SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
(Rule 14a-101)
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. 1)
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[X] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, For Use of the
[ ] Definitive Proxy Statement Commission Only (as permitted
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to
Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
FRONTIER ADJUSTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)
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>
[LOGO OF FRONTIER ADJUSTERS OF AMERICA, INC. APPEARS HERE]
______________, 1999
Dear Fellow Shareholder:
With this letter you are receiving the Proxy Statement, Annual Report,
and Interim Financial Statements for the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. These official documents provide the detail about the proposed
transaction with the United Financial Adjusting Company ("UFAC"), an affiliate
of The Progressive Corporation ("Progressive"). In this same package, you are
also receiving a proxy card for recording your vote on whether to approve the
transaction with UFAC, as well as three other proposals.
Under the proposed transaction with UFAC, UFAC would purchase shares of
stock from the Company equal to up to 59.3% of the outstanding voting shares of
the Company following the Transaction. From the Company's perspective,
establishing a relationship with UFAC will be beneficial to the Company for the
following reasons:
- Shareholders will receive an immediate return on their investment
of either a distribution of $1.60 per share of Common Stock or
repurchase of their shares of Common Stock for a purchase price
of $2.90 per share.
- The Company will establish a strategic relationship with UFAC and
Progressive, a highly regarded organization in the automobile
insurance and insurance-related industries.
- The potential for enhancement of shareholder value and
realization of long-term gain based upon the Company's strategic
plan to leverage its affiliation with UFAC to access new
opportunities for the generation of claims adjusting business for
the Company and Company's licensees and franchisees.
The Company's Board of Directors and management team recommend that you
vote for each of the proposals, including the one concerning the proposed
transaction with UFAC. I urge you to review the enclosed materials carefully,
mark your proxy card FOR the proposals, and return it as instructed.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
/s/ William J. Rocke
William J. Rocke
Chairman of the Board
<PAGE>
FRONTIER ADJUSTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
__________, 1999
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Frontier Adjusters of America,
Inc., an Arizona corporation (the "Company"), will be held on __________,
February __, 1999 at 9:00 a.m. (Phoenix, Arizona time) at_____
_______________________, for the following purposes:
1. To consider and vote upon the approval of the transaction
contemplated by a Stock Purchase Agreement between the Company and United
Financial Adjusting Company, an Ohio corporation ("UFAC"), which is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of The Progressive Corporation, an Ohio corporation,
regarding the investment of an aggregate of $6,836,067 in the Company by UFAC,
to be effected through the sale by the Company of 5,258,513 shares of the
Company's Series A Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share,
at a purchase price of $1.30 per share, as more fully described in the attached
Proxy Statement;
2. To elect directors to serve until the next annual meeting of
shareholders and until their successors are elected and qualified;
3. To ratify the appointment of McGladrey and Pullen, LLP, Certified
Public Accountants, as the auditors of the Company for the Company's fiscal year
ending June 30, 1999;
4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the
Meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy
Statement accompanying this Notice. Only shareholders of record at the close of
business on January 5, 1999 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Meeting.
All shareholders are cordially invited to attend the Meeting in person.
To assure your representation at the Meeting, however, you are urged to mark,
sign, date, and return the enclosed proxy as promptly as possible in the
postage-prepaid envelope enclosed for that purpose. Any shareholder attending
the Meeting may vote in person even if he or she previously has returned a
proxy.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN.
SHAREHOLDERS WHO DO NOT EXPECT TO BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING ARE REQUESTED TO
MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Phoenix, Arizona James S. Rocke
__________, 1999 Secretary
<PAGE>
FRONTIER ADJUSTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
45 EAST MONTEREY WAY
PHOENIX, ARIZONA 85011
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders are urged to read this Proxy Statement in its entirety. As
used herein, the "Company" means Frontier Adjusters of America, Inc., an Arizona
corporation, and/or its subsidiaries and "UFAC" means United Financial Adjusting
Company, an Ohio corporation, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The
Progressive Corporation, an Ohio corporation ("Progressive"). Certain
capitalized terms used in this Summary are defined elsewhere in this Proxy
Statement.
GENERAL
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of the Company by the
Company's board of directors (the "Board" or "Board of Directors") for use at
the Company's Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on _________, February
__, 1999 at 9:00 a.m. (Phoenix, Arizona time) (the "Meeting"), or at any
adjournment thereof, for the purposes set forth in this Proxy Statement and in
the accompanying Notice of Meeting of Shareholders. The Meeting will be held at
________________________________________________________.
These proxy solicitation materials were first mailed on or about
January 15, 1999, to all shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting.
The mailing address of the Company's principal executive office is 45
East Monterey Way, Phoenix Arizona 85011.
RECORD DATE
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on January 5,
1999 as the record date (the "Record Date") for the determination of
shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the Meeting or any adjournment
thereof.
REVOCABILITY OF PROXIES
Any person giving a proxy may revoke the proxy at any time before its
use by delivering to the Company written notice of revocation or a duly executed
proxy bearing a later date or by attending the Meeting and voting in person.
VOTING SECURITIES AND VOTING RIGHTS
On the Record Date, the Company had outstanding 4,605,358 shares of
common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock"), with each share
entitling its owner of record to one vote on all matters submitted to
shareholders at the Meeting. Each holder of Common Stock voting at the Meeting,
either in person or by proxy, may cast one vote per share of Common Stock held
on all matters to be voted upon at the Meeting.
The presence, in person or by proxy, at the Meeting of shareholders
entitled to cast a majority of all votes entitled to be cast at such meeting,
shall constitute a quorum. Assuming that a quorum is present, the affirmative
vote of a majority of the shares of the Company present in person or represented
by proxy at the Meeting and entitled to vote is required (i) to approve the
Transaction (as defined herein), (ii) for the election of directors, (iii) for
<PAGE>
the ratification of the appointment of McGladrey and Pullen, LLP, as the
independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999,
and (iv) to transact such other business as may properly come before the Meeting
or any adjournment thereof.
Shareholders are not entitled under Arizona law to appraisal rights
with respect to the Transaction.
Arizona law requires cumulative voting in elections for directors,
which means that each shareholder may cast the number of votes that is equal to
the number of shares held of record, multiplied by the number of directors to be
elected. Each shareholder may cast the whole number of votes for one candidate
or distribute such votes among two or more candidates. The enclosed proxy does
not seek discretionary authority to cumulate votes in election of directors.
Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Meeting will be tabulated by
the election inspectors appointed for the Meeting and will determine whether a
quorum is present. 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 to the shareholders for a vote. Thus, an abstention will have the same
effect as a vote against the Transaction. If a broker indicates on the 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.
VOTING OF PROXIES
When a proxy is properly executed and returned, the shares it
represents will be voted at the Meeting as directed. Unless otherwise
instructed, shares represented by proxy will be voted (i) "for" the Transaction,
(ii) "for" the election of the nominees set forth in this Proxy Statement, and
(iii) "for" the ratification of the appointment of McGladrey and Pullen, LLP, as
the independent auditors of the Company for the fiscal year ending June 30,
1999. If any other matters should properly come before the Meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to vote each proxy in
accordance with their best judgment on such matter.
SOLICITATION
The cost of this solicitation will be borne by the Company. In
addition, the Company may reimburse brokerage firms and other persons
representing beneficial owners of shares for expenses incurred in forwarding
solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Proxies also may be solicited
by certain of the Company's directors and officers, personally or by telephone
or telegram, without additional compensation.
ANNUAL REPORT AND OTHER MATTERS
The 1998 Annual Report to Shareholders, and the Quarterly Report for
the period ended December 31, 1998 which were mailed to shareholders with or
preceding this Proxy Statement, contain financial and other information about
the Company, but, except for the Financial Statements contained therein, are not
incorporated into this Proxy Statement and are not to be considered a part of
these proxy soliciting materials or subject to Regulations 14A or 14C or to the
liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"). The information contained in the "Report of Compensation
Committee" below and "Company Performance" below shall not be deemed "filed"
with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") or subject to
Regulations 14A or 14C or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.
The Company will provide upon written request, without charge to each
shareholder of record as of the Record Date, a copy of the Company's annual
report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, as filed with the
SEC. Any exhibits listed in the Form 10-K report also will be furnished upon
request at the actual expense incurred by the Company in furnishing such
exhibit. Any such requests should be directed to the Company's Secretary at the
Company's executive office set forth in this Proxy Statement.
2
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL ONE
THE TRANSACTION
At the Meeting, and at any adjournments thereof, shareholders of the
Company will be asked to consider and vote upon the transaction contemplated by
the Stock Purchase Agreement, dated November 20, 1998, between the Company and
UFAC (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") regarding the investment of an aggregate
of $6,836,067 in the Company by UFAC, to be effected through the sale by the
Company of 5,258,513 shares of the Company's Series A Convertible Voting
Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Shares"), at a
purchase price of $1.30 per share (the "Transaction"). Upon the satisfaction of
the conditions to the closing (the "Closing") as set forth in the Stock Purchase
Agreement, the Company shall deliver the Preferred Shares to UFAC and UFAC shall
deliver $6,836,067 to the Company in exchange for the Preferred Shares. If the
Transaction is approved by the Company's shareholders, after its consummation
and assuming that 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock are tendered to the Company
as described below, upon conversion of the Preferred Shares, UFAC will own a
controlling interest in the Company of up to 59.3% of the outstanding Common
Stock.
As soon as practicable after the Closing, pursuant to the Stock
Purchase Agreement, the Company plans to make a tender offer (the "Tender
Offer") in which the Company will offer to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of
Common Stock at a price of $2.90 per share. The Company also plans to make a
distribution to shareholders in the amount of $1.60 (the "Distribution") per
each share of Common Stock not tendered in the Tender Offer (or not accepted by
the Company if tendered in the Tender Offer). See "Potential Benefits to the
Transaction--Return to Shareholders." After the Closing (assuming 1,000,000
shares have been tendered in the Tender Offer and assuming there have been no
other changes in the number of outstanding shares), UFAC will own, upon
conversion of the Preferred Shares, approximately 59.3% of the outstanding
Common Stock and 57.7% of the outstanding Common Stock on a fully diluted basis.
Pursuant to the terms thereof, each Preferred Share may be converted into one
(1) share of Common Stock. Such conversion may not occur prior to the earlier of
the record date for the Distribution or May __, 1999. Each member of the Board
of Directors has stated his or her intention to waive his or her right to
participate in the Tender Offer with respect to all shares of the Common Stock
beneficially owned by such director, and UFAC has agreed not to participate in
the Tender Offer. The full text of the Stock Purchase Agreement is included as
Appendix A to this Proxy Statement.
3
<PAGE>
The following charts set forth the ownership structure of the Company
before and after the Transaction, assuming that 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock
are tendered to the Company and no outstanding options or warrants are
exercised:
PIE CHART WITH OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE
BEFORE THE TRANSACTION TO APPEAR HERE
PIE CHART WITH OWNERSHIP STRUCTURE
AFTER THE TRANSACTION TO APPEAR HERE
4
<PAGE>
The Transaction also involves a number of additional terms established
pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Service Agreement to be entered
into between the Company and UFAC (the "Service Agreement"), and the
Registration Rights Agreement to be entered into between the Company and UFAC
(the "Registration Rights Agreement"), including, among others: (i) the
application for listing by the Company of the Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the Preferred Shares on the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX"); (ii)
the taking of all necessary actions by the Company to cause the Board of
Directors, after the Closing, to consist of a majority of nominees named by
UFAC; (iii) the grant to UFAC of certain registration rights that will enable
UFAC to resell the shares of the Common Stock acquired by it upon conversion of
the Preferred Shares in registered offerings to the public under certain
conditions; and (iv) the grant to UFAC of certain rights to information
regarding the Company.
UFAC has informed the Company that it intends to designate eight
individuals as its initial nominees to the Board of Directors.
VOTES REQUIRED
Approval of the Transaction requires the affirmative vote of a majority
of the total number of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the
Meeting, provided that the total number of shares present in person or
represented by proxy at the Meeting represent over 50% of the shares of Common
Stock issued and outstanding on the Record Date. For the purpose of determining
the outcome of the vote, abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against
the Transaction. Broker non-votes will not be considered as present and entitled
to vote with respect to the Transaction. Approval of the Transaction by the
requisite vote of the shareholders of the Company is a condition to consummation
of the Transaction.
William J. Rocke, Chairman of the Board of the Company, and James S.
Rocke, Secretary of the Company, Jean E. Ryberg, President of the Company,
George M. Hill, Vice-President and Assistant Secretary of the Company, Francis
J. LaPallo, Executive Vice-President of the Company, and Louis T. Mastos,
William W. Strawther, Jr., Merlin J. Schumann, and R. Scott Younker, Directors
of the Company, and certain other shareholders of the Company who are related to
them (collectively the "Insider Shareholders") who as of the Record Date
collectively owned 36.1% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, have
executed Insider Support Agreements with UFAC (the "Insider Support
Agreements"), pursuant to which they have agreed to vote all of their shares in
favor of the Transaction. Accordingly, the Insider Shareholders intend to vote
their shares in favor of the Transaction. See "The Transaction--Terms of the
Transaction--No Solicitation of Competing Transactions."
The Board of Directors of UFAC has approved the Transaction. UFAC
shareholders are not required to vote on the Transaction.
5
<PAGE>
BACKGROUND OF THE TRANSACTION
Prior to March, 1998, the Company had not been considering any
transaction involving a sale of the Company, its assets, or a controlling
interest of the Company's stock. In March 1998, William J. Rocke, the Company's
Chief Executive Officer was approached regarding a possible transaction with
UFAC. Mr. Rocke had an introductory meeting with John Davies, the President of
UFAC and other Progressive subsidiary companies, concerning the possibility of
UFAC making an investment in the Company. The Company was aware of Progressive's
reputation in the insurance and insurance adjusting business and was receptive
to Progressive's expression of interest in exploring an affiliation between the
Company and Progressive. Mr. Rocke briefed the Board of Directors on his
contacts with Progressive and UFAC at a Board meeting held on July 1, 1998.
On June, 1998, the Company and UFAC entered into a non-disclosure
agreement. During the next several weeks, the Company provided UFAC and
Progressive with information about the Company's business and operations, and
UFAC and Progressive provided the Company with information about their insurance
and insurance adjusting business. Mr. Rocke and Jean E. Ryberg, the Company's
President, negotiated on behalf of the Company during a number of meetings and
telephone discussions with John Davies of UFAC and Progressive. These
discussions concerned business strategies that the Company and UFAC could
pursue, benefits of the Transaction with respect to strategic alliances and
complimentary business strategies, as well as possible structures for an
investment by UFAC in the Company, and the price at which such an investment by
UFAC should be made.
At a special meeting of the Board of Directors on August 27, 1998, UFAC
made a presentation to the Board with respect to the proposed transaction. The
Company's accountants and attorneys were also present. At that meeting, at which
all members of the Board were present, the Board discussed the potential
advantages and disadvantages of, and alternatives to, the proposed transaction,
provided the Company's shareholders. The Board discussed the following benefits
in a single transaction: (i) a cash return on investment; (ii) the increase in
shareholder value expected by management to result from the proposed transaction
and the strategic advantages of the resulting affiliation with UFAC; (iii) the
ability to obtain continuing access to UFAC's technology, expertise, and
contacts in the insurance industry; and (iv) an alliance with a strong strategic
partner that shares a natural customer base. Among other things, the Board
discussed with the Company's accountants the fact that the per share price of
$1.30 (the equivalent of a per share price of $2.90 after taking into account
the distribution of $1.60 to the Company's shareholders) was higher than the
30-day average closing sale price of the Common Stock on the AMEX. The Board
noted that the proposed transaction would result in a single controlling
shareholder, the affiliates of which are competitors of certain of the Company's
clients. The Board noted, however, that as a result of cumulative voting for
directors, the remaining shareholders would continue to be able to vote for
board representation. Furthermore the Board believed that the connection between
the Company and affiliates of UFAC that compete with Company clients was
sufficiently distant to minimize objections from current clients. The Board
agreed that the opportunity for new clients afforded by the relationship with
UFAC outweighed the potential harm from the relationship. In the business
judgment of the Board of Directors, the terms of the proposed transaction,
including the price, were favorable for the Company. See "The
Transaction--Discussion of Financial Analysis." On August 19, 1998, the Board
appointed a Special Committee of outside directors to analyze the financial
terms and the consideration to be received in the Transaction. See "Discussion
of Financial Analysis." On August 27, 1998, the Special Committee reported to
the Board and the Board voted unanimously to authorize management to proceed
with discussions with UFAC, and unanimously authorized the Company to enter into
a non-binding Letter of Intent (the "Letter of Intent") with UFAC with respect
to the proposed transaction.
6
<PAGE>
During the ensuing twelve weeks, transaction document drafts were
prepared and revised drafts circulated, with representatives of the Company and
UFAC and their respective counsel conducting detailed negotiations concerning
legal and business points in the documentation. Prior to the Board of Directors'
meeting on November 12, 1998, management distributed to the members of the Board
of Directors complete drafts of the Stock Purchase Agreement, Service Agreement,
the Registration Rights Agreement, the Insider Support Agreements, the Rocke
Agreement (as described below) and the Ryberg Agreement (as described below). At
the meeting on November 12, 1998, the Board discussed the advantages and
disadvantages of, and alternatives to, the Transaction and a summary by Company
counsel of the terms of the documentation. After analyzing the financial terms
and the consideration to be received in the Transaction, as well as the on-going
operational advantages that could result from the Transaction, the Board of
Directors voted unanimously in favor of the Transaction. The parties executed
the Stock Purchase Agreement on November 20, 1998.
On August 31, 1998, the last trading day before the Company publicly
announced the Letter of Intent, the closing sale price for the Common Stock as
reported on the AMEX Composite Tape was $2.50. On November 25, 1998, the last
trading day before the Company publicly announced the execution of the Stock
Purchase Agreement, the closing sale price for the Common Stock as reported on
the AMEX Composite Tape was $2.44. On [date of proxy], 1999 the closing sale
price was $______. After adjustment for the Distribution of $1.60 per share of
Common Stock, the closing sales prices would have been $.90 and $.84 and
$_______ respectively. The shares to be purchased by UFAC will not be eligible
to receive the Distribution.
BACKGROUND OF THE COMPANY
The Company licenses and franchises independent insurance adjusters
(the "Adjusters") throughout the United States and Canada and provides support
services to the Adjusters. The Adjusters are engaged by insurance carriers and
self-insured companies to adjust claims made against them by claimants and by
policyholders. In addition, certain of the Adjusters offer risk management
services to their clients. As of December 15, 1998, the Company had entered into
___ license or franchise agreements with ___ entities, operating ___ offices
with ___ advertised locations in 50 states, the District of Columbia, and
Canada. In addition to licensing and franchising Adjusters, the Company owns and
operates independent insurance adjusting businesses in Arizona and Nevada.
BACKGROUND OF UFAC
UFAC provides claim and administrative services to insurance carriers,
managing general agents and large self-insured companies. The majority of UFAC's
employees and operations are centralized in Cleveland, Ohio.
UFAC, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Progressive
Corporation, is also a majority shareholder of a vehicle inspection company and
a claim software company. The inspection and software companies market their
products and services to the same prospective customers as UFAC.
TERMS OF THE TRANSACTION
UFAC INVESTMENT. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company
will sell the Preferred Shares to UFAC at a price of $1.30 per share, for an
aggregate purchase price of $6,836,067. The purchase price per share was
determined as a result of arm's length negotiations between the Company and
UFAC. The Preferred Stock is identical to the Common Stock in all respects other
than the right to receive the Distribution. The Preferred Shares shall be
convertible, in whole or in part, into shares of the Common Stock on a
one-for-one exchange basis at UFAC's option after the date of the Distribution
and prior to June 30, 1999, at which date the Preferred Shares will
automatically be converted to shares of the Common Stock. The Preferred Shares
shall entitle UFAC to one vote per share on any matter properly submitted to
holders of the Common Stock for vote, consent, waiver, release, or other action,
including, without limitation, the election of members of the Board of
Directors. The Preferred Shares will rank equally with the Common Stock as to
payment of dividends, other than the Distribution, and as to dissolution of
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company.
7
<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS. The Company plans to use the proceeds of the
investment by UFAC to finance the Tender Offer and pay the Distribution. The
Company plans to make the Tender Offer to the Company's shareholders, as soon as
practicable after the Closing, pursuant to which the Company will offer to
purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock at a price of $2.90 per share.
If more than 1,000,000 shares are tendered by the Company's shareholders in the
Tender Offer, the Company will accept shares for tender on a pro rata basis
based upon the total number of shares tendered. Each member of the Board of
Directors has stated his or her intention to waive his or her right to
participate in the Tender Offer with respect to all shares of the Common Stock
beneficially owned by such director. UFAC has agreed not to participate in the
Tender Offer. The Company plans to make the Distribution of $1.60 per each share
of Common Stock not tendered in the Tender Offer or, if tendered, not accepted
by the Company in the Tender Offer. Shareholders who participate in the Tender
Offer will not be entitled to receive the Distribution.
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY; REPRESENTATION ON THE BOARD. If the
shareholders approve the Transaction, the Board of Directors and UFAC will take
all actions necessary to cause the Board to be structured to consist of fifteen
members, of which a majority will be designees of UFAC (the "UFAC Nominees"),
and the Board of Directors and UFAC will take all actions necessary to cause the
UFAC Nominees to become members of the Board as soon as practicable after the
Closing. For so long as UFAC maintains ownership of more than 50% of the
Company's voting stock, at each annual meeting of shareholders of the Company or
at the taking of action by written consent of shareholders of the Company with
respect to which directors are to be elected, UFAC shall have the ability to
elect a majority of the Board of Directors and, therefore, will be able to
control the business and affairs of the Company.
William J. Rocke and Jean E. Ryberg have agreed to resign as officers
of the Company on June 30, 1999. See "The Transaction--Conflicts of Interest;
Interests of Certain Persons." At that time, the Board of Directors, upon the
direction of UFAC, will name a new Chief Executive Officer and President of the
Company. Mr. Rocke and Mrs. Ryberg have served as key employees of the Company
for many years. Mr. Rocke and Mrs. Ryberg are 74 and 67 years of age,
respectively. Jeff Jordan, an employee of UFAC, has been working with Mr. Rocke
and Mrs. Ryberg since December, 1998 to institute an orderly transition of
management. The Company believes that the proposed transaction with UFAC will
provide access to a broad spectrum of managerial support beneficial to the
Company and will lessen any adverse effect to the Company as a result of Mr.
Rocke's and Mrs. Ryberg's retirement. See "Potential Benefits of the
Transaction."
INFORMATION RIGHTS. Until the Closing, the Company has the obligation
to provide to UFAC certain financial statements and other information concerning
the Company and its business.
LIMITATIONS ON CORPORATE ACTIONS. Until the Closing, the Company will
be subject to certain limitations on its operations, including (without
limitation) restrictions relating to transactions other than in the ordinary
course of business, the issuance of any securities of the Company, or any
amendments to the Company's Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.
REGISTRATION RIGHTS. The Preferred Shares issued to UFAC pursuant to
the Stock Purchase Agreement and shares of Common Stock issuable upon conversion
of the Preferred Shares will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be sold in the absence of
registration under the Securities Act, unless an exemption from registration is
available. If the Transaction is approved by the shareholders, the Company and
UFAC will enter into the Registration Rights Agreement. Pursuant to the
Registration Rights Agreement to be executed at the Closing, the Company will
grant certain registration rights that will enable UFAC to resell the shares of
Common Stock acquired by it upon conversion of the Preferred Shares in
registered offerings to the public under certain conditions described below.
The Registration Rights Agreement will provide, among other things,
that, at any time after the Closing, UFAC will have the one-time right to
require the Company to file a registration statement (any such filing, the
"Demand Registration") under the Securities Act for any or all shares of Common
Stock acquired by UFAC as a result of the conversion of the Preferred Shares
8
<PAGE>
acquired by UFAC pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement ("Registrable
Securities"). The right to a Demand Registration is limited, however, in that
(i) it may be invoked only with respect to a number of shares having a fair
market value equal to or greater than $250,000, (ii) the Company is not required
to effect more than one Demand Registration, and (iii) the Company will have the
right from time to time to delay the Demand Registration for a reasonable period
not to exceed thirty days in certain circumstances. UFAC also will have the
right, with respect to most registrations of Common Stock by the Company for its
own account, to require the Company to include Registrable Securities in such
registration. The Registration Rights Agreement provides that the Company will
pay the expenses, other than underwriting discounts and fees and commissions and
transfer taxes, relating to the first such registration requested by UFAC. The
Registration Rights Agreement contains terms that are generally customary for
registration rights agreements of its type.
CONDITIONS TO CLOSING. Each of the Company's and UFAC's obligations to
close the Transaction are subject to various mutual and unilateral conditions,
including, without limitation, (i) the Company's shareholders shall have
approved the Transaction; (ii) UFAC's obligations are subject to the continuing
accuracy of the Company's representations and warranties in the Stock Purchase
Agreement; and (iii) the receipt of any consents necessary for the Transaction.
NO SOLICITATION OF COMPETING TRANSACTIONS. Unless and until the Stock
Purchase Agreement is terminated in accordance with its terms, the Company may
not solicit, cooperate with, participate in any discussions with respect to, or
enter into any agreement with any person making a proposal or indication of
interest with respect to certain alternative transactions, such as a merger,
consolidation, share exchange, reorganization, recapitalization, business
combination or similar transaction, sale, transfer or disposition of more than
10% of its assets, or an acquisition by any person or a tender offer or exchange
offer for more than 10% of the Common Stock (a "Competing Transaction").
However, the Board may take such actions as may be required by the Board's
fiduciary obligations to the Company's shareholders under applicable law as
determined in good faith by the Board on the advice of outside counsel. Unless
and until the Stock Purchase Agreement is terminated in accordance with its
terms, the Company shall notify UFAC of all of the relevant details relating to
all inquiries beyond preliminary inquiries and all proposals of substance that
the Company may receive relating to any such matters. If the Company receives a
bona fide proposal for a Competing Transaction that the Board determines in good
faith may provide greater value to the Company's shareholders than the Stock
Purchase Agreement, it may enter into negotiations with respect to such proposal
(a "Superior Proposal"). The Company will notify UFAC of any such Superior
Proposal prior to entering into any agreement with respect to such Superior
Proposal, and will not enter into any agreement with respect to such Superior
Proposal if UFAC proposes an improved transaction that the Board determines in
good faith to provide greater value to the Company's shareholders.
RELATED AGREEMENTS. In connection with the Stock Purchase Agreement,
UFAC also entered into the Insider Support Agreements with the Insider
Shareholders. Pursuant to the Insider Support Agreements, the Insider
Shareholders have agreed to vote all shares of the Common Stock owned by them in
favor of the Transaction. At the Closing, UFAC will enter into the Service
Agreement with the Company pursuant to which UFAC will provide the Company with
certain advisory and support services related to franchise operations, strategic
planning, sales and marketing, technology, human resources support and
accounting, and reporting. The Company will pay UFAC service fees of $25,000 per
month plus expenses for the services provided under the Service Agreement. The
Service Agreement will be reviewed after one year and any extension or amendment
thereof will be subject to the approval by a committee of directors who are not
affiliated with UFAC. At the Closing, the Company will also enter into the Rocke
Agreement and the Ryberg Agreement with William J. Rocke and Jean E. Ryberg,
respectively, pursuant to which Mr. Rocke and Ms. Ryberg will terminate their
employment with the Company on June 30, 1999 and will continue to act as
consultants to the Company until June 30, 2000. See "The Transaction--Conflicts
of Interest; Interests of Certain Persons."
POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF THE TRANSACTION
The Company believes that the Transaction, if consummated, primarily
represents an opportunity to provide a significant return to the Company's
shareholders in the form of the Distribution or Tender Offer. The Company also
believes the Transaction presents the opportunity to improve long-term
shareholder value by providing the Company with a new generation of management
9
<PAGE>
and access to advanced technology, expertise and contacts, which the Company
believes will provide strategic resources within the insurance industry not
otherwise readily available to the Company, and enhance the Company's long-term
growth prospects. In particular, the Company believes that the Transaction may
have a number of beneficial effects on the Company and its shareholders,
including the following:
RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS. The Tender Offer will return $2.90 per each
share tendered and the Distribution will provide $1.60 per share of Common Stock
not sold pursuant to the Tender Offer.
ASSOCIATION WITH PROGRESSIVE. Progressive is highly regarded as a
sophisticated company in the automobile insurance and insurance-related
industries. The Company believes that it will benefit significantly from its
affiliation with Progressive through UFAC and its operating experience,
technological capabilities, and contacts within the insurance business.
Specifically, pursuant to the Service Agreement, UFAC has agreed to provide the
Company and the Adjusters with access to claims adjusting business and to
encourage its affiliates to do the same.
POTENTIAL ENHANCEMENT OF SHAREHOLDER VALUE. Other than the Distribution
and the Tender Offer, the Transaction will not result in any direct return to
shareholders of cash or other consideration. However, the Company believes that
the Transaction offers shareholders an opportunity to realize long-term value.
The Company's strategic plan calls for an affiliation with UFAC and Progressive
and the opportunity for the generation of claims adjusting business for the
Company and the Adjusters through the Company's affiliation with UFAC and
Progressive. It should be noted, however, that there is no assurance that the
Company will realize all or any of the potential benefits described above, all
of which are forward looking statements that are subject to numerous risks and
uncertainty. The Company's ability to enhance shareholder value will depend upon
a number of circumstances, many of which are outside the control of management.
POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE TRANSACTION
The Company believes that the Transaction, if consummated, could have
certain adverse effects on the Company and its shareholders, including the
following:
CONCENTRATION OF OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK. UFAC will own up to 59.3%
of the Company's voting stock (57.7% on a fully diluted basis) and will be the
largest single shareholder of the Company. Assuming no other changes in the
number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, UFAC would be in a position to
control the election of the Board or the outcome of any corporate transaction or
other matter submitted to the shareholders for approval. This concentration of
ownership could be disadvantageous to other shareholders' interests.
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECT OF THE TRANSACTION. UFAC's acquisition of up to
59.3% of the Company's voting stock (57.7% on a fully diluted basis) and the
voting rights associated therewith may make it more difficult for other
shareholders to challenge the Company's director nominees, to elect their own
nominees as directors, or to remove incumbent directors and may render the
Company a less attractive target for an unsolicited acquisition by an outsider.
In addition, under Arizona law, a merger or consolidation involving the Company
requires the affirmative approval of a majority of the shares entitled to vote.
Accordingly, UFAC would have sufficient voting power to block any such
transaction.
OTHER NEGATIVE EFFECTS. The Board of Directors believes that the
limitations on the Company's ability to solicit or encourage Competing
Transactions or to agree to a Superior Proposal without notice to UFAC, the
composition of the Board following the Closing (and thereafter) if the Company's
shareholders approve the Transaction, and the size of UFAC's investment, will
likely discourage other persons from offering to acquire a significant interest
in the Company or all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.
The members of the Board evaluated the factors referred to above in
light of their knowledge of the business and operations of the Company and UFAC,
their business judgment, and consultations with the Company's independent
accountants. In view of the wide variety of factors considered in connection
10
<PAGE>
with the Board's evaluation of the Transaction, the Board did not find it
practicable to, and did not, quantify or attempt to assign relative weights to
the specific factors considered in reaching its determination.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST; INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS
INSIDER SUPPORT AGREEMENTS. UFAC has entered into Insider Support
Agreements with the Insider Shareholders. Under the Insider Support Agreements,
the Insider Shareholders have agreed to vote for the Transaction. See "The
Transaction--Votes Required."
ROCKE AGREEMENT. William J. Rocke, Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, will enter into an agreement with the Company
(the "Rocke Agreement") pursuant to which the Rocke Employment Agreement (as
described under "Election of Directors--Employment Agreements") will be
terminated on June 30, 1999. Pursuant to the Rocke Agreement, the Company will
employ Mr. Rocke as the Company's Chief Executive Officer until June 30, 1999,
at which time Mr. Rocke will resign as an officer and employee of the Company.
Mr. Rocke will continue to serve on the Board of Directors until the next annual
meeting of the Company's shareholders and until his successor is elected and
qualified. The terms of the Rocke Agreement provide for Mr. Rocke to receive
semi-monthly installments of his salary until June 30, 1999, and the annual
bonus for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999, as per the Rocke Employment
Agreement. On June 30, 1999, Mr. Rocke will receive a lump-sum payment of the
amount equal to the salary Mr. Rocke would have been entitled to receive under
the Rocke Employment Agreement for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, and a
lump-sum payment of $20,000 in lieu of participating in the Company's bonus and
profit sharing plans for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000. On June 30, 1999,
Mr. Rocke will also receive title to the Company automobile provided for his
use, ownership of the life insurance policy maintained on Mr. Rocke's life by
the Company, and certain other benefits associated with his past relationship to
the Company. Mr. Rocke will provide consulting and advisory services to the
Company for a period of one year following his resignation at no additional
compensation. The total consideration to be paid to Mr. Rocke under the Rocke
Agreement is approximately $298,000. This sum includes cash consideration of
$261,000 and non-cash consideration of $37,000 representing the book value of
Mr. Rocke's automobile and the maximum future premiums for his medical
insurance. The cash surrender value of Mr. Rocke's life insurance policy of
approximately $76,000 is not included as Mr. Rocke was entitled to ownership of
this policy upon retirement under his Employment Agreement with the Company.
RYBERG AGREEMENT. Jean E. Ryberg, President and Director of the
Company, will enter into an agreement with the Company (the "Ryberg Agreement")
pursuant to which the Ryberg Employment Agreement (as described under "Election
of Directors--Employment Agreements") will be terminated on June 30, 1999.
Pursuant to the Ryberg Agreement, the Company will employ Ms. Ryberg as the
Company's President until June 30, 1999, at which time Ms. Ryberg will resign as
an officer and employee of the Company. Ms. Ryberg will continue to serve on the
Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of the Company's shareholders
and until her successor is elected and qualified. The terms of the Ryberg
Agreement provide for Ms. Ryberg to receive semi-monthly installments of her
salary until June 30, 1999, and the annual bonus for the fiscal year ending June
30, 1999, as per the Ryberg Employment Agreement. On June 30, 1999, Ms. Ryberg
will receive a lump-sum payment of the amount equal to the salary Ms. Ryberg
would have been entitled to receive under the Ryberg Employment Agreement for
the fiscal year ending June 30, 2000, and a lump-sum payment of $20,000 in lieu
of participating in the Company's bonus and profit sharing plans for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2000. On June 30, 1999, Ms. Ryberg will also receive title
to the Company automobile provided for her use, ownership of the life insurance
policy maintained on Ms. Ryberg's life by the Company, and certain other
benefits associated with her past relationship to the Company. Ms. Ryberg will
provide consulting and advisory services to the Company for a period of one year
following her resignation at no additional compensation. The total consideration
to be paid to Ms. Ryberg under the Ryberg Agreement is approximately $231,000.
This sum includes cash consideration of approximately $192,000 and non-cash
consideration of approximately $39,000 representing the book value of Ms.
Ryberg's automobile and the maximum future premiums for her medical insurance.
The cash surrender value of Ms. Ryberg's life insurance policy of approximately
$55,000 is not included as Ms. Ryberg was entitled to ownership of this policy
upon retirement under her Employment Agreement with the Company.
11
<PAGE>
Discussion of Financial Analysis
The Board of Directors appointed a special committee of outside
directors (the "Special Committee") to analyze the financial terms and the
consideration to be received in the Transaction. The members of the Special
Committee were Merlin Schumann, William W. Strawther, Jr., and R. Scott Younker.
The Special Committee considered the presentation made by representatives from
UFAC at the August 19, 1998 special meeting of the Board of Directors. The
Special Committee also acted in consultation with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, the
Company's independent accountants. UFAC prepared and provided the Special
Committee with a "book value" and "EPS" analysis of the Company's value used by
UFAC to make its offer (the "UFAC Analysis"). The Special Committee and its
guests discussed the UFAC analysis and verified the calculations made by UFAC.
In addition, the Special Committee noted and considered in its deliberations the
fact that UFAC is a member of The Progressive Group, a Fortune 500 company, and
that UFAC would likely bring business and potential customer service resources
that would otherwise be unavailable to the Company. In particular, the Special
Committee recognized that UFAC would likely be able to provide the Company and
the Adjusters with broad access to national accounts. The Special Committee also
took note that the Transaction contemplates that UFAC will provide the services
of Jeff Jordan, an employee of UFAC and a proven manager in the insurance
industry, who will provide energy and the perspective of a younger generation to
the Company. The Special Committee also considered that UFAC has the ability to
develop for the Company competitive computer capabilities, particularly in the
area of claims and systems capability. Through the Service Agreement, the
Company will have access to enhanced accounting, marketing, and strategic
planning support. The Company did not retain an independent third party to
conduct a financial analysis of the Transaction. The Special Committee believed
that its long term association with the Company and intimate knowledge of the
industry were sufficient to allow the Special Committee to analyze the
Transaction and to appropriately value the non-financial benefits of the
Transaction to the future financial condition of the Company.
From a market perspective, the Special Committee took into
consideration the fact that the Company's securities are thinly traded, with
limited liquidity. The Special Committee also noted that the Transaction will
provide the Company's shareholders current liquidity with no discount to the
market price, and that the Distribution would give the Company's shareholders a
large return on their investment while still maintaining the growth potential of
stock ownership. Also, the Special Committee took into account that the Tender
Offer would give liquidity at a price in excess of the current market price to
those shareholders of the Company who want to liquidate their investment in the
Common Stock.
After carefully considering the factors set forth above, the Special
Committee recommended to the full Board of Directors that the Board accept the
UFAC offer.
MATERIAL FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following summary is a discussion of material consequences for U.S.
federal income tax purposes of a Common Stock redemption pursuant to the Tender
Offer and the Distribution.
This summary does not purport to cover all aspects of federal income
taxation that may be relevant to shareholders. In addition, certain shareholders
(including insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial
institutions, foreign persons, broker dealers, and shareholders who have
acquired their Common Stock upon the exercise of options or otherwise as
compensation) may be subject to special rules not discussed below.
This summary is based on laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now
in effect, all of which are subject to change. For example, after the Tender
Offer, Congress may change the tax rates that apply to gains realized in the
Tender Offer.
12
<PAGE>
No rulings as to any of the matters discussed in this summary have been
requested or received from the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service"). The
consequences to any particular shareholder may differ depending on that
shareholder's own circumstances. Furthermore, this summary does not discuss any
aspects of state, local, foreign or other tax laws. Each shareholder is urged to
consult and rely on such shareholder's own tax adviser with respect to the tax
consequences to such shareholder of selling Common Stock pursuant to the Tender
Offer or receiving the Distribution.
SALE OF COMMON STOCK PURSUANT TO TENDER OFFER
IN GENERAL
A shareholder's sale of Common Stock for cash pursuant to the Tender
Offer will be a taxable transaction for federal income tax purposes. The amount
and characterization of income recognized by a shareholder in connection with a
sale of Common Stock pursuant to the Tender Offer will depend on whether the
sale is treated as a "dividend" or as an "exchange" for tax purposes. All or a
portion of the amount received by a shareholder who sells Common Stock pursuant
to the Tender Offer may be treated as a dividend. The amount received that is
not treated as a dividend will be treated as received in exchange for the Common
Stock sold pursuant to the Tender Offer. The determination of how much of the
amount received represents a dividend and how much represents exchange proceeds
depends on whether (a) the shareholders have a legally enforceable right to
receive a dividend and instead receive an amount in redemption of their shares
(see, "Legal Right to Dividend"), and (b) the application of the stock
redemption rules of Section 302 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code") (see "Application of Section 302").
LEGAL RIGHT TO DIVIDEND
Judicial authorities have held and the Service has ruled that if a
shareholder has a legally enforceable right to a dividend and, in effect,
foregoes this dividend by selling shares to the corporation, the portion of the
sale proceeds that is equal to the foregone dividend will be taxed as a
dividend. In this case, the Stock Purchase Agreement provides that the Company
shall declare and pay a distribution in the amount of $1.60 per share on each
share of Common Stock not tendered in the Tender Offer or not accepted by the
Company if tendered in the Tender Offer, within 60 days after the final
expiration of the Tender Offer. The obligation of the Company to declare and pay
this distribution only arises under the Stock Purchase Agreement, which is
between the Company and UFAC. Shareholders are not parties to the Stock Purchase
Agreement, and therefore may not have any legally enforceable rights under the
Stock Purchase Agreement, including the right to force the Company to declare
and pay this distribution. If no such legal right exists, shareholders who
accept the Tender Offer may not be required to recognize a portion of the amount
received for their Common Stock as a dividend.
Nevertheless, the Service may successfully contend that the Stock
Purchase Agreement effectively assures that a shareholder will receive a
distribution of $1.60 per share and that $1.60 of the amount received by a
shareholder in exchange for each share of Common Stock pursuant to the Tender
Offer must be treated as a dividend. Due to the lack of authority directly on
point, the Company can provide no assurance with respect to this matter.
If the shareholders are regarded as having a legally enforceable right
to the distribution prior to the Tender Offer, at least $1.60 per share of the
amount received pursuant to the Tender Offer will be treated as a dividend and
the $1.30 per share balance of the amount received will be treated as a dividend
or an amount received in exchange for the Common Stock depending on the
application of Code Section 302 to a shareholder's specific circumstances as
discussed below. If a shareholder who sells Common Stock pursuant to the Tender
Offer is not regarded as having a legally enforceable right to the $1.60 per
share distribution, the entire $2.90 per share amount received upon sale of the
Common Stock pursuant to the Tender Offer will be treated as a dividend or an
amount received in exchange for the shares depending on the application of Code
Section 302 to a shareholder's specific circumstances as discussed below.
13
<PAGE>
APPLICATION OF SECTION 302
EXCHANGE TREATMENT. If the redemption qualifies as an exchange under
any of the provisions of Code Section 302(b), except as described above, the
cash received pursuant to the Tender Offer will be treated as a distribution
from the Company in exchange for the Common Stock sold. That treatment will
result in a shareholder recognizing gain or loss equal to the difference between
(a) the amount treated as received in exchange for the Common Stock pursuant to
the Tender Offer and (b) the shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the Common
Stock surrendered. Assuming the Common Stock is held as a capital asset, such
recognized gain or loss will be capital gain or loss. If the Common Stock that
is sold was held longer than one year, such capital gain or loss will be
long-term.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the rules on "collapsible corporations"
might, if they applied, cause a shareholder's gain to be ordinary income (rather
than long-term capital gain). Because of its long operating history, the nature
of its assets and other factors, the Company believes it is not a "collapsible
corporation."
Net capital gain, the excess of net long-term capital gain over net
short-term capital loss, realized by individuals, estates and trusts is
currently taxed at a maximum federal income tax rate of 20%. Short-term capital
gains of individuals, estates and trusts are taxed at ordinary income rates,
currently up to a maximum federal income tax rate of 39.6% (although, income at
certain levels may be subject to a higher effective rate due to the phase-out of
personal exemptions and certain itemized deductions). Capital gains of
corporations are taxed at the federal income tax rates applicable to corporate
ordinary income, a maximum of 35% (although income at certain levels may be
subject to a higher effective rate due to phase-out of the 15%, 25% and 34%
brackets). Each of the foregoing rates is subject to change, and any such change
could apply retroactively to transactions effected pursuant to the Tender Offer.
DIVIDEND TREATMENT. If none of the conditions of exchange treatment
under Code Section 302(b) are satisfied, a shareholder will be treated as having
received a dividend taxable as ordinary income in an amount equal to the entire
amount of cash received by the shareholder pursuant to the Tender Offer, to the
extent the Company has accumulated or current "earnings and profits." The
Company believes that no shareholder's dividend income will be limited by a lack
of earnings and profits.
Each shareholder's personal tax adviser should determine whether that
shareholder will qualify for exchange treatment under Code Section 302(b). In
the event that the sale of Common Stock pursuant to the Tender Offer is treated
as a dividend distribution to a shareholder for federal income tax purposes,
such shareholder's tax basis in the Common Stock actually redeemed will be added
to the tax basis of such shareholder's remaining Common Stock in the Company. In
the event that a shareholder actually owns no Common Stock in the Company after
the Tender Offer is completed but the transaction is nevertheless treated as a
dividend distribution because such shareholder constructively owns Common Stock
(see below), such shareholder's tax basis should be added to Common Stock in the
Company owned by related persons that was considered constructively owned by
such shareholder. Ordinary income is generally taxable to individuals up to a
maximum federal income tax rate of 39.6% (although income at certain levels may
be subject to a higher effective rate due to the phase-out of personal
exemptions and certain itemized deductions) and to corporations at a maximum
federal income tax rate of 35% (although income at certain levels may be subject
to a higher effective rate due to phase-out of the 15%, 25% and 34% brackets).
Each of the foregoing tax rates is subject to change, and any such change could
apply retroactively to include the sale of Common Stock pursuant to the Tender
Offer. As discussed below, a corporate shareholder that is treated as receiving
a dividend may be allowed a dividends-received deduction and may be subject to
the rules for "extraordinary dividends."
CONSTRUCTIVE OWNERSHIP OF STOCK. In determining whether the provisions
under Code Section 302(b), as described below, are satisfied, a shareholder must
take into account not only Common Stock actually owned by such shareholder, but
also Common Stock that is constructively owned within the meaning of Code
Section 318. Under Code Section 318, a shareholder may constructively own Common
Stock actually owned, and in some cases constructively owned, by certain related
individuals and certain entities in which the shareholder or a related
individual or entity has an interest. Moreover, a shareholder may constructively
own Common Stock that such shareholder, or a related individual or entity, has
the right to acquire by exercise of an option or warrant. The rules of
14
<PAGE>
constructive ownership are complex and must be applied to a particular
shareholder's situation by such shareholder's personal tax adviser.
ALTERNATIVE CONDITIONS FOR SECTION 302 EXCHANGE TREATMENT. Under Code
Section 302(b), a redemption will be taxed as an exchange, and not as a
dividend, if it (a) results in a "complete redemption" of all of the Common
Stock owned by a shareholder, (b) is "substantially disproportionate" with
respect to a shareholder, or (c) is "not essentially equivalent to a dividend"
with respect to a shareholder. Each shareholder should be aware that, under
certain circumstances, sales, purchases or transfers of Common Stock in the
market or to or from other parties contemporaneously with sales pursuant to the
Tender Offer may be taken into account in determining whether the tests under
clause (a), (b) or (c) above are satisfied. Furthermore, the Company believes
that in the event the Tender Offer is oversubscribed, resulting in a proration,
it is likely that less than all the Common Stock tendered by a shareholder will
be purchased by the Company. Proration may affect whether a sale by a
shareholder will satisfy the provisions described in clause (a), (b) or (c)
above.
The following is a brief description of the three major provisions of
Code Section 302(b):
A COMPLETE REDEMPTION OF INTEREST. The receipt of cash by a
shareholder will result in a "complete redemption" of all the Common Stock owned
by the shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 302(b)(3) if either (i)
all the Common Stock actually and constructively owned by the shareholder is
sold pursuant to the Tender Offer or (ii) all the Common Stock actually owned by
the shareholder is sold pursuant to the Tender Offer, the only Common Stock the
shareholder constructively owns is actually owned by such shareholder's family
members, and the shareholder is eligible to waive and effectively waives, under
procedures described in Code Section 302(c), such constructive ownership.
A SUBSTANTIALLY DISPROPORTIONATE REDEMPTION. The receipt of
cash by a shareholder will be "substantially disproportionate" with respect to
such shareholder within the meaning of Code Section 302(b)(2) if the percentage
of the total outstanding voting stock of the Company actually and constructively
owned by the shareholder immediately following the sale of Common Stock pursuant
to the Tender Offer is less than 80% of the percentage of the total outstanding
voting stock of the Company actually and constructively owned by such
shareholder immediately before such sale.
NOT ESSENTIALLY EQUIVALENT TO A DIVIDEND. Even if a sale by a
shareholder fails to meet the "complete redemption" or "substantially
disproportionate" tests, a shareholder may nevertheless meet the "not
essentially equivalent to a dividend" test. Whether a specific redemption is
"not essentially equivalent to a dividend" depends on the individual
shareholder's facts and circumstances. In any event, the redemption must result
in a "meaningful reduction" of the shareholder's proportionate interest in the
Company. The Service has indicated in a published ruling that, in the case of a
minority shareholder in a publicly held corporation whose relative stock
investment in the corporation was minimal and who exercised no control over
corporate affairs, a small reduction in the percentage ownership interest of
such shareholder in such corporation (from .0001118% to .0001081%) was
sufficient to constitute a "meaningful reduction." Shareholders seeking to rely
on this test should consult their own tax advisers as to the application of this
particular standard to their own situations.
DISTRIBUTION
After acquisition of Common Stock pursuant to the Tender Offer, the
Company plans to make the Distribution of cash to each remaining Common Stock
holder in the amount of $1.60 per share.
The Distribution will be treated as a dividend, taxable as ordinary
income, to the extent of the Company's accumulated earnings and profits as of
the beginning of the current fiscal year and its "current" earnings and profits
for the entire current fiscal year. Assuming that the Company acquires one
million shares of its Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Tender
Offer and the amount paid for the tendered shares is treated as paid in exchange
for shares (rather than as a dividend in whole or in part), the Company expects
that dividend income will not be limited by lack of earnings and profits.
15
<PAGE>
SPECIAL RULES FOR CORPORATE SHAREHOLDERS
Upon receipt of a dividend from the Company, a corporate shareholder
who owns less than 20% of the Company generally is eligible for a dividends
received deduction equal to 70% of the amount of the distribution, subject to
applicable limitations, including those related to "debt-financed portfolio
stock" under Code Section 246A and to the holding period requirements of Code
Section 246.
In addition, any amount received by a corporate shareholder that is
treated as a dividend may constitute an "extraordinary dividend" subject to the
provisions of Section 1059 of the Code. Generally, Section 1059 requires a
corporate shareholder to reduce the tax basis of its stock in a corporation by
the portion of the dividend eligible for the dividends received deduction and,
if such portion exceeds the shareholder's adjusted tax basis for the stock, to
treat any such excess as gain from the sale of the stock in the year in which
the extraordinary dividend is received. The term "extraordinary dividend"
includes any dividend if the amount thereof exceeds the greater of 10% of the
adjusted tax basis of the shareholder's shares or 10% of the fair market value
of the shares. For this purpose, other dividends received that have ex-dividend
dates within the same period of eighty-five consecutive days of a dividend are
aggregated. Further, if a taxpayer receives an aggregate amount of dividends in
excess of 20% of the adjusted basis of the taxpayer's stock, such dividends
having ex-dividend dates within the same period of 365 consecutive days, then
the dividends also constitute "extraordinary dividends" and the taxpayer must
reduce its basis under Code Section 1059. Section 1059 applies only to stock
that has not been held for more than two years before the dividend announcement
date unless, among other conditions, the redemption is not pro rata to all
shareholders. The Company believes that the Tender Offer will likely not result
in a pro rata distribution to all shareholders. Additionally, if a corporate
shareholder is required under Section 1059 to reduce its stock basis, then the
non-taxed portion of all dividend distributions within an 85-day or 365-day
period referred to above reduces the corporate shareholder's basis in the stock
of the Company. Corporate shareholders should consult their tax advisers
concerning the application of Section 1059 to their particular situations.
BACKUP WITHHOLDING
A tendering shareholder or other payee who fails to complete fully and
sign the Substitute Form W-9 included in the letter of transmittal may be
subject to backup federal income tax withholding equal to 31% of the gross
payments made pursuant to the Tender Offer and Distribution.
16
<PAGE>
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF COMMON STOCK PRIOR TO
AND AFTER THE TRANSACTION
As of the close of business on the Record Date, there were 4,605,358
shares of Common Stock outstanding. The following table sets forth information
regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of the Common Stock outstanding as
of November 25, 1998 and immediately following the Closing (assuming conversion
of all of the Preferred Shares and assuming 1,000,000 shares have been tendered
in the Tender Offer), by (i) each person or group known to the Company who owns
or who will own more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock, (ii)
each of the directors and the executive officers of the Company and (iii) by all
directors and executive officers of the Company as a group. Unless otherwise
indicated in the footnotes, all of such interests are owned directly, and the
indicated person has sole voting and investment power. The number of shares
represents the number of shares of Common Stock the person holds, including
shares that may be issued upon the exercise of options that are exercisable as
of November 25, 1998 or which will vest upon the Closing. Information presented
in the table and related notes has been obtained from the beneficial owner
and/or from reports filed by the beneficial owner with the Securities and
Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares Beneficially Shares Beneficially Owned
Owned on November 25, 1998 Adjusted for Closing
----------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Amount and Amount and
Nature of Nature of
Beneficial Percent Beneficial Percent
Name of Beneficial Owner Ownership (1) of Class (2) Ownership (1) of Class (2)
- ------------------------------------- ----------------- -------------- ---------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
UFAC (3) -- -- 5,258,513 59.33%
George M. Hill (4) 155,000 3.37% 155,000 1.75%
Francis J. LaPallo and Wendy J.
Harrison, his wife (5) 91,564 1.99% 122,000 1.36%
Louis T. Mastos and Eva B. Mastos,
his wife (6) 206,703 4.49% 206,703 2.33%
William J. Rocke and Garnet Rocke,
his wife (7) 442,268 9.50% 442,268 4.96%
James S. Rocke and Kelly Rocke, his
wife (8) 471,803 10.14% 471,803 5.29%
Jean E. Ryberg (9) 140,589 3.02% 140,589 1.58%
Merlin J. Schumann and Donna L.
Schumann, his wife 20,114 * 20,114 *
William W. Strawther, Jr. and
Marjorie A. Strawther, his wife (10) 444,138 9.64% 444,138 5.01%
R. Scott Younker and Sandra L.
Younker, his wife 58,819 1.28% 58,819 *
All Directors and Executive
Officers as a group (nine persons)
(11) 1,740,998 36.09% 1,771,434 19.44%
</TABLE>
* Less than 1%
17
<PAGE>
(1) Includes, when applicable, shares owned of record by such person's minor
children and spouse and by other related individuals and entities over
whose shares of Common Stock such person has custody, voting control or
power of disposition. Also includes shares of Common Stock that the
identified person had the right to acquire as of November 25, 1998 by the
exercise of stock options.
(2) The percentages shown include the shares of Common Stock that the person
had the right to acquire as of November 25, 1998 or that will vest upon
Closing. In calculating the percentage of ownership, all shares of Common
Stock which the identified person had the right to acquire as of November
25, 1998 or upon Closing are deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage of the shares of Common Stock owned by such
person, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing
the percentage of shares of Common Stock owned by any other shareholders.
(3) Assuming conversion of all of the Preferred Shares purchased by UFAC in the
Transaction.
(4) Excludes 52,000 shares held by Nell S. Hill, Mr. Hill's wife, and 134,258
shares held by Mr. Hill's children and grandchildren. Mr. Hill disclaims
beneficial ownership of such shares.
(5) Includes 69,564 shares subject to a currently exercisable stock option at
$2.875 per share. As adjusted for Closing includes 30,436 shares subject to
unexercisable options that will vest upon a change of control of the
Company.
(6) Includes 183,180 shares which are held in a trust under an agreement dated
February 10, 1981, in which Mr. and Mrs. Mastos hold equal beneficial
interests, and 23,523 shares which are held by the Louis T. Mastos in an
Individual Retirement Account.
(7) Includes 290,000 shares held by Old Frontier Investment, Inc., of Arizona,
of which William J. and Garnet Rocke hold 51% of the outstanding stock.
Includes 48,654 shares subject to currently exercisable stock options at a
weighted average of $3.2829 per share.
(8) Includes 290,000 shares held by Old Frontier Investment, Inc. of Arizona of
which James S. Rocke holds 49% of the outstanding stock. Includes 48,653
shares subject to currently exercisable stock options at a weighted average
of $3.2829 per share.
(9) Includes 51,347 shares subject to currently exercisable stock options at a
weighted average of $3.005 per share. Excludes 15,000 held by Mrs. Ryberg's
sons. Mrs. Ryberg disclaims any beneficial ownership of such shares.
(10) Held as trustees under Trust Agreement, dated June 7, 1989, establishing
the William W. Strawther, Jr. and Marjorie A. Strawther Living Trust, of
which Mr. and Mrs. Strawther are beneficiaries. Excludes an aggregate of
140,000 shares beneficially owned by Mr. and Mrs. Strawther's son, in which
shares Mr. and Mrs. Strawther disclaim any beneficial interest.
(11) Excludes all duplicate reporting of holdings.
To the best of knowledge of the Company, no person or groups of persons, other
than officers and directors, beneficially own more than five percent of the
Common Stock (based upon present records of the transfer agent).
18
<PAGE>
RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD; FACTORS AND CONCLUSIONS OF THE BOARD INVOLVED IN
ITS DETERMINATION
The Board has unanimously approved the Transaction and has determined
that the Transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders. THE BOARD UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT STOCKHOLDERS VOTE FOR
APPROVAL OF THE TRANSACTION.
The recommendation of the Board is based on its belief that the
Transaction represents an opportunity to provide for a capital return to the
Company's shareholders through the Distribution or Tender Offer and to enhance
long-term shareholder value by providing the Company with an affiliation with
UFAC which provides strategic resources not otherwise readily available to it,
thereby enhancing the Company's short-term and long-term growth prospects.
REQUIRED VOTE, EFFECT OF SHAREHOLDER APPROVAL, AND RELATED MATTERS
The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares present in person or
represented by proxy at the Meeting, provided that the total number of shares
present in person or represented by proxy at the Meeting represents over 50% of
the shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding, is required to approve the
Transaction.
Approval of the Transaction by the shareholders will constitute
approval of the issuance by the Company of 5,258,513 shares of Preferred Stock
and 5,258,513 shares of Common Stock upon conversion of the Preferred Shares.
Approval of the Transaction by the requisite vote of the shareholders
of the Company is a condition to consummation of the Transaction. If the
Transaction is not approved the Transaction will not be consummated.
PROPOSAL TWO
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
NOMINEES
A Board of nine directors is to be elected at the Meeting. The nominees
for directors are George M. Hill, Francis J. LaPallo, Louis T. Mastos, William
J. Rocke, James S. Rocke, Jean E. Ryberg, Merlin J. Schumann, William W.
Strawther, Jr., and R. Scott Younker, all of whom are currently directors of the
Company. In the absence of direction by shareholders executing proxies, the
persons named in the enclosed proxy will vote FOR the nominees named herein. In
the event that any nominee of the Company is unable or declines to serve as a
director at the time of the Meeting, the proxies will be voted for any nominee
designated by the current Board of Directors to fill the vacancy. It is not
presently expected that any nominee will be unable or will decline to serve as
director. The term of office of each person elected as director will continue
until the next annual meeting of shareholders and until a successor has been
elected and qualified. Biographical information with respect to the nominees for
directors is set forth below under the heading "Information Concerning Directors
and Executive Officers of the Company."
19
<PAGE>
INFORMATION CONCERNING DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
Company's directors and executive officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position(s) with the Company Director Since
- ---- --- ---------------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
George M. Hill 90 Director, Vice President, Assistant 1978
Secretary, Member Audit Committee
Francis J. LaPallo 50 Director, Executive Vice President 1996
Louis T. Mastos 77 Director, Member Audit Committee, 1978
Member Compensation Committee
James S. Rocke 30 Director, Secretary/Treasurer 1993
William J. Rocke 74 Director, Chairman of the Board, Chief 1975
Executive Officer
Jean E. Ryberg 67 Director, President 1975
Merlin J. Schumann 54 Director, Member Audit Committee, 1984
Member Compensation Committee
William W. Strawther, Jr. 72 Director, Vice Chairman of the Board 1978
R. Scott Younker 62 Director 1992
</TABLE>
GEORGE M. HILL has been associated with the Company in an advisory
capacity for more than 25 years, has been a Vice President of the Company since
1985 and has been the Assistant Secretary of the Company since 1990. He is a
senior partner in the Phoenix law firm of George M. Hill & Associates and has
been a practicing attorney in Arizona for over 50 years. Mr. Hill is a Director
and Chairman of the Board of National Car Rental, in Phoenix, Denver and
Colorado Springs, and a Director and Vice President of Precise Metal Products
Co., in Phoenix and Salt Lake City.
FRANCIS J. LAPALLO joined the Company on June 24, 1996. From 1977 until
joining the Company, he practiced law in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and
California. From 1990 until joining the Company, he was a partner with the law
firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips in Los Angles, California. He represented the
Company in various legal matters from 1994 until joining the Company. An
employment agreement between the Company and Mr. LaPallo provides that Mr.
LaPallo will serve as an executive officer of the Company through June 30, 2001.
LOUIS T. MASTOS has been the President of Louis T. Mastos & Associates,
Inc., a managing general agency located in Reno, Nevada, since 1971. He is past
President of the American Association of Managing General Agents. He was the
Insurance Commissioner of the State of Nevada from 1965 to 1971.
JAMES S. ROCKE has been employed by the Company since 1982 and
currently is an adjuster in the Company's Phoenix office. Mr. Rocke was elected
secretary/treasurer of the Company in 1993. Mr. Rocke graduated from Arizona
State University in 1991 with a B.S. degree in Finance. Mr. Rocke is the son of
William J. Rocke.
20
<PAGE>
WILLIAM J. ROCKE is the founder of the Company and has served as Chief
Executive Officer of the Company and its predecessor entities since 1957. Mr.
Rocke has been in the insurance adjusting business since 1952. He has a law
degree from the University of Denver and is a member of the Colorado Bar
Association. The employment agreement between Mr. Rocke and the Company provides
that Mr. Rocke will serve as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company through
June 30, 2000. The employment agreement will be amended by the Rocke Agreement
if the Transaction is approved by the shareholders. Mr. Rocke is the father of
James S. Rocke.
JEAN E. RYBERG has been employed by the Company and its predecessors
since 1962. She has held several positions with the Company and has been the
President of the Company since 1993. She also manages the Company's insurance
adjusting operations in Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. The
employment agreement between Mrs. Ryberg and the Company provides that Mrs.
Ryberg will be an executive officer of the Company through June 30, 2000. The
employment agreement will be amended by the Ryberg Agreement if the Transaction
is approved by the shareholders.
MERLIN J. SCHUMANN has been a Certified Public Accountant with the firm
of Murray & Murray, P.C., located in Phoenix, Arizona, for over 20 years. Since
December, 1990, Mr. Schumann has also held the position of General Securities
Representative with H. D. Vest Investment Securities, Inc., a stock brokerage
and investment counseling firm located in Irving, Texas.
WILLIAM W. STRAWTHER, JR. was the President and principal shareholder
of Continental American Securities, Inc., located in Phoenix, Arizona from 1970
through 1982. He is a former member of the National Board of Governors of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. He has been an independent
business consultant since 1982.
R. SCOTT YOUNKER has been a licensee of the Company in Prescott,
Arizona since 1979. He has been engaged in the insurance adjusting business for
32 years.
All directors are elected at each annual meeting of the Company's
shareholders for a term of one year and hold office until their successors are
elected and qualified. All officers serve at the discretion of the Board of
Directors.
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Company's Board of Directors met three times in fiscal year 1998,
and all members attended 75% or more of the meetings of the Board and committees
he or she serves on. The board has two committees; an audit committee and a
compensation committee.
The Audit Committee, which consists of George Hill, Louis Mastos, and
Merlin Schumann, non-employee directors of the Company, reviews the annual
financial statements, the significant accounting issues, and the scope of the
audit with the Company's independent auditors and discusses with the auditors
any other audit related matters that may arise during the year. The Compensation
Committee, which consists of Louis Mastos and Merlin Schumann, non-employee
directors of the Company, reviews and acts on matters relating to compensation
levels and benefit plans for key executives of the Company.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
The Company's compensation committee of the Board of Directors consists
of Messrs. Mastos and Schumann. Neither Mr. Mastos nor Mr. Schumann had any
contractual or other relationships with the Company during such fiscal years
except as directors. The committee held one meeting during the fiscal 1998 year.
21
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information concerning
compensation during its year ended June 30, 1998 to the chief executive officer
and each other executive officer whose aggregate compensation exceeded $100,000
(the "Named Executives").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL COMPENSATION ALL OTHER COMPENSATION
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($)(1) BONUS($) ($)(2)
- --------------------------- ---- ------------ -------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William J. Rocke, CEO, 1998 237,776 39,794 29,898
Chairman, Director 1997 231,300 51,559 23,569
1996 225,000 71,981 22,719
Jean E. Ryberg, 1998 169,085 39,794 29,898
President, Director 1997 164,480 51,559 29,568
1996 160,000 71,981 29,266
Francis J. LaPallo, 1998 185,040 -- 29,898
Executive Vice President, 1997 180,000 -- 29,568
Director 1996 692 -- --
Patric R. Greer (3) 1998 95,111 19,897 103,421
1997 93,520 17,187 21,876
1996 90,000 11,224 17,364
</TABLE>
(1) No perquisites were received by any person named above greater than the
lesser of $50,000 or 10% of salary plus bonus.
(2) "All Other Compensation" includes (i) directors' fees of $2,250, $3,750,
and $2,250 for Mr. Rocke in years ended June 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
respectively; $2,250, $3,750, and $3,000 for Mrs. Ryberg in years ended
June 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996 respectively; $2,250 and $3,750 for Mr.
LaPallo in years ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 respectively; and $1,500,
$3,750, and $3,000 for Mr. Greer in years ended June 30, 1998, 1997, and
1996 respectively; (ii) profit sharing contributions of $27,648, $19,819,
and $20,469 for Mr. Rocke in years ended June 30, 1998, 1997 and 1996
respectively; $27,648, $25,818, and $26,266 for Mrs. Ryberg in years ended
June 30, 1998, 1997, and 1996 respectively; $27,648 and $25,818 for Mr.
LaPallo in years ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 respectively; $16,921,
$18,126, and $14,364 for Mr. Greer for years ended June 30, 1998, 1997, and
1996, respectively, and (iii) an $85,000 severance package for Mr. Greer
for the year ended June 30, 1998. Excluded from all other compensation is
the increase and the amortization of the June 30, 1995 cash surrender value
of life insurance policies that will transfer to Mr. Rocke and Mrs. Ryberg
upon termination of their employment. The amount excluded is $18,166,
$18,119, and $18,203 for Mr. Rocke for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1997,
and 1996, respectively, and $14,070, $13,678, and $13,511 for Mrs. Ryberg
for the years ended June 30, 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively.
(3) Mr. Greer resigned from his position with the Company effective June 30,
1998. In connection with Mr. Greer's resignation, termination of Mr.
Greer's employment agreement, and as consideration for a Settlement and
Release Agreement between Mr. Greer and the Company, Mr. Greer received an
aggregate severance payment of $85,000.
OPTION/GRANTS, EXERCISES, AND HOLDINGS
The Company did not grant any stock options during fiscal 1998, and
none of the Named Executives exercised any stock options during fiscal 1998. The
following table shows the number and value of options outstanding as of June 30,
1998 for each Named Executive.
22
<PAGE>
AGGREGATED YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SECURITIES VALUE OF UNEXERCISED,
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY OPTIONS
OPTIONS AT 6/30/98(#)(1) AT 6/30/98($)(2)
NAME EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE EXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE
- ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William J. Rocke 48,654 -- 8,253 --
Jean E. Ryberg 51,347 -- 13,682 --
Francis J. LaPallo (3) 34,782 65,218 8,696 16,304
Patric R. Greer (4) 51,346 -- 13,682 --
</TABLE>
(1) As of November 25, 1998, Mr. Rocke held exercisable options for 48,654
shares, Ms. Ryberg held exercisable options for 51,347 shares, and Mr.
LaPallo held exercisable options for 69,564 shares and unexercisable
options for 30,436 shares.
(2) Value of unexercised, in-the-money stock options based on a fair market
value of the Common Stock of $3.13 per share as of June 30, 1998.
(3) As of the Closing, Mr. LaPallo will hold exercisable options for 100,000
shares.
(4) Mr. Greer resigned from his position with the Company effective June 30,
1998, and his stock options have expired unexercised.
DIRECTORS' COMPENSATION
Each director, including employees of the Company, is paid $750 per
Board meeting attended. During fiscal 1998, each director, except for Mr. Patric
R. Greer, received $2,250 for attendance to Board Meetings. Mr. Greer received
$1,500 for attendance at Board Meetings.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
The Company has entered into five-year employment agreements with Mr.
Rocke, Mrs. Ryberg, and Mr. LaPallo. Mr. Rocke's and Mrs. Ryberg's agreements
were effective July 1, 1995 and expire June 30, 2000. Mr. LaPallo's agreement
was effective June 23, 1996 and expires June 30, 2001.
Mr. Rocke's agreement (the "Rocke Employment Agreement") provides for
an annual salary of $225,000 with annual cost of living increases based upon the
U.S. Department of Labor's cost of living index, plus a bonus of 3% of the
Company's income before taxes and bonuses and 5% of the increase in the
Company's income before taxes and bonuses from the prior year. If the
Transaction is approved by the Company's shareholders, the Rocke Employment
Agreement will be amended. See "The Transaction--Conflicts of Interest;
Interests of Certain Persons."
Mrs. Ryberg's (the "Ryberg Employment Agreement") agreement provides
for an annual salary of $160,000 with annual cost of living increases based upon
the U.S. Department of Labor's cost of living index, plus a bonus of 3% of the
Company's income before taxes and bonuses and 5% of the increase in the
Company's income before taxes and bonuses from the prior year. If the
Transaction is approved by the Company's shareholders, the Ryberg Employment
Agreement will be amended. See "The Transaction--Conflicts of Interest;
Interests of Certain Persons."
23
<PAGE>
Mr. LaPallo's agreement provides for an annual salary of $180,000 with
annual cost of living increases based upon the U.S. Department of Labor's cost
of living index for the first two years. For the remaining three years, the
agreement provides for an annual salary of $150,000 with annual cost of living
increases based upon the U.S. Department of Labor's cost of living index, plus a
bonus of 3% of the Company's income before taxes and bonuses and 3% of the
increase in the Company's income before taxes and bonuses from the prior year.
In connection with the Company's employment of Mr. LaPallo, the Company sold Mr.
LaPallo 20,000 shares of Common Stock from the treasury for an aggregate of
$55,547.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee of the Board is comprised of Louis T. Mastos
and Merlin J. Schumann, both outside directors of the Company. The Committee
establishes policies relating to the compensation of employees. All decisions by
the Compensation Committee relating to the compensation of the Company's
executive officers are reviewed by the full Board.
The following is a report submitted by the above-listed committee
members in their capacity as the Board's Compensation Committee, addressing the
Company's compensation policy as it relates to the named executive officers for
fiscal 1998.
COMPENSATION POLICY
The goal of the Company's executive compensation policy is to ensure
that an appropriate relationship exists between executive pay and the creation
of shareholder value, while at the same time motivating and retaining key
employees. To achieve this goal, the Company's executive compensation policies
integrate annual base compensation with bonuses based upon corporate
performance. Annual cash compensation, together with equity-based, incentive
compensation is designed to attract and retain qualified executives and to
ensure that such executives have a continuing stake in the long-term success of
the Company. All executive officers and management are eligible to participate
in the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan.
FISCAL 1998 COMPENSATION
The Company's fiscal 1998 executive compensation plan consisted of (i)
a base salary, (ii) bonuses based upon the Company's income before income taxes
and bonuses, and (iii) fixed contributions to a defined contribution Profit
Sharing Plan. Stock options are granted from time to time by the Board of
Directors. Options were not granted during fiscal 1998.
The Company's 1998 compensation to named executives is best exemplified
by examining the salary paid to William J. Rocke, the Company's Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer. The Rocke Employment Agreement calls for a base salary
with annual cost of living increases based upon the U.S. Department of Labor's
cost of living index, and a bonus of 3% of the Company's income before taxes and
bonuses and 5% of the increase in the Company's income from the prior year. The
base salary is believed to be in the range of those of other executives in
comparable companies, both regionally and nationally.
The Committee believes that linking executive compensation to corporate
performance (i.e., income and stock performance) provides incentive to the
executive to enhance corporate performance and the shareholders' interests. It
was with this in mind that the bonus portion of executive compensation was
revised to the current bonus arrangement with the Company's named executives.
Louis T. Mastos
Merlin J. Schumann
24
<PAGE>
COMPANY PERFORMANCE
The following graph reflects a five-year comparison of cumulative total
returns for the Common Stock, the American Stock Exchange ("AMEX") Market Value
Index, and the Company's Peer Group of Stocks based on the four-digit SIC Code
Index. The total cumulative return on investment (change in the year-end stock
price plus reinvested dividends) for each of the periods and indexes is based on
the stock price or composite index at the end of fiscal 1993. The graph compares
the performance of the Company with AMEX and Peer Group Indexes with the
investment weighted based upon market capitalization.
Measurement Period (Fiscal Frontier Adjusters of American Stock Peer Group
Year Covered) America, Inc. Exchange of Stocks
1994 101.22 96.53 97.89
1995 110.70 116.15 113.53
1996 129.70 132.99 133.29
1997 121.73 141.44 183.01
1998 149.35 163.53 239.85
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Old Frontier Investment, Inc. of Arizona, of which William J. Rocke and
Garnet Rocke, his wife, are owners of 51% of the issued and outstanding stock of
said corporation and James S. Rocke owns the remaining 49%, has entered into a
license agreement with the Company pursuant to which it operates, under standard
terms and conditions, an insurance adjusting and risk management business
located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and is paid a 5% royalty on gross revenue
derived from services provided by certain other licensees in other Arizona
cities and towns. The Company paid that corporation $13,142 during fiscal year
1998 in connection with such 5% royalty agreement.
George M. Hill, Vice President, Assistant Secretary and Director of the
Company, acts as General Counsel to the Company. During the fiscal year 1998,
the Company paid Mr. Hill $92,510 for services rendered and disbursements. Such
fees will continue to accrue, pursuant to a retainer agreement, at the rate of
$6,650 per month effective September 1, 1995.
The Company paid its Vice Chairman, William W. Strawther, Jr., $20,000
during fiscal year 1998 for business and financial consulting services.
The Company believes that the cost to the Company for all of the
foregoing were and are competitive with charges for similar services and
facilities available from third parties.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(A) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Based solely upon a review of copies of such forms received by the
Company during fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, and written representations that
no such reports were required, the Company believes that each person who, at any
time during such fiscal year, was a director, officer or beneficial owner of
more than 10% of the Common Stock complied with Section 16(a) filing
requirements during such fiscal year.
25
<PAGE>
PROPOSAL THREE
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors has appointed McGladrey & Pullen, LLP,
independent public accountants, as the auditors of the Company, to serve as such
at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. The Board requests that shareholders
vote to ratify this appointment at the Meeting.
Audit services provided by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, during the year
ended June 30, 1998 consisted of the examination of consolidated financial
statements of the Company and its subsidiaries, reviews of information in
certain filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and periodic
consultation regarding accounting and financial matters. The Company is informed
that neither McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, nor any of its partners or associates has
any relationship with the Company, other than as independent auditors.
Certain financial statements of the Company appear in the Company's
1998 Annual Report. A representative of McGladrey & Pullen, LLP will be present
at the Meeting and will be available to make a statement and to respond to
questions concerning the financial statements.
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
The Company's Financial Statements filed with the Commission pursuant
to the Exchange Act in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 1998 are incorporated herein by reference.
OTHER MATTERS
Management of the Company knows of no other matters that will come
before the Meeting. However, if any other matters should properly come before
the Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the enclosed proxy to
vote each proxy in accordance with their best judgment on such matter.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Pursuant to Rule 14a-4 under the Exchange, the Company intends to
retain discretionary authority to vote proxies with respect to shareholder
proposals for which the proponent does not seek inclusion of the proposed matter
in the Company's proxy statement for the 2000 Annual Meeting, except in
circumstances where (i) the Company receives notice of the proposed matter no
later than ________, 1999, and (ii) the proponent complies with the other
requirements set forth in Rule 14a-4.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ James S. Rocke
James S. Rocke, Secretary
Phoenix, Arizona
________, 1999
26
<PAGE>
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FRONTIER ADJUSTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
The undersigned hereby appoints WILLIAM J. ROCKE and JEAN E. RYBERG, as Proxies,
each with the power to appoint his or her substitute, and hereby authorizes
them, or either of them, or such substitute, to represent and to vote, as
designated below, all of the shares of common stock of Frontier Adjusters of
America, Inc. (the "Company") held of record by the undersigned as of the close
of business on January 5, 1999, at the annual meeting of shareholders to be held
on February, __, 1998, at 9:00 A.M. (Phoenix, Arizona time), and at any
adjournment thereof.
1. THE TRANSACTION. To approve the Transaction described in the Proxy
Statement dated ________.
|_| FOR |_| AGAINST |_| ABSTAIN
2. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS.
|_| FOR all nominees listed below |_| WITHHOLD AUTHORITY to vote
(except as indicated) for each nominee listed below
If you wish to withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, strike a
line through the nominee's name in the list below:
William J. Rocke Jean E. Ryberg William W. Strawther, Jr.
Louis T. Mastos George M. Hill James S. Rocke
R. Scott Younker Merlin J. Schumann Francis J. LaPallo
3. RATIFICATION OF ACCOUNTANTS. To ratify the selection of McGladrey and
Pullen, LLP, Certified Public Accountants, as the auditors of the Company
for the Company's fiscal year ending June 30, 1999.
|_| FOR |_| AGAINST |_| ABSTAIN
4. In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other
business as may properly come before the Meeting.
This Proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein
by the undersigned shareholder. If no direction is made, this Proxy will be
voted FOR Proposals 1 and 3; FOR all of the nominees listed in Proposal 2 above;
and, with respect to Proposal 4, as appropriate in the judgment of the Proxies
named herein.
Receipt of Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and related Proxy Statement
dated ______, is hereby acknowledged.
Please sign exactly as the name appears below. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign. When signing as attorney, or as executor, administer,
trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a corporation, please
sign in full corporate name by President or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Dated:___________________________________________
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY
PROMPTLY, USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
_________________________________________________
Signature
_________________________________________________
Signature if held jointly
