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
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [ ]
Check the appropriate box:
[ ] Preliminary Proxy Statement [ ] Confidential, for Use of the
Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[ ] Definitive Additional Materials
[ ] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Rule 14a-11(c) or Rule 14a-12
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMERICAN SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined):
(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
(5) Total fee paid:
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials:
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting
fee was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
(3) Filing Party:
(4) Date Filed:
<PAGE>
AMERICAN SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
44 Church Street
Hamilton HM HX, Bermuda
-----------------------
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
To Be Held June 23, 2000
-----------------------
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the
"Annual Meeting") of American Safety Insurance Group, Ltd. (the "Company") will
be held at the Elbow Beach Hotel, Paget, Bermuda on Friday, June 23, 2000, at
10:00 a.m., for the following purposes:
1. Election of Directors. To elect three members to the Company's Board
of Directors to serve three year terms expiring at the 2003 Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders (Proposal 1).
2. Amendment to 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan. To increase the number
of common shares authorized for issuance under the 1998 Incentive
Stock Option Plan (the "Incentive Plan") from 750,000 to 1,500,000
common shares (Proposal 2).
3. Ratification of Auditors. To ratify the Board of Directors' selection
of KPMG LLP as independent public accountants for the year ending
December 31, 2000 (Proposal 3).
4. Other Business. To consider such other business as may properly come
before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof.
The Board of Directors has set May 3, 2000 as the record date for the
Annual Meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the
record date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE PROPOSALS
LISTED ABOVE AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT.
YOUR PROXY IS IMPORTANT. WHETHER OR NOT A SHAREHOLDER PLANS TO ATTEND THE
ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE VOTE BY MARKING THE PROPOSAL, SIGNING AND MAILING THE
PROXY TO THE COMPANY IN THE ACCOMPANYING ENVELOPE, WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE.
YOUR PROXY MAY BE REVOKED, IF YOU CHOOSE, AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE VOTE BEING
TAKEN AT THE ANNUAL MEETING.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Fred J. Pinckney
Secretary
May 26, 2000
<PAGE>
AMERICAN SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP, LTD.
-----------------------
PROXY STATEMENT
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders
To Be Held June 23, 2000
PROXY SOLICITATION AND VOTING
General
This Proxy Statement is being furnished in connection with the Board of
Directors' solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of American Safety
Insurance Group, Ltd. (the "Company") for use at the Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders (the "Annual Meeting").
The Company is a specialty insurance and financial services holding company
which, through its subsidiaries, develops, underwrites, manages and markets
primary casualty insurance and reinsurance programs in the alternative insurance
market for environmental risks, employee leasing and staffing industry risks,
and other specialty risks, as well as providing a broad range of financial
services and products to middle market businesses. Unless otherwise indicated by
the context, the term "Company" shall refer to American Safety Insurance Group,
Ltd. and its subsidiaries.
The enclosed proxy is for use at the Annual Meeting if a shareholder is
unable to attend the Annual Meeting in person or wishes to have his shares voted
by proxy, even if he attends the Annual Meeting. Any proxy may be revoked by the
person giving it at any time before its exercise, by notice to the Secretary of
the Company, by submitting a proxy having a later date, or by such person
appearing at the Annual Meeting and electing to vote in person. All shares
represented by valid proxies received pursuant to this solicitation and not
revoked before their exercise, will be voted in the manner specified therein. If
a proxy is signed and no specification is made, the shares represented by the
proxy will be voted "for" the Proposals described in this Proxy Statement and in
accordance with the best judgment of the persons exercising the proxy with
respect to any other matters properly presented for action at the Annual
Meeting.
This Proxy Statement and the enclosed proxy are being mailed to the
Company's shareholders on or about May 26, 2000.
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<PAGE>
Record Date and Outstanding Shares
The Board of Directors has set May 3, 2000 as the record date for the
Annual Meeting. Only shareholders of record at the close of business on the
record date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As
of the record date, there were 5,450,925 common shares of the Company issued and
outstanding.
Quorum and Voting Rights
A quorum for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting consists of
the holders of at least one-third of the outstanding common shares of the
Company entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting present in person or represented
by proxy.
Each holder of common shares of the Company is entitled to one vote per
share on each matter to come before the Annual Meeting, other than a holder
subject to the 9.5% voting limitation as set forth in the Company's Bye-Laws.
Each Proposal requires the affirmative vote of a majority of the common shares
of the Company present in person or represented by proxy at the Annual Meeting.
Solicitation of Proxies
In addition to this solicitation by mail, the officers and employees of the
Company, without additional compensation, may solicit proxies in favor of the
Proposals, if deemed necessary, by personal contact, letter, telephone or other
means of communication. Brokers, nominees and other custodians and fiduciaries
will be requested to forward proxy solicitation material to the beneficial
owners of the common shares of the Company where appropriate, and the Company
will reimburse them for their reasonable expenses incurred in connection with
such transmittals. The costs of solicitation of proxies for the Annual Meeting
will be borne by the Company.
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<PAGE>
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Proposal 1)
General
The members of the Board of Directors of the Company are elected by the
shareholders. The directorships of the Company are divided into three classes,
with the members of each class serving three year terms, and the shareholders of
the Company elect one class annually. The Board of Directors presently consists
of seven members.
The Board of Directors has nominated three persons for election at the
Meeting as directors of the Company to serve three year terms which will expire
in 2003. The nominees are presently directors of the Company. The terms of the
other directors of the Company who are not up for election will continue as
indicated below. Each nominee has agreed to his nomination and to serve as a
director, if elected. If for any reason any nominee should become unable or
unwilling to accept nomination or election, persons voting the proxies will vote
for the election of another nominee designated by the Board of Directors.
Management of the Company has no reason to believe that any nominee will not
serve, if elected.
Set forth below is information about each nominee for election as a
director to a term expiring in 2003, and each incumbent director whose term of
office expires in 2001 or 2002.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 1
TO ELECT AS DIRECTORS THE NOMINEES NAMED BELOW.
NOMINEES FOR ELECTION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THREE YEAR TERMS
EXPIRING IN 2003.
Cody W. Birdwell, age 47, has served as a director of the Company since
1986. Mr. Birdwell has been president of Houston Sunbelt Communities, L.C. in
Houston, Texas since 1993, which is engaged in subdivision and mobile home
community development and sales. Mr. Birdwell has 16 years experience in general
and environmental contracting.
Thomas W. Mueller, age 45, has served as a director of the Company since
1986. Mr. Mueller has been vice president of Cardinal Industrial Insulation Co.,
Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky since 1975, which is engaged in industrial
insulation and asbestos and sound abatement. Mr. Mueller has 25 years experience
in the construction business.
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<PAGE>
Timothy E. Walsh, age 49, has served as a director of the Company since
1986. Mr. Walsh has been president of Environmental Construction, Inc. in
Tallmadge, Ohio since 1985, which is engaged in the general contracting,
demolition, excavation, asbestos abatement and environmental remediation. Mr.
Walsh has 26 years experience in the construction business and is a registered
civil engineer.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2001.
William O. Mauldin, Jr., age 59, has served as a director of the Company
since 1986. Mr. Mauldin has been president of Midwest Materials Co. in
Springfield, Missouri since 1975, which is engaged in insulation and cold
storage contracting. Mr. Mauldin has 33 years experience in the construction
business.
Frederick C. Treadway, age 47, has served as the Chairman of the Board of
Directors of the Company since 1986. Mr. Treadway has been president of
Specialty Systems, Inc. in Indianapolis, Indiana since 1977, which is engaged in
general construction and asbestos abatement. Mr. Treadway has 26 years
experience in the construction business. Since 1996, Mr. Treadway, as owner and
president of Treadway Racing LLC, has been a team owner in the Indy Racing
League.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS EXPIRE IN 2002.
Lloyd A. Fox, age 54, has been a director of the Company since 1996 and is
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Since 1990, Mr. Fox has
headed the management of the Company's U.S. subsidiaries. He assisted as general
legal counsel in the formation of the Company in 1986. Previously, Mr. Fox was
an attorney for 16 years in Atlanta, Georgia, where his practice centered on the
insurance, environmental and construction industries, as well as corporate and
taxation matters. He received a juris doctor degree from the University of
Michigan Law School in 1974 and a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy from
Brooklyn College of Pharmacy in 1968.
David V. Brueggen, age 53, has served as a director of the Company since
1986. Mr. Brueggen is senior vice president of finance of Anson Industries, Inc.
in Melrose Park, Illinois, which is engaged in drywall, acoustical and foam
insulation contracting. Mr. Brueggen has been employed by Anson Industries, Inc.
since 1982. Previously he was an audit manager with Arthur Andersen & Co., an
international public accounting firm, for 10 years. Mr. Brueggen is a certified
public accountant.
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<PAGE>
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Company had seven meetings during 1999. All
directors attended at least 75% of all of the meetings of the Board of Directors
and the committees thereof on which they served during 1999.
The Board of Directors has established four standing committees: the audit
committee, the compensation committee, the executive committee and the finance
committee.
The audit committee is composed entirely of non-employee directors and
reviews the scope of the Company's audit, recommends to the Board of Directors
the engagement of independent accountants, and reviews such accountants'
reports. The current members of the audit committee are Messrs. Birdwell,
Brueggen and Walsh. The audit committee held two meetings during 1999.
The compensation committee is composed entirely of non-employee directors
and recommends to the Board of Directors matters regarding executive
compensation and stock options. The current members of the compensation
committee are Messrs. Brueggen, Mueller and Treadway. The compensation committee
held two meetings during 1999.
The executive committee exercises the general power and authority of the
Board of Directors between meetings of the Board of Directors. The executive
committee also has responsibility for nominating directors. The current members
of the executive committee are Messrs. Brueggen, Fox, Mueller and Treadway. The
executive committee held one meeting and acted by unanimous written consent on
four occasions during 1999.
The finance committee is responsible for recommending portfolio allocations
to the Board of Directors, approving the Company's guidelines which provide
standards to ensure portfolio liquidity and safety, approving investment
managers and custodians for portfolio assets, and considering other matters
regarding the financial affairs of the Company. The current members of the
finance committee are Messrs. Birdwell, Brueggen and Mauldin. The finance
committee held two meetings during 1999.
Director Compensation
Pursuant to the Company's Directors Stock Plan (the "Directors Plan"), non-
employee directors are awarded an annual "retainer award" in the form of common
shares of the Company having a fair market value of $5,000. The retainer award
shares are granted to the directors who are serving as directors immediately
after each Annual General Meeting and the fair market value of the common shares
is determined as of that date. The retainer
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<PAGE>
award shares vest as of the day immediately preceding the next Annual General
Meeting following the date of grant.
Directors are also paid $400 per day for attendance at each meeting of the
Board of Directors or each meeting of a committee of the Board of Directors on
which they serve. Directors are also reimbursed for their reasonable travel
expenses in connection with their Board service.
Executive Compensation
The following table sets forth the compensation earned by the Chief
Executive Officer and the other current executive officers of the Company whose
salary and bonus were in excess of $100,000 (the "Named Executive Officers") for
services rendered in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries during
the years indicated:
<TABLE>
Summary Compensation Table
<CAPTION>
Long Term
Compensation
Annual Compensation Awards
Securities
Underlying Options All Other
Name and Principal Position Year Salary Granted Compensation(1)
--------------------------- ---- ------ ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lloyd A. Fox 1999 $392,820 0 $3,928
Chief Executive Officer 1998 392,485 250,000 3,928
and President 1997 367,485 95,630 4,800
Stephen R. Crim 1999 146,000 35,000 4,380
Executive Vice President 1998 126,477 25,000 3,830
1997 105,057 0 3,180
Joseph D. Scollo, Jr.
Senior Vice President - Operations 1999 181,000 10,000 453
Steven B. Mathis
Chief Financial Officer 1999 107,667 7,500 3,230
- --------
</TABLE>
(1) Represents amounts accrued for contributions by the Company with respect to
its profit sharing plan.
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<PAGE>
Stock Option Plan
The Company adopted the 1998 Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Incentive
Plan") which is intended to further the interests of the Company and its
shareholders by attracting, retaining and motivating officers, employees,
consultants and advisors to participate in the long-term development of the
Company through ownership of common shares. The Incentive Plan provides for the
grant of stock options, which may be either non-qualified stock options or
incentive stock options for tax purposes.
The Incentive Plan is administered by the compensation committee of the
Company's Board of Directors. The compensation committee is authorized to
determine the terms and conditions of all option grants, subject to the
limitations set forth in the Incentive Plan. In accordance with the terms of the
Incentive Plan, the option price per share shall not be less than the fair
market value of the common shares on the date of grant and the term of any
options granted may be no longer than ten years, and there may or may not be a
vesting period before any recipient may exercise any such options. The rights of
recipients receiving these stock options, generally, vest equally over three
years, beginning with the first anniversary date of grant, and expire ten years
from the date of grant.
Stock Option Grants, Exercises and Year-End Values
The following table sets forth information regarding individual grants of
stock options made during 1999 to the Named Executive Officers identified in the
Summary Compensation Table above.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Option Grants in 1999
Percent of
Number of Total Potential Realizable Value
Securities Options at Assumed Annual Rates of
Underlying Granted to Exercise Stock Price Appreciation for
Options Employees Price Per Expiration Option Term(2)
--------------
Name Granted(1) in 1999 Share Date 5% 10%
- ---- ------- ------- ----- ---- -- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Stephen R. Crim 35,000 32% $9.50 2/12/09 $209,107 $529,919
Joseph D. Scollo, Jr. 10,000 9 9.50 2/12/09 59,745 151,406
Steven B. Mathis 7,500 7 9.50 2/12/09 44,809 113,554
- --------
</TABLE>
(1) All options vest equally over three years from the date of grant.
(2) The dollar amounts calculated represent hypothetical values that may be
realized upon exercise of the options immediately prior to the expiration
of their term, assuming that the stock price on the date of grant
appreciates at the specified annual rates of appreciation, compounded
annually over the term of the option. These calculations are based on rules
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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<PAGE>
The following table sets forth information regarding options exercised in
1999 and the number and value of exercised and unexercised stock options held as
of December 31, 1999 by the Named Executive Officers identified in the Summary
Compensation Table above.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Aggregated Option Exercises in 1999 and Year-End Option Values
Number of Securities Value of Unexercised
Number of Underlying Unexercised In-the-Money
Shares Options at Year-End Options at Year-End(2)
------------------- ----------------------
Acquired on Value
Exercise Realized(1) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
-------- -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
Name
- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Lloyd A. Fox 0 $ 0 134,424 166,666 $27,588 $ 0
Stephen R. Crim 0 0 8,334 61,666 0 0
Joseph D. Scollo, Jr. 0 0 3,340 16,660 0 0
Steven B. Mathis 0 0 2,500 12,500 0 0
</TABLE>
- -------
(1) The dollar value was calculated determining the difference between the fair
market value of the underlying securities on the date of exercise and the
exercise price of the options.
(2) The dollar value was calculated determining the difference between the fair
market value of the underlying securities at December 31, 1999 ($6.50 per
share) and the exercise price of the options.
(3) These options were granted to Intersure Reinsurance Company, over which Mr.
Fox exercises sole investment and voting power.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
No member of the compensation committee of the Company's Board of Directors
serves as an officer or employee of the Company or its subsidiaries, or as a
member of the compensation committee of any entity that has one or more
executive officers serving as a member of the Company's Board of Directors or
compensation committee.
Compensation Committee Report on Executive Compensation
The compensation committee is composed of three non-employee directors and
recommends to the Board of Directors matters regarding executive compensation.
The compensation for each of the Company's executive officers consists of a base
salary, an annual discretionary bonus, stock options, health insurance and other
benefits. The compensation committee generally reviews salary recommendations
with the Company's Chief Executive Officer with regard to other executive
officers and employees. The compensation committee reviews salary
recommendations based upon an evaluation of the individual's performance of the
position held, the Company's operating results, and the individual's
contribution to the Company's operating results. The base salary is intended to
be competitive with base salaries paid by other insurance companies to
executives with
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<PAGE>
similar qualifications, experience and responsibilities. In addition to the base
salary, each executive is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on
the Company's performance and an award of stock options. The general purpose of
granting stock options to the Company's executives is to align the interests of
the executive with the interests of the Company's shareholders. Stock options
are granted under the Company's Incentive Plan at the prevailing market price on
the date of grant and will only have value if the Company's stock price
increases. Grants of stock options generally are based on the position held by
the executive and the valuation of the executive's past and expected future
contribution to the Company's operating results.
Lloyd A. Fox, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, entered
into a five year Employment Agreement with the Company in March 1997, which
provides for an annual base salary of $375,000 and other customary executive
benefits including stock options. Mr. Fox's compensation is determined pursuant
to the principles noted above, and specific consideration is given to Mr. Fox's
responsibilities and experience in the insurance industry and his contribution
to the Company's operating results.
The members of the compensation committee are Thomas W. Mueller (chairman),
David V. Brueggen and Frederick C. Treadway.
[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank]
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<PAGE>
Performance Graph
The following performance graph compares the total shareholder return on
the Company's common shares with the Standard & Poor's 500 Index and a peer
group index compiled by SNL Securities for less than $250 million insurance
asset-size companies, assuming an investment of $100 on February 13, 1998, the
date on which the Company's common shares first began trading on the NASDAQ
National Market following the Company's initial public offering. The Company's
common shares were later listed on the New York Stock Exchange on February 5,
1999. The comparison in the performance graph is based on historical data and is
not intended to forecast future performance of the Company's common shares. The
source of the performance graph is SNL Securities, Charlottesville, Virginia.
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<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the common
shares of the Company owned as of May 3, 2000 (i) by each person who
beneficially owns more than 5% of the common shares, (ii) by each of the
Company's directors, (iii) by each of the Company's Named Executive Officers
identified in the Summary Compensation Table above, and (iv) by all directors
and executive officers of the Company as a group. Except as otherwise indicated,
each person listed below has sole voting and investment power with respect to
such common shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Percentage
Name of Beneficial Owner Shares(1) Ownership
- ------------------------ --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Frederick C. Treadway(2)............................ 803,561 14.7%
Lloyd A. Fox(3)..................................... 479,315 8.4
David V. Brueggen(4)................................ 287,575 5.2
William O. Mauldin, Jr.(5).......................... 241,735 4.4
Cody W. Birdwell(6)................................. 196,955 3.6
Thomas W. Mueller(7)................................ 182,745 3.3
Timothy E. Walsh(8)................................. 138,005 2.5
Stephen R. Crim(9).................................. 61,204 1.1
Joseph D. Scollo, Jr.(10)........................... 12,009 *
Steven B. Mathis(11)................................ 8,500 *
Wellington Management Company, LLP(12).............. 444,000 8.1
------- ---
All directors and executive officers as a
group (10 persons).................................. 2,394,100 41.8%
========= =====
</TABLE>
- ---------------
*Less than 1%
(1) Shares beneficially owned include shares that may be acquired pursuant to
the exercise of outstanding stock options that are exercisable within 60
days of May 3, 2000.
(2) Includes 690,727 shares held of record by Treadway Associates, L.P. Mr.
Treadway is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, and his
business address is 9406 Promontory Circle, Indianapolis, Indiana 46236.
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<PAGE>
(3) Includes 114,833 shares held of record by Intersure Reinsurance Company,
134,424 shares subject to immediately exercisable stock options, and 41,920
shares owned by his spouse as to which Mr. Fox disclaims beneficial
ownership. Mr. Fox is a director and the Chief Executive Officer and
President of the Company, and his business address is 1845 The Exchange,
Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia 30339.
(4) Includes 284,572 shares held of record by Vertecs Corporation and 3,003
shares owned by his spouse and children, as to which Mr. Brueggen disclaims
beneficial ownership. Mr. Brueggen is a director of the Company. (5)
Includes 241,280 shares held of record by A.R.I. Incorporated. Mr. Mauldin
is a director of the Company. (6) Includes 98,250 shares of record held by
The Cody Birdwell Family Limited Partnership. Mr. Birdwell is a director of
the Company. (7) Represents shares held of record by The Mark C. Mueller
Trust for which Mr. Thomas W. Mueller is the sole trustee. Excludes 182,745
shares held of record by The Thomas W. Mueller Trust for which Mark C.
Mueller is the sole trustee and 151,960 shares held of record by Market
Street Realty Trust, for which Thomas W. Mueller is one of three trustees
and as to which Thomas W. Mueller disclaims beneficial ownership. Thomas W.
Mueller is a director of the Company.
(8) Excludes 261,345 shares held of record by Walsh R.E., Ltd., as to which Mr.
Walsh disclaims beneficial ownership. Mr. Walsh is a director of the
Company. (9) Includes 31,440 shares held of record by Omega Reinsurance
Company, 1,430 shares held of record as custodian for his children, and
28,334 shares subject to immediately exercisable stock options. Mr. Crim is
Executive Vice President of the Company. (10) Includes 10,004 shares
subject to immediately exercisable stock options. Mr. Scollo is Senior Vice
President - Operations of the Company. (11) Includes 7,500 shares subject
to immediately exercisable stock options. Mr. Mathis is Chief Financial
Officer of the Company. (12) Information obtained from Schedule 13G filed
by Wellington Management Company, LLP with the Securities and Exchange
Commission as of December 31, 1999.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's officers and directors, and persons who own 10% or more of the
registered class of the Company's equity securities, to file with the Securities
and Exchange Commission initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in
ownership of common stock and other equity securities of the Company. Officers,
directors and 10% or more shareholders are required by the Securities and
Exchange Commission regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all
Section 16(a) forms they file. To the Company's knowledge, based solely
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<PAGE>
on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to the Company, during 1999
all directors, officers or 10% shareholders complied with all Section 16(a)
filing requirements.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The seven members of the Company's Board of Directors are also directors of
American Safety Risk Retention Group, Inc., a non-subsidiary affiliate. The
directors of American Safety Risk Retention Group, Inc. are elected annually by
its insureds. The Company derived approximately 6% ($1.4 million) of its
revenues in 1999 from American Safety Risk Retention Group, Inc.
In 1995, the Company entered into a retrocessional excess of loss
reinsurance treaty (for policy limits in excess of reinsurance obtained from
other unaffiliated reinsurers) with Intersure Reinsurance Company ("Intersure
Re"), which is owned by Lloyd A. Fox, the Chief Executive Officer, President and
a director of the Company. The treaty covers certain asbestos liability and
environmental remediation liability insurance policies in force, written or
renewed by American Safety Risk Retention Group, Inc., a non-subsidiary
affiliate, or American Safety Casualty Insurance Company, a subsidiary, for
which the Company acts as a reinsurer. For 1999, the Company paid reinsurance
premiums of $100,000 to Intersure Re. In 1999, the Company made a loan to
Intersure Re in the principal amount of $1,530,000 to purchase from the Company
for $1,700,000 a residential property in Atlanta, Georgia, whereby the Company
made a profit of $54,000. The loan had a maturity date of June 28, 2000, and was
repaid in February, 2000. The loan was secured by the residential property.
In 1996, the Company entered into a retrocessional excess of loss
reinsurance treaty (for policy limits in excess of reinsurance obtained from
other unaffiliated reinsurers) with Omega Reinsurance Company ("Omega Re"),
which is owned by Stephen R. Crim, the Executive Vice President of the Company.
The treaty covers certain asbestos liability and environmental remediation
liability insurance policies in force, written or renewed by American Safety
Risk Retention Group, Inc. a non-subsidiary affiliate, or American Safety
Casualty Insurance Company, a subsidiary, for which the Company acts as a
reinsurer. For 1999, the Company paid reinsurance premiums of $106,000 to Omega
Re.
In 1999, the Company had a loan outstanding to Frederick C. Treadway,
Chairman of the Company, and Treadway Corporation in the principal amount of
$280,000 with a maturity date of October 17, 1999, which was repaid in May,
1999. The loan was secured by Mr. Treadway's personal guaranty and a pledge of
common shares of the Company owned by Mr. Treadway.
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<PAGE>
American Safety Insurance Services, Inc. (formerly known as Synergy
Insurance Services, Inc.), the Company's principal U.S. program development,
underwriting and administrative services subsidiary, leases approximately 18,700
square feet (which increased from 15,000 square feet during 1999) of office
space in Atlanta, Georgia from a landlord, which is owned by Messrs. Birdwell,
Fox, Mueller, Treadway and Walsh, all of whom are directors of the Company. The
lease commenced on March 1, 1996 and expires on February 28, 2001. The lease
provides for a base annual rent plus an annual increase based on the consumer
price index, with such increase not less than 4% per annum. American Safety
Insurance Services, Inc. paid rent to the landlord of $272,279 in 1999.
Management believes the terms of the aforementioned transactions are no
less favorable to the Company than can be obtained from unaffiliated third
parties. Any future transactions between the Company and any director, officer
or principal shareholder of the Company, or any affiliate of such person, will
be on terms no less favorable to the Company than can be obtained from
unaffiliated third parties.
AMENDMENT TO 1998 INCENTIVE STOCK OPTION PLAN
(Proposal 2)
The Board of Directors requests that the shareholders of the Company
approve the recommendation of the compensation committee of the Board to
increase the number of common shares authorized for issuance under the 1998
Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Incentive Plan") from 750,000 to 1,500,000
common shares. A total of 750,000 common shares were initially reserved for
issuance under the Incentive Plan and there are 416,750 stock options issued and
outstanding thereunder as of the record date. The Incentive Plan is intended to
further the interests of the Company and shareholders by attracting, retaining
and motivating officers, employees, consultants and advisors to participate in
the long-term development of the Company through ownership of common shares. The
Board of Directors believes the increase in the number of shares authorized for
issuance under the Incentive Plan will further the purposes of the Incentive
Plan.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 2.
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RATIFICATION OF AUDITORS
(Proposal 3)
The Board of Directors requests that the shareholders of the Company ratify
the Board's selection of KPMG LLP, as the Company's independent public
accountants for the year ending December 31, 2000. A representative of KPMG LLP
is expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and available to respond to
appropriate questions. KPMG LLP has served as the Company's independent auditors
since 1993.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL 3.
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SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Any shareholder proposal intended for inclusion in the Company's Proxy
Statement for the 2001 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders must be received
at the offices of the Company, 44 Church Street, P.O. Box HM 2064, Hamilton HM
HX, Bermuda, not later than January 28, 2001.
OTHER MATTERS
At the time of the preparation of this Proxy Statement, the Company was not
aware of any matters to be presented for action at the Annual Meeting other than
the Proposals referred to herein. If other matters are properly presented for
action at the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the persons named as proxies
will vote or refrain from voting in accordance with their best judgment on such
matters.
ANNUAL REPORT
A copy of the Company's 1999 Annual Report is being mailed to each
shareholder together with this Proxy Statement.
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