<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement
[ ] Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule
14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:......
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:.........
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined.):..........
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:.....................
5) Total fee paid:......................................................
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was
paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No:
3) Filing Party:
4) Date Filed:
<PAGE> 2
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
165 MASON STREET
P.O. BOX 2518
GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT 06836-2518
------------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 9, 2000
------------------------------
To The Stockholders of
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of W. R.
Berkley Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), will be held at the
Hyatt Regency, 1800 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich, Connecticut on Tuesday, May
9, 2000 at 4:00 P.M. for the following purposes:
(1) To elect three directors to serve until their successors are duly
elected and qualify;
(2) To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent certified public
accountants for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2000; and
(3) To consider and act upon any other matters which may properly come
before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
In accordance with the provisions of the Company's By-Laws, the Board of
Directors has fixed the close of business on March 15, 2000 as the date for
determining stockholders of record entitled to receive notice of, and to vote
at, the Annual Meeting.
Your attention is directed to the accompanying Proxy Statement.
You are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting. If you do not
expect to attend the Annual Meeting in person, please vote, date, sign and
return the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible in the enclosed reply
envelope.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
CORNELIUS T. FINNEGAN, III
Senior Vice President --
General Counsel and Secretary
Dated: March 29, 2000
<PAGE> 3
W. R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
PROXY STATEMENT
------------------------------
ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 9, 2000
------------------------------
SOLICITATION AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
The enclosed proxy is solicited by the Board of Directors of W. R. Berkley
Corporation (the "Company") for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
held at the Hyatt Regency, 1800 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich, Connecticut on
Tuesday, May 9, 2000 at 4:00 P.M. and at any adjournment thereof. The giving of
a proxy does not preclude a stockholder from voting in person at the Annual
Meeting. The proxy is revocable before its exercise by delivering either written
notice of such revocation or a later dated proxy to the Secretary of the Company
at its executive office at any time prior to voting of the shares represented by
the earlier proxy. In addition, stockholders attending the Annual Meeting may
revoke their proxies by voting at the Annual Meeting. The expense of preparing,
printing and mailing this Proxy Statement will be paid by the Company. The
Company has engaged Georgeson & Company Inc. to assist in the solicitation of
proxies from stockholders. In addition to the use of the mails, proxies may be
solicited personally or by telephone by regular employees of the Company without
additional compensation, as well as by employees of Georgeson & Company Inc. The
Company will reimburse banks, brokers and other custodians, nominees and
fiduciaries for their costs in sending the proxy materials to the beneficial
owners of the Company's Common Stock, par value $.20 per share (the "Common
Stock"). The total cost of the solicitation of proxies is not expected to exceed
$25,000. The Annual Report of the Company for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1999 is being mailed to all stockholders with this Proxy Statement. The
approximate mailing date is March 29, 2000.
A list of stockholders will be available for inspection for at least ten
days prior to the Annual Meeting at the principal executive office of the
Company at 165 Mason Street, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830.
The matters to be acted upon are described in this Proxy Statement. Proxies
will be voted at the Annual Meeting, or at any adjournment thereof, at which a
quorum is present, in accordance with the directions on the proxy. Votes cast by
proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by election
inspectors appointed for the Annual Meeting. The election inspectors will also
determine whether a quorum is present. The holders of a majority of the Common
Stock outstanding and entitled to vote who are present either in person or
represented by proxy constitute a quorum for the Annual Meeting. The election
inspectors will treat abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to
vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but as unvoted for
purposes of determining the approval of any matter submitted. If a broker
indicates on a proxy that it does not have discretionary authority as to certain
shares to vote on a particular matter, those shares will not be considered as
present and entitled to vote with respect to that matter.
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OUTSTANDING STOCK AND VOTING RIGHTS
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 2000 are
entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The number of
shares of voting stock of the Company outstanding on that date was 25,786,578
shares of Common Stock, and the number of shares of voting stock of the Company
entitled to vote was 25,616,578 shares of Common Stock. Each such share of
Common Stock is entitled to one vote. The difference between the number of
shares of Common Stock outstanding and the number of shares entitled to votes is
the 170,000 shares of Common Stock which were purchased in 1997 by William R.
Berkley with the proceeds of a recourse promissory note secured by the shares
purchased. See "Transactions with Management and Others." It should be noted
that officers and directors of the Company own or control approximately 17.3% of
the outstanding Common Stock. Information as to persons beneficially owning 5%
or more of the Common Stock may be found under the heading "Principal
Stockholders" herein.
Unless otherwise directed in the proxy, the persons named therein will vote
"FOR" the election of the director nominees listed below and "FOR" the
ratification of the appointment of KPMG LLP as the Company's independent
certified public accountants for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. If a
returned proxy does not specify a vote for or against a proposal, it will be
voted in favor thereof.
The election of directors and the ratification of the appointment of KPMG
LLP require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present at the
meeting to constitute the action of the stockholders.
As of the date hereof, the Board of Directors knows of no other business
that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If other
business shall properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named in the
proxy will vote according to their best judgment.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
As permitted by Delaware law, the Board is divided into three classes, the
classes being divided as equally as possible and each class having a term of
three years. Each year the term of office of one class expires. This year the
term of a class consisting of three directors expires. It is the intention of
the Board that the shares represented by proxy, unless otherwise indicated
thereon, will be voted for the re-election of William R. Berkley, George G. Daly
and Robert B. Hodes as directors to hold office for a term of three years until
the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2003 and until their respective successors
are duly elected and qualify. As a result of the resignation of John D. Vollaro
as a director effective March 1, 2000, the Board presently has one vacancy in
the class of directors with a term expiring in 2001.
The persons designated as proxies reserve full discretion to cast votes for
other persons in the event any such nominee is unable to serve. However, the
Board has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve if
elected. The proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the
three named nominees.
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<PAGE> 5
The following table sets forth information regarding each nominee and the
remaining directors who will continue in office after the Annual Meeting.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SERVED AS
DIRECTOR
CONTINUOUSLY BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING PAST 5 YEARS,
NAME SINCE AGE AND OTHER INFORMATION
---- ------------ ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Nominees to Serve in Office Until 2003
William R. Berkley(1)........................... 1967 Chairman of the Board and Chief Execu-
tive Officer of the Company since its
formation in 1967. He also serves as
President, a position which he has held
since March 1, 2000 and has held at
various times from 1967 to 1995. Mr.
Berkley also serves as Chairman of the
Board or director of a number of public
and private companies. These include
Associated Community Bancorp, Inc., a
bank holding company, and its
subsidiaries, The Greenwich Bank & Trust
Company, a Connecticut chartered bank,
and Westport National Bank, a national
bank; Pioneer Companies, Inc., a
chemical manufacturing and marketing
company; Strategic Distribution, Inc.,
an industrial products distribution and
services company; and Interlaken
Capital, Inc., a private investment firm
with interests in various businesses.
Mr. Berkley is 54 years of age.
George G. Daly.................................. 1998 Dean, Stern School of Business, and Dean
Richard R. West Professor of Business,
New York University, for more than the
past five years. In addition to his
academic career, Dr. Daly served as
Chief Economist at the U.S. Office of
Energy Research and Development in 1974.
Dr. Daly is 59 years of age.
Robert B. Hodes(2).............................. 1970 Counsel to the New York law firm of
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where prior
thereto he had been a partner for more
than five years. He is also a director
of Globalstar Telecommunications, Ltd.;
K&F Industries, Inc.; LCH Investments
N.V.; Loral Space & Communications,
Ltd.; Mueller Industries, Inc.; and Re-
structured Capital Holdings, Ltd. Mr.
Hodes is 74 years of age.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE> 6
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SERVED AS
DIRECTOR
CONTINUOUSLY BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING PAST 5 YEARS,
NAME SINCE AGE AND OTHER INFORMATION
---- ------------ ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Directors to Continue in Office Until 2001
Henry Kaufman(3)................................ 1994 President of Henry Kaufman & Co., Inc.,
an investment, economic and financial
consulting company, since its establish-
ment in 1988. Dr. Kaufman serves as
Chairman of the Board of Overseers,
Stern School of Business of New York
University; Chairman of the Board of
Trustees, Institute of International
Education; Member of the Board of Direc-
tors, Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation; Member of the Board of
Directors, Lehman Brothers Holdings
Inc.; Member of the Board of Directors,
The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foun-
dation, Inc.; Member of the Board of
Trustees, New York University; Member of
the Board of Trustees, The Animal
Medical Center; Treasurer (and former
Trustee), The Economic Club of New York;
Member of the Board of Trustees, Whitney
Museum of American Art; Member of the
International Capital Markets Advisory
Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York; Member of the Advisory
Committee to the Investment Committee,
International Monetary Fund Staff
Retirement Plan; and Member of the Board
of Governors, Tel-Aviv University. Dr.
Kaufman is 72 years of age.
Martin Stone(2)(3)(4)........................... 1990 Chairman of Professional Sports, Inc.
(the Tucson Sidewinders AAA baseball
team) and Chairman of Adirondack Cor-
poration, all for more than the past
five years. Mr. Stone is also a director
of Canyon Ranch, Inc. and a Member of
the Advisory Board of Yosemite National
Park. Mr. Stone is 71 years of age.
</TABLE>
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SERVED AS
DIRECTOR
CONTINUOUSLY BUSINESS EXPERIENCE DURING PAST 5 YEARS,
NAME SINCE AGE AND OTHER INFORMATION
---- ------------ ----------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Directors to Continue in Office Until 2002
Richard G. Merrill(3)........................... 1994 Executive Vice President of Prudential
Insurance Company of America from Au-
gust 1987 to March 1991 when he re-
tired. Prior thereto, Mr. Merrill served
as Chairman and President of Prudential
Asset Management Company since 1985. Mr.
Merrill is also a director of Sysco
Corp. Mr. Merrill is 69 years of age.
Jack H. Nusbaum(1)(4)........................... 1967 Chairman of the New York law firm of
Willkie Farr & Gallagher, where he has
been a partner for more than the last
five years. He is also a director of
Neuberger Berman Inc.; Pioneer
Companies, Inc.; Prime Hospitality
Corp.; Strategic Distribution, Inc.; and
The Topps Company, Inc. Mr. Nusbaum is
59 years of age.
Mark L. Shapiro(2)(4)........................... 1974 Since September 1998, Mr. Shapiro has
been a private investor. From July 1997
through August 1998, Mr. Shapiro was a
Senior Consultant to the Export-Import
Bank of the United States. For more than
five years prior thereto, he was a
Managing Director in the investment
banking firm of Schroder & Co. Inc. Mr.
Shapiro is 55 years of age.
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Member of Executive Committee.
(2) Member of Audit Committee.
(3) Member of Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
(4) Member of Business Ethics Committee.
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<PAGE> 8
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND COMMITTEES
During 1999, the Board had four standing committees: the Executive
Committee, the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Stock Option Committee and
the Business Ethics Committee. Nominees for directors are selected by the Board
rather than by any committee of the Board. The Board met four times and held one
telephone meeting during 1999. No director attended fewer than 75% of the total
number of meetings of the Board and all committees on which he served.
The Executive Committee is authorized to act on behalf of the Board during
periods between Board meetings. The Committee is composed of Messrs. Berkley and
Nusbaum. No action was taken by the Committee during 1999.
The Audit Committee, which during 1999 was composed of Messrs. Hodes,
Shapiro and Stone, assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility relating
to the Company's accounting and reporting practices and the quality and
integrity of its financial reports; advises the Board as to the selection of the
Company's independent public accountants; monitors their performance and reviews
matters relative to their independence; reviews the annual financial statements
and reports submitted by such accountants; and reviews the internal audit
function and consults with the independent accountants with regard to the
adequacy of internal controls. During 1999, the Committee met twice and held one
telephone meeting.
The Compensation and Stock Option Committee, which during 1999 was composed
of Messrs. Kaufman, Merrill and Stone, reviews management compensation standards
and practices and makes such recommendations to the Board as it deems
appropriate. The Committee also administers the First Amended and Restated W.R.
Berkley Corporation 1992 Stock Option Plan (the "Stock Option Plan"). During
1999, the Committee met four times and held two telephone meetings.
The Business Ethics Committee, which during 1999 was composed of Messrs.
Nusbaum, Shapiro and Stone, administers the Company-wide Business Ethics
program. During 1999, the Committee held one meeting.
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
For 1999, each director received a quarterly retainer of $6,000 and a fee
of $1,500 for each Board meeting attended. In addition, on May 11, 1999,
pursuant to the Company's 1997 Directors Stock Plan, each director received 250
shares of Common Stock. The number of shares to be granted to each director
under such Plan for each year after 1999 shall be determined by dividing $7,500
by the closing price of the Common Stock on the trading day preceding the date
of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders for the year in which the grant is made.
For 1999, the annual retainer, the fees and the fair market value of such shares
of Common Stock on the date of grant are included in the Summary Compensation
Table for William R. Berkley and John D. Vollaro. These shares of Common Stock
are also included in the tables under "Principal Stockholders."
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<PAGE> 9
PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
The following table sets forth as of March 15, 2000 those persons known by
the Company to be the beneficial owners of more than 5% of the Common Stock:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE PERCENT
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF CLASS
- ----------------------------------------- ----------------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
William R. Berkley 4,013,223(1) 15.6%
165 Mason Street
Greenwich, CT 06830
Franklin Resources, Inc. 4,576,150(2) 17.9%(4)
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
San Mateo, CA 94404
The Prudential Insurance Company of
America 1,510,175(3) 5.9%(4)
751 Broad Street
Newark, NJ 07102
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) Includes 12,583 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Berkley's wife, as to
which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership, 3,401 shares held in several
accounts for his children as to which Mr. Berkley is a custodian and 65,000
shares which are subject to currently exercisable stock options. Also
includes 170,000 shares of Common Stock which were purchased by Mr. Berkley
with the proceeds of a recourse promissory note secured by the shares
purchased. See "Transactions with Management and Others."
(2) Information obtained from a Schedule 13G, dated January 12, 2000, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of Franklin Resources, Inc.
The Schedule 13G reported ownership of 4,576,150 shares of Common Stock then
outstanding. The Schedule 13G reported that Templeton Global Advisors
Limited has sole voting power over 4,574,050 shares and sole dispositive
power over 4,576,150 shares.
(3) Information obtained from a Schedule 13G, dated January 31, 2000, filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission on behalf of The Prudential Insurance
Company of America. The Schedule 13G reported ownership of 1,510,175 shares
of Common Stock then outstanding. The Schedule 13G reported that The
Prudential Insurance Company of America has sole voting power over 1,286,925
shares, shared voting power over 223,250 shares, sole dispositive power over
1,286,925 shares and shared dispositive power over 223,250 shares.
(4) The percent of class shown was based on the shares of Common Stock reported
on the respective Schedules 13G and the total number of shares outstanding
as of December 31, 1999. The difference in the total number of shares
outstanding on December 31, 1999 and March 15, 2000 does not materially
affect the percentage of ownership of the class.
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<PAGE> 10
The following table sets forth information as of March 15, 2000 regarding
ownership by all directors and executive officers of the Company, as a group,
and each director and each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation
Table, individually, of the Common Stock. Except as described in the footnotes
below, all amounts reflected in the table represent shares the beneficial owners
of which have sole voting and investment power.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AMOUNT AND NATURE PERCENT
NAME OF BENEFICIAL OWNER OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP(1) OF CLASS
- ------------------------- ------------------------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C>
All directors and
executive officers as a
group 4,464,231(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7) 17.3%
William R. Berkley 4,013,223(1)(2) 15.6%
George G. Daly 1,250 *
Cornelius T. Finnegan,
III -- --
Robert B. Hodes 30,400 *
Henry Kaufman 30,550(3) *
Richard G. Merrill 10,050(4) *
Jack H. Nusbaum 17,066(5) *
Mark L. Shapiro 2,968 *
James G. Shiel 26,000(2) *
Martin Stone 16,615(6) *
Edward A. Thomas 55,037(2) *
John D. Vollaro 62,750(2)(8) *
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
* less than 1%
(1) Includes 12,583 shares of Common Stock held by Mr. Berkley's wife, as to
which shares he disclaims beneficial ownership, 3,401 shares held in several
accounts for his children as to which Mr. Berkley is a custodian and 65,000
shares which are subject to currently exercisable stock options. Also
includes 170,000 shares of Common Stock which were purchased by Mr. Berkley
with the proceeds of a recourse promissory note secured by the shares
purchased. See "Transactions with Management and Others."
(2) The amounts shown for Messrs. Berkley, Shiel, Thomas and Vollaro include
65,000, 23,750, 45,875 and 62,500 shares of Common Stock, respectively,
which are subject to currently exercisable stock options.
(3) The amount shown for Dr. Kaufman includes 30,000 shares of Common Stock held
by Kaufman Family, LLC.
(4) The amount shown for Mr. Merrill includes 9,500 shares of Common Stock held
in a family trust with Mr. Merrill and his spouse as trustees.
(5) The amount shown for Mr. Nusbaum includes 6,000 shares of Common Stock held
in several trusts as to which Mr. Nusbaum is a co-trustee with United States
Trust Company of New York and as to which he shares voting and investment
power with United States Trust Company of New York.
(6) The amount shown for Mr. Stone includes 90 shares of Common Stock held in an
individual retirement account and 975 shares held in two trusts with his
spouse as custodian.
(7) The amounts shown for all directors and executive officers as a group
include an aggregate of 303,326 shares of Common Stock which are subject to
currently exercisable stock options held by executive officers of the
Company and an aggregate of 16,725 shares of Common Stock which are held by
executive officers under the Company's Profit Sharing Plan.
(8) Mr. Vollaro resigned as a director and officer of the Company as of March 1,
2000.
The Company knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of
securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date
result in a change of control of the Company. Under applicable Insurance Holding
Company Acts in various states, a potential owner cannot exercise voting control
over an amount in excess of 10% of the Company's outstanding voting securities
(5% in the State of Florida) without obtaining prior regulatory approval.
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<PAGE> 11
TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS
During 1999, the Company engaged in a transaction with a company controlled
by its Chairman of the Board, William R. Berkley. In this transaction, fees
received by the Company consisted of $79,279 for rent and other services.
During 1997, the Company loaned William R. Berkley $3,496,050, an amount
equal to the aggregate exercise price of 170,000 shares of Common Stock
purchased by Mr. Berkley pursuant to the Stock Option Plan and one or more
predecessor plans. The loan is represented by a recourse promissory note which
is secured by the 170,000 shares of Common Stock, matures on December 29, 2002
and bears interest at the minimum rate which can be charged without causing the
loan to be treated as a "below market loan" for purposes of Section 7872 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). Pursuant to the terms of
such plans, Mr. Berkley will have the right to exercise voting rights with
respect to the purchased shares at such time as the purchase price therefor is
paid, and cash dividends on such shares will be payable based on the percentage
of the purchase price received thereon by the Company. As of the date hereof,
the full amount of the loan, together with accrued interest thereon, is
outstanding.
The Company believes that, in each of the transactions with management and
others described above, the amounts paid or received by the Company were
comparable to those that would have been paid to or received from an
unaffiliated party in an arm's-length transaction.
Robert B. Hodes and Jack H. Nusbaum, both directors of the Company, are
Counsel to and Chairman of, respectively, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, outside
counsel to the Company.
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<PAGE> 12
COMPENSATION AND STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE
REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
CEO COMPENSATION. The Compensation and Stock Option Committee follows a
compensation philosophy under which a significant determinant is the financial
performance of the Company, together with achievement of non-financial corporate
objectives and individual performance. The Compensation and Stock Option
Committee believes that this approach should incentivize the Chief Executive
Officer (the "CEO") and other management personnel to focus on meeting both
financial and non-financial goals that in turn should enhance stockholder value.
The CEO's compensation is set based on the Committee's general evaluation of
these factors and the CEO's individual performance.
The Committee has retained the firm of Ross Consulting Group LLC ("Ross")
to provide advice with respect to executive compensation. Ross advised the
Committee with respect to the plans referred to below and with respect to the
compensation of the CEO and the President and Chief Operating Officer for 1999.
At its meeting on March 9, 1999, the Committee determined that the CEO's
salary for 1999 should be increased from $850,000 to $890,000.
For purposes of setting incentive compensation for the CEO, the Committee
has determined that the Company consider the limitations on tax deductibility
imposed under Section 162(m) of the Code. Section 162(m) limits deductions for
compensation in excess of $1 million per year paid by a public corporation to
certain of its executives unless certain criteria are met. In order to meet the
criteria, the Committee has determined that, subject to the matters discussed
below, the CEO's incentive compensation should be structured to qualify as
"performance-based compensation," which is exempt from the deduction limits. In
general, this rule requires that the CEO's incentive compensation be based on
attainment of one or more objective performance goals and that the Company's
stockholders approve both the performance goals and the amount that can be
earned. For these reasons, the CEO's incentive compensation is payable and/or
granted under the Company's Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, Annual
Incentive Plan for Senior Executives and Stock Option Plan, each of which was
approved or, in the case of the Stock Option Plan, amended, by stockholders at
the Company's 1997 Annual Meeting and is designed so that compensation payable
thereunder, or attributable to the exercise of options, will be exempt from the
deduction limits.
For 1999, the objective measure (which is based upon the Company's annual
net income available for common stockholders) for determining the CEO's
incentive compensation under the Annual Incentive Plan was not met, with the
result that no incentive compensation was paid to him under the Plan.
COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS GENERALLY. The Committee believes that
it continues to be important to use incentive compensation to enable the Company
to attract and reward executives who contribute to the Company's long-term
success by demonstrated, sustained performance. To this end, the Company relies
on cash and individual bonus awards and on equity-based compensation through the
Stock Option Plan. The Company may also award equity-based compensation through
the Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. The Company has not entered into
employment agreements with any of its officers (although the Company has entered
into certain
10
<PAGE> 13
agreements regarding compensation as described under "Compensation Agreements
with Executive Officers").
The Committee determined base salary for the Company's President and Chief
Operating Officer for 1999 by evaluating the responsibilities of the position
held, the individual's past experience, current performance and the competitive
marketplace for executive talent. Because the Company did not meet the
performance measure under the Annual Incentive Plan for 1999, as applicable to
the President and Chief Operating Officer, no incentive compensation was paid to
him under the Plan. Pursuant to an agreement dated as of January 24, 2000, the
President and Chief Operating Officer resigned such positions effective as of
March 1, 2000, and certain payments are being made to him in 2000 and thereafter
pursuant to such agreement as described under "Compensation Agreements with
Executive Officers."
In approving base compensation with respect to executive officers other
than the CEO and the President and Chief Operating Officer, the Committee
considered the Company's performance and past pay levels and the recommendations
of the CEO with respect to such compensation. Incentive compensation for such
executive officers for 1999 was established by the CEO and reviewed with the
Committee.
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN. No awards were made for 1999 under
the Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan.
STOCK OPTION GRANTS. It has been the Company's practice to grant stock
options every other year, although the Committee may also grant options from
time to time in its discretion, and the Company may change such practice if it
determines a change to be in its best interests. Under the Stock Option Plan,
options may be granted to the CEO and to other executives based on an evaluation
of each individual's ability to influence the Company's long-term growth and
profitability. The Committee also considers a recipient's annual salary. No
options were granted during 1999 to the CEO or the President and Chief Operating
Officer.
Compensation and Stock Option
Committee
Henry Kaufman
Richard G. Merrill
Martin Stone
March 22, 2000
The above report of the Compensation and Stock Option Committee shall not
be deemed incorporated by reference by any general statement incorporating by
reference this Proxy Statement into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933
or under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that the
Company specifically incorporates this information by reference, and shall not
otherwise be deemed filed under such Acts.
11
<PAGE> 14
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth all the cash and non-cash compensation for
each of the last three fiscal years awarded to or earned by the Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the four other highest paid
executive officers of the Company whose earnings exceeded $100,000 in salary and
bonus.
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ------------
----------------------------------- AWARDS
OTHER ------------
ANNUAL SECURITIES
COMPEN- UNDERLYING ALL OTHER
SALARY BONUS SATION OPTIONS COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR ($) ($) ($) GRANTED(#) ($)
- --------------------------------------- ---- ------- --------- ------- ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William R. Berkley..................... 1999 920,000(1) -- 279,443(2) -- 97,493(3)
Chairman of the Board and 1998 880,000(1) 100,000 256,015(4) 60,000 109,058
Chief Executive Officer 1997 880,000(1) 3,009,000 284,567(5) 750,000 103,164
John D. Vollaro(6)..................... 1999 630,000(1) -- 20,537(7) -- 2,722,238(3)(8)
President and 1998 605,000(1) 50,400 -- 30,000 185,894
Chief Operating Officer 1997 580,000(1) 1,298,350 -- 225,000 78,406
Cornelius T. Finnegan, III(9).......... 1999 334,583 100,000 -- 17,500 11,257(3)
Senior Vice President --
General Counsel and Secretary
James G. Shiel......................... 1999 320,000 110,000 -- -- 45,860(3)
Senior Vice President -- 1998 290,000 135,000 -- 17,500 44,016
Investments 1997 265,000 115,200 -- 6,750 36,506
Edward A. Thomas....................... 1999 340,000 76,500 -- -- 22,502(3)
Senior Vice President -- 1998 325,000 146,250 -- 17,500 28,049
Specialty Operations 1997 300,000 140,550 -- -- 26,723
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) For Messrs. Berkley and Vollaro, these amounts include director fees of
$30,000 each.
(2) Of this amount, $200,000 represents consulting fees paid by Berkley
International, LLC and $79,443 represents personal use of Company and
chartered aircraft.
(3) For Messrs. Berkley, Vollaro, Finnegan, Shiel and Thomas, these amounts
include contributions to the Profit Sharing Plan of $8,000 each, Benefit
Replacement Plan contributions of $36,508, $22,005, $1,827, $8,006 and
$9,003, respectively, and premiums for term life insurance of $1,560,
$1,560, $1,430, $1,498 and $1,560, respectively. For Messers. Berkley,
Vollaro, Shiel and Thomas, these amounts include interest on deferred
compensation of $44,675, $163,923, $28,536 and $3,939, respectively. For
Messrs. Berkley and Vollaro, these amounts include $6,750, representing the
value of 250 shares of Common Stock awarded to directors.
(4) Of this amount, $200,000 represents consulting fees paid by Berkley
International, LLC and $56,015 represents personal use of Company and
chartered aircraft.
(5) Of this amount, $200,000 represents consulting fees paid by Berkley
International, LLC and $84,567 represents personal use of Company and
chartered aircraft.
(6) Mr. Vollaro resigned as a director and officer of the Company as of March 1,
2000. See "Compensation Agreements with Executive Officers."
(7) This amount represents personal use of Company and chartered aircraft.
(8) This amount includes payments made pursuant to an agreement between Mr.
Vollaro and the Company, entered into in connection with Mr. Vollaro's
resignation as an officer of the Company, as follows: (i) annual
compensation at the rate of $620,000 per year for the period commencing on
March 1, 2000 and terminating on February 28, 2001 and at the rate of
$650,000 per year for the period commencing on March 1, 2001 and terminating
on February 28, 2003 and (ii) additional payments of $300,000 on January 1,
2001 and $300,000 on January 1, 2002. See "Compensation Agreements with
Executive Officers".
(9) Mr. Finnegan's employment and term as an officer commenced on February 1,
1999. See "Compensation Agreements with Executive Officers."
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The following table shows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 the
number of stock options granted by the Compensation and Stock Option Committee
to the executive officers named in the Summary Compensation Table.
OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
INDIVIDUAL GRANTS
-------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF
SECURITIES TOTAL OPTIONS
UNDERLYING GRANTED GRANT DATE
OPTIONS TO EMPLOYEES EXERCISE EXPIRATION PRESENT
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION GRANTED(#)(1) IN FISCAL YEAR PRICE DATE VALUE
- ------------------------------- ------------- -------------- -------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William R. Berkley -- -- -- -- --
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
John D. Vollaro -- -- -- -- --
President and
Chief Operating Officer(2)
Cornelius T. Finnegan, III 17,500(3) 25.5% $26.125 3/9/09 $151,606(4)
Senior Vice President --
General Counsel and Secretary
James G. Shiel -- -- -- -- --
Senior Vice President --
Investments
Edward A. Thomas -- -- -- -- --
Senior Vice President --
Specialty Operations
</TABLE>
- ------------------------------
(1) The Company does not have a Stock Appreciation Rights Plan ("SAR").
(2) Mr. Vollaro resigned as a director and officer of the Company as of March 1,
2000. See "Compensation Agreements with Executive Officers."
(3) These options were granted on March 9, 1999 and become exercisable in
installments with one-fourth exercisable on March 9, 2002, an additional
one-fourth on March 9, 2003, an additional one-fourth on March 9, 2004 and
the remaining one-fourth on March 9, 2005.
(4) This estimate of value was developed solely for the purposes of comparative
disclosure in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities
and Exchange Commission and is not intended to predict future prices of the
Common Stock. The estimate was developed using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model incorporating the following assumptions: volatility of 20% and
dividend yield of 1%, both based on the historical averages for the
underlying Common Stock; risk-free rate of return of 5.4% based on a 7.5
year zero coupon rate; and time of exercise of 7.5 years, being the expected
duration of the option.
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<PAGE> 16
The following table shows for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 the
number of stock option grants which were exercised during 1999 and the number
and value of unexercised options for the executive officers named in the Summary
Compensation Table.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND
FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING VALUE OF UNEXERCISED IN
UNEXERCISED THE MONEY
OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT
SHARES FISCAL YEAR-END FISCAL YEAR-END
ACQUIRED 12/31/99(#) 12/31/99($)
ON VALUE EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION EXERCISE(#) REALIZED($) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ----------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William R. Berkley -- -- 65,000/ --/
Chairman of the Board and 860,000 --
Chief Executive Officer
John D. Vollaro -- -- 62,500/ --/
President and 305,000 --
Chief Operating Officer
Cornelius T. Finnegan, III -- -- --/ --/
Senior Vice President -- 17,500 --
General Counsel and
Secretary
James G. Shiel -- -- 21,500/ $17,453/
Senior Vice President -- 29,750 --
Investments
Edward A. Thomas -- -- 45,875/ 33,542/
Senior Vice President -- 27,500 --
Specialty Operations
</TABLE>
COMPENSATION AGREEMENTS WITH EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
On January 24, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement with John D.
Vollaro, who at the time was the Company's President and Chief Operating
Officer, relating to Mr. Vollaro's resignation as an officer of the Company
effective as of March 1, 2000.
The agreement provides for payments to Mr. Vollaro as follows: (i) annual
compensation at the rate of $620,000 per year for the period commencing on March
1, 2000 and terminating on February 28, 2001 and at the rate of $650,000 per
year for the period commencing on March 1, 2001 and terminating on February 28,
2003 and (ii) additional payments of $300,000 on January 1, 2001 and $300,000 on
January 1, 2002, provided that Mr. Vollaro will not be entitled to such payment
on
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<PAGE> 17
January 1, 2002 if, prior to such date, he has commenced other employment (which
shall include any services as an employee, independent contractor, consultant or
advisor other than certain limited consulting services specified in the
agreement).
Under the agreement, the Company will provide Mr. Vollaro with (i)
continued medical, term life insurance and long-term disability benefits
equivalent to that (and at the same cost basis to him) provided for other
employees, or will reimburse Mr. Vollaro for the cost of comparable coverage,
for the period from March 1, 2000 until the earlier of March 1, 2003 or the date
on which Mr. Vollaro commences other employment and (ii) a temporary office for
use by Mr. Vollaro until the earlier of January 24, 2001 or the date on which he
commences other employment. The agreement also provides that Mr. Vollaro's
options to purchase shares of Common Stock under the Stock Option Plan will
continue in effect until the earlier of March 1, 2003 or the date on which Mr.
Vollaro commences other employment. In the agreement, Mr. Vollaro agreed that he
will not be entitled to any benefits under the Company's Annual Incentive
Compensation Plan, Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan or, except for amounts
previously accrued and earnings thereon, Profit Sharing Plan.
In connection with the agreement, Mr. Vollaro executed a general release in
favor of the Company, and the Company released Mr. Vollaro from certain
obligations. The agreement requires Mr. Vollaro to refrain from disclosing any
confidential information of the Company. In addition, Mr. Vollaro may not
solicit, induce or knowingly hire or cause, or recommend to, any entity with
which Mr. Vollaro is affiliated to solicit, induce or hire, or to make such
entity aware of the qualifications of, any key employee employed (or formerly
employed within six months prior to the date of solicitation, inducement or
hiring) by the Company during the period beginning on January 24, 2000 and
ending six months from the date the Company makes the final payment referred to
in item (i) of the second preceding paragraph. The agreement contains certain
provisions in the event these covenants are breached.
In connection with the employment by the Company of Cornelius T. Finnegan,
III, Senior Vice President -- General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, the
Company and Mr. Finnegan entered into an agreement providing for a 1999 base
salary for Mr. Finnegan of $365,000 and a minimum guaranteed bonus of $100,000
for each of 1999 and 2000. The agreement also provides that, upon a change in
control of the Company, Mr. Finnegan would be paid an amount equal to two times
his annual compensation, including bonus, and would be provided continued
medical coverage and life insurance benefits for a period of two years. Under
the agreement, a change in control would occur if a third party acquired a
majority of the Company's stock or assets, William R. Berkley ceased to be Chief
Executive Officer of the Company or more than half of the Company's directors
were no longer serving as such (other than as a result of changes in the
composition of the Board in the normal course).
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<PAGE> 18
COMPANY STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the cumulative total return on the Company's
Common Stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return on
the Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index and a Peer Group over the same period
(assuming the investment of $100 in each category on December 31, 1994 and the
reinvestment of all dividends).
[Cumulative Total Return Performance Graph]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
W.R. BERKLEY CORP. S&P 500(R) PEER GROUP (9 STOCKS)
------------------ ---------- ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Dec-94 100.00 100.00 100.00
Dec-95 145.00 138.00 134.00
Dec-96 138.00 169.00 153.00
Dec-97 182.00 226.00 235.00
Dec-98 143.00 290.00 227.00
Dec-99 89.00 351.00 167.00
</TABLE>
The Peer Group includes the following nine companies:
The Chubb Corporation, Cincinnati Financial Corp., Frontier Insurance Group
Inc., HSB Group
Inc. (formerly known as Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection & Insurance Company),
The Ohio Casualty Corporation, The Progressive Corporation, Reliance Group
Holdings, Inc.,
SAFECO Corporation and The St. Paul Companies, Inc.
APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
KPMG LLP has been appointed by the Board as independent certified public
accountants to audit the financial statements of the Company for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2000. The
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<PAGE> 19
appointment of this firm was recommended to the Board by the Audit Committee.
The Board is submitting this matter to a vote of stockholders in order to
ascertain their views. If the appointment of KPMG LLP is not ratified, the Board
will reconsider its action and will appoint auditors for the 2000 fiscal year
without further stockholder action. Further, even if the appointment is ratified
by stockholder action, the Board may at any time in the future in its discretion
reconsider the appointment without submitting the matter to a vote of
stockholders.
It is expected that representatives of KPMG LLP will attend the Annual
Meeting, will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so
and will be available to respond to appropriate stockholder questions.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE "FOR" RATIFICATION OF THE
APPOINTMENT OF KPMG LLP.
OTHER MATTERS TO COME BEFORE THE MEETING
Management is not aware of any matters to come before the Annual Meeting
other than as set forth above. However, since matters of which management is not
now aware may come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournment thereof, the
proxies intend to vote, act and consent in accordance with their best judgment
with respect thereto. Upon receipt of such proxies (in the form enclosed and
properly signed) in time for voting, the shares represented thereby will be
voted as indicated thereon and in this Proxy Statement.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Based solely on its review of the copies of Forms 3, 4 and 5 received by
it, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 5
were required for such persons, the Company believes that all filing
requirements under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act applicable to its officers,
directors and ten-percent stockholders were complied with during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999.
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<PAGE> 20
STOCKHOLDER NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD MEMBERSHIP
AND OTHER PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
It is anticipated that the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders after the
one scheduled for May 9, 2000 will be held on or about May 8, 2001. The
Company's By-Laws require that, for nominations of directors or other business
to be properly brought before an Annual Meeting of Stockholders, written notice
of such nomination or proposal for other business must be furnished to the
Company. Such notice must contain certain information concerning the nominating
or proposing stockholder and information concerning the nominee and must be
furnished by the stockholder (who must be entitled to vote at the meeting) to
the Secretary of the Company, in the case of the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held in 2001 no earlier than February 8, 2001 and no later than March 10,
2001. A copy of the applicable provisions of the By-Laws may be obtained by any
stockholder, without charge, upon written request to the Secretary of the
Company at the address set forth below.
Since the Company did not receive timely notice of any stockholder proposal
for the 2000 Annual Meeting, it will have discretionary authority to vote on any
stockholder proposals presented at such meeting.
In addition to the foregoing, and in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission, in order for a stockholder proposal,
relating to a proper subject, to be considered for inclusion in the Company's
proxy statement and form of proxy relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
to be held in 2001, such proposal must be received by the Secretary of the
Company by November 29, 2000 in the form required under and subject to the other
requirements of the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Any such proposal should be submitted by certified mail, return receipt
requested, or other means, including electronic means, that allow the
stockholder to prove the date of delivery.
A COPY OF THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1999 IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT CHARGE TO ANY STOCKHOLDER OF THE
COMPANY WHO REQUESTS A COPY IN WRITING. REQUESTS FOR COPIES OF THIS REPORT
SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY, W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION, 165 MASON STREET,
P.O. BOX 2518, GREENWICH, CONNECTICUT 06836-2518.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
WILLIAM R. BERKLEY
Chairman of the Board and
President
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<PAGE> 21
THIS PROXY WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN
BY THE UNDERSIGNED STOCKHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE
VOTED FOR PROPOSALS 1 AND 2.
Please mark
your vote as
indicated in
this example. [X]
FOR WITHHOLD
all nominees listed AUTHORITY
(except as marked to the to vote for all
1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: contrary on the left) nominees listed
William R. Berkley, George G. Daly
and Robert B. Hodes [ ] [ ]
INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any
individual nominee write that nominee's name on the
space provided below
- ---------------------------------------------------
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
2. To ratify the appointment of KPMG LLP as independent [ ] [ ] [ ]
certified public accountants for the company for the
fiscal year ending December 31, 2000.
3. In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote
upon such other matters as may properly come before
the meeting.
The undersigned hereby acknowledges receipt of the
Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement for the
2000 Annual Meeting and the Annual Report for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1999.
DATE, VOTE, SIGN AND MAIL PROMPTLY IN
THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
Signature(s) Dated: , 2000
------------------------------- ------------
Please sign your name or names exactly as printed opposite. When signing as
attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian or corporate officer,
please give your full title as such. Joint owners should each sign. DATE, VOTE,
SIGN AND MAIL PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-FOLD AND DETACH HERE-
<PAGE> 22
PROXY
W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned stockholder of W.R. BERKLEY CORPORATION hereby appoints
CORNELIUS T. FINNEGAN, III and EDWARD A. THOMAS, and either of them, the true
and lawful agents and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of
substitution to each of them, to vote all shares of Common Stock which the
undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be
held at the Hyatt Regency, 1800 E. Putnam Ave, Old Greenwich, Connecticut on May
9, 2000, and at any adjournment of such meeting.
(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON REVERSE SIDE)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
