to the lawful issuance and sale of any
shares of its stock hereunder shall relieve the
4
<PAGE>
Company of any liability in respect of the non-issuance or sale of the stock as
to which the requisite authority shall not have been obtained.
Article 11. Tax Withholding. The exercise of any option, appreciation
right, or performance share granted under the Program is subject to the
condition that if at any time the Company shall determine, in its discretion,
that the satisfaction of withholding tax or other withholding liabilities under
any state or federal law is necessary or desirable as a condition of, or in any
connection with, such exercise or the delivery or purchase of shares pursuant
thereto, then in such event, the exercise of the option, appreciation right or
performance share shall not be effective unless such withholding tax or other
withholding liabilities shall have been satisfied in a manner acceptable to the
Company.
Article 12. Employment. Nothing in the Program or in any option, stock
appreciation right, or performance share award, shall confer upon any eligible
employee any right to continued employment by the Company, or by any parent or
subsidiary corporation, or limit in any way the right of the Company or any
parent or subsidiary corporation at any time to terminate or alter the terms of
that employment.
5
<PAGE>
PLAN I
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the Old Guard Group, Inc. Incentive
Stock Option Plan ("Incentive Plan") is to promote the growth and general
prosperity of the Company by permitting the Company to grant options to purchase
shares of its Common Stock. The Incentive Plan is designed to help attract and
retain superior personnel for positions of responsibility with the Company and
any parent or subsidiary, and to provide key employees with an additional
incentive to contribute the success of the Company. The Company intends that
options granted pursuant to the provisions of the Incentive Plan will qualify
and will be identified as "incentive stock options" within the meaning of
Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"). This
Incentive Plan is Part I of the Company's Stock Compensation Program
("Program"). Unless any provision herein indicates to the contrary, this
Incentive Plan shall be subject to the General Provisions of the Program.
Section 2. Option Terms and Conditions. The terms and conditions of
options granted under the Incentive Plan may differ from one another as the
Program Administrators shall, in their discretion, determine, as long as all
options granted under the Incentive Plan satisfy the requirements of the
Incentive Plan.
Section 3. Duration of Options. Each option and all rights thereunder
granted pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Plan shall expire on the date
determined by the Program Administrators, but in no event shall any option
granted under the Incentive Plan expire later than 10 years from the date on
which the option is granted, except that any employee who owns more than 10% of
the combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company, or of any
parent or subsidiary, must exercise any options within five years from the date
of grant. In addition, each option shall be subject to early termination as
provided in the Incentive Plan.
Section 4. Purchase Price. The purchase price for shares acquired
pursuant to the exercise, in whole or in part, of any option shall not be less
than the fair market value of the shares at the time of the grant of the option;
except that for any employee who owns more than 10% of the combined voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company, or of any parent or subsidiary, the
purchase price shall not be less than 110% of fair market value. Fair market
value shall be determined by the Program Administrators on the basis of such
factors as they deem appropriate; provided, however, that fair market value
shall be determined without regard to any restriction other than a restriction
which, by its terms, will never lapse, and further provided, however, that if at
the time the determination of fair
6
<PAGE>
market value is made, those shares are subject to trading on a national
securities exchange for which sale prices are regularly reported, the fair
market value of those shares shall not be less than the mean of the high and low
asked or closing sales prices reported for the Common Stock on that exchange on
the day or most recent trading day preceding the date on which the option is
granted. For purposes of this Section 4, the term "national securities exchange"
shall include the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation
System and the over-the-counter market.
Section 5. Maximum Amount of Options in Any Calendar Year. The
aggregate fair market value (determined as of the time the option is granted),
of the Common Stock with respect to which incentive stock options are first
exercisable by any Optionee during any calendar year under the terms of this
Plan and all such plans of the Company and any parent or subsidiary corporation,
shall not exceed $100,000. Any option in excess of the foregoing limitations
shall be granted pursuant to the Company's Compensatory Stock Option Plan (Plan
II), and shall be clearly and specifically designated as not being an incentive
stock option.
Commencing January 1, 1996, grants to any employee under the Incentive
Plan shall not exceed in the aggregate ___ options during any period of 12
consecutive months. Such limitation shall be subject to adjustments in the
manner described in Article 6 of the General Provisions of this Program.
Section 6. Exercise of Options. Each option shall be exercisable in one
or more installments during its term, and the right to exercise may be
cumulative as determined by the Program Administrators. No option may be
exercised for a fraction of a share of Common Stock. The purchase price of any
shares purchased shall be paid in full, in cash or by certified or cashier's
check payable to the order of the Company or by shares of Common Stock, if
permitted by the Program Administrators, or by a combination of cash, check, or
shares of Common Stock, at the time of exercise of the option; provided that the
form(s) of payment allowed the employee shall be established when the option is
granted. If any portion of the purchase price is paid in shares of Common Stock,
those shares shall be tendered at their then fair market value as determined by
the Program Administrators in accordance with Section 4 of this Incentive Plan.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of
an incentive stock option may not be tendered as payment unless the holding
period requirements of Code Section 422(a)(1) have been satisfied, and Common
Stock not acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option may not
be tendered as payment unless it has been held, beneficially and of record, for
at least one year.
Section 7. Acceleration of Right of Exercise of Installments.
Notwithstanding the first sentence of Section 6 of
7
<PAGE>
this Incentive Plan, in the event the Company or its shareholders enter into an
agreement to dispose of all or substantially all of the assets or stock of the
Company by means of a sale, merger or other reorganization, liquidation, or
otherwise, any option granted pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Plan shall
become immediately exercisable with respect to the full number of shares subject
to that option during the period commencing as of the date of the agreement to
dispose of all or substantially all of the assets or stock of the Company and
ending when the disposition of assets or stock contemplated by that agreement is
consummated or the option is otherwise terminated in accordance with its
provisions or the provisions of this Incentive Plan, whichever occurs first;
provided, however, that no option shall be immediately exercisable under this
Section 7 on account of any agreement to dispose of all or substantially all of
the assets or stock of the Company by means of a sale, merger or other
reorganization, liquidation, or otherwise where the shareholders of the Company
immediately before the consummation of the transaction will own at least 50% of
the total combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote of the
surviving entity, whether the Company or some other entity, immediately after
the consummation of the transaction. In the event the transaction contemplated
by the agreement referred to in this Section 7 is not consummated, but rather is
terminated, cancelled, or expires, the options granted pursuant to the Incentive
Plan shall thereafter be treated as if such agreement had never been entered
into.
Notwithstanding the first sentence of Section 6 of this Incentive Plan,
in the event of a change in control of the Company or threatened change in
control of the Company as determined by a vote of not less than a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Company, all options granted prior to such change
in control or threatened change of control shall become immediately exercisable.
The term "control" for purposes of this Section shall refer to the acquisition
of 10% or more of the voting securities of the Company by any person or by
persons acting as a group within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided, however, that for purposes of the
Incentive Plan, no change in control or threatened change in control shall be
deemed to have occurred if prior to the acquisition of, or offer to acquire, 10%
or more of the voting securities of the Company, the full Board of Directors of
the Company shall have adopted, by not less than two-thirds vote, a resolution
specifically approving such acquisition or offer. The term "person" for purposes
of this Section refers to an individual or a corporation, partnership, trust,
association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated
organization or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.
Section 8. Written Notice Required. Any option granted pursuant to the
terms of the Incentive Plan shall be exercised when written notice of that
exercise has been given to the
8
<PAGE>
Company at its principal office by the person entitled to exercise the option
and full payment for the shares with respect to which the option is exercised
has been received by the Company.
Section 9. Additional Exercise Provisions. An employee granted and
holding more than one option granted pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Plan
at any relevant time may, in accordance with the provisions of the Incentive
Plan, elect to exercise such options in any order.
In addition, at the request of the employee and to the extent permitted
by applicable law, the Company may, in its sole discretion, selectively approve
arrangements with a brokerage firm under which such brokerage firm, on behalf of
the employee, shall pay to the Company the exercise price of the options being
exercised, and the Company, pursuant an irrevocable notice from the employee,
shall promptly deliver the shares being purchased to such brokerage firm.
Section 10. Compliance With Securities Laws. Shares of Common Stock
shall not be issued with respect to any option granted under the Incentive Plan
unless the exercise of that option and the issuance and delivery of those shares
pursuant to that exercise shall comply with all relevant provisions of state and
federal law including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, and the requirements
of any stock exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be
further subject to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such
compliance. The Program Administrators may also require an employee to whom an
option has been granted under the Incentive Plan ("Optionee") to furnish
evidence satisfactory to the Company, including a written and signed
representation letter and consent to be bound by any transfer restriction
imposed by law, legend, condition, or otherwise, that the shares are being
purchased only for investment and without any present intention to sell or
distribute the shares in violation of any state or federal law, rule, or
regulation. Further, each Optionee shall consent to the imposition of a legend
on the shares of Common Stock subject to his or her option restricting their
transferability as required by law or by this Section 10.
Section 11. Employment of Optionee. Each Optionee, if requested by the
Program Administrators when the option is granted, must agree in writing as a
condition of receiving his or her option, that he or she will remain in the
employ of the Company, or any parent or subsidiary corporation of the Company
(or a corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation issuing or
assuming a stock option in a transaction to which section 424(a) of the Code
applies), as the case may be, following the date of the granting of that option
for a period specified by the Program Administrators, which period shall in no
event exceed three years. Nothing in the Plan or in any option
9
<PAGE>
granted hereunder shall confer upon any Optionee any right to continued
employment by the Company, or any parent or subsidiary corporation, or limit in
any way the right of the Company or any parent or subsidiary corporation at any
time to terminate or alter the terms of that employment.
Section 12. Option Rights Upon Termination of Employment. If an
Optionee ceases to be employed by the Company, or any parent or subsidiary
corporation (or a corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation
issuing or assuming a stock option in a transaction to which section 424(a) of
the Code applies), for any reason other than death or disability, his or her
option shall immediately terminate; provided, however, that the Program
Administrators may, at the time an option is granted, in their discretion, allow
such option to be exercised (to the extent exercisable on the date of
termination of employment) at any time within three months after the date of
termination of employment, unless either the option or the Incentive Plan
otherwise provides for earlier termination.
Section 13. Option Rights Upon Disability. If an Optionee becomes
permanently and totally disabled within the meaning of Section 22(e)(3) of the
Code while employed by the Company, or any parent or subsidiary corporation (or
a corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation issuing or assuming
a stock option in a transaction to which section 424(a) of the Code applies),
the option may be exercised, to the extent exercisable on the date of
termination of employment, at any time within one year after the date of
termination of employment due to disability, unless either the option or the
Incentive Plan otherwise provides for earlier termination.
Section 14. Option Rights Upon Death of Optionee. Except as otherwise
limited by the Program Administrators at the time of the grant of an option, if
an Optionee dies while employed by the Company, or any parent or subsidiary
corporation (or a corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation
issuing or assuming a stock option in a transaction to which section 424(a) of
the Code applies), or within three months after ceasing to be an employee
thereof, his or her option shall expire one year after the date of death unless
by its term it expires sooner. During this one year or shorter period, the
option may be exercised, to the extent that it remains unexercised on the date
of death, by the person or persons to whom the Optionee's rights under the
option shall pass by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, but only
to the extent that the Optionee is entitled to exercise the option at the date
of death.
Section 15. Options Not Transferable. Options granted pursuant to the
terms of the Incentive Plan may not be sold, pledged, assigned, or transferred
in any manner otherwise than by will or the laws of descent or distribution and
may be exercised during the lifetime of an Optionee only by that Optionee.
10
<PAGE>
Section 16. Adjustments to Number and Purchase Price of Optioned
Shares. All options granted pursuant to the terms of this Incentive Plan shall
be adjusted in the manner prescribed by Article 6 of the General Provisions of
this Program.
11
<PAGE>
PLAN II
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
---------------------
COMPENSATORY STOCK OPTION PLAN
------------------------------
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the Old Guard Group, Inc.
Compensatory Stock Option Plan ("Compensatory Plan") is to permit the Company to
grant options to purchase shares of its Common Stock to selected executive
officers, full-time, key employees and to directors of the Company. The
Compensatory Plan is designed to help attract and retain superior personnel for
positions of substantial responsibility with the Company and any parent or
subsidiary, and to provide key employees with an additional incentive to
contribute to the success of the Company. Any option granted pursuant to this
Compensatory Plan shall be clearly and specifically designated as not being an
incentive stock option, as defined in Section 422(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986, as amended ("Code"). This Compensatory Plan is Part II of the
Company's Stock Compensation Program ("Program"). Unless any provision herein
indicates to the contrary, this Compensatory Plan shall be subject to the
General Provisions of the Program.
Section 2. Option Terms and Conditions. The terms and conditions of
options granted under this Compensatory Plan may differ from one another as the
Program Administrators shall, in their discretion, determine as long as all
options granted under the Compensatory Plan satisfy the requirements of the
Compensatory Plan.
The maximum number of shares of common stock for which options may be
granted under this Compensatory Plan to all directors who are not full-time
salaried employees of the Company or any parent or subsidiary shall not exceed
50 percent of the shares of common stock covered by the Program.
Section 3. Duration of Options. Each option and all rights thereunder
granted pursuant to the terms of this Compensatory Plan shall expire on the date
determined by the Program Administrators, but in no event shall any option
granted under the Compensatory Plan expire later than 10 years and one month
from the date on which the option is granted. In addition, each option shall be
subject to early termination as provided in the Compensatory Plan.
Section 4. Purchase Price. The purchase price for shares acquired
pursuant to the exercise, in whole or in part, of any option shall be equal to
or less than the fair market value of the shares at the time of the grant of the
option, as determined by the Program Administrators at the time of grant on the
basis of such factors as they deem appropriate; provided, however, that fair
market value shall be determined without regard to any restriction other than a
restriction which, by its terms, shall
12
<PAGE>
never lapse. If at the time of the determination, the shares of the Company are
admitted to trading on a national securities exchange for which sales prices are
regularly reported, the fair market value of those shares shall not be less than
the mean of the high and low asked or closing sales prices reported for the
Common Stock on that exchange on the day or most recent trading day preceding
the date on which the option is granted. For purposes of this Section 4, the
term "national securities exchange" shall include the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System and the over-the-counter market.
Section 5. Exercise of Options. Each option shall be exercisable in one
or more installments during its term and the right to exercise may be cumulative
as determined by the Program Administrators (or the Board of Directors with
respect to the Program Administrators). No options may be exercised for a
fraction of a share of Common Stock. The purchase price of any shares purchased
shall be paid in full in cash or by certified or cashier's check payable to the
order of the Company or by shares of Common Stock, if permitted by the Program
Administrators (or the Board of Directors with respect to the Program
Administrators), or by a combination of cash, check or shares of Common Stock,
at the time of exercise of the option. If any portion of the purchase price is
paid in shares of Common Stock, those shares shall be tendered at their then
fair market value as determined by the Program Administrators (or the Board of
Directors with respect to the Program Administrators) in accordance with Section
4 of this Compensatory Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Common Stock
acquired pursuant to the exercise of an incentive stock option may not be
tendered as payment unless the holding period requirements of Code Section
422(a)(1) have been satisfied, and Common Stock not acquired pursuant to the
exercise of an incentive stock option may not be tendered as payment unless it
has been held, beneficially and of record, for at least one year.
Section 6. Acceleration of Right of Exercise of Installments.
Notwithstanding the first sentence of Section 5 of this Compensatory Plan, if
the Company or its shareholders enter into an agreement to dispose of all or
substantially all of the assets or stock of the Company by means of a sale,
merger or other reorganization, liquidation, or otherwise, any option granted
pursuant to the terms of this Compensatory Plan shall become immediately
exercisable with respect to the full number of shares subject to that option
during the period commencing as of the date of the agreement to dispose of all
or substantially all of the assets or stock of the Company and ending when the
disposition of assets or stock contemplated by that agreement is consummated, or
the option is otherwise terminated in accordance with its provisions or the
provisions of this Compensatory Plan, whichever occurs first; provided, however,
that no option shall be immediately exercisable under this Section 6 on account
of any agreement to dispose of all or substantially all of the assets or
13
<PAGE>
stock of the Company by means of a sale, merger or other reorganization,
liquidation, or otherwise where the shareholders of the Company immediately
before the consummation of the transaction will own at least 50% of the total
combined voting power of all classes of stock entitled to vote of the surviving
entity whether the Company or some other entity, immediately after the
consummation of the transaction. In the event the transaction contemplated by
the agreement referred to in this Section 6 is not consummated, but rather is
terminated, cancelled or expires, the options granted pursuant to this
Compensatory Plan shall thereafter be treated as if such agreement had never
been entered into.
Notwithstanding the first sentence of Section 5 of this Compensatory
Plan, in the event of a change in control of the Company, or threatened change
in control of the Company as determined by a vote of not less than a majority of
the Board of Directors of the Company, all options granted prior to such change
in control or threatened change in control shall become immediately exercisable.
The term "control" for purposes of this Section shall refer to the acquisition
of 10% or more of the voting securities of the Company by any person or by
persons acting as a group within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; provided, however, that for purposes of this
Compensatory Plan, no change in control or threatened change in control shall be
deemed to have occurred if prior to the acquisition of, or offer to acquire, 10%
or more of the voting securities of the Company, the full Board of Directors of
the Company shall have adopted, by not less than two-thirds vote, a resolution
specifically approving such acquisition or offer. The term "person" for purposes
of this Section refers to an individual or a corporation, partnership, trust,
association, joint venture, pool, syndicate, sole proprietorship, unincorporated
organization or any other form of entity not specifically listed herein.
Section 7. Written Notice Required. Any option granted pursuant to the
terms of this Compensatory Plan shall be exercised when written notice of that
exercise has been given to the Company at its principal office by the person
entitled to exercise the option and full payment for the shares with respect to
which the option is exercised has been received by the Company.
Section 8. Compliance With Securities Laws. Shares shall not be issued
with respect to any option granted under the Compensatory Plan unless the
exercise of that option and the issuance and delivery of the shares pursuant
thereto shall comply with all relevant provisions of state and federal law,
including, without limitation, the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the rules
and regulations promulgated thereunder and the requirements of any stock
exchange upon which the shares may then be listed, and shall be further subject
to the approval of counsel for the Company with respect to such compliance. The
Program
14
<PAGE>
Administrators may also require an employee to whom an option has been granted
("Optionee") to furnish evidence satisfactory to the Company, including a
written and signed representation letter and consent to be bound by any transfer
restrictions imposed by law, legend, condition, or otherwise, that the shares
are being purchased only for investment purposes and without any present
intention to sell or distribute the shares in violation of any state or federal
law, rule, or regulation. Further, each Optionee shall consent to the imposition
of a legend on the shares of Common Stock subject to his or her option
restricting their transferability as required by law or by this Section 8.
Section 9. Employment of Optionee. Each Optionee, if requested by the
Program Administrators, must agree in writing as a condition of the granting of
his or her option, to remain in the employment of the Company or any parent or
subsidiary (or a corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation
issuing or assuming a stock option in a transaction to which Code Section 424(a)
applies), following the date of the granting of that option for a period
specified by the Program Administrators, which period shall in no event exceed
three years. Nothing in this Compensatory Plan or in any option granted
hereunder shall confer upon any Optionee any right to continued employment by
the Company or any parent or subsidiary, or limit in any way the right of the
Company or any parent or subsidiary at any time to terminate or alter the terms
of that employment.
Section 10. Option Rights Upon Termination of Employment. If any
Optionee under this Compensatory Plan ceases to be employed by the Company or
any parent or subsidiary (or a corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such
corporation issuing or assuming a stock option in a transaction to which Code
Section 424(a) applies), for any reason other than disability or death, his or
her option shall immediately terminate; provided, however, that the Program
Administrators (or the Board of Directors with respect to the Program
Administrators) may, in their discretion, allow the option to be exercised, to
the extent exercisable on the date of termination of employment, at any time
within three months after the date of termination of employment, unless either
the option or this Compensatory Plan otherwise provides for earlier termination.
Section 11. Option Rights Upon Disability. If an Optionee becomes
permanently and totally disabled within the meaning of Code Section 22(e)(3)
while employed by the Company, or any parent or subsidiary corporation (or a
corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation issuing or assuming a
stock option in a transaction to which Code Section 424(a) applies), the Program
Administrators (or the Board of Directors with respect to the Program
Administrators), in their discretion, may allow the option to be exercised, to
the extent exercisable on the date of termination of employment, at any time
within one year after the date of termination of employment due to disability,
unless
15
<PAGE>
either the option or the Incentive Plan otherwise provides for earlier
termination.
Section 12. Option Rights Upon Death of Optionee. Except as otherwise
limited by the Program Administrators (or the Board of Directors with respect to
the Program Administrators) at the time of the grant of an option, if an
Optionee dies while employed by the Company, or any parent or subsidiary, (or a
corporation or a parent or subsidiary of such corporation issuing or assuming a
stock option in a transaction to which Code Section 424(a) applies), his or her
option shall expire one year after the date of death unless by its terms it
expires sooner. During this one year or shorter period, the option may be
exercised, to the extent that it remains unexercised on the date of death, by
the person or persons to whom the Optionee's rights under the option shall pass
by will or by the laws of descent and distribution, but only to the extent that
the Optionee is entitled to exercise the option at the date of death.
Section 13. Options Not Transferable. Options granted pursuant to the
terms of this Compensatory Plan may not be sold, pledged, assigned, or
transferred in any manner otherwise than by will or the laws of descent or
distribution and may be exercised during the lifetime of an Optionee only by
that Optionee.
Section 14. Adjustments to Number and Purchase Price of Optioned
Shares. All options granted pursuant to the terms of this Compensatory Plan
shall be adjusted in a manner prescribed by Article 6 of the General Provisions
of the Program.
16
<PAGE>
PLAN III
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
---------------------
STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS PLAN
------------------------------
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the Old Guard Group, Inc. Stock
Appreciation Rights Plan ("S.A.R. Plan") is to permit the Company to grant stock
appreciation rights for its Common Stock to its full-time, key employees. The
S.A.R. Plan is designed to help attract and retain superior personnel for
positions of substantial responsibility with the Company and any parent or
subsidiary and to provide key employees with an additional incentive to
contribute to the success of the Company. This S.A.R. Plan is Part III of the
Company's Stock Compensation Program ("Program").
Section 2. Terms and Conditions. The Program Administrators may, but
shall not be obligated to, authorize, on such terms and conditions as they deem
appropriate in each case, the Company to accept the surrender by the recipient
of a stock option granted under Plan I or Plan II of the right to exercise that
option, or portion thereof, in consideration for the payment by the Company of
an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of the shares of Common
Stock subject to such option, or portion thereof surrendered, over the option
price of such shares. Such payment, at the discretion of the Program
Administrators, may be made in shares of Common Stock valued at the then fair
market value thereof, determined as provided in Section 4 of Plan I, or in cash
or partly in cash and partly in shares of Common Stock; provided that with
respect to rights granted in tandem with incentive stock options, the Program
Administrators shall establish the form(s) of payment allowed the Optionee at
the date of grant. The Program Administrators shall not be authorized to make
payment to any optionee in shares of the Company's Common Stock unless Section
83 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code") would apply to the
Common Stock transferred to the Optionee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
Company may not permit the exercise and cancellation of a stock appreciation
right issued pursuant to this S.A.R. Plan until the Company has been subject to
the reporting requirements of Section 13 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended ("Exchange Act") for a period of at least one year prior to the
exercise and cancellation of any such stock appreciation right.
Section 3. Time Limitations. Any election by an Optionee to exercise
the stock appreciation rights provided in this S.A.R. Plan shall be made during
the period beginning on the third business day following the release for
publication of quarterly or annual financial information required to be prepared
and disseminated by the Company pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act
and ending on the twelfth business day following
17
<PAGE>
such date. The required release of information shall be deemed to have been
satisfied when the specified financial data appears on or in a wire service,
financial news service or newspaper of general circulation or is otherwise first
made publicly available.
Section 4. Exercise of Stock Appreciation Rights; Effect on Stock
Options and Vice-Versa. Upon the exercise of a stock appreciation right, the
number of shares available under the stock option to which it relates shall
decrease by a number equal to the number of shares for which the right was
exercised. Upon the exercise of a stock option, any related stock appreciation
right shall terminate as to any number of shares subject to the right that
exceeds the total number of shares for which the stock option remains
unexercised.
Section 5. Time of Grant. With respect to options granted under Plan I,
stock appreciation rights must be granted concurrently with the stock options to
which they relate; with respect to options granted under Plan II, stock
appreciation rights may be granted concurrently or at any time thereafter prior
to the exercise or expiration of such options.
Section 6. Non-Transferable. The holder of a stock appreciation right
may not transfer or assign the right otherwise than by will or in accordance
with the laws of descent and distribution. Furthermore, in the event of the
termination of his or her service with the Company as a director, officer and/or
employee, the right may be exercised only within the period, if any, which the
option to which it relates may be exercised.
Section 7. Tandem Incentive Stock Option - Stock Appreciation Right.
Whenever an incentive stock option, granted pursuant to Plan I and a stock
appreciation right authorized hereunder are granted together and the exercise of
one affects the right to exercise the other, the following requirements shall
apply:
1) The stock appreciation right will expire no later than the
expiration of the underlying incentive stock option;
2) The stock appreciation right may be for no more than the difference
between the exercise price of the underlying option and the market price of the
stock subject to the underlying option at the time the stock appreciation right
is exercised;
3) The stock appreciation right is transferable only when the
underlying incentive stock option is transferable, and under the same
conditions;
4) The stock appreciation right may be exercised only when the
underlying incentive stock option is eligible to be exercised; and
18
<PAGE>
5) The stock appreciation right may be exercised only when the market
price of the stock subject to the option exceeds the exercise price of the stock
subject to the option.
Section 8. Tandem Stock Option - Limited Stock Appreciation Right. The
Program Administrators may provide that any tandem stock appreciation right
granted pursuant to Section 8 hereof be a limited stock appreciation right, in
which event:
1) The limited stock appreciation right shall be exercisable during the
period beginning on the first day following the expiration of an Offer (as
defined below) and ending on the thirtieth day following such date (but in no
event less than six months after the date of grant of the right);
2) Neither the option tandem to the limited stock appreciation right
nor any other stock appreciation right tandem to such option may be exercised at
any time that the limited stock appreciation right may be exercised, provided
that this requirement shall not apply in the case of an incentive stock option
tandem to a limited stock appreciation right if and to the extent that the
Program Administrators determine that such requirement is not consistent with
applicable statutory provisions regarding incentive stock options and the
regulations issued thereunder;
3) Upon exercise of the limited stock appreciation right, the fair
market value of the shares to which the right relates for purposes of Section 4
of Plan I shall be determined as the highest price per share paid in any Offer
that is in effect at any time during the period beginning on the sixtieth day
prior to the date on which the limited stock appreciation right is exercised and
ending on such exercise date; provided, however, with respect to a limited stock
appreciation right tandem to an incentive stock option, the Program
Administrators shall determine fair market value of such shares in a different
manner if and to the extent that the Program Administrators deem necessary or
desirable to conform with applicable statutory provisions regarding incentive
stock options and the regulations issued thereunder.
The term "Offer" shall mean any tender offer or exchange offer for
shares of the Company, provided that the person making the offer acquires shares
of the Company's capital stock pursuant to such offer.
Section 9. Exercise Restriction Effects. For the purposes of Section 9
of Plan I, a tandem incentive stock option - stock appreciation right will be
considered exercised in full when either the underlying incentive stock option
or the stock appreciation right is fully exercised.
Section 10. Request for Reports. A copy of the Company's annual report
to shareholders shall be delivered to each
19
<PAGE>
Optionee. Upon written request, the Company shall furnish to each Optionee a
copy of its most recent Form 10-K Annual Report and each Form 10-Q Quarterly
Report and Form 8-K Current Report filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission since the end of the Company's prior fiscal year.
20
<PAGE>
PLAN IV
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
---------------------
PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN
----------------------
Section 1. Purpose. The purpose of the Old Guard Group, Inc.
Performance Share Plan ("Performance Plan") is to promote the growth and general
prosperity of the Company by permitting the Company to grant performance shares
to help attract and retain superior personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility with the Company and any parent or subsidiary, and to provide key
employees with an additional incentive to contribute to the success of the
Company. This Performance Plan is Part IV of the Company's Stock Compensation
Program ("Program").
Section 2. Terms and Conditions. The Program Administrators may grant
performance shares to any employee eligible under Article 4 of the General
Provisions. Each performance share grant confers upon the recipient thereof the
right to receive a specified number of shares of Common Stock of the Company
contingent upon the achievement of specified performance objectives within a
specified period. The Program Administrators shall specify the performance
objective and the period of duration of the performance share grant at the time
that such performance share is granted. Any performance shares granted under
this Plan shall constitute an unfunded promise to make future payments to the
affected employee upon the completion of specified conditions. The grant of an
opportunity to receive performance shares shall not entitle the affected
employee to any rights to specific fund(s) or assets of the Company, or any
parent or subsidiary.
Section 3. Cash in Lieu of Stock. In lieu of some or all of the shares
earned by achievement of the specified performance objectives within the
specified period, the Program Administrators may distribute cash in an amount
equal to the fair market value of the Common Stock at the time that the employee
achieves the performance objective within the specified period. Such fair market
value shall be determined by Section 4 of Plans I and II, on the business day
next preceding the date of payment.
Section 4. Performance Objective Period. The duration of the period
within which to achieve the performance objectives is to be determined by the
Program Administrators. The period may not be less than one year nor more than
five years from the date the performance share is granted.
Section 5. Non-Transferable. A participating employee may not transfer
or assign a performance share.
21
<PAGE>
Section 6. Performance Share Rights Upon Death or Termination of
Employment. If a participating employee dies or terminates service with the
Company or any parent or subsidiary (or a corporation or a parent or subsidiary
of such corporation issuing or assuming a stock option in a transaction to which
Section 424(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Code")
applies), prior to the expiration of the performance objective period, any
performance shares granted to him during that period are terminated.
Section 7. Tax Consequences. No federal income tax consequences are
incurred by the Company or the participating employee at the time a performance
share is granted. However, if the specified performance objectives are met, the
employee will realize ordinary income at the end of the award period equal to
the amount of cash or the fair market value of the stock received by him or her.
The Company will ordinarily be entitled to a deduction for federal income tax
purposes at the same time and in the same amount. The Program Administrators
shall be authorized to make payment in shares of Common Stock only if Code
Section 83 would apply to the transfer of Common Stock to the employee.
22
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10.3
9/96
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
(Effective January 1, 1997)
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
ARTICLE 1
INTRODUCTION................................................................ 1
ARTICLE 2
DEFINITIONS................................................................. 2
ARTICLE 3
ELIGIBILITY................................................................. 9
3.1. Eligibility Generally............................................ 9
3.2. Eligibility Computation Period................................... 9
3.3. Commencement of Participation.................................... 9
3.4. Cessation of Participation....................................... 9
3.5. Special Rules for Participation and Vesting Purposes............. 9
3.6. Years of Service................................................. 9
3.7. Participation upon Reemployment.................................. 10
ARTICLE 4
VESTING..................................................................... 11
4.1. In General....................................................... 11
4.2. Normal Retirement Date........................................... 11
4.3. Death or Disability.............................................. 11
4.4. Forfeiture of Account............................................ 11
ARTICLE 5
CONTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS............................................... 12
5.1. Company Contributions............................................ 12
5.2. Time and Manner of Contributions................................. 12
5.3. Employee Contributions........................................... 12
5.4. Recovery of Contributions........................................ 12
5.5. Allocation of Employer Contributions............................. 13
5.6. Income on Investments............................................ 13
5.7. Certain Stock Transactions....................................... 13
5.8. Valuation of Trust Fund.......................................... 13
ARTICLE 6
MAXIMUM LIMITATION ON ALLOCATIONS........................................... 14
6.1. Participation Solely in This Plan................................ 14
6.2. Participation in Another Defined Contribution Plan............... 15
6.3. Participation in a Defined Benefit Plan.......................... 15
6.4. Definitions...................................................... 16
ARTICLE 7
INVESTMENT OF TRUST ASSETS.................................................. 18
7.1. Trust............................................................ 18
(i)
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 8
COMPANY STOCK APPRAISAL..................................................... 19
ARTICLE 9
DISTRIBUTIONS............................................................... 20
9.1. Termination of Employment........................................ 20
9.2. Death............................................................ 20
9.3. Time of Payment.................................................. 21
9.4. Form of Payment.................................................. 21
9.5. Direct Rollover.................................................. 21
9.6. Diversification Election......................................... 22
9.7. Election to Retain Interests in Plan............................. 23
9.8. Mandatory Distributions.......................................... 23
9.9. Dividend Distributions........................................... 24
9.10. Right of First Refusal........................................... 25
9.11. Prohibited Company Stock Transactions............................ 25
ARTICLE 10
RIGHT TO SELL COMPANY STOCK................................................. 27
10.1. Put Requirements................................................. 27
ARTICLE 11
VOTING AND TENDER OF COMPANY STOCK.......................................... 29
11.1. Voting........................................................... 29
11.2. Tender........................................................... 29
11.3. Fiduciary Responsibilities....................................... 30
11.4. Procedures for Voting and Tender................................. 30
ARTICLE 12
ADMINISTRATION.............................................................. 31
12.1. Fiduciary Responsibilities....................................... 31
12.2. The Administrative Committee..................................... 31
12.3. Plan Expenses.................................................... 32
12.4. Meetings and Voting.............................................. 33
12.5. Compensation..................................................... 33
12.6. Claims Procedures................................................ 33
12.7. Liabilities...................................................... 34
ARTICLE 13
AMENDMENTS.................................................................. 35
13.1. Right to Amend................................................... 35
13.2. Amendment by Administrative Committee............................ 35
13.3. Plan Merger and Asset Transfers.................................. 35
ARTICLE 14
TERMINATION................................................................. 36
14.1. Right to Terminate............................................... 36
14.2. Effect of Termination............................................ 36
ARTICLE 15
MISCELLANEOUS............................................................... 37
15.1. Non-alienation of Benefits....................................... 37
15.2. Appointment of Guardian.......................................... 37
(ii)
<PAGE>
15.3. Satisfaction of Benefit Claims................................... 37
15.4. Controlling Law.................................................. 37
15.5. Non-guarantee of Employment...................................... 37
15.6. Severability and Construction of the Plan........................ 37
15.7. No Requirement of Profits........................................ 38
15.8. All Risk on Participants and Beneficiaries....................... 38
ARTICLE 16
TOP-HEAVY PROVISIONS........................................................ 39
16.1. Determination of Top-Heavy Status................................ 39
16.2. Super Top-Heavy Plan............................................. 39
16.3. Top-Heavy Definitions............................................ 39
16.4. Top-Heavy Rules.................................................. 40
ARTICLE 17
EXEMPT LOANS................................................................ 42
17.1. General.......................................................... 42
17.2. Terms of Exempt Loan Agreements.................................. 42
17.3. Prohibition on Purchase Arrangements............................. 42
17.4. Suspense Account................................................. 43
17.5. Sale of Financed Shares.......................................... 44
(iii)
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 1
INTRODUCTION
The Old Guard Group, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the "Plan") was
established by Old Guard Group, Inc. (the "Company") in order for its employees
to participate in the ownership of the Company. The Plan, effective as of
January 1, 1997, is intended to be an employee stock ownership plan within the
meaning of Section 4975(e)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended,
and is designed to invest primarily in Common Stock of the Company which meets
the requirements for qualifying employer securities under Code Section 409(l).
The purchase of Company Stock for the Plan may be made with the proceeds of
exempt loans meeting the requirements of Section 54.4975-7(b) of the Treasury
Regulations (including any amendments thereto) and Section 2550.408(b)-3 of the
Department of Labor Regulations (including any amendments thereto), employer
contributions, dividends on qualified employer securities or a combination
thereof.
1
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 2
DEFINITIONS
The following initially capitalized words and phrases when used herein
shall have the meanings set forth below, unless the context clearly requires
otherwise.
2.1. "Account" means the bookkeeping account established for each
Participant which reflects the value of the Participant's interest in the Plan.
This Account shall include a Company Stock Account, reflecting the number of
shares of Company Stock allocated to the Participant and an Investment Account
in which shall be reflected other investments allocated to the Participant.
2.2. "Administrative Committee" and "Committee," used interchangeably,
means the named fiduciary of the Plan, which is appointed by the Board of
Directors, as is more fully described in Article 12.
2.3. "Affiliate" means the Company and any corporation which is a member
of a controlled group of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b)) which
includes the Company; any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which
is under common control (as defined in Code Section 414(c)) with the Company;
any organization (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of an
affiliated service group (as defined in Code Section 414(m)) which includes the
Company; and any other entity required to be aggregated with the Company
pursuant to regulations under Code Section 414(o).
2.4. "Beneficiary" means the individual(s) or entities entitled to
receive the Participant's benefits under the Plan in the event of the
Participant's death prior to receiving all benefits payable under the Plan.
2.5. "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company as
constituted from time to time.
2.6. "Break in Service" means a Plan Year during which an Employee (a)
has terminated employment or is no longer employed with the Company or an
Affiliate, and (b) fails to complete more than five hundred (500) Hours of
Service.
2.7. "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended and the
regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.8. "Company" means Old Guard Group, Inc. and any Affiliate which
adopts this Plan with the approval of the Board of Directors of the Company and
any successor to the business of the Company that agrees to assume the Company's
obligations under the Plan.
2
<PAGE>
2.9. "Company Stock" means shares of common stock issued by the Company
that are qualifying employer securities within the meaning of Code Section
4975(e)(8). For purposes of Code Section 4975(e)(8), "Affiliate," as defined in
Section 2.3 of the Plan, shall be modified in accordance with Code Section
409(l)(4).
2.10. "Compensation" means the actual salary or wages paid during a Plan
Year (including shift differential and draw) to a Participant by the Company for
personal services, and including any salary reduction contributions elected by a
Participant pursuant to any plan maintained by the Company in accordance with
Code Sections 401(k) and 125, but excluding overtime pay, severance, bonuses,
commissions and reimbursement for business, travel or entertainment expenses
incurred by the Participant and not reported to the Internal Revenue Service as
wages.
The annual compensation for each Participant taken into account under
the Plan shall not exceed $150,000, as adjusted by the Secretary or his
designate at the same time and in the same manner as under Code Section 415(d).
In determining the Compensation of a Participant for this limitation, the family
aggregation rules of Code Section 414(q)(6) shall apply, except in applying such
rules, the term "family" shall include only the spouse of the Participant and
any lineal descendants of the Participant who have not attained age 19 before
the close of the Plan Year.
2.11. "Disability" shall have the meaning set forth in the Company's
long-term disability plan.
2.12. "Effective Date" means January 1, 1997 which is the date on which
the provisions of this Plan become effective.
2.13. "Employee" means an individual who is employed as a common law
employee by the Company or an Affiliate on a salaried or hourly basis and with
respect to whom the Company or the Affiliate is required to withhold taxes from
remuneration paid to him or her by the Company or Affiliate for personal
services rendered to the Company, including any officer or director who shall so
qualify. The term shall not include leased employees within the meaning of Code
Section 414(n). Employees shall not include any individual whose employment with
the Company or an Affiliate is governed by a collective bargaining agreement
between the Company and employee representatives if evidence exists that
retirement benefits were a subject of good faith bargaining between the parties,
and provided such bargaining agreement does not provide for participation in
this Plan.
2.14. "Employer" means the Company.
2.15. "Entry Date" means January 1 and July 1 of each Plan Year.
3
<PAGE>
2.16. "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974,
as amended from time to time, including any regulations promulgated thereunder.
2.17. "Exempt Loan" means an extension of credit to the Plan which
satisfies the requirements of Treasury Regulations Section 54.4975-7(b) and
Department of Labor Regulations Section 2550.408(b)-3, or any future law or
regulation that modifies either or both of these two regulations and affects the
exemption for such loans to an employee stock ownership plan.
2.18. "Fund" means the assets and all income, gains and losses thereon
held by the Trustee under the Trust Agreement for the exclusive benefit of
Participants and Beneficiaries of the Plan.
2.19. "Highly Compensated Employee"
(a) Highly Compensated Employee means an Employee who performs
service during the determination year and is described in one or more of the
following groups:
(i) An Employee who is a 5% owner, as defined in Code
Section 416(i)(1)(A)(iii), at any time during the determination year or the
look-back year.
(ii) An Employee who receives compensation in excess of
$75,000 (indexed in accordance with Code Section 415(d)) during the look-back
year.
(iii) An Employee who receives compensation in excess of
$50,000 (indexed in accordance with Code Section 415(d)) during the look-back
year and is a member of the top-paid group for the look-back year.
(iv) An Employee who is an officer, within the meaning of
Code Section 416(i), during the look-back year and who receives compensation in
the look-back year greater than 50% of the dollar limitation in effect under
Code Section 415(b)(1)(A) for the calendar year in which the look-back year
begins.
(v) An Employee who is both described in paragraphs (ii),
(iii), or (iv) above when these paragraphs are modified to substitute the
determination year for the look-back year and one of the 100 Employees who
receive the most compensation from the Employer during the determination year.
(b) For purposes of the definition of Highly Compensated
Employee, the following definitions and rules shall apply:
4
<PAGE>
(i) The determination year is the Plan Year for which the
determination of who is highly compensated is being made.
(ii) The look-back year is the 12 month period immediately
preceding the determination year, or if the Employer elects, the calendar year
ending with or within the determination year.
(iii) The top-paid group consists of the top 20% of
employees ranked on the basis of compensation received during the year. For
purposes of determining the number of employees in the top-paid group, employees
described in Code Section 414(q)(8) and Treasury Regulations Section 1.414(q)-1T
Q&A 9(b) are excluded.
(iv) The number of officers is limited to 50 (or, if
lesser, the greater of 3 employees or 10% of employees) excluding those
employees who may be excluded in determining the top-paid group.
(v) When no officer has compensation in excess of 50% of
the Code Section 415(b)(1)(A) limit, the highest paid officer is treated as
highly compensated.
(c) Compensation is compensation within the meaning of Code
Section 415(c)(3), plus, for purposes thereof, elective or salary reduction
contributions to a cafeteria plan, cash or deferred arrangement under Code
Section 401(k) or tax-sheltered annuity.
(i) Employers aggregated under Code Sections 414(b), (c),
(m), or (o) are treated as a single employer.
2.20. "Hours of Service" means:
(a) Performance of Duties. The actual hours for which an
Employee is paid or entitled to be paid by the Company for the performance of
duties;
(b) Nonworking Paid Time. Each hour for which an Employee is
paid or entitled to be paid by the Company on account of a period of time during
which no duties are performed (irrespective of whether the employment
relationship has terminated) due to vacation, holiday, illness, incapacity,
disability, layoff, jury duty, military duty or leave of absence; provided,
however, no more than 501 Hours of Service shall be credited to an Employee on
account of any single continuous period during which he performed no duties; and
provided further that no credit shall be given for payments made or due under a
plan maintained solely for the purpose of complying with applicable worker's or
unemployment compensation or disability insurance laws or for payments which
solely reimburse an Employee for medical or medically related expenses incurred
by the Employee; and
5
<PAGE>
(c) Maternity, Paternity and FMLA Leave. Solely for purposes of
determining whether a one year Break in Service (as defined in Section 2.6 of
the Plan) has occurred for purposes of determining eligibility to participate
and vesting, each hour for which an Employee is absent from employment by reason
of (i) pregnancy of the Employee, (ii) birth of a child of the Employee, (iii)
placement of a child in connection with the adoption of the child by an
individual, or (iv) caring for the child during the period immediately following
the birth or placement for adoption. Hours of Service shall also, for these
limited purposes, include each hour for which an Employee who has worked for the
Company or an Affiliate for at least 12 months and for at least 1,250 Hours of
Service during the year preceding the start of the leave, is absent from
employment on an unpaid family leave for up to 12 weeks, as provided for in the
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (the "FMLA Leave"), by reason of (A) the
birth or adoption of a child, (B) the care of a spouse, child or parent with a
serious health condition, or (C) his own serious health condition, provided that
such an Employee provides the Company with a 30-day advance notice if the leave
is foreseeable, and/or medical certification satisfactory to support his request
for leave because of a serious health condition. For purposes of determining
whether an Employee's leave qualifies as a "FMLA Leave" in order to be credited
with Hours of Service under this Plan, the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993
("FMLA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder shall apply. During the
period of absence, the Employee shall be credited with the number of hours that
would be generally credited but for such absence or if the general number of
work hours is unknown, eight Hours of Service for each normal workday during the
leave (whether or not approved). These hours shall be credited to the
computation period in which the leave of absence commences if crediting of such
hours is required to prevent the occurrence of a one year Break in Service in
such computation period, and in other cases, in the immediately following
computation period. The computation period shall be the same as the relevant
period for determining eligibility computation periods and vesting computation
periods. Unless otherwise required under the FMLA and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, no more than 501 Hours of Service shall be credited
under this paragraph for any single continuous period (whether or not such
period occurs in a single computation period).
(d) Back Pay. Each hour for which back pay, irrespective of
mitigation of damages, is either awarded or agreed to by the Company; provided,
however, Hours of Service credited under paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) above shall
not be recredited by operation of this paragraph.
(e) Equivalencies. The Administrative Committee shall have the
authority to adopt any of the following
6
<PAGE>
equivalency methods for counting Hours of Service that are permissible under
regulations issued by the Department of Labor: (i) Working Time; (ii) Periods of
Employment; (iii) Earnings; or (iv) Elapsed Time. The adoption of any
equivalency method for counting Hours of Service shall be evidenced by a
certified resolution of the Committee, which shall be attached to and made part
of the Plan. Such resolution shall indicate the date from which such equivalency
shall be effective.
(f) Miscellaneous. Unless the Administrative Committee directs
otherwise, the methods of determining Hours of Service when payments are made
for other than the performance of duties and of crediting such Hours of Service
to Plan Years set forth in Department of Labor Regulations Sections
2530.200b-2(b) and (c), shall be used hereunder and are incorporated by
reference into the Plan.
Participants on military leaves of absence who are not directly
or indirectly compensated or entitled to be compensated by the Company while on
such leave shall be credited with Hours of Service as required by Section 9 of
the Military Selective Service Act.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the
contrary, an Employee shall not be credited with Hours of Service more than once
with respect to the same period of time.
2.21. "Investment Manager" means an investment advisor, bank or
insurance company, meeting the requirements of ERISA Section 3(38), appointed by
the Company to manage the Plan's assets in accordance with the Trust Agreement.
2.22. "Normal Retirement Date" means the first day of the calendar month
coincident with or following the date on which a Participant attains age 65.
2.23. "Participant" means an Employee participating in the Plan in
accordance with Article 3.
2.24. "Plan" means the Old Guard Group, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership
Plan, as set forth in this document and in the Trust Agreement pursuant to which
the Fund is maintained, in each case as amended from time to time.
2.25. "Plan Year" means the calendar year.
2.26. "Suspense Account" means the account established and maintained to
hold Company Stock acquired with the proceeds of an Exempt Loan and held in the
Fund, which Company Stock has not been allocated to the Accounts of Participants
with respect to the year of such acquisition.
7
<PAGE>
2.27. "Trust Agreement" means the agreement of Trust established by the
Company and the Trustee for purposes of holding title to the assets of the Plan.
2.28. "Trustee" means ______________________________ as appointed by the
Board of Directors of the Company in accordance with Article 12 to hold legal
title to the assets of the Fund and that expressly agrees to be bound by the
terms and conditions of the Trust Agreement.
2.29. "Valuation Date" shall mean the last business day of the Plan
Year, and such other more frequent dates as the Administrative Committee may
from time to time establish.
2.30. "Year of Service" means a Plan Year in which a Participant
completes at least 1,000 Hours of Service.
THE MASCULINE GENDER, WHERE APPEARING IN THE PLAN, SHALL BE DEEMED TO
INCLUDE THE FEMININE GENDER, UNLESS THE CONTEXT CLEARLY INDICATES TO THE
CONTRARY.
8
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 3
ELIGIBILITY
3.1. Eligibility Generally. Each Employee who is employed by the Company
on the Effective Date shall be eligible to become a Participant in the Plan as
of the Effective Date provided he has attained age 21 and has satisfied the
requirements of Section 3.2 of the Plan relating to the completion of an
eligibility computation period.
3.2. Eligibility Computation Period. An Employee's eligibility
computation period shall be the twelve consecutive month period beginning with
the date the Employee first performs an Hour of Service. Thereafter, the
eligibility computation period of an Employee shall be the Plan Year, including
the Plan Year that includes the first anniversary of the date of his first Hour
of Service.
3.3. Commencement of Participation. Each Employee who has satisfied the
requirements of Section 3.1 of the Plan shall commence participation in the Plan
on the later of the Effective Date or the Entry Date concurrent with or next
following the date on which he satisfies such requirements.
3.4. Cessation of Participation. An Employee shall cease to be a
Participant upon the earliest of (a) the date on which he retires under the
Plan, (b) the date on which his employment with the Company terminates for any
reason, including death or Disability, (c) the date on which his employment with
the Company is governed by a collective bargaining agreement that does not
provide for participation in this Plan; or (d) the date on which he becomes a
"leased employee" as defined in Code Section 414(n).
3.5. Special Rules for Participation and Vesting Purposes. For purposes
of determining an Employee's eligibility to participate in the Plan pursuant to
Section 3.1 of the Plan, and for purposes of determining his Years of Service
and vested interest pursuant to this Section 3.5 and Section 4.1 of the Plan,
respectively, Hours of Service shall include an Employee's Hours of Service (a)
with an Affiliate after it became an Affiliate hereunder, (b) while a "leased
employee" as defined in Code Section 414(n) with the Company or an Affiliate
after it became an Affiliate, or (c) while an employee covered by the terms of a
collective bargaining agreement that does not provide for participation in this
Plan.
3.6. Years of Service. A participant's vested interest in his Account
shall be based on his Years of Service. Subject to the reemployment provisions
of Section 3.7 of the Plan, a Participant or Employee shall be credited with a
Year of Service for each Plan Year in which he is credited with 1,000 or more
Hours of Service with the Company.
9
<PAGE>
3.7. Participation upon Reemployment. Upon the reemployment of any
person after the Effective Date who had previously been employed by the Company
on or after the Effective Date, the following rules shall apply in determining
his participation in the Plan and his Years of Service under Section 3.5 of the
Plan:
(a) No Prior Participation. If the reemployed Employee was not
a Participant in the Plan during his prior period of employment and the
reemployed Employee incurred a one-year Break in Service, he must meet the
requirements of Section 3.1 of the Plan for participation in the Plan as if he
were a new Employee. If the reemployed Employee was not a Participant in the
Plan during his prior period of employment and the reemployed Employee did not
incur a one-year Break in Service, all Service with the Company before
termination of employment and after re-employment will be aggregated for
purposes of meeting the requirements of Section 3.1 of the Plan for
participation in the Plan. For purposes of this Article 3, the term one-year
Break in Service means a twelve consecutive month period during which the
Employee does not perform at least 500 hours of service.
(b) Prior Participation. If the reemployed Employee was a
Participant in the Plan during his prior period of employment, he shall be
entitled to resume participation in the Plan on the date of his reemployment.
(c) Years of Service. Upon reemployment following a Break in
Service, any Employee who was entitled to a nonforfeitable (vested) benefit as
of the date of his original Break in Service will have his Years of Service
before and after the Break in Service aggregated. Any Employee who was not
eligible for a nonforfeitable (vested) benefit under this Plan at the date of
his original Break in Service will have his Years of Service before the Break in
Service aggregated with his Years of Service after the Break in Service unless
the period commencing with the date of his termination of employment and ending
with the date of his reemployment exceeds the greater of (i) his Years of
Service prior to the Break in Service or (ii) five years.
10
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 4
VESTING
4.1. In General. Each Participant shall have a vested interest in his
Account, if any, in accordance with the following vesting schedule:
Years of Service
After the Effective Date Vested Percentage
------------------------ -----------------
0-5 Years of Service 0%
5 or more Years of Service 100%
For purposes of determining an Employee's vested interest under this
Section 4.1, an Employee's Years of Service shall be disregarded as permitted by
Code Section 411(a)(4)(D).
4.2. Normal Retirement Date. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section
4.1 of the Plan, a Participant who terminates employment on or after his Normal
Retirement Date, shall be 100 percent vested in his Account.
4.3. Death or Disability. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 4.1
of the Plan, if a Participant's employment is terminated on account of death or
Disability, he shall be 100 percent vested in his Account.
4.4. Forfeiture of Account. If a Participant terminates employment prior
to the time he is 100 percent vested in his Account for a reason other than
death, Disability, or Normal Retirement, then the non-vested amount shall be
immediately forfeited and allocated as of the end of the Plan Year in which the
Participant incurs a one-year Break in Service. Forfeitures shall be allocated
to the Accounts of Participants who were employed by the Company on the last day
of the Plan Year with respect to which forfeitures are allocated in the ratio
that the Compensation of each Participant for such Plan Year bears to the total
Compensation of all such Participants for such Plan Year.
11
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 5
CONTRIBUTIONS AND ALLOCATIONS
5.1. Company Contributions. For each Plan Year, the Company may
contribute cash or shares of Company Stock, or both, in such amounts as may be
determined by the Board of Directors. In no event, however, shall Company
contributions made under this Section 5.1 exceed fifteen percent (15%) of each
Participant's Compensation, except to the extent Company contributions are used
to pay the interest on an Exempt Loan.
In the event shares of Company Stock are sold to the Trustee for a Plan
Year, the fair market value of such Company Stock shall be determined in
accordance with the provisions of Article 8. Employer contributions made under
this Section 5.1 shall be transferred to the Trustee no later than the due date
(including extensions) for filing the Company's Federal income tax return.
5.2. Time and Manner of Contributions. All Company contributions shall
be paid directly to the Trustee, and a contribution for any Plan Year shall be
made not later than the date prescribed by law for filing the Company's Federal
income tax return (including extensions, if any) for the Company's taxable year
that ends within or with that Plan Year.
5.3. Employee Contributions. Participants are neither permitted nor
required to make contributions to the Plan.
5.4. Recovery of Contributions. The Company may recover contributions to
the Plan, only as set forth in this Section 5.4.
(a) Contributions made to the Plan shall be conditioned upon
the initial and continuing qualification of the Plan. If the Plan is determined
to be disqualified, contributions made in respect of any period subsequent to
the effective date of such disqualification shall be returned to the Company.
(b) Contributions made to the Plan shall be conditioned upon
their deductibility under the Code. To the extent that a deduction is disallowed
for any contribution, such amount shall be returned to the Company within one
year after the disallowance of the deduction.
(c) If a contribution, or any part thereof, is made on account
of a mistake of fact, the amount of the contribution attributable to such
mistake shall be returned to the Company within one year after it is made.
12
<PAGE>
5.5. Allocation of Employer Contributions. Subject to the limitations
set forth in Article 6, Employer contributions made to the Trust in the form of
cash or Company Stock for a Plan Year shall be allocated to the Accounts of
Participants in the ratio of the Compensation of each Participant for the Plan
Year to the total Compensation of all Participants for the Plan Year, provided
that the Participant has completed 1,000 Hours of Service and is actively
employed on the last date of the Plan Year.
5.6. Income on Investments. The income, gains, and losses attributable
to investments under the Plan shall be allocated annually or at such other times
as the Administrative Committee may determine to the Accounts of Participants
and Beneficiaries who have undistributed balances in their Accounts on the
Valuation Date, in proportion to the amounts in the Accounts immediately after
the preceding Valuation Date, but after first reducing each Account by any
distributions, withdrawals or transfers from the Trust during the interim period
and increasing each Account by any transfers to the Trust and by contributions
made to the Trust during the interim period.
Distributions from the Plan shall include income, gains, and losses
accrued as of the coincident or immediately preceding Valuation Date, and shall
not be adjusted proportionately to reflect any income, gains, or losses accrued
after that Valuation Date. All valuations shall be based on the fair market
value of the assets in the Trust on the Valuation Date.
5.7. Certain Stock Transactions. Shares of Company Stock received by the
Trustee as a result of a stock split, dividend, conversion, or as a result of a
reorganization or other recapitalization of the Company shall be allocated as of
the day on which such shares are received by the Trustee in the same manner as
the shares of Company Stock to which they are attributable are then allocated.
5.8. Valuation of Trust Fund. As of each Valuation Date, the Trustee
shall determine the fair market value of the Trust, after deducting withdrawals,
distributions, and any expenses of Plan administration paid out of the Trust,
and including any contributions allocated to Participants' Accounts, for the
valuation period ending on the Valuation Date. In determining value, the Trustee
may use such generally accepted methods as the Trustee, in its discretion, deems
advisable, which, in the case of Company Stock shall be in accordance with the
provisions of Article 8.
13
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 6
MAXIMUM LIMITATION ON ALLOCATIONS
6.1. Participation Solely in This Plan.
(a) If the Participant does not participate in, and has never
participated in another plan qualified under Code Section 401(a) that is
maintained by the Employer, or a welfare benefit fund (as defined in Code
Section 419(e)) maintained by the Employer, or an individual medical account (as
defined in Code Section 415(l)(2)) maintained by the Employer, which provides an
Annual Addition, the amount of Annual Additions which may be credited to the
Participant's Account for any Limitation Year shall not exceed the lesser of the
Maximum Permissible Amount or any other limitation contained in the Plan. If the
Company's contribution that would otherwise be contributed or allocated to the
Participant's Account would cause the Annual Additions for the Limitation Year
to exceed the Maximum Permissible Amount, the excess amounts in the
Participant's Account must be allocated and reallocated to other Participants.
If the allocation or reallocation of the excess amounts cause the Maximum
Permissible Amount to be exceeded with respect to each Participant for the
Limitation Year, then these amounts must be held unallocated in a Code Section
415 suspense account. If a Code Section 415 suspense account is in existence at
any time during a Limitation Year pursuant to this Section 6.1, it will not
participate in the allocation of the Trust's investment gains and losses. If a
suspense account is in existence at any time during a particular Limitation
Year, other than the Limitation Year described in the preceding sentence, all
amounts in the Code Section 415 suspense account must be allocated and
reallocated to Participants' Accounts (subject to the Maximum Permissible
Amount) before any Employer contributions may be made to the Plan for that
Limitation Year.
(b) Prior to determining the Participant's actual Compensation
for the Limitation Year, the Company may determine the Maximum Permissible
Amount for a Participant on the basis of a reasonable estimation of the
Participant's Compensation for the Limitation Year, uniformly determined for all
Participants similarly situated.
(c) As soon as is administratively feasible after the end of
the Limitation Year, the Maximum Permissible Amount for the Limitation Year will
be determined on the basis of the Participant's actual Compensation for the
Limitation Year.
(d) If, after determining the Participant's actual Compensation
or, if as a result of an allocation of forfeitures, there is an amount in excess
of the Maximum Permissible Amount allocated to a Participant's Account, the
excess shall be allocated in the same manner as provided for in Section 6.2(a)
of the Plan.
14
<PAGE>
6.2. Participation in Another Defined Contribution Plan.
(a) This Section 6.2 applies if a Participant is also covered
under another defined contribution plan or a welfare benefit fund (as defined in
Code Section 419(e)) or an individual medical account (as defined in Code
Section 415(l)(2) maintained by the Employer which provides an Annual Addition
during any Limitation Year. if the Participant participates in one or more such
plans, all reductions in Annual Additions shall be made under such plans and not
under this Plan. In the event that, notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the
Annual Additions to be credited under this Plan should exceed the Maximum
Permissible Amount, the Annual Additions which would otherwise be credited to
the Participant's Account under any other such plan shall be reduced prior to
making any reduction hereunder, which reduction shall be made to the maximum
extent possible under this Plan and shall be reduced in the manner set forth in
Section 6.1 of the Plan.
6.3. Participation in a Defined Benefit Plan.
(a) In the event a Participant participates in a defined
benefit plan or plans maintained by the Employer as well as this Plan, the sum
of the Defined Benefit Plan Fraction and the Defined Contribution Plan Fraction
will not exceed 1.0 for any Limitation Year. If there is an excess, appropriate
adjustments to the Participant's benefits under defined benefit plans maintained
by the Employer shall be made prior to making any adjustments to a Participant's
Account under this Plan.
(b) For purposes of this Section 6.3, the Defined Benefit Plan
Fraction for any Limitation Year is a fraction:
(i) the numerator of which is the projected annual benefit
of the Participant (as determined under Code Section 415) under all defined
benefit plans of the Employer (determined as of the close of the year); and
(ii) the denominator of which is the lesser of --
(A) the product of 1.25 multiplied by the dollar
limitation in effect under Code Section 415(b)(1)(A);
(B) the product of 1.4 multiplied by the amount
which may be taken into account under Code Section 415(b)(1)(B) with respect to
such individual under the defined benefit plan for such year.
(c) For purposes of this Section 6.3, the Defined Contribution
Plan Fraction for any Limitation Year is a fraction
(i) the numerator of which is the sum of the Annual
Additions to the Participant's accounts under all defined
15
<PAGE>
contribution plans of the Employer as of the close of such year; and
(ii) the denominator of which is the sum of the lesser of
the following amounts determined for such year and for each prior Year of
Service with the Employer:
(A) the product of 1.25 multiplied by the dollar
limitation in effect under Code Section 415(c)(1)(A);
(B) the product of 1.4 multiplied by the amount
which may be taken into account under Code Section 415(c)(1)(B) for the
Participant for such year.
6.4. Definitions. The following definitions apply solely for purposes of
this Article 6.
(a) Annual Additions means the sum of the following amounts
credited to a Participant's Account for the Limitation Year:
(i) employer contributions
(ii) employee contributions
(iii) forfeitures
(iv) amounts allocated to an individual medical account
(as defined in Code Section 415(l)(2)) which is part of a pension or annuity
plan maintained by the Employer which are treated as Annual Additions to a
defined contribution plan, and
(v) amounts derived from contributions paid or accrued,
which are attributable to post-retirement medical benefits, allocated to the
separate account of a key employee, as defined in Code Section 419A(d)(3), under
a welfare benefit fund maintained by the Employer which are treated as Annual
Additions to a defined contribution plan.
(vi) Excess amounts applied to reduce Employer
contributions under Sections 6.2 or 6.1 of the Plan in the Limitation Year will
be Annual Additions for such Limitation Year.
(b) Compensation means wages, salary and other remuneration for
personal services required to be reported pursuant to Code Sections 6041(d) and
6051(a)(3) except that Compensation will be determined without regard to any
rules under Code Section 3401(a) that limit remuneration based upon the nature
or location of the services performed.
(c) Employer means the Company and all members of a controlled
group of corporations (as defined in Code
16
<PAGE>
Section 414(b) and modified by Code Section 415(h)) all commonly controlled
trades or businesses (as defined in Code Section 414(c) as modified by Code
Section 415(h)), any affiliated service group (as defined in Code Section
414(m)) of which the Company is a part, and any other entity required to be
aggregated with the Employer pursuant to regulations under Code Section 414(o).
(d) Limitation Year means the calendar year.
(e) Maximum Permissible Amount means the Maximum Annual
Additions that may be contributed or allocated to a Participant's Account for
any Limitation Year. Such amount shall not exceed the lesser of:
(i) $30,000 (or if greater, 1/4 of the dollar limitation
in effect under Code Section 415(b)(1)(A)), or
(ii) 25 percent of the Participant's Compensation for the
Limitation Year.
The Maximum Permissible Amount shall be pro-rated in the case of any
Limitation Year of less than 12 months created by the changing of the Limitation
Year.
If no more than one-third of Company contributions to the Plan for a
Plan Year which are deductible under Code Section 404(a)(9) are allocated to the
Accounts of Participants who are Highly Compensated Employees, there shall be
excluded in determining the Maximum Permissible Amount of each Participant for
such Plan Year (A) the contributions applied to the payment of interest on an
Exempt Loan; and (B) any forfeitures of Company contributions if the forfeited
contributions were Company Stock acquired with the proceeds of an Exempt Loan.
17
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 7
INVESTMENT OF TRUST ASSETS
7.1. Trust.
(a) All assets of the Plan shall be held in the Trust. To the
extent the Trustee deems practical, the Trustee shall use all available cash, as
directed by the Administrative Committee, to purchase Company Stock in open
market transactions, from other stockholders or to buy newly issued Company
Stock from the Company. If the purchase is from the Company or a Disqualified
Person, such purchase shall be for adequate consideration and no commission is
to be charged with respect to the purchase. If no such stock is available for
purchase, or if the Trustee determines that the purchase of such additional
stock is not practical, the Trustee shall invest in other securities or
property, real or personal, consistent with the requirements of Title I of
ERISA. These other securities, property and cash shall be held by the Trustee in
the Investment Fund. The Investment Fund income shall be allocated as of each
Valuation Date to Participant's Investment Accounts in proportion to the balance
in these accounts at the beginning of the year.
(b) For purposes of this Article 7, Article 9, Article 10 and
Article 17, the term "Disqualified Person" means a person defined in Code
Section 4975(e), including but not limited to (i) a fiduciary of the Plan; (ii)
a person providing services to the Plan; (iii) an owner of 50% or more of the
combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of the Company entitled
to vote or the total value of shares of all classes of stock of the Company and
certain members of such owner's family; or (iv) an officer, director, 10% or
greater shareholder or highly compensated employee (who earns 10% or more of the
yearly wages) of the Company.
18
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 8
COMPANY STOCK APPRAISAL
The fair market value of Company Stock shall be determined, on any
relevant day, as follows: (a) if such stock is then traded in the
over-the-counter market, the closing sale price (as reported in the National
Market System by NASDAQ with respect to such stock) for the most recent date
(including such relevant day) during which a trade in such stock has occurred,
or (b) if such stock is then traded on a national securities exchange, the
closing sale price for the most recent date (including such relevant date)
during which a trade in such stock has occurred. In accordance with the
provisions of Code Section 401(a)(28)(C), if Company stock is not actively
traded in the over-the-counter market, or on a national securities exchange, a
valuation of Company stock required to be made under this Plan shall be made by
an independent appraiser who satisfies requirements similar to those contained
in regulations issued under Code Section 170(a)(1).
19
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 9
DISTRIBUTIONS
9.1. Termination of Employment. In the event of the Participant's
termination of employment for any reason (including attaining his Normal
Retirement Date, attainment of age 55 and the completion of Five Years of
Service or on account of death or Disability), a Participant shall be entitled
to a distribution of all amounts determined under Article 4 that are credited to
his Account at the times set forth in this Article 9.
9.2. Death. Upon the death of a Participant, all amounts credited to his
Account shall be distributed to his Beneficiary, determined in accordance with
this Section 9.2.
(a) The Administrative Committee may require such proof of
death and such other evidence of the right of any person to receive payment of
the Account of a deceased Participant as the Administrative Committee deems
necessary. The Administrative Committee's determination of death and of the
right of any person to receive payment shall be conclusive and binding on all
parties.
(b) The Beneficiary upon the death of a Participant shall be
his spouse; provided, however, that the Participant may designate, on a form
provided by the Administrative Committee for such purpose, a Beneficiary other
than his spouse, if:
(i) the spouse has waived the right to be the
Participant's Beneficiary in the manner set forth in subsection (c) of this
Section 9.2; or
(ii) the Participant has established to the satisfaction
of the Administrative Committee that he has no spouse or that his spouse cannot
be located.
(c) Any consent by a Participant's spouse to waive a death
benefit must be filed with the Administrative Committee in writing, in a manner,
and on a form provided by the Committee for such purpose. The spouse's consent
must acknowledge the effect of the consent and must be witnessed by a notary
public. The designation of a Beneficiary other than spouse made by a married
Participant must be consented to by his spouse and may be revoked by the
Participant in writing without the consent of the spouse. Any new beneficiary
designation must comply with the requirements of this subsection (c). A former
spouse's waiver shall not be binding on a new spouse.
(d) In the event the designated Beneficiary fails to survive
the Participant, or if such designation shall be ineffective for any reason, the
Participant's Account shall be paid in the following order of priority: first to
20
<PAGE>
the Participant's surviving spouse, if any; second, if there is no surviving
spouse, to the Participant's surviving children, if any, in equal shares; third,
if there is neither a surviving spouse nor surviving children, to the legal
representatives of the estate of the Participant.
9.3. Time of Payment.
(a) The distribution of a Participant's Account shall begin as
soon as administratively feasible, but not later than 60 days after the end of
the Plan Year, in which his date of termination of employment occurred.
(b) The distribution of the Participant's Account balance will
be in one lump sum.
9.4. Form of Payment. Distributions of a Participant's Account balance
under this Article 9 shall be made in Company Stock unless the distributee
elects cash.
Such distributions shall be the fair market value of each share
multiplied by the number of shares credited to the Participant's Account, with
appropriate adjustments to reflect intervening stock dividends, stock splits,
stock redemptions, or similar changes to the number of outstanding shares. The
fair market value of a share shall be determined as of the Valuation Date
immediately preceding the date the distribution is made or, in the case of a
transaction between the Plan and a Disqualified Person, determined as of the
date of the transaction.
9.5. Direct Rollover.
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary
that would otherwise limit a distributee's election under this Article 9, a
distributee may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Plan
Administrator, to have any portion of an eligible rollover distribution paid
directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee in a direct
rollover.
For purposes of this Section 9.5, the following definitions apply:
"Eligible rollover distribution". An eligible rollover distribution is
any distribution of all or any portion of the balance to the credit of the
distributee, except that an eligible rollover distribution does not include: any
distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments
(not less frequently than annually) made for the life (or life expectancy) of
the distributee or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the
distributee and the distributee's designated Beneficiary, or for a specified
period of ten years or more, or any distribution to the extent such distribution
is required under Code Section 401(a)(9); or the portion of any distribution
21
<PAGE>
that is not includable in gross income (determined without regard to the
exclusion for net unrealized appreciation with respect to employer securities).
"Eligible retirement plan". An eligible retirement plan is an individual
retirement account described in Code Section 408(a), an individual retirement
annuity described in Code Section 408(b), an annuity plan described in Code
Section 403(a), or a qualified trust described in Code Section 401(a), that
accepts the distributee's eligible rollover distribution. However, in the case
of an eligible rollover distribution to the surviving spouse, an eligible
retirement plan is an individual retirement account or individual retirement
annuity.
"Distributee". A distributee includes an employee or former employee. In
addition, the employee's or former employee's surviving spouse and the
employee's or former employee's spouse or former spouse who is the alternate
payee under a qualified domestic relations order, as defined in Code Section
414(p), are distributees with respect to the interest of the spouse or former
spouse.
"Direct rollover". A direct rollover is a payment by the plan to the
eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee.
9.6. Diversification Election. Notwithstanding any provision of this
Article to the contrary, effective for Plan Years commencing on or after January
1, 2007, a Participant who has attained age 55 and completed at least ten years
of participation in this Plan may elect in writing, on a form provided by the
Administrative Committee for such purpose, within ninety days after the close of
each Plan Year during the Qualified Election Period, to direct the investment of
a portion of his interest in the Company Stock Account not in excess of 25
percent of such interest, less amounts subject to all prior elections under this
Section 9.6 as a transfer to the Old Guard Group, Inc. ________________________.
Upon a Participant's election to diversify a portion of his interest in the
Company Stock Account, Company Stock in an amount equal to the portion so
elected, valued as of the Valuation Date concurrent with or immediately
preceding the date of such election will be transferred to the Old Guard Group,
Inc. __________________________________. A participant may then make investment
elections among the several funds. Starting from the sixth Plan Year during the
Qualified Election Period of a Participant, 50 percent shall be substituted for
25 percent in the preceding sentence.
For purposes of this Section 9.6, "Qualified Election Period" means,
with respect to a Participant, the period beginning with the later of (a) the
Plan Year in which the Participant attains age 55 or (b) the Plan Year in which
the Participant completes at least ten years of participation in the
22
<PAGE>
Plan and ending with the year in which the Participant terminates his
employment for any reason.
9.7. Election to Retain Interests in Plan. No distribution shall be made
to a Participant before his Normal Retirement Date unless (a) the Participant's
prior written consent to the distribution has been obtained by the
Administrative Committee, or (b) the value of the Participant's Account does not
exceed $3,500 as of the date of the event giving rise to the distribution.
9.8. Mandatory Distributions.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 9.3 of the Plan,
unless a Participant otherwise elects in writing, payment of benefits under this
Plan shall commence not later than sixty days after the close of the Plan Year
in which the latest of the following dates occur:
(i) the date on which the Participant attains age 65;
(ii) the 10th anniversary of the date on which the
Participant commenced participation in the Plan; or
(iii) the date the Participant terminates employment with
the Company.
(b) (i) Any provision of this Plan to the contrary
notwithstanding, all amounts credited to a Participant's Account shall commence
to be distributed not later than April 1 of the calendar year following the
calendar year in which the Participant attains age 70 1/2, whether or not the
Participant has terminated employment. Any subsequent distributions for other
distribution calendar years, including the minimum distribution for the
distribution calendar year in which the Participant's initial minimum
distribution on April 1 occurs, will be made in a lump-sum on or before December
31 of that distribution calendar year. All such distributions shall be made in
accordance with the rules set forth in Code Section 401(a)(9), including the
minimum distribution incidental requirements of Treasury Regulations Section
1.401(a)(9)-2.
(ii) In the event the Participant dies after distributions
have commenced under this Article 9 but before his entire Account is
distributed, the remaining portion of his Account shall be distributed at least
as rapidly as under the method of distribution being used as of the date of his
death.
(iii) In the event the Participant dies before
distributions under this Article 9 have commenced, then, unless the Beneficiary
of the Participant is his spouse or a designated Beneficiary, the entire balance
in the Account of the Participant shall be distributed on or before the December
23
<PAGE>
31 of the calendar year in which occurs the fifth anniversary of the death of
such Participant.
The preceding paragraph shall not apply if either condition of (A) or
(B) as set forth below are satisfied:
(A) If the Participant's designated Beneficiary is
the surviving spouse of such Participant or former Participant, such
distribution shall not be required to begin prior to the date on which the
Participant or former Participant would have attained age 70 1/2, and at such
time may be distributed over the life expectancy of such spouse (if the
surviving spouse dies prior to commencement of distributions to such spouse,
then this subsection (A) shall be applied as if the surviving spouse were the
Participant or former Participant);
(B) If the Participant or former Participant's
distribution, or any portion thereof, is payable to a designated Beneficiary,
such distribution or portion thereof may be distributed in accordance with
regulations over the life of such designated Beneficiary (or over, a period not
extending beyond the life expectancy of such designated Beneficiary) if such
distribution or portion thereof begins not later than one year following the
Participant or former Participant's death or such later date as may be
prescribed by regulations. For purposes of subsections (A) and (B), life
expectancy shall be calculated in accordance with the provisions of Code Section
72. Life expectancy of a surviving spouse may be calculated annually, however.
In the case of any other designated Beneficiary, life expectancy must be
calculated at the time payment first commences.
Any amount payable to a child pursuant to the death of a Participant or
former Participant shall be treated as if it were payable to the Participant's
or former Participant's surviving spouse if such amount would become payable to
the surviving spouse upon such child reaching majority (or other designated
event permitted by regulations).
Any distribution required under the incidental death benefit
requirements of Code Section 401(a)(9) shall be treated as a distribution
required under this Section of 9.8.
9.9. Dividend Distributions.
(a) Any cash dividends on Company Stock acquired with the
proceeds of an Exempt Loan and held in Suspense Account shall be applied first
to repay the principal and, at the Committee's discretion, the interest, of the
Exempt Loan. In addition, if any cash dividends on shares of such Company Stock
allocated to Participant's Accounts are used to pay the principal and/or the
interest of the Exempt Loan at the Committee's discretion, Company Stock with a
fair market value not less than the amount of the dividends so used must be
24
<PAGE>
allocated to the Participants' Accounts to which such cash dividends would have
been allocated.
(b) After the payment of the principal and the interest of the
Exempt Loan, any remaining cash dividends on Company Stock may be used to
purchase Company Stock or allocated to Accounts of Participants to subsection
(c) below.
(c) In the case of any cash dividends on Company Stock that are
allocable to the Accounts of Participants with respect to vested shares, they
may be paid currently (or within ninety days after the end of the Plan Year in
which the dividends are paid to the Trust) as cash, or the Company may pay such
dividends directly to the Participants' Accounts as the Administrative Committee
may determine.
9.10. Right of First Refusal. In the event a Participant (or former
Participant) or his Beneficiary desires to sell to a third person Company Stock
he received as a distribution from the Plan, the Participant must first offer
the Company, then the Plan, the right to purchase his Company Stock at a price
and on such terms not less favorable to the Participant than the greater of (a)
the price established by a bona fide offer or (b) the fair market value of the
Company Stock using the value determined as of the most recent Valuation Date.
The right of the Company and the Plan to purchase such stock shall lapse on the
14th day after the Participant or former Participant or Beneficiary gives
written notice to the Company or the Plan of the fact that he has received an
offer from a third party to purchase his Company Stock and of the price and
other terms of such offer.
9.11. Prohibited Company Stock Transactions.
(a) No portion of the assets of the Plan attributable to (or
allocable in lieu of) Company Stock acquired by the Plan in a sale to which Code
Section 1042 applies may be allocated to the Account of (i) any Qualifying
Selling Shareholder during the Nonallocation Period, or (ii) any other person
who owns more than 25 percent of (A) any class of outstanding stock of the
Company or any of its Affiliates, or (B) the total value of any class of
outstanding stock of the Company or any of its Affiliates. For purposes of this
Section, the definition of "Affiliate" under Section 1.2 of the Plan shall be
modified in accordance with Code Section 409(l)(4).
(b) For purposes of this Section 9.11, the following initially
capitalized words shall carry the following meanings:
(i) "Qualifying Selling Shareholder" means any shareholder
of Company Stock who makes an election under Code Section 1042(a) with respect
to Company Stock, or any individual who is related to (within the meaning of
Code Section 267(b)) the shareholder of Company Stock as defined above. The term
25
<PAGE>
shall not include any lineal descendant of such shareholder or if the aggregate
amount allocated to the benefit of all such lineal descendants during the
Nonallocation Period does not exceed more than 5 percent of Company Stock (or
amounts allocated in lieu thereof) held by the Plan which are attributable to a
sale to the Plan by any person related to such descendants (within the meaning
of Code Section 267(c)(4)) in a transaction to which Code Section 1042 applied.
(ii) "Nonallocation Period" means the period beginning on
the date of the sale of Company Stock and ending on the later of the date which
is 10 years after the date of the sale, or the date of the Plan allocation
attributable to the final payment of acquisition indebtedness incurred in
connection with such sale.
26
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 10
RIGHT TO SELL COMPANY STOCK
10.1. Put Requirements.
(a) In the event Company Stock is distributed and is not
publicly traded in the over-the-counter market or on a national securities
exchange at the time of distribution, the Participant, former Participant, or
Beneficiary may have an option (the "Put") to require the Company to purchase
all of the shares actually distributed to him. The Put may be exercised at any
time during the Option Period (as defined in subsection (f) below) by giving the
Administrative Committee and the Company written notice of the election to
exercise the Put. The Put may be exercised by a former Participant or a
Beneficiary only during the Option Period with respect to which the former
Participant or Beneficiary receives a distribution of Company Stock.
(b) (i) The price paid for Company Stock sold to the Plan or
the Company pursuant to the Put shall be the fair market value of each share
multiplied by the number of shares to be sold under the Put, with appropriate
adjustments to reflect intervening stock dividends, stock splits, stock
redemptions, or similar changes to the number of outstanding shares. The fair
market value of a share shall be determined (A) as of the Valuation Date
immediately preceding the date the Put is exercised, or (B) in the case of a
transaction between the Plan and a Disqualified Person, determined as of the
date of the transaction.
(ii) If the distribution of Company Stock to a former
Participant or Beneficiary constituted a distribution within one taxable year of
the balance of his Account, the Company reserves the right to establish
guidelines to be exercised in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner, to make
payment for the shares subject to the Put on an installment basis in
substantially equal annual, quarterly or monthly payments over a period not to
exceed five years, such period beginning no later than thirty days after
exercise of the Put. The Company shall pay reasonable interest at least annually
on the unpaid balance of the price and shall provide to the former Participant
or Beneficiary adequate security with respect to the unpaid balance. If the
distribution was part of an installment distribution, the Company shall pay the
Participant in cash within thirty days after exercise of the Put.
(c) The Put shall not be assignable, except that the
Participant's or former Participant's legal representative (in the event of a
Participant's incapacity) or, in the event of a Participant's or former
Participant's death, his Beneficiary shall be entitled to exercise the Put
during the Option Period for which it is applicable.
27
<PAGE>
(d) The Trustee (on behalf of the Plan) in its discretion, may
assume the Company's obligations under this Section at the time a Participant,
former Participant, or Beneficiary exercises the Put, with the Company's
consent. If the Trustee assumes the Company's obligations, the provisions of
this Section that apply to the Company shall also apply to the Trustee.
(e) The Administrative Committee shall notify each Participant,
former Participant, and Beneficiary who is eligible to exercise the Put of the
fair market value of each share of Company Stock as soon as practicable
following its determination. The Administrative Committee shall send all notices
required under this Section to the last known address of a Participant, former
Participant, or Beneficiary, and it shall be the duty of those persons to inform
the Administrative Committee of any changes in address.
(f) For purposes of this Section, the "Option Period" is the
period of sixty days following the day on which a Participant, former
Participant, or Beneficiary receives a distribution. If such person does not
exercise the Put during that sixty-day period, the Option Period shall also be
the sixty-day period beginning on the first anniversary of the day on which he
received a distribution. Notwithstanding the preceding sentences, when Company
Stock is acquired with the proceeds of an Exempt Loan, the "Option Period" shall
be the fifteen (15) month period beginning on the date such Company Stock is
distributed to a Participant (or his Beneficiary). Such 15-month period shall be
extended by a period equal to the number of days, if any, during which the
Company is precluded from honoring the put option by reason of applicable
federal or state law.
28
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 11
VOTING AND TENDER OF COMPANY STOCK
11.1. Voting.
(a) All shares of Company Stock held in the Trust shall be
voted by the Trustee.
(b) Each Participant and Beneficiary shall be entitled to
direct the Trustee as to the manner in which Company Stock allocated to his
Account is to be voted on any and all matters which may be presented to the
shareholders of Company Stock.
(c) With respect to (i) allocated Company Stock as to which no
direction is received, (ii) unallocated shares of Company Stock in the Suspense
Account and (iii) allocated shares of Company Stock that are not subject to
voting right pass through requirement under Code Section 409(e), the Trustee
shall vote such shares in proportion to the response received from Participants
and Beneficiaries for allocated shares under (b) above. In exercising such
discretion, the Trustee shall comply with its fiduciary duties as required by
ERISA.
11.2. Tender.
(a) The Trustee shall not sell, alienate, encumber, pledge,
transfer or otherwise dispose of any Company Stock; except (i) as specifically
provided for in the Plan or a Trust Agreement, or (ii) in the case of a "tender
or exchange offer", as set forth in subsection (b) of this Section 11.2.
For purposes of this Article 11, the term "tender or exchange offer"
shall mean: (A) any offer for, or request for or invitation for tenders or
exchanges of, or offers to purchase or acquire any shares of Company Stock that
is directed generally to shareholders of the Company, or (B) any transaction
involving Company Stock which may be defined as a "tender offer" under proposed
or final rules or regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
(b) (i) In the event of a tender or exchange offer, each
Participant or, if the Participant is not alive, his Beneficiary, shall have the
right to determine confidentially whether to tender or exchange any whole and
fractional shares of Company Stock allocated to his Account and shall be
entitled to instruct the Trustee as to the tender of such shares. Upon receipt
of such instructions, the Trustee shall act with respect to such Company Stock
as instructed. With respect to Company Stock as to which no instruction is
received and shares of Company Stock in the Suspense Account, the Trustee shall
tender such shares in proportion to the response received from Participants and
Beneficiaries as to allocated shares of Company
29
<PAGE>
Stock. In exercising such discretion, the Trustee shall comply with its
fiduciary requirements of ERISA.
(ii) All shares of Company Stock held in the Fund and not
tendered pursuant to subsection (b)(i) of this Section 11.2, including allocated
shares for which no instructions are received, shall continue to be held by the
Trustee.
(iii) Any shares of Company Stock not tendered by a
Participant or Beneficiary pursuant to subsection (b)(i) of this Section 11.2
shall continue to be held by the Trustee in such Participant's or Beneficiary's
Account. The Account of each Participant or Beneficiary tendering shares of
Company Stock pursuant to subsection (b)(i) of this Section 11.2 shall be
credited with the cash received by the Trustee in exchange for the shares
tendered from such Participant's or Beneficiary's Account.
11.3. Fiduciary Responsibilities.
Each Participant shall be a "named fiduciary," within the meaning of
ERISA Section 402(a), with respect to the voting and tender of Company Stock
pursuant to Sections 11.1 and 11.2 of the Plan.
11.4. Procedures for Voting and Tender.
(a) The Administrative Committee shall establish and maintain
procedures by which Participants and Beneficiaries shall be (i) timely notified
of their right to direct the voting and tender of Company Stock allocated to
their Accounts and the manner in which any such directions are to be conveyed to
the Trustee, and (ii) given information relevant to making such decisions. No
directions shall be honored by the Trustee unless timely and properly conveyed
in accordance with such procedures.
(b) Voting instructions received from Participants and
Beneficiaries shall be held in confidence by the Trustee or its delegate for
this purpose and shall not be divulged to the Company or to any officer or
employee of the Company or to any other person.
30
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 12
ADMINISTRATION
12.1. Fiduciary Responsibilities. A fiduciary shall have only those
specific powers, duties, responsibilities and obligations as are specifically
given him under the Plan or the Trust. The Company shall have sole
responsibility to make the contributions provided for under the Plan and, by
action of the Board of Directors, to amend or terminate, in whole or in part,
the Plan or the Trust. The Board of Directors shall have sole responsibility to
appoint and remove members of the Administrative Committee and the Trustees of
the Plan. The Administrative Committee shall have sole responsibility for the
general administration of this Plan and for the investment policies of the Plan,
for the selection of the Plan's investment funds pursuant to the Plan, and for
the appointment and removal of any Investment Manager. Subject to the provisions
of the Plan and the Trust Agreement, the Trustee shall have sole responsibility
for the administration of the Trust and the management of the assets held in the
Trust, as set forth in the Plan and the Trust. It is intended that each
fiduciary shall be responsible for the proper exercise of his own powers,
duties, responsibilities, and obligations and, except as otherwise provided by
law, shall not be responsible for any act or failure to act by another
fiduciary. A fiduciary may serve in more than one fiduciary capacity with
respect to the Plan. A fiduciary of the Plan who is also an Employee shall not
be compensated in his capacity as fiduciary.
12.2. The Administrative Committee. Any member of the Administrative
Committee may resign with sixty (60) days advance written notice to the Board of
Directors. The Administrative Committee shall select a Chairman and a Secretary
to keep records or to assist it in the discharge of its responsibilities. The
Administrative Committee shall have such duties and powers as are necessary to
discharge its responsibilities under the Plan, including, but not limited to,
the following:
(a) To require any person to furnish such information as it
requests for the purpose of the proper administration of the Plan;
(b) To make and enforce such rules and regulations and
prescribe the use of such forms as it deems necessary for the efficient
administration of the Plan;
(c) To construe and interpret the Plan, including the right to
determine eligibility for participation, eligibility for payment, the amount of
benefits payable, the timing of distributions and all other issues arising under
the Plan as well as the right to remedy possible ambiguities, inconsistencies or
omissions; provided, however, that all such interpretations and
31
<PAGE>
decisions shall be applied in a uniform manner to all similarly situated
Participants and Beneficiaries;
(d) To employ and rely upon such advisors (including attorneys,
independent public accountants, investment advisors and enrolled actuaries) as
it deems appropriate or helpful in connection with the operation and
administration of the Plan;
(e) To maintain complete records of the administration of the
Plan;
(f) To prepare and file with the appropriate governmental
agencies such reports as required from time to time with respect to the Plan
under ERISA, the Code, or other laws and regulations governing the
administration of the Plan;
(g) To furnish or disclose to Participants, Employees who may
become Participants, and Beneficiaries information about the Plan and statements
of accrued benefits under the Plan, in accordance with ERISA, the Code, or other
laws and regulations governing the administration of the Plan;
(h) To delegate to one or more members of the Administrative
Committee, or to persons other than Administrative Committee members, any
authority, duty or responsibility pertaining to the administration or operation
of the Plan; provided, however, that each such delegation shall be made by a
written instrument authorized by the Administrative Committee and maintained
with the records of the Plan. If any person other than an Employee is so
designated, such person must acknowledge in writing his acceptance of the duties
and responsibilities delegated to him. All such instruments and acknowledgements
shall be considered a part of the Plan;
(i) To determine, pursuant to procedures adopted by it, whether
a state domestic relations order served upon the Plan is a "qualified domestic
relations order" (as defined in Code Section 414(p)); to place in escrow any
benefits payable in the period during which the Administrative Committee
determines the status of an order; and to take any necessary action to
administer distributions under the terms of a "qualified domestic relations
order";
(j) To discharge any responsibilities which are allocated to
the Administrative Committee elsewhere in this Plan.
All decisions and interpretations of the Administrative Committee
shall be binding and shall be entitled to the maximum deference permitted under
the law.
12.3. Plan Expenses. The Company shall pay all expenses authorized and
incurred by the Administrative Committee, except to the extent such expenses are
paid from assets of the Trust.
32
<PAGE>
12.4. Meetings and Voting. The Administrative Committee shall act by a
majority vote of its respective members at a meeting or, by written consent of a
majority of its members, without a meeting. The Administrative Committee shall
hold meetings, as deemed necessary by them, although any member may call a
special meeting of his committee by giving reasonable notice to the other
members. The Secretary of the Administrative Committee shall have authority to
give certified notice in writing of any action taken by his committee.
12.5. Compensation. The members of the Administrative Committee, if
Employees, shall serve without compensation.
12.6. Claims Procedures.
(a) Any Participant or Beneficiary ("Claimant") may file a
written claim for a benefit under the Plan with the Administrative Committee or
with a person named by the Administrative Committee to receive such claims;
(b) In the event of a denial or limitation of any benefit or
payment due or requested by any Claimant, such Claimant shall be given a written
notification containing specific reasons for the denial or limitation of his
benefit. The written notification shall contain specific reference to the
pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial or limitation is based. In
addition, it shall contain a description of any additional material or
information necessary for the Claimant to perfect a claim and an explanation of
why such material or information is necessary. Further, the notification shall
provide appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the Claimant
wishes to submit his claim for review. This written notification shall be given
to a Claimant within ninety days after receipt of his claim by the
Administrative Committee (or its delegatee to receive such claims), unless
special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim. If
such an extension of time is required, written notice of the extension shall be
furnished to the Claimant prior to the termination of the ninety-day period and
such notice shall indicate the special circumstances which make the postponement
appropriate;
(c) In the event of a denial or limitation of benefits, the
Claimant or his duly authorized representative shall be permitted to review
pertinent documents and to submit issues and comments in writing to the
Administrative Committee. In addition, the Claimant or his duly authorized
representative may make a written request for a full and fair review of his
claim and its denial by the Administrative Committee; provided, however, that
such written request must be received by the Administrative Committee (or its
delegatee to receive such requests) within sixty days after receipt by the
Claimant of written notification of the denial or limitation. The sixty-day
33
<PAGE>
requirement may be waived by the Administrative Committee in appropriate cases;
and
(d) (i) A decision shall be rendered by the Administrative
Committee within sixty days after the receipt of the request for review;
provided, however, that where special circumstances require an extension of time
for processing the decision, it may be postponed, on written notice to the
Claimant (prior to the expiration of the initial sixty-day period) for an
additional sixty days, but in no event shall the decision be rendered more than
one hundred and twenty days after the receipt of such request for review.
(ii) Notwithstanding subsection (d)(i) of this Section
12.6, if the Administrative Committee holds regularly scheduled meetings at
least quarterly to review such appeals, a Claimant's request for review shall be
acted upon at the meeting immediately following the receipt of the Claimant's
request unless such request is filed within thirty days preceding such meeting.
In such instance, the decision shall be made no later than the date of the
second meeting following the receipt of such request by the Administrative
Committee (or its delegatee to receive such requests). If special circumstances
require a further extension of time for processing a request, a decision shall
be rendered not later than the third meeting of the Administrative Committee
following the receipt of such request for review, and written notice of the
extension shall be furnished to the Claimant prior to the commencement of the
extension.
(iii) Any decision by the Administrative Committee shall
be furnished to the Claimant in writing and in a manner calculated to be
understood by the Claimant and shall set forth the specific reason(s) for the
decision and the specific Plan provision(s) on which the decision is based.
12.7. Liabilities. The Administrative Committee, each member or former
member of such Committee, and each person to whom duties and responsibilities
have been delegated under the Plan shall be indemnified and held harmless by the
Company, to the fullest extent permitted by ERISA, other applicable laws, and
the charter and By-laws of the Company.
34
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 13
AMENDMENTS
13.1. Right to Amend. Except as otherwise set forth in this Article 13
or as may be required by law, the Board of Directors reserves the right to amend
the Plan at any time and in any manner, without prior notification,
consultation, or bargaining with any Employee or representative of Employees by
written resolution of the Board of Directors adopted at a duly convened meeting
of the Board of Directors in accordance with the By-Laws of the Company and the
laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To the extent required by the Code or
ERISA, no amendment to the Plan shall decrease a Participant's benefit or
eliminate an optional form of distribution. No amendment shall make it possible
for any assets of the Plan to be used for or diverted to any purposes other than
for the exclusive benefit of Participants and Beneficiaries.
13.2. Amendment by Administrative Committee. The Administrative
Committee may adopt any ministerial and nonsubstantive amendment it deems
necessary or appropriate to (a) facilitate the administration, management and
interpretation of the Plan, (b) conform the Plan to current practice, or (c)
cause the Plan and its related Trust to qualify under Code Sections 401(a)(1),
501(a) and 4975(e)(7) or to comply with ERISA or any other applicable laws;
provided that such amendment does not have any material effect on the estimated
cost to the Company of maintaining the Plan.
13.3. Plan Merger and Asset Transfers. No assets of the Trust shall be
merged or consolidated with, nor shall any assets or liabilities be transferred
to any other plan, unless the benefits payable to each Participant or
Beneficiary, if this Plan were terminated immediately after such action, would
be equal to or greater than the benefits such individuals would have been
entitled to receive if this Plan had been terminated immediately before such
action.
35
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 14
TERMINATION
14.1. Right to Terminate. While the Company intends the Plan to be
permanent, the Board of Directors reserves the right to terminate the Plan at
any time, without prior notification, consultation, or bargaining with any
Employee or representative of Employees by written resolution of the Board of
Directors adopted at a duly convened meeting of the Board of Directors in
accordance with the By-laws of the Company and the laws of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania.
14.2. Effect of Termination. If the Plan is terminated, contributions
shall cease, and the assets remaining in the Trust, after payment of any
expenses, including expenses of administration or liquidation, shall be retained
in the Trust for distribution in accordance with the terms of the Plan. Upon
termination (including a partial termination), or upon the complete
discontinuance of contributions by the Company, all Participants shall be 100
percent vested in their Accounts.
36
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 15
MISCELLANEOUS
15.1. Non-alienation of Benefits. Except to the extent set forth in a
"qualified domestic relations order" (as defined in Code Section 414(p)), or as
otherwise permitted or required by law, no distribution or payment under this
Plan to any Participant or Beneficiary, or assets held in the Trust or Plan,
shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer,
assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, whether voluntary or involuntary, and
any attempt to so anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber
or charge shall be void. Nor shall any such distribution or payment be subject
to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of any person
entitled to such distribution or payment.
15.2. Appointment of Guardian. Where it is established to the
satisfaction of the Administrative Committee that a guardian has been duly
appointed on behalf of a person entitled to a distribution under the Plan, the
Administrative Committee may cause payment to be made to the guardian for the
benefit of the entitled person. The Administrative Committee shall have no
responsibility with respect to the application of amounts so paid.
15.3. Satisfaction of Benefit Claims. The assets of the Trust shall be
the sole source of benefits under this Plan, and each Participant or any other
person who shall claim the right to any payment or benefit under this Plan shall
be entitled to look only to the Trust for such payment or benefit, and shall not
have any right, claim or demand against the Company or any officer or director
of the Company. Such Participant or person shall not have a right to or interest
in any assets of the Trust, except as provided from time to time under this
Plan.
15.4. Controlling Law. The provisions of the Plan shall be construed,
administered and enforced under the laws of the United States and the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
15.5. Non-guarantee of Employment. Nothing contained in this Plan shall
be construed as a contract of employment between the Company and any Employee,
or as a right of any Employee to be continued in the employment of the Company
or as a limitation of the right of the Company to discharge any of its
Employees, with or without cause.
15.6. Severability and Construction of the Plan.
(a) If any provision of the Plan or the application of it to
any circumstance(s) or person(s) is invalid, the remainder of the Plan and the
application of such provision to other circumstances or persons shall not be
affected thereby.
37
<PAGE>
(b) Unless the context otherwise indicates, the masculine
wherever used shall include the feminine and neuter; the singular shall include
the plural; and words such as "herein", "hereof," "hereby," "hereunder" and
words of similar import shall refer to the Plan as a whole and not any
particular part of it.
15.7. No Requirement of Profits. Contributions may be made to the Plan
without regard to current or accumulated profits of the Company.
15.8. All Risk on Participants and Beneficiaries. Each Participant and
Beneficiary shall assume all risk in connection with any decrease in the value
of the assets of the Trust and the Participants' and Beneficiaries' Accounts.
38
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 16
TOP-HEAVY PROVISIONS
16.1. Determination of Top-Heavy Status.
(a) Any provision of this Plan to the contrary notwithstanding,
for any Plan Year commencing after December 31, 1983, in which the Plan is a
Top-Heavy Plan or a Super Top-Heavy Plan, the provisions of this Article shall
apply. The provisions of this Article shall have effect only to the extent
required under Code Section 416. This Plan shall be deemed a Top-Heavy Plan only
with respect to any Plan Year in which, as of the Determination Date, the
aggregate of the Accounts of Key Employees under the Plan exceeds 60 percent of
the aggregate of the Accounts of all Employees under the Plan.
(b) If the Plan is not included in a Required Aggregation Group
with other plans, then it shall be Top-Heavy only if (i) when considered by
itself it is a Top-Heavy Plan and (ii) it is not included in a Permissive
Aggregation Group that is not a Top-Heavy Group.
(c) If the Plan is included in a Required Aggregation Group
with other plans, it shall be Top-Heavy only if the Required Aggregation Group,
including any permissively aggregated plans, is Top-Heavy.
16.2. Super Top-Heavy Plan. This Plan shall be a Super Top-Heavy Plan
if it would be a Top-Heavy Plan if 90 percent were substituted for 60 percent.
16.3. Top-Heavy Definitions. Solely for purposes of this Article, the
following words and phrases shall have the following meaning;
(a) "Aggregation Group or Top Heavy Group" means either a
Required Aggregation Group or a Permissive Aggregation Group.
(b) "Determination Date" means, with respect to any Plan Year,
the last day of the preceding Plan Year or in the case of the first Plan Year of
any plan, the last day of such Plan Year or such other date as permitted under
rules issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
(c) "The Company" means and all members of a controlled group
of corporations (as defined in Code Section 414(b) as modified by Code Section
415(h)), all commonly controlled trades or businesses (as defined in Code
Section 414(c) as modified by Code Section 415(h)), or affiliated service groups
(as defined in Code Section 414(m)) of which the Company is a part.
39
<PAGE>
(d) "Key Employee" means any employee or former employee (and
the Beneficiaries of such employee) who at any a time during the period of five
years ending on the Determination Date was an officer of the Company if such
individual's annual compensation (as defined in Treasury Regulations Section
1.415-2(d)) exceeds 50 percent of the dollar limitation under Code Section
415(b)(1)(A); an employee who is an owner (or person considered an owner under
Code Section 318) of one of the ten largest interests in the Company if such
individual's compensation exceeds 100 percent of the dollar limitation under
Code Section 415(c)(1)(A); an owner of 5 percent of the Company; or an owner of
1 percent of the Company who has annual compensation of more than $150,000. The
determination of who is a Key Employee will be made in accordance with Code
Section 416(i). A Non-Key Employee means any Employee who is not a Key Employee.
(e) "Permissive Aggregation Group" means a Required Aggregation
Group plus any other plans maintained and selected by the Company; provided that
all such plans when considered together satisfy the requirements of Code
Sections 401(a)(4) and 410.
(f) "Required Aggregation Group" means each qualified plan of
the Company in which at least one Key Employee participates or which enables any
plan in which a Key Employee participates to meet the requirements of Code
Sections 401(a)(4) or 410.
(g) "Valuation Date" means, for purposes of determining if the
Plan is Top-Heavy, the most recent Valuation Date in the period of twelve months
ending on the Determination Date.
16.4. Top-Heavy Rules. For any year in which a Plan is determined to be
a Top-Heavy Plan or a Super Top-Heavy Plan the following rules shall apply:
(a) For each Plan Year in which the Plan is Top-Heavy or Super
Top-Heavy, minimum contributions for a Participant who is a Non-Key Employee
shall be required to be made on behalf of each Participant who is employed by
the Company on the last day of the Plan Year. The amount of the minimum
contribution shall be the lesser of the following percentage of compensation:
(i) 3 percent, or
(ii) the highest percentage at which Contributions are
made under the Plan for the Plan Year on behalf of any Key Employee.
(A) For purposes of this paragraph (ii), all defined
contribution plans included in a Required Aggregation Group shall be treated as
one plan.
40
<PAGE>
(B) This paragraph (ii) shall not apply if the Plan
is included in a Required Aggregation Group and the Plan enables a defined
benefit plan included in the Required Aggregation Group to meet the requirements
of Code Sections 401(a)(4) or 410.
(C) If the highest percentage at which Contributions
are made under the Plan for a top-heavy Plan Year on behalf of Key Employees is
less than 3%, the amounts contributed as a result of a salary reduction
agreement must be included in determining Contributions made on behalf of Key
Employees.
This subsection (a) shall not apply to the extent a Participant other
than a Key Employee is covered by any other qualified plan(s) of the Company and
the Company has provided that the minimum contribution requirements applicable
to this Plan will be satisfied by the other plan(s).
(b) For any Plan Year in which the Plan is Top-Heavy or Super
Top-Heavy, only the first $150,000 (or such larger amount as may be prescribed
in rules issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury) of a Participant's
annual compensation shall be taken into account for purposes of determining
employer contributions under this Plan.
(c) The contributions made to the Plan by the Company on behalf
of a Participant shall be fully vested at all times.
(d) For any Plan Year in which the Plan is Super Top-Heavy, or
for any Plan Year in which the Plan is Top-Heavy and the additional minimum
contributions or benefits required under Code Section 416(h) are not provided,
the dollar limitations in the denominator of the Defined Benefit Fraction and
Defined Contribution Fraction (as defined in Article 6 of this Plan) shall be
multiplied by 100 percent rather than 125 percent. If the application of the
provisions of this Section 16.4 would cause any Participant to exceed 1.0 for
any Limitation Year, then the application of this Section shall be suspended as
to such Participant until such time as it no longer exceeds 1.0. During the
period of such suspension, appropriate adjustments to the Participant's benefits
under defined benefit plans maintained by the Employer shall be made prior to
making any adjustments to a Participant's Account under this Plan.
(e) The vesting schedule when the Plan is Top-Heavy is as
follows:
Years of Service
After the Effective Date Vested Percentage
------------------------ -----------------
0-3 Years of Service 0%
3 or more Years of Service 100%
41
<PAGE>
ARTICLE 17
EXEMPT LOANS
17.1. General. The Trustee shall have the authority and discretion to
borrow money from a Disqualified Person, or another source which is guaranteed
by a Disqualified Person for the purpose of (a) purchasing Company Stock, or (b)
repaying a prior Exempt Loan. Any Exempt Loan shall satisfy all of the
requirements of this Article 17.
17.2. Terms of Exempt Loan Agreements. All Exempt Loans shall satisfy
the following requirements:
(a) The loan shall be primarily for the benefit of Participants
and their Beneficiaries;
(b) The loan shall be for a specified term and shall bear no
more than a reasonable rate of interest.
(c) The collateral pledged by the Trustee shall consist only of
the Company Stock purchased with the borrowed funds, or Company Stock that was
pledged as collateral in connection with a prior Exempt Loan that was repaid
with the proceeds of the current Exempt Loan.
(d) Under the terms of the agreement, the lender shall have no
recourse against the Trust, or any of its assets, except with respect to the
collateral and contributions (other than contributions of Company Stock) by the
Company that are made to satisfy its obligations under the loan agreement and
earnings attributable to such collateral and such contributions.
(e) The payments made on the loan during a Plan Year shall not
exceed an amount equal to the sum of such contributions and the earnings
received during or prior to the year less such payments on the exempt loan in
prior years.
(f) In the event of default, the value of the assets
transferred in satisfaction of the loan shall not exceed the amount of default;
moreover, if the lender is a Disqualified Person, the loan agreement shall
provide for a transfer of assets upon default only upon and to the extent of the
failure of the Plan to meet the payment schedule of the loan.
17.3. Prohibition on Purchase Arrangements. Except as hereinafter
provided in this Article 17, no Company Stock acquired with the proceeds of an
Exempt Loan shall be subject to a put, call, or other option, or buy-sell or
similar arrangement while held by and when distributed from the Trust, whether
or not at the time of distribution the Plan is an employee stock ownership plan.
These protections and rights which attach to Company Stock acquired with the
proceeds of an Exempt Loan shall not be terminable.
42
<PAGE>
17.4. Suspense Account.
(a) If the Trust has entered into an Exempt Loan, each
Participant Account shall be adjusted for the payment of the Exempt Loan in the
manner set forth in the Trust Agreement. Company contributions made to the Trust
in the form of Company Stock purchased with the proceeds of an Exempt Loan shall
be held in the Suspense Account as the collateral for that Exempt Loan. Such
stock shall be released from the Suspense Account on a pro-rata basis according
to the amount of the payment on the Exempt Loan for the Plan Year, determined
under one of the following two alternative formulas in the discretion of the
Administrative Committee:
(i) for each Plan Year during the duration of the Exempt
Loan, the number of shares of Company Stock released shall equal the number of
such shares held in the Suspense Account immediately before release for the
current Plan Year multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount
of principal and interest paid for the year and the denominator of which is the
sum of the numerator plus the remaining principal and interest to be paid for
all future years. The number of future years under the Exempt Loan must be
definitely ascertainable and must be determined without taking into account any
possible extensions or renewal periods. If the interest rate under the loan is
variable, the interest to be paid in future years must be computed by using the
interest rate applicable as of the end of the Plan Year. If the collateral
includes more than one class of Company Stock, the number of shares of each
class to be released for a Plan Year must be determined by applying the same
fraction to each class; or
(ii) for each Plan Year during the duration of the Exempt
Loan, the number of shares of Company Stock released is determined solely with
reference to the principal payment of the Exempt Loan. If Company Stock in the
Suspense Account is released in accordance with this subsection (ii), (A) the
Exempt Loan must provide for annual payments of principal and interest at a
cumulative rate that is not less rapid at any time than level annual payments of
such amounts for 10 years; and (B) interest included in any payment is
disregarded only to the extent that it would be determined to be interest under
standard loan amortization tables.
This subsection (ii) will not be applicable if by reason of a renewal,
extension, or refinancing, the sum of the expired duration of the Exempt Loan,
the renewal period, the extension period, and the duration of a new Exempt Loan
exceeds 10 years.
(b) Shares of Company Stock released in accordance with Section
17.4(a) of the Plan shall then be allocated to the Accounts of Participants
first, in an amount equal in value to any dividends paid on shares previously
43
<PAGE>
allocated to Participant's Accounts that are used to repay the Exempt Loan. The
remaining shares of such stock shall be allocated to the Accounts of
Participants in the same manner as described in Section 5.5.
17.5. Sale of Financed Shares. In the event the Plan receives an offer
to participate in a corporate transaction (i.e., a stock sale, asset sale,
merger or consolidation) before all the shares of Company Stock have been
released from the Suspense Account, the Trustee may enter into an agreement for
the sale of all Company Stock which is not allocated to the accounts of
Participants, and use the proceeds thereof to repay an Exempt Loan. Any proceeds
of the sale of unallocated Company Stock which is not required to repay the
Exempt Loan, will be allocated as earnings to Participant's Accounts.
44
<PAGE>
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Old Guard Group, Inc. has caused this Plan to be
duly executed under seal this ____ day of _______________, 1996.
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
By_________________________________
President and Chief Operating
Officer
Attest:
_______________________________
Secretary
[SEAL]
45
<PAGE>
Coopers Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
& Lybrand
a professional services firm
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the inclusion in the registration statement of Old Guard Group,
Inc. on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-12779), as amended, of our reports dated
July 19, 1996 (except for Notes 15 E and F which are dated as of December 5,
1996), on our audits of the combined financial statements and financial
statement schedules of Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire
Insurance Company and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company and
subsidiary as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and for the three years ended
December 31, 1995, 1994, and 1993. We also consent to the reference to our firm
under the caption "Experts."
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
One South Market Square
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
December 20, 1996
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P. is a member of Coopers & Lybrand International, a
limited liability association incorporated in Switzerland.
<PAGE>
BERWIND
FINANCIAL GROUP, L.P.
Investment Banking
Merchant Banking
To Whom It May Concern:
We hereby consent to the references to Berwind Financial Group, L.P.
contained in the Old Guard Group, Inc. Registration Statement on Form S-1 under
the section entitled "Tax Effects."
Sincerely,
/s/ Berwind Financial Group, L.P.
-------------------------------------
BERWIND FINANCIAL GROUP, L.P.
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 99.3
Questions
And
Answers
About
Voting
For
Conversion
[LOGO]
Your Vote Counts!
Share in
Old Guard's
Future
1
<PAGE>
Vote Yes For Conversion
Your Vote Counts
Customers of Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance
Company, and Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company (the "Companies") who
were policyholders on the voting record date have the right to vote on the
Companies' plan to convert from mutual to stock form (the "Conversion").
Complete details on the Conversion, including reasons for Conversion, are
contained in the Proxy Statement. Please read the Proxy Statement carefully.
This brochure is provided to answer basic questions you might have about the
Conversion. Remember, the Conversion will not affect your insurance policy or
policies with the Companies.
The Directors of the Companies recommend that you VOTE "FOR" Conversion. Your
vote counts and is very important.
2
<PAGE>
Questions and Answers About the Conversion.
Q What is "Conversion"?
A Conversion is a change in the legal form of organization. The Companies
are currently organized as mutual insurance companies with no
stockholders. Through the Conversion, the Companies will become stock
insurance companies, and all of their stock will be owned by Old Guard
Group, Inc.
Old Guard Group, Inc., will in turn offer its shares of Common
Stock for sale, first to certain policyholders and employees of the
Companies, then to natural persons who maintain a residence in certain
counties of Pennsylvania, and finally to the general public. The
general powers, duties and procedures of the Companies after the
Conversion will be the same as prior to the Conversion.
Q Why should policyholders VOTE "FOR" Conversion?
A The funds to be raised by selling shares of Old Guard Group, Inc.
common stock will increase the Companies' capital, enabling the
Companies to:
- enhance policyholder protection by increasing statutory
surplus;
- support future premium growth;
- provide greater resources for the development of
customer services;
- afford the Companies' policyholders an opportunity to
share in the growth and earnings of Old Guard Group,
Inc. through the purchase of shares of the common stock
in the Conversion.
Q Will the Conversion have any effect on my insurance policy with the
Companies?
A No! The Conversion will not change the terms or conditions of your
policy or policies. After the Conversion, however, you will not have
voting rights unless you become a shareholder of Old Guard Group, Inc.
Q Will my policy be converted into stock?
A No! Your policy will not be affected by the Conversion.
Q Did the Boards of Directors of the Companies approve the Conversion?
3
<PAGE>
A Yes! The Conversion was unanimously approved by the Boards
of Directors of the Companies.
Q Will there by any changes in management or personnel?
A No! Directors and officers of the Companies will continue in their same
positions, as will the employees in the branch offices and other
departments of the Companies. Our day-to-day activities will not
change. In addition, the executive officers and certain directors of
the Companies will serve as directors and/or executive officers of Old
Guard Group, Inc.
Q Am I required to vote?
A No! You are not required to vote. Failure to vote will not constitute a
vote against the conversion. However, approval of the Conversion
requires the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of votes cast by
the policyholders of each of the Companies. Therefore, your vote is
important, and we urge you to VOTE "FOR" the Conversion!
Q If I VOTE "FOR" the Conversion, am I required to buy stock?
A No! A vote "FOR" Conversion will not obligate you to buy
any stock.
Q Why did I get several proxy cards?
A If you have more than one policy with the Companies, you could receive
more than one proxy, depending on the titles of your policies. Please
VOTE AND SIGN ALL PROXY CARDS!
Q If a policy is in joint names, must the signatures of both parties be
on the proxy card?
A No! The signature of only one policyholder is required.
Q How many votes do I have?
A There is one vote for each policy.
Q May I vote in person at the Special Meeting?
A Yes! But we would still like you to sign your proxy and mail it today.
If you then attend in person, you will have the opportunity to revoke
your proxy by voting another ballot, if you wish.
Q How can I get further information about the Conversion?
A The Proxy Statement describes the Conversion process in detail.
4
<PAGE>
If you would like further information, call our special
toll-free Stock Information Center number at 1-888-262-7731 between
8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
5
<PAGE>
VOTE "FOR" CONVERSION!
Policyholders of the Companies should sign and mail their proxy cards as soon as
possible. Please don't delay. Mail your proxy today!
OLD GUARD GROUP, INC.
P.O. Box 3243
Lancaster, PA 17601-9842
This letter is not an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to
buy common stock of Old Guard Group, Inc. The offer is made only by the
Prospectus which should be read with care.
6
<PAGE>
QUESTIONS
AND
ANSWERS
ABOUT
BUYING
OLD GUARD
GROUP, INC.
STOCK
Share In
Old Guard's
Future
7
<PAGE>
Share in Old Guard's Future
We are pleased to inform you that the Boards of Directors of Old Guard
Mutual Insurance Company, Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company (the "Companies") have approved a
plan to convert the Companies from mutual insurance companies to stock insurance
companies (the "Conversion"). As part of the Conversion, a newly-formed holding
company, Old Guard Group, Inc. will offer shares of common stock, first in a
concurrent subscription and community offering and then, if stock is available,
in a public offering. The conversions will not affect the general terms and
coverages of policies currently in force with the Companies.
This brochure is intended to answer basic questions about the
Conversion. Investment in the common stock of Old Guard Group, Inc. involves
certain risks. For a discussion of these risks, investors are encouraged to read
the Prospectus before making an investment decision.
As Old Guard celebrates its 100th anniversary, we invite you to
consider sharing in Old Guard's future.
8
<PAGE>
Questions and Answers
Q Why are the Companies converting?
A Simply because it makes the best business sense. In 1896,
when Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company was chartered as a
mutual insurance company, most insurance institutions were
organized in the mutual form. Today, facing the present
economy and the current climate in the insurance industry,
it makes better business sense for us to be chartered in the
stock form. By converting, capital will be raised that will
enable the Companies to enhance policyholder protection and
further expand their business, both geographically and in
terms of the range of products offered.
Q Who may subscribe to purchase shares of stock?
A Eligible policyholders of the Companies as of the May 31,
1996, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan of Old Guard Group,
Inc. and officers, directors and employees of the Companies
have preferential rights to subscribe to purchase shares in
the new holding company, Old Guard Group, Inc., during the
"Subscription Offering." Concurrently, there will be a
"Community Offering" for the general public, with preference
given to natural persons who maintain a residence in certain
counties of Pennsylvania and certain other groups (as
specified in the Prospectus). The remaining shares, if any,
will be offered by Legg Mason, Wood Walker, Inc. and
McDonald & Company Securities, Inc. to the general public in
a "Public Offering."
Q What is the deadline for purchasing stock?
A To participate in the Subscription Offering, your Stock Order Form and
payment must be received by us no later than the time and date stated
on the cover letter, Stock Order Form and Subscription and Community
Offering Prospectus.
Q What is the price per share?
A The price per share is $10.00.
Q How much stock may I purchase?
A The minimum order is 25 shares. With the exception of the
Employee Stock Ownership Plan, no Eligible Policyholder may
purchase more than 38,606 shares in the Subscription
Offering and no person (including Eligible Policyholders who
also buy stock in the Community Offering or the Public
Offering) may purchase more than 193,030 shares in the
Conversion. A detailed description of maximum purchase
limitations may be found in the Subscription and Community
Offering Prospectus.
9
<PAGE>
Q Will dividends be paid?
A Subject to regulatory and other restrictions, Old Guard
Group, Inc. currently intends to pay cash dividends at the
annual rate of $0.10 per share, payable in quarterly
increments after the first full quarter following the
Conversion. Dividends will be subject to determination and
declaration by the Board of Directors, and will take into
consideration factors such as the financial condition of Old
Guard Group, Inc., tax considerations, industry standards,
economic conditions and regulatory restrictions.
Q Am I being offered a discount on the price of the stock?
A No. The offering price of the stock will be the same for everyone
including Eligible Policyholders, our directors, officers and employees
and the general public.
Q Will I be charged a commission?
A No. You will not be charged a brokerage commission on the purchase of
shares in the Subscription and Community Offering.
Q How do I order stock?
A To order stock, complete a Stock Order Form by following instructions
printed on the form. If you have questions, telephone the Stock
Information Center between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through
Friday. The toll-free telephone number is 1-888-262-7731.
Q How do I pay for my stock?
A You may pay for your stock by check, cash or money order, as
long as your payment is received by us no later than the
closing date of the Subscription and Community Offering
periods which is noted on the Stock Order Form and in the
Subscription and Community Offering Prospectus. Cash orders
can be accepted only at Old Guard Group, Inc.'s headquarters
office which is located at 2929 Lititz Pike in Lancaster,
PA. Funds received from stock orders paid by cash, check or
money order will be placed in an escrow account until the
Conversion is completed.
Q Will I receive confirmation that my stock order has been received?
A Yes. An acknowledgment letter will be mailed a few days after your
order is received at our Stock Information Center.
10
<PAGE>
Q In the future, how can I purchase more shares or sell my shares?
A The common stock of Old Guard Group, Inc. has been approved for listing
on the NASDAQ National Market System under the symbol "OGGI." Our
underwriters have advised us that they intend to make a market
(identify buyers and sellers) in the stock, subject to market
conditions and other factors.
Q Are there any restrictions on the resale of stock after the purchase?
A There are none for our policyholders, employees or the public. Only our
directors and executive officers are subject to sale restrictions.
Q When will I receive my stock certificate?
A Stock Certificates will be mailed promptly after the consummation of
the Conversion.
Q May I order stock from my IRA or Keogh account?
A Yes, if you have a self-directed IRA account, you may order stock using
funds from such an account.
Q May I change my mind?
A The Stock Order Form cannot be canceled or withdrawn after it has been
received by Old Guard Group, Inc. However, you may order additional
shares by completing another Stock Order Form.
Q Can you tell me how to register the stock?
A The back of your Stock Order Form has guidelines for stock
registration. You may also wish to consult your legal or tax advisor.
Q How can I obtain more information?
A Call our Stock Information Center toll free at 1-888-262-
7731 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
This letter is not an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy common
stock of Old Guard Group, Inc. The offer is made only by the Prospectus which
should be read with care.
11
<PAGE>
December 20, 1996
Board of Directors
Old Guard Mutual Insurance Company,
Old Guard Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and
Goschenhoppen-Home Mutual Insurance Company
c/o Mr. David E. Hosler, CPCU
President & Chief Executive Officer
Old Guard Insurance Group
2929 Lititz Pike
Lancaster, PA 17604
Directors:
You have requested our opinion as to the fair market value of the
subscription rights received by Eligible Policyholders as discussed in the Old
Guard Group, Inc. ("OGGI") Registration Statement on Form S-1 in connection
with a Joint Plan of Conversion adopted May 31, 1996 (the "Subscription
Rights"). This letter addresses our opinion as to the fair market value of the
Subscription Rights under the transaction structure described in the OGGI
Registration Statement on Form S-1 and does not consider value under alternate
scenarios.
Our understanding of the Subscription Rights includes the following:
o Subscription Rights are nontransferable, nonnegotiable personal
rights to subscribe for and purchase shares of Conversion Stock
at the Purchase Price that will be distributed by the Holding
Company, without charge, to each Participant, The receipt of
Subscription Rights by a Participant will permit (but will not
require) the Participant to subscribe to purchase shares of
Conversion Stock at the Purchase Price in the Subscription
Offering.
<PAGE>
Page Two
December 20, 1996
The exercise of Subscription Rights is irrevocable and an executed
subscription order form may not be modified, amended or rescinded.
Conversely, the failure of a Participant to timely deliver a duly
executed subscription order form, together with full payment for
the shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for, will be deemed to
constitute an irrevocable waiver and release by the Participant of
all rights to subscribe for and purchase Conversion Stock in the
Subscription Offering.
Based on the fact that the Subscription Rights are not transferable, are of a
short duration, provide for the purchase of OGGI common stock at fair market
value, which is also the price at which participants in the Community Offering
and Public Offering may purchase the stock, and Eligible Policyholders did not
purchase the Subscription Rights for any consideration, in our opinion the
subscription rights have no fair market value.
Berwind Financial Group, L.P., as part of its investment banking
business, regularly is engaged in the valuation of assets, securities and
companies in connection with various types of asset and security transactions,
including mergers, acquisitions, private placements and valuations for various
other purposes, and in the determination of adequate consideration in such
transactions.
Although we believe the foregoing constitutes a reasonable approach for
determining the fair market value of the Subscription Rights, there can be no
assurance that the Internal Revenue Service would concur or that this approach
would be sustained by a court of law if the Internal Revenue Service were to
assert a different position.
Sincerely,
/s/ BERWIND FINANCIAL GROUP, L.P.