<PAGE>
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MAY 21, 1996
REGISTRATION NO. 333-
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
----------------
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
----------------
ACE LIMITED
(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
CAYMAN ISLANDS 6331 NOT
(STATE OR OTHER (PRIMARY STANDARD INDUSTRIAL APPLICABLE
JURISDICTION OF CLASSIFICATION CODE NUMBER) (I.R.S.
INCORPORATION OR EMPLOYER
ORGANIZATION) IDENTIFICATION
NO.)
THE ACE BUILDING CT CORPORATION SYSTEM
30 WOODBOURNE AVENUE 1633 BROADWAY
HAMILTON, HM 08 BERMUDA NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10019
(441) 295-5200 (212) 664-1666
(ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND
TELEPHONE TELEPHONE
NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF AGENT
REGISTRANT'S FOR SERVICE)
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
COPIES TO:
EDWARD S. BEST NANCY H. CORBETT
MAYER, BROWN & PLATT MORGAN, LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
190 SOUTH LASALLE STREET 101 PARK AVENUE
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60603 NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10178-0060
(312) 782-0600 (212) 309-6000
----------------
APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: As soon as
practicable after this Registration Statement becomes effective and all other
conditions to the Amalgamation of TRCL Acquisition Limited, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of ACE Limited, with Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited (as
described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus) have been satisfied or
waived.
If the securities being registered on this form are being offered in
connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with
General Instruction G, check the following box. [_]
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PROPOSED MAXIMUM
TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF AGGREGATE OFFERING AMOUNT OF
SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED PRICE (1) REGISTRATION FEE (2)
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<S> <C> <C>
Ordinary Shares................................. $600,000,000 $206,897
</TABLE>
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(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee
calculated in accordance with Rule 457(0) under the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended.
(2) Pursuant to Rule 457(b) under the Securities Act, $120,000 of the
registration fee was paid on April 4, 1996 in connection with the filing of
preliminary joint proxy materials.
----------------
THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING
PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
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<PAGE>
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
HEADING OR LOCATION IN JOINT PROXY
FORM S-4 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTIONS STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS
--------------------------------- ----------------------------------
<S> <C>
1.Forepart of Registration Statement and
Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus.. Facing Page; Cross Reference Sheet; Outside
Front Cover Page of Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus
2.Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages
of Prospectus........................... Available Information; Incorporation of
Certain Documents By Reference; Inside
Front and Outside Back Cover Pages of
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
3.Risk Factors; Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges and Other Information........... Summary
4.Terms of the Transaction.................. Summary; The Special Meetings; The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions; The
Amalgamation Agreement; Comparison of
Rights of Holders of ACE Ordinary Shares
and Holders of Tempest Common Shares
5.Pro Forma Financial Information........... Summary; Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed
Combined Financial Statements
6.Material Contacts with the Company Being
Acquired................................ The Amalgamation and Related Transactions
7.Additional Information Required for
Reoffering by Persons and Parties Deemed
to be Underwriters...................... *
8.Interests of Named Experts and Counsel.... Experts; Legal Matters
9.Disclosure of Commission Position on
Indemnification for Securities Act
Liabilities............................. *
10.Information with Respect to S-3 Summary; Available Information;
Registrants............................. Incorporation of Certain Documents By
Reference; Information Concerning ACE;
Information Concerning Tempest; Beneficial
Ownership of Tempest Common Shares;
Selected Historical Financial Information
of Tempest; Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition of Tempest
11.Incorporation of Certain Information by Incorporation of Certain Documents By
Reference............................... Reference
12.Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
Registrants............................. *
13.Incorporation of Certain Information by
Reference............................... *
14.Information with Respect to Registrants
Other Than S-2 or S-3 Registrants....... *
15.Information with Respect to S-3 Companies. *
16.Information with Respect to S-2 or S-3
Companies............................... Available Information; Incorporation of
Certain Documents by Reference
17.Information with Respect to Companies
Other Than S-2 or S-3 Companies......... The Special Meetings
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORM S-4 ITEM NUMBER AND CAPTIONS HEADING OR LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
--------------------------------- ---------------------------------
<S> <C>
18.Information if Proxies, Consents or
Authorization are to be Solicited....... The Amalgamation and Related Transactions;
ACE Letter to Shareholders; ACE Notice of
Extraordinary General Meeting
19.Information if Proxies, Consents or
Authorizations are not to be Solicited
or in an Exchange Offer................. *
</TABLE>
- --------
*Not Applicable
<PAGE>
ACE [LOGO]
LIMITED May 22, 1996
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend an Extraordinary General Meeting of
Shareholders (the "ACE Special Meeting") of ACE Limited ("ACE") to be held at
the Hamilton Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, Bermuda at 8:30 a.m.
on Wednesday, June 19, 1996. At the ACE Special Meeting you will be asked to
consider and approve the issuance (the "Share Issuance") of Ordinary Shares of
ACE pursuant to the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as
of March 14, 1996 (the "Amalgamation Agreement"), by and among ACE, TRCL
Acquisition Limited ("Acquisition Subsidiary"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
ACE, and Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited, a Bermuda company ("Tempest").
Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, Acquisition Subsidiary will amalgamate
(the "Amalgamation") with and into Tempest, Tempest will become a wholly owned
subsidiary of ACE and Tempest's shareholders will receive Ordinary Shares of
ACE. Your attention is directed to the attached Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus for more detailed information concerning these
transactions.
Tempest is one of the premier Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurers.
ACE's Board believes that the Amalgamation will significantly enhance
shareholder value by combining ACE's historically strong core businesses with
Tempest's historically profitable property catastrophe business. The
Amalgamation will benefit ACE by providing ACE with increased opportunities in
the reinsurance market and diversifying ACE's business, customer and
distribution base and risk profile. Furthermore, ACE's Board believes that the
Amalgamation generally will be accretive to ACE's future earnings per share.
The reasons for the Amalgamation are described in greater detail in the
attached Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
ACE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AMALGAMATION AND
THE SHARE ISSUANCE ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ACE AND ITS
SHAREHOLDERS. ACCORDINGLY, THE BOARD HAS APPROVED THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT
AND THE SHARE ISSUANCE AND RECOMMENDS THAT ALL SHAREHOLDERS VOTE IN FAVOR OF
THE SHARE ISSUANCE AT THE ACE SPECIAL MEETING.
In reaching its decision, ACE's Board of Directors has considered, among
other things, the opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation, the financial advisor to ACE in connection with the Amalgamation,
that the consideration to be paid by ACE to the shareholders of Tempest was
fair to ACE and its shareholders from a financial point of view. A copy of
such opinion is attached as an annex to the attached Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
The Notice of Extraordinary General Meeting and the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus describing these transactions in greater detail are
attached. Whether or not you plan to attend the ACE Special Meeting, it is
important that your Ordinary Shares be represented. Please give this
information your careful consideration and complete, date, sign and return
promptly the WHITE proxy card in the enclosed envelope. You may attend the
meeting and vote your shares in person if you wish, even though you have
previously returned your proxy.
Sincerely,
Brian Duperreault
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE WHITE PROXY CARD PROMPTLY,
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ACE SPECIAL MEETING.
<PAGE>
ACE [LOGO]
LIMITED
NOTICE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING
May 22, 1996
Hamilton,
Bermuda
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF ACE LIMITED:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders
(the "ACE Special Meeting") of ACE Limited ("ACE") will be held on Wednesday,
June 19, 1996 at 8:30 a.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road,
Hamilton, Bermuda, to consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the
issuance (the "Share Issuance") of Ordinary Shares, par value $0.125 per
share, of ACE pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation,
dated as of March 14, 1996, by and among ACE, TRCL Acquisition Limited, a
wholly owned subsidiary of ACE, and Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited.
Only shareholders of record, as shown by the transfer books of ACE, at the
close of business on May 16, 1996 are entitled to notice of, and to vote at,
the ACE Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED WHITE PROXY CARD IN THE RETURN
ENVELOPE FURNISHED FOR THAT PURPOSE AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, WHETHER OR NOT
YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ACE SPECIAL MEETING. IF YOU LATER DESIRE TO REVOKE YOUR
PROXY FOR ANY REASON, YOU MAY DO SO IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE
AMALGAMATION, USE OF THE PROXY AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS, YOU ARE URGED TO
READ THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES.
ACE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF
THE SHARE ISSUANCE.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Brian Duperreault
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
<PAGE>
[LOGO]TempestRe
May 22, 1996
Dear Shareholder:
You are cordially invited to attend a Special General Meeting of Members (the
"Tempest Special Meeting") of Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited ("Tempest")
to be held at the Hamilton Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, Bermuda
on Wednesday, June 19, 1996, at 9:30 a.m., Bermuda time.
At this important meeting, you will be asked to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve an Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March
14, 1996 (the "Amalgamation Agreement"), by and among Tempest, ACE Limited, a
Cayman Islands corporation ("ACE"), and TRCL Acquisition Limited ("Acquisition
Subsidiary"), a wholly owned subsidiary of ACE, pursuant to which Acquisition
Subsidiary will amalgamate (the "Amalgamation") with and into Tempest, and
Tempest will become a wholly owned subsidiary of ACE. Shareholders of Tempest
will receive fully registered Ordinary Shares of ACE in exchange for their
Tempest Common Shares. The "lock-up" requirement contained in the Amalgamation
Agreement has been waived by ACE. Your attention is directed to the attached
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus for more detailed information concerning the
Amalgamation and transactions related thereto.
ACE, through its subsidiaries, provides excess liability insurance, directors
and officers liability insurance, satellite insurance, aviation insurance,
excess property insurance, financial lines products and certain financial
guarantee reinsurance. A Bermuda-based company whose shares are listed on the
New York Stock Exchange, ACE provides insurance coverage to a diverse group of
the world's largest enterprises. ACE also has recently acquired a controlling
interest in Methuen Group Limited, the holding company for Methuen (Lloyd's
Underwriting Agents) Limited, a leading Lloyd's of London managing agency, and
is providing funds to support underwriting capacity on Methuen syndicates.
Tempest's Board believes that the Amalgamation will provide Tempest with the
diversification necessary for sustained growth beyond that achievable as a
stand-alone, monoline property catastrophe reinsurance company and the prospect
for participating in a dynamic financial enterprise having greater financial
resources. The Tempest Board also believes that the Amalgamation will provide
Tempest's shareholders with liquidity and enhanced shareholder value.
Prior to the Amalgamation, holders of Tempest Common Shares will receive a
cash dividend as described more fully in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
In addition, immediately prior and subject to the Amalgamation, all Tempest
Common Shares owned by General Reinsurance Corporation ("General Re"), and all
options held by General Re to acquire additional Tempest Common Shares, will be
repurchased by Tempest. As a result, General Re currently intends to abstain
from voting with regard to the approval of the Amalgamation Agreement. Details
regarding such repurchase and the extent to which certain of General Re's
subsidiaries will continue to be engaged in Tempest's operations are more fully
described in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
Holders of Tempest Common Shares are also being asked to consider and consent
to (i) the amendment of the Securityholders Agreement dated as of September 15,
1993, as amended, and (ii) the waiver of their appraisal rights (collectively,
the "Tempest Transactions"), in each case as detailed in the attached Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT AND THE
TEMPEST TRANSACTIONS ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF TEMPEST AND ITS
SHAREHOLDERS. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS APPROVED THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT
AND RECOMMENDS THAT ALL SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE AMALGAMATION
AGREEMENT AND CONSENT TO THE TEMPEST TRANSACTIONS.
<PAGE>
The Notice of Special General Meeting of Members and the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus describing the proposed transactions in greater detail
are attached. All shareholders are invited to attend the Tempest Special
Meeting in person. Approval of the Amalgamation requires the affirmative vote
of shareholders holding and/or persons representing not less than 60% of the
votes represented by the issued and outstanding Tempest Common Shares. In
addition, the amendment of the Securityholders Agreement requires the consent
of shareholders holding two-thirds of the vote represented by the Tempest
Common Shares. Under the Amalgamation Agreement, the waiver of appraisal
rights requires the consent of holders of at least 75% of the outstanding
Tempest Common Shares (not including Tempest Common Shares held by General
Re). Because of the significance of the proposed transactions to Tempest, your
participation in the Tempest Special Meeting, in person or by proxy, is
especially important.
In order that your shares may be represented at the Tempest Special Meeting,
whether or not you plan to attend the Tempest Special Meeting, YOU ARE URGED
TO PROMPTLY COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ACCOMPANYING BLUE PROXY CARD
BY FACSIMILE TO (441) 292-2790, ATTENTION: CORPORATE SECRETARY, to be
confirmed by sending the original by air courier to: Tempest Reinsurance
Company Limited, 4th Floor, Par-La-Ville Place, 14 Par-La-Ville Road, Hamilton
HM 08, Bermuda, Attention: Corporate Secretary. If you attend the Tempest
Special Meeting in person, you may, if you wish, vote personally on all
matters brought before the Tempest Special Meeting even if you have previously
returned your proxy card.
Sincerely,
Donald Kramer
Co-Chairman
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE BLUE PROXY CARD
PROMPTLY BY FACSIMILE AND AIR COURIER,
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND
THE TEMPEST SPECIAL MEETING.
<PAGE>
[LOGO]TempestRe
NOTICE OF SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS
May 22, 1996
Hamilton,
Bermuda
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special General Meeting of Members (the
"Tempest Special Meeting") of Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited ("Tempest")
will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 1996 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hamilton Princess
Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, Bermuda, to consider and vote upon a
proposal to approve the terms of an Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated
as of March 14, 1996 (the "Amalgamation Agreement"), by and among Tempest, ACE
Limited and TRCL Acquisition Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACE
Limited.
In connection with the Amalgamation, holders of Tempest Common Shares are
also being asked to consent to (i) the amendment of the Securityholders
Agreement dated as of September 15, 1993, as amended, and (ii) the waiver of
their appraisal rights (collectively, the "Tempest Transactions"), in each
case as detailed in the attached Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED BLUE PROXY CARD, WHETHER OR NOT
YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE TEMPEST SPECIAL MEETING, BY FACSIMILE TO (441) 292-
2790, ATTENTION: CORPORATE SECRETARY, TO BE CONFIRMED BY SENDING THE ORIGINAL
BY AIR COURIER, TO: TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, 4TH FLOOR, PAR-LA-
VILLE PLACE, 14 PAR-LA-VILLE ROAD, HAMILTON HM 08, BERMUDA, ATTENTION:
CORPORATE SECRETARY. IF YOU LATER DESIRE TO REVOKE YOUR PROXY FOR ANY REASON,
YOU MAY DO SO IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE AMALGAMATION, USE
OF THE PROXY AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS, YOU ARE URGED TO READ THE JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES.
TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
APPROVAL OF THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT AND CONSENT TO THE TEMPEST
TRANSACTIONS.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Charles G. Collis, Jr.
Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MAY 21, 1996
ACE LIMITED
AND
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
JOINT PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF ACE LIMITED
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 19, 1996
FOR THE SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS OF TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY
LIMITED
TO BE HELD ON JUNE 19, 1996
---------------
ACE LIMITED
PROSPECTUS
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to the shareholders
of ACE Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation ("ACE"), and Tempest Reinsurance
Company Limited, a Bermuda corporation ("Tempest"), in connection with the
solicitation of proxies by the respective Boards of Directors of ACE and
Tempest for use, respectively, at the extraordinary general meeting of
shareholders of ACE to be held on Wednesday, June 19, 1996, at 8:30 a.m. at
the Hamilton Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, Bermuda (the "ACE
Special Meeting"), and at the special general meeting of members of Tempest to
be held on Wednesday, June 19, 1996, at 9:30 a.m. at the Hamilton Princess
Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, Bermuda (the "Tempest Special Meeting"
and, together with the ACE Special Meeting, the "Special Meetings").
At the ACE Special Meeting, the holders of record of ordinary shares, par
value $0.125 per share, of ACE ("ACE Ordinary Shares"), as shown by the
transfer books of ACE, at the close of business on May 16, 1996 (the "ACE
Record Date," and the holders of ACE Ordinary Shares on the ACE Record Date,
the "ACE Shareholders"), will consider and vote upon a proposal, as more fully
described herein, to approve the issuance (the "Share Issuance") of ACE
Ordinary Shares pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as
of March 14, 1996 (the "Amalgamation Agreement"), by and among ACE, TRCL
Acquisition Limited ("Acquisition Subsidiary"), a wholly owned subsidiary of
ACE, and Tempest, which will effect the amalgamation of Acquisition Subsidiary
with and into Tempest (together with the transactions contemplated thereby,
and as more fully described herein, the "Amalgamation"). A copy of the
Amalgamation Agreement is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as
Annex A.
At the Tempest Special Meeting, the holders of record of common shares, par
value $10 per share, of Tempest ("Tempest Common Shares"), as shown in the
register of members of Tempest, at the close of business on May 16, 1996 (the
"Tempest Record Date," and the holders of Tempest Common Shares on the Tempest
Record Date, the "Tempest Shareholders"), will consider and vote upon a
proposal, as more fully described herein, to approve the Amalgamation
Agreement and to consent to (i) the amendment of the Securityholders Agreement
dated as of September 15, 1993, as amended (the "Securityholders Agreement")
and (ii) the waiver of their appraisal rights (collectively, the "Tempest
Transactions"), in each case as detailed herein. A copy of the Amalgamation
Agreement is attached to this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as Annex A.
If the Amalgamation is consummated, holders of Tempest Common Shares will
receive ACE Ordinary Shares based upon the exchange ratio as determined
pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement and as described under "The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Amalgamation Consideration." The
consummation of the Amalgamation is subject, among other things, to: (i) the
approval of the Share Issuance by the affirmative vote of the holders of a
majority of the votes cast at the ACE Special Meeting, provided that the total
votes cast represent over 50% in interest of all ACE Ordinary Shares entitled
to vote at the ACE Special Meeting, and (ii) the approval of the Amalgamation
Agreement by the affirmative vote of Tempest Shareholders holding and/or
persons representing not less than 60% of the votes represented by the issued
and outstanding Tempest Common Shares, the consent to the amendment of the
Securityholders Agreement by Tempest Shareholders holding at least two-thirds
of the votes represented by the Tempest Common Shares then held by the Tempest
Shareholders and, under the Amalgamation Agreement, the consent to the waiver
of their appraisal rights by holders of at least 75% of the outstanding
Tempest Common Shares (not including Tempest Common Shares held by General
Reinsurance Corporation ("General Re")).
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus also serves as a prospectus of ACE
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), for the
issuance of ACE Ordinary Shares in the Amalgamation. ACE Ordinary Shares are
traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "NYSE") under the symbol
"ACL." On May 21, 1996, the closing sale price of ACE Ordinary Shares on the
NYSE was $ per share. The Tempest Common Shares are not traded on any
securities exchange or quoted on any inter-dealer quotation system.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is first being mailed to shareholders
of ACE and Tempest on or about May 22 , 1996.
---------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
---------------
The date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is May , 1996.
<PAGE>
FOR NORTH CAROLINA RESIDENTS: THE COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE OF THE STATE OF
NORTH CAROLINA HAS NOT APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THIS OFFERING NOR HAS THE
COMMISSIONER PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS JOINT PROXY
STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS. THE BUYER IN NORTH CAROLINA UNDERSTANDS THAT NONE OF
ACE, TEMPEST OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBSIDIARIES ARE LICENSED AS INSURANCE
COMPANIES IN NORTH CAROLINA NOR DO THEY MEET THE BASIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
FOR LICENSING AS INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NORTH CAROLINA.
NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED BY ACE OR TEMPEST TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE
ANY REPRESENTATION, OTHER THAN ANY INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION CONTAINED IN
THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOLICITATION AND
THE OFFERING MADE BY THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/ PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR
MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING
BEEN AUTHORIZED. THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE
SOLICITATION OF A PROXY, OR AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO
PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES, IN ANY JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH A SOLICITATION OR
OFFERING MAY NOT LAWFULLY BE MADE.
NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
DISTRIBUTION OF SECURITIES MADE HEREUNDER SHALL IMPLY THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE INFORMATION SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN THE AFFAIRS OF ACE OR TEMPEST
SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC"), the solicitation of the Tempest Shareholders to approve the
Amalgamation Agreement constitutes an offering of ACE Ordinary Shares to be
issued in connection with the Amalgamation. Accordingly, ACE has filed with
the SEC a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (together with any amendments
thereto, the "Registration Statement") under the Securities Act with respect
to such offering. This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus does not contain all
the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
thereto, certain portions of which have been omitted as permitted by the rules
and regulations of the SEC. Copies of the Registration Statement are available
from the SEC, upon payment of prescribed rates. Statements contained in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus or in any document incorporated by reference
in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or
other document referred to herein or therein are not necessarily complete, and
in each instance reference is made to the copy of such contract or other
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement or to such other
document, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such
reference.
ACE is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). In accordance with the Exchange
Act, ACE files proxy statements, reports and other information with the SEC.
Material filed by ACE can be inspected and copied at the public reference
facilities maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the SEC's Regional Offices in Chicago, 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511, and in New York,
Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048, and copies of
such materials can be obtained by mail from the Public Reference Section of
the SEC, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates.
The ACE Ordinary Shares are listed on the NYSE, 20 Broad Street, New York,
New York 10005, and proxy statements, reports and other information concerning
ACE can be inspected at such exchange.
Tempest is not required to and does not file periodic reports with the SEC.
ii
<PAGE>
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The following documents filed with the SEC by ACE are incorporated herein by
reference: (i) ACE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September
30, 1995 (File No. 1-11778); (ii) ACE's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the
quarters ended December 31, 1995 and March 31, 1996; and (iii) ACE's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 1996.
All reports and definitive proxy or information statements filed by ACE
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act subsequent
to the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and prior to the
termination of the offering of ACE Ordinary Shares to which this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus relates shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference
into this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus from the date of filing of such
documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated herein by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to the extent that a
statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which
also is or is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference modifies or
supersedes such statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall
not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus incorporates by reference documents
that are not presented herein or delivered herewith. There will be provided
without charge to any person, to whom a Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is
delivered, upon oral or written request of any such person, a copy of any or
all documents incorporated herein by reference (excluding exhibits, unless
such exhibits are specifically incorporated therein by reference). Requests
should be directed to Investor Relations, ACE Limited, The ACE Building, 30
Woodbourne Avenue, Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda (telephone 441-295-5200). In order
to ensure timely delivery of the documents in advance of the Special Meetings
to which this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relates, any such request
should be made by June 5, 1996.
----------------
All information contained in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus relating
to ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary has been supplied by ACE, and all
information relating to Tempest has been supplied by Tempest. Neither ACE nor
Tempest warrants the accuracy or completeness of information relating to the
other party.
In this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, amounts are expressed in United
States dollars and financial statements contained or incorporated by reference
herein and (unless otherwise indicated) related financial information derived
therefrom have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP").
References in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to "(Pounds)" are to
English Pounds Sterling. For informational purposes only, U.S. dollar
equivalents of such amounts have been provided based upon the noon buying rate
on May 21, 1996 as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York of
$ = (Pounds)1.
References in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus to "BD$" are to Bermuda
dollars which are substantially equivalent in value to United States dollars.
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
UNDER UNITED STATES FEDERAL SECURITIES LAW
ACE is a Cayman Islands corporation and certain of its officers and
directors are residents of various jurisdictions outside of the United States.
All or a substantial portion of the assets of such officers and directors and
ACE, at any one time, are or may be located in jurisdictions outside of the
United States. Therefore, it ordinarily could be difficult for investors to
effect service of process within the United States on any of the parties who
reside outside of the United States or to recover against them on judgments of
United States courts predicated upon civil liability under the United States
federal securities laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, ACE has irrevocably
agreed that it may be served with process with respect to actions based on
offers and sales of ACE Ordinary Shares made hereby in the United States by
serving CT Corporation System, 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, its
United States agent appointed for that purpose. ACE has been advised by Maples
and Calder, its Cayman Islands counsel, that there is doubt as to whether the
courts of the Cayman Islands would enforce (i) judgments of United States
courts obtained in actions against such persons or ACE predicated upon the
civil liability provisions of the United States federal securities laws and
(ii) original actions brought in the
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Cayman Islands against such persons or ACE predicated solely upon United
States federal securities laws. There is no treaty in effect between the
United States and the Cayman Islands providing for such enforcement, and there
are grounds upon which the Cayman Islands courts may not enforce judgments of
United States courts. Certain remedies available under the United States
federal securities laws would not be allowed in Cayman Islands courts as
contrary to that nation's public policy.
STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING DISCLOSURE
Certain sections of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus contain forward
looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including those
associated with the effect of U.S. and international economic conditions,
interest rates, market share risk relating to underwriting criteria and
changes in performance of the financial markets.
iv
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
AVAILABLE INFORMATION..................................................... ii
INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE........................... iii
ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES UNDER UNITED STATES FEDERAL SECURITIES
LAW...................................................................... iii
STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING DISCLOSURE............................ iv
SUMMARY................................................................... 1
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS...................................................... 17
THE AMALGAMATION AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS................................. 20
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS.................................. 42
THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT................................................ 45
INFORMATION CONCERNING ACE................................................ 53
TAXATION OF ACE AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS...................................... 64
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF ACE... 71
INFORMATION CONCERNING TEMPEST............................................ 77
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF TEMPEST COMMON SHARES............................. 87
SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TEMPEST...................... 89
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND
FINANCIAL CONDITION OF TEMPEST........................................... 91
DESCRIPTION OF ACE CAPITAL STOCK.......................................... 99
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF ACE ORDINARY SHARES AND HOLDERS OF
TEMPEST COMMON SHARES.................................................... 104
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS..................................................... 110
LEGAL MATTERS............................................................. 110
EXPERTS................................................................... 110
OTHER BUSINESS AT THE SPECIAL MEETINGS.................................... 110
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS............................................. F-1
ANNEX A--Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation............................... A-1
ANNEX B--Opinion of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation... B-1
ANNEX C--Opinion of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated.... C-1
</TABLE>
v
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SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain information contained elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus. Reference is made to, and this summary is
qualified in its entirety by, the more detailed information contained elsewhere
in this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, in the attached Annexes and in the
documents incorporated by reference. ACE Shareholders and Tempest Shareholders
are urged to read carefully this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus and the
attached Annexes in their entirety.
THE PARTIES
ACE. ACE, through its principal operating subsidiaries, A.C.E. Insurance
Company, Ltd. ("ACE Insurance") and Corporate Officers and Directors Assurance
Ltd. ("CODA"), provides excess liability insurance, directors and officers
liability insurance, satellite insurance, aviation insurance, excess property
insurance, financial lines products and certain financial guarantee
reinsurance. ACE provides insurance coverage to industrial, commercial and
other enterprises, including more than one-half of the top 250 companies listed
in the most recent Fortune 500 list of the largest industrial corporations in
the United States.
On March 27, 1996, a corporate subsidiary of ACE acquired a 51% interest in
Methuen Group Limited ("Methuen"), the holding company for Methuen (Lloyd's
Underwriting Agents) Limited, a leading Lloyd's of London ("Lloyd's") managing
agency. ACE may acquire the remaining 49% interest in Methuen during the years
1999 and 2000 through various put and call arrangements. Methuen has six
syndicates with total underwriting capacity of (Pounds)367 million ($ ) in
1996. For the 1996 year of account, ACE has, through a newly formed corporate
subsidiary, provided funds at Lloyd's of (Pounds)12.25 million ($ )
supporting (Pounds)24.5 million ($ ) of underwriting capacity on Methuen
syndicates. ACE has agreed, subject to certain conditions, to provide funds at
Lloyd's of (Pounds)50 million ($ ) to support underwriting by Methuen
syndicates in 1997 and subsequent years. See "Information Concerning ACE--
Business--Methuen."
ACE's executive offices are located at The ACE Building, 30 Woodbourne
Avenue, Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda and its telephone number is (441) 295-5200. See
"Information Concerning ACE."
Acquisition Subsidiary. Acquisition Subsidiary, a Bermuda corporation, is a
wholly owned subsidiary of ACE formed solely for the purpose of effecting the
Amalgamation.
Tempest. Tempest underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance on a worldwide
basis and emphasizes excess layer coverages. Tempest's property catastrophe
reinsurance contracts protect insurers against the accumulation of losses from
natural or man-made disasters. Tempest's business is generated through
reinsurance intermediaries. Since beginning its operations in September 1993,
Tempest has written a selective and geographically diverse portfolio of
property catastrophe risks.
At November 30, 1995, Tempest had 269 programs (consisting of all the layers
of coverage for each reinsurance risk) in force with 224 clients. During fiscal
1995, approximately 94% of Tempest's programs were submitted for renewal. Of
these, approximately 17% were declined by Tempest for underwriting reasons,
such as rate reductions considered to be excessive by Tempest. Premiums written
during the year ended November 30, 1995 totalled $177,580,000, of which 44.3%
related to non-U.S. risks. Tempest's shareholders' equity at November 30, 1995
was $692,318,000. For the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994, Tempest's
combined ratios were 54.2% and 38.6%, respectively.
Tempest's executive offices are located at 4th Floor, Par-La-Ville Place, 14
Par-La-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda and its telephone number is (441)
292-2603. See "Information Concerning Tempest."
<PAGE>
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS AND VOTES REQUIRED
Place, Date and Time. The ACE Special Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June
19, 1996 at 8:30 a.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road,
Hamilton, Bermuda. The Tempest Special Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June
19, 1996 at 9:30 a.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road,
Hamilton, Bermuda.
Matters To Be Considered at the Special Meetings. At the ACE Special Meeting,
ACE Shareholders will consider and vote upon a proposal to approve the Share
Issuance. At the Tempest Special Meeting, Tempest Shareholders will consider
and vote upon a proposal to approve the Amalgamation Agreement. In connection
with the Amalgamation, Tempest Shareholders also are being asked to consent to
(i) the amendment of the Securityholders Agreement and (ii) the waiver of their
appraisal rights, in each case as described herein.
Required Vote. The approval of the Share Issuance by ACE Shareholders
requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast,
in person or by proxy, at the ACE Special Meeting, provided that the total
number of votes cast at the ACE Special Meeting represents over 50% in interest
of all ACE Ordinary Shares entitled to vote at the ACE Special Meeting. The
approval of the Amalgamation Agreement by Tempest Shareholders requires the
affirmative vote of Tempest Shareholders holding and/or persons representing
not less than 60% of the votes represented by the issued and outstanding
Tempest Common Shares. Two or more persons present in person and representing
in person or by proxy in excess of 50% of the votes represented by the issued
and outstanding Tempest Common Shares are necessary to form a quorum at the
Tempest Special Meeting. In addition, the amendment of the Securityholders
Agreement requires the consent of Tempest Shareholders holding two-thirds of
the votes represented by the Tempest Common Shares unless the rights,
obligations or tax treatment of a Tempest Shareholder are materially and
adversely affected by such amendment, in which case the consent of such Tempest
Shareholder is also required. Under the Amalgamation Agreement, the consent to
the waiver of their appraisal rights requires the consent of holders of at
least 75% of the outstanding Tempest Common Shares (not including Tempest
Common Shares held by General Re).
Record Date; Shares Outstanding and Entitled to Vote. May 16, 1996 has been
set as the ACE Record Date. Accordingly, only holders of record of ACE Ordinary
Shares at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice of and
to vote at the ACE Special Meeting. At the close of business on such date,
there were 46,105,108 ACE Ordinary Shares outstanding. May 16, 1996 has been
set as the Tempest Record Date. Accordingly, only holders of record of Tempest
Common Shares at the close of business on that date will be entitled to notice
of and to vote at the Tempest Special Meeting. At the close of business on such
date, there were 5,237,625 Tempest Common Shares outstanding.
Security Ownership of Management. As of the ACE Record Date, the directors
and executive officers of ACE and their affiliates had the right to vote an
aggregate of 162,392 ACE Ordinary Shares, representing less than 1% of the ACE
Ordinary Shares then outstanding. In addition, three of ACE's directors are
also officers or otherwise affiliated with shareholders of ACE, such
shareholders having the right to vote as of the ACE Record Date an aggregate of
3,245,591 ACE Ordinary Shares, representing approximately 7.03% of the ACE
Ordinary Shares outstanding as of the ACE Record Date. As of the Tempest Record
Date, the directors and executive officers of Tempest and their affiliates had
the right to vote an aggregate of 1,595,285 Tempest Common Shares, representing
approximately 21.18% of the votes entitled to vote at the Tempest Special
Meeting. ACE has agreed to indemnify all current and former directors, officers
and employees of Tempest, as provided in the Amalgamation Agreement. See "The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the
Amalgamation." General Re, which is represented by three directors on the Board
of Directors of Tempest and has the right to vote 9.99% of the votes entitled
to vote at the Tempest Special Meeting, currently intends to abstain from
voting with respect to the approval of the Amalgamation Agreement. As a result
of the repurchase of General Re's ownership interest in Tempest, Tempest's
Board understands that General Re considers it inappropriate to vote with
respect to the Amalgamation when it will not participate therein.
2
<PAGE>
THE AMALGAMATION AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
General. The Amalgamation Agreement provides that, at the effective time of
the Amalgamation (the "Effective Time"), Acquisition Subsidiary will be
amalgamated with and into Tempest, and Tempest will thereafter operate as a
wholly owned subsidiary of ACE under the name "Tempest Reinsurance Company
Limited" (the "ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary"). See "The Amalgamation Agreement--
The Amalgamation" and Annex A for a copy of the Amalgamation Agreement.
Amalgamation Consideration. At the Effective Time, each Tempest Common Share
issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, other than
Tempest Common Shares held by ACE or any of its wholly owned subsidiaries, will
cease to be outstanding and will be converted into the right to receive that
number of ACE Ordinary Shares (the "Amalgamation Consideration") obtained by
dividing (i) the quotient of (x) the Premium Amount (as defined below) divided
by (y) the Average Closing Price (as defined below), by (ii) the number of
Tempest Common Shares issued and outstanding (excluding certain Tempest Common
Shares to be cancelled in connection with the Amalgamation) immediately prior
to the Effective Time. As defined in the Amalgamation Agreement, the "Premium
Amount" means an amount equal to 120% of the Net Assets (as defined herein) of
Tempest immediately prior to the Effective Time; provided, however, that if the
Net Assets of Tempest should exceed $500 million then the Premium Amount shall
be an amount equal to the sum of (i) $600 million and (ii) the dollar amount by
which the Net Assets exceed $500 million. As defined in the Amalgamation
Agreement, the "Average Closing Price" shall be an amount equal to the average
per share closing price of the ACE Ordinary Shares as reported on the NYSE
Composite Transaction Tape for the ten NYSE trading days immediately preceding
the three NYSE trading days (such third day being herein called the
"Determination Date") prior to the date of the ACE Special Meeting; provided,
further, that if the Average Closing Price is greater than $45.00, the exchange
ratio will become fixed as if the Average Closing Price were $45.00 (resulting
in ACE Ordinary Shares of greater aggregate market value being distributed) and
if the Average Closing Price is less than $33.00, the exchange ratio will
become fixed as if the Average Closing Price were $33.00 (resulting in ACE
Ordinary Shares of lesser aggregate market value being distributed). The
Average Closing Price will be determined on the third NYSE trading day prior to
the ACE Special Meeting and will be publicly announced by ACE as soon as
practicable after its determination. Interested parties may also contact ACE's
investor relations department (441-295-5200) for the Average Closing Price
beginning on the Determination Date. The maximum number of ACE Ordinary Shares
issuable in connection with the Amalgamation (which would be based upon an
Average Closing Price of $33.00 or lower) is 18,181,818 and the minimum number
of ACE Ordinary Shares issuable in connection with the Amalgamation (which
would be based upon an Average Closing Price of $45.00 or higher) is
13,333,333. The Amalgamation Agreement may be terminated at any time after the
Determination Date and prior to the Effective Time by either party if the
Average Closing Price shall be greater than $49.00 or less than $31.00. See
"The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Termination--Termination of the
Amalgamation."
For illustrative purposes only, if the Amalgamation had been consummated on
March 31, 1996, the Average Closing Price would have been $44.475 and Tempest
Shareholders would have been entitled to receive 3.2470 ACE Ordinary Shares for
each Tempest Common Share held by them. Based on unaudited financial statements
of Tempest as of March 31, 1996, the Dividend (as defined herein) would have
been $9.66 per Tempest Common Share. There can be no assurance that, at the
Effective Time, the number of ACE Ordinary Shares and Dividend amount which
each Tempest Shareholder will be entitled to receive will not be less than the
number of shares and amount disclosed above.
Each holder of Tempest Common Shares who would otherwise have been entitled
to receive a fraction of an ACE Ordinary Share will receive cash in lieu
thereof. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions-- Amalgamation
Consideration." In addition, the Amalgamation Agreement provides that each
outstanding Tempest stock option will be canceled and replaced with an option
to acquire ACE Ordinary Shares, in accordance with the applicable exchange
ratio. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Tempest Options."
The Exchange Agent (as defined herein) will send transmittal forms to each
holder of Tempest Common Shares who is a holder of record of Tempest Common
Shares at the Effective Time. Such transmittal forms will
3
<PAGE>
contain instructions with respect to the surrender of certificates representing
Tempest Common Shares to be exchanged for ACE Ordinary Shares and cash in lieu
of fractional shares. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--
Conversion of Tempest Common Shares and Procedures for Exchange of
Certificates" and "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Replacement of
Options--Procedures for Exchange of Certificates and Tempest Options."
Recommendation of the ACE Board of Directors. The ACE Board of Directors has
determined that the Amalgamation and the Share Issuance are fair to and in the
best interests of ACE and its shareholders and recommends that the ACE
Shareholders vote in favor of the approval of the Share Issuance. ACE's Board
believes that the Amalgamation will significantly enhance shareholder value by
combining ACE's historically strong core businesses with Tempest's historically
profitable property catastrophe business. ACE's Board believes that the
Amalgamation will afford ACE significant new opportunities to utilize ACE's
capital, experience and management. ACE's Board also believes that the size and
prominence of the consolidated companies will attract new and increased
attention to ACE and its diverse lines of coverage, further enhancing ACE's
position as a leading worldwide property and casualty insurer. In addition,
ACE's Board believes that (i) the Amalgamation will provide ACE with increased
opportunities in the reinsurance market, (ii) the Amalgamation will further
ACE's strategy of diversifying its business, customer and distribution base,
(iii) diversifying through the acquisition of Tempest will be more cost
effective and less risky than starting a property catastrophe reinsurance
business, (iv) the Amalgamation will diversify ACE's overall risk profile and
(v) the Amalgamation generally will be accretive to ACE's future earnings per
share. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Recommendations of the
ACE Board of Directors and ACE's Reasons for the Amalgamation."
ACE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT ACE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL
OF THE SHARE ISSUANCE.
Opinion of Financial Advisor to ACE. On March 14, 1996 and May 22, 1996,
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ"), the investment
banking firm retained by ACE, issued to the ACE Board of Directors its written
opinions that, as of such dates, the Amalgamation Consideration is fair to ACE
and to the holders of ACE Ordinary Shares from a financial point of view. ACE
has agreed to pay DLJ a fee for its services in connection with the
Amalgamation, a significant portion of which is contingent upon consummation of
the Amalgamation. Because a substantial portion of its fee is contingent upon
the successful completion of the Amalgamation, DLJ may potentially have a
conflict of interest. The full text of DLJ's written fairness opinion, dated
May 22, 1996, is attached hereto as Annex B and ACE Shareholders are urged to
read such opinion in its entirety. For additional information concerning the
assumptions made, procedures followed and other matters considered, including
certain limitations with respect to DLJ's written fairness opinions, see "The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Opinions of Financial Advisor to ACE."
Recommendation of the Tempest Board of Directors. The Tempest Board of
Directors has determined that the Amalgamation will provide Tempest with the
diversification necessary for sustained growth beyond that achievable as a
stand-alone, monoline property catastrophe reinsurance company and the prospect
for participating in a dynamic financial enterprise having greater financial
resources. Tempest's Board also believes that the Amalgamation will provide
Tempest Shareholders with shareholder liquidity and enhanced shareholder value.
The Tempest Board of Directors also determined that the Amalgamation Agreement
and the Tempest Transactions are fair to and in the best interests of Tempest
and its shareholders. In particular, Tempest's Board of Directors has
determined that the Amalgamation Consideration to be received by the holders of
Tempest Common Shares in the Amalgamation represents a fair price to Tempest
Shareholders. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Recommendations
of the Tempest Board of Directors and Tempest's Reasons for the Amalgamation."
4
<PAGE>
TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
APPROVAL OF THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT.
Securityholders Agreement. In connection with the Amalgamation, Tempest
Shareholders are being asked to consent to the amendment of the Securityholders
Agreement. Under the Amalgamation Agreement, completion of the Amalgamation is
subject to the amendment and termination of the Securityholders Agreement. The
proposal to amend the Securityholders Agreement is based on the Tempest Board
of Directors' recognition of the inappropriateness of maintaining, following
the consummation of the Amalgamation, the Securityholders Agreement, or any
agreement with provisions substantially similar to those contained in the
Securityholders Agreement, in light of the fact that ACE Ordinary Shares are
listed on the NYSE. Although it is not clear that, under the circumstances of
the Amalgamation, these amendments are required, Tempest's Board of Directors
has concluded that it is advisable to resolve the question by amending the
Securityholders Agreement. Accordingly, the Tempest Board of Directors proposes
to amend (i) Section 17 of the Securityholders Agreement to make it
inapplicable in connection with transactions in which Tempest shareholders
receive shares or other securities which have been registered under the
Securities Act and which are listed on a national securities exchange or NASDAQ
and (ii) Section 14 of the Securityholders Agreement to provide for the
termination of the Securityholders Agreement effective upon the consummation of
the Amalgamation. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--The Tempest
Transactions--Securityholders Agreement."
TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS CONSENT TO
THE AMENDMENT OF THE SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT.
Appraisal Rights. The Bermuda Companies Act 1981 provides that any Tempest
Shareholder who does not vote in favor of the Amalgamation and who is not
satisfied that he has been offered fair value for his Tempest Common Shares may
within one month of the giving of the notice of the Tempest Special Meeting
apply to have his shares appraised and to receive for his Tempest Common Shares
the appraised fair value. The failure to vote against the Amalgamation does not
constitute a waiver of the shareholder's appraisal rights. Under the
Amalgamation Agreement, completion of the Amalgamation is subject to the
holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Tempest Common Shares (not including
Tempest Common Shares held by General Re) waiving their appraisal and related
rights. ACE may waive this closing condition in its sole discretion. See "The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions--The Tempest Transactions--Appraisal
Rights." The Tempest Board of Directors has determined that the Amalgamation
Consideration represents a fair price to Tempest Shareholders. See "The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Amalgamation Consideration." Merrill
Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") has provided an
opinion that the Amalgamation Consideration is fair from a financial point of
view to Tempest Shareholders that will be receiving such consideration. See
"The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Opinions of Financial Advisor to
Tempest."
TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS CONSENT TO
THE WAIVER OF THEIR APPRAISAL RIGHTS.
Opinions of Financial Advisor to Tempest. On March 12, 1996, Merrill Lynch,
the investment banking firm retained by Tempest in connection with the
Amalgamation, delivered its written opinion to Tempest's Board of Directors to
the effect that, as of such date, the consideration to be received in the form
of ACE Ordinary Shares by Tempest Shareholders pursuant to the Amalgamation
Agreement was fair from a financial point of view to such Tempest Shareholders.
By letter dated March 14, 1996 and addressed to the Tempest Board, Merrill
Lynch confirmed that its opinion applied to the definitive Amalgamation
Agreement, dated March 14, 1996. Merrill Lynch has also delivered to the
Tempest Board a substantially identical opinion, dated the date of this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. Tempest has agreed to pay Merrill Lynch a fee for
its services in connection with the Amalgamation, a significant portion of
which is contingent upon consummation of the Amalgamation. See "The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Opinions of Financial Advisor to
Tempest." Because a substantial portion of its fee is contingent upon the
successful completion of the Amalgamation, Merrill Lynch may potentially have a
conflict of interest. The full text of Merrill Lynch's fairness opinion dated
the date of this
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<PAGE>
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is attached hereto as Annex C. Tempest
Shareholders are urged to read such opinions in their entirety. For additional
information concerning the assumptions made, procedures followed and other
matters considered, including certain limitations with respect to Merrill
Lynch's written fairness opinions, see "The Amalgamation and Related
Transactions--Opinions of Financial Advisor to Tempest."
NYSE Listing. At the Effective Time, the ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued in
connection with the Amalgamation will have been approved for listing on the
NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, under the symbol "ACL." See "The
Amalgamation Agreement--Additional Agreements--Additional Covenants of ACE and
Acquisition Subsidiary."
Interests of Certain Persons in the Amalgamation. As a condition to the
consummation of the Amalgamation, ACE has entered into employment arrangements,
effective as of the Effective Time, pursuant to which (i) Donald Kramer, Co-
Chairman of the Board of Tempest, will serve as (x) chairman and chief
executive officer of the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary on terms and conditions
substantially similar to the terms and conditions (including compensation and
benefits) currently applicable to his employment with Tempest and (y) vice-
chairman of ACE, and (ii) certain employees of Tempest and one employee of
General Re Underwriting Services Limited ("GRUS") shall continue as or may
become, as the case may be, employees of the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary. See
"The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the
Amalgamation--Employment Arrangements" and "Information Concerning Tempest--
Underwriting Policies and Procedures--Relationship with General Re."
The Amalgamation Agreement provides that, from and after the Effective Time,
ACE shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the officers, directors and
employees of Tempest against all losses, expenses, claims, damages and
liabilities arising out of the transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation
Agreement to the fullest extent permitted or required under applicable law
(including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees). The Amalgamation
Agreement provides that all rights to indemnification existing in favor of the
directors, officers and employees of Tempest as provided in Tempest's
Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws or existing indemnification agreements,
as in effect as of the date of the Amalgamation Agreement, with respect to
matters occurring through the Effective Time, shall survive the Amalgamation
and shall continue in full force and effect for a period of not less than six
years from the Effective Time, and ACE will guaranty the obligations of Tempest
in respect thereof. For not less than four years from the Effective Time, ACE
will cause to be maintained Tempest's current directors' and officers'
liability insurance. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Interests
of Certain Persons in the Amalgamation--Indemnification by ACE; Officers' and
Directors' Liability Insurance."
Pursuant to a Share Purchase Agreement dated as of March 14, 1996 (the
"General Re Agreement"), by and among Tempest, General Re, GRUS, and General
Re-New England Asset Management, Inc. ("GRAM"), in each case subject to, and as
of the time of, consummation of the Amalgamation, (i) Tempest will repurchase
all Tempest Common Shares held by General Re, (ii) Tempest will purchase and
cancel all options to purchase Tempest Common Shares held by General Re (the
"Options"), (iii) the GRUS contract will be amended to terminate at June 30,
1996 in consideration of the payment of a termination fee of $20.3 million (the
"GRUS Termination Fee"), (iv) the GRAM contract will be amended to terminate at
April 30, 1999, (v) Tempest and General Re will enter into a stop loss
reinsurance agreement, on terms specified therein, including a premium of $4
million paid by Tempest, (vi) General Re will consent to the amendment of the
Securityholders Agreement as described herein, and (vii) Tempest will purchase
continuation coverage in respect of Tempest's directors' and officers'
indemnity policy for the period beginning as of the Effective Time and
continuing to the fourth anniversary thereof. In consideration of the
repurchase by Tempest of all the Tempest Common Shares held by General Re,
Tempest will pay General Re $137.3 million, or $126.82 per share on a fully
diluted basis (the "Share Purchase Price"). Tempest will pay General Re $7.5
million, netting out the exercise price of $100.00 per share, or $26.82 per
share on a fully diluted basis, for the Options being purchased and cancelled
(the
6
<PAGE>
"Options Purchase Price") by Tempest. Tempest will pay General Re interest on
the Share Purchase Price, the Options Purchase Price and the GRUS Termination
Fee at a rate of 6% per annum computed from November 30, 1995 to the Effective
Time. Tempest also has agreed to indemnify General Re and its directors,
officers, employees and agents for any liability (other than liability arising
from General Re's gross negligence) arising from the execution and delivery by
Tempest of the Amalgamation Agreement or the performance by Tempest of the
transactions contemplated therein. See "The Amalgamation and Related
Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the Amalgamation--General Re
Agreement."
Accounting Treatment. ACE intends to treat the Amalgamation as a "purchase"
for accounting purposes. Under purchase accounting, the total purchase price is
allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair values.
See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Accounting Treatment."
Operations After the Amalgamation. After the Amalgamation, ACE and the ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary will continue to engage in their respective businesses,
with the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of
ACE. The current Board of Directors of Acquisition Subsidiary, which consists
of individuals who are executives officers of ACE, and Donald Kramer, Tempest's
Co-Chairman, will constitute the Board of Directors of the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary. Certain of the officers of Tempest and one employee of GRUS will
continue as or become, as the case may be, employees of the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary. It is presently anticipated that each of ACE and the ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary will continue to operate at its current facilities.
THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT
Conditions to the Amalgamation. The obligations of ACE, Acquisition
Subsidiary and Tempest to consummate the Amalgamation are subject to various
conditions, including, but not limited to, obtaining the required consent of
the Minister of Finance of Bermuda (the "Minister") to the Amalgamation,
obtaining requisite ACE Shareholder and Tempest Shareholder approval, the
absence of material breaches of representations and warranties by the other
party, the performance by the other party in all material respects of its
obligations under the Amalgamation Agreement, authorization for trading on the
NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance, of the ACE Ordinary Shares to be
issued in connection with the Amalgamation and the receipt by each of ACE and
Tempest of certain opinions of counsel with respect to certain legal matters.
There are other conditions to the obligations of each party to consummate the
Amalgamation. See "The Amalgamation Agreement--Conditions to Consummation of
the Amalgamation." ACE Shareholders and Tempest Shareholders are urged to read
the Amalgamation Agreement in its entirety.
Termination of the Amalgamation and the Termination Fee. The Amalgamation
Agreement may be terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time (i) by the
mutual consent of ACE and Tempest or (ii) by either party if (a) the
Amalgamation is not consummated on or before September 30, 1996, (b) the other
party materially breaches any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement
contained in the Amalgamation Agreement and such breach shall not have been
cured, (c) any governmental authority shall have issued an order, decree or
ruling or taken any other action permanently enjoining, restraining or
otherwise prohibiting the transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation
Agreement, (d) the Minister shall have failed to approve the Amalgamation by
September 30, 1996, or (e) the Average Closing Price shall be greater than
$49.00 or less than $31.00. See "The Amalgamation Agreement--Termination--
Termination of the Amalgamation."
In addition, the Amalgamation Agreement provides that: (i) Tempest may
terminate the Amalgamation Agreement, to the extent not performed, upon payment
to ACE of $12 million (the "Termination Fee") and (a) five business days shall
have elapsed following ACE's receipt of a Notice of Superior Proposal (as
defined herein) and the Superior Proposal (as defined herein) described therein
continues to be a Superior Proposal in light of any improved transaction
proposed by ACE, or (b) the Tempest Board of Directors shall have withdrawn,
modified or changed in a manner adverse to ACE its approval or recommendation
of the Amalgamation or the
7
<PAGE>
other transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement or shall have
recommended another offer, or shall have adopted any resolution to effect any
of the foregoing, in any case, as it deems necessary in the exercise of its
fiduciary obligations to Tempest Shareholders after being so advised in
writing, with a copy to ACE, by outside legal counsel, or (c) the approval of
Tempest Shareholders of this Agreement, the Amalgamation and the transactions
contemplated hereby shall not have been obtained and there shall be existing a
Superior Proposal, or (d) a Third Party Acquisition (as defined herein) shall
have occurred or any person shall have entered into a definitive agreement or
agreement in principle with Tempest with respect to a Third Party Acquisition;
or (ii) ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary may terminate the Amalgamation
Agreement, to the extent not performed, upon payment to Tempest of the
Termination Fee, if the Board of Directors of ACE shall have withdrawn,
modified or changed in a manner adverse to Tempest its approval or
recommendation of the Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated by
the Amalgamation Agreement or shall have recommended another offer contemplated
thereby, or shall have adopted any resolution to effect any of the foregoing.
See "The Amalgamation Agreement--Termination--Termination Fee."
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS.
Bermuda. Under current Bermuda law, no income tax, capital gains or
withholding tax will be payable by Tempest or any Tempest Shareholder as a
consequence of the Amalgamation.
United States. It is anticipated that the distributions to Tempest
Shareholders by Tempest of the Dividend in connection with the Amalgamation
will be paid out of current or accumulated earnings and profits of Tempest, and
that as a result the full amount of these distributions will be treated as
taxable ordinary income when received by U.S. Tempest Shareholders (as defined
herein). Although the matter is not free from doubt, it is intended that the
Amalgamation will constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section
368(a)(1)(B) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Assuming that the Amalgamation so qualifies as a reorganization, a U.S. Tempest
Shareholder that exchanges its Tempest Common Shares for ACE Ordinary Shares
pursuant to the Amalgamation will not recognize gain or loss on the exchange
(except with respect to cash received in lieu of a fractional ACE Ordinary
Share). See "Tax Consequences to Tempest Shareholders-- Tax Consequences of the
Amalgamation--United States."
TAXATION OF ACE AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Taxation of ACE and its Subsidiaries. ACE is a Cayman Islands corporation,
and each of ACE Insurance, CODA, and Tempest is a Bermuda corporation. ACE
believes that none of it, ACE Insurance, CODA or the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary
will be required to pay U.S. corporate income tax (other than withholding tax
on certain U.S. source investment income) because either they will continue to
operate their business in a manner that will not cause them to be engaged in
the conduct of a trade or business in the United States or, in the case of ACE
Insurance, CODA or the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary, because none of these
corporations have a permanent establishment in the United States and each of
them should be able to claim the benefits of the United States-Bermuda Income
Tax Treaty (the "Bermuda Treaty"), under which the United States is precluded
from taxing business income of a Bermuda corporation except to the extent
attributable to a permanent establishment in the United States. If ACE were
considered to be engaged in a U.S. trade or business and/or if one or more of
ACE Insurance, CODA or the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary were considered to be
engaged in a U.S. trade or business through a permanent establishment located
therein (or were considered not entitled to the benefits of the permanent
establishment clause of the Bermuda Treaty) and, thus, subject to U.S. income
tax, ACE could be materially adversely affected. See "Tax Considerations--
Taxation of ACE and its Subsidiaries."
Taxation of ACE Shareholders. Except as provided below or with respect to
taxpayers subject to special rules such as dealers in securities, U.S. persons
who hold ACE Ordinary Shares will not be subject to any U.S. tax unless they
receive a distribution from ACE or dispose of their ACE Ordinary Shares.
However, special
8
<PAGE>
provisions of the Code may apply to U.S. citizens, residents, domestic
corporations, partnerships, estates or trusts, who through their ownership of
ACE Ordinary Shares, directly, indirectly or by attribution, own 10% or more of
the voting power of all classes of stock of ACE and/or any of ACE Insurance,
CODA, or the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary. Under these provisions, if such U.S.
persons in the aggregate directly, indirectly or by attribution own more than
50% of the voting power of all classes of stock of ACE and/or more than 25% of
the voting power of all classes of any of ACE Insurance, CODA or the ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary, such a holder of ACE Ordinary Shares would be required
to include in its income its pro rata share of the Subpart F income of each
corporation in which such holder is deemed to own 10% or more of the voting
power, even if not distributed. All of the income of ACE, ACE Insurance, CODA,
and the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary is expected to be Subpart F income. Holders
of ACE Ordinary Shares that are taxed currently on their pro rata share of
Subpart F income from any of ACE, ACE Insurance, CODA, or the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary will not be taxed on dividends actually distributed by ACE that are
allocable to such income. See "Tax Considerations--Taxation of ACE
Shareholders."
Certain special Subpart F provisions of the Code could apply to persons who
own ACE Ordinary Shares if any of ACE Insurance, CODA, or the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary has related person insurance income ("RPII") equal to 20% or more of
its gross insurance income. ACE currently anticipates that less than 20% of the
gross insurance income of each of ACE Insurance, CODA and the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary for any taxable year will constitute RPII. However, there can be no
assurance that the IRS will not assert that 20% or more of the gross insurance
income of ACE Insurance, CODA, or the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary is RPII or
that a taxpayer will be able to meet its burden of proving otherwise. See "Tax
Considerations--Taxation of ACE Shareholders--United States--RPII Companies."
Except as provided below and with respect to taxpayers subject to special
rules such as dealers, a U.S. shareholder will realize capital gain or loss on
the sale or exchange of ACE Ordinary Shares. However, gain recognized by a 10%
or greater U.S. shareholder would be taxed as ordinary income to the extent of
undistributed earnings and profits arising during periods while such U.S.
shareholder owned such stock if and to the extent that ACE was a "controlled
foreign corporation" for U.S. federal income tax purposes (which ACE is not
expected to be). For individual shareholders, this would mean taxation of such
amount at the rates applicable to ordinary income rather than the lower rates
applicable to long-term capital gain. See "Tax Considerations--Taxation of ACE
Shareholders--Dispositions of ACE Ordinary Shares."
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF ACE ORDINARY SHARES AND HOLDERS OF TEMPEST
COMMON SHARES.
If the Amalgamation is consummated, holders of Tempest Common Shares will
become holders of ACE Ordinary Shares, which will result in their rights as
shareholders being governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands and by ACE's
Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association. See "Comparison of
Rights of Holders of ACE Ordinary Shares and Holders of Tempest Common Shares."
9
<PAGE>
MARKET PRICE AND DIVIDEND DATA
ACE. The following table sets forth, for the fiscal quarters indicated, the
range of high and low closing prices per share for the ACE Ordinary Shares as
reported on NYSE Composite Tape and per share cash dividends declared.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACE ORDINARY SHARES
-------------------------
HIGH LOW DIVIDENDS
------- ------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1994
First Quarter....................................... $35 $28 1/8 $0.10
Second Quarter...................................... 31 24 1/2 0.10
Third Quarter....................................... 28 7/8 23 3/4 0.11
Fourth Quarter...................................... 25 1/4 22 3/8 0.11
1995
First Quarter....................................... 25 1/4 20 3/4 0.11
Second Quarter...................................... 25 7/8 22 1/8 0.11
Third Quarter....................................... 30 5/8 24 3/8 0.14
Fourth Quarter...................................... 34 3/8 28 1/2 0.14
1996
First Quarter....................................... 40 32 3/4 0.14
Second Quarter...................................... 48 5/8 38 0.14
Third Quarter (through May 21, 1996)................ 0.18
</TABLE>
On March 14, 1996, the last full trading day prior to the public announcement
of the execution of the Amalgamation Agreement, the highest reported sales
price of ACE Ordinary Shares on the NYSE Composite Tape was $45 1/8 per share,
the lowest reported sales price was $43 3/4 per share, and the reported closing
sales price was $44 per share. On May 21, 1996, the last full trading day for
which information was available prior to the printing and mailing of this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, the last closing price reported for ACE Ordinary
Shares on the NYSE Composite Tape was $ per share.
ACE has declared June 14, 1996 as the record date for the 18 cents per share
dividend which is payable with respect to ACE Ordinary Shares on July 19, 1996.
Because the ACE Special Meeting will be held after ACE's dividend record date,
the Amalgamation and related Share Issuance will occur after ACE's dividend
record date. Therefore Tempest Shareholders will not receive the dividend
payable on July 19, 1996 with respect to ACE Ordinary Shares that are issued in
the Amalgamation.
On May 16, 1996, there were approximately 103 holders of record of ACE
Ordinary Shares.
TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO OBTAIN CURRENT MARKET QUOTATIONS FOR ACE
ORDINARY SHARES IN CONNECTION WITH VOTING THEIR SHARES. ACE ORDINARY SHARES ARE
TRADED ON THE NYSE UNDER THE SYMBOL "ACL."
Tempest. Tempest is a private company and there is no established trading
market for Tempest Common Shares.
No dividends have been or are expected to be declared or paid by Tempest,
except in connection with the Amalgamation. Pursuant to the Amalgamation
Agreement, Tempest and its Board of Directors will take all necessary action to
declare a dividend in an amount equal to such portion of the Net Assets of
Tempest, measured immediately prior to the Effective Time, as exceeds $500
million. Such dividend will be paid, without interest, to shareholders of
record as of the Effective Time and distributed within a reasonable period
following completion of the audited balance sheet (currently estimated to be
about 30 days following the Effective Time). See "The Amalgamation Agreement--
Additional Agreements--Net Assets."
As of April 30, 1996, there were 137 holders of record of Tempest Common
Shares (including vested stock option holders). See "Beneficial Ownership of
Tempest Common Shares."
10
<PAGE>
SUMMARY HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF ACE
The following table sets forth summary historical consolidated financial
information of ACE as of and for each of the years in the five-year period
ended September 30, 1995 and as of and for each of the six-month periods ended
March 31, 1996 and 1995. The summary historical consolidated financial
information of ACE for each of the years in the five-year period ended
September 30, 1995 is derived from ACE's audited consolidated financial
statements. The financial data for the six months ended March 31, 1996 and 1995
are derived from ACE's unaudited consolidated financial statements and include,
in the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal
recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the data for the periods.
The results for the six months ended March 31, 1996 may not be indicative of
the results for the full year. The following data should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements of ACE and other financial
information appearing elsewhere and incorporated by reference in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
---------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA AND SELECTED OTHER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS DATA:
Net premiums written... $ 306,330 $ 213,367 $ 424,756 $ 385,926 $ 340,355 $ 322,362 $ 252,687
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Net premiums earned.... $ 262,377 $ 210,633 $ 428,661 $ 391,117 $ 319,578 $ 273,977 $ 235,275
Net investment income.. 95,438 88,264 181,375 142,677 119,978 109,870 110,817
Losses and loss
expenses (1).......... 214,000 172,373 350,653 520,556 262,117 463,283 306,000
Acquisition costs and
administrative
expenses.............. 43,339 33,560 72,582 62,633 52,263 46,062 41,575
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before
net realized gains
(losses) (1).......... 100,476 92,964 186,801 (49,395) 125,176 (125,498) (1,483)
Net realized gains
(losses) on
investments........... 49,863 (39,668) 50,765 3,717 98,371 135,948 66,848
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) (1).. $ 150,339 $ 53,296 $ 237,566 $ (45,678) $ 223,547 $ 10,450 $ 65,365
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) per
share (1)(2).......... $ 3.24 $ 1.13 $ 5.05 $ (0.95) $ 5.50 $ 0.29 $ 1.81
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Earnings (loss) per
share excluding net
realized gains
(losses) (1)(2)....... $ 2.16 $ 1.96 $ 3.97 $ (1.02) $ 3.08 $ (3.46) $ (0.04)
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Weighted average shares
outstanding........... 46,462,323 47,343,124 47,059,006 48,202,545 40,641,263 36,240,734 36,070,783
Cash dividends per
share (3)............. $ 0.28 $ 0.22 $ 0.50 $ 0.42 $ 0.43 -- --
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT
END OF PERIOD):
Total investments and
cash.................. $3,433,018 $2,763,975 $3,132,200 $2,538,321 $2,211,230 $1,949,098 $1,545,072
Total assets........... 3,573,168 2,864,234 3,239,993 2,632,361 2,293,587 2,020,379 1,611,718
Unpaid losses and loss
expenses (1).......... 1,611,366 1,290,999 1,437,930 1,160,392 650,180 673,849 343,732
Total shareholders'
equity (1)............ 1,539,651 1,213,901 1,442,663 1,088,745 1,368,180 1,101,981 1,075,870
Book value per share
(1)(4)................ $ 33.39 $ 25.80 $ 31.29 $ 22.96 $ 27.47 $ 28.81 $ 27.98
Fully diluted book
value per share
(1)(5)................ $ 33.29 $ 25.76 $ 31.19 $ 22.95 $ 27.46 $ 22.28 $ 21.67
SELECTED OTHER DATA:
Loss and loss expense
ratio (1)............. 81.6% 81.8% 81.8% 133.1% 82.0% 169.1% 130.1%
Underwriting and
administrative expense
ratio................. 16.5% 16.0% 16.9% 16.0% 16.4% 16.8% 17.7%
Combined ratio (1)..... 98.1% 97.8% 98.7% 149.1% 98.4% 185.9% 147.8%
Loss reserves to
capital and surplus
ratio (1)............. 104.7% 106.4% 99.7% 106.6% 47.5% 61.1% 31.9%
Ratio of net premiums
written to capital and
surplus............... N/M N/M 0.29:1 0.35:1 0.25:1 0.29:1 0.23:1
</TABLE>
- --------
N/M--Not meaningful on less than an annual basis.
(1) As a result of substantial developments during 1994 relating to breast
implant litigation and certain additional information, ACE increased its
reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses at June 30, 1994 by an
additional $200 million (see "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and
11
<PAGE>
Financial Condition--Breast Implant Litigation" in ACE's Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 1996 incorporated by reference herein). In 1992, ACE
began applying actuarial and statistical methods to estimate ultimate
expected losses and loss expenses. The recording of $463 million of losses
and loss expenses in 1992 resulted from the application of these methods to
all of ACE's business since inception. Of such amount, $236 million related
to premiums earned in years prior to 1992 and $227 million related to
premiums earned in 1992.
(2) Earnings (loss) per share excluding net realized gains (losses) and
earnings (loss) per share are computed using the relevant amounts divided
by the weighted average number of ACE Ordinary Shares outstanding and, if
dilutive, shares issuable under outstanding options. There is no material
difference between primary and fully diluted earnings (loss) per share. In
March 1993, ACE effected a recapitalization and repurchase of ACE Ordinary
Shares which resulted in pro forma earnings per share for the years ended
September 30, 1993 and 1992 of $4.49 and $0.21, respectively, based on pro
forma weighted average shares outstanding of 49,831,087 and 49,814,295. The
pro forma earnings per share have been calculated by dividing net income by
the weighted average number of ACE Ordinary Shares and ACE Ordinary Share
equivalents outstanding as adjusted to reflect the recapitalization and the
repurchase of ACE Ordinary Shares, effected in March 1993, and assumes the
recapitalization and repurchase or ACE Ordinary Shares occurred at the
beginning of each of the applicable years.
(3) The dividends declared in 1993 included a special "RPII" dividend of $0.23
per ACE Ordinary Share paid to shareholders of record on July 7, 1993.
(4) For years prior to 1993 book value per share is based on (i) shareholders'
equity plus conditional demand notes receivable less aggregate cost to
redeem all outstanding Callable Preferred Shares (as defined below),
divided by (ii) ACE Ordinary Shares outstanding at the end of the period.
(5) For years prior to 1993 fully diluted book value per share is based on (i)
shareholders' equity plus conditional demand notes receivable plus
aggregate proceeds, assuming exercise of all outstanding options less
aggregate cost to redeem all outstanding Callable Preferred Shares and
Callable Preferred Shares issuable upon exercise of options outstanding,
divided by (ii) ACE Ordinary Shares outstanding plus ACE Ordinary Shares
issuable upon exercise of options outstanding at the end of the period.
12
<PAGE>
SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TEMPEST
The following table sets forth summary historical financial information of
Tempest as of and for each of the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 and
for the period from September 1, 1993 (the date of incorporation) to November
30, 1993 and as of and for each of the three month periods ended February 29,
1996 and February 28, 1995. The summary historical financial information of
Tempest for the fiscal years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 and for the
period from September 1, 1993 (the date of incorporation) to November 30, 1993
is derived from Tempest's audited financial statements. The financial data for
the three month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995 are
derived from Tempest's unaudited financial statements and include, in the
opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the data for the periods. The results
for the three months ended February 29, 1996 may not be indicative of the
results for the full year. The following information should be read in
conjunction with Tempest's financial statements and related notes, other
financial information appearing elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
of Operations and Financial Condition of Tempest."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
THREE MONTHS THREE MONTHS YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER 1,
ENDED ENDED 30, 1993 (THE DATE OF
FEBRUARY 29, FEBRUARY 28, --------------------- INCORPORATION) TO
1996 1995 1995 1994 NOVEMBER 30, 1993
------------ ------------ --------- --------- -----------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA AND SELECTED
OTHER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS DATA:
Premiums written....... $ 77,340 $ 97,012 $ 177,580 $ 139,830 $ 605
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Premiums earned........ $ 39,477 $ 36,681 $ 157,497 $ 99,510 $ 104
Net investment income.. 10,552 8,542 37,777 29,165 4,698
Losses and loss
expenses.............. (4,213) 16,127 49,774 18,242 52
Acquisition and
operating costs....... 11,364 7,650 35,655 20,156 1,478
Net exchange loss
(gain)................ 157 324 1,584 (1,081) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before net
realized gain (loss)
on investments........ 42,721 21,122 108,261 91,358 3,272
Net realized gain
(loss) on investments. 1,404 -- (2,247) (6,661) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income............. $ 44,125 $ 21,122 $ 106,014 $ 84,697 $ 3,272
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net income per share
(1)................... $ 8.25 $ 4.00 $ 19.97 $ 16.04 $ 3.08
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net income per share
before net realized
gain (loss) on
investments (1)....... $ 7.99 $ 4.00 $ 20.39 $ 17.30 $ 3.08
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average shares
outstanding........... 5,348,476 5,276,494 5,308,762 5,281,260 1,062,292
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT
END OF PERIOD):
Total investments and
cash and cash
equivalents........... $ 781,704 $ 612,132 $ 751,960 $ 563,524 $ 493,997
Total assets........... 886,275 720,289 817,408 604,193 501,546
Losses and loss
expenses.............. 44,173 29,061 54,130 15,235 52
Stockholders' equity... 729,921 579,321 692,318 543,328 498,374
Book value per share
(2)................... $ 139.37 $ 110.30 $ 132.19 $ 103.45 $ 94.36
Fully diluted book
value per share (3)... $ 137.09 $ 109.72 $ 130.33 $ 103.25 $ 94.36
SELECTED OTHER DATA:
Loss and loss expense
ratio................. (10.67)% 43.97% 31.60% 18.33% N/M1
Underwriting and
administrative expense
ratio................. 28.79 % 20.86% 22.64% 20.26% N/M1
Combined ratio......... 18.12 % 64.83% 54.24% 38.59% N/M1
Loss reserves to
capital and surplus
ratio................. 6.05 % 5.02% 7.82% 2.80% N/M1
Ratio of premiums
written to capital and
surplus............... N/M2 N/M2 0.26:1 0.26:1 N/M1
</TABLE>
- --------
N/M1--Not meaningful due to the start-up nature of Tempest's operations in
1993.
N/M2--Not meaningful on less than an annual basis.
There were no dividends paid during the period from inception through the date
hereof.
(1) Net income per share before net realized gain (loss) on investments and net
income per share is calculated using the relevant amounts divided by the
weighted average number of common shares and common share
13
<PAGE>
equivalents outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method,
calculated using the average book value per share, for stock options. There
is no material difference between primary and fully diluted net income per
share.
(2) Book value per share is based on stockholders' equity divided by Tempest
Common Shares outstanding at the end of the period.
(3) Fully diluted book value per share is based on the sum of (i)
stockholders' equity, (ii) aggregate proceeds assuming exercise of all
outstanding options and (iii) the accrual for stock option costs; divided
by the sum of (i) Tempest Common Shares outstanding at the end of the
period and (ii) Tempest Common Shares issuable upon exercise of options
outstanding at the end of the period.
14
<PAGE>
SUMMARY UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF ACE
The following summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of
operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 1995 and for the six
months ended March 31, 1996 presents operating results of ACE as if the
Amalgamation had occurred on October 1, 1994. The summary unaudited pro forma
condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1996 gives effect to the
Amalgamation as if it had occurred on March 31, 1996. Pro forma adjustments are
based upon available information and certain assumptions that management of ACE
believes are reasonable in the circumstances.
The summary unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information
should be read in conjunction with the unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated statements of operations and balance sheet and the consolidated
financial statements of ACE, including notes thereto, and the other financial
information pertaining to ACE and Tempest contained elsewhere herein or
incorporated herein by reference. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed
consolidated financial information is not intended to be indicative of the
consolidated results of operations or financial position of ACE that would have
been reported if the Amalgamation had occurred at the date indicated or of the
consolidated results of future operations or of future financial position.
The Amalgamation is accounted for as a purchase in accordance with GAAP.
Under purchase accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the
acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair values. Allocation of the
purchase price is subject to valuations and other studies which are not
complete. Accordingly, the final allocation may be different from the amounts
reflected herein. However, management of ACE does not believe such differences
will be material.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE SIX FOR THE TWELVE
MONTHS ENDED MONTHS ENDED
MARCH 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1995
------------ --------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE
AND
PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net premiums written.............................. $ 386,355 $ 599,660
========== ==========
Net premiums earned............................... $ 342,162 $ 580,850
Net investment income............................. 115,270 216,894
Losses and loss expenses.......................... (230,659) (379,828)
Acquisition costs and administrative expenses..... (58,813) (95,699)
Amortization of goodwill.......................... (1,520) (3,040)
---------- ----------
Income excluding net realized gains............... 166,440 319,177
Net realized gains on investments................. 51,299 47,717
---------- ----------
Net income........................................ $ 217,739 $ 366,894
========== ==========
EARNINGS PER SHARE................................ $ 3.62 $ 6.04
========== ==========
EARNINGS PER SHARE EXCLUDING NET REALIZED GAINS... $ 2.76 $ 5.26
========== ==========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING............... 60,221,647 60,695,369
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MARCH 31, 1996
---------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT
PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Total investments and cash.............................. $4,006,648
Other assets, including goodwill........................ 310,497
Total assets............................................ 4,317,145
Unpaid losses and loss expenses......................... 1,653,650
Total liabilities....................................... 2,171,594
Total shareholders' equity.............................. 2,145,551
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity.............. $4,317,145
Fully diluted book value per share...................... $ 35.75
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
COMPARATIVE PER SHARE DATA
Set forth below are historical earnings per share excluding net realized
gains (losses), earnings per share, cash dividends per share and fully diluted
book value per share data of ACE and Tempest, unaudited pro forma combined per
share data of ACE and unaudited pro forma equivalent per share data of Tempest.
The pro forma combined unaudited data gives effect to the Amalgamation as if it
had occurred at October 1, 1994 for data included in the statements of
operations and March 31, 1996 for balance sheet data. The data set forth below
should be read in conjunction with (i) ACE's audited consolidated financial
statements and unaudited interim financial statements, including the notes
thereto which are incorporated by reference in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and (ii) Tempest's financial statements and related notes,
other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
of Operations and Financial Condition of Tempest" appearing elsewhere in this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The data should also be read in conjunction
with the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet and
statements of operations, including the notes thereto, included elsewhere in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ACE TEMPEST (1)
------------------------------- -------------------------
SIX MONTHS YEAR ENDED OR
SIX MONTHS YEAR ENDED OR ENDED OR AT AT
ENDED OR AT AT SEPTEMBER 30, MARCH 31, NOVEMBER 30,
MARCH 31, 1996 1995 1996 1995
-------------- ---------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Historical:
Earnings per share
excluding net realized
gains.................. $ 2.16 $ 3.97 $ 11.60 $ 20.39
Earnings per share...... $ 3.24 $ 5.05 $ 11.87 $ 19.97
Cash dividends per
share.................. $ 0.28 $ 0.50 -- --
Fully diluted book value
per share.............. $33.29 $31.19 $138.56 $130.33
<CAPTION>
TEMPEST PRO FORMA
PRO FORMA COMBINED (1) EQUIVALENTS (1)(2)
------------------------------- -------------------------
YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS YEAR ENDED
SIX MONTHS OR AT ENDED OR AT OR AT
ENDED OR AT SEPTEMBER 30, MARCH 31, SEPTEMBER 30,
MARCH 31, 1996 1995 1996 1995
-------------- ---------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Earnings per share
excluding net realized
gains.................. $ 2.76 $5.26 $ 9.05 $17.25
Earnings per share...... $ 3.62 $6.04 $ 11.87 $19.81
Cash dividends per share
(3).................... $ 0.28 $0.50 $ 0.92 $ 1.64
Fully diluted book value
per share (4).......... $35.75 N/A $117.26 N/A
Tempest cash dividend... N/A N/A $ 9.66 N/A
</TABLE>
- --------
N/A--Not applicable.
(1) The historical Tempest earnings per share excluding net realized gains and
earnings per share are for the six month period ended March 31, 1996 and
for the year ended November 30, 1995. Therefore, the months of October and
November 1995 are included in both the six month period ended March 31,
1996 and the year ended November 30, 1995. Earnings per share for these two
months were $2.34.
(2) The Tempest pro forma equivalent data represents the unaudited pro forma
combined earnings per share excluding net realized gains, earnings per
share, cash dividends per share and fully diluted book value per share
calculated on the assumption that the exchange ratio will be 3.28 ACE
Ordinary Shares for each Tempest Common Share.
(3) Pro forma cash dividends per share are assumed to be the same as
historically declared by ACE. However, any decision to increase or decrease
the cash dividend per share is at the discretion of the ACE Board of
Directors.
(4) The Tempest pro forma equivalent fully diluted book value per share of
$117.26 excludes the Dividend that will be declared immediately prior to
the Effective Time. If the Amalgamation had been consummated on March 31,
1996, the Dividend would have been $9.66 per Tempest Common Share based on
unaudited financial statements of Tempest as of March 31, 1996. See "The
Amalgamation Agreement--Additional Agreements--Net Assets." Accordingly,
Tempest's historical fully diluted book value per share of $138.56 should
be compared to the sum of the pro forma equivalent fully diluted book value
per share of $117.26 and the Dividend of $9.66, or $126.92.
16
<PAGE>
THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
GENERAL
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is being furnished to ACE Shareholders
in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of
ACE for use at the ACE Special Meeting to consider and vote on the Share
Issuance and to transact such other business as may properly come before the
ACE Special Meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. This Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also being furnished to Tempest Shareholders in
connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors of
Tempest for use at the Tempest Special Meeting to consider and vote on the
Amalgamation Agreement, to consent to the Tempest Transactions and to transact
such other business as may properly come before the Tempest Special Meeting or
any adjournment or postponement thereof. Each copy of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus mailed to ACE Shareholders and Tempest Shareholders is
accompanied by a form of proxy for use at the respective Special Meetings.
This Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is also furnished by ACE to holders of
Tempest Common Shares as a prospectus in connection with the ACE Ordinary
Shares to be issued in connection with the Amalgamation.
PLACE, DATE AND TIME
The ACE Special Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 1996 at 8:30
a.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, Bermuda.
The Tempest Special Meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 1996 at 9:30
a.m. at the Hamilton Princess Hotel, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton, Bermuda.
APPROVAL OF SHAREHOLDERS
ACE. The ACE Record Date is May 16, 1996. Only ACE Shareholders on the ACE
Record Date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the ACE Special
Meeting. At the close of business on the ACE Record Date, there were
46,105,108 ACE Ordinary Shares outstanding.
ACE Shareholders are entitled to one vote per ACE Ordinary Share (except
that if, and so long as, the Controlled Shares (defined generally to include
all shares of ACE directly, indirectly or constructively owned or beneficially
owned by any person or group of persons) of any person, or group of persons,
constitute 10% or more of the issued ACE Ordinary Shares, the voting rights
with respect to the Controlled Shares owned by such person, or group of
persons, shall be limited, in the aggregate, to a voting power of
approximately 10%, pursuant to a formula specified in ACE's Articles of
Association) on any matter that may properly come before the ACE Special
Meeting. Not less than six shareholders present in person or by proxy holding
at least 50% of the issued and outstanding ACE Ordinary Shares entitled to
vote at the ACE Special Meeting will constitute a quorum. The affirmative vote
of the holders of a majority of the votes cast at the ACE Special Meeting is
required to approve the Share Issuance, provided that the total votes cast
represent over 50% in interest of all issued and outstanding ACE Ordinary
Shares.
Abstentions will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote
for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but as unvoted for the
purpose of determining the number of votes cast. Since the approval of the
Share Issuance requires the approval of a majority of the votes cast at the
ACE Special Meeting, and the total votes cast at the ACE Special Meeting must
represent over 50% in interest of all ACE Ordinary Shares entitled to vote at
the ACE Special Meeting, an abstention will have a negative effect on the vote
for purposes of approval of the Share Issuance. If a broker or nominee
indicates on its proxy that it does not have discretionary authority to vote
on a particular matter as to certain shares (so-called "broker non-votes"),
those shares will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote
for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum but will not be treated
as present or represented and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the
number of votes cast. Accordingly, a broker non-vote will have a negative
effect on the vote for purposes of approval of the Share Issuance.
17
<PAGE>
As of the ACE Record Date, the directors and executive officers of ACE and
their affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate of 162,392 ACE Ordinary
Shares, representing less than 1% of the ACE Ordinary Shares then outstanding.
In addition, three of ACE's directors are also officers or otherwise
affiliated with shareholders of ACE, such shareholders having the right to
vote as of the ACE Record Date an aggregate of 3,245,591 ACE Ordinary Shares,
representing approximately 7.03% of the ACE Ordinary Shares then outstanding.
As of the ACE Record Date, to the best of ACE's knowledge, neither ACE nor
any of the directors or executive officers of ACE owned any Tempest Common
Shares.
Tempest. The Tempest Record Date is May 16, 1996. Only Tempest Shareholders
on the Tempest Record Date will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the
Tempest Special Meeting. At the close of business on the Tempest Record Date,
there were 5,237,625 Tempest Common Shares outstanding.
Tempest Shareholders are entitled to one vote per Tempest Common Share
(except that if, and so long as, the Controlled Shares (defined generally to
include all Tempest Common Shares directly, indirectly or constructively owned
or beneficially owned by any person or group of persons) of any person, or
group of persons, constitute 10% or more of the issued Tempest Common Shares,
the voting rights with respect to the Controlled Shares owned by such person,
or group of persons, shall be limited, in the aggregate, to a voting power of
approximately 10% (pursuant to a formula specified in Tempest's Bye-laws), on
each matter submitted to a vote at the Tempest Special Meeting. Two or more
persons present in person and representing in person or by proxy in excess of
50% of the issued and outstanding Tempest Common Shares constitute a quorum.
The approval of the Amalgamation Agreement by Tempest Shareholders requires
the affirmative vote of Tempest Shareholders holding and/or persons
representing not less than 60% of the votes represented by the issued and
outstanding Tempest Common Shares. General Re, which has the right to vote
9.99% of the votes entitled to vote at the Tempest Special Meeting, has
advised that it currently intends to abstain from voting with respect to the
approval of the Amalgamation Agreement. As a result of the repurchase of
General Re's ownership interest in Tempest, Tempest's Board understands that
General Re considers it inappropriate to vote with respect to the Amalgamation
when it will not participate therein. In addition, the amendment of the
Securityholders Agreement requires the consent of Tempest Shareholders holding
two-thirds of the votes represented by the Tempest Common Shares, unless the
rights, obligations or tax treatment of a Tempest Shareholder are materially
and adversely affected by such amendment, in which case the consent of such
Tempest Shareholder is also required. Under the Amalgamation Agreement, the
waiver of their appraisal rights must be consented to by the holders of at
least 75% of the outstanding Tempest Common Shares (not including Tempest
Common Shares held by General Re).
Abstentions will be treated as shares that are present and entitled to vote
for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but as unvoted for the
purpose of determining the approval of any matter submitted to a vote of the
Tempest Shareholders. Since approval of the Amalgamation Agreement and the
consent to the Tempest Transactions are based upon the percentage of the
issued and outstanding Tempest Common Shares affirmatively voting, an
abstention will have the effect of a negative vote.
As of the Tempest Record Date, the directors and executive officers of
Tempest and their affiliates had the right to vote an aggregate of 1,595,285
Tempest Common Shares, representing approximately 21.18% of the votes entitled
to vote at the Tempest Special Meeting.
VOTING AND REVOCATION OF PROXIES
ACE. ACE Ordinary Shares represented by a proxy properly signed and received
at or prior to the ACE Special Meeting, unless subsequently revoked, will be
voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. IF A PROXY IS SIGNED AND
RETURNED WITHOUT INDICATING ANY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS, THE ACE ORDINARY SHARES
18
<PAGE>
REPRESENTED BY THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF THE SHARE ISSUANCE. Any
proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person giving
it at any time before the proxy is voted by filing with the Assistant
Secretary of ACE prior to or at the ACE Special Meeting either (i) an
instrument revoking it or (ii) a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or
by voting in person at the ACE Special Meeting. All written notices of
revocation and other communications with respect to revocation of ACE proxies
should be addressed to: ACE Limited, The ACE Building, 30 Woodbourne, Hamilton
HM 08, Bermuda, Attention: Assistant Secretary. Attendance at the ACE Special
Meeting, in and of itself, will not constitute a revocation of a proxy.
The ACE Board of Directors is not aware of any business to be acted upon at
the ACE Special Meeting other than as described herein. If, however, other
matters are properly brought before the ACE Special Meeting, including any
adjournments or postponements thereof, the persons appointed as proxies will
have discretion to vote or act thereon according to their best judgment,
except that properly executed proxies voted against the ACE Proposals will not
be voted for any such adjournment or postponement. The grant of a proxy will
also confer discretionary authority on the persons named in the proxy to vote
on matters incidental to the conduct of the ACE Special Meeting.
ACE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AMALGAMATION AND THE SHARE
ISSUANCE ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ACE AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS.
ACE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT ACE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL
OF THE SHARE ISSUANCE.
Tempest. Tempest Common Shares represented by a proxy properly signed and
received at or prior to the Tempest Special Meeting, unless subsequently
revoked, will be voted in accordance with the instructions thereon. IF A PROXY
IS SIGNED AND RETURNED WITHOUT INDICATING ANY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS, THE TEMPEST
COMMON SHARES REPRESENTED BY THE PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR APPROVAL OF THE
AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT, AND THE TEMPEST SHAREHOLDER WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE
CONSENTED TO THE TEMPEST TRANSACTIONS. Any proxy given pursuant to this
solicitation may be revoked by the person giving it at any time before the
proxy is voted by filing with the Corporate Secretary of Tempest prior to or
at the Tempest Special Meeting either (i) an instrument revoking it or (ii) a
duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or by voting in person at the
Tempest Special Meeting. All written notices of revocation and other
communications with respect to revocation of Tempest proxies should be
addressed to: Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited, 4th Floor, Par-La-Ville
Place, 14 Par-La-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda, Attention: Corporate
Secretary. Attendance at the Tempest Special Meeting, in and of itself, will
not constitute a revocation of a proxy.
The Tempest Board of Directors is not aware of any business to be acted upon
at the Tempest Special Meeting other than as described herein. If, however,
other matters are properly brought before the Tempest Special Meeting,
including any adjournments or postponements thereof, the persons appointed as
proxies will have discretion to vote or act thereon according to their best
judgment, except that properly executed proxies voted against the Amalgamation
will not be voted for any such adjournment or postponement. The grant of a
proxy will also confer discretionary authority on the persons named in the
proxy to vote on matters incidental to the conduct of the Tempest Special
Meeting.
TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT
AND THE TEMPEST TRANSACTIONS ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF TEMPEST
AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS. TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT TEMPEST
SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR" APPROVAL OF THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT AND CONSENT TO
THE TEMPEST TRANSACTIONS.
TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT SEND SHARE CERTIFICATES WITH THEIR PROXY
CARDS. IF THE AMALGAMATION IS CONSUMMATED, A TRANSMITTAL FORM WITH
INSTRUCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO THE SURRENDER OF TEMPEST SHARE CERTIFICATES WILL
SHORTLY THEREAFTER BE MAILED TO EACH HOLDER OF TEMPEST COMMON SHARES AT THE
EFFECTIVE TIME.
19
<PAGE>
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
ACE and Tempest each will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies from
their respective shareholders, except that ACE will bear the cost of printing
and mailing this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In addition to solicitation
by mail, directors, officers and employees of ACE and Tempest, who will not be
specifically compensated for such services, may solicit proxies from ACE
Shareholders and Tempest Shareholders, respectively, personally or by
telephone or telegram or other forms of communication. Officers and employees
of ACE may also assist directors, officers and employees of Tempest in
soliciting proxies from Tempest Shareholders. Brokerage house nominees,
fiduciaries and other custodians will be requested to forward soliciting
materials to beneficial owners and will be reimbursed for their reasonable
expenses incurred in doing so. ACE has retained Corporate Investors
Communications, Inc. to assist in the solicitation of proxies from ACE
Shareholders. The fees to be paid to such firm for such services will be borne
by ACE and are not expected to exceed $4,500 plus reasonable expenses.
THE AMALGAMATION AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
BACKGROUND OF THE AMALGAMATION
Since 1993, ACE has followed a strategic course of diversifying its
business. Diversification has historically been accomplished either through
acquisitions of existing operations or through internal development of new
lines of business. For example, in November 1993, ACE acquired CODA which
writes primary and excess directors and officers liability insurance. In 1994,
ACE began offering satellite insurance, and in 1995 ACE began offering the
following four new lines of business: aviation insurance, excess property
insurance, financial lines and First Line. In furtherance of its strategic
goal, ACE reviews and evaluates from time to time opportunities for business
acquisitions and strategic alliances. Similarly, Tempest has consistently
explored avenues for growth and formally resolved to diversify its business.
In May 1995, Walter Scott, a director of ACE who previously served as
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE and now is employed by
ACE as a consultant, invited Donald Kramer, Co-Chairman of Tempest, a long
time friend, to lunch. During the course of the conversation Mr. Kramer asked
Mr. Scott how ACE had developed its diversification strategy. A general
discussion of Tempest's business and strategic focus ensued.
Following the suggestion of several Tempest directors, in August 1995, Mr.
Kramer, Mr. Scott and Brian Duperreault, ACE's Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer, informally discussed the possibility of a combination of
ACE and Tempest and the strategic advantages such a transaction would bring to
both parties.
In early October 1995, Mr. Kramer discussed with Mr. Scott, acting in his
capacity as a consultant to ACE, the general terms of a transaction which
Tempest was pursuing that would result in its acquisition of a controlling
interest in Methuen, the holding company of Methuen (Lloyd's Underwriting
Agents) Limited, a leading Lloyd's managing agency, and the formation of a
corporate member of Lloyd's to underwrite on syndicates managed by Methuen,
subject to the approval of the Tempest Board. Thereafter, ACE began an
external review of Tempest's results of operations and financial condition.
On October 20, 1995, Tempest's Board met to discuss the proposed transaction
with Methuen and determined to proceed with negotiations regarding such a
transaction, and the formation of a Lloyd's corporate member.
On November 15, 1995, the Tempest Board was advised that as a condition to
the formation of the Lloyd's corporate member as part of the acquisition of
Methuen, Lloyd's regulations required a letter of undertaking from all Tempest
Shareholders owning in excess of 15% of Tempest's equity securities. See
"Description of ACE Capital Stock--Lloyd's Related Requirements." General Re
advised the Tempest Board that General Re would not deliver such a letter
because of General Re's competing business interests with Lloyd's. Tempest
thereafter decided not to pursue the Methuen transaction.
Also at the November 15, 1995 meeting of the Tempest Board, the Tempest
directors discussed two alternatives to securing diversity and liquidity for
Tempest investors: an acquisition of Tempest Common Shares
20
<PAGE>
by ACE and an initial public offering of Tempest Common Shares. The Tempest
directors nominated by General Re indicated that General Re would not
participate in a transaction with ACE because of competing business interests,
but that General Re supported the effort to pursue a means of providing
liquidity to Tempest Shareholders. The Tempest Board agreed to make available
to ACE, subject to the execution and delivery of a confidentiality agreement,
material relating to Tempest. The Tempest Board established a subcommittee,
consisting of two Tempest directors, to adopt a preliminary negotiating
strategy for discussions between Tempest and ACE.
Following the November 15, 1995 Tempest Board meeting, discussions continued
between Tempest and ACE. Discussions between Tempest and General Re also
continued regarding the terms upon which General Re's interest in Tempest
would be terminated.
On November 17, 1995, ACE's Board met to discuss the possibility of a
combination of ACE and Tempest and to discuss the possibility of ACE
consummating the Methuen transaction in Tempest's place. ACE's Board received
a presentation from DLJ regarding, among other things, preliminary valuation
and pro forma analyses concerning the acquisition of Tempest and the Methuen
transaction. The presentation delivered by DLJ included an overview of the
Bermuda property catastrophe reinsurance market, an overview of Tempest and
preliminary valuation and pro forma analyses concerning the acquisition of
Tempest. In its presentation, DLJ relied upon information that was available
to it from public sources and preliminary information that was provided to it
from the managements of ACE and Tempest. DLJ's preliminary valuation analysis
provided contextual data and comparative market information. DLJ compared
operating and financial data and ratios of Tempest to the corresponding data
of a group of selected publicly traded Bermuda-based reinsurance companies in
order to establish a valuation range for Tempest. Further, DLJ prepared
preliminary pro forma combination analyses based on the financial position of
both ACE and Tempest, after giving effect to certain purchase accounting
adjustments and the contemplated consideration to be paid by ACE in the
transaction. DLJ's preliminary conclusions were that an acquisition of Tempest
within the valuation range established would be accretive to ACE's earnings.
Based on these preliminary conclusions, DLJ recommended that ACE pursue a
combination with Tempest. A negotiating committee of ACE's Board (the
"Negotiating Committee") was appointed to assist management in negotiating the
terms of any proposed transactions with Tempest and Methuen. No other
alternative transactions were presented to the ACE Board.
On November 21, 1995, ACE and Tempest entered into a confidentiality letter
facilitating the provision of confidential information necessary for each
party to evaluate the business, results of operations and financial condition
of the other.
During the balance of November and through early December, ACE and Tempest
continued to examine the economic and operational feasibility of a proposed
combination of the two businesses. On December 5, 1995, Tempest engaged
Merrill Lynch to provide general financial advisory and investment banking
services to Tempest with respect to an initial public offering of Tempest
Common Shares and a combination of Tempest and ACE. The Tempest Board did not
entertain any other transactions, nor was Tempest solicited in respect of any
other transactions, and Merrill Lynch was not retained to advise in respect of
any other transactions. The Tempest Board concluded that the proposed
combination between ACE and Tempest was a promising one which, if pursued,
would require all of Tempest management's resources. The Tempest Board
believed that an initial public offering could, alternatively, achieve the
objectives of shareholder liquidity and an attractive return on Tempest
Shareholders' investments. Therefore, no potential acquirors other than ACE
were contacted by Tempest or Merrill Lynch.
On December 6, 1995, the Negotiating Committee of ACE's Board considered the
terms of the possible combination of ACE and Tempest. The Negotiating
Committee noted particularly that ACE would acquire all of the outstanding
Tempest Common Shares and that Tempest's net assets would be reduced to $500
million. ACE's Negotiating Committee agreed to send a letter to Tempest
expressing ACE's interest in pursuing an acquisition generally. No other
alternative transactions were presented to the Negotiating Committee.
21
<PAGE>
On December 12, 1995, ACE delivered to Tempest a written proposal to acquire
all outstanding Tempest Common Shares (the "December 12th Proposal"). As
disclosed in the December 12th Proposal, ACE was prepared to pay a 10% premium
to acquire net assets of Tempest with a value not in excess of $500 million.
Any net assets in excess of $500 million would be acquired without a premium.
As consideration, ACE was prepared to exchange registered ACE Ordinary Shares
at a value of $36.25 per share, subject to certain adjustments. ACE also
required that Tempest Shareholders agree to a "lock-up" with respect to the
ACE Ordinary Shares to be received by them. The December 12th Proposal was
subject to, among other things, satisfactory completion of ACE's due
diligence, negotiation of a definitive agreement, approval of ACE's Board and
obtaining necessary regulatory and shareholder approvals.
On December 18, 1995, Tempest's Board reviewed the December 12th Proposal.
In particular, the Tempest Board focused on certain key elements of the
December 12th Proposal, including: (i) an opportunity for Tempest Shareholders
to exchange their Tempest Common Shares for ACE Ordinary Shares on a tax-free
basis; (ii) liquidity to Tempest Shareholders through the exchange of their
Tempest Common Shares for fully registered ACE Ordinary Shares (subject to the
terms of a lock-up period); (iii) the terms of such lock-up period; and (iv)
computation of an exchange ratio by reference to the book value of Tempest and
ACE, respectively, as of November 30, 1995. In addition, the Tempest Board
reviewed certain financial information with respect to ACE.
The Tempest Board concluded that the offer by ACE to acquire net assets of
Tempest at 110% of book value (and to acquire net assets of Tempest in excess
of $500 million without any premium) was inadequate. In reaching such
conclusion, the Tempest Board considered Tempest's results of operations for
the year ended November 30, 1995; then current trading multiples of selected,
publicly-traded reinsurance companies, which ranged from 106% of book value to
126% of book value; and the belief of members of the Tempest Board that the
strategic fit of Tempest with ACE was excellent, making Tempest an attractive
target for ACE. Accordingly, it was determined that ACE should, and in all
likelihood would, improve its offer to acquire Tempest.
On December 19, 1995, Mr. Kramer informed Mr. Scott that the Tempest Board
rejected a transaction whereby ACE would acquire Tempest at 110% of the book
value of Tempest, was concerned with the proposed price collar and preferred
instead a fixed-price structure. The parties and their advisors continued to
hold discussions through December and early January regarding the terms of a
business combination and the structure such combination should take.
On January 18 and 19, 1996, at a Tempest Board meeting, the Tempest
directors agreed to proceed with negotiations with ACE regarding the
acquisition by ACE of Tempest Common Shares, and in connection therewith,
authorized the delivery to ACE of a written counterproposal by Tempest.
Merrill Lynch informed the Tempest Board that, subject to the results of due
diligence, Merrill Lynch would issue a fairness opinion regarding the proposed
combination of Tempest with ACE on the proposed terms. The Tempest Board
approved the terms of an agreement negotiated with General Re pursuant to
which General Re would terminate its interest in Tempest if the proposed
transaction with ACE were consummated. The Tempest Board also directed
Tempest's management to conduct an investigation of ACE, including ACE's
business, results of operations and financial condition. A committee of the
Tempest Board (the "Amalgamation Committee") was formed to participate in and
generally oversee the negotiation of the final terms of a business combination
with ACE and the form of a definitive agreement embodying the same.
During the last two weeks of January, ACE, Tempest and their respective
financial and legal advisors negotiated the terms of a non-binding letter of
intent outlining the terms of an amalgamation (which included an increase in
the premium over the book value of Tempest which ACE would pay). On February
1, 1996, the parties executed the letter of intent (the "Letter Agreement").
On February 8, 1996, the Approval Committee (consisting of all of ACE's
directors other than Messrs. Mendoza and Newhouse who are also directors of
Mid Ocean Limited, a competitor of Tempest) of ACE's Board (the "Approval
Committee") met to consider the combination with Tempest. At this meeting, the
management of ACE, as well as ACE's financial advisors, made presentations
regarding their due diligence findings concerning Tempest, the status of
discussions with Tempest and the terms of the Letter Agreement. Based upon
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its consideration of those presentations and the presentations previously made
at the meetings of ACE's Board, as well as other factors more fully described
below, the Approval Committee approved the Letter Agreement, the Share
Issuance and authorized the senior management of ACE to execute and deliver an
agreement and plan of amalgamation substantially upon the terms and conditions
set forth in the Letter Agreement.
On February 9, 1996, ACE's Board adopted certain resolutions facilitating
the Share Issuance and the Amalgamation, and ACE and Tempest jointly announced
their intention to enter into a business combination.
Immediately following issuance of the joint press release, legal counsel to
ACE and Tempest began the preparation of the Amalgamation Agreement. The
Amalgamation Committee of the Tempest Board regularly reviewed, and made
recommendations concerning, drafts of the Amalgamation Agreement. Among other
things, Tempest negotiated inclusion of provisions that, subject to certain
conditions, would enable the Tempest Board to respond to solicitations from
third parties regarding bona fide proposals for an acquisition of or
combination with Tempest. See "The Amalgamation Agreement--Additional
Agreements--No Solicitation of Transactions."
On March 12, 1996, the Tempest Board met to consider the terms of the
Amalgamation as set forth in the Amalgamation Agreement. The Amalgamation
Committee unanimously recommended to the Tempest Board that the Tempest Board
vote to approve the Amalgamation Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby. Merrill Lynch issued its written opinion dated such date and
addressed to Tempest's Board regarding the fairness, from a financial point of
view, of the Amalgamation consideration to Tempest Shareholders participating
in the Amalgamation. Immediately prior to such Tempest Board meeting, one of
Tempest's outside directors (the "Resigning Director") resigned as a member of
the Tempest Board. The Resigning Director had served as a member of the
Amalgamation Committee.
At the March 12, 1996 Tempest Board meeting, the three directors of Tempest
nominated by General Re abstained from the vote on the Amalgamation Agreement
and the transactions contemplated thereby in the belief that it was
inappropriate to cast a vote relating to the Amalgamation when General Re
would not participate in such transaction. One additional director abstained
and one director voted against the Amalgamation. Under the terms of the
Securityholders Agreement, each director appointed by General Re is entitled
to one vote; every other director is entitled to 2.5 votes. Under the terms of
Tempest's Bye-laws, an affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the
votes held by directors then in office is required to approve an amalgamation
of Tempest.
The proposal to approve the Amalgamation Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby and to recommend to the Tempest Shareholders that they
approve the Amalgamation Agreement and the Tempest Transactions was approved
at the Tempest Board meeting on March 12, 1996 by 20 of the 28 votes held by
the directors then in office.
The definitive Amalgamation Agreement was executed by the respective parties
on March 14, 1996. Tempest, General Re, GRAM and GRUS executed an agreement in
respect of the General Re Agreements on the same date. See "The Amalgamation
and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the Amalgamation--
General Re Agreement."
On March 14, 1996, DLJ rendered its written opinion as to the fairness, from
a financial point of view, to ACE and its shareholders of the consideration to
be paid by ACE to the shareholders of Tempest pursuant to the Amalgamation
Agreement. By letter dated March 14, 1996 and addressed to the Tempest Board,
Merrill Lynch confirmed that its opinion of March 12, 1996 applies to the
definitive Amalgamation Agreement.
The execution of the Amalgamation Agreement was jointly announced by the two
companies on the morning of March 15, 1996.
On April 18, 1996, each of the Amalgamation Committee and the Tempest Board
met and received reports regarding the status of the Amalgamation. Each of the
Amalgamation Committee and the Tempest Board approved and ratified the form of
the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as filed with the SEC. The Tempest Board
approved the declaration and payment of a cash dividend to holders of record
at the Effective Time in an amount equal to such portion of the Net Assets of
Tempest, measured immediately prior to the Effective Time, as exceeds $500
million.
On April 29, 1996, ACE announced its intention to irrevocably waive the
Lock-up.
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RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ACE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ACE'S REASONS FOR THE
AMALGAMATION
THE ACE BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPROVED THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT AND THE SHARE
ISSUANCE AND RECOMMENDS THAT THE ACE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE FOR APPROVAL OF THE
SHARE ISSUANCE.
The Approval Committee of ACE's Board of Directors and ACE's Board of
Directors considered a variety of factors and information in their respective
deliberations and concluded that the Amalgamation would offer a number of
benefits to ACE and would be in the best interests of ACE Shareholders. Among
the factors and information considered by the Approval Committee and ACE's
Board of Directors were the following:
The Approval Committee considered the pro forma financial results and
financial position of the pro forma combined company and the effects of the
Amalgamation on ACE's business, results of operations and financial
condition. The Approval Committee found such pro forma financial results
and financial condition to support its opinion.
The Approval Committee received and evaluated the reports and conclusions
of the financial, accounting, underwriting, actuarial and legal
investigations of Tempest conducted by outside advisors to ACE. The
Approval Committee found these reports and conclusions to support its
opinion.
The Approval Committee evaluated Tempest's written premium levels and
insurance risks in relation to the amount of its capital and determined
that Tempest had a significant amount of excess capital. As a result,
Tempest agreed to reduce its Net Assets (as defined in the Amalgamation
Agreement) to $500 million prior to the Amalgamation. The Approval
Committee found Tempest's willingness to reduce its Net Assets to support
its opinion.
The Approval Committee considered the terms and conditions of the
Amalgamation Agreement, including the amount and form of consideration to
be paid by ACE in the Amalgamation. The fact that the Amalgamation
Consideration consists of ACE Ordinary Shares was particularly important as
it allows ACE to increase its capital which additional capital would be
immediately utilized in the acquired business. The Approval Committee found
the terms and conditions of the Amalgamation Agreement to be favorable to
ACE and to support its opinion.
The Approval Committee considered the effects of fixing the exchange
ratio at the time of the execution of the definitive agreement versus
allowing the exchange ratio to float. The Approval Committee determined
that a range within which the exchange ratio could float (i.e., $33 and $45
per ACE Ordinary Share) would provide balanced protection to both ACE and
Tempest. The Approval Committee found this balance to support its opinion.
The Approval Committee considered the effects of the Average Closing
Price being less than $33 or greater than $45 per ACE Ordinary Share. The
Approval Committee determined that either party having the right to
terminate the Amalgamation Agreement if the Average Closing Price was less
than $31 or greater than $49 per ACE Ordinary Share would provide balanced
protection to both ACE and Tempest. The Approval Committee found this
balance to support its opinion.
The Approval Committee noted that none of ACE's directors or officers had
any material interest in Tempest or the proposed transaction. The Approval
Committee found the absence of any material interests to support its
opinion.
The Approval Committee considered the financial presentation of DLJ
delivered at a meeting on February 8, 1996. The Approval Committee found
DLJ's financial presentation to support its opinion.
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
Approval Committee of ACE's Board of Directors is not intended to be
exhaustive. In view of the many and varied factors considered by the Approval
Committee of ACE's Board of Directors, and the necessarily subjective and
complex nature of many of these, the Approval Committee of ACE's Board of
Directors did not deem it appropriate or practical to assign relative weights
to the various factors considered in reaching this determination. Rather, the
Approval Committee of ACE's Board of Directors viewed its positions and
recommendations as being based on the totality of the information presented to
and considered by it.
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The principal reasons for the ACE Board of Directors' conclusion that the
Amalgamation is fair and in the best interests of ACE's shareholders and that
the Share Issuance should be approved by ACE Shareholders are the following:
Increased Shareholder Value. ACE's Board believes that the Amalgamation
will significantly enhance shareholder value by combining ACE's
historically strong core businesses with Tempest's historically profitable
property catastrophe business. ACE's net premiums written for the year
ended September 30, 1995 were $425 million and, on a pro forma basis giving
effect to the Amalgamation, would have been $600 million.
Increased Opportunities and Size. ACE's Board believes that the
Amalgamation will afford ACE significant new opportunities to utilize ACE's
capital, experience and management. ACE's Board also believes that the size
and prominence of the consolidated company will attract new and increased
attention to ACE and its diverse lines of coverage, further enhancing ACE's
position as a leading worldwide property and casualty insurer. In addition,
ACE's participation in the reinsurance market, coupled with its already
strong presence in the insurance market, will provide ACE with the ability
and structure to access and realize the benefits and opportunities that may
arise in virtually any part of the worldwide property and casualty
insurance and reinsurance market.
Diversification of Business Lines. Over the last three years, ACE has
made significant progress in diversifying its traditional lines of
business. In November 1993, ACE acquired CODA and its primary and excess
directors and officers liability business. In 1994, ACE began offering
satellite insurance and in 1995 ACE began offering four new lines of
business, including aviation insurance, excess property insurance,
financial lines and First Line. In 1996, ACE also completed the acquisition
of a 51% interest in Methuen, the holding company for a Lloyd's managing
agency and provided funds at Lloyd's to support underwriting on syndicates
managed by Methuen. The Amalgamation is the latest and most significant
example of the successful implementation of ACE's diversification strategy.
Of ACE's premiums written for 1993, approximately 99% came from excess
liability and excess directors and officers liability insurance. Of ACE's
net premiums written for the year ended September 30, 1995, on a pro forma
basis giving effect to the Amalgamation, less than 60% represented written
premiums from excess liability and directors and officers liability
insurance.
Acquisition of Existing, Profitable Business. ACE's Board also believes
that entering the property catastrophe reinsurance business through the
acquisition of Tempest allows ACE to acquire an existing and profitable
business with a substantial client base and strong reputation. Acquiring an
existing business also enables ACE to avoid the risks inherent in starting
a new line of business.
Expansion of Customer and Distribution Base. ACE's Board also believes
that the Amalgamation will expand significantly ACE's customer and
distribution base by increasing ACE's business transactions with insurance
companies and reinsurance brokers. ACE's Board believes that such new
relationships will offer ACE an opportunity to further expand its product
offerings.
Diversification of Risk Profile. ACE's Board believes that the
Amalgamation will diversify ACE's overall risk profile. ACE's traditional
businesses were generally characterized by a significant time period
between the occurrence of the insured event and the payment of related
losses while Tempest's business is generally characterized by a
comparatively short period between the insured events and the payment of
related losses. Furthermore, events giving rise to losses under ACE's
traditional businesses will generally not give rise to losses under
Tempest's policies.
Accretion to Earnings Per Share. ACE's Board also believes that the
Amalgamation generally will be accretive to ACE's future earnings per
share. ACE's earnings per share for the year ended September 30, 1995 were
$5.05 and earnings per share for the same period, on a pro forma basis
giving effect to the Amalgamation, would have been $6.04. Earnings per
share, excluding net realized gains (losses) on investments, for the year
ended September 30, 1995 were $3.97 and earnings per share, excluding net
realized gains (losses) on investments, for the same period, on a pro form
a basis giving effect to the Amalgamation, would have been $5.26.
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ACE'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT ACE SHAREHOLDERS VOTE "FOR"
APPROVAL OF THE SHARE ISSUANCE.
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO ACE
In its role as financial advisor to ACE, DLJ was asked by ACE to render its
opinion to the ACE Board of Directors as to the fairness, from a financial
point of view, to ACE and its shareholders of the consideration to be paid by
ACE to Tempest Shareholders pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement. On March
14, 1996, DLJ delivered its written opinion to the ACE Board of Directors. DLJ
also delivered to the ACE Board of Directors a written opinion dated the date
of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus (the "DLJ Opinion").
A copy of the DLJ Opinion is attached hereto as Annex B. The ACE
Shareholders are urged to read the opinion in its entirety for the assumptions
made, procedures followed, other matters considered and limits of the review
by DLJ. The summary of the DLJ Opinion set forth in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full
text of such opinion. The DLJ Opinion was prepared for the ACE Board of
Directors and is directed only to the fairness to ACE and the holders of ACE
Ordinary Shares as of the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, from
a financial point of view, of the consideration to be paid by ACE pursuant to
the Amalgamation Agreement and does not constitute a recommendation to any
shareholder as to how to vote at the ACE Special Meeting. In considering the
DLJ Opinion, shareholders may want to take into account DLJ's fee arrangements
with respect to the Amalgamation, under which DLJ's fees are substantially
greater if the Amalgamation is consummated, as set forth below under "--
Engagement and Fees Payable to DLJ".
In arriving at its opinions, DLJ reviewed the Amalgamation Agreement as well
as financial and other information that was available or furnished to it by
ACE and Tempest including information provided during discussions with their
respective managements. Financial income statement and balance sheet
projections for Tempest for the fiscal years ended November 30, 1996 and 1997
were developed by DLJ based upon discussions with and information provided by
the management of Tempest and were reviewed and accepted as reasonable by the
management of ACE. The Tempest projections indicated an increase in premiums
earned at a lower growth rate than that experienced by Tempest historically.
The loss and loss expense ratios in 1996 and 1997 were projected to increase
to levels higher than the 1995 loss and loss expense ratio. The underwriting
and administrative expense ratios in 1996 and 1997 were projected to decrease
moderately from the 1995 level. Net operating income in 1996 and 1997 was
projected to decline relative to net operating income in 1995, partially due
to a projected decline in investment income attributable to the anticipated
reduction in Tempest's net asset value to $500 million immediately prior to
closing.
In addition, certain financial projections of ACE for fiscal years 1996 and
1997 were developed by DLJ based upon public information and were reviewed and
accepted as reasonable by the management of ACE. The ACE projections indicated
overall compound annual growth in premiums during the years 1996-1997. The
loss and loss expense ratios in 1996 and 1997 were projected to remain at
approximately the 1995 loss and loss expense ratio. The underwriting and
administrative expense ratios in 1996 and 1997 were projected to remain at
approximately the 1995 level. Net operating income in 1996 and 1997 was
projected to grow each year at a relatively constant rate.
The financial projections with respect to ACE and Tempest were based on
certain long-term operating assumptions regarding the businesses of each
company, taking into consideration past performance. The operating assumptions
included, but were not limited to, (i) premium growth rates; (ii) loss and
loss adjustment expense ratios; and (iii) expense ratios and yields on
invested assets. In addition, projections with respect to Tempest gave effect
to the anticipated reduction in Tempest's capital to $500 million which was
assumed to occur immediately prior to closing. DLJ also compared certain
financial data of Tempest with various other comparable companies whose
securities are traded in the public markets, reviewed the historical stock
price and trading volume of the ACE Ordinary Shares, reviewed prices and
premiums paid in other comparable business combinations and conducted such
other studies, analyses and investigations as DLJ deemed appropriate for
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purposes of its opinion, including utilizing materials prepared by and
discussions held with ACE's outside accounting, legal, underwriting and
actuarial consultants.
In rendering its opinions, DLJ relied upon and assumed, without independent
verification, the accuracy, completeness and fairness of all of the financial
and other information that was available to it from public sources, that was
provided to DLJ by ACE and Tempest or their respective representatives, or
that was otherwise reviewed by DLJ. With respect to the financial projections
developed by DLJ and reviewed by the management of ACE, DLJ has assumed that
the information provided by the management of ACE and the management of
Tempest, in connection therewith, reflects the best currently available
estimates and judgments of the managements of ACE and Tempest as to the future
operating and financial performance of ACE and Tempest. DLJ did not make any
independent evaluation of ACE's or Tempest's assets or liabilities, nor did
DLJ verify any of the information reviewed by it.
The DLJ opinions are necessarily based on economic, market, financial and
other conditions as they existed on the respective date of such opinions and
on the information made available to DLJ as of such respective dates. It
should be understood that, although subsequent developments may affect its
opinion, DLJ does not have any obligation to update, revise or reaffirm the
DLJ Opinion.
The following is a summary of the material factors considered and principal
financial analyses performed by DLJ to arrive at the DLJ Opinion. DLJ
performed certain procedures, including each of the financial analyses
described below, and reviewed with the managements of ACE and Tempest the
assumptions on which such analyses were based and other factors, including the
current and projected financial results of such companies.
Pro Forma Effect of the Transaction on ACE's Financial Position and
Projected Earnings. DLJ analyzed certain pro forma financial effects resulting
from the Amalgamation. The Tempest financial projections were developed by DLJ
to reflect the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement and certain long-term
operating assumptions regarding the property catastrophe reinsurance business.
DLJ noted that while the Tempest projections assume normalized results, the
actual results in any one year may differ substantially due to the high
severity, low frequency characteristics of the property catastrophe business.
Such analysis indicated, among other things, that the Amalgamation would be
accretive, on a pro forma basis, to ACE's 1995 earnings per share by 23.2% to
31.2% over the range of Average Closing Prices contemplated by the
Amalgamation Agreement of $31.00 to $49.00, respectively (the prices at which
either party may terminate the Amalgamation Agreement). The 1996 and 1997
projected results, on a pro forma basis, indicated that the Amalgamation would
be accretive to ACE's earnings per share by 9.2% to 16.4% and 10.8% to 18.2%,
over the range of Average Closing Prices of $31.00 to $49.00, respectively.
The results of the pro forma financial analysis are not necessarily indicative
of future operating results or financial position.
Public Market Valuation Analysis. To provide contextual data and comparative
market information, DLJ compared selected share price and operating and
financial data and ratios for Tempest to the corresponding data and ratios of
the following publicly traded companies: GCR Holdings Ltd.; LaSalle Re
Holdings Ltd.; Mid Ocean Limited; PartnerRe Ltd.; RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.;
and IPC Holdings Ltd. The range of price as a multiple of 1995 operating
earnings, price as a multiple of projected 1996 operating earnings and price
as a multiple of shareholders' equity for the publicly traded companies at the
date of the DLJ Opinion were: 8.2x-4.1x; 7.3x-4.5x; and 1.45x to 1.18x,
respectively. The average price as a multiple of 1995 operating earnings,
average price as a multiple of 1996 projected operating earnings and average
price to shareholders' equity for the publicly traded companies as of the date
of the DLJ Opinion were 7.1x, 6.9x and 1.46x, respectively. Such analysis
indicated that the total consideration to be paid by ACE, over the range of
Average Closing Prices, would result in multiples within the range of the
price-earnings trading multiples of the publicly traded companies. Assuming an
Average Closing Price of $31.00 (the Average Closing Price below which the
Amalgamation could be terminated by either party), the total consideration to
be paid by ACE in the Amalgamation would result in a purchase price multiple
to Tempest's 1995 operating earnings of 4.2x. Assuming an Average Closing
Price between $33.00 to $45.00, the total consideration to be paid by ACE in
the Amalgamation would result in a purchase price multiple
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to Tempest's 1995 operating earnings of 4.5x. Assuming an Average Closing
Price of $49.00 (the Average Closing Price above which the Amalgamation could
be terminated by either party), the total consideration to be paid by ACE in
the Amalgamation would result in a purchase price multiple to Tempest's 1995
operating earnings of 4.8x.
Such analysis indicated that the total consideration to be paid by ACE, over
the range of Average Closing Prices, would result in multiples of
shareholders' equity within or below the range of the price-to-book trading
multiples of the publicly traded companies. Assuming an Average Closing Price
of $31.00, the total consideration to be paid by ACE in the Amalgamation would
result in a purchase price multiple to Tempest's shareholders' equity of
1.14x. Assuming an Average Closing Price between $33.00 to $45.00, the total
consideration to be paid by ACE in the Amalgamation would result in a purchase
price multiple to Tempest's shareholders' equity of 1.21x. Assuming an Average
Closing Price of $49.00, the total consideration to be paid by ACE in the
Amalgamation would result in a purchase price multiple to Tempest's
shareholders' equity of 1.32x.
Analysis of ACE Ordinary Shares Trading History. DLJ also analyzed ACE's
public market valuation at the date of the DLJ Opinion, relative to ACE's
historical price-to-earnings and price-to-book multiplies. At the date of the
DLJ Opinion, ACE's stock was trading approximately at 9.7x (price as a
multiple of projected 1996 operating earnings), within ACE's projected price-
to-earnings multiple range since ACE's initial public offering of 14.0x to
6.4x and was trading at 1.30x, the high end of ACE's historical price-to-book
multiple range of 1.42x to 0.89x.
Amalgamation Market Valuation Analysis. DLJ analyzed over thirty selected
merger and acquisition transactions involving property and casualty insurance
and reinsurance companies from 1989 through 1995. Although DLJ used these
transactions for comparative purposes, DLJ noted that: (i) the absence of any
merger and acquisition transactions in the Bermuda property catastrophe
industry itself, and (ii) the lack of comparability between transactions
involving property and casualty insurance and reinsurance companies and
transactions involving a Bermuda-based property catastrophe company due to the
large differences in financial and operating dynamics.
DLJ analyzed the price-to-book multiples in selected merger and acquisition
transactions and determined on a price-to-book basis that the total
consideration to be paid by ACE was below the average multiples of the
selected property and casualty and reinsurance merger and acquisition
transactions of 1.40x and 1.45x, respectively. The consideration to be paid by
ACE implies a price-to-book multiple of between 1.14x and 1.32x over the range
of Average Closing Prices of $31.00 to $49.00.
Limitations of Opinions. The summary set forth above does not purport to be
a complete description of the analyses performed by DLJ. The preparation of
fairness opinions involve various determinations as to the most appropriate
and relevant methods of financial analysis and the application of these
methods to the particular circumstances and, therefore, such opinions are not
readily susceptible to summary description. The preparation of fairness
opinions does not involve a mathematical evaluation or weighing of the results
of the individual analyses performed, but requires DLJ to exercise its
professional judgment--based on its experience and expertise--in considering a
wide variety of analyses taken as a whole. Each of the analyses conducted by
DLJ was carried out in order to provide a different perspective on the
transaction and add to the total mix of information available. DLJ did not
form a conclusion as to whether any individual analysis, considered in
isolation, supported or failed to support an opinion as to fairness. Rather,
in reaching its conclusion, DLJ considered the results of the analyses in
light of each other and ultimately reached its opinions based on the results
of all analyses taken as a whole. DLJ did not place particular reliance or
weight on any individual analysis, but instead concluded that its analyses,
taken as a whole, supported its determination. Accordingly, notwithstanding
the separate factors summarized above, DLJ believes that its analyses must be
considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses and the
factors considered by it, without considering all analyses and factors, may
create an incomplete view of the evaluation process underlying its opinions.
In performing its analyses, DLJ made numerous assumptions with respect to
industry performances, business and economic
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conditions and other matters. The analyses performed by DLJ are not
necessarily indicative of actual values or future results, which may be
significantly more or less favorable than those suggested by such analyses.
Engagement and Fees Payable to DLJ. ACE selected DLJ as its financial
advisor because it is a nationally recognized investment banking firm that has
substantial experience in transactions similar to the Amalgamation and is
familiar with ACE, its business and the insurance and reinsurance industries.
Pursuant to the terms of an engagement letter dated February 6, 1996, ACE has
paid DLJ $500,000 for its services to date, including the delivery of the DLJ
Opinion, and agreed to pay DLJ, upon closing, an additional $2,200,000.
Because a substantial portion of DLJ's fee is contingent upon the successful
completion of the Amalgamation, DLJ may potentially have a conflict of
interest. ACE also agreed to reimburse DLJ promptly for all out-of-pocket
expenses (including the reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses of counsel)
incurred by DLJ in connection with its engagement and to indemnify DLJ against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws.
ACE has also utilized the services of DLJ as its financial advisor with
respect to the acquisition by ACE of a 51% interest in Methuen Group Limited.
ACE has paid DLJ additional fees for its services with respect to such
acquisition. See "Information Concerning ACE--Business--Methuen."
The terms of the fee arrangement with DLJ, which DLJ and ACE believe are
customary in transactions of this nature, were negotiated at arms' length
between ACE and DLJ.
In the ordinary course of business, DLJ may actively trade the securities of
ACE for its own account and for the accounts of its customers and,
accordingly, may at any time hold a long or short position in such securities.
DLJ, as part of its investment banking services, is regularly engaged in the
valuation of businesses and securities in connection with mergers,
acquisitions, underwritings, sales and distributions of listed and unlisted
securities, private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other
purposes.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TEMPEST BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND TEMPEST'S REASONS FOR
THE AMALGAMATION
In reaching its decision to approve the Amalgamation Agreement, the Tempest
Board of Directors consulted with their advisors and independently considered
the material factors described below. BASED UPON ITS INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF
SUCH FACTORS AND A REVIEW OF THE BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS OF ACE, THE TEMPEST
BOARD HAS DETERMINED THAT THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT AND THE TEMPEST
TRANSACTIONS ARE FAIR TO AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF TEMPEST AND ITS
SHAREHOLDERS AND HAS APPROVED THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT.
In reaching its conclusions to recommend the Amalgamation Agreement and the
Tempest Transactions to the Tempest Shareholders, the Tempest Board of
Directors considered various factors, including the following:
The Tempest Board considered current conditions in the property
catastrophe reinsurance market, in part derived from the significant
variability of results over the last ten years for participants in the
market, and the recent consolidation among industry participants.
Recognition of the limited growth prospects for Tempest in the absence of
diversification, the difficulty of diversifying and the operating risks
inherent in the property catastrophe reinsurance business generally led the
Tempest Board to conclude that the Amalgamation could protect Tempest from
risks inherent in remaining a stand-alone, monoline property catastrophe
reinsurance company. The Tempest Board believed there could be significant
advantages for the business prospects and operations of Tempest from the
Amalgamation.
The Tempest Board also received and evaluated the reports and conclusions
of the financial, actuarial and legal investigations of ACE conducted by
outside advisors to Tempest. These due diligence materials included a study
by a nationally recognized, independent actuarial firm regarding the status
of ACE's loss reserves and a legal due diligence report concerning the
status of pending breast implant litigation and ACE's potential exposure to
losses arising in connection therewith.
The Tempest Board considered the recommendation by its Amalgamation
Committee, which had evaluated and reviewed various aspects of the
Amalgamation, that the Amalgamation Agreement and the transactions
contemplated thereby be approved by the Board and recommended by the Board
for approval by the Tempest Shareholders.
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The Tempest Board assessed an initial public offering as an alternative
to the Amalgamation. In considering this alternative, Tempest's Board
reviewed various aspects of an offering, including regulatory approvals,
timing, market conditions, business prospects, risks, uncertainties and
possible delays and cost, and weighed the merits of an offering against the
terms and conditions of the Amalgamation, including the amount and form of
consideration to be received by Tempest Shareholders in the Amalgamation.
The Tempest Board concluded that the terms of the Amalgamation were fair to
Tempest Shareholders and, on balance, preferable to the possible returns of
an initial public offering of Tempest Common Shares.
The Tempest Board received the financial presentation of Merrill Lynch
delivered at the Board's meeting on March 12, 1996, including Merrill
Lynch's written opinion to the Tempest Board dated March 12, 1996, to the
effect that, as of such date and based upon and subject to certain matters
stated therein, the consideration to be received in the form of ACE
Ordinary Shares by Tempest Shareholders pursuant to the Amalgamation is
fair from a financial point of view to such Tempest Shareholders.
The Tempest Board considered the financial strength of ACE and of the pro
forma combined company. The working proximity in Bermuda between members of
ACE's and Tempest's senior management team aided Tempest's Board in also
making a meaningful assessment of the quality of ACE's management.
The Tempest Board considered the benefit to Tempest Shareholders in the
form of the contemplated Dividend (as defined herein) payment required
under the Amalgamation Agreement.
The structure of the Amalgamation, which would permit Tempest
Shareholders to exchange their Tempest Common Shares for ACE Ordinary
Shares, was deemed by the Tempest Board to be a desirable outcome for
Tempest Shareholders, in particular as it would provide liquidity for
Tempest Shareholders.
Having reviewed and considered the conditions, including regulatory
approvals, to the Amalgamation and related transactions, as well as the
risks, uncertainties and possible delays associated with the consummation
of the Amalgamation and related transactions, and the estimated length of
time and costs associated with such consummation, the Tempest Board
concluded that such conditions and risks would not be unusual or unduly
burdensome for Tempest or Tempest Shareholders as compared to conditions
inherent in other transactions that might provide comparable benefits to
Tempest and Tempest Shareholders.
Certain of these factors were reviewed in detail with Tempest's legal and
financial advisors. In particular, the Tempest Board believes that the terms
of the Amalgamation and the amount and form of consideration to be received in
the Amalgamation result in the consideration to be received in the
Amalgamation being fair to Tempest and its shareholders. Such belief is
supported, as to Tempest Shareholders receiving such consideration, by Merrill
Lynch's fairness opinion. Further, the Tempest Board noted that none of
Tempest's directors or officers had any material interest in Tempest or the
proposed transaction, other than (i) pursuant to the receipt by the directors
and officers of options to acquire ACE Ordinary Shares which would replace
Tempest Options then held by certain Tempest directors and officers, (ii) the
employment, following consummation of the Amalgamation, of Mr. Kramer as
chairman and chief executive officer of the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary and as
vice-chairman of ACE, and (iii) as to certain directors, in their capacity as
managers of investment funds which held Tempest Common Shares. The Tempest
Board found the absence of any material interests (other than those noted) to
support its opinion. See "--Opinion of Financial Advisor to Tempest."
The foregoing discussion of the information and factors considered by the
Tempest Board is not intended to be exhaustive, but is believed to include all
material factors considered by the Tempest Board.
The Tempest Board of Directors believes that the Amalgamation will provide:
(i) the diversification necessary for sustained growth for Tempest beyond
that achievable as a stand-alone, monoline property catastrophe reinsurance
company;
(ii) the prospect for Tempest to participate in a dynamic financial
enterprise having greater financial resources;
(iii) liquidity for Tempest Shareholders; and
(iv) enhanced shareholder value.
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TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT THE TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS VOTE
"FOR" APPROVAL OF THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT.
THE TEMPEST TRANSACTIONS
Securityholders Agreement. In connection with the Amalgamation, Tempest
Shareholders are being asked to consent to amendment of the Securityholders
Agreement. Under the Amalgamation Agreement, completion of the Amalgamation is
subject to the amendment and termination of the Securityholders Agreement. The
proposal to amend the Securityholders Agreement is based on the Tempest Board
of Directors' recognition of the inappropriateness of maintaining, following
the consummation of the Amalgamation, the Securityholders Agreement or any
agreement with provisions substantially similar to those contained in the
Securityholders Agreement, in light of the fact that ACE's Ordinary Shares are
listed on the NYSE. Although it is not clear that, under the circumstances of
the Amalgamation, these amendments are required, Tempest's Board of Directors
has concluded that it is advisable to resolve the question by amending the
Securityholders Agreement. Accordingly, the Tempest Board of Directors
proposes to amend (i) Section 17 of the Securityholders Agreement to make it
inapplicable in connection with transactions in which Tempest shareholders
receive shares or other securities which have been registered under the
Securities Act and which are listed on a national securities exchange or
NASDAQ; and (ii) Section 14 of the Securityholders Agreement to provide for
its termination effective upon the consummation of the Amalgamation.
Section 17 of the Securityholders Agreement currently prohibits Tempest from
entering into any transaction with any person pursuant to which shares or
other securities of such person would be exchanged or substituted for Tempest
Common Shares unless, as a condition to the closing of such transaction, that
person, together with each Tempest Shareholder, execute an agreement
substantially in the form of the Securityholders Agreement. Section 14 of the
Securityholders Agreement currently provides for termination of the
Securityholders Agreement upon the occurrence of certain events, not including
the Amalgamation.
As amended, Section 14 of the Securityholders Agreement is to read in its
entirety as follows:
"Section 14. Term
This Agreement shall terminate upon the first to occur of (a) an Initial
Public Offering, (b) the consent of the Company and all Shareholders that
the Agreement be terminated, (c) any transaction with any Person pursuant
to which shares or other securities of such Person are exchanged or
substituted for all the Shares, provided that the shares or securities of
such Person are registered under the Securities Act and applicable United
States state securities laws and listed on a national securities exchange
or NASDAQ, (d) the liquidation or dissolution of the Company, or (e) the
tenth anniversary of the date hereof of this Agreement; provided, however,
that (i) in the case of termination pursuant to clauses (a) or (b), (A) the
registration rights of the Shareholders under Section 7 hereof shall
survive until the tenth anniversary of the date hereof to the extent such
rights have not theretofore been exercised and (B) the provisions of
Section 3, 4, 8 and 17 shall survive until the tenth anniversary of the
date hereof and (ii) in any case, the provisions of Section 9(c) and 10
shall survive the termination of this Agreement."
As amended, Section 17 of the Securityholders Agreement is to read in its
entirety as follows:
"Section 17. Recapitalization, Exchanges, Etc.
The provisions of this Agreement shall apply to the full extent set forth
herein with respect to shares or other securities in the Company that may
be issued in respect of, in exchange for, or in substitution of the Shares.
The Company agrees not to enter into any transaction with any Person
pursuant to which shares or other securities of such Person will be
exchanged or substituted for the Shares unless: (i) it is a condition to
the closing of such transaction that such Person and each of the
Shareholders execute an agreement substantially in the form of this
Agreement (or the surviving provisions hereof); or (ii) pursuant to such
transaction the shares or other securities of the Person being exchanged or
substituted for the Shares are registered under the Securities Act and
applicable United States state securities laws and listed on a national
securities exchange or NASDAQ."
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The amendment of the Securityholders Agreement requires the consent of
Tempest Shareholders holding two-thirds of the votes represented by the
Tempest Common Shares unless the rights, obligations or tax treatment of a
Tempest Shareholder are materially and adversely affected by such amendment,
in which case the consent of such Tempest Shareholder is also required.
TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS CONSENT TO
THE AMENDMENT OF THE SECURITYHOLDERS AGREEMENT.
Appraisal Rights. The Bermuda Act provides that any Tempest shareholder who
does not vote in favor of the Amalgamation and who is not satisfied that he
has been offered fair value for his Tempest Common Shares may within one month
of the giving of the notice of the Tempest Special Meeting apply to have his
shares appraised and to receive for his Tempest Common Shares the appraised
fair value. The failure to vote against the Amalgamation does not constitute a
waiver of the shareholder's appraisal rights. Under the Amalgamation
Agreement, completion of the Amalgamation is subject to the holders of at
least 75% of the outstanding Tempest Common Shares (not including Tempest
Common Shares held by General Re) waiving their appraisal and related rights.
ACE may waive this closing condition in its sole discretion. Tempest's Board
of Directors has determined that the Amalgamation Consideration represents a
fair price to Tempest Shareholders. See "--Amalgamation Consideration."
Merrill Lynch has provided an opinion that the Amalgamation Consideration is
fair from a financial point of view to Tempest Shareholders that will be
receiving such consideration. See "--Opinions of Financial Advisor to
Tempest."
TEMPEST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THAT TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS CONSENT TO
WAIVE THEIR APPRAISAL RIGHTS.
OPINIONS OF FINANCIAL ADVISOR TO TEMPEST
Merrill Lynch has rendered a written opinion, dated March 12, 1996, to the
Tempest Board that as of such date the consideration to be received in the
form of ACE Ordinary Shares by Tempest Shareholders pursuant to the
Amalgamation Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to such Tempest
Shareholders. By letter dated March 14, 1996 and addressed to the Tempest
Board, Merrill Lynch confirmed that its opinion applies to the definitive
Amalgamation Agreement, dated March 14, 1996. Merrill Lynch has also delivered
to the Tempest Board a substantially identical opinion, dated the date of this
Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, to the same effect.
The full text of Merrill Lynch's opinion dated the date of this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is attached as Annex C. The description of the written
opinions set forth herein is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
full text of the opinion attached as Annex C. The Tempest Shareholders are
urged to read the opinion in its entirety for a description of the procedures
followed, assumptions made, matters considered, and qualifications and
limitations on the review undertaken, by Merrill Lynch in connection
therewith. In considering the Merrill Lynch opinion, Tempest Shareholders may
want to take into account Merrill Lynch's fee arrangements with respect to the
Amalgamation, under which Merrill Lynch's fees are substantially greater if
the Amalgamation is consummated, as set forth below under "Fees Payable to
Merrill Lynch."
Merrill Lynch's opinions are directed only to the fairness of the
consideration to be received in the form of ACE Ordinary Shares by Tempest
Shareholders. The opinions are directed to the Board of Directors of Tempest
and do not constitute a recommendation to any Tempest Shareholders as to how
to vote at the Tempest Special Meeting or otherwise.
Engagement of Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch was engaged by the Tempest Board
to provide general financial advisory and investment banking services with
respect to the possibility of either an initial public offering of common
shares of Tempest or any affiliate or any proposed strategic transaction
involving Tempest and ACE or another party. Merrill Lynch was not authorized
by Tempest to solicit, nor has Merrill Lynch solicited, third-party
indications of interest for the acquisition of all or any part of Tempest.
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Tempest retained Merrill Lynch based upon its experience and expertise.
Merrill Lynch is an internationally recognized investment banking firm and is
engaged in the valuation of businesses and their securities in connection with
mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, negotiated underwritings,
secondary distributions of listed and unlisted securities and private
placements. Merrill Lynch has, in the past, provided financial advisory and
financing services to Tempest and has received fees for rendering such
services. In 1993, Merrill Lynch served as Lead Placement Agent in the initial
capitalization of Tempest, raising $528 million gross proceeds in a private
placement of common shares.
Material Relied Upon by Merrill Lynch. In arriving at its opinions, Merrill
Lynch, among other things: reviewed the draft Amalgamation Agreement as
presented to the Tempest Board and the Amalgamation Agreement dated March 14,
1996, reviewed the Tempest Annual Reports and related financial information
for each of the years in the two-year period ended November 30, 1995 and the
period ended November 30, 1993, reviewed ACE's Annual Reports and related
financial information for each of the years in the three-year period ended
September 30, 1995, conducted discussions with members of senior management of
Tempest concerning the business and prospects of Tempest, conducted
discussions with members of senior management of ACE concerning the business
and prospects of ACE, reviewed the historical market prices and trading
activity for the ACE Ordinary Shares, reviewed certain information, including
a study by a nationally recognized, independent actuarial firm engaged by
Tempest and financial forecasts relating to the business, earnings, cash flow,
assets and prospects of Tempest and ACE furnished to Merrill Lynch by Tempest
and ACE. In connection with rendering its opinion dated the date of this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Merrill Lynch also reviewed unaudited Tempest
financial statements for the three months ended February 29, 1996 and
unaudited ACE financial statements for the six months ended March 31, 1996.
The Tempest projections indicated essentially flat premiums earned in 1996 and
1997. The loss and loss expense ratios in 1996 and 1997 were projected to
increase to levels higher than the 1995 loss and loss expense ratio. The
underwriting and administrative expense ratios in 1996 and 1997 were projected
to decrease moderately from the 1995 level. Net operating income in 1996 and
1997 was projected to decline relative to net operating income in 1995,
partially due to a projected decline in investment income attributable to the
anticipated reduction in Tempest's net asset value to $500 million immediately
prior to closing. The ACE projections indicated increases in premiums in 1996
and 1997. The loss and loss expense ratios in 1996 and 1997 were projected to
remain at approximately the 1995 loss and loss expense ratio. The underwriting
and administrative expense ratios in 1996 and 1997 were projected to remain at
approximately the 1995 level. Net operating income in 1996 and 1997 was
projected to increase in each year. The financial projections with respect to
Tempest and ACE were based on certain long-term operating assumptions
regarding the businesses of each company, taking into consideration their past
performance. The operating assumptions included, but were not limited to, (i)
premium growth rates, (ii) loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, and
(iii) expense ratios and yields on invested assets. In addition, projections
with respect to Tempest gave effect to the anticipated reduction in Tempest's
capital to $500 million to occur immediately prior to closing. Merrill Lynch
compared the proposed financial terms of the transaction contemplated by the
Amalgamation Agreement with the financial terms of certain mergers and
acquisitions which Merrill Lynch determined to be relevant, compared the
results of operations of Tempest with those of certain companies which Merrill
Lynch determined to be reasonably similar to Tempest, compared the results of
operations of ACE with those of companies which Merrill Lynch deemed to be
reasonably similar to ACE and reviewed such other financial studies and
analyses and performed such other investigations and took into account such
other matters as Merrill Lynch deemed necessary.
In preparing its opinions, Merrill Lynch relied upon the accuracy and
completeness of all information supplied or otherwise made available to
Merrill Lynch by Tempest and ACE, and Merrill Lynch did not independently
verify such information or make an independent valuation or appraisal of the
assets or liabilities of Tempest or ACE. In particular, Merrill Lynch relied
upon the representation by ACE's management and actuaries that its reserves
for breast implant related claims are adequate, and Merrill Lynch did not
independently verify nor value the accuracy of such reserves. Merrill Lynch
further relied upon the assurances of the management of Tempest and ACE that
they were not aware of any facts that would make such information inaccurate
or misleading. With respect to the financial forecasts furnished by Tempest
and ACE, Merrill Lynch
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assumed with the consent of Tempest's Board that they were reasonably prepared
and reflected the best currently available estimates and judgment of Tempest's
or ACE's management as to the expected future financial performance of Tempest,
ACE or their combined operations, as the case may be. Merrill Lynch's opinion
is necessarily based upon market, economic and other conditions as they existed
on the date of the opinion.
Financial Analyses by Merrill Lynch. The following is a summary of certain of
the financial analyses used by Merrill Lynch in connection with providing its
opinion to the Tempest Board on March 12, 1996. Merrill Lynch used
substantially the same types of financial analyses in preparing its opinion
dated the date of this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus as it used in providing
its opinion dated March 12, 1996:
Transaction Summary. Merrill Lynch calculated the imputed value of the
Amalgamation to holders of Tempest Common Shares which are to receive ACE
Ordinary Shares in the Amalgamation. This analysis showed a value of
$151.84 per Tempest Common Share based upon what the Average Closing Price
would have been if the closing of the Amalgamation had occurred on March 7,
1996. The Dividend was estimated, based on management's projections to
April 30, 1996, to be $61 million, or $14.62 per Tempest Common Share.
Merrill Lynch also calculated the multiple which the Amalgamation
Consideration and Dividend represent, based on the assumed $151.84 per
share purchase price and the Dividend of $14.62 per Tempest Common Share,
or a total of $166.46 per Tempest Common Share, to be 1.28 times Tempest's
fully-diluted book value per share at November 30, 1995, 1.37 times
Tempest's fully-diluted book value per share as adjusted for the General Re
buyout and the Dividend at April 30, 1996, and 7.18 times Tempest's
adjusted net income for the year ended November 30, 1995. Merrill Lynch
also calculated the comparable data assuming the Average Closing Price was
equal to the high of ACE's share price in the past 52 weeks, its low in the
past 52 weeks, its average price over the previous thirty days, three
months and six months and the prices at and beyond which the Amalgamation
Agreement may be terminated at $49 per share and $31 per share.
Transaction Considerations. Merrill Lynch was not requested to opine as
to, and its opinions do not in any manner address, Tempest's underlying
business decision to proceed with or effect the Amalgamation with ACE or to
enter into the other transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation
Agreement. Merrill Lynch was advised that Tempest made the decision to
adopt a strategy of diversification through the Amalgamation rather than
pursuing other strategies such as an initial public offering of Tempest
Common Shares. Furthermore, Tempest did not authorize Merrill Lynch to
solicit, and Merrill Lynch did not solicit, third-party indications of
interest for the acquisition of Tempest. Nonetheless, in connection with
its opinion dated March 12, 1996, Merrill Lynch considered the effect of
the alternative option of an initial public offering. For example, Merrill
Lynch considered a hypothetical transaction consisting of a special
dividend to Tempest Shareholders (to effect a decapitalization) and a
secondary offering by Tempest Shareholders of a portion of their holdings.
Merrill Lynch calculated the sum of the special dividend, the net cash
proceeds received by selling shareholders and the market value of the
Tempest Common Shares they would retain, based on various assumptions
including assumed public offering prices at multiples ranging from 1.20 to
1.35 times estimated fully diluted book value at April 30, 1996, and
assumed post-offering fully distributed, market values at multiples ranging
from 1.20 to 1.60 times such book value. However, Merrill Lynch's opinion
did not address the values which might have been achieved in an initial
public offering, which might be higher or lower than the value likely to be
achieved in the Amalgamation, depending on market conditions, offering size
and other considerations at that time. Merrill Lynch also considered the
market risks Tempest would face if it pursued the initial public offering
alternative, including the risks that valuation could be affected by
adverse developments in the insurance industry and in the capital markets
and that timing of an offering would be affected by seasonal considerations
in the catastrophe reinsurance business, concerns over future market
conditions and the effect of lock-ups.
Tempest Peer Group Analysis. Merrill Lynch reviewed certain measures of
financial performance of Tempest and compared this information with
corresponding information for five Bermuda-based property catastrophe
reinsurers: IPC Holdings Ltd., LaSalle Re Holdings Ltd., PartnerRe Ltd.,
RenaissanceRe
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Holdings Ltd. and GCR Holdings Limited (the "Selected Companies"). All of
the Selected Companies are reinsurance companies engaged in lines of
business similar to those of Tempest and, like Tempest, are based in
Bermuda. Merrill Lynch calculated the following ratios for the Selected
Companies' 1994 and 1995 fiscal years and compared them with the
corresponding ratios for Tempest for the years ended November 30, 1994 and
1995: (i) returns on average equity ranging from 6.7% to 44.1% and 19.1% to
43.3% for the Selected Companies' 1994 and 1995 fiscal years, compared with
16.3% and 17.2% for Tempest; (ii) returns on average assets ranging from
5.6% to 26.9% and 17.0% to 25.7% for the Selected Companies' 1994 and 1995
fiscal years, compared with 15.3% and 14.9% for Tempest; (iii) ratios of
operating income (excluding net investment income, net realized gains
(losses) on investments and net exchange gains (losses)) to average equity
ranging from 4.15% to 41.43% and 11.39% to 33.97% for the Selected
Companies' 1994 and 1995 fiscal years, compared with 11.73% and 11.66% for
Tempest; (iv) investment income as a percentage of average assets ranging
from 3.76% to 5.31% and 5.11% to 6.09% for the Selected Companies' 1994 and
1995 fiscal years, compared with 5.28% and 5.31% for Tempest; (v) growth in
net premium written from the Selected Companies' 1994 fiscal years to their
1995 fiscal years ranging from 7.4% to 57.0%, compared with growth of 27.0%
for Tempest; (vi) growth in revenue ranging from 24.9% to 128.8% for the
Selected Companies' 1994 fiscal years to their 1995 fiscal years compared
with 58.2% for Tempest; (vii) growth in net income ranging from 53.2% to
174.9% for the Selected Companies' 1994 fiscal years to their 1995 fiscal
years, compared with growth of 25.17% for Tempest; (viii) ratios of
premiums to equity ranging from 18% to 102% and 18% to 63% for the Selected
Companies' 1994 and 1995 fiscal years, compared with 26% in each year for
Tempest; (ix) ratios of premiums plus loss reserves to equity ranging from
21% to 126% and 23% to 81% for the Selected Companies' 1994 and 1995 fiscal
years, compared with ratios of 29% and 33% for Tempest; (x) expense ratios
(including for this purpose net exchange gains and losses) ranging from
10.7% to 16.2% and 12.0% to 19.5% for the Selected Companies' 1994 and 1995
fiscal years, compared with to 19.2% and 23.6% for Tempest; (xi) loss
ratios ranging from 24.5% to 47.8% for the Selected Companies' 1994 and
1995 fiscal years, compared with 18.3% and 31.6% for Tempest; and (xii)
combined ratios ranging from 35.2% to 62.8% and from 39.7% to 59.1% for the
Selected Companies' 1994 and 1995 fiscal years, compared with 37.5% and
55.2% for Tempest.
Analysis of Selected Companies and their Initial Public Offerings.
Merrill Lynch reviewed certain trading multiples of the Selected Companies.
Based on closing market prices on March 8, 1996, Merrill Lynch calculated
ratios of market price to book value per share for the Selected Companies
ranging from 1.30 to 1.41, with a mean of 1.36 and a median of 1.38.
Merrill Lynch calculated ratios of market price to earnings per share for
1995 for the Selected Companies ranging from 4.0 to 8.0, with a mean and
median of 6.1, a ratio of market price to 1996 earnings estimates per share
(based on estimates of First Call Corporation) for the Selected Companies
ranging from 4.3 to 6.9, with a mean of 5.5 and a median of 5.4. This
analysis resulted in a Selected Companies' market trading reference range
per Tempest Common Share of $158.89 to $169.72.
Merrill Lynch also calculated the trading multiples of initial public
offerings for the Selected Companies, with a range of initial public
offering price to book value per share ranging from 1.17 to 1.33, with a
mean of 1.23 and a median of 1.21; one such offering occurred in 1993,
three in 1995 and one on March 7, 1996. This analysis resulted in an
initial public offering reference range per Tempest Common Share of $140.83
to $160.09.
Analysis of Selected Acquisitions. Merrill Lynch also examined publicly
available data with regard to six selected acquisitions of reinsurers (the
acquisitions by Zurich Re of Re Capital Corp., by EXOR Group of
Constitution Re Corp., by Alleghany Corporation of Underwriters Re, by
partnerships controlled by Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., LP of American
Re-Insurance Co., by Wand/Chartwell Investment LP of Chartwell Reinsurance
and by Robert M. Bass Group and Acadia Partners of National Reinsurance
Corp.) and four selected acquisitions of property/casualty insurers (the
acquisitions by Travelers of the Aetna property/casualty business, by
Guaranty National Corp. of Viking Reinsurance Holdings, by CNA Financial
Corp. of Continental Corporation, and by partnerships controlled by
Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co., LP of Canadian General Insurance Group).
These acquisitions were announced on various dates from August 1989 to
December 1995. Merrill Lynch noted that there have been no transactions of
a comparable nature
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involving Bermuda-based property catastrophe reinsurers and that none of
the selected acquisitions involved reinsurers in the lines of business
conducted by Tempest. For the selected acquisitions, Merrill Lynch
calculated ratios of purchase price to book value from which Merrill Lynch
determined a relevant range of from 1.0 to 1.4. This analysis resulted in
an acquisition reference range per Tempest Common Share of $112.39 to
$165.90.
Discounted Cash Flow Analysis. Using a discounted cash flow analysis with
a terminal book value ratio of 1.15 to 1.25 and a discount rate of 16% to
20%, Merrill Lynch estimated the present value to Tempest shareholders that
might be produced based upon projected book value at December 31, 2000,
using estimates and financial forecasts provided by Tempest senior
management and assumptions relating to growth in premiums earned and net
income. This analysis resulted in a discounted cash flow reference range
per Tempest Common Share of $126.39 to $152.87.
Overall Tempest Reference Range. Merrill Lynch also analyzed the per
share reference ranges for Tempest Common Shares derived from the publicly
traded companies' market analysis, analysis of initial public offerings,
acquisition multiples and discounted cash flow analysis in order to derive
an overall reference range per Tempest Common Share of $126.39 to $169.72,
compared with Amalgamation consideration of $144.43 (based on an Average
Closing Price between $33 and $45 at closing) and Amalgamation
consideration from $144.43 to $157.26 (based on an Average Closing Price
between $45 and $49 at closing), and a range of value for Amalgamation
consideration and the Dividends of $158.89 to $172.13 (assuming estimated
Dividends of $14.62 per share).
Analysis of ACE. Merrill Lynch also calculated the current trading
multiples of American International Group, EXEL Ltd. and Sphere Drake
Holdings Ltd., whose ratio of current price to 1996 projected earnings
(based on estimates from First Call Corporation) ranged from 5.5 to 16.2.
Using a discounted cash flow analysis with a multiple of terminal earnings
of 9.0 to 11.0, a multiple of terminal book value of 1.4 to 1.8 and a
discount rate of 13% to 15%, Merrill Lynch estimated the present value that
might be produced based upon projected net income for the year ending
December 31, 2000 and projected book value at December 31, 2000, using
estimates and financial forecasts provided by ACE senior management and
assumptions relating to growth in premiums earned and net income. Merrill
Lynch's analyses produced an overall reference range per ACE Ordinary Share
of $41.39 to $68.94.
Limitations of Opinions. The information above summarizes the material
analyses prepared by Merrill Lynch in connection with its opinion. This
summary does not purport to be a complete description of the analyses
performed by Merrill Lynch in connection with the rendering of its opinions.
The preparation of a fairness opinion is a complex process and is not
necessarily susceptible to partial analysis or summary description.
Merrill Lynch believes that its analyses and the summary set forth above must
be considered as a whole and that selecting portions of its analyses, without
considering all analyses, or selecting part or all of the above summary,
without considering all factors and analyses, would create an incomplete view
of the process underlying the analyses set forth in the Merrill Lynch
presentations and opinions. In arriving at its opinion, Merrill Lynch, in
light of its experience and professional judgment, considered the results of
all such analyses and did not separately consider the extent to which any one
analysis supported the opinion. The fact that any specific analysis has been
referred to in the summary above is not meant to indicate that such analysis
was given more weight than any other analysis; in reaching its conclusion,
Merrill Lynch considered the results of the analyses in light of each other
and ultimately reached its opinions based on the results of all analyses taken
as a whole. Furthermore, with respect to the analyses summarized above, no
public company utilized as a comparison is identical to Tempest and such
analyses involve complex considerations and judgments concerning differences
in financial and operating characteristics of the Selected Companies and other
factors that could affect the acquisition or public trading value of the
Selected Companies. Accordingly, the range in calculations resulting from any
particular analysis described above should not be taken to be Merrill Lynch's
view of the actual value of Tempest or ACE, which may be significantly more or
less favorable than as set forth therein.
In performing its analyses, Merrill Lynch made numerous assumptions with
respect to industry performance, general business and economic conditions and
other matters, many of which are beyond the control of Tempest
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or ACE. Such analyses were prepared solely as part of Merrill Lynch's analysis
of the fairness of the consideration in the form of ACE Ordinary Shares in the
Amalgamation, from a financial point of view, to the shareholders of Tempest
receiving such shares and were provided to the Tempest Board in connection
with the delivery of Merrill Lynch's opinion. Because any estimates contained
in the analyses performed by Merrill Lynch are inherently subject to
uncertainty, none of the Tempest Board, Merrill Lynch or any other person
assumes responsibility for the accuracy of such estimates. The analyses do not
purport to be appraisals of or to reflect the prices at which a company might
actually be sold or the prices at which any securities may be traded in the
future.
The projections utilized by Merrill Lynch were prepared by Merrill Lynch
based upon certain information, including financial forecasts, furnished by
Tempest and ACE. Neither Tempest nor ACE publicly discloses internal
management projections of the type provided to the Tempest Board and to
Merrill Lynch in connection with their reviews of the Amalgamation. Such
projections were not prepared with a view towards public disclosure. The
projections were based on numerous variables and assumptions which are
inherently uncertain including, without limitation, factors related to general
economic and competitive conditions. Accordingly, actual results could vary
significantly from those set forth in such projections.
As described above, Merrill Lynch's opinion and presentation to the Tempest
Board is just one of the many factors taken into consideration by the Tempest
Board.
Fees Payable to Merrill Lynch. Pursuant to a letter agreement dated December
5, 1995 between Merrill Lynch and Tempest, Tempest paid Merrill Lynch a fee of
$500,000 upon execution of the Amalgamation Agreement. If the Amalgamation is
successfully consummated, Tempest will pay Merrill Lynch an additional fee of
$1,000,000. The Tempest Board was aware of this fee structure, which is
standard and customary in the industry for transactions similar to the
Amalgamation, and took it into account in considering Merrill Lynch's opinion
and in approving the Amalgamation Agreement and the transactions contemplated
thereby. Because a substantial portion of Merrill Lynch's fee is contingent
upon the successful completion of the Amalgamation, Merrill Lynch may
potentially have a conflict of interest. The letter agreement with Merrill
Lynch provides that Tempest will reimburse Merrill Lynch for its reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses and will indemnify Merrill Lynch against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under securities laws, incurred in
connection with its services.
AMALGAMATION CONSIDERATION
The Amalgamation Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time (as defined
herein), each Tempest Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to
the Effective Time, other than shares of Tempest Common Shares held by ACE or
any of its respective wholly owned subsidiaries (all of which will be
cancelled), will cease to be outstanding and will be converted into the right
to receive that number of ACE Ordinary Shares (the "Amalgamation
Consideration") obtained by dividing (i) the quotient of (x) the Premium
Amount (as defined below) divided by (y) the Average Closing Price (as defined
below), by (ii) the number of Tempest Common Shares issued and outstanding
(excluding certain Tempest Common Shares to be cancelled in connection with
the Amalgamation) immediately prior to the Effective Time. As defined in the
Amalgamation Agreement, the "Premium Amount" means an amount equal to 120% of
the Net Assets (as defined herein; see "The Amalgamation Agreement--Additional
Agreements--Net Assets") of Tempest immediately prior to the Effective Time;
provided, however, that if the Net Assets of Tempest should exceed $500
million then the Premium Amount shall be an amount equal to the sum of (i)
$600 million and (ii) the dollar amount by which the Net Assets exceed $500
million. As defined in the Amalgamation Agreement, the "Average Closing Price"
shall be an amount equal to the average per share closing price of ACE's
Ordinary Shares as reported on the NYSE Composite Transaction Tape for the ten
NYSE trading days immediately preceding the three NYSE trading days (such
third day being herein called the "Determination Date") prior to the date of
the ACE Special Meeting; provided, further, that if the Average Closing Price
is greater than $45.00, the exchange ratio will become fixed as if the Average
Closing Price were $45.00 (resulting in ACE Ordinary Shares of greater
aggregate market value being distributed) and if the Average Closing Price is
less than $33.00, the exchange
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ratio will become fixed as if the Average Closing Price were $33.00 (resulting
in ACE Ordinary Shares of lesser aggregate market value being distributed)
(the prices at which the exchange ratio will be fixed are collectively
referred to herein as the "Average Closing Price Caps"). The Average Closing
Price will be determined on the third NYSE trading day prior to the ACE
Special Meeting and will be publicly announced by ACE as soon as practicable
after its determination. Interested parties may also contact ACE's investor
relations department (441-295-5200) for the Average Closing Price beginning on
the Determination Date. The maximum number of ACE Ordinary Shares issuable in
connection with the Amalgamation (which would be based upon an Average Closing
Price of $33.00 or lower) is 18,181,818 and the minimum number of ACE Ordinary
Shares issuable in connection with the Amalgamation (which would be based upon
an Average Closing Price of $45.00 or higher) is 13,333,333. Each Tempest
Shareholder will receive its respective amount of the Amalgamation
Consideration upon surrender to the exchange agent appointed by ACE (the
"Exchange Agent") of the certificate or certificates representing such
shareholder's Tempest Common Shares.
No certificates or scrip representing fractional ACE Ordinary Shares will be
issued in the Amalgamation, but in lieu thereof each holder of Tempest Common
Shares otherwise entitled to a fractional ACE Ordinary Share will be entitled
to receive, from the Exchange Agent, in accordance with the provisions of the
Amalgamation Agreement, a cash payment in lieu of such fractional ACE Ordinary
Share representing the value of such fraction, which for this purpose shall be
calculated by multiplying such fraction by the Average Closing Price. As soon
as practicable after the determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be
paid to holders of Tempest Common Shares in lieu of any fractional ACE
Ordinary Share and upon the surrender to the Exchange Agent of a certificate
or certificates representing Tempest Common Shares, the Exchange Agent shall
promptly pay without interest to all holders of Tempest Common Shares entitled
thereto all such amounts.
Termination Right. The Amalgamation Agreement may be terminated and the
Amalgamation contemplated thereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the
Effective Time, whether before or after approval of the Amalgamation by the
Board of Directors and shareholders of Tempest, by either ACE or Tempest by
written notice to the other, no later than 5:00 p.m., Bermuda Time, on the
second calendar day following the date upon which the Average Closing Price is
determined, if the Average Closing Price shall be greater than $49.00 or less
than $31.00 (the prices at which either party may terminate and abandon the
Amalgamation Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the "Termination
Prices"). See "The Amalgamation Agreement--Termination."
Adjustment. The Amalgamation Agreement provides that if, prior to the
Effective Time, ACE shall subdivide, split up, reclassify or combine the ACE
Ordinary Shares or declare a dividend, or make a distribution, on the ACE
Ordinary Shares in any security convertible into ACE Ordinary Shares,
appropriate adjustment or adjustments, if any, will be made to the applicable
exchange ratio, the Average Closing Price Caps and the Termination Prices.
Tempest Options. As of April 30, 1996, there were unexercised stock options
outstanding to purchase 184,334 Tempest Common Shares (excluding Tempest
Options that will be purchased and cancelled in connection with the
Amalgamation) at prices ranging from $100.00 to $132.19 per share (before any
adjustment for the impact of the Dividend). As of that date, 73,332 of such
options were exercisable and by the terms of the Tempest Option Plan the
remainder become exercisable as follows: 66,996 by November 30, 1996, 22,003
by November 30, 1997 and 22,003 by November 30, 1998.
Under the terms of the Tempest Option Plan, all non-vested options become
immediately exercisable upon a change in control of Tempest. Therefore, upon
consummation of the Amalgamation, all non-vested Options become immediately
exercisable. Accordingly, in lieu of such options being exercised, each option
to purchase shares of Tempest Common Shares (a "Tempest Option") granted under
any employee or non-employee stock option plan of Tempest outstanding at the
Effective Time will be cancelled and replaced by an ACE Option. The number of
ACE Ordinary Shares underlying each ACE Option will be determined by applying
the applicable exchange ratio to the number of Tempest Common Shares
underlying the Tempest Option, and the exercise price under the ACE Option
(after adjustment under the Tempest Option plan's anti-dilution provisions)
will be
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determined by dividing the exercise price per share under the Tempest Option
by the applicable exchange ratio, so that the aggregate exercise price of the
options remains unchanged. If the Amalgamation had been consummated on March
31, 1996, the Average Closing Price would have been $44.475 and holders of
Tempest Options would have been entitled to receive options to purchase 3.2470
ACE Ordinary Shares for each Tempest Option held. There can be no assurance
that the exercise price and number of ACE Ordinary Shares underlying the ACE
Options to be issued pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement will not be
greater than the exercise price or less than the number of ACE Ordinary Shares
disclosed above.
EFFECTIVE TIME
The Amalgamation will become effective upon the issuance of the certificate
of amalgamation by the Registrar of Companies of Bermuda (the "Effective
Time"). The filings with respect to the Amalgamation will occur as soon as
practicable after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions to ACE's,
Acquisition Subsidiary's and Tempest's obligations to effect the Amalgamation.
See "The Amalgamation Agreement--Conditions to Consummation of the
Amalgamation."
CONVERSION OF TEMPEST COMMON SHARES AND EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES; REPLACEMENT
OF TEMPEST OPTIONS
Conversion of Shares. The conversion of Tempest Common Shares into the right
to receive ACE Ordinary Shares or the right to receive cash in lieu of
fractional shares, and the cancellation and replacement of Tempest Options for
ACE Options, will occur automatically at the Effective Time.
Exchange of Certificates and Replacement of Tempest Options. The Exchange
Agent will send transmittal forms to each holder of Tempest Common Shares who
is a holder of record of Tempest Common Shares at the Effective Time. Such
transmittal forms will contain instructions with respect to the surrender of
certificates representing Tempest Common Shares to be exchanged for ACE
Ordinary Shares and cash in lieu of fractional shares. Shortly after the
Effective Time, each holder of Tempest Options will receive an option
agreement evidencing such holder's ACE Options.
None of ACE, Acquisition Subsidiary, Tempest or the Exchange Agent will be
liable to a holder of Tempest Common Shares for any amount paid or properly
delivered in good faith to a public official pursuant to applicable abandoned
property, escheat or similar laws.
TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT FORWARD TEMPEST SHARE CERTIFICATES TO THE
EXCHANGE AGENT UNTIL THEY HAVE RECEIVED TRANSMITTAL FORMS. TEMPEST
SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD NOT RETURN SHARE CERTIFICATES WITH THE ENCLOSED PROXY.
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
It is a condition to each party's obligation to consummate the Amalgamation
that the ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued in the Amalgamation be authorized
for trading on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance. See "The
Amalgamation Agreement--Conditions to Consummation of the Amalgamation--
Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Amalgamation."
INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN THE AMALGAMATION
Certain directors, officers and shareholders of Tempest may be deemed to
have interests (summarized below) in the Amalgamation that are in addition to
their interests, if any, as holders of Tempest Common Shares and the interests
of the shareholders of Tempest generally. The Tempest Board of Directors was
aware of these interests (summarized below) and considered them, among other
factors, in approving the Amalgamation and making its recommendation to
Tempest Shareholders.
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Employment Arrangements. Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, ACE has
entered into employment arrangements, effective as of the Effective Time,
under which (i) Donald Kramer, Co-Chairman of the Board of Tempest will serve
as (x) chairman and chief executive officer of the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary
on terms and conditions substantially similar to the terms and conditions
(including compensation and benefits) currently applicable to his employment
with Tempest and (y) vice-chairman of ACE, and (ii) certain employees of
Tempest and one employee of General Re Underwriting Services Limited ("GRUS")
shall continue as or become, as the case may be, employees of the ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary.
Indemnification by ACE; Officers' and Directors' Liability Insurance. The
Amalgamation Agreement provides that, from and after the Effective Time, ACE
shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the officers, directors and
employees of Tempest (the "Indemnified Parties") against all losses, expenses,
claims, damages and liabilities arising out of the transactions contemplated
by the Amalgamation Agreement to the fullest extent permitted or required
under applicable law (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys'
fees). The Amalgamation Agreement provides that all rights to indemnification
existing in favor of the directors, officers and employees of Tempest as
provided in Tempest's Memorandum of Association and Bye-laws, and all rights
to indemnification pursuant to existing indemnification agreements, as in
effect as of the date of the Amalgamation Agreement, with respect to matters
occurring through the Effective Time, shall survive the Amalgamation and shall
continue in full force and effect for a period of not less than six years from
the Effective Time, and ACE will guaranty the obligations of Tempest in
respect thereof. For not less than four years after the Effective Time, ACE
will cause to be maintained Tempest's existing officers' and directors'
liability insurance. If the existing officers' and directors' liability
insurance expires, is terminated or cancelled during such four-year period,
ACE will cause to be obtained, to the extent commercially available,
replacement officers' and directors' liability insurance on terms and
conditions not less advantageous to the Indemnified Parties than the existing
insurance. ACE is not required to procure such coverage by paying an annual
premium in excess of 110% of the premium paid or to be paid by Tempest in the
fiscal year ended November 30, 1995 (the "Premium Cap"). If equivalent
coverage cannot be obtained, or can be obtained only by paying an annual
premium in excess of the Premium Cap, ACE is required to obtain only as much
coverage as can be obtained by paying an annual premium equal to the Premium
Cap.
General Re Agreement. Each of Tempest, General Re, GRUS and General Re-New
England Asset Management, Inc. ("GRAM") entered into a Share Purchase
Agreement dated as of March 14, 1996 (the "General Re Agreement") pursuant to
which, in each case subject to, and as of the time of, consummation of the
Amalgamation: (i) Tempest will repurchase all Tempest Common Shares held by
General Re, (ii) Tempest will purchase and cancel all options to purchase
Tempest Common Shares (the "Options") held by General Re, (iii) the GRUS
contract will be amended to terminate at June 30, 1996 in consideration of the
payment by Tempest of a termination fee of $20.3 million (the "GRUS
Termination Fee"), (iv) the GRAM contract will be amended to terminate at
April 30, 1999, (v) Tempest and General Re will enter into a stop loss
reinsurance agreement, on terms specified therein, (vi) General Re will
consent to the amendment of the Securityholders Agreement as described herein,
and (vii) Tempest will purchase continuation coverage in respect of Tempest's
directors' and officers' indemnity policy for the period beginning as of the
Effective Time and continuing to the fourth anniversary thereof.
In consideration of the repurchase by Tempest of all the Tempest Common
Shares held by General Re, Tempest will pay General Re $137.3 million, or
$126.82 per share on a fully diluted basis (the "Share Purchase Price"). This
per share amount is equal to the fully diluted book value per share at
November 30, 1995 after taking into account the GRUS Termination Fee. Tempest
will pay General Re $7.5 million, netting out the exercise price of $100.00
per share, or $26.82 per share on a fully diluted basis, for the Options being
purchased and cancelled (the "Options Purchase Price") by Tempest. Tempest
will pay General Re interest on the Share Purchase Price and the Options
Purchase Price at a rate of 6% per annum computed from November 30, 1995 to
the Effective Time. Tempest will use cash on hand and proceeds from the sale
of short-term and other investments to repurchase the Tempest Common Shares
held by General Re.
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In addition, the GRUS contract will be amended to revise a provision of the
GRUS contract relating to computation of the underwriting profit payable by
Tempest to GRUS. The purpose of amending this provision is to preclude any
reduction, under the terms of the GRUS contract, in the amount of the GRUS
Termination Fee to be paid to GRUS by Tempest. Tempest will pay General Re
interest on the GRUS Termination Fee at a rate of 6% per annum computed from
November 30, 1995 to the Effective Time.
In connection with the amendment of the GRUS contract, Tempest will, upon
termination of the GRUS contract, receive from GRUS a perpetual,
nontransferable (other than to an affiliate of Tempest or to ACE or any of
ACE's affiliates) license to use the computer-based models and modeling
programs and other technological, mathematical, statistical and scientific
programs, procedures, models, tools and related underwriting data and software
devised during the term of the GRUS contract. Tempest and GRUS have
acknowledged that GRUS has no duty or obligation to maintain, support, upgrade
or enhance such data, models, programs, procedures, tools and software after
termination of the GRUS contract. GRUS has also agreed, when necessary (as
determined solely in Tempest's discretion), to use its best efforts to cause
appropriate GRUS personnel to be made available, on such reasonable terms and
conditions as GRUS and Tempest may agree, to assist on matters arising in
connection with the GRUS contract.
In connection with the amendment to the termination provisions of the GRAM
contract, Tempest has agreed that if Tempest elects to retain an outside
advisor to manage its assets subsequent to April 30, 1999, it will afford GRAM
the opportunity to bid for appointment as asset manager, on terms to be agreed
at such time.
The stop-loss reinsurance agreement with General Re will cover claims paid
by Tempest of up to $10 million in excess of $60 million in respect of losses
incurred prior to December 1, 1995 and paid between December 1, 1995 and
December 1, 1997. The reinsurance premium for this coverage is $4 million.
General Re has agreed to consent to the amendment of Sections 14 and 17 of
the Securityholders Agreement. See "The Amalgamation and Related
Transactions--The Tempest Transactions--Securityholders Agreement."
Tempest agreed to purchase continuation coverage for its directors' and
officers' indemnity insurance policy in respect of the liability of Tempest
directors and officers. Such policy includes coverage for liability arising
from the Amalgamation (other than for liability arising from such directors'
and officers' gross negligence), including liability associated with the
making of any material misrepresentations to ACE as part of the Amalgamation.
Coverage will be provided for the period beginning on the date of the
consummation of the Amalgamation and continuing to the fourth anniversary
thereof.
Tempest agreed to indemnify General Re and its directors (including the
General Re-designated directors of Tempest), officers, employees and agents
for any liability (other than liability arising from their gross negligence)
arising from the execution and delivery by Tempest of the Amalgamation
Agreement or the performance by Tempest of the transactions contemplated
therein. Tempest and General Re also agreed to execute and deliver general
forms of releases.
It is a condition of the consummation of all the transactions provided for
in the General Re Agreement that the Amalgamation Agreement and the
transactions therein contemplated be approved by Tempest Shareholders (not
including General Re). General Re currently intends to abstain from voting
with respect to approval of the Amalgamation Agreement. As a result of the
repurchase of General Re's ownership interest in Tempest, Tempest's Board
believes that General Re considers it inappropriate to vote with respect to
the Amalgamation when it will not participate therein.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, Tempest has agreed to use its
reasonable best efforts to cause those persons who may be considered
"affiliates" of Tempest under the rules and regulations promulgated under
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the Securities Act to enter into agreements with ACE and Acquisition
Subsidiary, pursuant to which such persons will agree not to dispose of the
shares of ACE Ordinary Shares received by them in the Amalgamation except in
compliance with the Securities Act and will represent that they have no
present plan or intention to dispose of any such shares. See "The Amalgamation
Agreement--Additional Agreements--Additional Covenants of Tempest."
ACCOUNTING TREATMENT
The Amalgamation is accounted for as a purchase in accordance with GAAP.
Under purchase accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the
acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair values. Allocation of the
purchase price is subject to valuations and other studies which are not
complete. Accordingly the final allocation may be different from the amounts
reflected herein. However, management of ACE does not believe such differences
will be material.
EFFECT ON EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
As soon as practicable after the Effective Time, the employee benefit plans
of Tempest will be discontinued and replaced by those of ACE, and outstanding
options of Tempest will be substituted with options to purchase ACE Ordinary
Shares in accordance with the terms of the Amalgamation Agreement. See "--
Amalgamation Consideration--Tempest Options."
TAX CONSEQUENCES TO TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS
GENERAL
The following summary of the tax treatment of the Amalgamation is based upon
current law. Legislative, judicial or administrative changes may be
forthcoming that could be retroactive and could affect this summary. The tax
treatment of any particular shareholder may vary depending on such
shareholder's particular tax situation or status. The following summary does
not purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all tax considerations
that might be applicable to a holder of Tempest Common Shares or ACE Ordinary
Shares. For example, the following summary does not deal with shareholders who
are not citizens or residents of the United States (except as expressly stated
below), or other categories of shareholders subject to special treatment under
the U.S. federal income tax laws, such as dealers in securities, banks,
insurance companies and tax-exempt entities. TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO
CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE
AMALGAMATION TO SUCH SHAREHOLDER, INCLUDING THE EFFECT AND APPLICABILITY OF
FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND FOREIGN INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS.
As used herein, the term "U.S. Person" means an individual who is a citizen
or resident of the United States, a partnership, corporation or other entity
created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, or an estate
or trust that is subject to U.S. federal income taxation without regard to the
source of its income, and the terms "United States" and "U.S." mean the United
States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia). A U.S.
Person who holds Tempest Common Shares as "capital assets" within the meaning
of Section 1221 of the Code will be referred to herein as a "U.S. Tempest
Shareholder."
TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE AMALGAMATION
Bermuda. Under current Bermuda law, no income tax, capital gains tax or
withholding tax will be payable by Tempest or any Tempest Shareholder as a
consequence of the Amalgamation.
United States. The following is a summary of the principal U.S. Federal
income tax consequences of the Amalgamation to U.S. Tempest Shareholders. The
summary is not binding on the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS"), and
there can be no assurance that the IRS will not take a position contrary to
one or more of the
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positions described below, or that such positions would be upheld by the
courts if challenged by the IRS. No rulings have been or will be requested
from the IRS, and no opinion of counsel has been obtained, with respect to any
aspect of the Amalgamation. Furthermore, limited guidance is available as to
the proper characterization under U.S. tax law of reorganization transactions
accomplished under foreign law that may not be identical in all legal
particulars to merger and other reorganization transactions accomplished under
U.S. laws, and there are no authoritative precedents involving transactions
similar to the Amalgamation.
The summary does not address all aspects of U.S. Federal income taxation
that may be relevant to U.S. Tempest Shareholders; nor does this summary
address the effect of any applicable U.S. state or local tax laws, or the tax
laws of any jurisdiction outside the United States, other than Bermuda.
United States--Payments of Dividends. As described in "Additional
Agreements--Net Assets," the Amalgamation Agreement provides for the
declaration and payment of the Dividend to Tempest Shareholders in amounts
sufficient, together with other contemplated transactions, to reduce the Net
Assets of Tempest, immediately prior to the Effective Time, to $500 million.
It is anticipated that the distributions of the Dividend will be paid out of
current or accumulated earnings and profits ("E&P") of Tempest, and that as a
result the full amount of these distributions will be treated as dividends for
tax purposes and will be taxable as ordinary income when received by U.S.
Tempest Shareholders.
The Dividend paid by Tempest to U.S. Tempest Shareholders will not be
eligible for the dividends received deduction provided for corporate
shareholders by Code Section 243. Because U.S. Persons own a majority of the
Tempest Common Shares and because a substantial part of Tempest's reinsurance
business includes the reinsurance of U.S. risks, only a portion of the
Dividend paid by Tempest will be treated as foreign source income for purposes
of computing a U.S. Tempest Shareholder's U.S foreign tax credit limitation.
It is likely that all of the Dividend that is foreign source income will
constitute either "passive" or "financial services" income for foreign tax
credit limitation purposes. Thus, it may not be possible for certain U.S.
Tempest Shareholders to utilize excess foreign tax credits to reduce U.S. tax
on such income.
United States--The Amalgamation. It is intended that the Amalgamation will
constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the
Code. This treatment is based in part on certain representations and covenants
made by ACE and Tempest in the Amalgamation Agreement and on representations
made by Tempest and certain Tempest Shareholders with respect to the lack of a
plan or intent to dispose of the ACE Ordinary Shares they would receive in the
Amalgamation. Assuming that the Amalgamation so qualifies as a reorganization,
and subject to the discussion below regarding Section 367 of the Code, the
principal U.S. Federal income tax consequences of the Amalgamation to a U.S.
Tempest Shareholder that exchanges its Tempest Common Shares for ACE Ordinary
Shares pursuant to the Amalgamation will be as follows: (1) no gain or loss
will be recognized on the exchange (except as discussed below with respect to
cash received in lieu of a fractional ACE Ordinary Share); (2) the aggregate
tax basis of the ACE Ordinary Shares received pursuant to the Amalgamation
will be the same as the aggregate tax basis of the Tempest Common Shares
surrendered in exchange therefor (reduced by any amount of basis allocable to
a fractional share interest for which cash is received); and (3) provided that
the Tempest Common Shares so exchanged were held as capital assets, the
holding period of the ACE Ordinary Shares received pursuant to the
Amalgamation will include the holding period of the Tempest Common Shares
exchanged therefor.
While it is intended that the Amalgamation will be treated as a
reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Code, such
treatment is not free from doubt. If the Amalgamation were not treated as a
tax-free reorganization under Section 368(a)(1)(B) or some other provision of
Section 368(a) of the Code, the Amalgamation would be treated as a taxable
exchange of Tempest Common Shares for ACE Ordinary Shares. If the Amalgamation
is deemed to be taxable, U.S. Tempest Shareholders would be required to
recognize gain to the extent the value of the ACE Ordinary Shares received
exceeded their tax basis in their Tempest Common Shares. A portion of such
gain could be treated as ordinary income to the extent, if any, of Tempest's
current or accumulated E&P as of the close of the Tempest tax year that
includes the Effective Time, as discussed in the following paragraph.
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Whether or not the Amalgamation is treated as a tax-free reorganization
within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code, U.S. Tempest Shareholders
may be required to recognize ordinary income because Tempest may be deemed to
be a controlled foreign corporation for purposes of Section 367(b). The amount
of such ordinary income recognized, if any, would be the lesser of (i) the
gain realized by U.S. Tempest Shareholders on the exchange of their Tempest
Common Shares for ACE Ordinary Shares (including gain which otherwise would
not be recognized as a result of the Amalgamation being a tax-free
reorganization) and (ii) their proportionate share of any current or
accumulated E&P of Tempest as of the close of the Tempest tax year that
includes the Effective Time. However, ACE and Tempest believe that, as a
result of distributions to be made by Tempest during that tax year, Tempest
will not have any E&P during its taxable year which includes the Amalgamation
and that the U.S. Tempest Shareholders will, therefore, not have any ordinary
income as a result of the Amalgamation.
Any U.S. Tempest Shareholder that is entitled to receive cash in lieu of a
fractional ACE Ordinary Share in connection with the Amalgamation will
recognize, as of the Effective Time, gain or loss equal to the difference
between the amount of such cash and such U.S. Tempest Shareholder's tax basis
in the fractional share interest. Any gain or loss recognized will be capital
gain or loss if the Tempest Common Shares exchanged are held by such U.S.
Tempest Shareholder as a capital asset. Any capital gain or loss will be long-
term capital gain or loss if the holding period for such Tempest Common Shares
is more than one year.
Any U.S. Tempest Shareholder that asserts its dissenter's rights in
connection with the Amalgamation and, as a result thereof, receives cash for
the value of its Tempest Common Shares, will recognize gain or loss in an
amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash and the U.S. Tempest
Shareholder's basis in its Tempest Common Shares. Any gain or loss recognized
will be capital gain or loss, except to the extent, if any, of any current or
accumulated E&P of Tempest as of the close of the Tempest tax year that
includes the Effective Time, if the Tempest Common Shares exchanged are held
by such U.S. Tempest Shareholder as a capital asset. Any capital gain or loss
will be long-term capital gain or loss if the holding period for such Tempest
Common Shares is more than one year.
United States--Information Reporting. U.S. Treasury Regulations require that
any taxpayer that receives stock in connection with a corporate reorganization
under Section 368 of the Code or realizes gain or other income (whether or not
recognized) on account of any exchange to which Section 367 (b) of the Code
applies file with its U.S. income tax return a complete statement of all facts
pertinent to the transaction including: (i) a statement of the basis of the
stock transferred in the transaction, (ii) a statement of the stock and other
property or money received in the transaction and (iii) a statement which
describes any amount required to be included in gross income pursuant to
Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 367(b) of the Code. U.S.
Tempest Shareholders will be required to comply with these requirements and to
maintain permanent records with respect to the foregoing information. Under
the Amalgamation Agreement, ACE has agreed to provide Tempest Shareholders
with information regarding Tempest's E&P that U.S. Tempest Shareholders will
need to comply with these requirements.
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THE AMALGAMATION AGREEMENT
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the Amalgamation
Agreement, which is attached as Annex A to this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and is incorporated herein by reference. Such summary is
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amalgamation Agreement.
THE AMALGAMATION
The Amalgamation Agreement provides that, following the approval of the
Amalgamation by ACE Shareholders and Tempest Shareholders and the satisfaction
or waiver of the other conditions to the Amalgamation, Acquisition Subsidiary
will be amalgamated with and into Tempest. At and after the Effective Time,
Acquisition Subsidiary and Tempest shall continue as the amalgamated company
and shall operate under the name "Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited." At the
Effective Time, the shares of Tempest Common Shares issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into ACE Ordinary
Shares or, in the case of fractional ACE Ordinary Shares, if any, will be
exchanged for cash, as discussed elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--
Amalgamation Consideration" and "--Conversion of Shares and Exchange of
Certificates; Replacement of Tempest Options." Each Tempest Option outstanding
as of the Effective Time will be cancelled and substituted with an ACE Option.
See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Amalgamation Consideration--
Tempest Options."
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF ACE, ACQUISITION SUBSIDIARY AND TEMPEST
Representations and Warranties of ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary. The
Amalgamation Agreement contains representations and warranties by ACE and
Acquisition Subsidiary relating to, among other things: (i) ACE's and
Acquisition Subsidiary's organization, standing and similar corporate matters;
(ii) ACE's authorization to enter into the Amalgamation Agreement and related
transactions and the execution, delivery and enforceability of the
Amalgamation Agreement; (iii) the absence of certain prior activities of
Acquisition Subsidiary; (iv) delivery to Tempest, and the material accuracy
and compliance with applicable law, of certain documents filed by ACE with the
SEC and ACE's financial statements; (v) except as disclosed in filings by ACE
with the SEC and other than liabilities incurred since September 30, 1995 in
the ordinary and usual course of business and consistent with past practice,
liabilities incurred in connection with or as a result of the acquisition of
Methuen Group Limited, including obligations to provide funds with respect to
underwriting of Methuen syndicates, and liabilities that would not reasonably
be expected to have a material adverse effect, the absence of liabilities;
(vi) except as disclosed in filings by ACE with the SEC, the absence of
changes or other events involving a prospective change in the condition of ACE
and its subsidiaries since September 30, 1995 which has had, or is reasonably
likely to have, a material adverse effect on ACE; (vii) the Amalgamation
Agreement's noncontravention of ACE's memorandum of association and articles
of association and Acquisition Subsidiary's memorandum of association or bye-
laws or any of their respective material agreements; (viii) the absence of the
need for governmental filings, consents, approvals or actions with respect to
any transaction contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement (except for certain
filings specified in the Amalgamation Agreement); (ix) the material compliance
with applicable laws; (x) the material accuracy, as of the date of mailing to
ACE Shareholders and Tempest Shareholders and at the time of the ACE and
Tempest Special Meetings, of information provided by ACE and Acquisition
Subsidiary in connection with this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and the
material compliance with law of the form of documents which ACE or Acquisition
Subsidiary is responsible for filing with any governmental entity in
connection with the Amalgamation and the related transactions; (xi) the
disclosure of material pending or threatened litigation against ACE or any its
affiliates; (xii) the absence for the year ended September 30, 1995, and the
expected absence for the year ended September 30, 1996, of "related person
insurance income" within the meaning of Section 953(c)(2) of the Code, in
excess of the exceptions provided in Sections 953(c)(3)(A) and (B) of the
Code; (xiii) the absence of fees related to the employment of brokers or
finders in connection with the Amalgamation and the related transactions; and
(xiv) the receipt of an opinion of ACE's financial advisor.
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Representations and Warranties of Tempest. The Amalgamation Agreement
contains representations and warranties by Tempest relating to, among other
things: (i) Tempest's organization, standing and similar corporate matters;
(ii) Tempest's authorization to enter into the Amalgamation Agreement and
related transactions and the execution, delivery and enforceability of the
Amalgamation Agreement; (iii) the capital structure of Tempest; (iv) the
delivery to ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary, and the material accuracy and
compliance with applicable law, of certain of Tempest's financial statements;
(v) the absence of certain material changes or events since November 30, 1995
(except as expressly contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement) and the
absence of any material breach or default under any material contract of
Tempest; (vi) the absence of fees related to the employment of brokers or
finders in connection with the Amalgamation and the related transactions;
(vii) the Amalgamation Agreement's noncontravention of Tempest's Memorandum of
Association or Bye-laws or any of its material agreements; (viii) the absence
of the need for governmental filings, consents, approvals or actions with
respect to any transaction contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement (except
for certain filings specified in the Amalgamation Agreement); (ix) the
material compliance with applicable laws; (x) the material accuracy, as of the
date of mailing to ACE Shareholders and Tempest Shareholders and at the time
of the ACE and Tempest Special Meetings, of information provided by Tempest in
connection with this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus, and the material
compliance with law of the form of documents which Tempest is responsible for
filing with any governmental entity in connection with the Amalgamation and
the related transactions; (xi) except as disclosed and except for defaults
which have not had or cannot reasonably be expected to have a material adverse
effect on Tempest, the absence of a default under its memorandum of
association or bye-laws or certain agreements; (xii) the filing of tax
returns, the payment of taxes, proper withholding and certain tax disclosures
relating to "related person insurance income" within the meaning of Section
953(c)(2) of the Code; (xiii) the disclosure of material pending or threatened
litigation against Tempest; (xiv) good and marketable title to properties,
free of liens except as specified and the validity and enforceability of
leases; (xv) the absence of certain agreements which cause the rights or
obligations of any party thereto to change in the event of an Amalgamation;
(xvi) the absence of assets located in the United States in excess of $15
million or more, other than investment assets; (xvii) certain disclosures and
delivery of employee benefit plans and matters relating to the employees of
Tempest; (xviii) the disclosure of Tempest intellectual property and except as
disclosed and except as would not have a material adverse effect individually
or in the aggregate on Tempest, the absence of any infringement of the
intellectual property rights of third persons; (xix) the inapplicability of
any anti-takeover statute or regulation under any Bermuda law; (xx) the
receipt of an opinion of Tempest's financial advisor; and (xxi) the absence of
additional contracts, agreements or arrangements with General Re not
previously disclosed to ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary.
CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF THE AMALGAMATION
Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Amalgamation. The
obligations of ACE, Acquisition Subsidiary and Tempest to effect the
Amalgamation are subject to various conditions, unless waived, which include,
in addition to other customary closing conditions, the following: (i) the ACE
and Tempest shareholders and directors, and ACE, as the sole shareholder of
Acquisition Subsidiary, will have approved and adopted all matters relating to
the Amalgamation respectively required to be approved and adopted by such
shareholders and directors by the vote required under applicable law; (ii) the
Amalgamation shall have been approved by the Minister of Finance of Bermuda;
(iii) no order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, stay, decree,
judgment, injunction or regulatory action shall have been enacted, entered,
issued, promulgated, threatened or enforced by any governmental authority, and
no litigation shall have been initiated by any Person, which has resulted in a
prohibition against the consummation of the Amalgamation; (iv) the
Registration Statement shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall
not be subject to a stop order or threatened stop order; (v) the ACE Ordinary
Shares to be issued upon consummation of the Amalgamation and the ACE Ordinary
Shares to be reserved for issuance upon exercise of options shall have been
authorized for trading on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance;
and (vi) the Securityholders Agreement dated as of September 15, 1993 among
Tempest and each of Tempest's shareholders shall have been amended.
Conditions to Obligations of Tempest to Effect the Amalgamation. The
obligations of Tempest to effect the Amalgamation are subject to the
fulfillment or waiver prior to the Effective Time of the following additional
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conditions: (i) each of ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary shall have performed in
all material respects each obligation and covenant to be performed by it on or
prior to the Effective Time; (ii) the representations and warranties of ACE
and Acquisition Subsidiary contained in the Amalgamation Agreement that are
qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct and the representations
and warranties of ACE and Acquisition contained in the Amalgamation Agreement
that are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects,
in each case as of the date of the Amalgamation Agreement and (except to the
extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of
the closing date as though made as of and on the closing date; (iii) the
unaudited financial statements of ACE as of, and for the three-month period
ended, December 31, 1995 and the unaudited financial statements of ACE as of,
and for the latest quarterly period ended prior to the closing for which
unaudited financial statements of ACE have been made publicly available, shall
reflect no material adverse change from ACE's September 30, 1995 audited
annual financial statements, except pursuant to the terms of the Amalgamation
Agreement; (iv) no material adverse effect on ACE shall have occurred since
September 30, 1995 and be continuing; (v) Tempest shall have received legal
opinions from United States, Cayman Islands and Bermuda counsel to ACE and
Acquisition in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Tempest; (vi) the
opinion addressed to Tempest's Board of Directors by Merrill Lynch shall not
have been withdrawn, amended or modified; (vii) Tempest shall receive
customary closing documents in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
it; and (viii) Tempest will have received evidence satisfactory to it that all
consents and approvals required for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement or the ownership and operation by
ACE of Tempest and its business have been obtained and all required filings
have been made.
Conditions to Obligations of ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary to Effect the
Amalgamation. The obligations of ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary to effect the
Amalgamation are subject to the fulfillment or waiver at or prior to the
Effective Time of the following additional conditions: (i) Tempest shall have
performed in all material respects each obligation and covenant to be
performed by it on or prior to the Effective Time; (ii) the representations
and warranties of Tempest contained in the Amalgamation Agreement that are
qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct and the representations
and warranties of Tempest contained in the Amalgamation Agreement that are not
so qualified shall be true and correct in all material respects, in each case
as of the date of the Amalgamation Agreement and (except to the extent such
representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as of the closing
date as though made as of and on the closing date; (iii) the unaudited
financial statements of Tempest as of, and for the three-month period ended,
February 29, 1996 and the unaudited financial statements of Tempest as of, and
for the latest monthly period ended prior to the closing for which unaudited
financial statements of Tempest are available, shall reflect no material
change from Tempest's November 30, 1995 audited annual financial statements
previously delivered to ACE's Board of Directors, except pursuant to the terms
of the Amalgamation Agreement; (iv) no material adverse effect on Tempest
shall have occurred since November 30, 1995 and be continuing; (v) there shall
not have occurred (a) any general suspension of trading in, or limitation on
prices for, securities on any national securities exchange or the over-the-
counter market in the United States, (b) a declaration of a banking moratorium
or any suspension of payments in respect of banks in the United States or
Bermuda (whether or not mandatory), (c) the commencement or escalation of a
war, armed hostilities or other national or international crisis involving the
United States or Bermuda, (d) any limitation (whether or not mandatory)
imposed by any governmental authority on, or any other event having a
reasonable likelihood of affecting, the nature or extension of credit or
further extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions in the
United States or Bermuda, (e) any material adverse change in United States or
international securities markets or financial markets, or (f) in the case of
any of the foregoing, a material acceleration or worsening thereof; (vi) the
holders of at least 75% of the outstanding Tempest Common Shares (not
including Tempest Common Shares held by General Re) shall have waived their
appraisal rights; (vii) ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary shall have received
legal opinions from United States and Bermuda counsel to Tempest in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary; (viii)
the opinion addressed to ACE's Board of Directors by DLJ, delivered as
contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement, shall not have been withdrawn,
amended or modified; (ix) ACE shall receive customary closing documents in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to it; (x) ACE shall have received
evidence satisfactory to it that all consents and approvals required for the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby or the ownership
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and operation by ACE of Tempest and its business have been obtained and all
required filings have been made; (xi) ACE shall have received the report of
Price Waterhouse LLP or another actuary reasonably acceptable to ACE in form
and substance reasonably satisfactory to it that Tempest's reserve for loss
and loss expenses provisions makes a reasonable provision, in the aggregate,
for all unpaid loss and loss expenses obligations of Tempest under the terms
of its policies and agreements, and the decrease, if any, between November 30,
1995 and the closing date in the estimate of ultimate unpaid loss reserves at
November 30, 1995 as calculated by Tempest is reasonable; and (xii)(a) all
shares owned by General Re at any time on or after November 30, 1995 shall
have been cancelled and shall no longer be outstanding and Tempest shall not
be obligated to make any payments, absolute or contingent, to General Re in
respect thereof, (b) all options to acquire Tempest Common Shares or other
securities of Tempest owned by General Re at any time on or after November 30,
1995 shall have been cancelled and shall no longer be outstanding and Tempest
shall not be obligated to make any payments, absolute or contingent, to
General Re in respect thereof, (c) the Underwriting Services Agreement, dated
as of September 15, 1993, between GRUS and Tempest, shall have been amended in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to ACE, and Tempest shall not be
obligated to make any payments, absolute or contingent, to GRUS in respect
thereof except as specified therein, (d) General Re shall have entered into a
stop loss reinsurance agreement with Tempest, in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to ACE, pursuant to which General Re will indemnify Tempest in
respect of claims paid during the period from December 1, 1995 to December 1,
1997 in respect of losses incurred prior to December 1, 1995, in excess of $60
million, but not exceeding $10 million. The Amalgamation Agreement also
required that the holders of 75% of the outstanding Tempest Common Shares (not
including Tempest Common Shares held by General Re) shall have consented to a
lock-up (the "Lock-up") of the ACE Ordinary Shares to be received by them. ACE
has waived this condition.
CONDUCT OF BUSINESS PRIOR TO THE AMALGAMATION
Conduct of Tempest' Business Prior to the Amalgamation. Pursuant to the
Amalgamation Agreement, Tempest has agreed that from the date of the execution
of the Amalgamation Agreement to the Effective Time it will (i) conduct its
operations only in the ordinary and usual course of business and consistent
with past practice and (ii) use its best efforts to preserve intact its
business organization, to keep available the services of its officers and
employees and to maintain advantageous relationships with customers,
licensors, licensees, suppliers, contractors, distributors, business partners
and others having business relationships with Tempest.
In addition, pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, Tempest has agreed
that, from the date of the execution of the Amalgamation Agreement to the
Effective Time, it will not take without the prior written consent of ACE,
certain actions (subject to certain exceptions set forth in the Amalgamation
Agreement), including the following: (i) split, combine or reclassify any
shares of its capital stock, declare, pay or set aside for payment any
dividend or other distribution payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise
in respect of its capital stock, or redeem or otherwise acquire any shares of
its capital stock, or other securities; (ii) authorize for issuance, issue,
sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber, deliver or agree or commit to issue,
sell, pledge or deliver (whether through the issuance or granting of any
options, warrants, commitments, subscriptions, rights to purchase or
otherwise) any capital stock of any class of Tempest or any securities
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of capital stock of
any class of Tempest or amend any of the terms of any such securities or
agreements outstanding as of the date hereof; (iii) incur or assume any debt
or issue any debt securities (except for borrowings under existing lines of
credit in the ordinary course of business), become liable or responsible for
the obligations of any other person except in the ordinary course of business
and in amounts not material to Tempest, make any loans to or investments in
any other person, pledge or otherwise encumber shares of capital stock of
Tempest, or mortgage or pledge any of its assets or create any lien thereupon;
(iv) enter into, adopt, or amend or terminate any compensation, severance,
termination, or benefits arrangement, or pay any benefit not required by any
plan or benefit; (v) acquire (by merger, amalgamation, consolidation or
acquisition of stock or assets) any corporation, partnership or other business
organization or division thereof or make any material investment either by
purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property transfer,
or acquisition (including by lease) of any material amount of properties or
assets of any other individual or entity; (vi) except as provided in the
Amalgamation Agreement, pay, discharge or satisfy any claims, liabilities or
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obligations (absolute, accrued, contingent or otherwise), other than the
payment, discharge or satisfaction in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice of liabilities reflected or reserved against on
the Latest Balance Sheet (as defined in the Amalgamation Agreement) or
incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation
Agreement or in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past
practice; (vii) amend the memorandum of association or bye-laws of Tempest;
(viii) adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions
providing for the complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, amalgamation,
consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization; (ix)
enter into any new lines of business (whether or not part of the insurance or
reinsurance business), change any policy forms, change the pricing formula for
insurance policies, change its investment policies or guidelines or otherwise
make material changes to the operation of its business, change its loss
reserve methodology other than as expressly provided in the Amalgamation
Agreement; (x) invest any investment securities of Tempest in investments
which are not rated in one of the four highest categories by a "nationally
recognized statistical rating agency" as defined in the rules or regulations
of the SEC; (xi) sell (whether by amalgamation, consolidation or otherwise),
lease, encumber, transfer or dispose of any assets (including without
limitation, rights of renewal) outside the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices or any assets which are material to Tempest, or
enter into any material commitment or transaction outside the ordinary course
of business consistent with past practices; (xii) authorize or make or commit
to make any capital expenditures, except for transactions in the ordinary
course of business consistent with past practice (but in no event in excess of
$150,000 in the aggregate) or pursuant to agreements or commitments entered
into by Tempest prior to the date of the Amalgamation Agreement; (xiii) make
any tax elections or settle or compromise any material Bermuda, United States
federal, state, local or other foreign income tax liability, or waive or
extend the statute of limitations in respect of any such taxes; (xiv) pay or
agree to pay in settlement or compromise of any suits or claims of liability
against Tempest, its directors, officers, employees or agents, more than an
aggregate of $100,000 for all such suits and claims; (xv) except as expressly
contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement or pursuant to agreements or
commitments entered into by Tempest prior to the date of the Amalgamation
Agreement, take any action likely to materially decrease or diminish the
assets or net worth of Tempest; (xvi) except as may be required as a result of
a change in law or in GAAP, change any of the accounting principles or
practices used by it; and (xvii) enter into any agreement providing for the
acceleration or payment or performance or other consequence as a result of a
change in control of Tempest.
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
Additional Covenants of ACE and Tempest. The Amalgamation Agreement contains
additional covenants of ACE and Tempest to, among other things: (i) allow the
other parties access to its officers, employees, agents, books, records,
reports and properties; (ii) use reasonable best efforts to take or cause to
be taken all action to consummate the Amalgamation and the related
transactions and use reasonable best efforts in connection with obtaining all
required approvals from governmental entities; (iii) provide reasonable
opportunity for the others to review and comment upon this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and use reasonable best efforts to have this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus declared effective under the Securities Act; (iv) consult
with the others as to the form and substance of any press release or other
public disclosure related to the Amalgamation; and (v) confer with the others
on a regular basis and notify the others of any matter that would be required
to be disclosed pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement.
Additional Covenants of Tempest. The Amalgamation Agreement contains
additional covenants of Tempest to, among other things: (i) engage Price
Waterhouse to audit its closing date balance sheet; (ii) take all action
necessary so that the consummation of the Amalgamation and the related
transactions will not, with certain exceptions, (a) result in any payment
becoming due to any employees under any benefit plan, (b) increase any
benefits otherwise payable under any benefit plan or (c) result in any
acceleration of the time of payment or vesting of any such benefits; (iii)
identify those persons or entities who are its "affiliates" for purposes of
Rule 145 under the Securities Act, and use reasonable best efforts to cause
such persons to agree not to dispose of the shares received by them in
connection with the Amalgamation except in compliance with the Securities Act;
and (iv) not, directly or indirectly, purchase, otherwise acquire, sell, or
otherwise dispose of any shares of ACE
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capital stock or any other security convertible or exchangeable into or
exercisable for capital stock of ACE or take any action that could reasonably
be expected to have any influence on the price of ACE Ordinary Shares; and (v)
use reasonable best efforts to assist ACE in entering into certain employment
arrangements with certain employees of Tempest and GRUS.
Additional Covenants of ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary. The Amalgamation
Agreement contains additional covenants of ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary to,
among other things, (i) substitute for each Tempest Option an ACE Option under
ACE's existing 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan or a new stock option plan to be
established by ACE for such purposes and to register, to the extent not
covered under an effective registration statement, the ACE Ordinary Shares
issuable upon exercise of such options under the Exchange Act, and (ii) use it
reasonable best efforts to cause the ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued in the
Amalgamation and the ACE Ordinary Shares to be reserved for issuance upon
exercise of ACE Options substituted for Tempest Options to be approved for
listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
Waiver of Appraisal Rights; Former Lock-up Requirement. Under the
Amalgamation Agreement, completion of the Amalgamation is subject to holders
of at least 75% of the outstanding Tempest Common Shares (not including
Tempest Common Shares held by General Re) consenting to the waiver of their
appraisal rights and the Lock-up. See "--Conditions to the Consummation of the
Amalgamation--Conditions to Obligations of ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary to
Effect the Amalgamation" and "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--The
Tempest Transactions." ACE HAS IRREVOCABLY WAIVED THE REQUIREMENT THAT ACE
ORDINARY SHARES TO BE RECEIVED BY TEMPEST SHAREHOLDERS BE SUBJECT TO THE LOCK-
UP.
Net Assets. The Amalgamation Agreement provides that Tempest and its
directors shall take (or shall have taken), prior to the Effective Time, all
necessary action to: (i) repurchase or otherwise acquire or cancel Tempest
Common Shares and options to acquire Tempest Common Shares of certain persons
disclosed in the Amalgamation Agreement; (ii) declare a dividend or otherwise
distribute to its shareholders an amount reasonably estimated to reduce the
Net Assets (as defined below) of Tempest, measured immediately prior to the
Effective Time and taking into account the transactions contemplated pursuant
to (i) above, to $500 million; and (iii) declare a dividend (a "Contingent
Dividend", and together with the dividend in clause (ii) above, the
"Dividend") in an amount equal to such portion of the Net Assets of Tempest,
measured immediately prior to the Effective Time, as exceeds $500 million
(such Contingent Dividend shall be paid to shareholders of record of Tempest
as of the Effective Time and shall be distributed to such shareholders,
without interest, upon surrender of their certificates representing the right
to receive the Amalgamation Consideration). The repurchase, acquisition or
cancellation of Tempest Common Shares or options to acquire Tempest Common
Shares by Tempest and the declaration or distribution of dividends or the
Contingent Dividend shall not obligate or commit the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary or any of its Affiliates in any way other than as previously
disclosed to ACE. "Net Assets" of Tempest for purposes of the Amalgamation
Agreement is defined as the shareholders' equity of Tempest computed in
accordance with GAAP and adjusted to: (i) add the sum of (A) any amounts
accrued on the financial statements of Tempest for options to acquire Tempest
Common Shares and (B) incurred losses and loss expenses recorded by Tempest
for the underwriting period beginning December 1, 1995 and continuing to the
Closing Date; and (ii) deduct the sum of (A) fees of Tempest's legal,
accounting, auditing and other advisors incurred by Tempest in connection with
the transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement to the extent that
such fees have not already been accrued on the financial statements of
Tempest, and (B) losses and loss expenses in an amount equal to the greater of
(x) forty-two percent of earned premiums for the underwriting period
commencing December 1, 1995 and continuing to the closing date and (y)
incurred losses and loss expenses recorded by Tempest for the underwriting
period beginning December 1, 1995 and continuing to the closing date, and (C)
an accrual equal to the closing price on the NYSE on the date immediately
prior to the closing date (the "Market Value") of ACE Ordinary Shares
represented by the options issued under the Amalgamation Agreement at the
closing date less the exercise price of those options, and (D) an accrual
equal to (1) the product of (a) the number of Tempest Common Shares subject to
Tempest Options outstanding at the closing date other than the options to be
replaced by ACE Options multiplied by (b) the Market Value of the ACE Ordinary
Shares issued in the Amalgamation for Tempest Common Shares less (2) the
aggregate exercise
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price of such Tempest Options, and (E) any decrease in excess of $10 million
between November 30, 1995 and the closing date in the estimate of ultimate
unpaid loss reserves at November 30, 1995 (it being understood that any
decrease up to an amount of $10 million shall be for the benefit of the former
holders of Tempest Common Shares), and (F) any payment made or amount payable
with respect to the stop loss reinsurance agreement with General Re referred
to in the Amalgamation Agreement to the extent such amount has not reduced
Tempest's shareholders' equity prior to the closing date.
No Solicitation of Transactions. The Amalgamation Agreement provides that
neither Tempest nor any of its directors, officers or employees shall, and
Tempest shall use its best efforts to ensure that none of its representatives
shall, directly or indirectly, solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiries or
proposals from or with any person (other than ACE and Acquisition Subsidiary
(or other affiliates of ACE) or such person's directors, officers, employees,
representatives and agents) that constitute, or would lead to, (i) the
acquisition by any person of more than 10% of the total assets of Tempest,
(ii) the acquisition by any person of 10% of more of (a) the Tempest Common
Shares or (b) the total number of votes that may be cast in the election of
directors of Tempest at any meeting of shareholders of Tempest held on such
date assuming all Tempest Common Shares and all other securities of Tempest,
if any, entitled to vote generally in the election of directors were present
and voted at such meeting, or (iii) any merger, amalgamation or other
combination of Tempest with any person (a "Third Party Acquisition"). Tempest
will promptly advise ACE of (i) any request for non-public information from
any person expressing an interest in a Third Party Acquisition or (ii) a
proposal in respect of a Third Party Acquisition received by Tempest,
including the identity of the person requesting non-public information or
making such a proposal (as the case may be); in the case of a proposal in
respect of a Third Party Acquisition, Tempest will furnish to ACE the terms
and conditions of such proposal. Tempest may provide non-public information to
a person only if (i) such person has expressed a written interest in (which
need not constitute a proposal for) a Third Party Acquisition, (ii) Tempest
reasonably believes such person has the financial ability to consummate such a
Third Party Acquisition, (iii) such person executes a confidentiality letter
no less favorable to Tempest than the Confidentiality Letter (as defined in
the Amalgamation Agreement), (iv) a committee of the Board of Directors of
Tempest determines in good faith that it is necessary, in order to comply with
the Board's fiduciary duties under applicable law, to provide such requested
information and (v) Tempest provides notice to ACE of the identity of the
person to whom the non-public information is being given at or before the time
such information is given and Tempest delivers to ACE a copy of all such
information concurrently with its delivery to the requesting party. If the
Board of Directors of Tempest determines in good faith following consultation
with outside counsel (the advice of such counsel to be confirmed in writing to
the Board of Directors of Tempest, with a copy of such written confirmation to
be delivered to ACE) that it is necessary, in order to comply with the Board's
fiduciary duties under applicable law, to review a proposal in respect of a
Third Party Acquisition, the Board of Directors of Tempest may undertake such
review and participate in negotiations respecting any such proposal. If the
Board of Directors of Tempest determines in good faith that any proposal
relating to a Third Party Acquisition constitutes a Superior Proposal (as
defined below), the Board of Directors shall promptly give written notice,
specifying the structure and material terms of such Superior Proposal (a
"Notice of Superior Proposal"), to ACE. The Board of Directors of Tempest may
(subject to the following sentences of this subsection and compliance with the
Amalgamation Agreement), to the extent the Board of Directors of Tempest
determines in good faith following consultation with outside counsel (the
advice of such counsel to be confirmed in writing to the Board of Directors of
Tempest, with a copy of such confirmation to be delivered to ACE) to be
necessary, in order to comply with its fiduciary duties under applicable law,
approve or recommend any such Superior Proposal, approve or authorize
Tempest's entering into an agreement with respect to such Superior Proposal,
approve the solicitation of additional takeover or other investment proposals
or terminate this Agreement, in each case at any time after the fifth business
day following delivery to ACE of the Notice of Superior Proposal. Tempest may
take any of the foregoing actions pursuant to the preceding sentence only if a
proposal for a Third Party Acquisition that was a Superior Proposal at the
time of delivery of a Notice of Superior Proposal continues to be a Superior
Proposal in light of any improved transaction proposed by ACE prior to the
expiration of the five business day period specified in the preceding
sentence. For purposes of this Agreement, a "Superior Proposal" means any bona
fide proposal for a Third Party Acquisition that the Board of Directors of
Tempest determines in its good faith reasonable judgment (based on the advice
of a financial advisor of
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recognized reputation in the U.S.) to be made by a person with the financial
ability to consummate such proposal and to provide greater aggregate value to
Tempest and/or Tempest's shareholders than the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement (or otherwise proposed by ACE as contemplated above).
Certain Post-Closing Matters. The Amalgamation Agreement provides that, (i)
following the Effective Time, and prior to the end of the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary's taxable year for United States federal income tax purposes that
includes the Effective Time, ACE shall (subject to the receipt of any
applicable governmental approvals or consents) cause the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary to make distributions to ACE that, in the aggregate, shall cause
the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary's current and accumulated earnings and profits
as of the end of such taxable year to be not greater than zero, as computed
for United States federal income tax purposes, but without any reduction as a
result of distributions or other payments (other than certain dividends,
including the Contingent Dividends) made to reduce Net Assets; (ii) prior to
January 31, 1997, ACE shall cause the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary to prepare,
and provide to each person (including General Re) that was a holder of Tempest
Common Shares prior to the Effective Time (each a "Former Holder"), (a) a
statement providing the information regarding Tempest required under United
States Treasury Regulation 1.1248-7 or any successor thereto or official
interpretation thereof, (b) a Form 5471, for any Former Holder that would be
required to file such form with its United States income tax return, and (c)
such other United States income tax forms or reports relating to Tempest or
the transactions contemplated under the Amalgamation Agreement as the ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary is required by law to provide to any Former Holder; and
(iii) ACE and its Affiliates shall (and, following the Effective Time, ACE
shall cause the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary to) take no action with respect to
the capital stock, assets or liabilities of the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary,
including without limitation the filing of tax returns or reports, that would
be inconsistent with the qualification of the Amalgamation as a
"reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Code;
provided, however, that ACE and its affiliates may file with the appropriate
governmental authorities and execute all documents necessary to consummate the
Amalgamation and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
TERMINATION
Termination of the Amalgamation. The Amalgamation Agreement may be
terminated at any time prior to the Effective Time (i) by the mutual written
consent of ACE and Tempest and (ii) by either party if (a) the Amalgamation is
not consummated on or before September 30, 1996, unless the failure to
consummate the Amalgamation is due to the failure of the party seeking to
terminate the Amalgamation Agreement to perform its obligations thereunder,
(b) the other party materially breaches any representation, warranty, covenant
or agreement contained in the Amalgamation Agreement and such breach shall not
have been cured within 10 days of notice of such breach, (c) if any
governmental authority shall have issued an order, decree or ruling or taken
any other action permanently enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting
the transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement, (d) if the
Minister of Finance of Bermuda shall have failed to approve the Amalgamation
by September 30, 1996, or (e) if the Average Closing Price shall be greater
than $49.00 or less than $31.00.
Termination Fee. The Amalgamation Agreement provides that: (i) Tempest may
terminate this Agreement, to the extent not performed, upon payment to ACE of
$12 million (the "Termination Fee") by bank cashier's check or wire transfer
to an account designated by ACE for this purpose and (a) five business days
shall have elapsed following ACE's receipt of a Notice of Superior Proposals
and the Superior Proposal described in the Notice of Superior Proposal
continues to be a Superior Proposal in light of any improved transaction
proposed by ACE prior to the expiration of the five business day period
following receipt by ACE of the Notice of Superior Proposal, or (b) the
Tempest Board of Directors shall have withdrawn, modified or changed in a
manner adverse to ACE its approval or recommendation of the Amalgamation or
the other transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement or shall
have recommended another offer, or shall have adopted any resolution to effect
any of the foregoing, in any case, as it deems necessary in the exercise of
its fiduciary obligations to Tempest's shareholders after being so advised in
writing, with a copy to ACE, by outside legal counsel, (c) the approval of
Tempest Shareholders of this Agreement, the Amalgamation and the transactions
contemplated
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hereby shall not have been obtained and there shall be existing a Superior
Proposal or (d) a Third Party Acquisition has occurred or any person shall
have entered into a definitive agreement or an agreement in principle with
Tempest with respect to a Third-Party Acquisition; or (ii) ACE and Acquisition
Subsidiary may terminate the Amalgamation Agreement, to the extent not
performed, upon payment to Tempest of the Termination Fee by bank cashier's
check or wire transfer to an account designated by Tempest for this purpose if
the Board of Directors of ACE shall have withdrawn, modified or changed in a
manner adverse to Tempest its approval or recommendation of the Amalgamation
or the other transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement or shall
have recommended another offer, or shall have adopted any resolution to effect
any of the foregoing.
Effect of Termination. In the event of the termination of the Amalgamation
Agreement by either ACE or Tempest, the Amalgamation Agreement will become
void (except the sections of the Amalgamation Agreement relating to
confidentiality, public announcements, expenses, notices and governing law)
and there will be no liability or obligation on the part of ACE or Tempest or
their respective officers or directors, except that no party will be relieved
or released from any liability arising out of any breach of any provision of
the Amalgamation Agreement or of any obligation it may have pursuant to the
termination payment provision of the Amalgamation Agreement summarized in "--
Termination--Termination Fee." The termination expense provision of the
Amalgamation Agreement summarized in "--Expenses" will survive the termination
of the Amalgamation Agreement.
AMENDMENT AND WAIVER
Subject to applicable law, (i) the Amalgamation Agreement may be amended by
a subsequent writing signed by each of ACE, Acquisition Subsidiary and Tempest
(except that after the Amalgamation has been approved by Tempest Shareholders,
no amendment may be entered into which requires that the Amalgamation
Consideration to be paid pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement to the holders
of Tempest Common Shares be decreased or the form of consideration to be
received by the holders of Tempest Common Shares in the Amalgamation to be
altered without the approval by such Tempest Shareholders) and (ii) each of
ACE and Tempest may waive any default in the performance of any term of the
Amalgamation Agreement by the other party or any of its subsidiaries, extend
the time for compliance by the other party or any of its subsidiaries with any
of the other party's obligations under the Amalgamation Agreement or waive any
of the conditions precedent to its obligations under the Amalgamation
Agreement, except where such waiver would result in the violation of a law.
EXPENSES
Whether or not the Amalgamation is consummated, all costs and expenses
incurred in connection with the Amalgamation will be paid by the party
incurring such costs and expenses except as otherwise disclosed in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus with respect to the Termination Fee. Each party to
this Agreement shall indemnify and hold harmless the other against any claim
for fees or commissions of brokers, finders, agents, or bankers retained or
purportedly retained by the indemnitor party in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement. See "--Termination Fee."
INFORMATION CONCERNING ACE
BUSINESS
ACE, through its principal operating subsidiaries, ACE Insurance and CODA,
provides excess liability insurance, directors and officers liability
insurance, satellite insurance, aviation insurance, excess property insurance,
financial lines products and certain financial guarantee reinsurance. In
addition, ACE has acquired a controlling interest in Methuen, the holding
company for Methuen (Lloyd's Underwriting Agents) Limited, a leading Lloyd's
managing agency.
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ACE provides insurance coverage to industrial, commercial and other
enterprises, including more than one-half of the top 250 companies listed in
the most recent Fortune 500 list of the largest industrial corporations in the
United States. Of ACE's net premiums written for the year ended September 30,
1995, approximately 56% was derived from excess liability insurance,
approximately 25% was derived from directors and officers liability insurance
and approximately 19% was derived from other insurance products.
ACE's long-term business strategy is designed to provide shareholders with a
fair return on their investment by focusing on insurance products which
provide policyholders with broad coverage and high catastrophic limits at a
fair and equitable premium that ensures consistent availability of coverage.
ACE seeks to provide to the world's largest industrial enterprises the highest
layer of excess liability coverage in their insurance programs and requires
that at least a portion of its coverage be the highest layer in a
policyholder's insurance program. ACE's excess liability policy form attempts
to mitigate many of the uncertainties found in more traditional excess
liability insurance policy forms. See "--Excess Liability."
For the three years ended September 30, 1995, 1994, and 1993, the aggregate
renewal rate on ACE's excess liability and directors and officers liability
policies has averaged approximately 92%, 93% and 95%, respectively. In
particular, ACE believes that its excess liability insurance policy form, with
the inception date of coverage relating back to the first date of coverage,
and ACE's commitment to consistent capacity and pricing designed to achieve a
reasonable underwriting profit have accounted for this high rate of renewal,
which has been achieved despite an increasingly competitive excess liability
insurance market.
During the year ended September 30, 1995, ACE entered four new lines of
business. ACE offers net limits of up to approximately $50 million per
occurrence for aviation insurance. Coverage is provided for various aviation
risks, including aircraft manufacturer's hull and liability, airport
liability, aircraft refueling operations and associated aircraft liability
risks. See "--Aviation." ACE also offers global excess property "all risk"
insurance, providing limits of up to a maximum of $50 million per occurrence
with a minimum attachment point of $25 million. Coverage includes such perils
as windstorm, earthquake and fire, as well as explosion. Consequential
business interruption coverage is also offered. See "--Excess Property." ACE's
financial lines product group offers specifically designed financial and
insurance solutions to address complex risk management problems. See "--
Financial Lines." In addition, ACE participates in the reinsurance of Stockton
Reinsurance Limited, with respect to a program referred to as "First Line,"
which provides financial guarantees required by the U.S. Coast Guard to issue
Certificates of Financial Responsibility, under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990,
to owners of vessels operating in U.S. waters. See "--First Line."
The nature of the insurance coverages provided by ACE are generally expected
to result in low frequency but high severity of individual losses. This loss
pattern is particularly evident in ACE's excess liability insurance due to the
high attachment points and large limits offered. ACE does maintain limited
excess of loss clash reinsurance with respect to its excess liability policies
and has also purchased reinsurance designed to limit its exposure on the
aviation and excess property lines of business as well as the First Line
reinsurance.
ACE's primary investment objectives are to ensure that funds will be
available to meet its insurance obligations and then, to maximize its rate of
return on invested funds within specifically approved constraints as to credit
quality, liquidity and volatility. Accordingly, ACE's investment portfolio is
invested primarily in fixed income instruments of high credit quality. See "--
Investments."
Excess Liability
ACE writes excess liability coverage, on an occurrence first reported stand
alone form, generally in excess of a minimum attachment point of $100 million
per occurrence and with a minimum limit of $10 million and a maximum limit of
$200 million per occurrence, subject to an annual aggregate limit in the same
amount for all
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covered occurrences of which notice is given during such year. During 1994,
ACE reduced the minimum attachment point to $50 million (or the foreign
currency equivalent) from $100 million for certain classes of non-U.S.
domiciled excess liability risks. In this instance, ACE offers limits up to
twice the reduced attachment point with a minimum limit of $25 million. To
qualify for the reduced attachment, an insured must be a non-U.S. based
company which generates less than 15% of its revenue from U.S. operations.
Effective on or after December 15, 1994, ACE has imposed an annual aggregate
sublimit for integrated occurrences of $100 million for all new and renewal
business that purchases limits greater than $100 million. This change will be
effective for existing multi-year policies at the end of the current multi-
year period. The change is expected to limit ACE's exposure to aggregation of
risk resulting from integrated occurrence claims.
Excess liability policies usually are denominated in U.S. dollars, but ACE
occasionally writes policies in other currencies as well. For the year ended
September 30, 1995, approximately one-third of the new business written by ACE
was represented by non-U.S. policyholders. ACE expects further non-U.S.
business growth as a result of the activities of its representative office in
London, England.
In general, the excess liability policies cover occurrences causing
unexpected and unintended personal injury, property damage and/or advertising
liability arising from events or conditions which commence at or subsequent to
the inception date (or retroactive date, if applicable, but not prior to
November 1, 1985) and prior to the expiration of the policy, provided proper
notice is given to ACE during the term of the policy or any applicable
discovery period. Each year's coverage is subject to the aggregate limit in
effect in such year, and limits from prior years are not available for
occurrences first reported in a subsequent year, thereby avoiding stacking of
limits by the insured. All covered claims attributable directly or indirectly
to the same event or condition are added together and treated as one
occurrence with respect to the policy in effect when the occurrence or claim
is first reported thereby limiting such losses to one policy limit. The terms
of ACE's excess liability policy allow an insured to purchase a reinstatement
of limits within their current policy year following notification of a loss,
but only one annual limit is available for integrated occurrence losses.
Coverage generally includes product liability, claims resulting from the
discharge, dispersal, release and escape of pollutants subject, in the case of
a discharge, dispersal, release or escape of pollutants caused other than by
reason of a defective product, to the insured becoming aware of such
discharge, dispersal, release or escape within 7 days of the commencement
thereof and notifying ACE in writing within 40 days of such commencement,
punitive damages for unexpected or unintended damage and payment of legal
fees, as well as a broad range of catastrophic exposures such as explosions,
fires, utility blackouts and other catastrophic events not excluded from
coverage. In some cases, juries have awarded punitive damages in excess of the
amount of actual or compensatory damages awarded. Coverage generally excludes
non-products gradual pollution, property damage arising out of most
professional services, commercial airline risks, certain marine exposures, and
liability for injury or damage caused by, among other things, asbestos,
tobacco, intra-uterine devices and nuclear risks. Unlike traditional insurance
policy forms, disputes under ACE's policies are required to be settled by
arbitration in Bermuda or London, depending on the policy. Either the Bermuda
Arbitration Act of 1986, as amended, or the English Arbitration Act of 1950,
as amended, governs the arbitration.
In a limited number of circumstances involving renewals where the attachment
point applicable during the renewal year was higher than the attachment point
applicable during the previous year, ACE has issued separate modified
occurrence policies covering the difference between such attachment points
with respect to occurrences in prior years only. ACE does not intend to issue
any of these policies in the future.
The foregoing is intended as a summary of the current excess liability
policy form used by ACE Insurance, a copy of which is incorporated by
reference as an exhibit to ACE's Form 10-K for the year ended September 30,
1995 (the "Form 10-K") which is incorporated by reference herein, and
reference is hereby made to such exhibit for the complete terms of such policy
form.
ACE maintains excess of loss clash reinsurance on a calendar year basis
which provides ACE with certain protection from losses arising from a single
set of circumstances (occurrence) under more than one excess
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liability insurance policy. The clash reinsurance agreements do not cover all
occurrences covered by ACE's policies and, in particular, do not cover
integrated occurrences involving one insured or similar occurrences in which
multiple insureds are found liable (e.g., similar defective products
manufactured or sold by multiple insureds). ACE's clash reinsurance policy has
been arranged with over 80 different reinsurers, with approximately 48% of
such coverage arranged with U.S. reinsurers and the remainder arranged with
non-U.S. reinsurers.
Directors and Officers Liability
ACE offers up to $75 million of directors and officers liability insurance
with a maximum of $50 million being provided for corporate reimbursement
coverage. ACE believes this to be the largest amount of directors and officers
liability insurance available from a single underwriting source.
The directors and officers liability insurance is written on a claims made
form and is provided to large industrial corporations, not-for-profit
corporations, financial institutions and others. As with the excess liability
form, disputes are required to be settled by arbitration in Bermuda or London.
Satellite
ACE began satellite insurance operations in February 1994. Until February
1996, ACE offered separate limits of up to $25 million per risk for launch
insurance, including ascent to orbit and initial operations, and up to $25
million per risk for in-orbit insurance. This risk was fully retained by ACE.
Effective for all business written on or after February 15, 1996, ACE has
entered into a surplus treaty reinsurance arrangement, which provides for up
to $25 million of reinsurance for each risk. This reinsurance arrangement has
enabled ACE to raise the gross limits offered for satellite insurance to $50
million per risk.
ACE believes its maximum net satellite insurance commitment of up to $25
million per risk represents one of the world's largest net lines. ACE also
believes that this stable capacity and the financial security offered by ACE's
asset base provide distinct competitive advantages and have resulted in the
ACE becoming a significant provider of satellite insurance.
Satellite insurance falls within a small, well defined market characterized
by a limited number of brokers, underwriters and international clients. There
are also a limited number of satellite and launch vehicle manufacturers in the
world. The growing worldwide demand for satellite communications capabilities
by both governments and private enterprises has resulted in an increase in the
number of satellites per annum requiring launch and/or in-orbit insurance
coverage.
ACE has hired underwriting staff, and may contract with others, with the
technical expertise to evaluate the detailed technical underwriting materials
and determine the exposure to be underwritten by ACE on any one satellite
insurance policy based on the historical performance of both the satellite
and/or launch vehicle being used by a client. The typical satellite insurance
policy is written on a quota-share basis, rather than on an excess policy
form. The insured value of a commercial satellite now ranges from
approximately $150 million to $300 million.
ACE is at risk, under the terms of a typical launch insurance policy, from
the point of intentional ignition of the launch vehicle and for a period of
approximately 90 to 365 days to allow for initial operations of the satellite.
In-orbit coverage incepts on termination of the launch insurance policy, which
usually occurs on completion of the initial operations testing of the
satellite. In-orbit insurance is generally written on an annual basis,
although policy periods can be as long as 24 months.
Aviation
ACE commenced writing aviation insurance in April 1995 and offers limits of
up to $100 million per insured, with no minimum attachment point. As a
consequence, this line is subject to potential low severity, high
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frequency of losses, as well as high severity, low frequency of individual
loss. ACE addresses its risk frequency exposure, and reduces its net line to
approximately $50 million, with a dedicated reinsurance program. Classes of
business written include aviation product liability, aviation manufacturers
(including hull and all risks and products liability); aviation refuellers;
and airport and airport contractors, together with certain aircraft risks.
For manufacturers hull risks, ACE provides coverage for accidental damage to
the aircraft on an "all risks" basis. ACE requires specific deductibles for
hull coverage, which will vary according to the size and value of the aircraft
to be insured.
Under aviation products liability, ACE provides coverage on a losses
occurring basis with limits of liability restricted by annual aggregates.
ACE provides coverage on a losses occurring basis for aviation refueling,
with specific limits provided for any one accident or occurrence, but subject
to an annual aggregate in respect of manufacturing/product related exposure.
ACE offers coverage to operators of airport locations, and also to a variety
of service providers at airport locations, including control tower and air
traffic control facilities. Coverage is offered on a losses occurring basis,
with limits provided for any one accident or occurrence, but subject to an
annual aggregate in respect of manufacturing/product related exposure.
Generally, ACE will write aircraft liability in conjunction with one or more
of the other aviation products, and where the aircraft (owned or non-owned) is
used for corporate purposes. Coverage will include third party bodily injury,
property damage and passenger legal liability.
Excess Property
ACE entered the excess property insurance business in June 1995. Primary
target markets are chemical, energy, electronics, forest products, heavy
manufacturing, mineral, oil and gas, and utilities. Coverage is also available
to select manufacturing, industrial and institutional risks.
Excess property insurance coverage is offered with limits of up to $50
million per risk, above a minimum attachment point of $25 million. In certain
circumstances, ACE uses reinsurance to establish the retained net limit per
risk. Attachment levels, terms and pricing for each risk are derived from
ACE's property underwriters' independent assessment of "probable maximum
loss", a benchmark of risk frequency and severity. ACE has purchased
catastrophe reinsurance to control the possible effects of cumulative natural
peril exposure.
Financial Lines
ACE introduced its Financial Lines product group in January 1995. Financial
Lines utilizes transactions which combine the concepts of finance with the
principles of insurance. Typically, clients purchasing these products are
seeking coverage for exposures which are difficult to place because of limited
or nonexistent capacity in the traditional insurance markets. Alternatively,
they would use these insurance products to cover loss exposures which are not
efficiently handled by current products available.
Unlike certain traditional insurance, each Financial Lines contract is
individually tailored to meet the needs of the insured. Financial Lines
programs typically have the following common characteristics--multi-year
contract terms; broad coverage that includes stable capacity and pricing for
the insured; insured participation in the results of their own loss
experience; and aggregate limits. The specific product types offered by
Financial Lines include the various forms of finite risk insurance. Examples
of finite risk products include the combination of self-insurance with an
excess program, the combination of various coverages subject to a single
retention and insured limit or programs that insure large loss exposure or a
portfolio of losses over a period of years. Other product types offered are
credit enhancements, performance guarantees and specialty insurance which
cover financial exposures or involve financial instruments.
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Financial insurance products were created by the need to service the more
complex risks of today's corporations. ACE anticipates drawing on the strong
franchise ACE maintains with its current client base by providing a policy
which will further enhance a client's risk management program. Using both
insurance brokers and investment bankers, it also anticipates attracting new
clients for ACE.
ACE believes it will have a competitive advantage in the marketplace because
of the financial strength of ACE and its ability to offer significant risk
transfer while still allowing the insured to retain some of its own exposures.
Risk transfer is important to the insured thereby enabling it to meet the
accounting and regulatory requirements related to the purchase of insurance or
reinsurance.
Financial Lines has a flexible approach to limits offered, attachment points
and coverages provided primarily due to the use of funding mechanisms in
writing a contract. Each contract is unique because it is tailored to the
insurance needs, specific loss history and financial strength of the client.
Premium volume can vary significantly from period to period due to the nature
of the contracts being written. Profit margins may vary from contract to
contract depending on the amount of underwriting risk and investment risk
assumed on each contract.
First Line
ACE participates in the reinsurance of Stockton Reinsurance Limited with
respect to a program referred to as "First Line" which provides financial
guarantees required by the U.S. Coast Guard to issue Certificates of Financial
Responsibility, under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, to owners of vessels
operating in U.S. waters. The company has purchased excess of loss reinsurance
to limit its exposure in this line.
Methuen
On March 27, 1996, a corporate subsidiary of ACE acquired a 51% interest in
Methuen, the holding company for Methuen (Lloyd's Underwriting Agents)
Limited, a leading Lloyd's of London managing agency. ACE may acquire the
remaining 49% interest in Methuen during the years 1999 and 2000 through
various put and call arrangements.
Methuen (Lloyd's Underwriting Agents) Limited has six syndicates with total
underwriting capacity of (Pounds)367 million ($ ) in 1996. For the 1996 year
of account, ACE has, through a newly formed corporate subsidiary, provided
funds at Lloyd's of (Pounds)12.25 million ($ ) supporting (Pounds)24.5
million ($ ) of underwriting capacity on Methuen syndicates. ACE has agreed,
subject to certain conditions, to provide funds at Lloyd's of (Pounds)50
million ($ ) to support underwriting by Methuen syndicates in 1997 and
subsequent years.
Marketing and Underwriting
ACE markets its insurance products through brokers and seeks to maintain a
competitive advantage by providing insurance coverages which require
utilization of technical skills to underwrite individual risks, emphasizing
quality rather than volume of business to obtain a suitable spread of risk.
This enables ACE to operate with a relatively small number of employees and,
together with the reduced costs of operating in a favorable regulatory and tax
environment, results in significantly lower administrative expenses relative
to other companies in the industry.
Policyholders are obtained through non-U.S. insurance brokers who generally
receive a brokerage commission on any business accepted and bound by ACE. ACE
is not committed to accept any business from any particular broker and brokers
do not have the authority to bind ACE. All policy applications (both for
renewals and new policies) are subject to approval and acceptance by ACE in
its Bermuda office. A substantial number of policyholders meet with ACE
outside of the United States each year to discuss their insurance coverage.
ACE does not believe that conducting its operations through its offices in
Bermuda has materially
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affected its underwriting and marketing activities to date. ACE receives
business from approximately 62 non-U.S. brokers of which 9 produced
approximately 90% of ACE's business in 1995.
At September 30, 1995, approximately 29% of ACE's policyholders were firms
not based in North America. ACE expects non-U.S. business to grow further as a
result of the opening in September 1994 of a representative office in London,
England. The London office will assist brokers throughout the United Kingdom,
the rest of Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, the Far East and Australia
in gaining access to ACE's underwriting capacity in Bermuda. All underwriting
activity will continue to take place in Bermuda.
The following table sets forth the percentage of ACE's business placed in
1995, 1994 and 1993 through each broker placing more than 10% of ACE's
business.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------
NAME U.S. AFFILIATE 1995 1994 1993
- ---- -------------- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Bowring (Bermuda) Limited Marsh & McLennan, Incorporated 43% 41% 40%
J&H Intermediaries Limited Johnson & Higgins 16 17 14
Alexander International Alexander & Alexander, Inc. 8 9 10
Insurance Services Ltd.
</TABLE>
As of March 31, 1996 ACE employed an underwriting staff of 36, each with
substantial industry experience. The underwriter's primary objective is to
assess the potential for an underwriting profit, a process complicated in some
cases by the limited amount of data for claims which would have been covered
by ACE's policy form and which would have exceeded its policy's attachment
point. The risk assessment process undertaken by ACE involves a comprehensive
analysis of historical data and estimates of future value of losses which may
not be evident in the historical data. The factors which ACE considers include
the type of risk, the attachment point and coverage limits, the type, size,
complexity and location of the potential insureds operations, financial data,
the industry in which the potential insured operates, details of the
underlying insurance coverage provided, loss history and future corporate
plans.
Claims Administration
Claims arising under policies issued by ACE are managed in Bermuda by ACE's
claims department. ACE maintains a claims database into which all notices of
loss are entered. If the claims department determines that a loss is of
sufficient severity, it makes a further inquiry of the facts surrounding the
loss and, if deemed required, retains outside claims counsel to monitor
claims. Based upon its evaluation of the claims file, ACE's claims department
may recommend that a case reserve in a specified amount be established or that
all or part of a claim be paid. ACE's claims department monitors all claims
files and, where appropriate, will recommend the establishment of a new case
reserve or the increase or decrease of an existing case reserve with respect
to a claim.
With the exception of certain aviation coverages, ACE does not undertake to
defend its insureds. It has, in certain instances, provided advice to insureds
with respect to the management of claims. ACE believes that its experience in
resolving large claims and its proactive approach to claims management has
contributed to the successful resolution of several cases.
Because ACE does not do business in the United States, it must on occasion
rely on U.S. counsel to assist it in evaluating liability and damages
confronting its insureds. ACE does not believe that the information received
or the procedures followed have materially affected its ability to identify,
review or settle claims.
Unpaid Losses and Loss Expenses
ACE is required to make provisions in its financial statements for the
estimated unpaid liability for losses and loss expenses for claims made
against it under the terms of its policies and agreements. Estimating the
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ultimate liability for losses and loss expenses is an imprecise science
subject to variables that are influenced by both internal and external
factors. This is true because claim settlements to be made in the future may
be impacted by changing rates of inflation and other economic conditions,
changing legislative, judicial and social environments and changes in ACE's
claim handling procedures. In many cases, significant periods of time, ranging
up to several years or more, may elapse between the occurrence of an insured
loss, the reporting of the loss to ACE and the settlement of ACE's liability
for that loss. In other cases, the period between first notice and final
payment can be relatively short, even less than one year.
Several aspects of ACE's operations exacerbate the inherent uncertainties in
estimating its losses as compared to more conventional insurance companies.
Primary among these aspects are the limited amount of statistically
significant historical data regarding losses of the same type intended to be
covered by ACE's excess liability policies and the expectation that losses in
excess of the attachment level of the policies will be characterized by low
frequency and high severity, limiting the utility of claims experience of
other insurers for similar claims. Accordingly, the ultimate claims experience
of ACE cannot be as reliably predicted as may be the case with more
traditional insurance companies, and there can be no assurance that losses and
loss expenses will not exceed the reserves.
ACE has exposure to multiple losses arising out of a single occurrence or
similar occurrences. ACE has purchased a limited amount of clash reinsurance
to cover multiple losses involving a single occurrence, but integrated
occurrences are specifically excluded from this cover. For all new and renewal
business effective on or after December 15, 1994, ACE imposes, where a limit
of liability of greater than $100 million is purchased, an annual aggregate
sublimit for integrated occurrences of $100 million. The change is expected to
limit ACE's exposure to aggregation of risk, resulting from multiple
integrated occurrence claims.
A number of ACE's insureds have given notice of claims relating to breast
implants or components or raw material thereof that had been produced and/or
sold by such insureds. Lawsuits, including class actions, involving thousands
of implant recipients have been filed in both state and federal courts
throughout the United States. Most of the federal cases have been consolidated
pursuant to the rules for Multidistrict Litigation ("MDL") to a Federal
District Court in Alabama. On April 1, 1994, the judge presiding over the MDL
proceeding gave preliminary approval to a global settlement agreement in the
approximate amount of $4.2 billion and conditional certification to a
settlement class ("Global I"). On October 1, 1995, negotiators for three of
the major defendants agreed on the essential elements of a revised individual
settlement plan for domestic class members with at least one implant from any
of those manufacturers ("Settlement II"). In general, under Settlement II, the
amounts payable to individual participants, and the manufacturers' obligations
to make those payments, would not be affected by the number of class members
electing to opt out from the new plan. Also, in general, the compensation
would be fixed rather than subject to potential further racheting, and the
manufacturers would not have a right to walk away because of the amount of
claims payable. Finally, each settling defendant agreed to be responsible only
for cases in which its implant was identified, and not for a percentage of all
cases. Subsequently, two other defendants became part of Settlement II,
although certain of their settlement terms are different and more restricted
than the plan offered by the original three defendants. On December 22, 1995,
the judge approved Settlement II. Several appeals concerning Settlement II
have been lodged with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh
Circuit. Although ACE has underwritten the coverage for a number of the
defendant companies including four of the companies involved in the revised
Settlement II described above, ACE anticipates that insurance coverage issued
prior to the time ACE issued policies will be available for a portion of the
defendant's liability. In addition, ACE's policies only apply when the
underlying liability insurance policies or per occurrence retentions are
exhausted. At June 30, 1994, following the announcement of Global I, ACE
increased its then existing reserves relating to breast implant claims.
Although the reserve increase was partially satisfied by an allocation from
existing IBNR, it also required an increase in ACE's total reserve for unpaid
losses and loss expenses at June 30, 1994 of $200 million. The increase in
reserves relating to breast implant claims was based on information made
available in conjunction with Global I (including information relating to opt
outs) and information made available from ACE's insureds and was predicated
upon an allocation between coverage provided before and after the end of 1985
(when the Company commenced underwriting operations). No additional reserves
relating to breast implant claims have been added since June 30, 1994.
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ACE believes that its reserves for unpaid losses and loss expenses including
those arising from breast implant claims is adequate as of March 31, 1996. ACE
continually evaluates its reserves in light of developing information.
However, significant uncertainties continue to exist, especially with regard
to the ultimate outcome and cost of Settlement II and the number and value of
the opt out claims. ACE is unable at this time to determine whether additional
reserves which could have a material adverse effect upon the financial
condition, results of operations and cash flows of ACE may be necessary in the
future. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition--Breast Implant Litigation" in ACE's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996, incorporated herein by
reference.
After a claim is reported to ACE, a case reserve is established for the
estimated ultimate losses and loss expenses, if any, with respect to the
reported claim. The amount and timing of the reserve reflects the judgment of
the claims personnel, based upon general corporate reserving practices and on
the experience and knowledge of the claims personnel (including, where
appropriate, outside counsel and claim consultants) regarding the nature and
value of the specific type of claim.
ACE underwrites high excess layers of risk, and losses in those layers tend
to be low frequency and high severity. During 1992, ACE changed its method of
estimating ultimate liability to a statistical and actuarial method which
includes a provision for IBNR loss reserves. The actuarial method employed by
ACE is the "expected loss method". This method involves the estimation of
ultimate loss obligations for the period ACE has been in business. While ACE
believes that the expected loss method is the most appropriate actuarial
method for a business characterized by low frequency, high severity losses,
the expected loss method does not lend itself to precision that may be
provided by other reserving techniques that can be utilized for high frequency
occurrences.
The process in estimating ultimate liability employed by ACE is set forth in
an actuarial report (the "Actuarial Report") prepared annually by ACE's Chief
Actuary. ACE engages an independent actuarial firm to review the Actuarial
Report on an annual basis. As stated in its actuarial review, such firm
believed that the methods and assumptions contained in the Actuarial Report
were reasonable and appropriate for use in setting loss reserves at September
30, 1995. Such Actuarial Report contains a number of qualifications with
respect to the complications and relative uncertainty that exists in
establishing reserves for ACE's lines of business, which qualifications are
substantially similar to those discussed above.
Losses and loss expenses are charged to income as incurred. The reserve for
unpaid losses and loss expenses represents the estimated ultimate losses and
loss expenses less paid losses and loss expenses and is composed of case
reserves, loss expense reserves and IBNR loss reserves. During the loss
settlement period, which can be many years in duration, additional facts
regarding individual claims and trends often will become known. As these
become apparent, case reserves may be adjusted by allocation from the IBNR
loss reserve without any change in the overall reserve. In addition,
application of the statistical and actuarial method may require the adjustment
of the overall reserves upward or downward from time to time. The final
liability nonetheless may be significantly greater than or less than the prior
estimates.
At December 31, 1995, the reserve for unpaid losses and loss expenses
including IBNR loss reserves was $1,508.8 million.
See ACE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 1995,
and ACE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996,
which are incorporated herein by reference.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF ACE
ACE's Articles of Association provide that ACE's Board of Directors shall be
divided into three classes with the terms of office of each class ending in
successive years. ACE's Articles of Association provide for a maximum of 20
directors and empower the Board of Directors to fix the exact number of
directors and appoint persons to fill any vacancies on the Board until the
next Annual General Meeting. The Board of Directors has set the number of
directors at 15. Listed below is information concerning the directors of ACE
including the year in which their terms expire.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION WITH ACE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND OTHER POSITIONS
- ---- --- ----------------------------------------------------------
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Michael G. Atieh........ 42 Mr. Atieh has been a director of ACE since September 1991. Mr.
Atieh has served as Executive Vice President of Merck-Medco
U.S. Managed Care (health care), a division of Merck & Co.,
Inc. ("Merck") (pharmaceuticals) since April 1994, as Vice
President--Public Affairs of Merck from January 1994 to April
1994 and as Treasurer of Merck from April 1990 to December
1993. Mr. Atieh is a director of Medco Containment Services,
Inc.
Bruce L. Crockett....... 51 Mr. Crockett has been a director of ACE since May 1995. Mr.
Crockett has served as President and Chief Executive Officer
and as a director of COMSAT Corporation (information services)
since February 1992. Mr. Crockett was President and Chief
Operating Officer of COMSAT from April 1991 to February 1992.
From February 1987 to April 1991 he served as President, COMSAT
World Systems Division. Mr. Crockett has been an employee of
COMSAT since 1980 and has held various operational and
financial positions including Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer. Mr. Crockett is a director of Ascent
Entertainment Group, Inc., Augat, Inc. and AIM Funds Group.
Meryl D. Hartzband...... 41 Ms. Hartzband was elected as a director of ACE in May 1996. Ms.
Hartzband has been a Managing Director in J.P. Morgan Capital
Corporation, a subsidiary of J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated
("J.P. Morgan") since August 1994. From 1982 through August
1994, Ms. Hartzband was employed with J.P. Morgan in various
capacities.
Andrew J. Markey........ 64 Mr. Markey has been a director of ACE since September 1985. Mr.
Markey retired as Vice President--Treasury & Financial Services
of Johnson & Johnson (health care) in December 1993, having
been employed with Johnson & Johnson since 1958.
Robert W. Staley........ 61 Mr. Staley has been a director of ACE since January 1986. Mr.
Staley has been employed with Emerson Electric Co. ("Emerson")
(electric equipment) since 1975, serving as Vice Chairman of
Emerson since November 1988. Mr. Staley is a director of
Emerson Electric Co. and Mercantile Bancorporation Inc.
Gary M. Stuart.......... 55 Mr. Stuart has been a director of ACE since March 1988. Mr.
Stuart has served as Vice President and Treasurer of Union
Pacific Corporation ("Union Pacific") (transportation and
natural resources holding company) since January 1990. Mr.
Stuart is a director of Union Pacific Resources Group, Inc.
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION WITH ACE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND OTHER POSITIONS
- ---- --- ----------------------------------------------------------
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 1998
<S> <C> <C>
Brian Duperreault....... 48 Mr. Duperreault has served as a director and as Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer of ACE since October
1994. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Duperreault had been
employed with American Insurance Group Inc. ("AIG") (insurance)
since 1973 and served in various senior executive positions
with AIG and its affiliates from 1978 until September 1994,
most recently as Executive Vice President, Foreign General
Insurance and, concurrently, as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of American International Underwriters Inc., a
subsidiary of AIG, from April 1994 to September 1994. Mr.
Duperreault was President of American International
Underwriters Inc. from 1991 to April 1994, and chief executive
officer of AIG affiliates in Japan and Korea from 1989 until
1991.
Robert M. Hernandez..... 51 Mr. Hernandez has been a director of ACE since September 1985.
In December 1994, Mr. Hernandez was appointed Vice Chairman and
Chief Financial Officer of USX Corporation ("USX") (a
diversified company), having served as Executive Vice
President--Accounting & Finance and Chief Financial Officer of
USX since November 1991 and as Senior Vice President--Finance &
Treasurer from October 1990 to October 1991. Mr. Hernandez is a
director of USX and RMI Titanium Company.
Peter Menikoff.......... 54 Mr. Menikoff has been a director of ACE since January 1986. Mr.
Menikoff has served as Executive Vice President and Chief
Administrative Officer of Tenneco Energy Resources Corporation
(energy) since June 1995. Mr. Menikoff has served as a Senior
Vice President of Tenneco, Inc. (diversified industrial) since
June 1994. From November 1991 to June 1994, Mr. Menikoff served
as Executive Vice President of Case Corporation (agricultural
and construction equipment), a subsidiary of Tenneco, Inc. Mr.
Menikoff served as Treasurer of Tenneco, Inc. from May 1989 to
November 1991. Mr. Menikoff is a director of Case Corporation.
Glen M. Renfrew......... 67 Mr. Renfrew has been a director of ACE since August 1993. Mr.
Renfrew retired as Managing Director and Chief Executive
Officer of Reuters Holdings plc (communications) in March 1991,
having served in such capacity since 1981.
Robert Ripp............. 54 Mr. Ripp has been a director of ACE since December 1989. Mr.
Ripp has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
of AMP Incorporated (electrical connectors) since July 1994.
Mr. Ripp served as Vice President and Treasurer of
Directors Whose Terms Expire inI1999nternational Business Machines Corporation (electronic
computer equipment) from July 1989 through September 1993. Mr.
Ripp is a director of Network Imaging Corp.
Jeffrey W. Greenberg.... 44 Mr. Greenberg has been a director of ACE since November 1995.
Mr. Greenberg has served as Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer of Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Corp. (insurance)
since April 1996, and has been an executive thereof since
October 1995. Mr. Greenberg held various positions with
American International Group Inc. (insurance) and its
affiliates from 1978 through June 1995, having served as
Executive Vice President--Domestic Brokerage Group from 1991
through June 1995. Mr. Greenberg has been nominated for
election as a director of Marsh & McLennan, Incorporated
("Marsh & McLennan") at Marsh & McLennan's annual shareholders
meeting to be held in May 1996.
</TABLE>
63
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AGE POSITION WITH ACE, BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND OTHER POSITIONS
- ---- --- ----------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Robert J. Newhouse, Jr.. 71 Mr. Newhouse has been a director of ACE since June 1988. Mr.
Newhouse has served as Chairman of Mid Ocean Limited
(reinsurance) since November 1992, as a consultant for Marsh &
McLennan (insurance and reinsurance brokering) from March 1990
to November 1992, and as Vice Chairman of Marsh & McLennan from
January 1988 to February 1990. Mr. Newhouse is Chairman of the
Board of Directors of Mid Ocean Limited. Mr. Newhouse has
announced that he will resign from ACE's Board of Directors
upon consummation of the Amalgamation.
Walter A. Scott......... 58 Mr. Scott has been a director of ACE since September 1989. Mr.
Scott served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
of ACE from March 1991 until his retirement in September 1994
and as President and Chief Executive Officer from September
1989 to March 1991. Mr. Scott has been employed by ACE as a
consultant since his retirement. Mr. Scott is a director of
Overseas Partners Ltd. and a trustee of Lafayette College.
Sidney F. Wentz......... 63 Mr. Wentz has been a director of ACE since May 1993. Mr. Wentz
has served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (charitable foundation) since
1989. From February 1987 until July 1988, Mr. Wentz served as
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Crum and Forster
Corporation (insurance). Mr. Wentz is a director of Castle
Energy Corporation and trustee for Morristown Memorial Hospital
and Drew University.
</TABLE>
On May 10, 1996, Roberto G. Mendoza resigned as a director of ACE.
In accordance with the Amalgamation Agreement, ACE's Board of Directors has
agreed to elect, upon the effectiveness of the Amalgamation, Donald Kramer,
Tempest's Co-Chairman, as a director of ACE. The following is information
concerning Mr. Kramer:
<TABLE>
<S> <C> <C>
Donald Kramer........... 58 Mr. Kramer has been Chairman or Co-Chairman of the Board of
Tempest since September 1993. Prior to the formation of
Tempest, he was President of Kramer Capital Corporation
(venture capital investments) from March to September 1993,
President of Carteret Federal Savings Bank (banking) from
August 1991 to March 1993, Chairman of the Board of NAC Re
Corporation (reinsurance) from June 1985 to June 1993, Chairman
of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of KCP Holding Company
(insurance) from July 1986 to August 1991 and of its
affiliates, KCC Capital Managers (insurance investments) and
Kramer Capital Consultants, Inc. (insurance investments), as
well as Chairman of the Board of its subsidiary, National
American Insurance Company of California (insurance) from
September 1988 to August 1991. Mr. Kramer is a director of
National Benefit Life Insurance Company of New York City
(insurance), a subsidiary of the Travelers Group, and Chairman
of the Board of the Brooklyn College Foundation.
</TABLE>
TAXATION OF ACE AND ITS SHAREHOLDERS
The following summary of (i) the taxation of ACE and its subsidiaries and
(ii) the taxation of ACE shareholders is based upon current law. Legislative,
judicial or administrative changes may be forthcoming that could be
retroactive and could affect this summary. The tax treatment of any particular
shareholder may vary depending on such shareholder's particular tax situation
or status. The following summary is for general information only and does not
purport to be a complete analysis or listing of all tax considerations that
might be applicable to ACE and its subsidiaries or a holder of ACE Ordinary
Shares, including persons who may be
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subject to special tax rules (e.g. tax exempt entities or dealers in
securities) or shareholders who are not U.S. persons. A U.S. person who holds
ACE Ordinary Shares as capital assets will be referred to herein as a "U.S.
ACE Shareholder." Each prospective shareholder is urged to consult his or its
own tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences to such shareholder of
owning ACE Ordinary Shares.
TAXATION OF ACE AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
Bermuda. CODA and ACE Insurance have received from the Minister of Finance
of Bermuda an assurance under The Exempted Undertakings Tax Protection Act,
1966 of Bermuda, to the effect that in the event of there being enacted in
Bermuda any legislation imposing tax computed on profits or income, or
computed on any capital asset, gain or appreciation, or any tax in the nature
of estate duty or inheritance tax, then the imposition of any such tax shall
not be applicable to CODA or ACE Insurance or to any of their operations or
the shares, debentures or other obligations of CODA or ACE Insurance until
March 28, 2016. This assurance does not prevent the application of any such
tax or duty to such persons as are ordinarily resident in Bermuda, nor does it
prevent the application of any tax payable in accordance with the provisions
of the Land Tax Act 1967 of Bermuda or otherwise payable in relation to the
property leased to CODA or ACE Insurance. ACE, as a permit company under the
Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda (the "Bermuda Act"), has received similar
assurances which are effective until March 28, 2016. CODA and ACE Insurance,
under current rates, pay annual Bermuda government and business fees in the
aggregate of BD$4,515 and BD$7,875, respectively. ACE is required to pay
certain annual Bermuda government fees. Under current rates, ACE pays a fixed
annual fee of BD$1,680. In addition, all entities employing individuals in
Bermuda are required to pay a payroll tax to the Bermuda Government. For the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1995, ACE paid approximately $480,000 in
payroll tax. Currently there is no Bermuda withholding tax on dividends paid
by CODA or ACE Insurance.
Cayman Islands. Under current Cayman Islands law, ACE is not obligated to
pay any taxes in the Cayman Islands on its income or gains. ACE has received
an undertaking from the Governor-in-Council of the Cayman Islands pursuant to
the provisions of the Tax Concessions Law, as amended, that until the year
2005 (i) no subsequently enacted law imposing any tax on profits, income,
gains or appreciations shall apply to ACE and (ii) no such tax and no tax in
the nature of an estate duty or an inheritance tax shall be payable on any
shares, debentures or other obligations of ACE. The Cayman Islands currently
imposes stamp duties on certain categories of documents; however, the current
operations of ACE do not involve the payment of stamp duties in any material
amount. The Cayman Islands currently imposes an annual corporate fee upon all
exempted companies; at current rates ACE pays fees of approximately $1,750 per
annum.
United Kingdom. Methuen is subject to United Kingdom corporation tax and
value added tax. ACE's corporate subsidiary which has acquired a 51% interest
in Methuen and ACE's corporate subsidiary that is a Lloyd's corporate member
participating in the Methuen syndicates are also subject to United Kingdom
corporation tax and value added tax. Although ACE has a representative office
in London, ACE has been advised that it is not deemed to be doing insurance
business in the United Kingdom and therefore is subject only to minimal tax in
the United Kingdom.
United States. Except as provided below with respect to ACE's corporate
subsidiary that is a Lloyd's corporate member, ACE and its subsidiaries do not
conduct business within the United States and thus are not subject to net
income tax imposed by the United States. However, because definitive
identification of activities which constitute being engaged in a trade or
business in the United States is not provided by the Code, regulations or
court decisions, there can be no assurance that the IRS will not contend
successfully that ACE or one or more of its subsidiaries is engaged in a trade
or business in the United States. A foreign corporation deemed to be so
engaged would be subject to U.S. income tax, as well as the branch profits
tax, on its income which is treated as effectively connected with the conduct
of that trade or business unless the corporation is entitled to relief under
the permanent establishment provision of the Bermuda Treaty, as discussed
below. Such income tax, if imposed, would be based on effectively connected
income computed in a manner generally analogous to that applied to the income
of a domestic corporation, except that a foreign corporation can anticipate an
allowance of deductions and credits only if it files a U.S. income tax return.
Under regulations, the foreign corporation would be entitled to deductions and
credits only if the return is filed timely under rules set forth
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therein. ACE and its subsidiaries have in the past and expect to continue
filing protective tax returns to ensure that it and its subsidiaries would be
entitled to deductions and credits if they are considered to be engaged in a
U.S. trade or business. The highest federal tax rates currently are 35% for a
corporation's effectively connected income and 30% for the branch profits tax.
The branch profits tax is imposed on effectively connected net income after
subtracting the regular corporate tax and making certain other adjustments and
on interest paid or deemed paid from the U.S. branch to persons outside the
United States. Pursuant to a Closing Agreement between Lloyd's and the IRS,
ACE's corporate subsidiary that is a Lloyd's corporate member is treated as
engaged in business in the United States and subject to net income tax in the
United States on its U.S. source income.
Under the Bermuda Treaty, CODA and ACE Insurance are subject to U.S. income
tax on any income found to be effectively connected with a U.S. trade or
business only if that trade or business is conducted through a permanent
establishment in the United States. No regulations interpreting the Bermuda
Treaty have been issued. While there can be no assurances, ACE does not
believe CODA or ACE Insurance has a permanent establishment in the United
States. Neither CODA nor ACE Insurance would be entitled to the benefits of
the Bermuda Treaty if (i) less than 50% of such subsidiary's stock were
beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by Bermuda residents or U.S.
citizens or residents, or (ii) such subsidiary's income were used in
substantial part to make disproportionate distributions to, or to meet certain
liabilities of, persons who are not Bermuda residents or U.S. citizens or
residents. While there can be no assurances, ACE believes that no exception to
Bermuda Treaty benefits will apply after the Amalgamation.
Foreign corporations not engaged in a trade or business in the United States
are nonetheless subject to U.S. income tax on certain "fixed or determinable
annual or periodic gains, profits and income" derived from sources within the
United States as enumerated in Section 881(a) of the Code (such as dividends
and certain interest on investments). The amount of such taxes paid by ACE has
not exceeded $1.7 million in any fiscal year.
Effect of the Amalgamation. ACE believes that the Amalgamation will not
cause ACE or its existing subsidiaries to be subject to tax in the Cayman
Islands, Bermuda or the United States (except to the very limited extent noted
above that they are currently subject to tax in those jurisdictions), and it
is expected that the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary will be taxed in a manner
similar to ACE's other subsidiaries. Accordingly, the foregoing description of
the tax treatment of ACE and its operating subsidiaries by Bermuda, the Cayman
Islands, the United Kingdom and the United States should remain unchanged
after the Effective Time and should, where applicable, apply equally to the
ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary.
TAXATION OF ACE SHAREHOLDERS
Cayman Islands. Dividends paid by ACE are not subject to Cayman Islands
withholding tax.
Bermuda. Under current Bermuda law, there is no Bermuda income tax,
withholding tax, capital gains tax, capital transfer tax, estate duty or
inheritance tax payable by the respective shareholders of ACE with respect to
an investment in ACE Ordinary Shares.
United States--Taxation of dividends. Subject to the discussion below
relating to the potential application of the "controlled foreign corporation"
and "passive foreign investment company" rules, cash distributions made with
respect to ACE Ordinary Shares will constitute dividends for U.S. federal
income tax purposes to the extent paid out of current or accumulated E&P of
ACE. U.S. ACE Shareholders generally will be subject to U.S. federal income
tax on the receipt of such dividends. Generally, such dividends will not be
eligible for the corporate dividends received deduction. To the extent that a
distribution exceeds E&P, it will be treated first as a return of the U.S. ACE
Shareholder's basis to the extent thereof, and then as gain from the sale of a
capital asset.
United States--Classification as a controlled foreign corporation. Under
Section 951(a) of the Code, each "U.S. 10% shareholder" (as defined below)
that, on the last day of a foreign corporation's taxable year, owns, directly
or indirectly through a foreign entity, shares of a foreign corporation that
is a "controlled foreign
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corporation" ("CFC") for an uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during any
taxable year must include in its gross income for U.S. federal income tax
purposes its pro rata share of the CFC's "subpart F income" for such year,
even if the subpart F income is not distributed. In addition, the U.S. 10%
shareholders of a CFC may be deemed to receive taxable distributions to the
extent the CFC increases the amount of its earnings that are invested in
certain specified types of U.S. property or if the CFC holds "excess passive
assets," as defined in Section 956A of the Code. "Subpart F income" includes,
inter alia, (i) "foreign personal holding company income," such as interest,
dividends, and other types of passive investment income and (ii) "insurance
income," which is defined to include any income (including underwriting and
investment income) that is attributable to the issuing (or reinsuring) of any
insurance or annuity contract in connection with property in, liability
arising out of activity in, or in connection with the lives or health of
residents of, a country other than the country under the laws of which the CFC
is created or organized, and which (subject to certain modifications) would be
taxed under the insurance company provision of the Code if such income were
the income of a domestic insurance company ("Subpart F Insurance Income").
However, Subpart F income does not include any income from sources within the
U.S. which is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business
within the U.S. and not exempted or subject to a reduced rate of tax by
applicable treaty. Therefore, all of ACE's income, and all income of ACE's
operating subsidiaries that is not attributable to a permanent establishment
in the U.S., is expected to be Subpart F income.
Under Section 951(b) of the Code, any U.S. Person who owns, directly or
indirectly through foreign entities, or is considered to own (by application
of the rules of constructive ownership set forth in Code Section 958(b),
generally applying to family members, partnerships, estates, trusts or 10%
controlled corporations) 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of stock of a foreign corporation will be considered to be a "U.S. 10%
shareholder." In general, a foreign corporation is treated as a CFC only if
its U.S. 10% shareholders collectively own more than 50% of the total combined
voting power or total value of the corporation's stock on any day (the "50%
Test"). However, for purposes only of taking into account Subpart F Insurance
Income, a foreign corporation will be treated as a CFC if (i) more than 25% of
the total combined voting power or total value of its stock is owned by U.S.
10% shareholders and (ii) the gross amount of premiums or other consideration
in respect of risks outside its country of incorporation exceeds 75% of the
gross amount of all premiums or other consideration in respect of all risks
(the "25% Test"). It is anticipated that the gross premiums of each of the
insurance subsidiaries of ACE in respect of Subpart F Insurance Income will
exceed 75% of its gross premiums in respect of all risks so that the 25% Test,
rather than the 50% Test, will be applicable with respect to its Subpart F
Insurance Income. However, the 50% test will continue to apply to ACE itself.
After the Amalgamation, all the capital stock of ACE Insurance, CODA, and
the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary will be owned directly or indirectly by ACE. In
determining the U.S. 10% shareholders of ACE Insurance, CODA, or the ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary, U.S. Persons who are shareholders of ACE are
considered as owning proportionately the stock of ACE Insurance, CODA, and the
ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary. After the Amalgamation, U.S. Persons who own,
directly, indirectly or by attribution under the rules of Section 958(b) of
the Code, more than 10% in value of the stock of ACE will not own more than
25% of the total combined voting power or value of the stock of ACE. As a
result, none of ACE Insurance, CODA, or the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary, will
be a CFC under the 25% Test. However, depending on the future ownership of ACE
stock, any U.S. Person who subsequently acquires 10% or more of the stock of
ACE may be required to include their share of the Subpart F income of ACE and
its subsidiaries in their U.S. taxable income. It is not expected that ACE
itself would ever be a CFC under the 50% test, so U.S. persons are not
expected to have to include any of ACE's Subpart F income in their U.S.
taxable income.
United States--RPII companies. A different definition of "controlled foreign
corporation" is applicable in the case of a foreign corporation which earns
related person insurance income ("RPII"). RPII is defined in Code Section
953(c)(2) as any "insurance income" (as defined above) attributable to
policies of insurance or reinsurance with respect to which the person
(directly or indirectly) insured is a "U.S. shareholder" of the foreign
corporation or a "related person" to such a shareholder. For purposes only of
taking into account RPII, and subject to the exceptions described below, an
insurance subsidiary of ACE will be treated as a CFC if its
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"RPII shareholders" (as defined below) collectively own, directly, indirectly,
or by attribution under Code Section 958(b), 25% or more of the total combined
voting power or value of such subsidiary's stock on any day during a fiscal
year. If an insurance subsidiary of ACE is a CFC under the special RPII rules
for an uninterrupted period of at least 30 days during any fiscal year, a U.S.
Person who owns, directly or indirectly through foreign entities, shares of
shares of such subsidiary on the last day of such fiscal year must include in
its gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes its allocable share of
RPII for the entire taxable year, subject to certain modifications. For
purposes of inclusion of RPII from an insurance subsidiary of ACE in the
income of U.S. Persons who own ACE Ordinary Shares, unless an exception
applies, the term "RPII shareholder" includes all U.S. Persons who own,
directly or indirectly through foreign entities, any amount (rather than 10%
or more) of the ACE Ordinary Shares. Generally, the term "related person" for
purposes of the RPII rules means someone who controls or is controlled by the
RPII shareholder or someone who is controlled by the same person or persons
which control the RPII shareholder. Control is measured by either more than
50% in value or more than 50% in voting power of stock, with respect to
corporations, or more than 50% of the beneficial interests, with respect to
partnerships, trusts, or estates, applying constructive ownership principles
similar to the rules of Section 958 of the Code. The term "related persons"
also includes, with respect to insurance policies covering liability arising
from services performed as a director, officer or employee of a corporation or
a partner or employee of a partnership, the person performing such services
and the entity for which the services are performed.
The above RPII rules do not apply if (A) direct and indirect insureds and
persons related to such insureds, whether or not U.S. persons, are treated as
owning less than 20% of the voting power and less than 20% of the value of the
stock of ACE's insurance company subsidiaries, or (B) the RPII of each of
ACE's insurance subsidiaries, determined on a gross basis, is less than 20% of
each such subsidiary's gross insurance income for the taxable year. ACE
believes that the RPII income of each of ACE Insurance and CODA has been, and
should be for the foreseeable future, less than 20% of such subsidiary's gross
insurance income for the taxable year and, based in part on information
provided by Tempest, it is expected that the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary's RPII
income will constitute less than 20% of its gross insurance income for future
taxable years. As a consequence, the special RPII rules should not apply, and
U.S. Persons owning ACE Ordinary Shares should not be required to include in
gross income any RPII income under the special RPII rules. The IRS may assert,
however, that ACE's reinsurance subsidiaries indirectly reinsure shareholders
of ACE. ACE does not expect any of its subsidiaries to enter into reinsurance
arrangements where the ultimate risk insured is that of a holder of ACE
Ordinary Shares that is a U.S. person or person related to such a U.S. person
at a level which would cause any subsidiary to have RPII income of 20% or more
of its gross insurance income. However, unless final Treasury Regulations
under Code Section 953 provide that this rule would apply only if the
reinsured entity is fronting for another party, it may be difficult for ACE to
obtain and, if requested of ACE or a shareholder by the IRS, provide
shareholders with enough information to document and be certain that each of
ACE's subsidiaries providing significant reinsurance have satisfied the 20%
test. ACE believes that it is unlikely that enough of the underlying reinsured
parties will own sufficient ACE Ordinary Shares to cause the RPII income of
any of ACE's subsidiaries to be 20% or more of their gross insurance income
and ACE will endeavor to avoid failing the 20% test. However, the ultimate
application of the RPII rules and the proof that will be required to establish
compliance thereunder is uncertain and each prospective investor should
consult their own tax advisor with respect to this issue.
United States--Passive foreign investment companies. Code Sections 1291
through 1297 contain special rules applicable to foreign corporations that are
"passive foreign investment companies" ("PFIC's"). In general, a foreign
corporation will be a PFIC if 75% or more of its gross income constitutes
"passive income" (the "75% Income Test") or 50% or more of its assets produce,
or are held for the production of, passive income (the "50% Asset Test"). If
ACE were to be characterized as a PFIC, its U.S. shareholders would have to
make an election (a "QEF Election") to be taxable currently on their pro-rata
shares of earnings of ACE whether or not such earnings were distributed or
they would be subject to a special tax and an interest charge at the time of
the sale of, or receipt of an "excess distribution" with respect to, their
shares, and a portion of any gain may be recharacterized as ordinary income,
which for an individual would be taxed at the highest marginal rate of 39.6%.
68
<PAGE>
In general, a shareholder receives an "excess distribution" if the amount of
the distribution is more than 125% of the average distribution with respect to
the stock during the three preceding taxable years (or shorter period during
which the taxpayer held the stock). In general, the special tax and interest
charges are based on the value of the tax deferral of the taxes that are
deemed due during the period the U.S. shareholder owned the shares, computed
by assuming that the excess distribution or gain (in the case of a sale) with
respect to the shares was taxed in equal portions throughout the holder's
period of ownership at the highest marginal tax rate. The interest charge is
computed using the applicable rate imposed on underpayments of U.S. federal
income tax for such period. In general, if a U.S. Person owns stock in a
foreign corporation during any taxable year in which such corporation is a
PFIC and such shareholder does not make a QEF Election, the stock will be
treated as stock in a PFIC for all subsequent years.
For the above purposes, "passive income" is defined to include income of a
kind that would be characterized as foreign personal holding company income
under Code Section 954(c), and generally includes interest, dividends,
annuities and other investment income. The PFIC statutory provisions contain
an express exception for income "derived in the active conduct of an insurance
business by a corporation which is predominantly engaged in an insurance
business . . . " This exception is intended to ensure that income derived by a
bona fide insurance company is not treated as passive income. Thus, to the
extent such income is attributable to financial reserves in excess of the
reasonable needs of the insurance business, it may be treated as passive
income for purposes of the PFIC rules. The PFIC statutory provisions also
contain a look-through rule that states that, for purposes of determining
whether a foreign corporation is a PFIC, such foreign corporation shall be
treated as if it "received directly its proportionate share of the income . .
. " and as if it "held its proportionate share of the assets . . . " of any
other corporation in which it owns at least 25% of the value of the stock.
In ACE's view, each of its direct and indirect insurance subsidiaries
(including the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary, after the Effective Time) is
predominantly engaged in an insurance business and does not have financial
reserves in excess of the reasonable needs of its insurance business. Under
the look-through rule, ACE would be deemed to own its proportionate share of
the assets and to have received its proportionate share of the income of ACE
Insurance, CODA, and the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary for purposes of the 75%
Income and 50% Asset Tests. However, no regulations interpreting the
substantive PFIC provisions have yet been issued. Therefore, substantial
uncertainty exists with respect to their application or their possible
retroactivity. Each U.S. Person who holds ACE Ordinary Shares should consult
his tax advisor as to the possible effects of these rules.
Information Reporting. Every U.S. Person who "controls" a foreign
corporation by owning directly or by attribution more than 50% of the total
value of shares of all classes of stock of such corporation, for an
uninterrupted period of 30 days or more during a fiscal year of that
corporation, must file IRS Form 5471 with its U.S. income tax return. However,
the IRS has the authority to, and does require, any U.S. Person treated as a
U.S. 10% shareholder or RPII shareholder of a CFC that owns shares directly or
indirectly through a foreign entity to file a Form 5471. In addition, U.S.
Persons who own more than 5% in value of the outstanding stock of ACE or its
subsidiaries at any time during a taxable year are required in certain
circumstances to file Form 5471 even if neither corporation is a CFC. A tax-
exempt organization that is treated as a U.S. 10% shareholder or a RPII
shareholder for any purpose under subpart F will be required to file a Form
5471 in the circumstances described above. Failure to file Form 5471 may
result in penalties.
Dispositions of ACE Ordinary Shares. Subject to the discussion elsewhere
relating to the potential application of the CFC and PFIC rules, gain or loss
realized by a U.S. ACE Shareholder on the sale, exchange or other disposition
of ACE Ordinary Shares will be includible in gross income as capital gain or
loss in an amount equal to the difference between such holder's basis in the
ACE Ordinary Shares and the amount realized on the sale, exchange or other
disposition. If a U.S. ACE Shareholder's holding period for the ACE Ordinary
Shares is more than one year, any gain will be subject to the U.S. federal
income tax at a current maximum marginal rate of 28% for individuals and 35%
for corporations.
Section 1248 of the Code provides that if a U.S. person owns directly,
indirectly through foreign entities or constructively under Code Section
958(b), 10% or more of the voting shares of a corporation that is a CFC, any
gain from the sale or exchange of the shares may be treated as ordinary income
to the extent of the CFC's
69
<PAGE>
earnings and profits during the period that the shareholder held the shares
(with certain adjustments). Code Section 953(c)(7) generally provides that
Section 1248 also will apply to the sale or exchange of shares by a U.S.
shareholder in a foreign corporation that earns RPII and is characterized as a
CFC under the RPII rules if the foreign corporation would be taxed as an
insurance company if it were a domestic corporation, regardless of whether the
shareholder is a 10% shareholder or whether RPII constitutes 20% or more of
the corporation's gross insurance income.
ACE believes, based on the advice of counsel, that Code Section 1248 will
not apply to dispositions of ACE Ordinary Shares, so long as ACE is not a CFC,
because ACE is not directly engaged in the insurance business. There can be no
assurance, however, that the IRS will interpret proposed regulations under
Code Section 953 in this manner or that the Treasury Department will not amend
the proposed regulations under Section 953 or other regulations to provide
that Section 1248 will apply to dispositions of shares in a corporation such
as ACE which is engaged in the insurance business directly or indirectly
through its subsidiaries. If the IRS or Treasury Department were to take such
action, ACE would notify shareholders that Code Section 1248 will apply to
dispositions of Common Shares.
Foreign Tax Credit. Because it is anticipated that U.S. Persons will own a
majority of ACE's shares after the Amalgamation and because a substantial part
of the insurance business of ACE's subsidiaries includes the insurance of U.S.
risks, only a portion of the RPII and Subpart F inclusions (if any) and
dividends paid by ACE (including any gain from the sale of ACE Ordinary Shares
that is treated as a dividend under Code Section 1248) will be treated as
foreign source income for purposes of computing a shareholder's U.S. foreign
tax credit limitation. Except in the case of U.S. 10% shareholders, it is
likely that all of the RPII and Subpart F inclusions (if any) and dividends
that are foreign source income will constitute either "passive" or "financial
services" income for foreign tax credit limitation purposes. Thus, it may not
be possible for certain U.S. shareholders to utilize excess foreign tax
credits to reduce U.S. tax on such income.
Other. Dividends paid by ACE to U.S. corporate shareholders will not be
eligible for the dividends received deduction provided by Code Section 243.
Except as discussed below with respect to backup withholding, dividends paid
by ACE will not be subject to a U.S. withholding tax.
Information reporting to the IRS by paying agents and custodians located in
the U.S. will be required with respect to payments of dividends (if any) on
the ACE Ordinary Shares to U.S. Persons or to paying agents or custodians
located in the U.S. In addition, a holder of ACE Ordinary Shares may be
subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% with respect to dividends
paid by such persons, unless such holder (a) is a corporation or comes within
certain other exempt categories and, when required, demonstrates this fact; or
(b) provides a taxpayer identification number, certifies as to no loss of
exemption from backup withholding and otherwise complies with applicable
requirements of the backup withholding rules. The backup withholding tax is
not an additional tax and may be credited against a holder's regular Federal
income tax liability.
Sales of ACE Ordinary Shares through brokers by certain U.S. Persons also
may be subject to backup withholding. Sales by corporations, certain tax-
exempt entities, individual retirement plans, REITs, certain financial
institutions, and other "exempt recipients" as defined in applicable Treasury
regulations currently are not subject to backup withholding. Holders of ACE
Ordinary Shares should consult their own tax advisors regarding the possible
applicability of the backup withholding rules to sales of their ACE Ordinary
Shares.
The foregoing discussion (including and subject to the matters and
qualifications set forth in such summary) is based on current law and is for
general information only. The tax treatment of a holder of ACE Ordinary Shares
for U.S. federal income, state, local or non-U.S. tax purposes, may vary
depending on the holder's particular tax situation. Legislative, judicial or
administrative changes or interpretations may be forthcoming that could be
retroactive and could affect the tax consequences to holders of ACE Ordinary
Shares. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS ARE URGED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
CONCERNING THE FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF
OWNING THE ACE ORDINARY SHARES.
70
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF ACE
The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of
operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 1995 and for the six
months ended March 31, 1996 present operating results of ACE as if the
Amalgamation had occurred on October 1, 1994. The unaudited pro forma
condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 1996 gives effect to the
Amalgamation as if it had occurred on March 31, 1996. Pro forma adjustments
are based upon available information and certain assumptions that management
of ACE believes are reasonable in the circumstances.
The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information should
be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of ACE,
including notes thereto, and the other financial information pertaining to ACE
and Tempest contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this Joint
Proxy Statement/Prospectus. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
financial information is not intended to be indicative of the consolidated
results of operations or financial position of ACE that would have been
reported if the acquisition had occurred at the date indicated or of the
consolidated results of future operations or of future financial position.
The Amalgamation is accounted for as a purchase in accordance with GAAP.
Under purchase accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the
acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair values. Allocation of the
purchase price is subject to valuations and other studies which are not
complete. Accordingly, the final allocation may be different from the amounts
reflected herein. However, management of ACE does not believe such difference
will be material.
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AT MARCH 31, 1996
----------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACE TEMPEST ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
---------- -------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE
DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Total investments and cash...... $3,433,018 $786,169 $(172,400)(1)
(40,139)(2) $ 4,006,648
Other assets.................... 140,150 94,362 234,512
Goodwill........................ 75,985 (3) 75,985
---------- -------- --------- -----------
Total assets.................... $3,573,168 $880,531 $(136,554) $ 4,317,145
========== ======== ========= ===========
Unpaid losses and loss expenses. $1,611,366 $ 42,284 $ 1,653,650
Unearned premiums............... 349,521 85,499 435,020
Other liabilities............... 72,630 14,809 (4,515)(4) 82,924
---------- -------- --------- -----------
Total liabilities............... 2,033,517 142,592 (4,515) 2,171,594
---------- -------- --------- -----------
Total shareholders' equity...... 1,539,651 737,939 600,000 (5)
5,900 (4)
(172,400)(1)
(40,139)(2)
(525,400)(6) 2,145,551
---------- -------- --------- -----------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity........... $3,573,168 $880,531 $(136,554) $ 4,317,145
========== ======== ========= ===========
Shares outstanding on a fully
diluted basis.................. 61,319,040
===========
Fully diluted book value per
share(7)....................... $ 35.75
===========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes.
- --------
(1) Pursuant to the General Re Agreement, Tempest will repurchase, at the time
of but subject to the consummation of the Amalgamation, all Tempest Common
Shares and options to purchase Tempest Common Shares held by General Re.
See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain
Persons in the Amalgamation--General Re Agreement."
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<PAGE>
In connection with the Amalgamation, Tempest and GRUS will amend the GRUS
contract to provide for its termination at June 30, 1996 in consideration
of the payment of a termination fee. In addition, Tempest and General Re
have agreed to enter into a stop loss reinsurance agreement. See "The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the
Amalgamation--General Re Agreement." Assuming the Amalgamation had occurred
on March 31, 1996, Tempest would have paid General Re an aggregate amount
of approximately $172,400,000.
(2) Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, Tempest will declare the Dividend
to Tempest Shareholders of record as of the Effective Time to reduce its
Net Assets of Tempest to $500,000,000. Assuming the Amalgamation had
occurred on March 31, 1996, the Dividend is estimated to be $40,139,000.
(3) Under purchase accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to the
acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair values. The excess of
the cost of the transaction over the fair value of the Tempest net assets
acquired is recorded as goodwill. Based on the value of the ACE Ordinary
Shares expected to be issued including the ACE Options described in note
4, to effect the Amalgamation, ACE will record goodwill of $75,985,000 as
a result of the Amalgamation (see discussion of purchase price in note 5
below). For purposes of the pro forma financial statements goodwill will
be amortized on a straight line basis over a 25-year period.
(4) At March 31, 1996, Tempest had accrued $4,515,000 related to the intrinsic
value of Tempest stock options that will be cancelled and replaced with
ACE options. ACE will record the fair value of these ACE options of
$5,900,000 as part of the purchase price of Tempest. Accordingly the
Tempest liability will no longer exist, and the difference of $1,385,000
has been recorded as a component of goodwill.
(5) The Amalgamation Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time, each
Tempest Common Share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time will be converted into the right to receive ACE Ordinary
Shares in accordance with the exchange ratio. See "The Amalgamation and
Related Transactions--Amalgamation Consideration." For purposes of the
Amalgamation, the value assigned to the ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued
is $600,000,000. This value was determined in accordance with the EITF
95-19 consensus that the value of equity securities issued to effect a
purchase combination (in this case the Amalgamation) should be based on
(a) the market price for a reasonable period before and after the date the
terms of the acquisition are agreed and announced (in this case February
9, 1996), or (b) at a later date if the purchase price changes. On April
17, 1996, as a result of further negotiations, ACE announced its intention
to remove the Lock-Up. The ACE Ordinary Shares traded at an average share
price (two days preceding and two days following the announcement of the
removal of the Lock-Up) of $44 per share, which price is in the range ($33
to $45) within which the exchange ratio changes based on the Average
Closing Price. Within this range the exchange ratio will vary, although
the value of the ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued will always total
$600,000,000. For purposes of the pro forma fully diluted book value per
share, ACE has used the $44 average per share price and has accordingly
assumed that it will issue 13,636,363 ACE Ordinary Shares in exchange for
Tempest Common Shares. Provided the Average Closing Price is within the
$33 to $45 per share range at the Effective Time, the pro forma fully
diluted book value per share at March 31, 1996 will change by an amount
between $0.18 and $0.28 per share for each $1 change in the Average
Closing Price.
(6) The adjustment of $525,400,000 reflects the consolidation adjustment to
eliminate Tempest's remaining shareholders' equity, after payment to
General Re (note 1) and payment of the Dividend (note 2).
(7) Fully diluted book value per share is based on the sum of total
shareholders' equity and the aggregate proceeds assuming exercise of all
outstanding ACE options and Tempest stock options that will be cancelled
and replaced with ACE options.
72
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996
-------------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACE TEMPEST(1) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
---------- ---------- ----------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE
DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net premiums written......... $ 306,330 $80,025 $ 386,355
========== ======= ==========
Net premiums earned.......... $ 262,377 $79,785 $ 342,162
Net investment income........ 95,438 20,742 (910)(2) 115,270
Losses and loss expenses..... (214,000) (16,659) (230,659)
Acquisition costs and
administrative expenses..... (43,339) (21,819) 4,325 (3)
2,888 (5)
(868)(4) (58,813)
Amortization of goodwill..... (1,520)(6) (1,520)
---------- ------- ---------- ----------
Income excluding net realized
gains....................... 100,476 62,049 3,915 166,440
Net realized gains on
investments................. 49,863 1,436 51,299
---------- ------- ---------- ----------
Net income................... $ 150,339 $63,485 $ 3,915 $ 217,739
========== ======= ========== ==========
Earnings per share........... $3.24 $3.62
========== ==========
Earnings per share excluding
net realized gains.......... $2.16 $2.76
========== ==========
122,961 (7)
Weighted average shares
outstanding................. 46,462,323 13,636,363 (8) 60,221,647
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The Tempest condensed statement of operations has been compiled to
reflect its results of operations for the six-month period ended March
31, 1996.
(2) The estimated investment income adjustment has been calculated to
eliminate investment income assumed to have been earned on the Net Assets
of Tempest in excess of $500,000,000 at October 1, 1994 (see Notes 2 and
3 to the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the
twelve months ended September 30, 1995).
(3) Included in Tempest's acquisition costs and administrative expenses are
fees paid to GRUS in consideration for GRUS performing certain
underwriting, claims supervision and administrative services for Tempest.
Under this contract, Tempest pays GRUS underwriting fees equal to 3% of
written premiums plus 4% of any underwriting profits of Tempest. In
connection with the Amalgamation, the GRUS contract will be terminated.
The adjustment of $4,325,000 represents total GRUS fees expensed in the
six-month period ended March 31, 1996 which will not recur in the
combined entity.
(4) As discussed in Note 3 above, certain underwriting and other services are
currently performed by GRUS. The contract with GRUS will terminate as
part of the Amalgamation. Tempest expects that certain expenses,
including the salaries and benefits of one GRUS employee and other new
employees, will be paid by the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary after the
Amalgamation. The adjustment of $868,000 reflects the estimated
additional administrative expenses required for ongoing operations.
(5) Tempest's Stock Option Plan provides that options may be redeemed for
cash in certain circumstances, based on the net book value per share.
Under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), these options
are deemed to be compensatory and as a result, increases in the intrinsic
value of the options are recorded as compensation expense in Tempest's
statement of operations. The Amalgamation Agreement provides for the
exchange of Tempest Options for options to acquire ACE Ordinary Shares.
See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Tempest Options." The
options to acquire ACE Ordinary Shares will not be compensatory. The
adjustment of $2,888,000 represents the expense recorded in the six-month
period with respect to the Tempest Options which will not recur in the
combined entity.
(6) As discussed in note 3 to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
balance sheet, ACE will record goodwill of $75,985,000 as a result of the
Amalgamation. For purposes of the pro forma financial
73
<PAGE>
statements, goodwill will be amortized on a straight line basis over a 25-
year period. The adjustment of $1,520,000 represents amortization of
goodwill for the six-month period ended March 31, 1996.
(7) As described in Note 5 above, certain of the outstanding options to
purchase Tempest Common Shares will be cancelled and replaced with
options to purchase ACE Ordinary Shares. This adjustment represents the
weighted average number of ordinary share equivalents outstanding related
to the newly issued ACE Options.
(8) The Amalgamation Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time (as
defined herein), each Tempest Common Share issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into the right
to receive ACE Ordinary Shares in accordance with the applicable exchange
ratio. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Amalgamation
Consideration." For purposes of the Amalgamation, the value assigned to
the ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued is $600,000,000. This value was
determined in accordance with the EITF 95-19 consensus that the value of
equity securities issued to effect a purchase combination (in this case
the Amalgamation) should be based on (a) the market price for a
reasonable period before and after the date the terms of the acquisition
are agreed and announced (in this case February 9, 1996), or (b) at a
later date if the purchase price changes. On April 17, 1996, as a result
of further negotiations, ACE announced its intention to remove the Lock-
Up. The ACE Ordinary Shares traded at an average share price (two days
preceding and two days following the announcement of the removal of the
Lock-Up) of $44 per share, which price is in the range ($33 to $45)
within which the exchange ratio changes based on the Average Closing
Price. Within this range the exchange ratio will vary, although the value
of the ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued will always total $600,000,000.
For purposes of the pro forma earnings per share, ACE has used the $44
average per share price and has accordingly assumed that it will issue
13,636,363 ACE Ordinary Shares in exchange for Tempest Common Shares.
Provided the Average Closing Price is within the $33 to $45 per share
range at the Effective Time, the pro forma earnings per share for the
six-month period ended March 31, 1996 will change by approximately $0.02
per share for each $1 change in the Average Closing Price.
74
<PAGE>
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
-------------------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA
ACE TEMPEST(1)(2) ADJUSTMENTS COMBINED
---------- ------------- ----------- ----------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net premiums written.... $ 424,756 $174,904 $ 599,660
========== ======== ==========
Net premiums earned..... $ 428,661 $152,189 $ 580,850
Net investment income... 181,375 37,241 (1,722)(3) 216,894
Losses and loss
expenses............... (350,653) (29,175) (379,828)
Acquisition costs and
administrative
expenses............... (72,582) (33,250) 8,149 (4)
3,637 (6)
(1,653)(5) (95,699)
Amortization of
goodwill............... -- -- (3,040)(7) (3,040)
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Income excluding net
realized gains
(losses)............... 186,801 127,005 5,371 319,177
Net realized gains
(losses) on
investments............ 50,765 (3,048) 47,717
---------- -------- ---------- ----------
Net income.............. $ 237,566 $123,957 $ 5,371 $ 366,894
========== ======== ========== ==========
Earnings per share...... $ 5.05 $ 6.04
========== ==========
Earnings per share
excluding net realized
gains (losses)......... $ 3.97 $ 5.26
========== ==========
Weighted average shares
outstanding............ 47,059,006 13,636,363 (8)(9) 60,695,369
========== ========== ==========
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The Tempest condensed statement of operations has been adjusted to reflect
its results of operations for the twelve months ended September 30, 1995.
(2) Pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement, Tempest's Net Assets will be
reduced to approximately $500,000,000. From an operational standpoint, ACE
believes that $500,000,000 of net assets is a reasonable capital base to
support Tempest's current book of business.
(3) The estimated investment income adjustment has been calculated to
eliminate investment income assumed to be earned on the net assets of
Tempest in excess of $500,000,000 (see note 2) at October 1, 1994, based
on a yield of 5.74% which approximates the yield on the Tempest investment
portfolio for the fiscal year ended November 30, 1995.
(4) Included in Tempest's acquisition costs and administrative expenses are
certain fees paid to GRUS in consideration for GRUS performing certain
underwriting, claims supervision and administrative services for Tempest.
Under this contract, Tempest pays GRUS underwriting fees equal to 3% of
written premiums plus 4% of any underwriting profits of Tempest. In
connection with the Amalgamation, the GRUS contract will be terminated.
The adjustment of $8,149,000 represents total GRUS fees expensed in the
period ended September 30, 1995 which will not recur in the combined
entity.
(5) As discussed in note 4 above, certain underwriting and other services are
currently performed by GRUS. The contract with GRUS will terminate as part
of the Amalgamation. Tempest expects that certain expenses, including the
salaries and benefits of one GRUS employee and other new employees, will
be paid by the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary after the Amalgamation. The
adjustment of $1,653,000 reflects the estimated additional administrative
expenses required for ongoing operations.
(6) Tempest's Stock Option Plan provides that options may be redeemed for cash
in certain circumstances, based on the net book value per share. Under APB
25, these options are deemed to be compensatory and as a result, increases
in the intrinsic value of the options are recorded as compensation expense
in Tempest's statement of operations. The Amalgamation Agreement provides
for the exchange of the Tempest Options for options to acquire ACE
Ordinary Shares. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Tempest
Options." The options to acquire ACE Ordinary Shares will not be
compensatory. The adjustment of $3,637,000 represents the expense recorded
in the twelve-month period with respect to the Tempest Options which will
not recur in the combined entity.
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<PAGE>
(7) As discussed in note 3 to the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated
balance sheet, ACE will record goodwill of $75,985,000 as a result of the
Amalgamation. For purposes of the pro forma financial statements goodwill
will be amortized on a straight line basis over a 25-year period. The
adjustment of $3,040,000 represents amortization of goodwill for one year.
(8) As described in note 6 above, the outstanding options to purchase Tempest
Common Shares will be cancelled and replaced with options to purchase ACE
Ordinary Shares. At September 30, 1995, the options issued in connection
with the Amalgamation were anti-dilutive.
(9) The Amalgamation Agreement provides that, at the Effective Time (as
defined herein), each Tempest Common Share issued and outstanding
immediately prior to the Effective Time will be converted into the right
to receive ACE Ordinary Shares in accordance with the applicable exchange
ratio. See "The Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Amalgamation
Consideration." For purposes of the Amalgamation, the value assigned to
the ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued is $600,000,000. This value was
determined in accordance with the EITF 95-19 consensus that the value of
equity securities issued to effect a purchase combination (in this case
the Amalgamation) should be based on (a) the market price for a reasonable
period before and after the date the terms of the acquisition are agreed
and announced (in this case February 9, 1996), or (b) at a later date if
the purchase price changes. On April 17, 1996, as a result of further
negotiations, ACE announced its intention to remove the Lock-Up. The ACE
Ordinary Shares traded at an average share price (two days preceding and
two days following the announcement of the removal of the Lock-Up) of $44
per share, which price is in the range ($33 to $45) within which the
exchange ratio changes based on the Average Closing Price. Within this
range the exchange ratio will vary, although the value of the ACE Ordinary
Shares to be issued will always total $600,000,000. For purposes of the
pro forma earnings per share, ACE has used the $44 average per share price
and has accordingly assumed that it will issue 13,636,363 ACE Ordinary
Shares in exchange for Tempest Common Shares. Provided the Average Closing
Price is within the $33 to $45 per share range at the Effective Time, the
pro forma earnings per share for the six-month period ended March 31, 1996
will change by approximately $0.02 per share for each $1 change in the
Average Closing Price.
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INFORMATION CONCERNING TEMPEST
GENERAL
Tempest underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance on a worldwide basis
and emphasizes excess layer coverages. Tempest's property catastrophe
reinsurance contracts protect insurers against the accumulation of losses from
natural or man-made disasters, such as hurricanes, windstorms, hail storms,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, conflagrations, freezes, floods, fires and
explosions. Tempest's business is generated through reinsurance
intermediaries. Since beginning its operations in 1993, Tempest has written a
selective and geographically diverse portfolio of property catastrophe risks.
The Amalgamation will provide Tempest with the opportunity to diversify the
reinsurance risks it underwrites. See "The Amalgamation and Related
Transactions--Background of the Amalgamation."
At November 30, 1995, Tempest had 269 programs (consisting of all the layers
of coverage for each reinsurance risk) in force with 224 clients. During
fiscal 1995, approximately 94% of Tempest's programs were submitted for
renewal. Of these, approximately 17% were declined or not renewed by Tempest
for underwriting reasons, such as rate reductions considered to be excessive
by Tempest. Premiums written during the year ended November 30, 1995 totalled
$177,580,000 of which 44.3% related to non-U.S. risks. Tempest's shareholders'
equity at November 30, 1995 was $692,318,000. For the years ended November 30,
1995 and 1994, Tempest's combined ratios were 54.2% and 38.6%, respectively.
Tempest was organized on September 1, 1993 through the sponsorship of
General Re, together with its affiliates, to take advantage of the supply and
demand imbalance that General Re believed existed in the property catastrophe
reinsurance market at that time. GRUS, a wholly owned subsidiary of General
Re, performs certain underwriting and claims services for Tempest. See "--
Underwriting Policies and Procedures." Subject to completion of the
Amalgamation, the contract with GRUS will be terminated effective June 30,
1996. The ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary will hire one current GRUS employee and
other new employees to provide the services previously provided by GRUS. In
addition, GRAM, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Re, provides investment
advisory and asset management services to Tempest and will continue to do so
following consummation of the Amalgamation. See "--Investment Management."
Tempest strives to maximize the return on shareholders' equity by: (i)
constructing a geographically balanced portfolio of reinsurance contracts;
(ii) maintaining sophisticated technical skills and knowledge in assessing
catastrophe risk; (iii) conservatively managing its risk exposures; (iv)
working closely with clients to identify their reinsurance requirements; (v)
cultivating, maintaining and developing strong relationships with clients and
brokers; and (vi) delivering superior underwriting and claims service. With
significant capital resources and reinsurance capacity, recognized
underwriting expertise, and development of sophisticated computer-based loss
modeling programs, management believes Tempest has positioned itself as a
significant participant in the international property catastrophe reinsurance
market.
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Tempest believes that an imbalance in 1993 between insufficient supply of
and excess demand for property catastrophe reinsurance resulted in increased
premiums from pre-1993 levels. The increase in demand for property catastrophe
reinsurance was attributable to several factors:
. A number of unexpected and costly disasters both in the United States and
abroad, including natural catastrophic events such as Hurricane Hugo in
1989, storms in Europe in 1987 and 1990 and Hurricane Andrew in 1992
caused ceding companies on an industry-wide basis to re-evaluate their
need for reinsurance protection from catastrophe exposures and to increase
estimates of their probable maximum losses.
. The catastrophe protection afforded by proportional reinsurance was
curtailed with the imposition of per occurrence limits or "caps"
applicable to such covers.
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. Various regulatory agencies began questioning whether the financially
structured, or "finite," reinsurance covers utilized by the ceding
companies to fill gaps in their catastrophe reinsurance programs actually
transferred risk, thus challenging their characterization as reinsurance
products. Furthermore, new accounting standards were issued that prompted
insurers to reduce the use of certain types of financial reinsurance, such
as funded covers, that were traditionally used by insurers as a means of
managing catastrophe exposure. Some insurers that previously had purchased
financial reinsurance began seeking to purchase catastrophe reinsurance
instead.
. Rating agencies of insurers and reinsurers began to pay closer attention
to catastrophe exposures. For example, as part of its rating process, A.M.
Best now requires completion of a catastrophe loss analysis questionnaire
dealing with expected claims resulting from potential catastrophic events.
. A general increase in insured property values in certain catastrophe-
exposed areas contributed to increased demand for property catastrophe
insurance and reinsurance.
The increase in demand for property catastrophe reinsurance occurred at the
same time that capacity for the provision of such catastrophe coverage
decreased. Tempest believes that the decrease in property catastrophe capacity
was attributable to the withdrawal, in whole or in part, of certain
reinsurers, including syndicates at Lloyd's, from the property catastrophe
market. Such withdrawals followed the succession of property catastrophe
losses by those reinsurers that began in 1987 and culminated with Hurricane
Andrew in 1992. Tempest believes that the losses suffered by many of such
reinsurers were attributable, in part, to the failure of such reinsurers to
control aggregate and geographic exposures, monitor probability of loss and
risk of ruin, set adequate premium rates for losses incurred, and, in certain
cases, write treaties with aggregate limits.
The imbalance of supply and demand for property catastrophe reinsurance led
to the formation in 1992 and 1993 of eight Bermuda-based property catastrophe
reinsurance companies, including Tempest. As a result of the increased
property catastrophe reinsurance capacity as of 1993, Tempest believes that
supply and demand in the property catastrophe market stabilized in 1994 and
has remained more balanced in the intervening period. Tempest anticipates that
the market for property catastrophe reinsurance will remain competitive.
Demand is expected to increase, particularly in the United States, although
this is anticipated to be more than offset by reduced rates. More recently,
the global market for reinsurance has been characterized by a potential
decrease in demand resulting from a general trend towards consolidation of
insurers through acquisitions and the discontinuance of operations by
insurance companies with lower levels of capitalization.
Based on marketing efforts, reinsurance contract submissions and publicly
available information, Tempest believes that property catastrophe premium
rates in 1994 generally remained at the substantially increased 1993 levels.
On the same basis, Tempest believes that rates in 1995 decreased somewhat from
1994 levels, although they still substantially exceeded 1992 levels. In terms
of "events" 1995 was an active year, although, with a few exceptions, no
significant losses impacted the property catastrophe reinsurance market. As a
result of the positive results for most property catastrophe reinsurers in
1995, many primary insurers have sought premium rate reductions in 1996.
Tempest believes that for larger programs that utilize the full capacity of
the market, reductions have been less than for some of the smaller U.S.
regional programs. Tempest also believes that rates in areas affected by
significant losses in 1995 have in 1996 faced less price pressure than in
other geographic zones. However, even in hard-hit areas, such as the
Caribbean, Tempest believes that attempts were made in 1996 to extract price
concessions from the market, and that Continental Europe, already marginal,
became even more competitive with the return to the market of a major
reinsurer.
PROPERTY CATASTROPHE REINSURANCE PRODUCTS
Tempest provides treaty reinsurance worldwide to insurers of commercial and
personal property, typically under treaties having a duration of one year.
Property catastrophe reinsurance protects a ceding company against an
accumulation of losses covered by the insurance policies it has issued arising
from a common event or "occurrence." Tempest's property catastrophe
reinsurance contracts cover unpredictable natural or man-made disasters, such
as hurricanes, windstorms, hail storms, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions,
conflagrations, freezes,
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<PAGE>
floods, fires and explosions. Tempest's predominant exposure under such
coverage is to property damage. However, other risks, such as business
interruption, may also be covered when arising from a covered peril. In
accordance with market practice, Tempest's property catastrophe reinsurance
contracts generally exclude certain risks such as war, nuclear contamination,
and radiation.
Ceding companies may purchase reinsurance to achieve a number of results,
including: (i) reduction of net exposure on individual risks or groups of
risks, which enables the ceding company to underwrite larger risks or accept
more business than its own capital resources would ordinarily support; (ii)
diversification of risks; (iii) protection against the effect of major
catastrophic losses, such as losses involving an accumulation of single
retentions; (iv) stabilization of a ceding company's operating results by
smoothing its loss experience to protect its financial position; and (iv)
maintenance by a ceding company of acceptable surplus, reserve and other
financial ratios.
Tempest underwrites reinsurance principally on an excess of loss basis with
attachment points designed to minimize claims from relatively high frequency
and low severity events. Other property reinsurance, written by Tempest on a
limited basis for select clients, includes proportional property and per risk
excess of loss treaty reinsurance. The following table sets forth Tempest's
premiums written and number of programs by type of reinsurance for fiscal
years 1995 and 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
-----------------------------------
1995 1994
----------------- -----------------
NUMBER NUMBER
PREMIUMS OF PREMIUMS OF
TYPE OF REINSURANCE WRITTEN PROGRAMS WRITTEN PROGRAMS
------------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Catastrophe excess of loss............. $168,060 252 $134,517 223
Risk excess of loss.................... 5,276 11 3,929 12
Proportional property.................. 4,244 6 1,384 6
-------- --- -------- ---
Total................................ $177,580 269 $139,830 241
======== === ======== ===
</TABLE>
Catastrophe Excess of Loss Reinsurance. Catastrophe excess of loss
reinsurance provides coverage to a primary insurer when aggregate claims
and claim expenses from a single occurrence of a peril covered under a
portfolio of primary insurance contracts written by the insurer exceed the
attachment point specified in the reinsurance contract with the insurer.
Most of Tempest's property catastrophe excess of loss contracts provide for
coverage of a second occurrence after the payment of an obligatory
reinstatement premium.
Risk Excess of Loss Reinsurance. Tempest also writes property per risk
excess of loss treaty reinsurance on a select basis. This reinsurance
responds to a loss of the reinsured in excess of its retention level on a
single "risk," rather than to aggregate losses for all covered risks, as
does catastrophe reinsurance. A "risk" in this context might mean the
insurance coverage on one building or a group of buildings or the insurance
coverage under a single policy which the reinsured treats as a single risk.
Risk excess contracts are generally all risk in nature, similar to property
catastrophe reinsurance, but tend to cover "risks" that are substantially
larger and thus more concentrated.
Proportional Property Reinsurance. Tempest writes proportional property
reinsurance treaties on a select basis. Under these contracts, Tempest
assumes a specified percentage of the risk exposure under a portfolio of
primary insurance contracts written by the ceding insurer and receives an
equal percentage of the premium received by the ceding insurer. Because
there are no attachment points, a proportional property reinsurer is
dependent upon the ceding insurer's underwriting, pricing and claims
administration to yield an underwriting profit. Tempest generally obtains
detailed underwriting information concerning the exposures underlying
portfolios of primary insurance contracts. In addition, all of Tempest's
proportional property reinsurance contracts have aggregate risk exposure
limits per event.
Rates, limits, retention and other reinsurance terms and conditions are
generally established in a worldwide competitive market that evaluates
exposure and balances demand for property catastrophe coverage against the
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<PAGE>
available supply. Typically, the capacity of several reinsurers will be
required to meet the reinsurance needs of a ceding company. In such an event,
"lead" reinsurers, recognized for their underwriting expertise and knowledge
of market conditions, will negotiate terms and conditions for the reinsurance
cover and will assume a percentage of the layer. Other reinsurers will
"follow" in the layer and assume a percentage of the layer in return for a
portion of the premium. Tempest believes it is perceived by the market as
being a "lead" reinsurer and is typically involved in the negotiation and
quotation of the terms and conditions of the majority of the contracts in
which it participates.
Because Tempest underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance and has large
aggregate exposures to natural and man-made disasters, management expects that
Tempest's claim experience generally will involve infrequent events of great
severity. The occurrence of claims from catastrophic events may result in
substantial volatility in Tempest's financial results for any fiscal quarter
or year and could have material adverse effects on Tempest's financial
condition and results of operations and its ability to write new business.
Catastrophic events of significant magnitude historically have been relatively
infrequent, although Tempest believes that the property reinsurance market has
experienced a high level of worldwide catastrophic losses in terms of both
frequency and severity from 1987 to the present as compared with prior
periods. Tempest expects that continued increases in the values and
concentrations of insured property and the effects of inflation will increase
the severity of such occurrences in the future. Tempest seeks to diversify its
reinsurance portfolio to moderate this volatility. The principal means of
diversification are by geographic coverage and by varying attachment points
and imposing coverage limits per program. Tempest also establishes zonal
accumulation limits to avoid concentrations within particular geographic
areas. See "--Underwriting Policies and Procedures" and "--Risk Management."
RETROCESSIONS
Tempest has not used retrocessions (the transfer by a reinsurer of portions
of the risk it has assumed through reinsurance to other reinsurers) to manage
its exposures. Upon consummation of the Amalgamation, Tempest will enter into
a stop-loss reinsurance agreement with General Re. This agreement will cover
claims paid by Tempest of up to $10 million in excess of $60 million in
respect of losses incurred prior to December 1, 1995 and paid between December
1, 1995 and December 1, 1997. The reinsurance premium for this coverage is $4
million.
MARKETING
Tempest markets its reinsurance products worldwide through reinsurance
brokers. Tempest's underwriting team builds relationships with key brokers and
clients by explaining Tempest's approach and demonstrating responsiveness to
customer needs. Tempest's approach to the business of reinsurance takes a
long-term perspective. Management believes the continual strengthening of the
relationship between Tempest, its producing brokers and their clients will
produce the stable portfolio necessary to achieve continuity. By retaining
clients, Tempest seeks to build up extensive knowledge of clients and gain
additional insight to enable a more accurate assessment of their exposures.
Furthermore, by accessing its client base through the reinsurance broker
community, Tempest obviates the need to set up a costly network of offices and
outlets for marketing its products worldwide.
The following table sets forth the percentage of Tempest's business written
in fiscal 1995 and 1994 through each broker and its affiliates placing more
than 5% of Tempest's business:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
NOVEMBER 30,
------------
NAME 1995 1994
---- ------ ------
<S> <C> <C>
Marsh & McLennan Incorporated.............................. 30% 29%
Greig Fester International Limited......................... 16% 8%
Herbert Clough, Inc........................................ 8% 8%
E.W. Blanch Co............................................. 5% 9%
Willis, Faber & Dumas Limited.............................. 5% 6%
E.W. Payne Limited......................................... 5% 4%
</TABLE>
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Tempest believes that the quality of service delivered by its staff has a
significant impact on the business it is able to write. Primary insurers and
brokers do not choose to do business with a particular reinsurer solely on
pricing terms, but also on the quality of the service that the reinsurer
provides. Tempest undertakes to handle all client transactions, including
underwriting and quoting of submissions, agreement on contract terms and
settlement of claims with maximum speed and responsiveness.
UNDERWRITING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Tempest's Board of Directors has an Underwriting Committee that sets
underwriting guidelines and supervises and monitors implementation of
Tempest's policies and procedures. The Underwriting Committee also monitors
the underwriting activities of GRUS, Tempest's underwriting service provider,
to assure that GRUS' activities are also in conformity with those policies and
procedures. Both the GRUS and Tempest underwriters report to the Underwriting
Committee on a quarterly basis.
Tempest's underwriting process currently involves an initial review of
submissions by GRUS. GRUS assesses each account and recommends that Tempest
either accept or reject the submission or, alternatively, suggests suitable
retention and price levels, as well as other terms and conditions. GRUS'
recommendations are the result of a team-based approach; decisions, as well as
technical analysis and data interpretation, are subject to a "peer review"
process, involving scrutiny by other Tempest or GRUS underwriters.
Upon receipt of GRUS' recommendation and after the completion of an
independent review by Tempest, including a review of zonal limit accumulation,
Tempest's underwriters may quote and write the account in accordance with the
recommended terms, decline the account, or offer coverage on different terms.
GRUS is not authorized to bind Tempest, and the decision to offer coverage
rests solely with Tempest. Once coverage is bound by Tempest, GRUS assists
Tempest with reinsurance contract issuance and other business functions.
Subject to completion of the Amalgamation, GRUS will cease to provide
services effective as of June 30, 1996. These services will be provided by one
employee of GRUS and other new employees of the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary.
See "--Relationship with General Re."
Tempest applies an underwriting process based upon models developed by GRUS,
which use exposure data submitted by prospective reinsureds in accordance with
requirements set by Tempest's underwriters. In light of the differing
characteristics of risks arising from distinct insurable perils, the account
review process includes an analysis of exposures both by line of business and
by geographic location. Tempest's underwriters also examine the ceding
company's own program for controlling or monitoring policy limit
accumulations. The models used by Tempest are "stochastic" (probability-
based), which includes catastrophic event frequency and severity distributions
based on historical and scientific data. Modeling technology is integrated
into Tempest's account-level analysis, leading to the pricing of reinsurance
risks, as well as the setting of adequate retention levels and the terms and
conditions applicable to the contract. Tempest's underwriters also seek to
adjust and project prior losses to current cost levels to assist in
determining pricing.
All of the underwriting models used by Tempest have been created and
continue to be developed in-house by GRUS. Tempest therefore has not been
dependent on any external vendor of catastrophe modeling products. Tempest
believes GRUS' proprietary risk analysis tools provide greater utility and
flexibility, especially when confronted with unique exposures or non-standard
coverage. Tempest believes this customized approach provides Tempest with a
competitive advantage in risk selection. Following consummation of the
transaction, the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary will have the right to use GRUS'
risk analysis tools and anticipates that it will continue to develop these
models internally.
Tempest maintains a disciplined approach to risk selection and accepts only
those risks that satisfy its technical criteria. These criteria demand
premiums sufficient to cover the sum of long-range expected loss costs,
Tempest's operating expenses, and a risk-adjusted profit margin. The scale of
this margin depends on the volatility of the layer and account being priced
and on the correlation between losses under a particular contract and
Tempest's overall portfolio losses.
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<PAGE>
RISK MANAGEMENT
In order to diversify risk, Tempest establishes a maximum limit of exposure
per ceding company, and, where possible, seeks a balanced spread of limits by
layer across its portfolio of business. Tempest continuously monitors assumed
reinsurance accumulations by geographical zone and sub-zone, as well as
portfolio pricing levels and diversity of business by layer. Tempest's ability
to obtain precise exposure data to measure accumulations adequately is an
important factor in Tempest's underwriting process.
The following table sets forth the number and percentage of Tempest's
programs in force at November 30, 1995 by single event liability limits:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SINGLE EVENT LIABILITY LIMIT NUMBER OF PROGRAMS % OF TOTAL
---------------------------- ------------------ ----------
<S> <C> <C>
$30-45 million................................. 3 1.1%
$20-30 million................................. 9 3.3
$15-20 million................................. 17 6.3
$10-15 million................................. 33 12.3
$5-10 million.................................. 61 22.7
Less than $5 million........................... 146 54.3
--- -----
Total...................................... 269 100.0%
=== =====
</TABLE>
Pursuant to its underwriting policies, Tempest establishes zonal
accumulation limits to avoid concentrations within particular geographical
areas and to manage its risk assumption relative to Tempest's resources. These
zonal limits are adjusted periodically in line with Tempest's capital position
and geographical diversification of Tempest's portfolio of risks.
The following table sets forth the percentage and amount of Tempest's
premiums written allocated by territory of coverage:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER 30,
------------------------------
1995 1994
-------------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
GEOGRAPHIC AREA
---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
United States.............................. $ 98,944 55.7% $ 97,643 69.8%
United Kingdom............................. 28,194 15.9 11,301 8.1
Australia and New Zealand.................. 20,072 11.3 10,519 7.5
Japan...................................... 12,833 7.2 11,008 7.9
Other...................................... 17,537 9.9 9,359 6.7
-------- ----- -------- -----
Total.................................. $177,580 100.0% $139,830 100.0%
======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
Tempest's starting point in risk management is defining accumulation zones
that are sufficiently large to contain the most extensive likely event. These
vary from peril to peril. For instance, in Japan, Tempest's wind zone is
nationwide, whereas, for earthquakes, Tempest uses twelve zones. In Europe,
because of the variety of possible storm tracks, Tempest has defined Northern
Europe from France to Scandinavia as a single zone. Tempest divides the
contiguous United States into six zones: three Gulf and East Coast zones
(where the principal exposure is hurricane), two Central zones (covering all
of the Midwest and mountain states) and California (a zone of its own).
Tempest treats the Caribbean as a single zone (the aggregate for which
accumulates with the U.S. Gulf hurricane zones). The critical zones for
Tempest are in the United States, since this is the only area of the world in
which Tempest's capacity is currently fully utilized.
Tempest's control procedures restrict total exposure in any single zone to a
predetermined dollar limit. In determining the amount of exposure, the
aggregate exposure is calculated on a "first dollar basis." This means that if
a cedent writes even a single dollar of premium in a zone, Tempest deems every
zone included in that client's catastrophe program to be exposed for the full
limit on that program. This is a conservative definition of exposure and is
consistent with Tempest's intended risk profile.
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Working within these formal limitations, Tempest, through its service
provider GRUS, also analyzes its exposure in more detail using simulation
modeling of loss scenarios and their effects on Tempest's overall portfolio.
Although not a substitute for accumulation control, such modeling helps
Tempest optimize its application of capital. This exercise results in a
probability distribution for Tempest's underwriting results. Management
believes this approach provides the best possible assessment of Tempest's
portfolio risk, in particular to account for the risk of a combination of
multiple events worldwide in a single year. Following consummation of the
Amalgamation, the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary will have the right to use GRUS'
simulation modeling tools.
RESERVES
Losses and loss expenses are charged to income as incurred. The reserve for
unpaid losses and loss expenses represents the estimated ultimate losses less
claims paid. GAAP requires Tempest to establish loss reserves with respect to
its property catastrophe business only on the occurrence of an event that is
likely to give rise to claims, whether or not such claims have been reported
to Tempest. On the occurrence of such an event, Tempest establishes reserves
based upon industry experience, management's judgment, estimates of total
losses incurred by the primary insurers as a result of the event and Tempest's
estimate of the portion of such loss it has reinsured. Tempest has limited
historical operating experience to utilize in its estimates of ultimate
losses. Such estimates are adjusted as Tempest receives notices of claims and
proofs of loss from reinsureds and as estimates of damages and Tempest's share
of the total loss are revised. Because of the short-tail nature of the
business written by Tempest, losses typically are notified to Tempest within a
short time period following an occurrence. Tempest's reserve estimates are
continually reviewed by management. As adjustments to these reserves become
necessary, such adjustments are reflected in current operations.
Because loss reserves represent estimates of ultimate unpaid losses and loss
expenses for incurred losses at a given point in time, it is possible that the
ultimate liability may be greater or less than such estimates. Such estimates
are not precise in that, among other things, they are based on predictions of
future developments and other variable factors, such as inflation and currency
exchange rates. During the claim settlement period, it often becomes necessary
to refine and adjust the estimates of liability on a claim either upward or
downward. Any such adjustment may affect Tempest's results in the period in
which the adjustment is made. To assist Tempest in establishing appropriate
loss reserves, Tempest has access to commercially-available databases on
catastrophe losses. In addition, when reviewing a proposed reinsurance
contract, Tempest typically receives loss experience information from the
broker with respect to the reinsured on the contract. However, reserve
estimates by new property catastrophe reinsurers, such as Tempest, may be
inherently less reliable than the reserve estimates of a reinsurer with an
established claim history.
Tempest reported $49.8 million and $18.2 million of incurred losses, and
$54.1 million and $15.2 million of loss reserves, for the years ended November
30, 1995, and 1994, respectively.
INVESTMENTS
The primary objective of Tempest's investment portfolio, is to provide for
the growth of portfolio assets consistent with the conservative risk
management profile required to support Tempest's underwriting activities.
Tempest's investment guidelines require that investments be undertaken with
the primary goal of preservation of capital, emphasizing lower risk and stable
asset values, maintaining sound standards of credit quality, providing
liquidity to support underwriting commitments, and aiming to earn attractive
investment returns. Tempest's investment guidelines are subject to change at
the discretion of its Board of Directors from time to time.
Maturity and Duration of the Portfolio
Currently, Tempest maintains an average target duration for contractual
maturation of 3.5 years, reflecting management's belief that it is important
to maintain a liquid, short duration portfolio to assure Tempest's ability to
pay claims on a timely basis. Pursuant to Tempest's investment guidelines, the
actual portfolio duration must
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remain within 30% of this target. Tempest reviews its target duration in light
of estimates of the duration of its liabilities and market conditions,
including the level of interest rates, from time to time. For contractual
maturities of the investment portfolio at November 30, 1995, see Note 4 to the
Tempest Financial Statements included elsewhere herein.
Quality and Diversity of Debt Securities in Portfolio
Tempest's investment guidelines require that: (i) at least 80% of its
portfolio consist of fixed income assets, (ii) 95% of the fixed income assets
of its portfolio be of investment grade quality and (iii) the weighted average
credit quality of its portfolio not be less than Aa3 (as determined by Moody's
ratings).
Tempest's investment guidelines require that at least 85% of its investments
in mortgage-backed securities are rated AAA by a recognized rating agency and
that no sovereign issuer rated below A1/A may be purchased. In order to ensure
diversification, no more than 5% of Tempest's capital and surplus may be
invested in obligations of any one issuer, other than securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States government or approved agencies. Furthermore,
no more than 4%, 3% and 2.5% of Tempest's capital and surplus may be invested
in securities of any one issuer rated AA, A and BBB, respectively. In
addition, no more than 50% of the assets invested in corporate bonds may be
invested in any one industry. For details of the ratings of the investment
portfolio at November 30, 1995, see Note 4 to the Tempest Financial Statements
included elsewhere herein.
Tempest's portfolio does not contain any direct investments in real estate,
mortgage loans, unquoted equity securities, "interest only" or "principal
only" securities or non-investment grade securities.
Foreign Currency Investments
Tempest's fixed maturity portfolio includes securities denominated in
currencies other than U.S. dollars. These securities are purchased based on
their income and total return prospects based in U.S. dollars and are
associated with the non-U.S. dollar business underwritten by Tempest, the
exposures and claims reserves on Tempest's books and the local currency
outlook compared to that of the U.S. dollar.
Investment Management
Tempest has entered into an investment advisory agreement with GRAM, a
wholly owned subsidiary of General Re, to provide investment advisory and
asset management services for an initial period of three and one-half years,
commencing September 15, 1993, with optional renewal periods thereafter. In
consideration for providing these services, Tempest pays GRAM an annual fee
based on the market value of the average assets under management. The fee
equals thirty-five basis points for the first $100 million under management,
twenty-five basis points for the next $100 million under management, and
fifteen basis points for average assets under management above $200 million.
The performance of, and fees paid to, GRAM under the investment management
agreement are subject to Tempest's investment guidelines and reviewed
periodically by the Board of Directors. The consummation of the Amalgamation
will not affect the rights and obligations under the investment advisory
agreement with GRAM, other than to amend its termination date to April 30,
1999.
FOREIGN CURRENCY EXPOSURES
Tempest's functional currency is the U.S. dollar. Tempest underwrites a
substantial portion of its business in currencies other than U.S. dollars and
may from time to time experience significant exchange gains and losses and
incur underwriting losses in currencies other than U.S. dollars.
To mitigate exposure to foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations on non-
dollar investments, Tempest from time to time enters into forward exchange
contracts. These contracts generally involve the exchange of one currency for
U.S. dollars at some future date and are intended to hedge the foreign
currency exchange exposure on specific foreign denominated securities. Other
than for hedging purposes, Tempest does not enter into forward or future
currency exchange contracts.
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RELATIONSHIP WITH GENERAL RE
At November 30, 1995 and 1994 General Re owned 20.7% and 20.6%,
respectively, of the outstanding Tempest Common Shares. Due to restrictions in
Tempest's Bye-laws which limit stockholders' voting rights, these shares are
limited to an aggregate voting power of 9.99%, pursuant to a stated formula.
On September 15, 1993, Tempest granted General Re an option to purchase 5% of
Tempest's outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis (as of the
exercise date). The option is exercisable, in whole or in part, only in the
event of a public offering, at an exercise price of $100 per share. All of the
Tempest Common Shares held by General Re will be repurchased, and the option
for Tempest Common Shares held by General Re will be purchased and cancelled,
by Tempest at the closing of and in connection with the Amalgamation.
Since the beginning of Tempest's operations, GRUS, a wholly owned subsidiary
of General Re, has contracted to provide certain underwriting, claims
supervision and administrative services to Tempest. Under the terms of the
GRUS contract, GRUS recommends acceptable terms to Tempest's underwriters or
reviews terms presented if a "lead" reinsurer has set them for the layer being
placed. Tempest may accept GRUS' recommendation and offer to write coverage at
the recommended terms, decline the risk altogether, or offer reinsurance on
different terms. Tempest determines whether to accept or decline risks after
conducting its own underwriting review. As of June 30, 1996, when, subject to
consummation of the Amalgamation, the GRUS contract with Tempest terminates,
all functions previously performed by GRUS will be performed by the ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary.
Tempest has contracted with GRAM to provide investment advisory and asset
management services. The consummation of the Amalgamation will not affect the
rights and obligations under the investment advisory agreement with GRAM,
other than to amend its termination date to April 30, 1999.
Compensation paid to GRUS for its underwriting services is based upon the
performance of Tempest. Tempest pays GRUS an annual fee comprised of (i) the
greater of (a) $2 million or (b) the sum of (1) 3% of net written premium
(including reinstatements and other premium adjustments) up to $250 million,
(2) 2% of net written premium from $250 million to $350 million and (3) 1% of
net written premium in excess of $350 million, plus (ii) 4% of any
underwriting profit earned by Tempest, computed on a three-year rolling
average basis. Tempest incurred gross underwriting fees of $8,333,000 and
$6,745,000 in the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
Tempest pays GRAM for its investment management services an annual fee based
on the market value of the average assets under management. The fee equals
thirty-five basis points for the first $100 million under management, twenty-
five basis points for the next $100 million under management, and fifteen
basis points for average investments above $200 million. Tempest incurred
investment management fees of $1,263,000 and $1,128,000, respectively, in the
years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994.
Some reinsurance submissions to Tempest are brokered through Herbert Clough
Inc. ("Herbert Clough"), a reinsurance broker and subsidiary of General Re.
Herbert Clough received brokerage commissions from Tempest of $759,000 and
$943,000 in 1995 and 1994, respectively, in respect of this business. Herbert
Clough and other reinsurance brokers are compensated through payment of
brokerage fees at prevailing market rates. Tempest does not anticipate any
change in the business relationship with Herbert Clough as a result of the
Amalgamation.
For a more detailed discussion of the General Re Agreement, see "The
Amalgamation and Related Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the
Amalgamation--General Re Agreement."
COMPETITION
The property catastrophe reinsurance industry is highly competitive. Tempest
competes worldwide with many property catastrophe reinsurers. The ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary will continue to compete, with major U.S. and non-U.S.
property catastrophe reinsurers, other Bermuda-based property catastrophe
reinsurers and reinsurance departments of numerous multi-line insurance
organizations, some of which have extensive experience in reinsurance, greater
financial and organizational resources than Tempest or may be licensed to
conduct business in jurisdictions from which Tempest assumes reinsurance on a
non-admitted basis. There may be established companies or new companies of
which Tempest is not aware which may be planning to enter the
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<PAGE>
property catastrophe reinsurance market or existing reinsurers which may be
planning to raise additional capital. In addition, Lloyd's began to allow
capital from corporate investors in 1994, enabling it to offer more
reinsurance capacity. Competition in the types of reinsurance business that
Tempest underwrites is based on many factors, including rates and other terms
and conditions offered, services provided, admitted or non-admitted status,
ratings assigned by independent rating agencies, speed of claims payment and
reputation, as well as the perceived financial strength and experience of the
reinsurer in the type of reinsurance written.
Tempest is not licensed or admitted as a reinsurer in any jurisdiction other
than Bermuda and has no plans to become so licensed or admitted. Because
jurisdictions in the United States do not permit insurance companies to take
credit for reinsurance obtained from unlicensed or non-admitted reinsurers on
their statutory financial statements unless security is posted, Tempest's
reinsurance contracts generally require it to post a letter of credit or
provide other security for outstanding claims. In order to post these letters
of credit, Tempest generally is required to provide the issuing banks with
sufficient collateral.
Tempest is not rated by A.M. Best or by any other insurance rating agency.
However, Tempest does not believe that the absence of a rating has had, or
should have, a material adverse effect on its ability to compete in the
property catastrophe reinsurance market in which it operates. The ACE
Reinsurance Subsidiary intends to seek a rating from A.M. Best subsequent to
the Amalgamation. There can be no assurance, however, as to any rating that
A.M. Best might provide the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary in the future and, if
such a rating was considered to be low, as to whether the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary's business would be materially adversely affected by such rating.
Tempest has been able to compete effectively in spite of its limited
operating experience and the absence of financial ratings because of: (1)
Tempest's strong capital position and ability to commit significant capacity
to a ceding company's reinsurance program; (2) the collective expertise of
Tempest, its Underwriting Committee and GRUS with respect to property
catastrophe reinsurance; (3) the quality service Tempest provides to the
reinsurance community; and (4) the leading role Tempest plays in setting the
terms, pricing and conditions in negotiating property catastrophe reinsurance
contracts.
As a result of the size of Tempest's capitalization, Tempest does not
believe that its non-admitted status in any jurisdiction has, or should have,
a material adverse effect on its ability to compete or obtain business in the
property catastrophe reinsurance market in which it operates, principally
because many of Tempest's competitors are not currently admitted or licensed
in U.S. jurisdictions. However, there can be no assurance that Tempest's
competitors will not be admitted or licensed in U.S. jurisdictions or that
increased competitive pressure from current reinsurers and future market
entrants, the lack of a rating by insurance rating agencies or Tempest's non-
admitted status will not adversely affect Tempest. While Tempest believes
that, because of an imbalance between the levels of demand for, and supply of,
property catastrophe reinsurance in world markets, the pricing structure
available to Tempest continues to be acceptable to Tempest, there can be no
assurance that this pricing structure will continue. Premium levels may be
adversely affected by increases in insurance industry capacity, increases in
reinsurance capacity, reduction of prices in response to favorable loss
experience, the pricing of underlying direct coverage and other factors, any
of which could develop in a relatively short period of time.
EMPLOYEES
As of February 29, 1996, Tempest had 14 employees. In addition to their
activities, certain of Tempest's day-to-day operations are performed by
affiliates of General Re pursuant to the GRUS contract. See "--Relationship
with General Re." Tempest believes that its employee relations are
satisfactory. None of Tempest's employees are subject to collective bargaining
agreements, and Tempest knows of no current efforts to implement such
agreements at Tempest.
Many of Tempest's employees, including most of its senior management, are
employed pursuant to work permits granted by the Bermuda authorities. These
permits expire at various times over the next several years. Tempest has no
reason to believe that these permits would not be extended upon request at
their respective expirations.
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<PAGE>
PROPERTIES
Tempest is provided office space in Bermuda by GRUS pursuant to a lease held
by GRUS. It is anticipated that the lease of these office premises will be
assigned to the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary upon completion of the
Amalgamation.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Tempest is not currently involved in any litigation or arbitration. Tempest
expects, however, that it will be subject to litigation and arbitration from
time to time in the ordinary course of its business.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF TEMPEST COMMON SHARES
As of April 30, 1996, there were 137 holders of Tempest Common Shares
(including vested stock option holders).
The following table sets forth information with respect to the beneficial
ownership of Tempest Common Shares and vested stock options, as of March 31,
1996 by (i) each person who was the beneficial owner of more than 5% or more
of the Tempest Common Shares and vested stock options, (ii) each director of
Tempest, and (iii) all directors and executive officers of Tempest as a group:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP(1)
BENEFICIAL OWNER ------------------
PERCENT
PERCENT OF
NAME AND ADDRESS NUMBER OF CLASS VOTE(2)
- ---------------- --------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
General Reinsurance Corporation(3).................. 1,082,785 20.23% 9.99%
Financial Centre, P.O. Box 10350
Stamford, CT 06904-2350
State of Wisconsin Investment Board................. 490,000 9.15 9.99
121 East Wilson Street,
Madison, WI 53702
IDS Trust Company(4)................................ 270,000 5.04 5.72
NW-9744, P.O. Box 1450,
Minneapolis, MN 55485
American International Group, Inc. ................. 264,094 4.93 5.59
70 Pine Street
New York, NY 10270
Tiger Management LLC(5)............................. 254,770 4.76 5.39
101 Park Avenue
47th Floor
New York, NY 10178
Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement 250,000 4.67 5.29
System.............................................
351 East Conestoga
Wayne, PA 19087
James E. Bachman(6)................................. 250,000 4.67 5.29
Robert J. Morris(7)................................. 150,000 2.80 3.17
Donald Kramer(8).................................... 76,666 1.43 1.62
Eugene C. Sit....................................... 67,500 1.26 1.43
John C. Etling(9)................................... 41,666 0.78 0.88
Alan Fulkerson(7)................................... 35,000 0.65 0.74
All directors and executive officers as a group 627,498 11.72 13.28
(seven)(10)........................................
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
- --------
(1) In accordance with SEC rules, Tempest Common Shares are deemed to be
"beneficially owned" by a person if such person directly or indirectly
has or shares the power to vote or dispose of such shares within sixty
days whether or not such person has any pecuniary interest in such shares
or the right to acquire such shares through the exercise of any option,
warrant or right.
(2) Due to restrictions in the Tempest's Bye-Laws which limit stockholders'
voting rights, each shareholder is limited to an aggregate voting power
of 9.99%.
(3) Although General Re beneficially owns 20.23% of Tempest Common Shares, it
has the right to vote only 9.99% of the votes entitled to vote at the
Tempest Special Meeting.
(4) Of these Tempest Common Shares, 80,000 are owned by each of IDS Managed
Retirement Fund and IDS Equity Plus Fund Inc., 77,000 by the IDS Strategy
Fund Inc., 30,000 by the IDS Progressive Fund Inc. and 3,000 by the IDS
Bank and Trust, all of which are funds managed by IDS Trust Company.
(5) Of these Tempest Common Shares, 156,028 are owned by The Jaguar Fund
N.V., 76,485 are owned by Tiger Management, LLC, 13,257 are owned by Puma
and 9,000 are owned by Puma Limited Partnership, all of which are funds
managed by Tiger Management LLC.
(6) Represents Tempest Common Shares owned by Associated Electric and Gas
Insurance Services Limited, in which the director has no pecuniary
interest but in respect of which he has the power to vote or dispose of
such shares.
(7) Represents Tempest Common Shares in which the director has no pecuniary
interest but in respect of which he has the power to vote or dispose of
such shares.
(8) Includes 66,666 vested stock options.
(9) Represents 41,666 vested stock options which will be purchased and
cancelled pursuant to the Amalgamation.
(10) Includes (i) 435,000 Tempest Common Shares in which the directors and
executive officers of Tempest have no pecuniary interest but in respect
of which such directors and executive officers have the power to vote or
dispose of such shares, (ii) 114,998 vested stock options, and (iii)
77,500 Tempest Common Shares in respect of which a director or executive
officer has a pecuniary interest.
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SELECTED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF TEMPEST
The following table sets forth selected historical financial information of
Tempest as of and for each of the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 and
for the period from September 1, 1993 (the date of incorporation) to November
30, 1993 and as of and for each of the three-month periods ended February 29,
1996 and February 28, 1995. The selected historical financial information of
Tempest for the fiscal years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 and for the
period from September 1, 1993 (the date of incorporation) to November 30, 1993
is derived from Tempest's audited financial statements. The financial data for
the three-month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995 are
derived from Tempest's unaudited financial statements and include, in the
opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the data for the periods. The results
for the three months ended February 29, 1996 may not be indicative of the
results for the full year. The following information should be read in
conjunction with Tempest's financial statements and related notes, other
financial information appearing elsewhere in this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus and with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results
of Operations and Financial Condition of Tempest."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERIOD FROM
YEAR ENDED NOVEMBER SEPTEMBER 1,
THREE MONTHS THREE MONTHS 30, 1993 (THE DATE OF
ENDED ENDED -------------------- INCORPORATION) TO
FEBRUARY 29, 1996 FEBRUARY 28, 1995 1995 1994 NOVEMBER 30, 1993
----------------- ----------------- --------- --------- ------------------
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA AND SELECTED OTHER DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
OPERATIONS DATA:
Premiums written....... $ 77,340 $ 97,012 $ 177,580 $ 139,830 $ 605
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Premiums earned........ $ 39,477 $ 36,681 $ 157,497 $ 99,510 $ 104
Net investment income.. 10,552 8,542 37,777 29,165 4,698
Losses and loss
expenses.............. (4,213) 16,127 49,774 18,242 52
Acquisition and
operating costs....... 11,364 7,650 35,655 20,156 1,478
Net exchange loss
(gain)................ 157 324 1,584 (1,081) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income before net
realized gain (loss)
on investments........ 42,721 21,122 108,261 91,358 3,272
Net realized gain
(loss) on investments. 1,404 -- (2,247) (6,661) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income............. $ 44,125 $ 21,122 $ 106,014 $ 84,697 $ 3,272
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net income per share
(1)................... $ 8.25 $ 4.00 $ 19.97 $ 16.04 $ 3.08
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net income per share
before net realized
gain (loss) on
investments (1)....... $ 7.99 $ 4.00 $ 20.39 $ 17.30 $ 3.08
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Weighted average shares
outstanding........... 5,348,476 5,276,494 5,308,762 5,281,260 1,062,292
BALANCE SHEET DATA (AT
END OF PERIOD):
Total investments and
cash and cash
equivalents........... $ 781,704 $ 612,132 $ 751,960 $ 563,524 $ 493,997
Total assets........... $ 886,275 $ 720,289 $ 817,408 $ 604,193 $ 501,546
Losses and loss
expenses.............. $ 44,173 $ 29,061 $ 54,130 $ 15,235 $ 52
Stockholders' equity... $ 729,921 $ 579,321 $ 692,318 $ 543,328 $ 498,374
Book value per share
(2)................... $ 139.37 $ 110.30 $ 132.19 $ 103.45 $ 94.36
Fully diluted book
value per share (3)... $ 137.09 $ 109.72 $ 130.33 $ 103.25 $ 94.36
SELECTED OTHER DATA:
Loss and loss expense
ratio................. (10.67)% 43.97% 31.60% 18.33% N/M1
Underwriting and
administrative expense
ratio................. 28.79% 20.86% 22.64% 20.26% N/M1
Combined ratio......... 18.12% 64.83% 54.24% 38.59% N/M1
Loss reserves to
capital and surplus
ratio................. 6.05% 5.02% 7.82% 2.80% N/M1
Ratio of premiums
written to capital and
surplus............... N/M2 N/M2 0.26:1 0.26:1 N/M1
</TABLE>
- --------
N/M1--Not meaningful due to the start-up nature of Tempest's operations in
1993.
N/M2--Not meaningful on less than an annual basis.
There were no dividends paid during the period from inception through the date
hereof.
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<PAGE>
- --------
(1) Net income per share before net realized gain (loss) on investments and
net income per share is calculated using the relevant amounts divided by
the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents
outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method, calculated
using the average book value per share, for stock options. There is no
material difference between primary and fully diluted net income per
share.
(2) Book value per share is based on stockholders' equity divided by Tempest
Common Shares outstanding at the end of the period.
(3) Fully diluted book value per share is based on the sum of (i)
stockholders' equity, (ii) aggregate proceeds assuming exercise of all
outstanding options and (iii) the accrual for stock option costs; divided
by the sum of (i) Tempest Common Shares outstanding at the end of the
period and (ii) Tempest Common Shares issuable upon exercise of options
outstanding at the end of the period.
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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND FINANCIAL CONDITION OF TEMPEST
GENERAL
Tempest was incorporated on September 1, 1993 and commenced operations
shortly thereafter. The financial data included herein is as of and for the
years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 and for the period from September 1,
1993 to November 30, 1993 and as of and for the three-month periods ended
February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995. Because Tempest has a limited
operating and loss history, the financial data included herein is not
necessarily indicative of the financial condition or results of operations of
Tempest in the future. See "Information Concerning Tempest."
Tempest underwrites property catastrophe reinsurance on a worldwide basis
and emphasizes excess layer coverages. Tempest's property catastrophe
reinsurance programs protect insurers against the accumulation of losses from
natural or man-made disasters, such as hurricanes, windstorms, hailstorms,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, conflagrations, freezes, floods, fires and
explosions. Tempest's operating results in any given period depend to a large
extent on the number and magnitude of catastrophes occurring within that
period. As a consequence, Tempest expects that its property catastrophe loss
experience will be characterized by low frequency and high severity, which in
turn may result in significant volatility in Tempest's operating results from
period to period. Severe losses in any one period could have an adverse impact
on Tempest's financial condition.
Tempest was capitalized initially with $504 million (net of $24 million of
share issuance expenses) provided through the private placement of common
shares to 137 shareholders (the "Founding Holders"), including General Re. Of
the Founding Holders, General Re purchased 20.5% of the common shares of
Tempest. At November 30, 1995, General Re owned 20.7% of the common shares of
Tempest and held options to acquire an additional 278,308 common shares of
Tempest, representing in the aggregate, on a fully diluted basis, 23.3% of the
common equity of Tempest.
The following is a discussion of the results for the three months ended
February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995 and for the years ended November 30,
1995 and 1994. The results for the period from September 1, 1993 (the date of
incorporation) to November 30, 1993 are discussed separately as they relate to
start-up operations.
THREE MONTHS ENDED FEBRUARY 29, 1996 AND FEBRUARY 28, 1995
Net Income. Net income for the three-month periods ended February 29, 1996
and February 28, 1995 was $44,125,000 and $21,122,000, respectively. The
increase in net income for the first fiscal quarter of 1996 compared to the
same period in 1995 is attributable principally to the absence of catastrophes
magnified somewhat by a release of certain loss reserves associated with prior
years as further described in "Losses and Loss Expenses." Tempest is not
subject to any taxes on its net income or realized investment gains.
Premiums. In the three-month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February
28, 1995, Tempest wrote premiums of $77,340,000 and $97,012,000, respectively,
a decrease of 20.3%. Premiums written decreased principally because of
reductions in the number of multi-year policies written. Under a multi-year
policy, the premium is considered written at the inception date of the policy,
although the premium is earned over the period of the policy, which is
generally three years. Premiums written in the first fiscal quarter of 1995
included $17,804,000 attributable to multi-year policies compared with
$6,300,000 of premiums written in the same period in 1996 attributable to
multi-year policies. The balance of the decrease in premiums written is
attributable to management's decision to reduce premium writings where they
considered rate reductions excessive and also some reductions in respect of
insureds' restructuring of programs. These declines are expected to continue
throughout the 1996 fiscal year. At February 29, 1996, Tempest had contracts
in force with 203 clients compared with 224 clients at November 30, 1995. Non-
U.S. based business amounted to 40.9% of premiums written in the first fiscal
quarter of 1996 in comparison with 52.7% of premiums written in the same
period in 1995. The decline is related to the reduction in premiums written on
multi-year policies.
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<PAGE>
Renewal dates for property catastrophe business tend to be concentrated in
the first half of the calendar year. Premiums written during the fiscal
quarter ended February 29, 1996 are expected to represent a significant
portion of the total premiums written during the year. Premiums written during
the fiscal quarters ended February 28, 1995 and 1994 amounted to 54.6% and
42.7% of total annual premiums written, respectively.
Despite the decline in premiums written, premiums earned increased. The
increase in the quarter ended February 29, 1996 in comparison with February
28, 1995 amounted to $2,796,000 or 7.6%. These premiums earned include earned
premiums on the multi-year policies written in 1994 and 1995. The growth is
due to the growth in Tempest's book of business throughout fiscal 1995.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income for the three months ended
February 29, 1996 increased 23.5% to $10,552,000 from $8,542,000 for the
three-month period ended February 28, 1995. The increase in net investment
income was caused principally by the investment of strong cash flows from
operating activities throughout fiscal 1995 and the first quarter of fiscal
1996.
Realized Gains on Investments. Tempest's investment portfolio is carried at
fair value and the net temporary unrealized depreciation or net unrealized
appreciation of fixed maturities and equity securities is included as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. The effect of market movements on
the investment portfolio directly impacts net realized gains and losses when
investments are sold. Realized gains on investments amounted to $1,404,000 for
the three-month period ended February 29, 1996. There were no disposals of
investments during the three-month period ended February 28, 1995.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Management expects Tempest's property catastrophe
loss experience to be characterized by low frequency and high severity. During
the three-month period ended February 29, 1996, Tempest released $4,449,000 of
previously recorded loss reserves based on more recent information, and
incurred only minor losses for new claims, resulting in a benefit to net
income of $4,213,000. During the three-month period ended February 28, 1995,
Tempest incurred losses of $16,127,000. These losses related principally to a
provision for losses incurred but not reported on the Kobe earthquake of
$13,000,000 and $3,000,000 in respect of reported losses on a risk excess
contract. The Kobe earthquake provision was based on management's assessment
of ultimate losses at that time. Subsequent information indicated that
ultimate losses would not reach the levels of management's initial estimate.
Accordingly, throughout fiscal 1995, as more information became available,
management released portions of the Kobe provision. During the three-month
period ended February 29, 1996, management released a further $1,000,000 of
the loss provision in respect of the Kobe earthquake. At November 30, 1995,
management had recorded loss reserves based upon estimated ultimate losses on
Hurricanes Luis, Marilyn and Opal which occurred in September and October of
1995. Subsequent information received from ceding companies indicated that
ultimate losses would not reach the levels initially estimated by management.
Accordingly, during the three-month period ended February 29, 1996, management
released $500,000, $715,000, and $2,234,000 of loss reserves in respect of
Hurricanes Luis, Marilyn and Opal, respectively.
Tempest's loss and loss expense ratio for the three-month period ended
February 29, 1996 was negative 10.7% compared with 44.0% for the three-month
period ended February 28, 1995. The significant change was due to the absence
of catastrophe occurrences during the first fiscal quarter of 1996 and the
release of the loss reserves previously discussed. The loss ratio for the
first quarter of fiscal 1996 is not necessarily indicative of future loss
ratios. The occurrence of major catastrophes in any given period could result
in substantial liquidation of investments and outflows of cash as claims are
paid.
Tempest did not purchase any reinsurance coverage during either of the
periods and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future except for the
stop loss reinsurance agreement with General Re. See "The Amalgamation and
Related Transactions--Interests of Certain Persons in the Amalgamation--
General Re Agreement."
Underwriting and Administrative Expenses. Tempest's underwriting and
administrative expense ratio for the three-month period ended February 29,
1996 was 28.8% compared with 20.9% for the same period in 1995. Tempest's
underwriting and administrative expenses consisted of acquisition costs, fees
expensed under the
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<PAGE>
GRUS contract and operating expenses. Tempest accrued $3,339,000 and
$3,466,000 (of which $1,136,000 and $1,811,000, respectively, was included in
deferred acquisition costs) for the amounts payable to GRUS for the three
month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995, respectively.
These amounts reflected 3% of premiums written and 4% of underwriting profit
for each period. The premium-based portion of such costs are amortized over
the period in which the related premiums are earned. The expensed GRUS
underwriting fee increased as a percentage of premiums earned from 4.51% in
the first fiscal quarter of 1995 to 5.58% in the same period in 1996. The
increase is attributable to the lower loss ratio in 1996 which directly
impacted the underwriting profit element of the GRUS underwriting fee.
Administrative expenses increased by 106.5% for the three month period ended
February 29, 1996 compared to the same period in 1995. Additional costs arose
principally from professional fees incurred in respect of the proposed
acquisition of Tempest by ACE; additional costs resulting from the increase in
recorded expenses relating to Tempest's Stock Option Plan arising from the
increase in the book value of Tempest's common shares during the quarter, and
also from increased staff levels.
Combined Ratios. The following table sets forth Tempest's combined ratios
for the three-month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio................................. (10.7%) 44.0%
Underwriting and Administrative Expense Ratio............... 28.8% 20.9%
----- ----
Combined Ratio.............................................. 18.1% 64.9%
===== ====
</TABLE>
The underwriting results of insurers and reinsurers are discussed frequently
by reference to their loss and loss expense ratios, underwriting and
administrative expense ratios and combined ratios. Each ratio is derived by
dividing the relevant amount by the premiums earned in the relevant fiscal
period. The combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio and
the underwriting and administrative expense ratio. A combined ratio of under
100% indicates underwriting profits. Property catastrophe companies generally
expect to have overall lower combined ratios as compared with other
reinsurance companies with long-tail exposures.
Exchange Losses. Exchange losses principally arising on revaluation of
premiums receivable and losses payable in foreign currencies amounted to
$157,000 and $324,000 for the three-month periods ended February 29, 1996 and
February 28, 1995, respectively. Tempest has not hedged its currency exposure
with respect to premiums receivable. Future changes in exchange rates may have
a significant effect on Tempest's net income as these receivables are revalued
at current rates. Tempest is exposed to the possibility of significant
underwriting losses in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Tempest maintains a
portion of its investment portfolio in foreign currencies in order to
partially mitigate the effects of these exposures. Tempest hedges its currency
exposures at the time of a loss occurrence in a foreign currency.
YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994
Net Income. Net income for the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 was
$106,014,000 and $84,697,000, respectively. The increase in the net income in
1995 compared to 1994 is attributable principally to increased premium volume
and greater net investment income which was partially offset by an increase in
losses incurred. Tempest is not subject to any taxes on its net income or
realized investment gains.
Premiums. In the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994, Tempest wrote
premiums of $177,580,000 and $139,830,000, respectively, an increase of 27.0%.
Premiums written increased in part because of the increase in the number of
multi-year policies written. Under a multi-year policy, the premium is
considered written at the inception date of the policy although the premium is
earned over the period of the policy, which is generally three years. Premiums
written in 1995 included $17,804,000 attributable to multi-year policies
compared with $5,455,000 of premiums written in 1994 attributable to multi-
year policies. The balance of the increase in premiums written in 1995 is
attributable to net growth in business originating from both new and existing
clients, offset by some moderate price reductions. At November 30, 1995,
Tempest had contracts in force with 224 clients compared with 211 clients at
November 30, 1994. Non U.S.-based business increased from 30.2% of
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premiums written in 1994 to 44.3% of premiums written in 1995. Growth occurred
in almost all geographic regions, but particularly in Australia and the United
Kingdom.
In the absence of major loss activity, Tempest believes the market for
property catastrophe reinsurance will continue to be competitive. While some
increased demand is likely, particularly in the United States, Tempest
believes this will be more than offset by reduced rates. Tempest expects that
there will be a decline in premiums written during its 1996 fiscal year.
Renewal dates for property catastrophe business tend to be concentrated in
the first half of the calendar year. Premiums written by quarter for fiscal
1995 and 1994 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
-------------- --------------
PREMIUMS PREMIUMS
QUARTER ENDED WRITTEN WRITTEN
- ------------- -------------- --------------
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
February 28..................................... $ 97,012 54.6% $ 59,656 42.7%
May 31.......................................... 44,179 24.9 47,007 33.6
August 31....................................... 34,445 19.4 28,500 20.4
November 30..................................... 1,944 1.1 4,667 3.3
-------- ----- -------- -----
$177,580 100.0% $139,830 100.0%
======== ===== ======== =====
</TABLE>
This seasonality is expected to continue in future operations.
Premiums earned increased 58.3% in 1995 compared to 1994. The growth in
premiums earned reflected the growth in Tempest's book of business in fiscal
1994 and 1995.
Net Investment Income. Net investment income for 1995 increased 29.5% to
$37,777,000 from $29,165,000 for 1994. The increase in net investment income
was caused principally by the investment of strong cash flows from operating
activities.
Realized Losses on Investments. Tempest's investment portfolio consists of
bonds, mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, preferred stock
and short-term, high quality fixed income investments. The total investment
portfolio is considered to be "available for sale" in accordance with the
Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 115. The portfolio is carried at fair value and the net
temporary unrealized depreciation or net unrealized appreciation of fixed
maturities, short-term investments and equity securities is included as a
separate component of stockholders' equity. Invested assets, including cash
and cash equivalents, amounted to $751,960,000 and $563,524,000 at November
30, 1995 and 1994, respectively. Realized losses on investments amounted to
$2,247,000 for the year ended November 30, 1995 compared with realized losses
of $6,661,000 for the same period in 1994. During 1995, the fair value of
Tempest's investment portfolio was positively affected by a general
improvement in bond markets, especially in the United States, resulting from
the decline in interest rates in the 1995 period compared with 1994 when
decreased market values caused by rising interest rates resulted in
significant depreciation of the portfolio. This resulted in a positive change
of $44,811,000 in the unrealized depreciation of investments from $45,628,000
at November 30, 1994 to $817,000 at November 30, 1995.
Losses and Loss Expenses. Tempest incurred losses and loss expenses of
$49,774,000 in fiscal 1995 compared with $18,242,000 in fiscal 1994. Losses
and loss expenses incurred in the year ended November 30, 1995 included
$2,000,000 resulting from the Kobe, Japan earthquake in January 1995,
$9,208,000 resulting from hail storms in Germany in July 1995, $7,620,000
resulting from Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn in September 1995 and $17,304,000
resulting from Hurricane Opal in October 1995. Tempest also incurred
$6,000,000 of losses in 1995 in respect of risk excess contracts. Of the 1994
amount, $17,742,000 related to the Northridge, California earthquake which
occurred on January 17, 1994. Losses incurred are stated before deducting
reinstatement premiums, totalling approximately $2,000,000 in each year, which
arise on certain contracts. Tempest's loss and loss expense ratio was 31.6%
for 1995 compared with 18.3% for 1994. The increase was due to increased
catastrophe occurrences. The loss ratios for fiscal 1995 and 1994 are not
necessarily indicative of future loss ratios. The occurrence of major
catastrophes in any given period could result in substantial liquidation of
investments and outflows of cash as claims are paid.
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<PAGE>
Tempest did not purchase any reinsurance coverage during either of the
periods and does not expect to do so in the foreseeable future.
Underwriting and Administrative Expenses. Tempest's underwriting and
administrative expense ratio for the year ended November 30, 1995 was 22.6%
compared with 20.3% for the same period in 1994. Tempest's underwriting and
administrative expenses consisted of acquisition costs (including profit
commissions paid to reinsureds), fees expensed under the GRUS contract and
operating expenses. The 1995 underwriting and administrative expense ratio
included profit commission paid to reinsureds. There was no profit commission
recorded in 1994. Tempest accrued $8,333,000 and $6,745,000 (of which
$1,752,000 and $1,210,000, respectively, was included in deferred acquisition
costs) for the amounts payable to GRUS for the years ended November 30, 1995
and 1994, respectively. These amounts reflected 3% of premiums written and 4%
of underwriting profit for each year. The premium-based portion of such costs
is amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned. The
expensed GRUS underwriting fee declined as a percentage of premiums earned
from 5.56% in 1994 to 4.95% in 1995. The decline is attributable to the higher
loss ratio in 1995 which directly impacts the underwriting profit element of
the GRUS underwriting fee. Under the terms of the GRUS contract, Tempest pays
GRUS underwriting fees equal to 3% for the first $250 million of written
premiums for each fiscal year, 2% of premiums written between $250 million and
$350 million and 1% of premiums written thereafter, plus 4% of any
underwriting profits of Tempest. Administrative expenses increased by 110% for
the year ended November 30, 1995 compared to 1994. Additional costs resulted
principally from the increase in recorded expenses relating to Tempest's Stock
Option Plan arising from the significant increase in the book value of
Tempest's common shares during 1995 and also from increased staff levels.
Combined Ratios. The following table sets forth Tempest's combined ratios
for fiscal 1995 and 1994:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Loss and Loss Expense Ratio.................................... 31.6% 18.3%
Underwriting and Administrative Expense Ratio.................. 22.6 20.3
---- ----
Combined Ratio................................................. 54.2% 38.6%
==== ====
</TABLE>
The underwriting results of insurers and reinsurers are discussed frequently
by reference to their loss and loss expense ratios, underwriting and
administrative expense ratios and combined ratios. Each is derived by dividing
the relevant amount by the premiums earned in the relevant fiscal year. The
combined ratio is the sum of the loss and loss expense ratio and the
underwriting and administrative expense ratio. A combined ratio of under 100%
indicates underwriting profits. Property catastrophe companies generally
expect to have overall lower combined ratios as compared with other
reinsurance companies with long-tail exposures.
Exchange Gains and Losses. Exchange gains and losses principally arising on
revaluation of premiums receivable and losses payable in foreign currency
amounted to a loss of $1,584,000 in fiscal 1995 and a gain of $1,081,000 in
fiscal 1994. Tempest has not hedged its currency exposure with respect to
premiums receivable. Future changes in exchange rates may have a significant
effect on Tempest's net income as these receivables are revalued at current
rates. Tempest is exposed to the possibility of significant underwriting
losses in currencies other than U.S. dollars. Tempest maintains a portion of
its investment portfolio in foreign currencies in order to partially mitigate
the effects of these exposures. Tempest hedges its currency exposure at the
time of a loss occurrence in a foreign currency. Losses incurred in foreign
currencies for the year ended November 30, 1995 amounted to $12,864,000.
Tempest incurred no significant losses denominated in foreign currencies in
prior periods.
1993 RESULTS
The period from September 1, 1993 to November 30, 1993 related to the start-
up of operations of Tempest. Premiums written of $605,000 were in respect of
policies issued to five clients.
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<PAGE>
The underwriting fee for the period from September 1, 1993 to November 30,
1993 represented a minimum payable on the GRUS contract of $417,000. This
amount was included in operating expenses because it was fixed and not
dependent on premium volume. Other operating expenses for the period from
September 1, 1993 to November 30, 1993 included organization expenses, the
costs of establishing an office and employee relocation costs.
Net investment income for the period from September 1, 1993 to November 30,
1993 of $4,698,000 represented earnings on the net cash flows from the
original issuance of Tempest's common shares. Net income for the period from
September 1, 1993 to November 30, 1993 was $3,272,000.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Tempest's principal sources of funds are net cash flows from premium
receipts, investment income and proceeds from the maturity or sale of
investments. These funds are used primarily to pay claims and underwriting and
administrative expenses, and for the purchase of investments. Premiums are
generally received on a semi-annual or quarterly basis over the policy period.
Cash flows are affected by claim payments which due to the nature of the
catastrophe reinsurance products provided by Tempest, may comprise large loss
payments on a limited number of claims and therefore can fluctuate
significantly from period to period. Tempest would expect to fund these
payments with operating cash flows and, if necessary, with the proceeds from
the sale of investments. The irregular timing of the loss payments by Tempest
can create significant variations in cash flows from operations between
periods.
For the three-month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995,
Tempest's net cash flows from operating activities were $35,980,000 and
$33,754,000, respectively. The increased cash flows arose from higher levels
of premiums written during fiscal 1995, for which the cash is received in
1996, partially offset by increased loss payments of approximately $3,000,000
during the first fiscal quarter of 1996 in comparison with the same period in
1995. In the three-month period ended February 29, 1996, Tempest paid losses
of $5,370,000, principally in respect of German hailstorms and Hurricane
Marilyn. During the three-month period ended February 28, 1995, claim payments
of $2,210,000 were made principally in respect of the Northridge, California
earthquake.
For the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 Tempest's net cash flows from
operating activities were $152,509,000 and $121,188,000, respectively. An
increase in premiums written during 1995 was the principal reason for the
increase in cash flows from operations. In the year ended November 30, 1995,
Tempest paid losses of $3,769,000, principally in respect of risk excess
contracts and Hurricanes Luis and Marilyn, and $7,110,000 principally in
respect of the Northridge, California earthquake. In 1994, claim payments of
$3,059,000 were made, principally in respect of the Northridge, California
earthquake.
Tempest did not pay any dividends during its 1995 and 1994 fiscal years and
the three-month periods ended February 29, 1996 and February 28, 1995.
During the year ended November 30, 1995, Tempest repurchased 15,000 Tempest
Common Shares at a total cost to Tempest of $1,835,000 in comparison with the
year ended November 30, 1994, during which 29,719 Tempest Common Shares were
repurchased at a total cost of $2,853,000.
At February 29, 1996, total investments at fair value and cash and cash
equivalents amounted to $781,704,000 compared to $751,960,000 at November 30,
1995. The increase in invested assets is attributable to the contribution of
cash flows from operating activities during the three-month period ended
February 29, 1996 of $35,980,000, but has been offset by a decline in the fair
value of the investment portfolio. At November 30, 1995, total investments and
cash and cash equivalents amounted to $751,960,000 compared to $563,524,000 at
November 30, 1994. The increase in invested assets is attributable to the
contribution of cash flows from operating activities of $152,509,000 in fiscal
1995 and an increase in the market value of the investment portfolio as a
result of declining interest rates. Tempest's investment portfolio consists
principally of high quality,
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<PAGE>
investment grade fixed maturity investments. Tempest's investment portfolio is
structured to provide a high level of liquidity to meet its obligations and,
in particular, the large losses that may arise on its reinsurance contracts.
Accordingly, at February 29, 1996 and November 30, 1995, Tempest's cash and
cash equivalents and investments due within one year amounted to $84,127,000
and $73,802,000, respectively. At February 29, 1996 and November 30, 1995 97%
and 97.7%, respectively of the fixed maturity portion of Tempest's investment
portfolio was rated A or better by one or more nationally recognized US rating
agencies or, in respect of non-rated issues, as estimated by GRAM. The fair
value of non-dollar securities held in the portfolio amounted to $157,876,000
and $134,538,000 at February 29, 1996 and November 30, 1995, respectively.
Tempest presently has no direct investments in real estate, mortgage loans,
unquoted equity securities, "interest only" and "principal only" securities or
non-investment grade securities.
From time to time, Tempest purchases forward exchange contracts to hedge the
exposure of specific investments to foreign currency exchange rate
fluctuations. At February 29, 1996, forward exchange contracts in the notional
amount of $5,467,000 receivable were outstanding. Realized and unrealized
gains and losses on these foreign currency forward contracts are deferred in
the unrealized appreciation or depreciation account in stockholders' equity to
match unrealized gains and losses on investments arising from currency
movements. These deferred gains and losses are recorded in income when the
related investments are sold. As at February 29, 1996 and November 30, 1995,
Tempest had deferred losses of $4,750,000 and $4,928,000, respectively,
relating to these contracts. Tempest held no options, swaps, collars or future
contracts at February 29, 1996 and November 30, 1995.
Tempest is not an admitted reinsurer in the United States. Accordingly, the
terms of certain reinsurance contracts have required Tempest to provide
letters of credit to Tempest's clients in respect of reported claims. Tempest
has a facility for the issuance of letters of credit up to $20,000,000. This
facility is secured by a portion of Tempest's investment portfolio. At
February 29, 1996 and November 30, 1995, letters of credit outstanding
amounted to $10,742,000 and $10,447,000, respectively.
The provisions of the Insurance Act 1978 (Bermuda), amendments thereto and
related regulations require Tempest to maintain certain measures of solvency
and liquidity. Tempest is registered in Bermuda as a Class 4 insurer. In the
event that a dividend is proposed which, if declared, would be in excess of
25% of Tempest's statutory capital and surplus, Tempest is required to file an
affidavit declaring that it will remain in compliance with the solvency margin
and minimum and capital surplus requirements ($100,000,000). The approval of
the Minister of Finance is required in the event Tempest seeks to reduce its
statutory capital and surplus by more than 15% of the amount of statutory
capital and surplus recorded at the end of its prior fiscal year. Approval
will be required in respect of the repurchase of General Re's common shares by
Tempest. Tempest does not expect these requirements to impose any significant
limitations on Tempest's financial condition.
Based on its current operating plans and financial position and given the
effect of the Amalgamation, Tempest believes that its liquidity will be
adequate in the foreseeable future. However, as a property catastrophe
reinsurer, Tempest's liquidity is subject to sudden and substantial losses
that could materially impair its financial condition or results of operations.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Tempest does not anticipate that the effects of inflation will have a
significant bearing on its operations. This is due to the fact that Tempest
has a relatively short premium collection and claims settlement cycle.
However, the actual effects of inflation cannot be accurately known until all
claims are settled.
OPERATIONS AFTER THE AMALGAMATION AND EFFECTS OF THE AMALGAMATION
On the effective date of the Amalgamation, Tempest will repurchase General
Re's Tempest Common Shares, purchase its Tempest Options, terminate the GRUS
contract and make certain other payments, resulting in total cash payments to
General Re of approximately $172,000,000. In addition, the Dividend of
approximately $40,000,000 will be paid in order to reduce Tempest's Net Assets
(as defined in the Amalgamation Agreement) to approximately $500 million. See
"The Amalgamation Agreement--Additional Agreements--Net Assets."
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<PAGE>
These cash outflows will be funded first by cash and short-term investments,
which totalled $84,127,000 at February 29, 1996, and then from the sale of
fixed maturity investments. The market value of certain fixed maturity
investments that may be sold was less than cost at February 29, 1996.
Accordingly, Tempest may realize losses on the partial liquidation of its
fixed maturity investments, although such losses are not expected to have a
material adverse effect on financial condition or results of operations.
Subsequent to the Amalgamation, it is anticipated that the ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACE with its own
dedicated capital base of not less than $500 million. The ACE Reinsurance
Subsidiary will continue to write property catastrophe reinsurance and may, in
time, expand its operations into other selected lines of reinsurance.
Tempest's ratio of premiums to statutory capital and surplus was 0.26:1 in
fiscal years 1995 and 1994. Although the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary's capital
base will be reduced to approximately $500 million, management does not
believe that such reduced capital will adversely affect its ability to write
premiums at historic levels. If the ACE Reinsurance Subsidiary continues to
write similar volumes of business, the ratio of premiums written to statutory
capital and surplus would increase to approximately 0.35:1.
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<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF ACE CAPITAL STOCK
The following summarizes certain provisions of ACE's Memorandum of
Association, as amended (the "Memorandum"), and Articles of Association, as
amended (the "Articles"). Such summaries do not purport to be complete and are
subject to, and are qualified in their entirety by reference to, all of the
provisions of the Memorandum and the Articles, including the definitions
therein of certain terms. Copies of the Memorandum and Articles are
incorporated by reference as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus is a part.
GENERAL
ACE's authorized share capital consists of three classes of shares: (i)
100,000,000 ordinary shares, par value $0.125 per share, of which 46,105,118
ACE Ordinary Shares were outstanding at May 16, 1996, (ii) 3,334,697
Redeemable Preference Shares (known as "Callable Preferred Shares"), par value
$1.00 per share, none of which were outstanding at May 16, 1996, and (iii)
10,000,000 Other Shares, par value $1.00 per share, none of which were
outstanding at May 16, 1996. ACE would issue a maximum of 18,181,818 ACE
Ordinary Shares in connection with the Amalgamation (if the Average Closing
Price is $33.00 or lower) and a minimum of 13,333,333 ACE Ordinary Shares (if
the Average Closing Price is $45.00 or higher).
ACE ORDINARY SHARES
The ACE Ordinary Shares to be issued in the Amalgamation will be validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable. There are no provisions of Cayman
Islands law or the Articles which impose any limitation on the rights of
shareholders to hold or vote ACE Ordinary Shares by reason of them not being
residents of the Cayman Islands.
Dividend Rights
Holders of ACE Ordinary Shares are entitled to receive dividends ratably
when and as declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available
therefor.
Liquidation
In the event of any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of ACE, whether
voluntary or involuntary, after there shall have been paid or set aside for
payment to the holders of any outstanding shares ranking senior to the ACE
Ordinary Shares as to distribution on liquidation, distribution or winding up,
the full amounts to which they shall be entitled, the holders of the then
outstanding ACE Ordinary Shares shall be entitled to receive, pro rata
according to the number of ACE Ordinary Shares registered in the names of such
shareholders, any remaining assets of ACE available for distribution to its
shareholders; provided, if, at such time, any holder of ACE Ordinary Shares
has any outstanding debts, liabilities or engagements to or with ACE (whether
presently payable or not), either alone or jointly with any other person,
whether a shareholder or not (including, without limitation, any liability
associated with the unpaid purchase price of such ACE Ordinary Shares), the
liquidator appointed to oversee the liquidation of ACE shall deduct from the
amount payable in respect of such ACE Ordinary Shares the aggregate amount of
such debts, liabilities and engagements and apply such amount to any of such
holder's debts, liabilities or engagements to or with ACE (whether presently
payable or not). The liquidator may distribute, in kind, to the holders of the
ACE Ordinary Shares remaining assets of ACE or may sell, transfer or otherwise
dispose of all or any part of such remaining assets to any other corporation,
trust or entity and receive payment therefor in cash, shares or obligations of
such other corporation, trust or entity or any combination thereof, and may
sell all or part of the consideration so received, and may distribute the
consideration received or any balance or proceeds thereof to holders of the
ACE Ordinary Shares.
Voting Rights
The Articles provide that the quorum required for a general meeting of
shareholders is not less than six shareholders present in person or by proxy
holding at least 50% of the issued and outstanding shares entitled to vote at
such meeting. A quorum for considering a "special resolution" is 66 2/3% of
the issued and outstanding
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shares entitled to vote at such meeting. Subject to applicable law and any
provision of the Articles requiring a greater majority, ACE may from time to
time by special resolution alter or amend the Memorandum or Articles;
voluntarily liquidate, dissolve or wind-up the affairs of ACE; increase its
share capital; consolidate and divide all or any of its share capital;
subdivide the whole or any part of its share capital; reduce its share
capital, any capital redemption reserve fund, or any share premium account; or
change its name or alter its objects.
Each holder of ACE Ordinary Shares is entitled to one vote per share on all
matters submitted to a vote of shareholders at any such meeting, subject to
the 10% voting limitation described below. All matters, including the election
of directors, voted upon at any duly held shareholders' meeting shall be
carried by a majority of the votes cast at the meeting by shareholders
represented in person or by proxy, except (i) approval of a merger,
consolidation or amalgamation, or the sale, lease or exchange of all or
substantially all of the assets of ACE, which requires (in addition to any
regulatory or court approvals) the approval of at least 66 2/3% of the
outstanding voting shares, voting together as a single class, (ii) approval of
a special resolution, (iii) amendment of certain provisions of the Articles
which require the approval of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting
shares, voting together as a single class and (iv) as otherwise provided in
the Articles. A special resolution requires the approval of at least 66 2/3%
of the votes cast by such shareholders represented in person or by proxy at a
duly convened meeting.
The Articles provide that, except as otherwise required by law and subject
to the rights of the holders of any class or series of shares issued by ACE
having a preference over the ACE Ordinary Shares as to dividends or upon
liquidation to elect directors in specified circumstances, extraordinary
general meetings of ACE's shareholders may be called only by (i) the directors
or (ii) at the request in writing of shareholders owning at least 25% of the
outstanding shares generally entitled to vote.
Each ACE Ordinary Share has one vote, except that if, and so long as, the
"Controlled Shares" of any person constitute 10% or more of the issued ACE
Ordinary Shares, the voting rights with respect to the Controlled Shares owned
by such person shall be limited, in the aggregate, to a voting power of
approximately 10%, pursuant to a formula specified in the Articles.
"Controlled Shares" means (i) all ACE shares directly, indirectly or
constructively owned by any person within the meaning of Section 958 of the
Code and (ii) all ACE shares directly, indirectly or beneficially owned by
such person within the meaning of Section 13(d) of the Exchange Act (including
any shares owned by a group of persons as so defined and including any shares
that would otherwise be excluded by the provisions of Section 13(d)(6) of the
Exchange Act).
The ACE Ordinary Shares have noncumulative voting rights, which means that
the holders of a majority of the ACE Ordinary Shares may elect all of ACE's
directors and, in such event, the holders of the remaining shares will not be
able to elect any directors. The Board of Directors is presently divided into
three classes, two of which have four directors and one of which has five
directors. At present, each class is elected for a three-year term, with the
result that shareholders will not vote for the election of a majority of
directors in any single year. Directors may be removed without cause only by
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
shares generally entitled to vote, voting together as a single class, at a
meeting of shareholders. Directors may be removed with cause by the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast at a meeting
of shareholders.
This classified board provision could prevent a party who acquires control
of a majority of the outstanding voting power from obtaining control of the
Board until the second annual shareholders meeting following the date the
acquiror obtains the controlling share interest. The classified board
provision could have the effect of discouraging a potential acquiror from
making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of ACE and
could thus increase the likelihood that incumbent directors will retain their
positions.
Preemptive Rights
No holder of ACE Ordinary Shares shall, by reason of such holding, have any
preemptive right to subscribe to any additional issue of shares of any class
or series nor to any security convertible into such shares.
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Transfer of Shares
The Articles contain various provisions affecting the transferability of ACE
Ordinary Shares. Under the Articles, the Board has absolute discretion to
decline to register a transfer of ACE Ordinary Shares (i) unless a
registration statement under the Securities Act is in effect with respect to
such ACE Ordinary Shares or a written opinion from counsel acceptable to the
directors is obtained to the effect that such registration is not required or
(ii) if the Board determines that such transfer would result in a person
having Controlled Shares that constitute 10% or more of any class or series of
the issued ACE Ordinary Shares. The Board of Directors also has absolute
discretion to decline to register any transfer of ACE Ordinary Shares. The
Board of Directors has waived its right to decline to register any transfer of
ACE Ordinary Shares which have been traded in the public market, which were
outstanding immediately prior to ACE's initial public offering or which were
issued in connection with the Amalgamation.
Maples and Calder, Cayman Islands counsel to ACE, has advised ACE that while
the precise form of the restrictions on transfers contained in the Articles is
untested, as a matter of general principle, restrictions on transfers are
enforceable under Cayman Islands law and are not uncommon. The transferor of
such ACE Ordinary Shares will be deemed to own such ACE Ordinary Shares for
dividend, voting and reporting purposes until a transfer of such ACE Ordinary
Shares has been registered on ACE's stock transfer records.
The restrictions on voting and ownership of more than 10% of the issued ACE
Ordinary Shares described above, as well as the provisions discussed below
under "Anti-Takeover Effects of Articles of Association," may have the effect
of discouraging an attempt to obtain control of ACE through certain actions.
The Articles also provide that the Board may suspend the registration of
transfer for such periods as the Board may determine, but shall not suspend
the registration of transfer for more than 45 days in any year.
Lien on Shares
The Articles provide that ACE shall have a first lien on all shares for all
debts, liabilities or engagements to or with ACE (whether presently payable or
not) by the holder of such shares, except for shares declared to be exempt by
the Board of Directors. This lien would extend to the payment of dividends or
other money payable in respect of the ACE Ordinary Shares subject to the lien.
The Articles also provide that the directors may deduct from any dividend
payable to a shareholder all sums of money presently payable by such
shareholder to ACE on any account. The ACE Ordinary Shares issued in
connection with the Amalgamation will be exempt from these provisions.
CALLABLE PREFERRED SHARES
The holders of Callable Preferred Shares are not entitled to receive
dividends. In the event of any dissolution, liquidation or winding up of ACE,
the fixed liquidation amount payable in respect of such outstanding Callable
Preferred Share shall be $100. The holders of the then outstanding Callable
Preferred Shares shall be entitled to receive, before any distribution of
assets shall be made to the holders of ACE Ordinary Shares or any other class
of shares of ACE ranking junior to the Callable Preferred Shares as to
distribution on liquidation, dissolution or winding up, for each Callable
Preferred Share, such fixed liquidation amount in cash; provided, if, at such
time, any holder of Callable Preferred Shares has any outstanding debts,
liabilities or engagements to or with ACE (whether presently payable or not),
either alone or jointly with any other person, whether a shareholder or not
(including, without any limitation, any liability associated with the unpaid
purchase price of such Callable Preferred Shares), the liquidator appointed to
oversee the liquidation of ACE shall deduct from the fixed liquidation amount
payable in respect of such Callable Preferred Shares the aggregate amount of
such debts, liabilities and engagements and apply such amount to any of such
debts, liabilities or engagements. If the distributable assets are
insufficient to make payment in full to the holders of all outstanding
Callable Preferred Shares and any other class or series of shares which may in
the future rank on a parity with the Callable Preferred Shares as to
distribution upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up, such assets shall be
distributed
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among the holders of outstanding Callable Preferred Shares and any such other
class or series of shares, ratably per share in proportion to the full per
share amounts to which they respectively are entitled.
Except in connection with a change of the rights attendant to the ownership
of Callable Preferred Shares, the holders of the Callable Preferred Shares do
not have any rights to vote and holders thereof are entitled to notice of or
to attend general meetings of ACE. Holders of Callable Preferred Shares do not
have any preemptive right to subscribe to any additional issue of shares of
any class or series nor to any security convertible into such shares.
Any outstanding Callable Preferred Shares may be called, in whole or in
part, at the option of ACE, at any time or from time to time, at the call
price of $100 per share which, at the option of the Board of Directors, may be
paid in cash or in ACE Ordinary Shares.
Although the Articles authorize ACE to issue Callable Preferred Shares, none
are outstanding and it is not currently anticipated that any Callable
Preferred Shares will be issued in the future.
OTHER CLASSES OR SERIES OF SHARES
The Articles authorize the directors to create and issue one or more classes
or series of shares and determine the rights and preferences of each such
class or series, to the extent permitted by the Articles and applicable law.
Among other rights, the directors may determine: (i) the number of shares of
that class or series and the distinctive designation thereof; (ii) the voting
powers, full or limited, if any, of the shares of that class or series; (iii)
the rights in respect of dividends on the shares of that class or series,
whether dividends shall be cumulative and, if so, from which date or dates and
the relative rights or priority, if any, of payment of dividends on shares of
that class or series and any limitations, restrictions or conditions on the
payment of dividends; (iv) the relative amounts, and the relative rights or
priority, if any, of payment in respect of shares of that class or series,
which the holders of the shares of that class or series shall be entitled to
receive upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of ACE; (v) the terms
and conditions (including the price or prices, which may vary under different
conditions and at different redemption dates), if any, upon which all or any
part of the shares of that class or series may be redeemed, and any
limitations, restrictions or conditions on such redemption; (vi) the terms, if
any, of any purchase, retirement or sinking fund to be provided for the shares
of that class or series; (vii) the terms, if any, upon which the shares of
that class or series shall be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of
any other class, classes or series, or other securities, whether or not issued
by ACE; (viii) the restrictions, limitations and conditions, if any, upon the
issuance of indebtedness of ACE so long as any shares of that class or series
are outstanding; and (ix) any other preferences and relative, participating,
optional or other rights and limitations not inconsistent with applicable law
or the Articles.
LLOYD'S RELATED REQUIREMENTS
Under Lloyd's regulations as currently in effect, anyone beneficially
holding 15% or more of ACE's Ordinary Shares is deemed to be a "major
shareholder" of ACE Capital Limited ("ACE Capital"), the ACE subsidiary that
is a Lloyd's corporate member, and anyone beneficially holding 30% or more of
ACE's Ordinary Shares is deemed to be a "controller" of ACE Capital. Lloyd's
requires each "major shareholder" and "controller" of a Lloyd's corporate
member to execute and deliver a declaration and undertaking to Lloyd's
containing representations concerning the absence of criminal activities,
censure, insolvency, civil liabilities and government investigations, etc.,
and submitting to the jurisdiction of the Council of Lloyd's and the English
courts. Any person that becomes the owner of 15% or more of ACE's Ordinary
Shares would have to deliver this declaration and undertaking to Lloyd's in
the form prescribed by Lloyd's, unless Lloyd's exempts such person from this
requirement. Lloyd's regulations give Lloyd's the right to withhold consent to
a person becoming a major shareholder/controller of a Lloyd's corporate
member, even where the declaration and undertaking has been provided, if
Lloyd's, in its discretion, does not consider such person to be "fit and
proper." Lloyd's has stated that the execution of the required undertaking
does not make the major shareholder/controller liable for the Lloyd's business
of the corporate member in which it is a major shareholder/controller. ACE
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understands that Lloyd's plans to review this declaration and undertaking
requirement and ACE is seeking an exemption from this requirement for certain
categories of investors, but there can be no assurances that Lloyd's will
modify this regulation or grant any exemptions.
In addition under English law, if any person who is connected with a Lloyd's
broker holds or subsequently becomes the holder of more than 5% of ACE's
Ordinary Shares, that Lloyd's broker risks losing its Lloyd's license. For
these purposes, a person is treated as connected with a Lloyd's broker if that
person is the subsidiary or holding company of a corporate Lloyd's broker or a
subsidiary of any such holding company (all being regarded as related
companies) or a director of such a Lloyd's broker or any related company or
controls (a test based on one-third voting rights or control of the Board) or
is controlled by such a Lloyd's broker or any related company or if the
Lloyd's broker is a partnership, any person who is a partner in, or who
controls or is controlled by (on a similar test) such a Lloyd's broker or any
company which is controlled by a partner in such a Lloyd's broker or any
related company of any such partner or any director of any such controlled or
related company.
TRANSFER AGENT
ACE's registrar and transfer agent is The Bank of New York.
ANTI-TAKEOVER EFFECTS OF ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION
The Articles contain certain provisions that make more difficult the
acquisition of control of ACE by means of a tender offer, open market
purchase, a proxy fight or otherwise. These provisions are designed to
encourage persons seeking to acquire control of ACE to negotiate with its
directors. The directors believe that, as a general rule, the interests of
ACE's shareholders would be best served if any change in control results from
negotiations with the directors. The directors would negotiate based upon
careful consideration of the proposed terms, such as the price to be paid to
shareholders, the form of consideration to be paid and the anticipated tax
effects of the transaction. However, these provisions could have the effect of
discouraging a prospective acquiror from making a tender offer or otherwise
attempting to obtain control of ACE. To the extent these provisions discourage
takeover attempts, they could deprive shareholders of opportunities to realize
takeover premiums for their shares or could depress the market price of the
shares.
In addition to those provisions of the Articles discussed above, set forth
below is a description of other relevant provisions of the Articles. The
descriptions are intended as a summary only and are qualified in their
entirety by reference to the Articles, which are incorporated by reference as
an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus is a part.
No Shareholder Action by Written Consent
The Articles provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by
the shareholders of ACE must be taken at a duly called annual general or
extraordinary general meeting of the shareholders of ACE and may not be taken
by consent in writing or otherwise.
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
shares generally entitled to vote, voting together as a single class, is
required to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, the
foregoing provisions of the Articles.
Availability of Shares of Capital Stock for Future Issuances
The availability for issue of shares by the directors of ACE without further
action by shareholders (except as may be required by applicable stock exchange
requirements) could be viewed as enabling the directors to make more difficult
a change in control of ACE, including by issuing warrants or rights to acquire
shares to discourage or defeat unsolicited stock accumulation programs and
acquisition proposals and by issuing shares in a private placement or public
offering to dilute or deter stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain
control of ACE. ACE has no present plans to issue any shares other than
pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement and its employee benefit plans.
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Shareholder Proposals
The Articles provide that if a shareholder desires to submit a proposal for
consideration at an annual general meeting or extraordinary general meeting,
or to nominate persons for election as directors, written notice of such
shareholder's intent to make such a proposal or nomination must be given and
received by the Secretary of ACE at the principal executive offices of ACE not
later than (i) with respect to an annual general meeting, 60 days prior to the
anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general meeting, and (ii)
with respect to an extraordinary general meeting, the close of business on the
tenth day following the date on which notice of such meeting is first sent or
given to shareholders. The notice must describe the proposal or nomination in
sufficient detail for a proposal or nomination to be summarized on the agenda
for the meeting and must set forth (i) the name and address of the
shareholder, (ii) a representation that the shareholder is a holder of record
of shares of ACE entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in
person or by proxy at the meeting to present such proposal or nomination and
(iii) the class and number of shares of ACE which are beneficially owned by
the shareholder. In addition, the notice must set forth the reasons for
conducting such proposed business at the meeting and any material interest of
the shareholder in such business. In the case of a nomination of any person
for election as a director, the notice shall set forth: (i) the name and
address of any person to be nominated; (ii) a description of all arrangements
or understandings between the shareholder and each nominee and any other
person or persons; (iii) such other information regarding such nominee
proposed by such shareholder as would be required to be included in a proxy
statement filed pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, whether or
not ACE is then subject to such Regulation; and (iv) the consent of each
nominee to serve as a director of ACE, if so elected. The presiding officer of
the annual general meeting or extraordinary general meeting shall, if the
facts warrant, refuse to acknowledge a proposal or nomination not made in
compliance with the foregoing procedure.
The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding
shares entitled to vote, voting together as a single class, shall be required
to amend or repeal, or adopt any provision inconsistent with, the foregoing
provision of the Articles.
The advance notice requirements regulating shareholder nominations and
proposals may have the effect of precluding a contest for the election of
directors or the introduction of a shareholder proposal if the procedures
summarized above are not followed and may discourage or deter a third party
from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect its own slate of directors
or to introduce a proposal.
COMPARISON OF RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF ACE ORDINARY SHARES
AND HOLDERS OF TEMPEST COMMON SHARES
GENERAL
If the Amalgamation is consummated, holders of Tempest Common Shares will
become holders of ACE Ordinary Shares which will result in their rights as
shareholders being governed by the laws of the Cayman Islands. In addition,
their rights as shareholders will be governed by ACE's Articles. It is not
practical to describe all of the differences between the Tempest Bye-laws, as
amended (the "Tempest Bye-laws"), and ACE's Articles or all of the differences
between the laws of Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. The following is a summary
of some of the significant rights of the shareholders of ACE and Tempest. This
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such
documents and laws. For information as to how such documents may be obtained,
see "Available Information."
AUTHORIZED CAPITAL STOCK
ACE. The authorized share capital of ACE consists of three classes of
shares: (i) 100,000,000 ACE Ordinary Shares of which 46,105,118 ACE Ordinary
Shares were outstanding at May 16, 1996, (ii) 3,334,697 Callable Preferred
Shares none of which were outstanding at May 16, 1996, and (iii) 10,000,000
Other Shares, par value $1.00 per share, none of which were outstanding at May
16, 1996.
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Tempest. The authorized share capital of Tempest consists of $100,000,000
divided into 10,000,000 Tempest Common Shares of par value $10.00 each, of
which 5,237,160 Tempest Common Shares were issued and outstanding as of
November 30, 1995. No shareholder has preemptive rights with respect to
Tempest Common Shares.
DIRECTORS
ACE. ACE's Articles provide that the number of members of the Board of
Directors shall not be less than three, nor more than twenty, with the actual
number being determined by a resolution of the Board of Directors. The Board
of Directors is divided into three classes as nearly equal in number as
feasible. At each annual meeting of shareholders, successors to the class of
directors whose term has expired as of the annual meeting are elected to serve
for a three-year term or until their successors are elected and qualified.
Classification of directors has the effect of making it more difficult for
shareholders to change the composition of the Board of Directors. At least two
annual meetings, rather than one, will generally be required to effect a
change in a majority of the Board of Directors. Unless otherwise fixed by the
Board, a majority of the number of directors then in office constitutes a
quorum for the transaction of business provided that if at any time there is
only one director, the quorum shall be one. ACE's Articles provide that a
vacancy among the directors may be filled until the next Annual General
Meeting by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors in office,
although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
Tempest. The Tempest Bye-laws provide that Tempest's Board of Directors
shall consist of fourteen directors. Directors are elected annually. The
Securityholders Agreement provides that the Tempest Shareholders shall
exercise their voting rights to cause to be elected as directors, three
directors nominated by General Re and eleven directors nominated by
shareholders other than General Re. Two directors constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business at a meeting of the Tempest Board of Directors. The
Tempest Bye-laws provide that a vacancy among the directors may be filled for
the unexpired term by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the directors
present at the meeting at which such action is taken.
ELECTION AND REMOVAL OF DIRECTORS
ACE. ACE's Articles provide that directors hold office until the annual
general meeting of shareholders for the year in which his or her term expires.
Any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed for cause, by
ordinary resolution, which requires the affirmative vote of a majority of
shares entitled to vote, in person or by proxy, at a general meeting at which
the required quorum is present or without cause by the vote of the holders of
66 2/3% of the outstanding voting shares of ACE.
Tempest. The Tempest Bye-laws provide that each director shall hold office
until the next annual meeting of shareholders or until his or her successor
shall have been elected or appointed. Any director may be removed, at a
special general meeting called for that purpose, by the affirmative vote of
the Tempest Shareholders holding not less than 60% of the votes represented by
the issued and outstanding Tempest Common Shares.
LIMITATIONS ON THE LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS
ACE. ACE's Articles provide that a director shall not be personally liable
to ACE or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty
as a director, except for liability: (i) for any breach of the director's duty
of loyalty to ACE or its shareholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
(iii) a payment of a dividend on stock of ACE or a purchase or redemption of
stock of ACE in violation of law; or (iv) for any transaction from which the
director derived an improper personal benefit. Furthermore, ACE's Articles
include a provision permitting ACE to indemnify its officers, directors,
employees and agents to the greatest extent permitted by law.
Tempest. The Tempest Bye-laws include a provision requiring that directors
be indemnified and secured harmless for monetary damages to the fullest extent
permitted by law except for matters in respect of any wilful negligence,
wilful default, fraud or dishonesty.
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AMENDMENT OF CHARTER DOCUMENTS
ACE. ACE's Articles may, subject to law, be amended or altered by a special
resolution of its shareholders (except in the case of certain provisions in
the Articles which, by their terms, require the affirmative vote of the
holders of least two-thirds of the outstanding shares entitled to vote). A
special resolution requires an affirmative vote of a majority of not less than
two-thirds of the votes cast by shareholders entitled to vote, either by a
proxy or in person, at a general meeting.
Tempest. The Tempest Bye-laws may not be altered, amended or repealed and no
new Bye-laws shall be made unless it has been approved by a resolution of the
directors and by a resolution of the shareholders. Any action taken by the
directors to approve a bye-law amendment must receive the affirmative vote of
not less than two-thirds of the votes held by the directors then in office and
the approval of the shareholders must be by way of an affirmative vote of
shareholders holding not less than 60% of the votes represented by the issued
and outstanding Tempest Common Shares.
SHAREHOLDER ACTION BY WRITTEN CONSENT
ACE. Holders of ACE Ordinary Shares may not take action by written consent.
Any action required or permitted to be taken by the shareholders of ACE must
be taken at a duly called annual general or extraordinary general meeting of
the shareholders of ACE.
Tempest. The Tempest Bye-laws provide that anything which may be done by
resolution in a general meeting or by resolution of a meeting of any class of
the shareholders may be done by resolution in writing signed by or on behalf
of, all shareholders who at the date of the resolution would be entitled to
attend the meeting and vote on the resolution. The Tempest Bye-laws require
that a meeting be held for the purpose of Section 89(5) of the Bermuda Act or
to pass a resolution for the purpose of removing a Director before the
expiration of his term in office.
MEETINGS OF SHAREHOLDERS
ACE. ACE's Articles provide that annual meetings shall be held in each year
of its existence at such place as may be fixed by ACE's Board of Directors on
such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the
Board of Directors. Extraordinary general meetings of shareholders may be
called by the Board or at the request in writing of shareholders owning at
least 25% of ACE's capital stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote.
Not less than six (6) shareholders present in person or by proxy holding at
least 50% of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote shall
constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.
Tempest. The Tempest Bye-laws provide that annual general meetings of the
shareholders shall be held in each year other than the year of incorporation
at such time and place as the Chairman or any two Directors or any Director
and the Secretary or the Board shall appoint. Special general meetings of the
shareholders may be called by the Chairman or any two Directors or any
Director and the Secretary or by the Board of Directors whenever in their
judgment such a meeting is necessary. Two or more persons present in person
and representing in person or by proxy in excess of 50% of the votes
represented by the issued and outstanding Tempest Common Shares shall
constitute a quorum at a general meeting of Tempest.
INTERESTED DIRECTORS
ACE. ACE's Articles provide that any transaction entered into by ACE in
which a director has an interest is not voidable by ACE nor can such director
be liable to ACE for any profit realized pursuant to such transaction. A
director having an interest in a transaction is entitled to vote in respect of
such transaction provided the nature of the interest is disclosed at or prior
to the vote on such transaction.
Tempest. The Tempest Bye-laws provide that any director may act in a
professional capacity (other than as auditor of Tempest) for Tempest and shall
be entitled to remuneration for professional services provided that
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any agreement for professional services is negotiated on an arms' length
basis. A director who is directly or indirectly interested in a contract or
proposed contract with Tempest shall declare such interest as required by the
Bermuda Act and following such declaration may, unless disqualified by the
Chairman of the relevant meeting, vote in respect of such contract or proposed
contract and may be counted in the quorum of such meeting provided that such
contract or proposed contract has been negotiated on an arms' length basis.
CORPORATE LAW
In addition to the changes described above in respect of the ACE's Articles
and the Tempest Bye-laws, the Amalgamation will effect several changes in the
rights of holders of Tempest Common Shares as a result of differences between
the corporate laws of the Cayman Islands and Bermuda. The following discussion
summarizes certain of the principal differences affecting the rights of
holders of Tempest Common Shares. This summary does not purport to be a
complete statement of differences affecting such shareholders' rights under
The Companies Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands ("The Companies Law"), as
amended and the Bermuda Act and is qualified in its entirety by reference to
the provisions thereof.
Voting Rights with Respect to Extraordinary Corporate Transactions
CAYMAN ISLANDS. ACE's Articles require the approval of the holders of at
least 66 2/3% of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, voting together as a
single class, at a meeting called for such purpose is required for ACE to (i)
merge, consolidate or amalgamate with another company, (ii) reorganize or
reconstruct itself pursuant to a plan sanctioned by the Cayman Islands courts
or (iii) sell, lease or exchange all or substantially all of its assets,
except in the case of a transaction between ACE and any entity which ACE,
directly or indirectly, controls. In order to merge or amalgamate with another
company or to reorganize and reconstruct itself, as a general rule, the
relevant plan would need to be approved in accordance with the provisions of
The Companies Law by the holders of not less than 75% of the votes cast at a
general meeting called for purpose and thereafter sanctioned by the Cayman
Islands court.
BERMUDA. To obtain shareholder approval for an amalgamation, the provisions
of the bye-laws of the company relating to the holding of general meetings
shall apply and, unless otherwise provided for in the bye-laws, the resolution
of the shareholders must be approved by a majority vote of three-fourths of
those voting at such meeting and the quorum necessary for such meeting shall
be two persons at least holding or representing by proxy more than one-third
of the issued shares of the company. The Tempest Bye-laws require that an
amalgamation be approved by the affirmative vote of Tempest Shareholders
holding and/or persons representing not less than 60% of the votes represented
by the issued and outstanding Tempest Common Shares.
Dissenters' Rights
CAYMAN ISLANDS. Although dissenting shareholder may have the right to
express to a Cayman Islands court his view that the transaction sought to be
approved would not provide the shareholders with the fair value of their
shares, (i) the court ordinarily would not disapprove the transaction on that
ground absent other evidence of fraud or bad faith, and (ii) if the
transaction were approved and consummated, the dissenting shareholder would
have no rights comparable to the appraisal rights (as here defined, rights to
receive payments in cash for the judicially determined value of their shares)
ordinarily available to dissenting shareholders of United States corporations.
BERMUDA. Any shareholder who does not vote in favor of the amalgamation and
who is not satisfied that he has been offered fair value for his shares may
within one month of the giving of notice of the shareholder meeting, apply to
the court to appraise the fair value of his shares.
Indemnification of Directors
CAYMAN ISLANDS. Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a
company's articles of association may provide for the indemnification of
officers and directors, except to the extent that such provision may be
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held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy (for
instance, for purporting to provide indemnification against the consequences
of committing a crime). In addition, an officer or director may not be
indemnified for his own dishonesty or wilful neglect or default.
ACE's Articles contain provisions providing for the indemnity by ACE of an
officer, director, employee or agent of ACE for threatened, pending or
contemplated actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal,
administrative or investigative (including, without limitation, an action by
or in the right of ACE), brought against such indemnified person by reason of
the fact that such person was an officer, director, employee or agent of ACE.
In addition, the Board of Directors may authorize ACE to purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any such person against any liability asserted against
him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as
such, whether or not ACE would have the power to indemnify him against such
liability under the provisions of the Articles.
ACE also purchases directors and officers liability insurance from third
parties for its directors and officers.
ACE's Articles provide that directors of ACE shall have no personal
liability to ACE or its shareholders for monetary damages for breach of
fiduciary or other duties as a director, except (i) for any breach of a
director's duty of loyalty to ACE or its shareholders, (ii) for acts or
omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing
violation of law, (iii) a payment of a dividend on stock of ACE or a purchase
or redemption of stock of ACE in violation of law, or (iv) for any transaction
from which a director derived an improper personal benefit.
BERMUDA. Under the Bermuda Act, Tempest may, and pursuant to its Bye-laws
shall, indemnify its directors or officers in their capacity as such in
respect of any loss arising or liability attaching to them by virtue of any
rule of law in respect of any negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of
trust of which a director or officer may be guilty in relation to Tempest
other than in respect of his own wilful default, wilful neglect, fraud or
dishonesty. Pursuant to the Tempest Bye-laws each Tempest Shareholder has
agreed to waive any claim or right of action such Tempest Shareholder may have
against any director or officer on account of any action taken by such
director or officer, or the failure of such director or officer to take any
action in the performance of his duties with or for Tempest, provided that
such waiver shall not extend to any matter in respect of any wilful
negligence, wilful default, fraud or dishonesty which may attach to such
directors or officer.
Dividends
CAYMAN ISLANDS. A corporation is prohibited from making a distribution to
its shareholders if, after giving effect to the distribution, the corporation
would not be able to pay its debts as they became due in the usual course of
business.
BERMUDA. Under the Bermuda Act, a company shall not declare or pay a
dividend if there are reasonable grounds for believing that the company is, or
would after the payment be, unable to pay its liabilities as they become due
or the realizable value of the company's assets would thereby be less than the
aggregate of its liabilities and its issued share capital and share premium
accounts. Under the Insurance Act, 1978, (Bermuda), amendments thereto and
related regulations, a Class 4 insurer shall not in any financial year pay
dividends which would exceed 25% of its total statutory capital and surplus as
shown on its statutory balance sheet in relation to the previous financial
year, unless at least 7 days before payment of those dividends it files an
affidavit signed by at least two directors and its principal representative
which states that in the opinion of those signing, declaration of those
dividends has not caused the insurer to fail to meet its solvency margin or
minimum liquidity ratio.
Inspection of Books and Records
CAYMAN ISLANDS. Under Cayman Island law, shareholders of a Cayman Islands
corporation have no general rights to inspect or obtain copies of the list of
shareholders or corporate records of a corporation.
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BERMUDA. Members of the general public have the right to inspect the public
documents of Tempest available at the office of the Registrar of Companies in
Bermuda, which will include the Memorandum of Association (including its
objects and powers) and any alteration to the Memorandum of Association and
documents relating to any increase or reduction of authorized capital. The
shareholders have the additional right to inspect the Tempest Bye-laws,
minutes of general meetings and audited financial statements of Tempest, which
must be presented to the annual general meeting of shareholders unless
otherwise waived. The register of shareholders of Tempest is also open to
inspection by shareholders without charge, and to members of the public for a
fee. Tempest is required to maintain its share register in Bermuda but may
establish a branch register outside Bermuda. Tempest is required to keep at
its registered office a register of its directors and officers which is open
for inspection by members of the public without charge. Bermuda law does not,
however, provide a general right for shareholders to inspect or obtain copies
of any other corporate records.
Derivative Suits
CAYMAN ISLANDS AND BERMUDA. The Cayman Islands and Bermuda courts ordinarily
would be expected to follow English precedent, which would permit a minority
shareholder to commence an action against or a derivative action in the name
of the corporation only (i) where the act complained of is alleged to be
beyond the corporate power of the company or illegal, (ii) where the act
complained of is alleged to constitute a fraud against the minority
perpetrated by those in control of the corporation, (iii) where the act
requires approval by a greater percentage of the corporation's shareholders
than actually approved it or (iv) where there is an absolute necessity to
waive the general rule that a shareholder may not bring such an action in
order that there not be a denial of justice or a violation of the
corporation's memorandum of association.
Special Meetings Called by Shareholders
CAYMAN ISLANDS. General meetings of shareholders may be called only by the
directors or at the written request of shareholders owning at last twenty-five
percent of the outstanding shares generally entitled to vote.
BERMUDA. Upon the request of the members of a company holding, at the date
of request, not less than one-tenth of the paid up capital of the company, or
in the case of a company not having a share capital, members representing not
less than one-tenth of the total voting rights, the directors shall convene a
special general meeting.
Amendments to Memorandum of Association
CAYMAN ISLANDS. A company may, subject to contrary provisions in its
memorandum and articles of association, by special resolution alter its
memorandum and articles of association. Unless otherwise provided for in its
articles of association, the amendment must be approved by not less than 66
2/3% of the votes cast on the matter at a general meeting duly convened and
held. ACE's Articles requires a higher majority to amend certain provisions
thereof.
BERMUDA. Under Bermuda law, a company may, by resolution passed at a general
meeting of members of which due notice has been given, alter the provisions of
its memorandum of association. Unless otherwise provided in its bye-laws, the
resolution must be approved by a majority of the votes. The Tempest Bye-laws
provide that an amendment to the memorandum of association requires the
affirmative vote of Tempest Shareholders holding and/or persons representing
not less than 60% of the votes represented by the issued and outstanding
Tempest Common Shares.
Takeover Statutes
CAYMAN ISLANDS. Cayman Islands law also provide that where an offer is made
by a company for shares of another company and, within four months of the
offer, the holders of not less than 90% of the shares which are the subject of
the offer accept, the offeror may by notice require the dissenting
shareholders to transfer their shares on the terms of the offer. A dissenting
shareholder may apply to a court within one month of the notice
109
<PAGE>
objecting to the transfer. The burden is on the dissenting shareholders to
show that the court should exercise its discretion to prevent the requirement
of such transfer, which it will be unlikely to do unless there is evidence of
fraud or bad faith or collusion as between the offeror and the holders of the
shares who have accepted the offer as a means of unfairly forcing out minority
shareholders.
BERMUDA. Bermuda law provides that where an offer is made for shares in a
company by another company and, within four months of the offer, the holders
of not less than 90% of the shares which are the subject of the offer accept,
the offeror may by notice, given within two months after the expiration of the
said four months, require the dissenting shareholders to transfer their shares
on the terms of the offer. Dissenting shareholders may apply to a court within
one month of the notice objecting to the transfer and the court may give such
order as it thinks fit.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
ACE Shareholders wishing to submit a proposal to be considered for inclusion
in the proxy material for ACE's next Annual General Meeting should send such
proposals to the Secretary, ACE Limited, The ACE Building, 30 Woodbourne
Avenue, Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda. Under the rules of the SEC, proposals must be
received no later than September 2, 1996 to be eligible for inclusion in the
1997 Annual General Meeting proxy statement.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Amalgamation will be passed
upon for ACE by Mayer, Brown & Platt, Chicago, Illinois and for Tempest by
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, New York, New York. Certain legal matters with
respect to Bermuda law will be passed upon for ACE by Appleby, Spurling &
Kempe, Hamilton, Bermuda, and for Tempest by Conyers, Dill & Pearman,
Hamilton, Bermuda. Certain legal matters with respect to Bermuda tax law will
be passed upon for ACE by Conyers, Dill & Pearman, Hamilton, Bermuda. Certain
legal matters with respect to Cayman Islands law and the validity of the ACE
Ordinary Shares will be passed upon for ACE by Maples and Calder, George Town,
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies.
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of ACE as of September 30, 1995 and
1994 and for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30,
1995, incorporated by reference from ACE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended September 30, 1995 have been incorporated herein in reliance upon
the report of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., independent accountants, incorporated
herein by reference and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Tempest as of November 30, 1995,
1994 and 1993 and for each of the years in the two-year period ended November
30, 1995 and the period from September 1, 1993 (date of incorporation) through
November 30, 1993, included herein have been included in reliance upon the
report of Price Waterhouse, independent accountants, included herein, given
upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
OTHER BUSINESS AT THE SPECIAL MEETINGS
Neither the ACE Board of Directors nor the Tempest Board of Directors is
aware of any other business to be presented at the ACE Special Meeting or the
Tempest Special Meeting, respectively, other than the matters described in
this Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. In either case, if any other matter
should properly come before such Special Meetings, the persons named as
proxies on the applicable accompanying proxy cards will have the discretionary
authority to vote the shares represented by proxy in accordance with the
discretion and judgment of the person or persons voting the proxies as to the
best interests of the respective companies and their shareholders.
110
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Report of Independent Accountants....................................... F-2
Balance Sheets at November 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993...................... F-3
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended November 30, 1995
and 1994 and for the period from September 1, 1993 (the date of
incorporation) to November 30, 1993.................................... F-4
Statements of Income for the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 and
for the period from September 1, 1993 (the date of incorporation) to
November 30, 1993...................................................... F-5
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994
and for the period from September 1, 1993 (the date of incorporation)
to November 30, 1993................................................... F-6
Notes to Financial Statements........................................... F-7
UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
Balance Sheets at February 29, 1996 and November 30, 1995............... F-19
Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the three months ended February
29, 1996 and
February 28, 1995...................................................... F-20
Statements of Income for the three months ended February 29, 1996 and
February 28, 1995...................................................... F-21
Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended February 29, 1996
and February 28, 1995.................................................. F-22
Notes to Interim Financial Statements................................... F-23
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To The Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Tempest Reinsurance
Company Limited as of November 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993, and the related
statements of stockholders' equity, income and cash flows for each of the
years in the two year period ended November 30, 1995 and the period from
September 1, 1993 (date of incorporation) through November 30, 1993. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements audited by us present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Tempest Reinsurance Company
Limited at November 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993 and the results of its operations
and its cash flows for each of the years in the two year period ended November
30, 1995 and the period from September 1, 1993 (date of incorporation) through
November 30, 1993, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America.
Price Waterhouse
Chartered Accountants
Hamilton, Bermuda
December 22, 1995, except
as to Note 1 which is as of
March 14, 1996
F-2
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
BALANCE SHEETS
NOVEMBER 30, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS 1995 1994 1993
------ -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Investments--available for sale
Fixed maturities at fair value................. $676,009 $512,584 $452,695
(Amortized cost: 1995--$671,359; 1994--
$551,825; 1993--$461,366)
Equity securities at fair value................ 20,711 23,502 23,558
(Cost: 1995--$21,250; 1994--$27,461; 1993--
$23,625)
Short-term investments at fair value........... -- 6,341 --
(Amortized cost: 1994--$6,152)
-------- -------- --------
Total investments............................ 696,720 542,427 476,253
Cash and cash equivalents........................ 55,240 21,097 17,744
Accrued investment income........................ 11,483 7,964 6,490
Premiums receivable.............................. 46,100 26,673 531
Deferred acquisition costs....................... 7,534 5,581 59
Other assets..................................... 331 451 469
-------- -------- --------
Total assets ................................ $817,408 $604,193 $501,546
======== ======== ========
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Losses and loss expenses......................... $ 54,130 $ 15,235 $ 52
Unearned premiums................................ 60,434 40,821 501
Other liabilities................................ 10,526 4,809 2,619
-------- -------- --------
Total liabilities............................ 125,090 60,865 3,172
-------- -------- --------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders' Equity
Common shares (10,000,000 shares authorized of
a par value of $10: 1995--5,237,160; 1994--
5,252,160; 1993--5,281,879 shares issued and
outstanding).................................. 52,372 52,522 52,819
Paid-in capital................................ 446,780 448,465 451,021
Unrealized depreciation of investments......... (817) (45,628) (8,738)
Retained earnings.............................. 193,983 87,969 3,272
-------- -------- --------
Total stockholders' equity................... 692,318 543,328 498,374
-------- -------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity... $817,408 $604,193 $501,546
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994 AND FOR THE PERIOD
FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1993 (THE DATE OF INCORPORATION) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1993
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Common shares
Balance, beginning of period.................... $ 52,522 $ 52,819 $ --
Issue of shares................................. -- -- 52,819
Repurchase of shares............................ (150) (297) --
-------- -------- --------
Balance, end of period.......................... 52,372 52,522 52,819
-------- -------- --------
Paid-in capital
Balance, beginning of period.................... 448,465 451,021 --
Issue of shares................................. -- -- 475,369
Share issue expenses............................ -- -- (24,348)
Repurchase of shares............................ (1,685) (2,556) --
-------- -------- --------
Balance, end of period.......................... 446,780 448,465 451,021
-------- -------- --------
Unrealized depreciation of investments
Balance, beginning of period.................... (45,628) (8,738) --
Net change in investment portfolio.............. 44,811 (36,890) (8,738)
-------- -------- --------
Balance, end of period.......................... (817) (45,628) (8,738)
-------- -------- --------
Retained earnings
Balance, beginning of period.................... 87,969 3,272 --
Net income...................................... 106,014 84,697 3,272
-------- -------- --------
Balance, end of period.......................... 193,983 87,969 3,272
-------- -------- --------
Total stockholders' equity.................... $692,318 $543,328 $498,374
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994 AND FOR THE PERIOD
FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1993 (DATE OF INCORPORATION) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1993
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Premiums written............................ $ 177,580 $ 139,830 $ 605
Change in unearned premiums................. (20,083) (40,320) (501)
--------- --------- ---------
Premiums earned............................. 157,497 99,510 104
Net investment income....................... 37,777 29,165 4,698
Net realized loss on investments............ (2,247) (6,661) --
--------- --------- ---------
Total revenues............................ 193,027 122,014 4,802
--------- --------- ---------
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses.................... 49,774 18,242 52
Acquisition costs........................... 25,838 15,492 12
Operating costs............................. 9,817 4,664 1,466
Net exchange loss (gain).................... 1,584 (1,081) --
--------- --------- ---------
Total expenses............................ 87,013 37,317 1,530
--------- --------- ---------
Net income................................ $ 106,014 $ 84,697 $ 3,272
========= ========= =========
Net income per common share................... $ 19.97 $ 16.04 $ 3.08
Weighted average number of common shares and
common share equivalents..................... 5,308,762 5,281,260 1,062,292
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994 AND FOR THE PERIOD
FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1993 (DATE OF INCORPORATION) TO NOVEMBER 30, 1993
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Operating activities
Net income.................................. $ 106,014 $ 84,697 $ 3,272
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net
cash provided by
(used in) operating activities:
Amortization of discounts and premiums on
fixed maturities
and short-term investments................. 4,802 5,257 699
Net realized loss on investments............ 2,247 6,661 --
Accrued investment income................... (3,519) (1,474) (6,490)
Premiums receivable......................... (19,427) (26,142) (531)
Deferred acquisition costs.................. (1,953) (5,522) (59)
Other assets................................ 120 18 (469)
Losses and loss expenses.................... 38,895 15,183 52
Unearned premiums........................... 19,613 40,320 501
Other liabilities........................... 5,717 2,190 2,619
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities............................... 152,509 121,188 (406)
--------- --------- ---------
Investing activities
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities..... 78,957 157,322 --
Proceeds from sales of equity securities.... 5,912 9,027 --
Proceeds from redemptions of fixed
maturities................................. 39,977 4,250 419
Purchases of fixed maturities............... (245,137) (263,751) (462,484)
Purchases of equity securities.............. -- (13,046) (23,625)
Net sales (purchases) of short-term
investments................................ 6,562 (6,167) --
Deferred losses on forward exchange
contracts.................................. (2,802) (2,617) --
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used in investing activities..... (116,531) (114,982) (485,690)
--------- --------- ---------
Financing activities
Net proceeds from issue of common shares.... -- -- 503,840
Repurchase of common shares................. (1,835) (2,853) --
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash (used in) provided by financing
activities............................... (1,835) (2,853) 503,840
--------- --------- ---------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents..... 34,143 3,353 17,744
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
period....................................... 21,097 17,744 --
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period.. $ 55,240 $ 21,097 $ 17,744
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 30, 1995, 1994 AND 1993
1. ACQUISITION BY ACE LIMITED
On March 14, 1996 Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited (the "company")
executed a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") for the acquisition of the
company by ACE Limited ("ACE"). This Agreement provides that common shares of
the company will be converted into ordinary shares of ACE. General Reinsurance
Corporation ("Gen Re") will not have a continuing affiliation with the company
after the completion of the proposed acquisition which will result in
repurchase of Gen Re's outstanding common shares and options by the company
and the payment of certain other costs detailed below. The remaining Net
Assets (as defined in the Agreement) in excess of $500 million will be paid as
a dividend to remaining shareholders. The acquisition is subject to, among
other matters, approval of ACE's and the company's shareholders and other
closing conditions and is expected to be completed during 1996.
The ACE transaction will have the following impact on the company:
Repurchase of Gen Re's shares and options
Gen Re's shareholding, which represents 20.68% of the outstanding common
shares at November 30, 1995, and its outstanding stock options (Note 6) will
be repurchased by the company prior to closing the ACE transaction at the
November 30, 1995 fully diluted book value per share plus interest at a rate
of 6% per annum from November 30, 1995 to the date of closing. The
consideration for the repurchase of Gen Re's common shares and outstanding
stock options based on the November 30, 1995 fully diluted book value per
share is $137,300,000 and $7,500,000, respectively.
Reinsurance Agreement
At the time of closing the ACE transaction, the company will enter into a
reinsurance agreement with Gen Re. This agreement provides for Gen Re to pay
the company the amount by which losses paid during the period December 1, 1995
to December 1, 1997 in respect of incurred losses prior to December 1, 1995,
exceed $60 million, but subject to a maximum of $10 million. The reinsurance
premium for this transaction is $4 million.
Underwriting services
The company's underwriting services contract with General Re Underwriting
Services Limited ("GRUS") (note 7) will be terminated on June 30, 1996. In
consideration for agreeing to this termination, the company will pay Gen Re an
amount of $20,288,000 plus interest at 6% per annum (the "GRUS termination
fee") from November 30, 1995 to the date of closing.
Dividend
Subsequent to the repurchase of the common shares and options held by Gen
Re, the payment of the GRUS termination fee and the payment of the reinsurance
premium, the company will declare a dividend to the remaining shareholders in
order to reduce the Net Assets of the company to approximately $500 million.
Stock Option Plan
Options awarded to employees and non-employee directors under the terms of
the company's Stock Option Plan (Note 6) will become fully vested and
converted into options to acquire ordinary shares of ACE in accordance with
the Agreement.
Other
The company's commitment with respect to the lease of office space (Note 10)
will become $150,000 per annum.
F-7
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
2. ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS
The company was formed on September 1, 1993 as a Bermuda-based limited
liability company that conducts worldwide reinsurance business specializing in
property catastrophe reinsurance emphasizing excess layer coverages. The
company's business is generated largely through reinsurance intermediaries.
The company has not purchased reinsurance protection.
The company underwrites catastrophe reinsurance and has large aggregate
exposures to man-made and natural disasters. Management, therefore, expects
that its property catastrophe loss experience will be characterized as low
frequency but high severity. This may result in significant volatility in the
company's financial results.
3. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a description of the significant accounting policies and
practices employed by the company:
Basis of presentation
The company's financial statements have been prepared on the basis of United
States generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial
statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts
of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may
differ from these estimates.
Premiums
Premiums written are estimated based on information provided by ceding
companies. The information used in establishing these estimates is reviewed
and subsequent adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are
determined. Premiums are earned over the terms of the related reinsurance
contracts. Unearned premiums are computed by the pro rata method and are
established to cover the unexpired portion of premiums written.
Acquisition costs
Acquisition costs, consisting mainly of brokerage commissions and the GRUS
underwriting service fee, incurred at policy issuance are deferred and
amortized over the period in which the related premiums are earned, generally
one year. Deferred acquisition costs are reviewed to determine that they do
not exceed recoverable amounts, after considering investment income.
Losses and loss expenses
The provision for losses and loss expenses is established by management on
the basis of reports and individual estimates received from ceding companies.
The provision also includes incurred but not reported losses which are based
on estimates of ultimate losses. Management believes that the provision is
adequate to cover the cost of ultimate losses. However, due to the severity
and proximity to the year end of certain catastrophic events and the company's
limited historical experience, significant uncertainty is associated with the
assumptions and estimates used by management in establishing the provision for
losses and loss expenses. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
The methods and information used in determining such estimates and
establishing the related liabilities are regularly reviewed and updated, and
any resulting adjustments are reflected in income in the periods in which they
arise.
F-8
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Investments
Fixed maturities are classified as "available for sale" and are carried at
fair value. Short-term investments comprise securities due to mature within
one year at the date of purchase and are carried at fair value. Discounts and
premiums on fixed maturities and short-term investments are amortized over the
remaining term of the securities. Equity securities, consisting principally of
preferred stocks, are classified as "available for sale" and are carried at
fair value. The net temporary unrealized depreciation or appreciation of fixed
maturities, short-term investments and equity securities is included as a
component of stockholders' equity.
Net investment income includes interest and dividend income and the
amortization of discounts and premiums on fixed maturities and short-term
investments and is net of investment management and custody fees. Assumptions
regarding prepayments on mortgage and asset-backed securities are evaluated
regularly. Any gains or losses arising from adjustments required to the
effective yield to reflect changes in estimated maturities are included in net
investment income as they are determined. Realized gains and losses on sales
of investments are determined on a first-in, first-out basis. Investments
which have experienced a decline in value that is not considered temporary are
written down to estimated fair value and any such adjustments would be
included in the determination of net income.
Fair values of financial instruments
The company uses various methods in estimating the fair value of financial
instruments. The fair values for cash and cash equivalents approximate their
carrying amounts. For fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term
investments, fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes.
Foreign currency translation
Revenues and expenses and the related unearned premiums and deferred
acquisition costs denominated in non-U.S. dollar currencies are translated
into U.S. dollars at the rates of exchange at the transaction date. Monetary
assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange in effect at
the close of the period. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency
transactions are included in the determination of net income. Realized and
unrealized gains and losses on forward exchange contracts used to hedge
foreign currency investments are deferred and included in stockholders' equity
until the corresponding investments are sold.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include time deposits and commercial paper with a
maturity of less than ninety days at the date of purchase.
Reinsurance premiums receivable
Reinsurance premiums receivable are stated net of any allowance for doubtful
accounts. There were no allowances at November 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993.
Net income per common share
Net income per common share is calculated using net income divided by the
weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents
outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method, calculated
using the average book value per share, for stock options. There is no
material difference between primary and fully diluted net income per common
share.
F-9
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
4. INVESTMENTS
Cost (amortized cost for fixed maturities and short-term investments), gross
unrealized appreciation and depreciation and fair value of fixed maturities,
equity securities and short-term investments at November 30, 1995, November
30, 1994, and November 30, 1993 were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
GROSS GROSS
UNREALIZED UNREALIZED FAIR
COST APPRECIATION DEPRECIATION VALUE
$000 $000 $000 $000
-------- ------------ ------------ --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
November 30, 1995:
Fixed maturities
U.S. Government............ $192,270 $ 530 $ 2,355 $190,445
Non-U.S. Sovereign
Government bonds.......... 128,913 7,300 1,675 134,538
Corporate bonds............ 225,122 2,520 2,230 225,412
Mortgage-backed securities. 90,654 969 912 90,711
Asset-backed securities.... 34,400 672 169 34,903
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total fixed maturities .. $671,359 $11,991 $ 7,341 $676,009
======== ======= ======= ========
Total equity securities.. $ 21,250 $ 17 $ 556 $ 20,711
======== ======= ======= ========
November 30, 1994:
Fixed maturities
U.S. Government............ $154,969 $ -- $15,849 $139,120
Non-U.S. Sovereign
Government bonds.......... 73,440 826 2,322 71,944
Corporate bonds............ 196,814 108 13,008 183,914
Mortgage-backed securities. 82,779 -- 7,576 75,203
Asset-backed securities.... 43,823 -- 1,420 42,403
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total fixed maturities... $551,825 $ 934 $40,175 $512,584
======== ======= ======= ========
Total equity securities.. $ 27,461 $ -- $ 3,959 $ 23,502
======== ======= ======= ========
Short-term investments
Non-U.S. Sovereign
Government bonds.......... $ 2,251 $ 189 $ -- $ 2,440
Corporate bonds............ 3,901 -- -- 3,901
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total short-term
investments............. $ 6,152 $ 189 $ -- $ 6,341
======== ======= ======= ========
November 30, 1993:
Fixed maturities
U.S. Government............ $211,226 $ -- $ 4,098 $207,128
Corporate bonds............ 163,715 -- 3,401 160,314
Mortgage-backed securities. 40,979 -- 782 40,197
Asset-backed securities.... 45,446 -- 390 45,056
-------- ------- ------- --------
Total fixed maturities... $461,366 $ -- $ 8,671 $452,695
======== ======= ======= ========
Total equity securities.. $ 23,625 $ 69 $ 136 $ 23,558
======== ======= ======= ========
</TABLE>
F-10
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The amortized cost and fair value, by contractual maturity, of fixed
maturities at November 30, 1995 is shown in the following table. Actual
maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have
the right to call or prepay certain obligations.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995
-----------------------
FAIR
AMORTIZED COST VALUE
$000 $000
-------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
Due in one year or less.......................... $ 18,606 $ 18,562
Due after one year through five years............ 356,739 356,968
Due after five years through ten years........... 167,887 171,890
Due after ten years.............................. 3,073 2,975
-------- --------
546,305 550,395
Mortgage-backed securities....................... 90,654 90,711
Asset-backed securities.......................... 34,400 34,903
-------- --------
$671,359 $676,009
======== ========
</TABLE>
The following table summarizes the composition of the investment portfolio
by rating as assigned by a rating agency or, with respect to non-rated issues,
as estimated by General Re--New England Asset Management, Inc. ("GRAM"), a
wholly owned subsidiary of Gen Re.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
----- ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents............................ 7.4% 3.8% 3.6%
U. S. Government and government agency............... 41.0 44.8 53.1
AAA.................................................. 18.7 17.6 6.1
AA................................................... 8.8 5.5 15.9
A.................................................... 21.8 27.3 15.6
BAA.................................................. 2.3 1.0 5.7
----- ----- -----
100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
Net investment income, which comprises income from all investments and cash
and cash equivalents, was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
$000 $000 $000
------- ------- ------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Interest from fixed maturities and short-term
investments................................... $40,487 $32,301 $4,752
Amortization of discounts and premiums on
purchase of fixed maturities and short-term
investments................................... (4,802) (5,257) (699)
Dividend income................................ 1,806 2,073 213
Interest from cash and cash equivalents........ 1,687 892 672
Other.......................................... -- 345 --
------- ------- ------
Total investment income........................ 39,178 30,354 4,938
Investment management and custody fees......... (1,401) (1,189) (240)
------- ------- ------
Net investment income.......................... $37,777 $29,165 $4,698
======= ======= ======
</TABLE>
Proceeds from the sale of fixed maturities and equity securities during 1995
and 1994 were $84,869,000 and $166,349,000, respectively. There were no
disposals during 1993.
F-11
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The net realized loss on investments and the change in unrealized
depreciation of investments consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
$000 $000 $000
------- -------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net realized loss
Fixed maturities and short-term investments
Gross realized losses............................ $(2,938) $ (6,578) $ --
Gross realized gains............................. 990 100 --
Equity securities
Gross realized losses............................ (299) (297) --
Gross realized gains............................. -- 114 --
------- -------- -------
Net realized loss.............................. (2,247) (6,661) --
------- -------- -------
Net change in unrealized depreciation
Fixed maturities................................. 43,891 (30,570) (8,671)
Equity securities................................ 3,420 (3,892) (67)
Short-term investments........................... (189) 189 --
Deferred losses on forward exchange contracts.... (2,311) (2,617) --
------- -------- -------
Net change in unrealized depreciation of
investments................................... 44,811 (36,890) (8,738)
------- -------- -------
Net realized loss and net change in unrealized
depreciation of investments................... $42,564 $(43,551) $(8,738)
======= ======== =======
</TABLE>
5. LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES
Changes in the provision for losses and loss expenses are summarized as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
$000 $000 $000
------- ------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance, beginning of period............................ $15,235 $ 52 $--
Incurred relating to:
Current period........................................ 49,791 18,294 52
Prior periods......................................... (17) (52) --
------- ------- ----
Total incurred...................................... 49,774 18,242 52
------- ------- ----
Paid relating to:
Current period........................................ 3,769 3,059 --
Prior periods......................................... 7,110 -- --
------- ------- ----
Total paid.......................................... 10,879 3,059 --
------- ------- ----
Balance, end of period.............................. $54,130 $15,235 $ 52
======= ======= ====
</TABLE>
Losses paid in 1995 include $7,110,000 relating principally to the 1994
Northridge earthquake. As a result of losses incurred, the company recorded
$2,000,000 of additional premium income during each of the years ended
November 30, 1995 and 1994 to recognize amounts due from cedants to reinstate
coverage. In addition, the company recorded $1,669,000 of profit commission
expense in respect of annual contracts with experience rated terms during the
year ended November 30, 1995. There was no profit commission expense during
the year ended November 30, 1994. There were no additional premiums arising
from reinstatement of coverage or profit commissions recorded during the
period ended November 30, 1993. Business written by the company since its
inception in September of 1993 has been exclusively property catastrophe
reinsurance, and accordingly the company is not exposed to liability arising
from asbestos, environmental pollution, toxic tort, silicone implants or other
long-tail coverages.
F-12
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
6. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
The company's authorized share capital is $100,000,000 consisting of
10,000,000 shares of $10 par value common stock. On September 15, 1993,
September 17, 1993 and October 19, 1993 the company sold to various entities
3,567,740, 1,256,949 and 457,190 shares of common stock, respectively, at $100
per share. The company utilized a placement agent to solicit certain of these
shareholders. The placement agent received a 4% placement fee of $12,607,000
for these services. General Re Securities Corporation ("GRSC"), a subsidiary
of Gen Re, a shareholder, also acted as a placement agent and received a 4%
placement fee of $8,521,000 on shares sold to investors solicited by GRSC,
including Gen Re. The company also incurred $3,220,000 of various legal,
actuarial, financial and accounting costs associated with raising its capital
including $2,000,000 paid to Gen Re. The gross proceeds of $528,188,000 from
the sale of shares were reduced by placement fees and these other costs,
resulting in net proceeds of $503,840,000. The excess of the net capital
proceeds above the $10 par value per share is included in paid-in capital in
the stockholders' equity section of the company's balance sheet.
On November 23, 1994 the company repurchased and retired 29,719 shares at a
total cost of $2,853,000. On May 31, 1995 the company repurchased and retired
5,000 shares at a total cost of $575,000. On November 30, 1995 the company
repurchased and retired 10,000 shares at a total cost of $1,260,000.
Shares issued and outstanding comprise:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
--------- --------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Shares outstanding,
beginning of period.... 5,252,160 5,281,879 --
Shares issued........... -- -- 5,281,879
Shares repurchased and
retired................ (15,000) (29,719) --
--------- --------- ---------
Shares outstanding, end
of period ............. 5,237,160 5,252,160 5,281,879
========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
At November 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993 Gen Re owned 20.68%, 20.62% and 20.5%,
respectively, of the outstanding common shares of the company. Due to
restrictions in the company's bye-laws which limit stockholders' voting
rights, these shares are limited to an aggregate voting power of 9.99%
pursuant to a stipulated formula. No person, other than Gen Re, is permitted
to acquire or own, directly, indirectly or by attribution, on a primary or
fully diluted basis, 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all
classes of shares of the company entitled to vote. Additionally, no U.S.
person (other than Gen Re and certain other specified groups of companies)
that is licensed to write property or casualty insurance or reinsurance or
that is related to a property casualty insurer is permitted to own shares in
the company. Also, Gen Re cannot acquire or own, in the aggregate, directly,
indirectly or by attribution, on a primary or fully diluted basis, more than
25% of the outstanding common shares of the company.
All transfers of shares to a third party are subject to restrictions on
transfer set forth in the company's bye-laws, the Securityholders' Agreement
and the Subscription Agreement, as well as applicable securities laws,
approval by the relevant regulatory bodies, compliance with applicable
ownership limitations and the right of first refusal and approval by the Board
of Directors of the company.
On September 15, 1993, the company granted Gen Re an option to purchase 5%
of the company's outstanding common shares on a fully diluted basis (as of the
exercise date). This option was granted in connection with the company's
capital raising activities. The option is exercisable, in whole or in part, at
an exercise price of $100 per share, subject to adjustments as provided for in
the agreement, from the time of and for a fifteen-day period after each public
offering by the company. The option expires on the tenth anniversary of an
initial public offering of the company's shares.
On April 15, 1994 the company adopted a Stock Option Plan (the "Plan").
Options may be awarded to officers, employees and non-employee directors to
purchase common shares up to a maximum of 10% at
F-13
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
November 30, 1995 and 5% at November 30, 1994 of the outstanding shares at the
date of grant. Vested options may be exercised after an initial public
offering of the company's shares. Prior to any such public offering, options
may be redeemed for cash based on the net book value per share. Options expire
10 years after the grant date and are subject to a vesting period of three
years from the date of grant.
Outstanding shares under option consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994
---------------------------- ------------------------
NUMBER EXERCISE NUMBER EXERCISE
OF SHARES PRICE RANGE OF SHARES PRICE RANGE
UNDER OPTION PER SHARE UNDER OPTION PER SHARE
------------ --------------- ------------ -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Outstanding, beginning
of year................ 163,000 $100 -- --
Options granted......... 191,000 $117.53-$132.19 163,000 $100
Options repurchased and
canceled............... (25,000) $100 -- --
------- --------------- ------- ----
Outstanding, end of
year................... 329,000 $100-$132.19 163,000 $100
======= =============== ======= ====
</TABLE>
At November 30, 1995 and 1994 options on 92,000 and 54,000 shares,
respectively, had vested.
7. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Investment advisory services
The company has retained the services of GRAM to provide investment advisory
and asset management services for an initial period of three and one-half
years, commencing September 15, 1993, with optional renewal periods
thereafter. In consideration for providing these services, the company pays
GRAM an annual fee based on the market value of the average assets under
management. The fee equals thirty-five basis points for the first $100 million
under management, twenty-five basis points for the next $100 million under
management, and fifteen basis points for average investments above $200
million. The company incurred investment management fees of $1,263,000,
$1,128,000 and $240,000 respectively, in the periods ended November 30, 1995,
1994 and 1993. Other liabilities include an amount due to GRAM for these
services of $360,000 at November 30, 1995, $325,000 at November 30, 1994 and
$240,000 at November 30, 1993.
Underwriting services
The company has retained GRUS a wholly owned subsidiary of Gen Re, to
perform certain underwriting, claims supervision and administrative services
for the company for an initial period of five and one-half years, commencing
September 15, 1993 with optional renewal periods thereafter. In consideration
for performing these services, the company pays GRUS an annual fee comprised
of (i) the greater of (a) $2 million or (b) the sum of (1) 3% of net written
premium (including reinstatements and other premium adjustments) up to $250
million, (2) 2% of net written premium from $250 million to $350 million and
(3) 1% of net written premium in excess of $350 million, plus (ii) 4% of any
underwriting profit earned by the company, computed on a three-year rolling
average basis. The company incurred gross underwriting fees of $8,333,000,
$6,745,000 and $417,000 (of which $1,752,000 in 1995 and $1,210,000 in 1994 is
included in deferred acquisition costs) in the periods ended November 30,
1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively. Other liabilities include an amount due to
GRUS for these services of $3,068,000 at November 30, 1995, $2,691,000 at
November 30, 1994 and $417,000 at November 30, 1993.
Brokerage commissions
The company has written premiums placed through the reinsurance intermediary
Herbert Clough Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gen Re. Herbert Clough Inc.,
received brokerage commissions of $759,000 and $943,000 during the years ended
November 30, 1995 and 1994, respectively, in respect of this business.
F-14
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Premiums written
Premiums written during the years ended November 30, 1995 and 1994 include
$8,717,000 and $2,340,000 retroceded by Gen Re. Premiums receivable include
amounts due in respect of this business of $1,921,000 at November 30, 1995.
There were no balances due at November 30, 1994.
Other
During the period ended November 30, 1993, Gen Re and its affiliates settled
various expenditures on behalf of the company. Amounts due in respect of these
transactions amounted to $517,000 at November 30, 1993. Other operating costs
and expenses in the period ended November 30, 1993 include $369,000 paid to a
stockholder.
8. INCOME TAXES
Under Bermuda law as an exempt company, the company incurs no Bermuda income
tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax or capital transfer tax with respect
to its income. The company has received an undertaking from the Bermuda
government exempting it from all such taxes until March 28, 2016.
The company is organized and operates in such a manner that neither the
company nor U.S. persons owning shares are expected to be subject to current
U.S. taxation on the company's undistributed income (other than U.S. excise
tax on reinsurance premiums and withholding tax on certain investment income
from U.S. sources). Notwithstanding such organization, it is possible that
U.S. taxing authorities may consider the company to be engaged in a trade or
business in the United States or to be subject to the related person insurance
income ("RPII") rules, which could subject the company and/or U.S. persons
owning shares to current U.S. income taxation on all or a portion of the
company's undistributed earnings and profits.
9. PENSION PLAN
On May 1, 1995 the company implemented a contributory defined contribution
pension plan for all eligible employees. Contributions are based on a
percentage of eligible compensation and amounted to $109,000 during the year
ended November 30, 1995.
10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
GRUS leases office space, which the company occupies, under a non-cancelable
lease expiring in 1998 with a three-year renewal option. The annual rental
payments made by the company for the periods ended November 30, 1995, 1994 and
1993 amounted to $71,000, $60,000 and $15,000 respectively. (Note 1).
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk
There were no financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at November
30, 1995 and November 30, 1993. The forward foreign exchange contracts
outstanding at November 30, 1994 had no net fair value and were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1994
-----------------
NOTIONAL FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE
-------- -------
$000 $000
<S> <C> <C>
Receivable.............................................. $ 7,493 $ 7,493
Payable................................................. (7,493) (7,493)
------- -------
Net..................................................... $ -- $ --
======= =======
</TABLE>
F-15
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Forward foreign exchange contracts are used for hedging purposes and changes
in the value of these contracts offset the foreign exchange gains and losses
of the foreign currency investments being hedged. The maturity dates of these
contracts are generally between 30 and 120 days. The company is exposed to
credit risk in the event of non-performance by the parties to these contracts.
Any loss is limited to the fair value at the time of non-performance.
In accordance with the company's accounting policy, realized and unrealized
gains and losses on forward exchange contracts used to hedge foreign currency
investments are deferred and included in stockholders' equity until the
corresponding investments are sold. The amounts deferred at November 30, 1995
and 1994 and included in unrealized depreciation of investments were
$4,928,000 and $2,617,000, respectively. There were no amounts deferred at
November 30, 1993.
Concentration of credit risk
The company's investment portfolio is managed by GRAM subject to approved
investment guidelines which outline prudent standards of diversification and
restrict the allowable holdings of a single issue and issuers. Other than
investments in instruments issued by the U.S. Government or U.S. Government
agencies, the company does not have any investment in a single issuer which
exceeds 5% of the carrying value of the capital and surplus of the company.
All fixed maturity and equity securities must have an investment grade rating
assigned by rating agencies or, with respect to non-rated issues, as estimated
by GRAM. The company believes that there are no significant concentrations of
credit risk associated with its investment portfolio.
The company's business is largely generated through reinsurance
intermediaries. Certain intermediaries and their affiliates generated in
excess of 5% of the company's premiums written in any fiscal year. There were
six such intermediaries in 1995, five in 1994 and three in 1993, and in total
they generated 69%, 60% and 99% of the company's premiums written in those
years, respectively. One of the intermediaries in both 1994 and 1995 was
Herbert Clough, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Gen Re. Approximately 30%
in 1995, 29% in 1994, and 72% in 1993 of all premiums written was arranged by
one intermediary and its affiliates. In 1995 and 1994, approximately 8% and
5%, respectively, of premiums written for the year was in respect of one
cedent and its affiliates. In 1993, approximately 52% of premiums written was
in respect of one cedent.
Letters of credit
The company has a facility for the issuance of letters of credit. Letters of
credit outstanding at November 30, 1995 amounted to $10,447,000. Investments
in the amount of $16,300,000 were collateralized as security for these letters
of credit. There were no letters of credit outstanding at November 30, 1994
and 1993.
11. FOREIGN OPERATIONS
Financial information relating to premiums written allocated by territory of
coverage is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
$000 $000 $000
-------- -------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
United States...................................... $ 98,944 $ 97,643 $--
United Kingdom..................................... 28,194 11,301 --
Australia/New Zealand.............................. 20,072 10,519 281
Japan.............................................. 12,833 11,008 --
Other.............................................. 17,537 9,359 324
-------- -------- ----
$177,580 $139,830 $605
======== ======== ====
</TABLE>
F-16
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
12. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
Under the provisions of The Insurance Act, 1978 (Bermuda), amendments
thereto and related Regulations, (the "Act"), the company is required to file
Statutory Financial Statements and a Statutory Financial Return. The company
is also required to maintain certain measures of solvency and liquidity. These
requirements do not place any restrictions on the payment of dividends at
November 30, 1995, 1994 and 1993. The company's statutory capital and surplus
and the minimum required amounted to:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1995 1994 1993
$000 $000 $000
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Statutory capital and surplus................. $684,453 $537,296 $497,846
======== ======== ========
Minimum required statutory capital and
surplus...................................... $100,000 $ 14,583 $ 121
======== ======== ========
Statutory net income.......................... $104,061 $ 79,175 $ 3,213
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
The difference between the statutory capital and surplus and statutory net
income and stockholders' equity and net income reported in these financial
statements relates to the accounting treatment afforded deferred acquisition
costs and other assets.
13. UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
Year ended November 30, 1995
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
(IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS,
EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
-----------------------------------
AUG. NOV.
FEB. 28, MAY 31, 31, 30,
1995 1995 1995 1995
-------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Premiums written.......... $ 97,012 $44,179 $34,445 $ 1,944
Change in unearned
premiums................. (60,331) (6,016) 7,957 38,307
-------- ------- ------- -------
Premiums earned........... 36,681 38,163 42,402 40,251
Net investment income..... 8,542 9,446 9,688 10,101
Net realized gain (loss)
on investments........... -- 300 (2,228) (319)
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total revenues.......... 45,223 47,909 49,862 50,033
-------- ------- ------- -------
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses.. 16,127 336 4,535 28,776
Acquisition costs......... 5,418 6,447 8,233 5,740
Operating costs........... 2,232 2,863 2,184 2,538
Net exchange loss (gain).. 324 (291) 860 691
-------- ------- ------- -------
Total expenses.......... 24,101 9,355 15,812 37,745
-------- ------- ------- -------
Net income ............. $ 21,122 $38,554 $34,050 $12,288
======== ======= ======= =======
Net income per common
share.................. $ 4.00 $ 7.27 $ 6.40 $ 2.30
======== ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
The fourth quarter results include estimates of incurred losses in respect
of Hurricanes Luis, Marilyn and Opal.
F-17
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
Year ended November 30, 1994
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUG. NOV.
FEB. 28, MAY 31, 31, 30,
1994 1994 1994 1994
-------- -------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Revenues
Premiums written........................ $ 59,656 $ 47,007 $28,500 $ 4,667
Change in unearned premiums............. (48,822) (24,086) 4,014 28,574
-------- -------- ------- -------
Premiums earned......................... 10,834 22,921 32,514 33,241
Net investment income................... 6,444 6,669 7,467 8,585
Net realized loss on investments........ (1,322) (3,405) (67) (1,867)
-------- -------- ------- -------
Total revenues........................ 15,956 26,185 39,914 39,959
-------- -------- ------- -------
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses................ 7,530 3,257 3,530 3,925
Acquisition costs....................... 1,616 3,497 5,450 4,929
Operating costs......................... 804 1,194 1,358 1,308
Net exchange loss (gain)................ 11 (169) (302) (621)
-------- -------- ------- -------
Total expenses........................ 9,961 7,779 10,036 9,541
-------- -------- ------- -------
Net income............................ $ 5,995 $ 18,406 $29,878 $30,418
======== ======== ======= =======
Net income per common share........... $ 1.14 $ 3.48 $ 5.66 $ 5.76
======== ======== ======= =======
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED AT FEBRUARY 29, 1996)
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 29, NOVEMBER 30,
ASSETS 1996 1995
------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Investments--available for sale
Fixed maturities at fair value..................... $702,756 $676,009
(Amortized cost: $705,108 and $671,359)
Equity securities at fair value.................... 21,013 20,711
(Cost: $21,250)
-------- --------
Total investments................................ 723,769 696,720
Cash and cash equivalents............................ 57,935 55,240
Accrued investment income............................ 11,934 11,483
Premiums receivable.................................. 80,344 46,100
Deferred acquisition costs........................... 11,934 7,534
Other assets......................................... 359 331
-------- --------
Total assets .................................... $886,275 $817,408
======== ========
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Losses and loss expenses............................. $ 44,173 $ 54,130
Unearned premiums.................................... 98,278 60,434
Other liabilities.................................... 13,903 10,526
-------- --------
Total liabilities................................ 156,354 125,090
-------- --------
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
Stockholders' Equity
Common shares (10,000,000 shares authorized of a
par value of $10: 5,237,160 shares issued and
outstanding)...................................... 52,372 52,372
Paid-in capital.................................... 446,780 446,780
Unrealized depreciation of investments............. (7,339) (817)
Retained earnings.................................. 238,108 193,983
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity....................... 729,921 692,318
-------- --------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity....... $886,275 $817,408
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-19
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------
FEBRUARY 29, FEBRUARY 28,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Common shares
Balance, beginning and end of period................ $ 52,372 $ 52,522
-------- --------
Paid-in capital
Balance, beginning and end of period................ 446,780 448,465
-------- --------
Unrealized depreciation of investments
Balance, beginning of period........................ (817) (45,628)
Net change in fair value of investment portfolio.... (6,522) 14,871
-------- --------
Balance, end of period.............................. (7,339) (30,757)
-------- --------
Retained earnings
Balance, beginning of period........................ 193,983 87,969
Net income.......................................... 44,125 21,122
-------- --------
Balance, end of period.............................. 238,108 109,091
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity........................ $729,921 $579,321
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-20
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------
FEBRUARY 29, FEBRUARY 28,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Revenues
Premiums written................................... $ 77,340 $ 97,012
Change in unearned premiums........................ (37,863) (60,331)
--------- ---------
Premiums earned.................................... 39,477 36,681
Net investment income.............................. 10,552 8,542
Net realized gains on investments.................. 1,404 --
--------- ---------
Total revenues................................... 51,433 45,223
--------- ---------
Expenses
Losses and loss expenses........................... (4,213) 16,127
Acquisition costs.................................. 6,756 5,418
Operating costs.................................... 4,608 2,232
Net exchange loss.................................. 157 324
--------- ---------
Total expenses................................... 7,308 24,101
--------- ---------
Net income....................................... $ 44,125 $ 21,122
========= =========
Net income per common share.......................... $ 8.25 $ 4.00
Weighted average number of common shares and common
share equivalents................................... 5,348,476 5,276,494
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-21
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
-------------------------
FEBRUARY 29, FEBRUARY 28,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
(UNAUDITED)
<S> <C> <C>
Operating activities
Net income......................................... $ 44,125 $ 21,122
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Amortization of discounts and premiums on fixed
maturities and short-term investments............. 1,064 1,280
Net realized gain on investments................... (1,404) --
Deferred gains (losses) on forward exchange
contracts......................................... 54 (1,263)
Accrued investment income.......................... (451) (1,099)
Premiums receivable................................ (34,244) (59,572)
Deferred acquisition costs......................... (4,400) (6,841)
Other assets....................................... (28) 24
Losses and loss expenses........................... (9,957) 13,826
Unearned premiums.................................. 37,844 60,331
Other liabilities.................................. 3,377 5,946
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities........ 35,980 33,754
-------- --------
Investing activities
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities............ 11,658 --
Proceeds from redemptions of fixed maturities...... 4,447 3,522
Purchases of fixed maturities...................... (49,390) (6,770)
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities............ (33,285) (3,248)
-------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents............ 2,695 30,506
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period....... 55,240 21,097
-------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period......... $ 57,935 $ 51,603
======== ========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-22
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
FEBRUARY 29, 1996 AND FEBRUARY 28, 1995
1. ACQUISITION BY ACE LIMITED
On March 14, 1996 Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited ("the company")
executed a definitive agreement (the "Agreement") for the acquisition of the
company by ACE Limited ("ACE"). This Agreement provides that common shares of
the company will be converted into ordinary shares of ACE. General Reinsurance
Corporation ("Gen Re") will not have a continuing affiliation with the company
after the completion of the proposed acquisition which will result in
repurchase of Gen Re's outstanding common shares and options by the company
and the payment of certain other costs detailed below. The remaining Net
Assets (as defined in the Agreement) in excess of $500 million will be paid as
a dividend to remaining shareholders. The acquisition is subject to, among
other matters, approval of ACE's and the company's shareholders and other
closing conditions and is expected to be completed during 1996.
During the three months ended February 29, 1996 the company incurred
professional fees and expenses, in respect of the proposed acquisition by ACE,
of approximately $1 million.
The ACE transaction will have the following impact on the company:
Repurchase of Gen Re's shares and options
Gen Re's shareholding, which represents 20.68% of the outstanding common
shares at February 29, 1996, and its outstanding stock options will be
repurchased by the company prior to closing the ACE transaction at the
November 30, 1995 fully diluted book value per share plus interest at a rate
of 6% per annum from November 30, 1995 to the date of closing. The
consideration for the repurchase of Gen Re's common shares and outstanding
stock options based on the November 30, 1995 fully diluted book value per
share is $137,300,000 and $7,500,000 respectively.
Reinsurance agreement
At the time of closing the ACE transaction, the company will enter into a
reinsurance agreement with Gen Re. This agreement provides for Gen Re to pay
the company the amount by which losses paid during the period December 1, 1995
to December 1, 1997 in respect of incurred losses prior to December 1, 1995,
exceed $60 million, but subject to a maximum of $10 million. The reinsurance
premium for this transaction is $4 million.
Underwriting services
The company's underwriting services contract with GRUS will be terminated on
June 30, 1996. In consideration for agreeing to this termination, the company
will pay Gen Re an amount of $20,288,000 plus interest at 6% per annum ("the
GRUS termination fee") from November 30, 1995 to the date of closing.
Dividend
Subsequent to the repurchase of the common shares and options held by Gen
Re, the payment of the GRUS termination fee and the payment of the reinsurance
premium, the company will declare a dividend to the remaining shareholders in
order to reduce the Net Assets of the company to approximately $500 million.
Stock option plan
Options awarded to employees and non-employee directors under the terms of
the company's Stock Option Plan (Note 4) will become fully vested and
converted into options to acquire ordinary shares of ACE in accordance with
the Agreement.
F-23
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
2. GENERAL
The company underwrites catastrophe reinsurance and has large aggregate
exposures to man-made and natural disasters. Management, therefore, expects
that its property catastrophe loss experience will be characterized as low
frequency but high severity. This may result in volatility in the company's
financial results.
The company's interim financial statements have been prepared on the basis
of United States generally accepted accounting principles. In the opinion of
management, these unaudited interim financial statements include all
adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a
fair statement of the results for the unaudited interim periods. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results may differ from these estimates.
Premiums written are estimated based on information provided by ceding
companies. The information used in establishing these estimates is reviewed
and subsequent adjustments are recorded in the period in which they are
determined. Premiums are earned over the terms of the related reinsurance
contracts. Unearned premiums are computed by the pro rata method and are
established to cover the unexpired portion of premiums written.
The provision for losses and loss expenses is established by management on
the basis of reports and individual estimates received from ceding companies.
The provision also includes incurred but not reported losses which are based
on estimates of ultimate losses. Actual results could differ from these
estimates. The methods and information used in determining such estimates and
establishing the related liabilities are regularly reviewed and updated, and
any resulting adjustments are reflected in income currently.
3. LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES
During the three months ended February 29, 1996 management reviewed the
estimates of ultimate losses on prior year catastrophes on the basis of
additional information received from ceding companies. As a result of this
review, the company released $4,449,000 of previously recorded loss reserves
and incurred minor losses for new claims, resulting in a benefit to net income
of $4,213,000.
4. STOCK OPTIONS
As described in the company's financial statements for the year ended
November 30, 1995, the company maintains a Stock Option Plan ("the Plan") for
its officers, employees and non-employee directors to purchase common shares
up to a maximum of 10% of the outstanding shares at the date of grant.
At November 30, 1995 there were options to acquire 329,000 shares
outstanding. During the three months ended February 29, 1996 options to
acquire 1,000 shares were canceled and options to acquire 16,666 shares were
repurchased and canceled. At February 29, 1996 there were options to acquire
311,334 shares of which 75,332 had vested.
5. INCOME TAXES
Under Bermuda law as an exempt company, the company incurs no Bermuda income
tax, withholding tax, capital gains tax or capital transfer tax. The company
has received an undertaking from the Bermuda government exempting it from all
such taxes until March 28, 2016.
F-24
<PAGE>
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
NOTES TO INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(CONTINUED)
The company is organized and operates in such a manner that neither the
company nor U.S. persons owning shares are expected to be subject to current
U.S. taxation on the company's undistributed income (other than U.S. excise
tax on reinsurance premiums and withholding tax on certain investment income
from U.S. sources). Notwithstanding such organization, it is possible that
U.S. taxing authorities may consider the company to be engaged in a trade or
business in the United States or to be subject to the related person insurance
income ("RPII") rules, which could subject the company and/or U.S. persons
owning shares to current U.S. income taxation on all or a portion of the
company's undistributed earnings and profits.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk
Forward exchange contracts outstanding at February 29, 1996 had a net fair
value of $54,000 and were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FEBRUARY 29,
1996
-----------------
NOTIONAL FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE
-------- -------
$000 $000
<S> <C> <C>
Receivable.............................................. $ 5,467 $ 5,467
Payable................................................. (5,467) (5,413)
------- -------
$ -- $ 54
======= =======
</TABLE>
There were no forward exchange contracts outstanding at November 30, 1995.
Forward foreign exchange contracts are used for hedging purposes and changes
in the value of these contracts offset the foreign exchange gains and losses
of the foreign currency investments being hedged. The maturity dates of these
contracts are generally between 30 and 120 days. The company is exposed to
credit risk in the event of non-performance by the parties to these contracts.
Any loss is limited to the fair value at the time of non-performance.
In accordance with the company's accounting policy, realized and unrealized
gains and losses on forward exchange contracts used to hedge foreign currency
investments are deferred and included in stockholders' equity until the
corresponding investments are sold. The amounts deferred at February 29, 1996
and November 30, 1995 were $4,750,000 and $4,928,000, respectively.
Letters of credit
The company has a facility for the issuance of letters of credit. Letters of
credit outstanding at February 29, 1996 amounted to $10,742,000. Investments
in the amount of $15,981,000 were collateralized as security for these letters
of credit.
F-25
<PAGE>
ANNEX A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation
dated as of March 14, 1996
by and among
ACE Limited,
a Cayman Islands corporation,
TRCL Acquisition Limited,
a Bermuda limited liability company
and
Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited,
a Bermuda limited liability company
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE ONE
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<C> <S> <C>
Section 1.01 Certain Definitions........................................ A-1
ARTICLE TWO
THE AMALGAMATION
Section 2.01 The Amalgamation........................................... A-3
Section 2.02 Effective Time of the Amalgamation; Closing................ A-3
Section 2.03 Effect of the Amalgamation................................. A-3
Memorandum of Association of Tempest Re; Registration
Section 2.04 Number..................................................... A-3
Section 2.05 Bye-laws of Tempest Re..................................... A-4
Section 2.06 Board of Directors and Officers of Tempest Re.............. A-4
Section 2.07 Conversion of Shares....................................... A-4
Section 2.08 Surrender and Payment...................................... A-5
Section 2.09 Adjustments................................................ A-6
Section 2.10 Fractional Shares.......................................... A-6
Section 2.11 Voting..................................................... A-6
Section 2.12 No Further Rights.......................................... A-6
ARTICLE THREE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Section 3.01 Corporate Organization..................................... A-6
Section 3.02 Authority.................................................. A-7
Section 3.03 Capital Structure.......................................... A-7
Section 3.04 Financial Statements....................................... A-8
Section 3.05 Absence of Certain Changes................................. A-8
Section 3.06 Certain Fees............................................... A-8
Section 3.07 No Defaults................................................ A-9
Section 3.08 Governmental Consents...................................... A-9
Section 3.09 Compliance with Applicable Law............................. A-9
Section 3.10 Information Supplied....................................... A-9
Section 3.11 Material Contracts......................................... A-10
Section 3.12 Taxes...................................................... A-10
Section 3.13 Litigation................................................. A-11
Section 3.14 Title to Properties; Leases................................ A-11
Section 3.15 Certain Agreements......................................... A-11
Section 3.16 U.S. Assets................................................ A-11
Section 3.17 Employees.................................................. A-11
Section 3.18 Intellectual Property...................................... A-12
Section 3.19 Takeover Statutes.......................................... A-12
Section 3.20 Opinion of Financial Advisor............................... A-12
Section 3.21 Agreements with General Re................................. A-13
</TABLE>
-i-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE FOUR
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
PARENT AND ACQUISITION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<C> <S> <C>
Section 4.01 Corporate Organization..................................... A-13
Section 4.02 Authority.................................................. A-13
Section 4.03 No Prior Activities........................................ A-13
Section 4.04 SEC Documents; Financial Statements........................ A-13
Section 4.05 Liabilities................................................ A-14
Section 4.06 Absence of Certain Changes................................. A-14
Section 4.07 No Defaults................................................ A-14
Section 4.08 Governmental Consents...................................... A-15
Section 4.09 Compliance with Applicable Law............................. A-15
Section 4.10 Information Supplied....................................... A-15
Section 4.11 Litigation................................................. A-15
Section 4.12 Taxes...................................................... A-16
Section 4.13 Certain Fees............................................... A-16
Section 4.14 Opinion of Financial Advisor............................... A-16
ARTICLE FIVE
COVENANTS
Section 5.01 Conduct of Business of the Company......................... A-16
Section 5.02 Exclusivity................................................ A-18
Section 5.03 Access to Information...................................... A-19
Section 5.04 Best Efforts............................................... A-19
Section 5.05 S-4; Regulatory Matters.................................... A-20
Section 5.06 Public Announcements....................................... A-20
Section 5.07 Supplemental Information................................... A-20
Section 5.08 Shareholders' Meetings..................................... A-20
Section 5.09 Waivers of Appraisal Rights; Lockup........................ A-21
Section 5.10 Closing Date Balance Sheet Audit........................... A-21
Section 5.11 Company Options............................................ A-21
Section 5.12 Certain Change in Control Matters.......................... A-22
Section 5.13 Affiliates................................................. A-22
Section 5.14 Net Assets................................................. A-22
Section 5.15 Stock Exchange Listing..................................... A-23
Section 5.16 Trading of Parent Shares................................... A-23
Section 5.17 Certain Employee Arrangements.............................. A-23
Section 5.18 Post-Closing Matters....................................... A-23
Section 5.19 Indemnification............................................ A-24
ARTICLE SIX
CONDITIONS TO THE AMALGAMATION
Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Section 6.01 Amalgamation............................................... A-25
Additional Conditions to the Company's Obligation to Effect
Section 6.02 the Amalgamation........................................... A-25
Section 6.03 Additional Conditions to Parent's and Acquisition's
Obligation to Effect the Amalgamation..................... A-26
</TABLE>
-ii-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE SEVEN
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<C> <S> <C>
Section 7.01 Termination by the Company................................. A-28
Section 7.02 Termination by the Company Upon Payment of Termination Fee. A-28
Section 7.03 Termination by Parent and Acquisition...................... A-28
Termination by Parent and Acquisition Upon Payment of
Section 7.04 Termination Fee............................................ A-29
Section 7.05 Termination by the Company, Parent or Acquisition.......... A-29
Section 7.06 Procedure and Effect of Termination........................ A-29
ARTICLE EIGHT
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and
Section 8.01 Agreements................................................. A-29
Section 8.02 Amendment and Modification................................. A-29
Section 8.03 Waiver of Compliance; Consents............................. A-30
Section 8.04 Severability and Validity.................................. A-30
Section 8.05 Expenses and Obligations................................... A-30
Section 8.06 Parties in Interest........................................ A-30
Section 8.07 Additional Agreements...................................... A-30
Section 8.08 Notices.................................................... A-30
Section 8.09 Governing Law.............................................. A-31
Section 8.10 Counterparts............................................... A-31
Section 8.11 Headings................................................... A-31
Section 8.12 Entire Agreement; Assignment............................... A-31
</TABLE>
-iii-
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF AMALGAMATION
This Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March 14, 1996 (the
"Agreement"), by and among ACE Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation
("Parent"), TRCL Acquisition Limited, a limited liability company organized
and incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and a wholly owned direct
subsidiary of Parent ("Acquisition") and Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited,
a limited liability company organized and incorporated under the laws of
Bermuda (the "Company").
Whereas, the respective Boards of Directors of the Company, Parent and
Acquisition deem it advisable and in the best interests of their respective
shareholders to effect the amalgamation of Acquisition and the Company (the
"Amalgamation") pursuant to this Agreement.
Whereas, the parties intend that the Amalgamation shall qualify as a tax-
free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the United
States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Now, Therefore, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual
covenants, representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Certain Definitions. Certain capitalized terms used in this
Agreement shall have the meaning set forth below:
(a) "Affiliate" of a party means any Person or entity controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with such party. For purposes of
this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms
"controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used
with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by agreement or otherwise.
(b) "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, or a
bank holiday in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and in the state of New York in
the United States of America.
(c) "Confidentiality Letter" means that certain letter between Parent and
the Company, dated November 21, 1995.
(d) "Determination Date" means the date upon which the Average Closing
Price is determined.
(e) "Disclosure Letter" means the letter, dated as of the date hereof,
from the Company to Parent regarding certain matters related to this
Agreement.
(f) "Dollars" or "$" means United States dollars.
(g) "Employee Benefit Plan" means each benefit plan maintained or
contributed to by the Company or with respect to which the Company may have
any liability, which provides (or is intended to provide) benefits to the
employees of the Company (or other service providers to the Company);
including, without limitation, each pension, retirement or deferred
compensation plan, incentive compensation plan, stock plan, unemployment
compensation plan, vacation pay, severance pay, bonus or benefit
arrangement, insurance, medical or hospitalization program, sickness,
accident, disability or death benefit program or any other fringe benefit
arrangement.
(h) "Exchange Act" means the United States Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
(i) "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in
the United States of America (as such principles may change from time to
time).
(j) "Governmental Authority" means any governmental, quasi-governmental,
judicial, or regulatory agency or entity or subdivision thereof with
jurisdiction over the Company, Parent or Acquisition or any of their
respective Subsidiaries or any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
A-1
<PAGE>
(k) "Lien" means any mortgage, lien, security interest, pledge, lease or
other charge or encumbrance of any kind, including, without limitation, the
lien or retained security title of a purchase money creditor or conditional
vendor, and any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to
real property, and any agreement to give any of the foregoing.
(l) "Market Value" shall mean the closing price on the NYSE on the date
immediately prior to the Closing Date.
(m) "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean, with respect to the Company or
Parent (as the case may be), any change, event, condition or development
that is or may reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the
business, assets, liabilities, results of operations, properties, financial
or operating condition or prospects of such party and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole (without giving effect to the consequences of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement), or the ability of such party
(and, to the extent applicable, its Subsidiaries) to perform its (or their)
obligations under this Agreement or consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby.
(n) "Net Assets" of the Company shall mean the shareholders' equity of
the Company computed in accordance with GAAP as shown on the Closing Date
Balance Sheet (as defined herein) and adjusted to: (i) add the sum of (A)
any amounts accrued on the financial statements of the Company for Company
Options (as defined herein) and (B) incurred losses and loss expenses
recorded by the Company for the underwriting period beginning December 1,
1995 and continuing to the Closing Date (as defined herein); and (ii)
deduct the sum of (A) fees of the Company's legal, accounting, auditing and
other advisors incurred by the Company in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby to the extent that such fees have not already been
accrued on the financial statements of the Company, and (B) losses and loss
expenses in an amount equal to the greater of (x) forty-two percent of
earned premiums for the underwriting period commencing December 1, 1995 and
continuing to the Closing Date and (y) incurred losses and loss expenses
recorded by the Company for the underwriting period beginning December 1,
1995 and continuing to the Closing Date, and (C) an accrual equal to the
Market Value of Parent Shares (as defined herein) represented by the
options issued under this Agreement at the Closing Date less the exercise
price of those options, and (D) an accrual equal to (1) the product of (a)
the number of Shares subject to Company Options outstanding at the Closing
Date other than Roll-Over Options (as defined herein) multiplied by (b) the
Market Value of the Parent Shares issued pursuant to Section 2.07(a) per
Share less (2) the aggregate exercise price of such Company Options, and
(E) any decrease in excess of $10 million between November 30, 1995 and the
Closing Date in the estimate of ultimate unpaid loss reserves at November
30, 1995 (it being understood that any decrease up to an amount of $10
million shall be for the benefit of the Former Holders (as defined
herein)), and (F) any payment made or amount payable with respect to the
stop loss reinsurance agreement with General Re referred to in Section
6.03(l)(iv) hereof to the extent such amount has not reduced the Company's
shareholders' equity prior to the Closing Date.
(o) "NYSE" means the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(p) "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens for Taxes or other assessments or
charges of Governmental Authorities that are not yet delinquent or that are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, in each case,
with respect to which adequate reserves or other appropriate provisions are
being maintained to the extent required by GAAP; (ii) statutory Liens of
landlords and mortgagees of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen,
mechanics, materialmen and other Liens imposed by law and created in the
ordinary course of business for amounts not yet more than 30 days overdue
or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, in
each case, with respect to which adequate reserves or other appropriate
provisions are being maintained to the extent required by GAAP; (iii)
leases or subleases, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, and consents
which do not interfere materially with the ordinary conduct of the business
of the Company or detract materially from the value of the property to
which they attach or materially impair the use thereof to the Company; and
(iv) Liens granted by the Company to lenders pursuant to credit agreements
in existence on the date hereof.
(q) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization or
other entity.
A-2
<PAGE>
(r) "SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
(s) "Securities Act" means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
(t) "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to a specified Person, each
corporation, partnership or other entity in which the specified Person owns
or controls, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, 50
percent or more of the stock or other interests having general voting power
in the election of directors or Persons performing similar functions or
rights to 50 percent or more of any distributions.
(u) "Tax" or "Taxes" shall mean any Bermuda, Cayman Islands, United
States federal, state, local, foreign or other income, capital stock,
employees' income withholding, foreign Person withholding, social security,
unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use,
transfer or other tax, including any interest, penalties or other additions
to tax in respect to the foregoing, whether disputed or not.
(v) "Third Party Acquisition" means (i) the acquisition by any Person of
more than ten percent (10%) of the total assets of the Company, (ii) the
acquisition by any Person of ten percent (10%) or more of (a) the Shares or
(b) the Total Voting Power, or (iii) any merger, amalgamation or other
combination of the Company with any Person.
(w) "Total Voting Power" means, at any date, the total number of votes
that may be cast in the election of directors of the Company at any meeting
of shareholders of the Company held on such date assuming all Voting Shares
were present and voted at such meeting.
(x) "Voting Shares" means Shares and all other securities of the Company,
if any, entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
ARTICLE TWO
THE AMALGAMATION
Section 2.01 The Amalgamation. At the Effective Time (as defined below), and
upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, Acquisition shall be
amalgamated with and into the Company in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (the "Companies Act"). At and after
the Effective Time, the Company shall continue in the form of the amalgamated
company and shall operate under the name "Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited"
("Tempest Re").
Section 2.02 Effective Time of the Amalgamation; Closing. As soon as
practicable after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
Article SIX, Parent and Acquisition will cause an application for the
registration of an amalgamated company and such other documents as are
required by the Companies Act in connection with the Amalgamation to be duly
filed with the Registrar of Companies of Bermuda (the "Registrar"). The
Amalgamation shall become effective upon the issuance of the certificate of
amalgamation by the Registrar (the time of such issuance being the "Effective
Time"). Prior to such filing, a closing shall be held, at the offices of
Appleby, Spurling & Kempe, Cedar House, 41 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton HM12,
Bermuda at 9:00 a.m. or such other place and/or time as the parties shall
agree, for the purpose of confirming the satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in Article SIX (the "Closing"). The date upon which the
Closing shall occur is referred to herein as the "Closing Date."
Section 2.03 Effect of the Amalgamation. The Amalgamation shall have the
effects set forth in Section 109 of the Companies Act. As of the Effective
Time, Tempest Re shall be a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent.
Section 2.04 Memorandum of Association of Tempest Re; Registration Number.
The memorandum of association of the Company shall become the memorandum of
association of Tempest Re and thereafter may be amended or repealed as
provided therein and by law. The memorandum of association of Tempest Re shall
be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. The registration number of
Tempest Re in Bermuda after the Effective Time shall be the same registration
number as that of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time.
A-3
<PAGE>
Section 2.05 Bye-laws of Tempest Re. The bye-laws of the Company in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time (except for Section 53 thereof which
shall read in its entirety as follows: "At any meeting of Members (or in
connection with any written resolution in lieu of such a meeting), each Member
holding Common Shares, in the case of a meeting, present in person or by
proxy, shall be entitled to one vote, on a non-cumulative basis, for each
Common Share registered in such Member's name in the Register of Members.")
shall be the bye-laws of Tempest Re and thereafter may be amended or repealed
in accordance with its terms, the memorandum of association of Tempest Re and
as provided by law.
Section 2.06 Board of Directors and Officers of Tempest Re. At the Effective
Time, the current directors of Acquisition and any additional individuals
designated by Parent, all of whose names and addresses are set forth on
Exhibit B-1 hereto, shall be the initial directors of Tempest Re, each of such
directors to hold office in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
memorandum of association and bye-laws of Tempest Re and until their
successors shall be elected or appointed and shall duly qualify. Except as set
forth on Exhibit B-1, immediately prior to the Effective Time, the current
directors of the Company shall cease to be directors of the Company and shall
not be directors of Tempest Re. After giving effect to the Amalgamation, the
officers of Tempest Re shall be the individuals whose names are set forth on
Exhibit B-2 hereto, each to hold office in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the memorandum of association and bye-laws of Tempest Re and
until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
Section 2.07 Conversion of Shares. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Amalgamation and without any action on the part of Parent, Acquisition, the
Company or the holder of any of the following securities thereof:
(a) Each common share, $10 par value per share, of the Company (a
"Share") which is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time (other than Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section 2.07(d) hereof)
shall be, by virtue of the Amalgamation and without any action on the part
of the holder thereof, cancelled and extinguished and shall be converted
into that number of ordinary shares, par value $0.125 per share, of Parent
(the "Parent Shares"), obtained by dividing (i) the quotient of (x) the
Premium Amount (as defined below) divided by (y) the Average Closing Price
(as defined below), by (ii) the number of Shares issued and outstanding
(excluding Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section 2.07(d) hereof)
immediately prior to the Effective Time (the ratio of a Share to such
number of Parent Shares, rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of a Parent
Share, being defined herein as the "Exchange Ratio").
The "Premium Amount" shall be an amount equal to one-hundred twenty percent
(120%) of the Net Assets of the Company; provided, however, that if the Net
Assets of the Company should exceed $500 million then the Premium Amount shall
be an amount equal to the sum of (i) $600 million and (ii) the dollar amount
by which the Net Assets exceed $500 million.
The Parent Shares to be received as consideration pursuant to the
Amalgamation and the procedures set forth in Section 2.08 by each holder of
Shares is referred to herein as the "Amalgamation Consideration." Parent shall
take such action as shall be necessary to issue the Parent Shares to be
received as Amalgamation Consideration and register them on its share
register.
The "Average Closing Price" shall be an amount equal to the average per
share closing price of Parent Shares as reported on the NYSE Composite
Transaction Tape for the ten NYSE trading days immediately preceding the three
NYSE trading days prior to the date upon which Parent's shareholders' meeting
occurs as provided in Section 5.08; provided, however, that if the Average
Closing Price is greater than $45.00, the Exchange Ratio will become fixed as
if the Average Closing Price were $45.00 and if the Average Closing Price is
less than $33.00, the Exchange Ratio will become fixed as if the Average
Closing Price were $33.00 (the prices at which the Exchange Ratio will be
fixed are collectively referred to herein as the "Average Closing Price
Caps").
(b) Each share of common stock, par value $10.00 per share, of
Acquisition issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be converted into and become one validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of common stock, par value $10.00 per share, of Tempest
Re.
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(c) Each Company Option (as defined in Section 3.03) outstanding as of
the Effective Time shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.11.
(d) Each Share which is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time and held by Parent or Acquisition or any of their respective
Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and
no consideration shall be issued in exchange therefor.
Section 2.08 Surrender and Payment.
(a) Prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall appoint an agent (the
"Exchange Agent") for the purpose of exchanging certificates representing
Shares for certificates representing Parent Shares in accordance with the
Exchange Ratio pursuant to Section 2.07(a). At the Effective Time, Parent
will deposit with the Exchange Agent certificates representing the
aggregate Amalgamation Consideration to be paid in respect of the Shares.
Promptly after the Effective Time, Parent will send, or will cause the
Exchange Agent to send, to each holder of Shares at the Effective Time a
letter of transmittal for use in such exchange (which shall specify that
the delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title shall pass, only
upon proper delivery of the certificates representing Shares to the
Exchange Agent).
(b) Each holder of Shares that have been converted into a right to
receive the Amalgamation Consideration, upon surrender to the Exchange
Agent of a certificate or certificates representing such Shares, together
with a properly completed letter of transmittal covering such Shares, will
be entitled to receive the Amalgamation Consideration payable in respect of
such Shares. Until so surrendered, each such certificate shall, after the
Effective Time, represent for all purposes only the right to receive such
Amalgamation Consideration.
(c) If any portion of the Amalgamation Consideration is to be paid to a
Person other than the registered holder of the Shares represented by the
certificate or certificates surrendered in exchange therefor, it shall be a
condition to such payment that the certificate or certificates so
surrendered shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for
transfer and that the Person requesting such payment shall pay to the
Exchange Agent any transfer or other Taxes required as a result of such
payment to a Person other than the registered holder of such Shares or
establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been
paid or is not payable.
(d) After the Effective Time, there shall be no further registration of
transfers of Shares; provided, that, this Section shall not prohibit
transfers of shares of Tempest Re by any holder thereof. If, after the
Effective Time, certificates representing Shares are presented to Tempest
Re or, subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(e), the Exchange Agent,
they shall be cancelled and exchanged for the Amalgamation Consideration in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article TWO. If, after the
Effective Time and after the date set forth in the restrictive legend
endorsed on any Parent Share in accordance with Section 5.09(b) of this
Agreement, such Parent Share is presented to Tempest Re or, subject to the
provisions of Section 2.08(e), the Exchange Agent, such Parent Share shall
be cancelled and exchanged for an equivalent Parent Share without such a
restrictive legend.
(e) Any portion of the Amalgamation Consideration deposited with the
Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 2.08(a), and any cash payment for a
fractional Parent Share pursuant to Section 2.10, that remains unclaimed by
the holders of Shares twelve months after the Effective Time shall be
returned to Parent or an Affiliate designated by Parent, upon demand, and
any such holder who has not exchanged his Shares for the Amalgamation
Consideration in accordance with this Article TWO prior to that time shall
thereafter look only to Parent for his claim for Parent Shares, any cash in
lieu of fractional Parent Shares and any dividends or distributions with
respect to Parent Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent shall not
be liable to any holder of Shares for any amount paid to a public official
pursuant to applicable abandoned property laws.
(f) No dividends or other distributions with respect to the Parent Shares
constituting part of the Amalgamation Consideration shall be paid to the
holder of any unsurrendered certificates representing Shares until such
certificates are surrendered as provided in this Section 2.08. Upon such
surrender, there shall be paid (to the extent due and not yet paid),
without interest, to the Person in whose name the
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certificates representing the Parent Shares into which such Shares were
converted are registered, (i) any dividends and other distributions in
respect of Parent Shares that are payable on a date subsequent to, and the
record date for which occurs after, the Effective Time and (ii) any
dividends (including any Contingent Dividend, as defined in Section 5.14
hereof) or other distributions in respect of Shares that are payable on a
date subsequent to, and the record date for which occurs on or before, the
Effective Time.
Section 2.09 Adjustments. Except as specifically contemplated by this
Agreement, if prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall subdivide, split up,
reclassify or combine the Parent Shares or declare a dividend, or make a
distribution, on the Parent Shares in any security convertible into Parent
Shares, appropriate adjustment or adjustments, if any, will be made to the
Exchange Ratio, the Average Closing Price Caps and the Termination Prices (as
defined in Section 7.05 hereof). If at the Effective Time, the Company shall
have outstanding or subject to option more Shares than are contemplated to be
outstanding or subject to option as set forth in the representations and
warranties in Section 3.03, then, at Parent's election and notwithstanding
other provisions hereof, and without limiting any of its other rights
hereunder, the Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted downward to a ratio that would
result in an aggregate Amalgamation Consideration equal to the aggregate
Amalgamation Consideration that would have resulted if such representation and
warranty had been strictly complied with at the Effective Time.
Section 2.10 Fractional Shares. No certificates or scrip representing
fractional Parent Shares will be issued in the Amalgamation, but in lieu
thereof each holder of Shares otherwise entitled to a fractional Parent Share
will be entitled to receive, from the Exchange Agent in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 2.10, a cash payment in lieu of such fractional
Parent Share representing the value of such fraction, which for this purpose
shall be calculated by multiplying such fraction by the Average Closing Price
(as defined in Section 2.07(a)). As soon as practicable after the
determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of Shares
in lieu of any fractional Parent Share, the Exchange Agent shall promptly pay
without interest to all holders of Shares entitled thereto all such amounts.
Section 2.11 Voting. In determining shareholders of Parent entitled to
notice of and to vote at meetings of shareholders of Parent, former
shareholders of record of the Company shall not be deemed shareholders of
record until such holders have delivered their certificates representing
Shares to the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 2.08(a), or otherwise
pursuant to Section 2.08(e).
Section 2.12 No Further Rights. At and after the Effective Time, each holder
of a certificate or certificates that represented issued and outstanding
Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights
as a shareholder of the Company, except for the right to receive the
Amalgamation Consideration upon surrender of its certificate or certificates.
ARTICLE THREE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Acquisition that:
Section 3.01 Corporate Organization. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation. The Company (i) is qualified, licensed or
domesticated as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions where such
qualification, license or domestication is required to own and operate its
properties and conduct its business in the manner and at the places presently
conducted; (ii) holds all franchises, grants, licenses, certificates, permits,
consents and orders, all of which are valid and in full force and effect, from
all applicable Bermuda and foreign regulatory authorities necessary to own and
operate its properties and to conduct its business in the manner and at the
places presently conducted; and (iii) has full power and authority (corporate
and other) to own, lease and operate its respective properties and assets and
to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be
conducted, except where the failure to be so qualified, licensed or
domesticated, or to hold such franchises, grants, licenses, certificates,
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permits, consents and orders or to have such power and authority would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The
Company is not required to be authorized, qualified, licensed or domesticated
as a foreign corporation under any United States federal, state or local law.
The Company has furnished to Parent and Acquisition complete and correct
copies of its memorandum of association and bye-laws as in effect on the date
hereof. Such memorandum of association and bye-laws are in full force and
effect and no other organizational documents are applicable to or binding upon
the Company. The Company has no Subsidiaries.
Section 3.02 Authority. The Company has all requisite corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to the due approval by its
shareholders of the provisions of this Agreement which are the terms and means
of effecting the Amalgamation as required by the bye-laws of the Company, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by the Company, the performance by the Company of its
obligations hereunder and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of the Company (including without limitation the approval
of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by the necessary
vote of all members of its Board of Directors, which approval includes a
resolution recommending that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby be approved by the shareholders of the Company), subject only to the
approval of the provisions of this Agreement which are the terms and means of
effecting the Amalgamation by the affirmative vote of shareholders holding
and/or Persons representing not less than sixty percent (60%) of the issued
and outstanding Shares. No other corporate proceedings on the part of the
Company are necessary for the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by the Company and, subject to the approval by its shareholders of
the provisions of this Agreement which are the terms and means of effecting
the Amalgamation as provided by the bye-laws of the Company and the filing of
the application for registration of the Amalgamation pursuant to Section 2.02
of this Agreement, the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder
and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby.
This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and
(assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Parent and
Acquisition) constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject with
respect to enforceability to the effect of bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws now or hereafter
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and to the
availability of equitable remedies.
Section 3.03 Capital Structure.
(a) As of the date hereof, the authorized share capital of the Company
consists of $100,000,000 divided into 10,000,000 Shares of par value $10.00
each. As of November 30, 1995, 5,237,160 Shares were issued and
outstanding. Section 3.03(a) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth each plan,
arrangement or agreement pursuant to which options or stock appreciation
rights with respect to Shares may be granted or under which such options or
stock appreciation rights have been granted and are outstanding and in the
aggregate by plan, arrangement or agreement the number of options and stock
appreciation rights outstanding, their grant price, the date such options
or rights were granted and the number of Shares reserved for issuance
pursuant to the plan, arrangement or agreement, together with the name of
each holder of an option or stock appreciation right outstanding under any
such plan, arrangement or agreement (such options and rights being herein
collectively referred to as the "Company Options"), a description of the
exercise or purchase prices, vesting schedules, expiration dates, and
numbers of Shares subject to each such Company Option, together with a
listing of all Company Options which by their terms shall vest at the
Effective Time as a result of the Amalgamation. Except as set forth in
Section 3.03(a) of the Disclosure Letter, (i) no Shares have been issued
since November 30, 1995, except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant
to stock option agreements or other Employee Benefit Plans existing on the
date hereof, and (ii) the Company has not issued or granted any option,
warrant, convertible security or other right or agreement which affords any
Person the right to purchase or otherwise acquire any Shares or any other
security of the Company. Except as set forth in this Agreement or Section
3.03(a) of the Disclosure Letter, the Company is not subject to any
obligation (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire or
retire any of its securities.
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(b) Except as described in Section 3.03(b) of the Disclosure Letter, no
bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness having the right to vote (or
convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) on
any matters on which shareholders may vote ("Voting Debt") of the Company
are issued or outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding securities of
the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid
and non-assessable, and were issued in compliance with all applicable
Bermuda, United States federal, state and other foreign laws regulating the
offer, sale or issuance of such securities (assuming compliance with all
such laws by the Persons to whom such securities were issued or sold and by
any transferee of such Persons).
(c) Except as described in Sections 3.03(a), (b) or (c) of the Disclosure
Letter, there are no options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or
agreements of any character to which the Company is a party or by which it
is bound obligating the Company to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be
issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or any Voting
Debt of the Company or obligating the Company to grant, extend or enter
into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment or agreement. Except
as set forth in this Agreement, at the Effective Time, there will be no
outstanding contractual obligations of the Company to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any capital stock of the Company.
(d) Except as described in Section 3.03(d) of the Disclosure Letter or as
specifically described in this Agreement, since November 30, 1995, the
Company has not (i) made or agreed to make any stock split or stock
dividend, or issued or permitted to be issued any shares of capital stock,
or securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of capital stock,
of the Company other than pursuant to and as required by the terms of any
Company Option; (ii) repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any shares
of capital stock of the Company; or (iii) declared, set aside, made or paid
to the shareholders of the Company dividends or other distributions on the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company.
Section 3.04 Financial Statements.
(a) The Company has delivered to Parent and Acquisition copies of its
audited annual financial statements as of November 30, 1995, 1994, and 1993
(the "Financial Statements"), consisting of balance sheets as of such dates
and the related statements of income, cash flows and shareholders' equity
for the periods then ended, copies of which are included in Section 3.04(a)
of the Disclosure Letter.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.04(b) of the Disclosure Letter, the
Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a
consistent basis and present fairly the financial position of the Company
as of the dates thereof and the results of operations of the Company for
the periods then ended.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.04(c) of the Disclosure Letter, or
in the Company's balance sheet dated as of November 30, 1995 (the "Latest
Balance Sheet"), the Company has no liabilities, debts, claims or
obligations of any nature on the date of this Agreement, whether accrued,
absolute, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to
become due, that would be required to be included on a balance sheet
prepared in accordance with GAAP and there is no existing condition or set
of circumstances which would reasonably be expected to result in such a
liability (for purposes of this Section, "Liabilities") except (i)
Liabilities incurred in the ordinary and usual course of business and
consistent with past practice since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet,
(ii) Liabilities incurred in connection with or as a result of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) Liabilities that
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.
Section 3.05 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in Section 3.05
of the Disclosure Letter, since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, (i) none
of the actions, events or circumstances listed in Section 5.01 has been taken
or occurred or exists; (ii) there has been no event or circumstance that would
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
and (iii) there has been no breach or default or event that with notice or
lapse of time or both would result in a breach or default under any material
contract of the Company, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Section 3.06 Certain Fees. No finder, broker, agent, financial advisor or
other intermediary other than Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") has acted on behalf of the Company in
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connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or is
entitled to any payment in connection herewith or therewith. The Company has
provided to Parent copies of the Company's engagement letter with Merrill
Lynch in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby.
Section 3.07 No Defaults. The Company is not in default or violation (and no
event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute
a default or violation) of its memorandum of association or bye-laws or other
governing document, or any material agreement, mortgage, indenture, debenture,
trust, lease, license, or other instrument or obligation to or by which it or
any of its properties is subject or bound (for purposes of this Section, the
"Instruments"), except for such defaults or violations as would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company either
individually or in the aggregate. The Company has no knowledge of any default
or breach (or event or circumstance that with notice or lapse of time or both
would constitute a breach or default) by other parties to any Instrument,
which default or breach would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the taking of any other action contemplated by this Agreement,
will not (i) result in any violation of or be in conflict with or constitute a
breach or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under (a)
the memorandum of association or bye-laws of the Company or (b) any of the
other Instruments, breach of or default under which would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, (ii) result in or
constitute an event entitling any party to an Instrument to effect an
acceleration of the maturity of any material indebtedness of the Company or a
material increase in the rate of interest presently in effect with respect to
such indebtedness, or (iii) result in the creation of any Lien other than
Permitted Liens upon any of the material properties or assets of the Company.
Section 3.08 Governmental Consents. Except for the filing of the application
to register the Amalgamation pursuant to the Companies Act and the consent of
the Minister of Finance of Bermuda (the "Minister") to the Amalgamation, no
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification,
designation, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority
("Consent") is required on the part of the Company in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except those required under
applicable Bermuda law in connection with the reduction of Net Assets of the
Company as provided in Section 5.14 of this Agreement, those required by
United States federal and state securities or "Blue Sky" laws, and where
failure to obtain such Consent would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.
Section 3.09 Compliance with Applicable Law. The Company has and is in
compliance with all licenses, permits, and other authorizations, domestic or
foreign, necessary to conduct its respective business, except where failure to
have or comply with such licenses, permits and authorizations would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The
Company is not in default or violation (and no event has occurred which with
notice or the lapse of time or both would constitute a default or violation)
of any judgment, decree, order, law, statute, rule or regulation of any
Governmental Authority, except for such defaults or violations as would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Subject to obtaining the Consents referred to in Section 3.08, the execution,
delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the taking of the other
actions contemplated by this Agreement to be performed by the Company prior to
the date or dates as of which the representations and warranties herein are
made or deemed made, will not result in any default or violation of any
judgment, decree, order, law, statute, rule or regulation of any Governmental
Authority applicable to the Company, except for such defaults or violations as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company either individually or in the aggregate.
Section 3.10 Information Supplied. None of the written information supplied
or to be supplied by the Company for inclusion in (i) the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "S-4") to be filed by Parent relating to the Parent
Shares comprising the Amalgamation Consideration will, at the time the S-4 is
filed with the SEC and at the time it becomes effective under the Securities
Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading, except in respect of any statements or omissions
based on written information supplied by Parent for inclusion therein, as to
which the Company
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makes no representation or warranty, and (ii) the letters to shareholders,
notices of meetings, proxy statements and forms of proxies to be distributed
to shareholders of the Company and Parent, respectively, in connection with
the Amalgamation and the transactions contemplated thereby, except in respect
of any statements or omissions based on written information supplied by Parent
for inclusion therein, as to which the Company makes no representation or
warranty, will, as of the date the Joint Proxy Statement (as defined below) is
first mailed to such shareholders and on the date of the meetings of the
Company's shareholders or Parent's shareholders, as the case may be, and the
date of any adjournment thereof, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The documents
referred to in (ii) above are herein referred to as the "Joint Proxy
Statement." All documents that the Company is responsible for filing with any
Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of any
applicable law. Without limiting any of the representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement, no representation or warranty to Parent and
Acquisition by the Company in this Agreement, as of the date hereof, contains
any untrue statement of material fact, or omits a material fact necessary in
order to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances
under which such statements are or will be made, not misleading.
Section 3.11 Material Contracts. Except as set forth in Section 3.11 of the
Disclosure Letter, the Company is not, nor has it received any written or oral
notice or has any knowledge that any other party is, in default in any respect
under any contract, agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance
policy or other instrument to which the Company or the assets, business or
operations thereof may be bound or affected or under which it or its
respective assets, business or operations receives benefits, except for those
defaults which have not had or would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
and there has not occurred any event that with the lapse of time or the giving
of notice would constitute such a default.
Section 3.12 Taxes.
(a) The Company does not have, nor has it had, any income which is, or
has been, subject to the United States federal income tax as income which
is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the
United States, within the meaning of Section 882(a)(1) of the Code. The
Company has filed or caused to be filed with the appropriate Bermuda,
United States federal, state, local, foreign and other Governmental
Authorities, all Tax returns, information returns and reports required to
be filed on or prior to the date hereof which, if not filed, would have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company, and has paid in full or made
adequate provision (in accordance with GAAP) for the payment of all Taxes
(including taxes withheld from employees' salaries and other withholding
taxes and obligations) shown to be due on such Tax returns. All material
written assessments of Taxes due and payable by or on behalf of the Company
have either been paid or provided for (in accordance with GAAP) or are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
(b) There are no material Tax claims pending against the Company and the
Company does not know of any threatened claim for Tax deficiencies or any
basis for such claims, no material issues have been raised in any
examination by any taxing authority with respect to the Company which, by
application of similar principles, reasonably could be expected to result
in a proposed deficiency for any other period not so examined, and there
are not now in force any waivers or agreements by the Company for the
extension of time for the assessment of any material Tax, nor has any such
waiver or agreement been requested by any taxing authority. The Company
does not have any liability for any material Bermuda, United States
federal, state, local, foreign or other Taxes of any corporation or entity
other than the Company.
(c) Disclosed in Section 3.12(c) of the Disclosure Letter is, with
respect to the year ended November 30, 1995 and for the period commencing
December 1, 1995 and ending on the date of the Disclosure Letter, (i) each
reinsurance transaction by the Company directly with shareholders of the
Company and (ii) to the actual knowledge of either co-chairman of the
Company, each reinsurance transaction by the Company
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directly or indirectly with Persons related to shareholders of the Company
and not disclosed in clause (i) above, which would cause the Company to
have any "related person insurance income," within the meaning of Section
953(c)(2) of the Code.
(d) The Company did not have for the year ended November 30, 1995, and
does not expect to have for the period ending at the Effective Time
(treating such period as if it were a taxable year) "related person
insurance income" within the meaning of Section 953(c)(2) of the Code in
excess of the exceptions provided in Sections 953(c)(3)(A) and (B) of the
Code.
Section 3.13 Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 3.13 of the
Disclosure Letter, there are no actions, suits, claims, proceedings or
investigations (or, to the knowledge of the Company, any basis for any Person
to assert any claim reasonably likely to result in liability or any other
adverse determination) pending against, or to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened against or affecting, the Company or any of its properties before
any Governmental Authority or otherwise which (i) individually or in the
aggregate would be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
(ii) in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the
transactions contemplated hereby; or (iii) alleges criminal action or
inaction. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its respective
properties is subject to any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree,
determination or award having, or which would reasonably be expected to have,
a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or which would prevent or delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as set forth in
Section 3.13 of the Disclosure Letter, there are no pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened claims for indemnification by the Company
in favor of directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company.
Section 3.14 Title to Properties; Leases. Except as set forth in Section
3.14(a) of the Disclosure Letter, the Company has good and marketable title
to, and is the lawful owner of, or has the right to use pursuant to a license
or otherwise, all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights
used in its businesses and all tangible and intangible assets, properties and
rights reflected in the Latest Balance Sheet or acquired since the date of the
Latest Balance Sheet, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens
and material defects. The Company does not own any real property. Section
3.14(b) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth all material real property and
personal property leases of the Company. All such leases are valid, binding
and enforceable against the Company (and, to the best knowledge of the
Company, each other party thereto) in accordance with their respective terms,
and there does not exist, under any lease of real property or personal
property, any material defect or any event which, with notice or lapse of time
or both, would constitute a material default by the Company or, to the best
knowledge of the Company, by any other party thereto.
Section 3.15 Certain Agreements. Except as set forth in Section 3.15 of the
Disclosure Letter or pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Company is
not a party to or bound by any contract, agreement or arrangement which would
cause the rights or obligations of any party thereto to change in the event of
the Amalgamation, except for any such contract, agreement or arrangement which
would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Section 3.16 U.S. Assets. The Company does not hold assets located in the
United States of America having an aggregate book value of $15 million or
more, other than investment assets, voting securities and nonvoting securities
of another Person. For the purpose of this representation, investment assets
means cash, deposits in financial institutions, other money market instruments
and instruments evidencing government obligations.
Section 3.17 Employees. Section 3.17 of the Disclosure Letter lists all
employment contracts and similar arrangements between the Company and its
executive officers, and all plans and arrangements pursuant to which the
Company is obligated to make any payment or confer any benefit upon any
officer, director, employee or agent of the Company as a result of or in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any
transaction or transactions resulting in a change of control of the Company.
Except as described in Section 3.17 of the Disclosure Letter, the Company is
not aware that any officer, director, executive or key employee of
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the Company or any group of employees of the Company has any plans to
terminate his, her or its employment with the Company (other than as
previously described to Parent in writing). Except as described in Section
3.17 of the Disclosure Letter, (i) the Company has complied with all laws
relating to the employment of labor, including provisions thereof relating to
wages, hours, equal opportunity, and collective bargaining except where the
failure so to comply would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company, (ii) no labor dispute with employees of the
Company exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is threatened, except as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company, (iii) each Employee Benefit Plan conforms in all material respects
to, and its administration is in conformity in all material respects with, all
applicable laws, no material liability has been or is expected to be incurred
by the Company with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan except regular
periodic contributions to such plans and full payment has been made of all
amounts that the Company is required to have paid as contributions to each
Employee Benefit Plan, (iv) to the Company's knowledge, the current value of
accrued benefits of each Employee Benefit Plan does not exceed the current
value of such plan's assets, (v) the Company has provided Parent with a true
and correct copy of each of the Employee Benefit Plans and all contracts
relating thereto, or to the funding thereof, (vi) all Employee Benefit Plans
intended to satisfy applicable tax qualification requirements, or other
requirements necessary to secure favorable tax or other legal treatment comply
in all material respects with such requirements, and (vii) adequate accruals
for all obligations under the Employee Benefit Plans are reflected in the
financial statements of the Company.
Section 3.18 Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in Section 3.18 of
the Disclosure Letter, the Company owns or possesses, or has all necessary
rights and licenses in, all patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions
(whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), copyrights (whether
registered or unregistered), know-how (including trade secrets and other
unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information,
systems or procedures), registered and unregistered trademarks, service marks
and trade names and other intellectual property rights (collectively,
"Intellectual Property") necessary to conduct its business as conducted and
proposed to be conducted except to the extent that the failure of the Company
to own or have such rights and licenses in such Intellectual Property would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
The Company has not received any notice of, or is aware of any fact or
circumstance that would give any Person a right to assert, infringement or
misappropriation of, or conflict with, asserted rights of others or invalidity
or unenforceability of any Intellectual Property owned by the Company with
respect to any of the foregoing which, singly or in the aggregate, would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. To
the knowledge of the Company, the use of such Intellectual Property to conduct
the business and operations of the Company as conducted or proposed to be
conducted does not infringe on the rights of any Person in any case where such
infringement would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company. To the knowledge of the Company, no Person is challenging,
infringing on or otherwise violating any right of the Company with respect to
any Intellectual Property owned by and/or licensed to the Company. Except as
set forth in Section 3.18 of the Disclosure Letter, neither the execution of
this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
will result in a loss or limitation in the rights and licenses of the Company
to use or enjoy the benefit of any Intellectual Property employed by the
Company in connection with its business as conducted or proposed to be
conducted where such loss or limitation, individually or in the aggregate,
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Section 3.19 Takeover Statutes. No "fair price", "moratorium", "control
share acquisition" or other similar anti-takeover statute or regulation
enacted under any Bermuda law applicable to the Company is applicable to the
Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated hereby. The Company has
taken all steps necessary to irrevocably exempt the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement from any applicable provisions of the Company's memorandum
of association or bye-laws.
Section 3.20 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Company has received the
opinion of Merrill Lynch, dated the date hereof, to the effect that, as of
such date, the consideration to be received in the Amalgamation by the
shareholders of the Company participating in the Amalgamation at the Effective
Time is fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view, a copy of
which opinion has been delivered to Parent.
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Section 3.21 Agreements with General Re. Except as set forth in Section 3.21
of the Disclosure Letter, the Company is not a party to or bound by any
contract, agreement or arrangement with General Re or an affiliate thereof.
ARTICLE FOUR
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
PARENT AND ACQUISITION
Parent and Acquisition hereby represent and warrant to the Company that:
Section 4.01 Corporate Organization. Each of Parent and Acquisition is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation. Neither Parent nor Acquisition is
required to be authorized, qualified, licensed or domesticated as a foreign
corporation under any United States federal, state or local corporate law.
Parent has furnished to the Company complete and correct copies of its
memorandum of association and articles of association and Acquisition's
memorandum of association and bye-laws as in effect on the date hereof. Such
documents are in full force and effect.
Section 4.02 Authority. Each of Parent and Acquisition has all requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to the
due approval and adoption of this Agreement by its respective shareholders, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by each of Parent and Acquisition, the performance by Parent
and Acquisition of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Parent and Acquisition (including without
limitation the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby by Parent, as sole shareholder of Acquisition, and by the necessary
vote of all members of their respective Boards of Directors, which approval,
in the case of Parent, includes a resolution recommending that this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby be approved by the shareholders of
Parent), subject only to the adoption of this Agreement by the affirmative
vote of Parent's shareholders as required by the NYSE. No other corporate
proceedings on the part of Parent or Acquisition are necessary for the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Parent and
Acquisition and, subject to the approval and adoption of this Agreement by the
shareholders as provided above and the filing of the application for
registration of the Amalgamation pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Agreement,
the performance by Parent and Acquisition of its obligations hereunder and the
consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent and Acquisition and
(assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Company)
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent and Acquisition,
enforceable against Parent and Acquisition in accordance with its terms,
subject with respect to enforceability to the effect of bankruptcy, fraudulent
conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws now or
hereafter affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and to the
availability of equitable remedies.
Section 4.03 No Prior Activities. Acquisition has not incurred, directly or
indirectly, any liabilities or obligations, and has acquired no assets of any
kind, except those incurred or acquired in connection with its incorporation
or with the negotiation of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. Acquisition has been formed solely to
facilitate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and has not
engaged, directly or indirectly, in any business or activity of any type or
kind, or entered into any agreement or arrangement with any Person or entity,
or is subject to or bound by any obligation or undertaking, that is not
contemplated by or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
Section 4.04 SEC Documents; Financial Statements.
(a) Parent has delivered or made available to Company a true and complete
copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and definitive proxy
statement filed by Parent with the SEC in respect of its fiscal years
ending September 30, 1994 and 1995 under the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act and will
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deliver to the Company promptly upon the filing thereof with the SEC all
such reports, schedules, registration statements and proxy statements as
may be filed after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time (as such
documents have since the time of their filing been amended, or may after
their filing, if after the date hereof, be amended, the "Parent SEC
Documents"), which are or will be all the documents that Parent was or will
be required to file with the SEC. As of their respective dates, the Parent
SEC Documents complied or will comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be,
and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable to such
Parent SEC Documents, and none of the Parent SEC Documents contained or
will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made or will be made, not misleading.
(b) As of their respective dates, the financial statements of Parent
included or to be included in the Parent SEC Documents (the "Parent
Financial Statements") complied or will comply as to form in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, are or will be in
accordance with the books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries, which
are or will be complete and accurate in all material respects and which
have been or will have been maintained in accordance with good business
practices, and present or will present fairly the consolidated financial
position of Parent and its Subsidiaries and the consolidated results of
operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows of Parent and
its Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the periods indicated, in
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis, subject in the case of
interim financial statements to normal year-end adjustments and except for
the absence of certain footnote information in the unaudited statements.
Section 4.05 Liabilities. Except as disclosed in filings by Parent with the
SEC (it being understood that any Liabilities will be deemed to have been
disclosed therein if the facts or circumstances to which such Liabilities
relate and the possibility that there may be Liabilities in connection
therewith has been disclosed therein), Parent and its Subsidiaries have no
liabilities, debts, claims or obligations of any nature on the date of this
Agreement, whether accrued, absolute, direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, whether due or to become due, whether or not of a kind required by
GAAP to be set forth in a financial statement (for purposes of this Section,
"Liabilities"), other than (i) Liabilities incurred since September 30, 1995
in the ordinary and usual course of business and consistent with past
practice, (ii) Liabilities incurred in connection with or as a result of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) Liabilities incurred in
connection with or as a result of the acquisition of Methuen Group Limited,
including obligations to provide funds with respect to underwriting of Methuen
syndicates, and (iv) Liabilities that would not reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Section 4.06 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in or arising
out of facts or circumstances disclosed in filings by Parent with the SEC,
since September 30, 1995 there has been no event or circumstances that would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Section 4.07 No Defaults. Neither Parent nor Acquisition is in default or
violation (and no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or
both would constitute a default or violation) of its memorandum of association
or bye-laws or other governing document, or any material agreement, mortgage,
indenture, debenture, trust, lease, license or other instrument or obligation
to or by which it or any of its properties is subject or bound (for purposes
of this Section, the "Instruments"), except for such defaults or violations as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent
either individually or in the aggregate. Neither Parent nor Acquisition have
knowledge of any default or breach (or event or circumstance that with notice
or lapse of time or both would constitute a breach or default) by other
parties to any Instrument, which default or breach would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. The execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the taking of any other action
contemplated by this Agreement, will not (i) result in any violation of or be
in conflict with or constitute a breach or default (with or without notice or
lapse of time or both) under (a) the memorandum of association or articles of
association of Parent or
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the memorandum of association or bye-laws of Acquisition, (b) any of the other
Instruments, breach of or default under which would reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, (ii) result in or constitute an
event entitling any party to an Instrument to effect an acceleration of the
maturity of any material indebtedness of Parent or Acquisition or a material
increase in the rate of interest presently in effect with respect to such
indebtedness, or (iii) result in the creation of any Lien other than Permitted
Liens upon any of the material properties or assets of Parent or Acquisition.
Section 4.08 Governmental Consents. Except for the filing of the application
to register the Amalgamation pursuant to the Companies Act and the consent of
the Minister to the Amalgamation, no Consent is required on the part of Parent
or Acquisition in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, except those Consents required by United States federal and state
securities or "Blue Sky" laws and such Consents the failure to obtain which
would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Section 4.09 Compliance with Applicable Law. Parent and Acquisition have and
are in compliance with all licenses, permits, and other authorizations,
domestic or foreign, necessary to conduct their respective businesses, except
where failure to have or comply with such licenses, permits and authorizations
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Neither Parent nor Acquisition is in default or violation (and no event has
occurred which with notice or the lapse of time or both would constitute a
default or violation) of any judgment, decree, order, law, statute, rule or
regulation of any Governmental Authority, except for such defaults or
violations as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent. Subject to obtaining the Consents referred to in Section
4.08, the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the
taking of the other actions contemplated by this Agreement to be performed by
Parent and Acquisition prior to the date or dates as of which the
representations and warranties herein are made or deemed made, will not result
in any default or violation of any judgment, decree, order, law, statute, rule
or regulation of any Governmental Authority, except for such defaults or
violations as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent either individually or in the aggregate.
Section 4.10 Information Supplied. None of the written information supplied
or to be supplied by either Parent or Acquisition for inclusion or
incorporation by reference in the Joint Proxy Statement will, at the date of
mailing to the Company's shareholders and Parent's shareholders and at the
time of the respective shareholders' meetings held to approve this Agreement
and the Amalgamation and the related transactions contemplated hereby, contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, except in respect of any statements or omissions based on written
information supplied by the Company for inclusion therein, as to which Parent
makes no representation or warranty. All documents that either Parent or
Acquisition is responsible for filing with any Governmental Authority in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby will comply as to form in
all material respects with the provisions of any applicable law, including
applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Without limiting any of the
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, no representation
or warranty to the Company by either Parent or Acquisition as of the date
hereof contains any untrue statement of material fact, or omits a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, in light of
the circumstances under which such statements are or will be made, not
misleading.
Section 4.11 Litigation. There are no actions, suits, claims, proceedings or
investigations (or, to the knowledge of Parent, any basis for any Person to
assert any claim reasonably likely to result in liability or any other adverse
determination) pending against, or to the knowledge of Parent, threatened
against or affecting, Parent or any of its properties or properties of its
Affiliates before any Governmental Authority or otherwise which (i) are
required to be described in any Parent SEC Documents and which are not so
described; (ii) in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or
delay the transactions contemplated hereby; or (iii) alleges criminal action
or inaction. As of the date hereof, neither Parent or any of its Affiliates,
nor any of their respective properties, are subject to any order, writ,
judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award having, or which would
reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent or which
would prevent or delay the
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consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. There are no pending or,
to the knowledge of Parent, threatened claims for indemnification in favor of
directors, officers, employees or agents of Parent or any of its Affiliates.
Section 4.12 Taxes. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries had for the
year ended September 30, 1995, and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries
expects to have for the year ended September 30, 1996, "related person
insurance income" within the meaning of Section 953(c)(2) of the Code, in
excess of the exceptions provided in Sections 953(c)(3)(A) and (B) of the
Code.
Section 4.13 Certain Fees. No finder, broker, agent, financial advisor or
other intermediary other than Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation has acted on behalf of Parent or Acquisition in connection with
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or is entitled to any
payment in connection herewith or therewith.
Section 4.14 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Parent has received the opinion
of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, dated the date hereof,
to the effect that, as of such date, the consideration to be paid by Parent in
the Amalgamation is fair to Parent and its shareholders from a financial point
of view. A copy of such opinion has been delivered to the Company.
ARTICLE FIVE
COVENANTS
Section 5.01 Conduct of Business of the Company. Except as expressly
contemplated by this Agreement or consented to in writing by Parent (in its
sole discretion), or as limited by this Section 5.01, during the period from
the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, the Company will conduct its
operations only in, and the Company shall not take any action except in, the
ordinary and usual course of business and consistent with past practice, and
the Company will use its best efforts to preserve intact its business
organization, to keep available the services of its officers and employees and
to maintain advantageous relationships with customers, licensors, licensees,
suppliers, contractors, distributors, business partners and others having
business relationships with the Company. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, prior to the Effective Time, the Company will not, without the
prior written consent of Parent (such consent in Parent's sole discretion):
(a) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, including
Sections 3.03 and 5.14, split, combine or reclassify any shares of its
capital stock, declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividend or other
distribution payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise in respect of
its capital stock, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise
acquire any shares of its capital stock, or other securities, which
purchase or redemption would otherwise result in an adjustment to the
Amalgamation Consideration to be paid to the shareholders of the Company
under Section 2.09 of this Agreement;
(b) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber,
deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell, pledge or deliver (whether
through the issuance or granting of any options, warrants, commitments,
subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) any capital stock of any
class of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for shares of capital stock of any class of the Company,
except as required by agreements as in effect as of the date hereof or as
disclosed in Section 5.01(b) of the Disclosure Letter, or amend any of the
terms of any such securities or agreements outstanding as of the date
hereof;
(c) (i) incur or assume any long-term or short-term debt or issue any
debt securities except for borrowings under existing lines of credit in the
ordinary course of business, (ii) assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise
become liable or responsible (whether directly, contingently or otherwise)
for the obligations of any other Person except in the ordinary course of
business and in amounts not material to the Company, (iii) make any loans
or advances to any Person other than loans or advances of out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with Company business, or make any capital
contributions to, or investments in, any
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other Person, (iv) pledge or otherwise encumber shares of capital stock of
the Company, or (v) mortgage or pledge any of its assets, tangible or
intangible, or create any Lien thereupon other than Permitted Liens;
(d) except as may be required by law or as contemplated by this
Agreement, including Section 5.11, or as set forth in Section 5.01(d) of
the Disclosure Letter, enter into, adopt, or amend or terminate any bonus,
profit sharing, compensation, severance, termination, stock option, stock
appreciation right, restricted stock, performance unit, stock equivalent,
stock purchase agreement, pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
employment, severance or other Employee Benefit Plan; or enter into or
amend any employment or severance agreement with, increase in any manner
the salary, wages, bonus, commission, or other compensation or benefits of
any director or officer of the Company; or increase in any manner the
salary, wages, bonus, commission, or other compensation or benefits of any
director, officer, employee or agent of the Company except for increases in
the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; or pay
any benefit not required by any plan and arrangement as in effect as of the
date hereof (including, without limitation, the granting of stock options,
stock appreciation rights or performance units);
(e) acquire (by merger, amalgamation, consolidation or acquisition of
stock or assets) any corporation, partnership or other business
organization or division thereof or make any material investment either by
purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property
transfer, or acquisition (including by lease) of any material amount of
properties or assets of any other individual or entity;
(f) except as expressly required herein, pay, discharge or satisfy any
claims, liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, contingent or
otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice of
liabilities reflected or reserved against on the Latest Balance Sheet or
incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(g) amend the memorandum of association or bye-laws of the Company;
(h) except as contemplated by this Agreement, adopt a plan of complete or
partial liquidation or resolutions providing for the complete or partial
liquidation, dissolution, amalgamation, consolidation, restructuring,
recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company;
(i) enter into any new lines of business (whether or not part of the
insurance or reinsurance business)(except for the lines of business
disclosed in Section 5.01(i) of the Disclosure Letter), change any policy
forms, change the pricing formula for insurance policies, change its
investment policies or guidelines or otherwise make material changes to the
operation of its business, change its loss reserve methodology other than
as expressly provided in this Agreement;
(j) invest any investment securities of the Company in investments which
are not rated in one of the four highest categories by a "nationally
recognized statistical rating agency" as defined in the rules or
regulations of the SEC (it being understood that the Company is entitled to
hold the investments set forth in Section 5.01(j) of the Disclosure
Letter);
(k) sell (whether by amalgamation, consolidation or otherwise), lease,
encumber, transfer or dispose of any assets (including without limitation,
rights of renewal) outside the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practices or any assets which are material to the Company, or enter
into any material commitment or transaction outside the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices;
(l) authorize or make or commit to make any capital expenditures, except
for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice (but in no event in excess of $150,000 in the aggregate) or
pursuant to agreements or commitments entered into by the Company prior to
the date hereof;
(m) make any Tax elections or settle or compromise any material Bermuda,
United States federal, state, local or other foreign income tax liability,
or waive or extend the statute of limitations in respect of any such taxes;
(n) pay or agree to pay in settlement or compromise of any suits or
claims of liability against the Company, its directors, officers, employees
or agents, more than an aggregate of $100,000 for all such suits and
claims;
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(o) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or pursuant to
agreements or commitments entered into by the Company prior to the date
hereof and disclosed in Section 5.01(o) of the Disclosure Letter, take any
action likely to materially decrease or diminish the assets or net worth of
the Company;
(p) except as may be required as a result of a change in law or in GAAP,
change any of the accounting principles or practices used by it;
(q) enter into any agreement providing the acceleration or payment or
performance or other consequence as a result of a change in control of the
Company; or
(r) take any action or agree, in writing or otherwise, to take any of the
foregoing actions or any action which would make any representation or
warranty in Article THREE hereof materially untrue or incorrect.
Section 5.02 Exclusivity. Neither the Company nor any of its directors,
officers or employees shall, and the Company shall use its best efforts to
ensure that none of its representatives shall, directly or indirectly,
solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiries or proposals from or with any
Person (other than Parent and Acquisition (or other Affiliates of Parent) or
such Person's directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents) that
constitute, or would lead to, a Third Party Acquisition. The Company will
promptly advise Parent of (i) any request for non-public information from any
Person expressing an interest in a Third Party Acquisition or (ii) a proposal
in respect of a Third Party Acquisition received by the Company, including the
identity of the Person requesting non-public information or making such a
proposal (as the case may be); in the case of a proposal in respect of a Third
Party Acquisition, the Company will furnish to Parent the terms and conditions
of such proposal. The Company may provide non-public information to a Person
only if (i) such Person has expressed a written interest in (which need not
constitute a proposal for) a Third Party Acquisition, (ii) the Company
reasonably believes such Person has the financial ability to consummate such a
Third Party Acquisition, (iii) such Person executes a confidentiality letter
no less favorable to the Company than the Confidentiality Letter, (iv) a
committee of the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith
that it is necessary, in order to comply with the Board's fiduciary duties
under applicable law, to provide such requested information and (v) the
Company provides notice to Parent of the identity of the Person to whom the
non-public information is being given at or before the time such information
is given and the Company delivers to Parent a copy of all such information
concurrently with its delivery to the requesting party. If the Board of
Directors of the Company determines in good faith following consultation with
outside counsel (the advice of such counsel to be confirmed in writing to the
Board of Directors of the Company, with a copy of such written confirmation to
be delivered to Parent) that it is necessary, in order to comply with the
Board's fiduciary duties under applicable law, to review a proposal in respect
of a Third Party Acquisition, the Board of Directors of the Company may
undertake such review and participate in negotiations respecting any such
proposal. If the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith
that any proposal relating to a Third Party Acquisition constitutes a Superior
Proposal, the Board of Directors shall promptly give written notice,
specifying the structure and material terms of such Superior Proposal (a
"Notice of Superior Proposal"), to Parent. The Board of Directors of the
Company may (subject to the following sentences of this subsection and
compliance with Section 7.02), to the extent the Board of Directors of the
Company determines in good faith following consultation with outside counsel
(the advice of such counsel to be confirmed in writing to the Board of
Directors of the Company, with a copy of such confirmation to be delivered to
Parent) that it is necessary, in order to comply with its fiduciary duties
under applicable law, approve or recommend any such Superior Proposal, approve
or authorize the Company's entering into an agreement with respect to such
Superior Proposal, approve the solicitation of additional takeover or other
investment proposals or terminate this Agreement, in each case at any time
after the fifth Business Day following delivery to Parent of the Notice of
Superior Proposal. The Company may take any of the foregoing actions pursuant
to the preceding sentence only if a proposal for a Third Party Acquisition
that was a Superior Proposal at the time of delivery of a Notice of Superior
Proposal continues to be a Superior Proposal in light of any improved
transaction proposed by Parent prior to the expiration of the five Business
Day period specified in the preceding sentence. For purposes of this
Agreement, a "Superior Proposal" means any bona fide proposal for a Third
Party Acquisition that the Board of Directors of the Company determines in its
good faith reasonable judgment (based on the advice of a financial advisor of
recognized reputation in the U.S.) to be made by a Person with the financial
ability to consummate such proposal and to provide greater aggregate value to
the Company
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and/or the Company's shareholders than the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (or otherwise proposed by Parent as contemplated above).
Section 5.03 Access to Information.
(a) Between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, the
Company will give Parent and its authorized representatives (including
without limitation attorneys, auditors, financial advisors and actuaries)
access during normal business hours to all personnel, offices and other
facilities and to all books and records of the Company and will permit
Parent and its authorized representatives to make such inspections as they
may reasonably require and will cause its officers and employees to furnish
Parent and its authorized representatives such financial and operating data
and other information with respect to the business and properties of the
Company as Parent and its authorized representatives may from time to time
reasonably request. The representations and warranties of the Company
contained herein or in any certificate or other documents delivered to
Parent shall not be deemed waived or otherwise affected by any such
investigation made by Parent or any of its representatives.
(b) Between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, Parent
will give the Company and its authorized representatives (including without
limitation attorneys, auditors, financial advisors and actuaries) access
during normal business hours to officers and employees of Parent and to
such other information as may be reasonably necessary to allow the Company
to confirm that no events or conditions have occurred since the date hereof
and are continuing which could reasonably be expected to (i) cause the
representations and warranties of Parent contained in Article FOUR hereof
to be materially inaccurate as of the Closing or (ii) have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent. In addition, upon execution of a confidentiality
letter from the Company acceptable to the Methuen Group Limited covering
the matters described in this sentence, Parent will disclose to the Company
and its authorized representatives (including, without limitation,
attorneys, auditors, financial advisors and actuaries) all information and
documentation reasonably requested by the Company or such authorized
representatives pertaining to the acquisition of Methuen Group Limited,
including obligations to provide funds with respect to the underwriting of
Methuen syndicates.
(c) Each Party hereto will hold and will instruct its representatives
(and its Affiliates) to hold in strict confidence, unless compelled to
disclose by judicial or administrative process, or, in the opinion of its
respective counsel, by other requirements of law, all documents and
information furnished to such party (or its representatives or Affiliates)
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (except
to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) in the
public domain through no fault of such party or (ii) later lawfully
acquired by such party or its Affiliates from sources other than from any
shareholder, officer, director, employee or representative of such party or
its Affiliates who shall have been an officer, director, employee or
representative of any other party hereto) and will not release or disclose
such information to any other Person, except in connection with this
Agreement to its attorneys, auditors, financial advisors, actuaries, other
consultants and advisors, all of whom shall be required to maintain the
confidentiality hereunder. If the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement are not consummated, such confidence, unless compelled to be
disclosed by judicial or administrative process, or, in the opinion of such
party's counsel, by other requirements of law, shall be maintained except
to the extent such information can be shown to have been (i) in the public
domain through no fault of such party (or its Affiliates) or (ii) later
lawfully acquired by such party (or its Affiliates) from other sources,
other than from any shareholder, officer, director, employee or
representative of such party or its Affiliates who shall have been an
officer, director, employee or representative of any other party hereto,
and, if requested by such other party, such party or its Affiliates will
destroy or return to such other party all copies of written information
furnished by any other party hereto to such party or its Affiliates,
agents, representatives or advisors.
Section 5.04 Best Efforts. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
hereof and subject to the fiduciary duties of the Company's directors, each of
the parties hereto will use its best efforts to take, or cause to be taken,
all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper, or
advisable to consummate and make
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effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall use its
best efforts to obtain all waivers, permits, consents and approvals and to
effect all registrations, filings and notices with or to third parties or
Governmental Authorities which are necessary or desirable in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If at any time after the
Effective Time any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers or directors of each of the
parties hereto shall take such action.
Section 5.05 S-4; Regulatory Matters. Parent and Company shall promptly
prepare the Joint Proxy Statement, and Parent shall promptly prepare and file
with the SEC, pursuant to Rule 14a-6(a) under the Exchange Act, the Joint
Proxy Statement, in which the substance of the S-4 shall be included. Parent
shall file the S-4 promptly after conclusion of the SEC's review of the Joint
Proxy Statement. Each of Parent and Company shall provide reasonable
opportunity for the other to review and comment upon the contents of the Joint
Proxy Statement and the S-4 and shall not include therein or omit therefrom
any information or supplement to which counsel to the other shall reasonably
object or specifically request (as the case may be). After the date of the
mailing of the Joint Proxy Statement, each of Parent and Company agrees
promptly to notify the other of and to correct or supplement any information
which either of them shall have furnished for inclusion in the Joint Proxy
Statement that shall have become false or misleading in any material respect.
Parent shall use reasonable best efforts to have the S-4 declared effective
under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing. Parent
shall also take any action (other than qualifying to do business in any
jurisdiction in which it is now not so qualified) required to be taken under
any applicable state securities and "Blue Sky" laws in connection with the
issuance of Parent Shares in the Amalgamation and upon the exercise of the
Parent Options, and the Company shall furnish all information concerning the
Company and the holders of Shares as may be reasonably requested in connection
with any such action.
Section 5.06 Public Announcements. Parent and the Company shall not issue
any press release or otherwise make any public statements with respect to the
Amalgamation or this Agreement without the approval of the other party as to
the wording, timing and media for such press release or statement, except as
may be required by law or any securities exchange, which shall be notified to
the other party.
Section 5.07 Supplemental Information. Prior to the Effective Time, each
party will promptly disclose in writing to the other parties any matter
hereafter arising which, if existing, occurring or known at the date of this
Agreement would have been required to be disclosed to such other parties. Each
party shall promptly advise the other party of such party's knowledge of any
Material Adverse Effect. Except where prohibited by applicable statutes and
regulations, each party shall promptly provide the other (or its counsel) with
copies of all filings, material notices or material communications made by
such party with any Governmental Authority (including the SEC or NYSE) in
connection with this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby. No
information provided to a party pursuant to this Section 5.07 shall be deemed
to cure any breach of any representation of or warranty made in this Agreement
unless the party receiving such information specifically agrees thereto in
writing.
Section 5.08 Shareholders' Meetings. Each of Parent and the Company shall
cause meetings of its respective shareholders to be duly called and will give
notice of, convene and hold such meetings as soon as practicable for the
purpose of approving this Agreement and all actions contemplated hereby. In
connection with such meetings, each of Parent and the Company shall mail the
Joint Proxy Statement to its respective shareholders. Subject to the
provisions of Section 5.02, the respective Boards of Directors of each of
Parent and the Company shall submit for approval and adoption by its
respective shareholders the matters to be voted upon at such meetings, and
shall include in the Joint Proxy Statement the recommendation of its
respective Boards of Directors that the shareholders vote in favor of, in the
case of the Company's shareholders, the approval of the provisions of this
Agreement which are the terms and means of effecting the Amalgamation and, in
the case of Parent's shareholders, approval and adoption of this Agreement and
each such party shall use its best efforts to secure such approval and
adoption. Parent shall approve, or shall cause the sole shareholder of
Acquisition to approve, this Agreement and all actions contemplated hereby.
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Section 5.09 Waivers of Appraisal Rights; Lockup.
(a) The Company will use its best efforts to obtain waivers of appraisal
rights, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, from the
Company's shareholders in connection with the circulation of the Joint
Proxy Statement. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.02, the Board of
Directors of the Company shall recommend in the Joint Proxy Statement that
shareholders execute and deliver such waivers. The Company shall use its
best efforts to obtain signed waivers from all shareholders of the Company
that have not executed and delivered such waivers; provided that, upon
Parent's written request, the Company shall give Parent the opportunity to
direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to shareholders of the
Company that have not executed and delivered such waivers.
(b) The Company will use its best efforts to obtain consents, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, from the Company's
shareholders to the Lock-up (as defined below) in connection with the
circulation of the Joint Proxy Statement. The shareholders of the Company
may not, directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, grant any option for
the sale of, or otherwise dispose of, Parent Shares issued pursuant to
Section 2.07(a) of this Agreement or any security convertible or
exchangeable into or exercisable for such Parent Shares (the "Lock-up") as
follows (i) ten percent (10%) of the Parent Shares to be received by each
shareholder of the Company will not be subject to the Lock-up; (ii) fifteen
percent (15%) of the Parent Shares to be received by each shareholder of
the Company will be subject to the Lock-up for 90 days following the
Effective Time; (iii) twenty-five (25%) of the Parent Shares to be received
by each shareholder of the Company will be subject to the Lock-up for 150
days following the Effective Time; (iv) twenty-five percent (25%) of the
Parent Shares to be received by each shareholder of the Company will be
subject to the Lock-up for 210 days following the Effective Time; and (v)
the balance of the Parent Shares to be received by each shareholder of the
Company will be subject to the Lock-up for 270 days following the Effective
Time. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.02, the Board of Directors of
the Company shall recommend in the Joint Proxy Statement that shareholders
consent to the Lock-up. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts
to obtain such consent; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the
failure of any shareholder of the Company to consent to the Lock-up,
Parent, pursuant to Article 7(a) of its articles of association, may
decline to transfer any Parent Shares issued pursuant to Section 2.07(a) of
this Agreement which are subject to the Lock-up described in this Section
5.09. All Parent Shares shall be endorsed with a restrictive legend which
shall read substantially as follows: "THE TRANSFER OF THE SHARES
REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS PURSUANT
TO THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF AMALGAMATION AND, PURSUANT TO SUCH
AGREEMENT, MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF ACE
LIMITED UNTIL . PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 7(a) OF ACE LIMITED'S
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, ACE LIMITED HAS THE RIGHT TO DECLINE TO TRANSFER
ANY SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE TRANSFERRED IN VIOLATION OF THE
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF AMALGAMATION."
Section 5.10 Closing Date Balance Sheet Audit. The Company shall engage
Price Waterhouse to audit, for the purpose of expressing thereon an
unqualified opinion, the Company's balance sheet as of the Closing Date with
the assistance and cooperation of Coopers & Lybrand LLP (the "Closing Date
Balance Sheet").
Section 5.11 Company Options.
(a) At the Effective Time, each outstanding Company Option identified on
Exhibit C hereto (the "Roll-Over Options") shall be replaced by an option
(a "Parent Option") to acquire Parent Shares under Parent's existing 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan or a new stock option plan to be established by
Parent for such purposes before the Closing Date (except that the Roll-Over
Options held by Donald Kramer shall be replaced by Parent Options to
acquire Parent Shares under Parent's existing 1995 Long-Term Incentive
Plan), all as provided in Section 5.11(b).
(b) The cancellation of the Roll-Over Options and replacement with Parent
Options shall comply in all respects with, and shall be performed in
accordance with, the methodology prescribed by the provisions of Section
424(a) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, and each Parent Option
shall provide the option
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holder with vesting and termination rights that are no less favorable to
him than were provided under the Roll-Over Option for which it was replaced
as of the Effective Time. The parties contemplate that, consistent with the
methodology prescribed by Section 424(a) of the Code and the applicable
regulations thereunder (i) the number of Parent Shares subject to such
Parent Option will be determined by applying the Exchange Ratio to the
number of Shares subject to the Roll-Over Options, and (ii) the exercise
price under such Parent Option will be determined by dividing the exercise
price per share under the Roll-Over Option in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time of the Merger by the Exchange Ratio, and rounding the
exercise price thus determined to the nearest whole cent (a half-cent shall
be rounded to the next higher whole cent).
(c) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall
issue to each holder of an outstanding Company Option a document evidencing
the foregoing cancellation and the issuance by Parent of a Parent Option
having the terms provided for in Section 5.11(b), and effective as of the
Effective Time.
(d) If the Parent Options issued pursuant to Section 5.11(a) above are
not already covered by an effective registration statement, Parent will
file a registration statement as promptly as practicable after the
Effective Time, which registration statement will cover the Parent Shares
issuable upon exercise of the Parent Options granted in substitution of the
Roll-Over Options, and Parent will use its reasonable best efforts to cause
such registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act
and to maintain such registration statement in effect until the exercise or
termination of all such Parent Options.
Section 5.12 Certain Change in Control Matters.
(a) From and after the date hereof, except as generally or specifically
designated in writing by Parent or as contemplated by this Agreement, the
Company shall take all action necessary, to the extent permitted under any
Employee Benefit Plan or employment agreement so that the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby will not (i) result in any payment (including, without
limitation, severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute or
otherwise) becoming due to any employees under any Employee Benefit Plan or
otherwise, (ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable under any Employee
Benefit Plan or otherwise, or (iii) result in any acceleration of the time
of payment or vesting of any such benefits; provided that to the extent the
Company has entered into agreements with respect to stock option awards or
stock appreciation rights which provide for acceleration of vesting upon a
change in control, such agreements may remain in effect notwithstanding
this section of the Agreement.
(b) The Company shall use all best efforts to exempt the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement from, or if necessary challenge the validity
or applicability of, any applicable takeover or change of control law, and
otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of any applicable
takeover or change of control law.
(c) The Company will not revoke, or attempt to revoke, the approvals,
exemptions, and agreements described in Section 3.19.
Section 5.13 Affiliates. At least forty days prior to the Closing Date, the
Company shall deliver to Parent a letter identifying all Persons who are, at
the time this Agreement is submitted for approval of and adoption by the
shareholders of the Company, "Affiliates" of the Company for purposes of Rule
145 under the Securities Act. The Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause each Person named in the letter delivered by it to deliver to
Parent prior to the Closing Date a written "Affiliate" agreement, in customary
form, providing that such Person (i) shall dispose of the Parent Shares to be
received by such Person in the Amalgamation only in accordance with applicable
law, and (ii) shall make such representations and enter into such agreements
as Parent may reasonably require.
Section 5.14 Net Assets. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, the Company and its directors shall take (or shall have taken),
prior to the Effective Time, all necessary action to:
(i) repurchase or otherwise acquire or cancel Shares and options to
acquire Shares of the Persons set forth in Section 5.14 of the Disclosure
Letter, which schedule shall set forth the number of Shares and/or options
to acquire Shares held by each such Person to be repurchased or otherwise
acquired or cancelled as
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provided in this Section 5.14, provided, that, the repurchase, acquisition
or cancellation of Shares or Company Options by the Company shall not
obligate or commit Tempest Re or any of its Affiliates in any way other
than as set forth in Section 5.14 of the Disclosure Letter;
(ii) declare a dividend or otherwise distribute to its shareholders an
amount reasonably estimated to reduce the Net Assets of the Company,
measured immediately prior to the Effective Time and taking into account
the transactions contemplated pursuant to (i) above, to $500 million; and
(iii) declare a dividend (a "Contingent Dividend") in an amount equal to
such portion of the Net Assets of the Company, measured immediately prior
to the Effective Time, as exceeds $500 million (such Contingent Dividend
shall be paid to shareholders of record of the Company as of the Effective
Time and shall be held and distributed by Parent to such shareholders,
without interest, pursuant to Section 2.08(f) hereof);
provided, that, the repurchase, acquisition or cancellation of Shares or
Company Options by the Company and the declaration or distribution of
dividends or the Contingent Dividend shall not obligate or commit Tempest
Re or any of its Affiliates (except for the payment of dividends or
distributions referred to in clause (ii) or (iii) above) in any way
whatsoever.
Section 5.15 Stock Exchange Listing. Parent shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause the Parent Shares to be issued in the Amalgamation and the
Parent Shares to be reserved for issuance upon exercise of Company Options to
be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance,
prior to the Closing Date.
Section 5.16 Trading of Parent Shares. Prior to the Effective Time and
subject to the provisions of Section 5.02, neither the Company nor any of its
directors, officers, employees or Affiliates shall, directly or indirectly,
purchase, otherwise acquire, sell, or otherwise dispose of any shares of
Parent's capital stock or any other security convertible or exchangeable into
or exercisable for capital stock of Parent or take any other action, except as
expressly set forth in this Agreement, which could reasonably be expected to
have any influence on the price of Parent Shares. The Company shall promptly
notify Parent of, to the extent that the Company has actual knowledge thereof,
any action on the part of any third party to influence the price of Parent
Shares or the intention of any third party to influence the price of Parent
Shares.
Section 5.17 Certain Employee Arrangements. The Company will use its
reasonable best efforts to assist Parent in entering into employment
arrangements (i), mutually acceptable to the parties thereto, pursuant to
which Donald Kramer will serve as (x) chairman and chief executive officer of
Tempest Re on terms and conditions substantially similar to the terms and
conditions (including compensation and benefits) currently applicable to his
employment with the Company and (y) vice-chairman of Parent, and (ii)
satisfactory to Parent, with such employees of the Company and General Re
Underwriting Services Limited ("GRUS") as Parent shall determine in its sole
discretion.
Section 5.18 Post-Closing Matters.
(a) Following the Effective Time, and prior to the end of Tempest Re's
taxable year for United States federal income tax purposes that includes
the Effective Time, Parent shall (subject to the receipt of any applicable
governmental approvals or consents, which Parent shall use its best efforts
to obtain and shall cause Tempest Re to use its best efforts to obtain,)
cause Tempest Re to make distributions to Parent that, in the aggregate,
shall cause Tempest Re's current and accumulated earnings and profits as of
the end of such taxable year to be not greater than zero, as computed for
United States federal income tax purposes, but without any reduction as a
result of distributions or other payments made pursuant to Section 5.14(i)
hereof. Such distributions shall be paid by either the actual transfer of
funds from Tempest Re bank account to a Parent bank account or by transfer
of record and beneficial ownership of marketable securities with a readily
ascertainable fair market value from Tempest Re to Parent. Neither Parent
nor any
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of its subsidiaries shall make any capital contributions to Tempest Re for
a period of at least 30 days preceding and 30 days following the payment of
any such distributions by Tempest Re to Parent, and, for a period of twelve
months following the Effective Time, neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries shall make any capital contribution of cash or cash
equivalents to Tempest Re. The determination of the amount of the
distributions required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.18(a) shall be
made by Parent and Tempest Re in good faith and on the same basis used in
preparing the statements, forms, reports and other information required
pursuant to Section 5.18(c) below. Neither Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary
shall have any liability for the determination of the amount of the
distributions required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.18(a) absent
wilful misconduct on Parent's part or on the part of a Parent Subsidiary.
(b) Prior to January 31, 1997, Parent shall cause Tempest Re to prepare,
and provide to each Person (including General Reinsurance Corporation
("General Re") that was a holder of Shares prior to the Effective Time
(each a "Former Holder"), (i) a statement providing the information
regarding Tempest Re required under United States Treasury Regulation
1.1248-7 or any successor thereto or official interpretation thereof, (ii)
a Form 5471, for any Former Holder that would be required to file such Form
with its United States income tax return, and (iii) such other United
States income tax forms or reports relating to Tempest Re or the
transactions contemplated under this Agreement as Tempest Re is required by
law to provide to any Former Holder; provided, however, that neither Parent
nor Acquisition shall be liable for any loss, liability, claim, damage or
expense relating to the information provided to holder of Shares to the
extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with information furnished to Parent or Acquisition
by Tempest Re for purposes of (i), (ii) and (iii) above. Thereafter, Parent
shall cause Tempest Re to prepare and retain records satisfying the
requirements of Treas. Reg. (S) 1.1248-7(d)(1)(i) and to provide, at any
Former Holder's request, such other information as may be reasonably
requested by such Former Holder in connection with the preparation of its
United States income tax returns or any inquiry, review or audit by the
United States Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority or such
Former Holder's tax returns, including without limitation information
relating to such Former Holder's portion of earnings and profits of the
Company.
(c) Parent and its Affiliates shall (and, following the Effective Time,
Parent shall cause Tempest Re to) take no action with respect to the
capital stock, assets or liabilities of Tempest Re, including without
limitation the filing of tax returns or reports, that would be inconsistent
with the qualification of the Amalgamation as a "reorganization" within the
meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Code; provided, however, that Parent
and its Affiliates may file with the appropriate Governmental Authorities
and execute all documents necessary to consummate the Amalgamation and
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.19 Indemnification.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, Parent shall indemnify, defend and
hold harmless the officers, directors (including any directors resigning
after the date hereof) and employees of the Company (the "Indemnified
Parties") against all losses, expenses, claims, damages and liabilities
arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to the
fullest extent permitted or required under applicable law (including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees). Parent agrees that all
rights to indemnification existing in favor of the directors, officers and
employees, of the Company as provided in the Company's memorandum of
association and bye-laws, and all rights to indemnification existing
pursuant to indemnification agreements entered into by the Company
(including an indemnification agreement between the Company and General Re
pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless General Re and its affiliates, including the General Re designated
directors of the Company, for liability, other than for liability arising
from the gross negligence of General Re and its affiliates, arising from
certain aspects of the Amalgamation), as in effect as of the date hereof,
with respect to matters occurring through the Effective Time, shall survive
the Amalgamation and shall continue in full force and effect for a period
of not less than six years from the Effective Time, and Parent shall
guaranty the obligations of the Company in respect thereof.
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(b) Parent will cause to be maintained for a period of not less than four
years from the Effective Time the New Hampshire Insurance Company Directors
& Officers Liability Insurance Policy (policy no. 1700423) (the "D&O
Insurance"). If the existing D&O Insurance expires, is terminated or
cancelled during such four-year period, Parent will cause to be obtained,
to the extent commercially available, replacement D&O Insurance on terms
and conditions no less advantageous to the Indemnified Parties than the
existing D&O Insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in satisfying its
obligation under this Section 5.19(b), Parent shall not be obligated to pay
premiums in excess of 110% of the premium paid or to be paid by the Company
in the fiscal year ended November 30, 1995, which amounts have been
disclosed to Parent, but provided further that Parent shall nevertheless be
obligated to provide such coverage as may be obtained for 110% of the
premium to be paid by the Company for such insurance in the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1995.
(c) In the event that any action, suit, proceeding or investigation
relating hereto or to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is
commenced, whether before or after the Effective Time, the parties hereto
agree to cooperate and use their respective best reasonable efforts to
vigorously defend against them and respond thereto.
ARTICLE SIX
CONDITIONS TO THE AMALGAMATION
Section 6.01 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Amalgamation. The respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to
consummate the Amalgamation shall be subject to the following conditions:
(a) This Agreement, the Amalgamation and the other transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been approved and adopted by the affirmative
vote or consent of (i) the Company's directors and shareholders as required
by the Companies Act and the Company's bye-laws, (ii) Parent's directors
and shareholders as required by the NYSE or Parent's articles of
association and (iii) Acquisition's directors and sole shareholder as
required by the Companies Act and Acquisition's bye-laws.
(b) The Amalgamation shall have been approved by the Minister.
(c) No order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, stay, decree,
judgment, injunction or regulatory action shall have been enacted, entered,
issued, promulgated, threatened or enforced by any Governmental Authority,
and no litigation shall have been initiated by any Person, which has
resulted in a prohibition against the consummation of the Amalgamation.
(d) The S-4 shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall not
be subject to a stop order or threatened stop order. Parent and Acquisition
shall have received all other authorizations necessary to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(e) The Parent Shares which shall be issued to holders of Shares upon
consummation of the Amalgamation and the Parent Shares to be reserved for
issuance upon exercise of the Parent Options shall have been authorized for
trading on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
(f) The Securityholder's Agreement dated as of September 15, 1993 among
the Company and each of the Company's shareholders shall have been amended
to provide for its termination as of the Effective Time.
Section 6.02 Additional Conditions to the Company's Obligation to Effect the
Amalgamation. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Amalgamation
shall be further subject to the following conditions unless waived in
accordance with Section 8.03:
(a) Each of Parent and Acquisition shall have performed in all material
respects each obligation and covenant to be performed by it on or prior to
the Effective Time.
(b) The representations and warranties of Parent and Acquisition
contained in this Agreement that are qualified as to materiality shall be
true and correct and the representations and warranties of Parent and
Acquisition contained in this Agreement that are not so qualified shall be
true and correct in all material
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respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the
extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as
of the Closing Date as though made as of and on the Closing Date, except as
otherwise contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) The unaudited financial statements of Parent as of, and for the three
month period ended, December 31, 1995 and the unaudited financial
statements of Parent as of, and for the latest quarterly period ended prior
to the Closing for which unaudited financial statements of Parent have been
made publicly available, shall reflect no material adverse change from
Parent's September 30, 1995 audited annual financial statements, except
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
(d) No Material Adverse Effect on Parent shall have occurred since
September 30, 1995 and be continuing.
(e) The Company shall have received legal opinions from United States,
Cayman Islands and Bermuda counsel to Parent and Acquisition in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company.
(f) The opinion addressed to the Company's Board of Directors by Merrill
Lynch, delivered as contemplated by Section 3.20 of this Agreement, shall
not have been withdrawn, amended or modified.
(g) The Company shall receive customary closing documents in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to it, including, without limitation,
secretary's certificates of Acquisition and Parent, respectively,
certifying the resolutions of the Board of Directors and sole shareholder
of Acquisition, and of the Board of Directors of Parent, approving this
Agreement and certifying the memorandum of association and bye-laws of
Acquisition and the memorandum of association and articles of association
of Parent; a Certificate of an executive officer of each of Parent and
Acquisition certifying compliance with all covenants and obligations of
Parent and Acquisition, respectively, to be performed at or prior to the
Effective Time, and certifying as to the accuracy of the representations
and warranties of Parent and Acquisition, respectively, as of the Effective
Time; an incumbency and signature certificate for officers of Parent and
Acquisition; and good standing certificates for Parent from the Cayman
Islands and Bermuda and for Acquisition from Bermuda.
(h) The Company shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that all
consents and approvals required for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or the ownership and operation by Parent of the Company
and its business have been obtained and all required filings have been
made.
Section 6.03 Additional Conditions to Parent's and Acquisition's Obligation
to Effect the Amalgamation. The obligation of Parent and Acquisition to
consummate the Amalgamation shall be further subject to the following
conditions unless waived in accordance with Section 8.03:
(a) The Company shall have performed in all material respects each
obligation and covenant to be performed by it on or prior to the Effective
Time.
(b) The representations and warranties of the Company contained in this
Agreement that are qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct
and the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this
Agreement that are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all
material respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and
(except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an
earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made as of and on the
Closing Date, except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) The unaudited financial statements of the Company as of, and for the
three month period ended, February 29, 1996 and the unaudited financial
statements of the Company as of, and for the latest monthly period ended
prior to the Closing for which unaudited financial statements of the
Company are available, shall reflect no material change from the Company's
November 30, 1995 audited annual financial statements previously delivered
to Parent's Board of Directors, except pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement.
(d) No Material Adverse Effect on the Company shall have occurred since
November 30, 1995 and be continuing.
(e) There shall not have occurred (i) any general suspension of trading
in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any national securities
exchange or the over-the-counter market in the United States, (ii) a
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declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in
respect of banks in the United States or Bermuda (whether or not
mandatory), (iii) the commencement or escalation of a war, armed
hostilities or other national or international crisis involving the United
States or Bermuda, (iv) any limitation (whether or not mandatory) imposed
by any Governmental Authority on, or any other event having a reasonable
likelihood of affecting, the nature or extension of credit or further
extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions in the United
States or Bermuda; (v) any material adverse change in United States or
international securities markets or financial markets; or (vi) in the case
of any of the foregoing, a material acceleration or worsening thereof.
(f) The holders of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the outstanding
Shares (not including Shares held by General Re) shall have waived their
appraisal rights and consented to the Lock-up as provided in Section 5.09
hereof.
(g) Parent and Acquisition shall have received legal opinions from United
States and Bermuda counsel to the Company in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Parent and Acquisition.
(h) The opinion addressed to Parent's Board of Directors by Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, delivered as contemplated by
Section 4.14 of this Agreement, shall not have been withdrawn, amended or
modified.
(i) Parent shall receive customary closing documents in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to it, including, without limitation, a
secretary's certificate certifying the resolutions of the Board of
Directors and shareholders of the Company approving this Agreement and
certifying the memorandum of association and bye-laws of the Company; a
Certificate of the Chairman of the Company certifying compliance with all
covenants and obligations of the Company to be performed at or prior to the
Effective Time and certifying as to the accuracy of the representations and
warranties of the Company as of the Effective Time; an incumbency and
signature certificate for officers of the Company; and a good standing
certificate for the Company from Bermuda.
(j) Parent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that all
consents and approvals required for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or the ownership and operation by Parent of the Company
and its business have been obtained and all required filings have been
made.
(k) Parent shall have received the report of Price Waterhouse, or a
qualified actuary reasonably acceptable to Parent, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the effect that (i) at the Closing Date, the
Company's reserve for loss and loss expenses provisions makes a reasonable
provision, in the aggregate, for all unpaid loss and loss expenses
obligations of the Company under the terms of its policies and agreements,
and (ii) the decrease, if any, between November 30, 1995 and the Closing
Date in the estimate of ultimate unpaid loss reserves at November 30, 1995
as calculated by the Company is reasonable.
(l) (i) All shares owned by General Re at any time on or after November
30, 1995 shall have been cancelled and shall no longer be outstanding
and the Company shall not be obligated to make any payments, absolute
or contingent, to General Re in respect thereof;
(ii) All options to acquire Shares or other securities of the Company
owned by General Re at any time on or after November 30, 1995 shall
have been cancelled and shall no longer be outstanding and the Company
shall not be obligated to make any payments, absolute or contingent, to
General Re in respect thereof.
(iii) The Underwriting Services Agreement, dated as of September 15,
1993, between GRUS and the Company, shall have been amended (the
material terms of which have been previously provided to Parent) in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, and the Company
shall not be obligated to make any payments, absolute or contingent, to
GRUS in respect thereof except as specified therein.
(iv) General Re and the Company shall have entered into a stop loss
reinsurance agreement with the Company, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Parent, pursuant to which General Re will
indemnify the company in respect of 100% of all net losses and loss
adjustment expenses in excess of a Company retention of $60 million,
but not exceeding a limit of liability of General Re of $10 million,
for which the Company is obligated under all contracts of insurance or
reinsurance issued by the Company for loss or damage resulting from
occurrences taking place prior to December 1, 1995.
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ARTICLE SEVEN
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
Section 7.01 Termination by the Company.
(a) The Company may terminate this Agreement, to the extent not
performed, if there shall not have been a material uncured or waived breach
by the Company of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set
forth herein and there shall have been a material breach by the Parent or
Acquisition of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement set
forth herein, which breach shall not have been cured within ten (10) days
of the Parent's receipt of written notice specifying Parent's or
Acquisition's breach and the Company's intention to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01.
(b) In addition, the Company may terminate any and all of its obligations
under this Agreement, to the extent not performed, if the Board of
Directors of Parent shall have (A) withdrawn, (B) modified, or (C) changed
in a manner adverse to the Company its approval or recommendation of the
Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
shall have recommended another offer which prevents Parent from
consummating the transactions contemplated hereby, or shall have adopted
any resolution to effect any of the foregoing. Parent shall immediately pay
the Company an amount equal to the Termination Fee if the Company
terminates this Agreement pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.
Section 7.02 Termination by the Company Upon Payment of Termination Fee. The
Company may terminate this Agreement, to the extent not performed, upon
payment to Parent of $12 million (the "Termination Fee") by bank cashier's
check or wire transfer to an account designated by Parent for this purpose and
(i) five Business Days shall have elapsed following Parent's receipt of a
Notice of Superior Proposal and the Superior Proposal described in the Notice
of Superior Proposal continues to be a Superior Proposal in light of any
improved transaction proposed by Parent prior to the expiration of the five
Business Day period following receipt by Parent of the Notice of Superior
Proposal, (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company shall have withdrawn,
modified or changed in a manner adverse to Parent its approval or
recommendation of the Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or shall have recommended another offer, or shall have adopted
any resolution to effect any of the foregoing, (iii) the approval by the
Company's shareholders of the Amalgamation shall not have been obtained and
there shall be existing at such time a Superior Proposal, or (iv) a Third
Party Acquisition has occurred or any Person shall have entered into a
definitive agreement or an agreement in principle with the Company with
respect to a Third Party Acquisition.
Section 7.03 Termination by Parent and Acquisition.
(a) Parent and Acquisition may terminate this Agreement to the extent not
performed, if there shall not have been a material uncured breach by Parent
or Acquisition of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement set
forth herein and there shall have been a material breach by the Company of
any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth herein, which
breach shall not have been cured within ten days of the Company's receipt
of written notice specifying the Company's breach and Parent's intention to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.03.
(b) In addition, Parent and Acquisition may terminate any and all of
their obligations under this Agreement, to the extent not performed, if (i)
the Board of Directors of the Company shall have (A) withdrawn, (B)
modified, or (C) changed in a manner adverse to Parent its approval or
recommendation of the Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or shall have recommended another offer, or shall have
adopted any resolution to effect any of the foregoing, or (ii) a Third
Party Acquisition has occurred or any Person shall have entered into a
definitive agreement or an agreement in principle with the Company with
respect to a Third Party Acquisition. The Company shall immediately pay
Parent an amount equal to the Termination Fee if Parent terminates this
Agreement pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.
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Section 7.04 Termination by Parent and Acquisition Upon Payment of
Termination Fee. Parent and Acquisition may terminate this Agreement, to the
extent not performed, upon payment to the Company of the Termination Fee by
bank cashier's check or wire transfer to an account designated by the Company
for this purpose if the Board of Directors of Parent shall have withdrawn,
modified or changed in a manner adverse to the Company its approval or
recommendation of the Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or shall have recommended another offer, or shall have adopted
any resolution to effect any of the foregoing.
Section 7.05 Termination by the Company, Parent or Acquisition. This
Agreement may be terminated and the Amalgamation contemplated hereby may be
abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after
approval of the Amalgamation by the Board of Directors and shareholders of the
Company:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Parent and the Company;
(b) by either Parent or the Company by written notice to the other:
(i) if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before
September 30, 1996; provided, however, that the right to terminate this
Agreement under this Section 7.05(b) shall not be available to any
party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has
been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Effective Time to
occur on or before such date;
(ii) if a Governmental Authority shall have issued an order, decree
or ruling or taken any other action (which order, decree or ruling the
parties hereto shall use their best efforts to lift), in each case
permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or
(iii) if the Minister shall have failed to approve the Amalgamation
by September 30, 1996; and
(c) by either Parent or the Company by written notice to the other, no
later than 5:00 p.m., Bermuda Time, on the second calendar day following
the Determination Date if the Average Closing Price shall be greater than
$49.00 or less than $31.00 (the prices at which either party may terminate
and abandon this Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the
"Termination Prices").
Section 7.06 Procedure and Effect of Termination. In the event of the
termination of this Agreement, none of Parent, Acquisition or the Company
shall have any obligation to perform hereunder from and after the date of such
termination, except that Sections 5.03(c) (Confidentiality), 5.06 (Public
Announcements), 8.05 (Expenses), 8.08 (Notices) and 8.09 (Governing Law) shall
survive such termination and remain in full force and effect notwithstanding
such termination. No termination hereof shall relieve Parent or the Company
from liability for any breach of this Agreement.
ARTICLE EIGHT
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 8.01 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and
Agreements. None of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing, except for those
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in Sections
2.08, 4.12, 5.03(c), 5.11, 5.18 and 5.19 and Article 8 of this Agreement.
Section 8.02 Amendment and Modification. Subject to applicable law, this
Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by written agreement
signed on behalf of Parent, Acquisition and the Company at any time prior to
the Effective Time with respect to any of the terms contained herein except
that after the meetings of the shareholders of the Company as contemplated by
Section 5.08 hereof, the Amalgamation Consideration to be paid pursuant to
this Agreement to the holders of Shares shall in no event be decreased and the
form of consideration to be received by the holders of such Shares in the
Amalgamation shall in no event be altered without the approval of such
holders.
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Section 8.03 Waiver of Compliance; Consents. Any failure of Parent or
Acquisition, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, to comply
with any obligation, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived in
writing by the Company or Parent, respectively, but such waiver or failure to
insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or
condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any
subsequent or other failure. Whenever this Agreement requires or permits
consent by or on behalf of any party hereto, such consent shall be given in
writing in a manner consistent with the requirements for a waiver of
compliance as set forth in this Section 8.03.
Section 8.04 Severability and Validity. The provisions set forth in this
Agreement are severable. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement, and the
application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances, shall not be
affected thereby, and shall remain valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction,
and any such invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 8.05 Expenses and Obligations. Each of the parties shall pay its own
expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this
Agreement, the performance of its covenants herein, and the effectuation of
the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, all fees
and disbursements of its respective legal counsel, advisors, and accountants;
provided, however, that nothing in this Section 8.05 shall negate any
obligation of either Parent or the Company to pay the Termination Fee. Each
party to this Agreement shall indemnify and hold harmless the other against
any claim for fees or commissions of brokers, finders, agents, or bankers
retained or purportedly retained by the indemnitor party in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 8.06 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other Person any
rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement, except for Section 2.07 (which is intended to be for the benefit of
the Persons referred to therein, and may be enforced by such Persons) and
Sections 4.12 and 5.18 (which are intended to be for the benefit of Former
Holders and may be enforced by such Former Holders).
Section 8.07 Additional Agreements. Subject to the terms and conditions
herein provided, each of the parties hereto agrees to use all reasonable
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action, and to do, or cause to be
done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and
regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. In case at any time after the Effective Time any further
action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement,
the proper officers and directors of each corporation which is a party to this
Agreement shall take all necessary action.
Section 8.08 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or mailed by
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice):
(a) if to Parent or Acquisition, or to the Company after the Effective
Time, to:
ACE Limited
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Ave.
Hamilton HM08 Bermuda
Telephone: (441) 295-5200
Facsimile: (441) 295-5221
Attention: Brian Duperreault
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<PAGE>
with copies to:
Mayer, Brown & Platt
190 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Telephone: (312) 701-7100
Facsimile: (312) 701-7711
Attention: Edward S. Best
(b) if to the Company prior to the Effective Time, to:
Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited
14 Par-La-Ville Road
Hamilton HM08 Bermuda
Telephone: (441) 292-2603
Facsimile: (441) 292-2790
Attention: Donald Kramer
with a copy to:
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
101 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10178
Telephone: (212) 309-6000
Facsimile: (212) 309-6273
Attention: Nancy H. Corbett
Section 8.09 Governing Law. The Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of Bermuda without regard to the conflicts of laws
rules thereof.
Section 8.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Section 8.11 Headings. The article and section headings contained in this
Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the
agreement of the parties and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. References to Articles or Sections, unless
otherwise specified, are to Articles and Sections of this Agreement.
Section 8.12 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement, including the
Disclosure Letter and exhibits attached hereto and the Confidentiality Letter,
embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in
respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no agreements,
restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants, or
undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. This
Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including the
letter agreement, dated February 1, 1996, between Parent and the Company)
between the parties with respect to such subject matter. This Agreement shall
not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, except with the prior
written consent of each other party hereto. This Agreement is not intended to
confer upon any other Person except the parties hereto any rights or remedies
hereunder, except as provided in Section 8.06 of this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
In Witness Whereof, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be signed and sealed on its behalf by its duly authorized officers, all as of
the day and year first above written.
ACE LIMITED
Brian Duperreault
By___________________________________
Brian Duperreault
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
[SEAL]
TRCL Acquisition Limited
Brian Duperreault
By___________________________________
Brian Duperreault
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Christopher Z. Marshall
By___________________________________
Christopher Z. Marshall
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
[SEAL]
Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited
Donald Kramer
By___________________________________
Donald Kramer
Co-Chairman
Charles G. Collis
By___________________________________
Charles G. Collis
Alternate Director/ Assistant
Secretary
[SEAL]
A-32
<PAGE>
ANNEX B
[Letterhead of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette]
May 22, 1996
The Board of Directors
ACE Limited
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Avenue
Hamilton HM 08, Bermuda
Dear Sirs:
You have requested our opinion as to the fairness from a financial point of
view to ACE Limited ("ACE" or the "Company") and its shareholders of the
consideration to be paid by the Company pursuant to the terms of the Agreement
and Plan of Amalgamation dated March 14, 1996, among the Company, TRCL
Acquisition Limited and Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited ("Tempest") (the
"Agreement").
Pursuant to the Agreement, each Tempest common share ("Tempest Share") will
be converted into that number of ACE ordinary shares, par value $0.125 per
share ("ACE Ordinary Shares"), obtained by dividing (i) the quotient of (x)
120% of Tempest's Net Assets (as defined in the Agreement) divided by (y) the
Average Closing Price (as defined below), by (ii) the number of Tempest Shares
outstanding immediately prior to the effective time (the "Exchange Ratio").
The value of the ACE Ordinary Shares, for the purposes of calculating the
Exchange Ratio, will be equal to the average closing price of the ACE Ordinary
Shares on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") for the ten NYSE trading days
immediately preceding the third NYSE trading day prior to the date upon which
ACE's shareholders meet to vote on the transaction (the "Average Closing
Price"). The Exchange Ratio will be adjusted if the Average Closing Price of
the ACE Ordinary Shares is between $33.00 and $45.00, such that the total
value received for each Tempest Share remains constant. If the Average Closing
Price is greater than $45.00, the Exchange Ratio is fixed such that the number
of ACE Ordinary Shares to be received for each Tempest Share would be
determined as if the Average Closing Price were $45.00 with the result that
the total value received for each Tempest Share would increase. If the Average
Closing Price is less than $33.00, the Exchange Ratio is fixed such that the
number of ACE Ordinary Shares to be received for each Tempest Share would be
determined as if the Average Closing Price were $33.00 with the result that
the total value received for each Tempest Share would decrease. Prior to
closing, Tempest will declare a dividend, or otherwise distribute, to its
shareholders an amount equal to such portion of the Net Assets as exceeds $500
million. Included in this distribution will be cash amounts paid to General
Reinsurance Corporation ("General Re") necessary to acquire 100% of its
interest in Tempest and to buy out General Re's underwriting services contract
with Tempest. Based on $500 million of Net Assets, the Exchange Ratio would
result in the issuance of approximately 13.3 million ACE Ordinary Shares,
assuming an Average Closing Price of $45.00. The terms of the transaction are
more fully set forth in the Agreement.
The Agreement may be terminated by either ACE or Tempest if the Average
Closing Price is greater than $49.00 or less than $31.00 per share. In
addition all outstanding unexercised Tempest options will be canceled and
options to acquire ordinary shares of ACE will be granted in lieu thereof. The
total cost to ACE of issuing these options will depend upon the Average
Closing Price.
In arriving at our opinion we have reviewed the Agreement. We also have
reviewed financial and other information that was available or furnished to us
by ACE and Tempest including information provided during discussions with
their respective managements. Financial projections for Tempest for the fiscal
years ended
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<PAGE>
November 30, 1996 and 1997 were developed by us based upon discussions with
and information provided by the management of Tempest and were reviewed and
accepted as reasonable by the management of ACE. In addition, certain
financial projections of ACE for fiscal years 1996 through 1997 were developed
by us based upon public information and were reviewed and accepted as
reasonable by the management of ACE. In addition, we have compared certain
financial data of ACE and Tempest with various other comparable companies
whose securities are traded in the public markets, reviewed the historical
stock price and trading volume of ACE Ordinary Shares, reviewed prices and
premiums paid in other comparable business combinations and conducted such
other studies, analyses and investigations as we deemed appropriate for
purposes of this opinion, including utilizing materials prepared by and
discussions held with ACE's outside accounting, legal, underwriting and
actuarial consultants.
In rendering our opinion, we have relied upon and assumed, without
independent verification, the accuracy, completeness and fairness of all of
the financial and other information that was available to us from public
sources, that was provided to us by ACE and Tempest or their respective
representatives, or that was otherwise reviewed by us. With respect to the
financial projections developed by us and reviewed by the management of ACE,
we have assumed that the information provided by the management of ACE and the
management of Tempest, in connection therewith, reflect the best currently
available estimates and judgments of the management of ACE and Tempest as to
the future operating and financial performance of ACE and Tempest. We did not
make any independent evaluation of ACE's or Tempest's assets or liabilities
nor did we verify any of the information reviewed by us.
Our opinion is necessarily based on economic, market, financial and other
conditions as they exist on, and on the information made available to us as
of, the date of this letter. It should be understood that, although subsequent
developments may affect this opinion, we do not have any obligation to update,
revise or reaffirm this opinion. We are expressing no opinion herein as to the
prices at which ACE Ordinary Shares will actually trade at any time.
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation ("DLJ"), as part of its
investment banking services, is regularly engaged in the valuation of
businesses and securities in connection with mergers, acquisitions,
underwritings, sales and distributions of listed and unlisted securities,
private placements and valuations for estate, corporate and other purposes.
DLJ also served as financial advisor to ACE on the Company's acquisition of a
51% interest in Methuen Group Limited, a Lloyd's of London managing agency
(the "Methuen Transaction"). The Methuen Transaction closed on April , 1996.
DLJ received compensation upon the closing of the Methuen Transaction.
Based upon the foregoing and such other factors as we deem relevant, we are
of the opinion that the consideration to be paid by the Company pursuant to
the Agreement is fair to the Company and its shareholders from a financial
point of view.
Very truly yours,
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
Securities Corporation
/s/ Leandro S. Galban
By: _________________________________
Leandro S. Galban
Managing Director
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<PAGE>
ANNEX C
May 22, 1996
Board of Directors
Tempest Reinsurance Company, Ltd
14 Par-La-Ville Road
Hamilton, HM08 Bermuda
Gentlemen:
ACE Limited ("ACE"), TRCL Acquisition Ltd. ("TRCL Ltd."), a limited
liability company and wholly-owned direct subsidiary of ACE, and Tempest
Reinsurance Company Limited ("Tempest Re") have entered into an Agreement and
Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March 14, 1996 (the "Amalgamation
Agreement"), pursuant to which TRCL Ltd. is to be amalgamated with Tempest Re
(the "Amalgamation") and each common share, $10 par value per share, of
Tempest Re outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (as defined in
the Amalgamation Agreement) is to be exchanged for ordinary shares, par value
$0.125 per share, of ACE ("ACE Shares") pursuant to an exchange ratio obtained
by dividing (i) the quotient of (x) 120% of the consolidated net assets of
Tempest Re at the Effective Time divided by (y) ACE's average closing price on
the New York Stock Exchange for the ten trading days preceding the three
trading days before the ACE special general meeting of shareholders to
consider the transaction, by (ii) the number of Tempest Re shares outstanding
at the Effective Time. If the ACE average share price is greater than $45, the
number of ACE Shares received by Tempest Re shareholders would remain the same
as if such average were $45. Likewise, if such average were less than $33, the
number of shares received by Tempest Re shareholders would be the same as if
such average were $33. The amalgamation agreement may be terminated by either
party if the Average Closing Price is greater than $49 or less than $31. Prior
to the Effective Time, Tempest Re shares and options to acquire shares held by
General Reinsurance Corporation ("General Re") are to be repurchased by
Tempest Re for cash and other contractual arrangements between Tempest Re and
General Re are to be terminated. Tempest Re is to declare and pay to its
remaining shareholders a dividend that will reduce its consolidated net worth
to $500 million at the Effective Time.
You have asked us whether, in our opinion, the proposed consideration to be
received in the form of ACE Shares by Tempest Re shareholders pursuant to the
Amalgamation Agreement is fair from a financial point of view to such Tempest
Re shareholders. We have not been requested to opine as to, and our opinion
does not in any manner address, Tempest Re's underlying business decision to
proceed with or effect the amalgamation with ACE or to enter into the other
transactions contemplated by the Amalgamation Agreement; we understand that
you have made the decision to adopt a strategy of diversification through the
Amalgamation rather than pursuing other strategies such as an initial public
offering of Tempest Re shares. In addition, our opinion does not address the
values which may be achieved in an initial public offering, which may be
higher or lower in value, depending on market conditions, offering size and
other considerations at that time.
In arriving at the opinion set forth below, we have, among other things:
(1) Reviewed the Amalgamation Agreement;
(2) Reviewed Tempest Re Annual Reports and related GAAP financial
information for the three fiscal years ended November 30, 1995 and the
unaudited statements for the quarter ended February 29, 1996;
(3) Reviewed ACE's Annual Reports and related GAAP financial information
for the three fiscal years ended September 30, 1995 and the unaudited
statements for the six months ended March 31, 1996;
(4) Conducted discussions with members of senior management of Tempest Re
concerning the business and prospects of Tempest Re;
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(5) Conducted discussions with members of senior management of ACE
concerning the business and prospects of ACE;
(6) Reviewed the historical market prices and trading activity for the ACE
Shares;
(7) Reviewed certain information, including financial forecasts, relating
to the business, earnings, cash flow, assets and prospects of Tempest
Re and ACE, furnished to us by Tempest Re and ACE;
(8) Compared the proposed financial terms of the transaction contemplated
by the Amalgamation Agreement with the financial terms of certain
mergers and acquisitions which we determined to be relevant;
(9) Compared the results of operations of Tempest Re with those of certain
companies which we deemed to be reasonably similar to Tempest Re;
(10) Compared the results of operations of ACE with those of companies
which are deemed to be reasonably similar to ACE; and
(11) Reviewed such other financial studies and analyses and performed such
other investigations and took into account such other matters as we
deemed necessary.
In preparing our opinion, we have relied upon the accuracy and completeness
of all information supplied or otherwise made available to us by Tempest Re
and ACE and we have not independently verified such information or made an
independent valuation or appraisal of the assets or liabilities of Tempest Re
or ACE. In particular, we have relied upon the representation by ACE's
management and actuaries that its reserves for breast implant related claims
are adequate and we have not independently verified nor valued the accuracy of
such reserves. We have further relied upon the assurances of the management of
Tempest Re and ACE that they are not aware of any facts that would make such
information inaccurate or misleading. With respect to the financial forecasts
furnished by Tempest Re and ACE, we have assumed with your consent that they
have been reasonably prepared and reflect the best currently available
estimates and judgment of Tempest Re's or ACE's managements as to the expected
future financial performance of Tempest Re, ACE or their combined operations,
as the case may be. Our opinion is necessarily based upon market, economic and
other conditions, as they exist on the date hereof. In connection with the
preparation of this opinion, we have not been authorized by Tempest Re to
solicit, nor have we solicited, third-party indications of interest for the
acquisition of all or any part of Tempest Re.
We have, in the past, provided financial advisory and financing services to
Tempest Re and have received fees for rendering such services. In 1993 we
served as Lead Placement Agent in the establishment of Tempest Re, raising
$535 million in a private placement. We are acting as financial advisor in
connection with the Amalgamation and will receive a fee for our services, a
substantial portion of which is contingent upon the consummation of the
Amalgamation.
The opinion is directed to the Board of Directors of Tempest Re and does not
constitute a recommendation to any shareholders of Tempest Re as to how such
shareholders should vote at any shareholder meeting of Tempest Re.
On the basis of and subject to the foregoing, we are of the opinion that, as
the date hereof, the consideration to be received in the form of ACE Shares by
Tempest Re shareholders pursuant to the Amalgamation Agreement is fair from a
financial point of view to such Tempest Re shareholders.
Very truly yours,
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated
/s/ Steven J. Goulart
By___________________________________
Steven J. Goulart
Director
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
ITEM 20. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
Section 100 of ACE's Articles of Association, Exhibit 3.2 to this
Registration Statement, contains provisions with respect to indemnification of
ACE's officers and directors. Such provision provides that ACE shall
indemnify, in accordance with and to the full extent now or hereafter
permitted by law, any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made
a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (including, without
limitation, an action by or in the right of ACE), but reason of his acting as
a director, officer, employee or agent of, or his acting in any other capacity
for or on behalf of, ACE, against any liability or expense actually and
reasonably in any other capacity for or on behalf of, ACE, against any
liability or expense of defending any such act, suit or proceeding in
accordance with and to the full extent now or hereafter permitted by law.
The Companies Law (Revised) of the Cayman Islands does not set out any
specific restrictions on the ability of a company to indemnify officers or
directors. However, the application of basic principles and certain
Commonwealth case law which is likely to be persuasive in the Cayman Islands,
would indicate that indemnification is generally permissible except in the
event that there had been fraud or wilful default on the part of the officer
or director or reckless disregard of his duties and obligations to the
company.
Directors and officers of ACE are also provided with indemnification against
certain liabilities pursuant to a directors and officers liability insurance
policy. Coverage is afforded for any loss that the insureds become legally
obligated to pay by reason of any claim or claims first made against the
insureds or any of them during the policy period from any wrongful acts that
are actually or allegedly caused, committed or attempted by the insureds prior
to the end of the policy period. Wrongful acts are defined as any actual or
alleged error, misstatement, misleading statement or act, omission, neglect or
breach of duty by the insureds while acting in their individual or collective
capacities as directors or officers of ACE, or any other matter claimed
against them by reason of their being directors or officers of ACE. Certain of
ACE's directors are provided, by their employer, with indemnification against
certain liabilities incurred as directors of ACE.
ITEM 21. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a) EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March 14, 1996, by and
among ACE Limited, TRCL Acquisition Limited and Tempest Reinsurance
Company Limited.
4.1 Memorandum of Association of ACE (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of ACE (No. 33-57206)).
4.2 Articles of Association of ACE (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2
to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of ACE (No. 33-57206)).
4.3 Specimen certificate representing ACE Ordinary Shares (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of ACE
(No. 33-57206)).
5.1 Opinion of Maples and Calder as to the legality of the ACE Ordinary
Shares.
8.1 Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman as to certain Bermuda tax matters.
8.2 Opinion of Maples and Calder as to certain Cayman Islands tax matters.
8.3 Opinion of Mayer Brown & Platt as to certain U.S. tax matters.
11.2 Statement regarding computation of earnings per Tempest Common Share.
21.1 Subsidiaries of ACE.
23.1 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
</TABLE>
II-1
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
23.2 Consent of Price Waterhouse.
23.3 Consent of Conyers Dill & Pearman (included in Exhibit 8.1).
23.4 Consent of Maples and Calder (included in Exhibit 5.1).
23.5 Consent of Mayer, Brown & Platt (included in Exhibit 8.3).
24.1 Powers of attorney (included on Page II-7).
99.1 Appointment of CT Corporation System as U.S. agent for service of process.
</TABLE>
(b) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES*
Schedule III--Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited--Supplementary
Insurance Information
Schedule VI--Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited--Analysis of Losses
and Loss Expense Development--Period ended November 30
*All other schedules are omitted because they are not required, are not
applicable or the required information has been included in the financial
statements.
ITEM 22. UNDERTAKINGS
(a) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
(b) (1) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows: that prior
to any public reoffering of the securities registered hereunder through use of
a prospectus which is a part of this registration statement, by any person or
party who is deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of Rule 145(c),
the issuer undertakes that such reoffering prospectus will contain the
information called for by the applicable registration form with respect to
reofferings by persons who may be deemed underwriters, in addition to the
information called for by the other items of the applicable form.
(2) The registrant undertakes that every prospectus: (i) that is filed
pursuant to paragraph (1) immediately preceding, or (ii) that purports to meet
the requirements of Section 10(a)(3) of the Act and is used in connection with
an offering of securities subject to Rule 415, will be filed as a part of an
amendment to the registration statement and will not be used until such
amendment is effective, and that, for purposes of determining any liability
under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered
therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to
be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of
the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the
registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
II-2
<PAGE>
(d) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for
information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to
Item 4, 10(b), 11, or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of
such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or
other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents
filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through
the date of responding to the request.
(e) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a
post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the
company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and
included in the registration statement when it became effective.
II-3
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY
CAUSED THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON ITS BEHALF BY THE
UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF HAMILTON, BERMUDA, ON
MAY 21, 1996.
Ace Limited
Brian Duperreault
By __________________________________
Its: Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints, Brian
Duperreault, Walter A. Scott and Christopher Z. Marshall, and each of them,
the true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents of the undersigned, with full
power of substitution and resubstitution, for and in the name, place and stead
of the undersigned, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
(including post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement, and to
file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection
therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and hereby grants to
such attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority
to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be
done, full to all intents and purposes as the undersigned might or could do in
person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or any of them, or their or his substitute or substitutes, may
lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE FOLLOWING PERSONS IN THE
CAPACITIES AND ON THE DATES INDICATED.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Brian Duperreault Chairman, President and May 21, 1996
____________________________________ Chief Executive Officer;
Brian Duperreault Director
Christopher Z. Marshall Executive Vice President and May 21, 1996
____________________________________ Chief Financial Officer
Christopher Z. Marshall (Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
Michael G. Atieh Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Michael G. Atieh
Bruce L. Crockett Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Bruce L. Crockett
Director
____________________________________
Jeffrey W. Greenberg
Robert M. Hernandez Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Robert M. Hernandez
Andrew J. Markey Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Andrew J. Markey
</TABLE>
II-4
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Director
____________________________________
Meryl D. Hartzband
Peter Menikoff Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Peter Menikoff
Robert J. Newhouse, Jr. Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Robert J. Newhouse, Jr.
Glen M. Renfrew Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Glen M. Renfrew
Robert Ripp Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Robert Ripp
Walter A. Scott Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Walter A. Scott
Robert W. Staley Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Robert W. Staley
Gary M. Stuart Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Gary M. Stuart
Sidney F. Wentz Director May 21, 1996
____________________________________
Sidney F. Wentz
</TABLE>
II-5
<PAGE>
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT HAS BEEN SIGNED BELOW BY THE UNDERSIGNED AS THE DULY
AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF ACE LIMITED IN THE UNITED STATES.
Brian Duperreault
-------------------------------------
Brian Duperreault
May 21, 1996
II-6
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ON
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
To the Board of Directors
of Tempest Reinsurance Company
Limited
Our audits of the financial statements referred to in our report dated
December 22, 1995 except as to Note 1 which is as of March 14, 1996 appearing
in this Registration Statement also included an audit of the Financial
Statement Schedules contained in this Registration Statement. In our opinion,
these Financial Statement Schedules present fairly, in all material respects,
the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related
financial statements.
Price Waterhouse
Chartered Accountants
Hamilton, Bermuda
December 22, 1995
S-1
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE III
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E COLUMN F COLUMN G COLUMN H COLUMN I
------------- ----------- ---------- -------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
FUTURE
POLICY
BENEFITS,
LOSSES, OTHER POLICY BENEFITS, AMORTIZA-
DEFERRED CLAIMS AND CLAIMS AND CLAIMS, TION OF
SEGMENT- POLICY LOSS UNEARNED BENEFITS LOSSES AND DEFERRED
PROPERTY ACQUISITION EXPENSES PREMIUMS PAYABLE PREMIUM NET INVEST- SETTLEMENT POLICY
AND CASUALATY COST (CAPTION (CAPTION (CAPTION REVENUE MENT INCOME EXPENSES ACQUISITIONS
INSURANCE (CAPTION 7) 13-a-1)* 13-a-2)* 13-a-3) (CAPTION 1) (CAPTION 2) (CAPTION 4) COSTS
------------- ----------- ---------- -------- ------------ ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1995............ $7,534 $54,130 $60,434 $0 $157,497 $37,777 $49,774 $25,838
1994............ 5,581 15,235 40,821 0 99,510 29,165 18,242 15,492
1993............ 59 52 501 0 104 4,698 52 12
<CAPTION>
COLUMN J COLUMN K
--------- --------
OTHER
OPERATING PREMIUMS
EXPENSES WRITTEN
--------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
1995............ $11,401 $177,580
1994............ 3,583 139,830
1993............ 1,466 605
</TABLE>
S-2
<PAGE>
SCHEDULE VI
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
ANALYSIS OF LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSE DEVELOPMENT
PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 30
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1993 1994 1995
---- ------- -------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Unpaid..................................................... $52 $15,235 $54,130
Paid (Cumulative) As Of:
1 year later............................................. -- 7,110 --
2 years later............................................ -- -- --
Liability Reestimated As Of:
End of year.............................................. 52 15,235 54,130
1 year later............................................. -- 15,218 --
2 years later............................................ -- -- --
Cumulative redundancy (deficiency)......................... $52 $ 17 --
</TABLE>
The analysis of losses and loss expense development shown above presents the
subsequent development of the estimated year-end liability for unpaid losses
and loss expense since Tempest's inception at the end of each of the fiscal
periods in the period from September 1, 1993 (date of incorporation) through
November 30, 1995. The top line of the table shows the estimated liability for
unpaid losses and loss expenses recorded at the balance sheet date for each of
the indicated periods. The liability represents the estimated amount of losses
and loss expenses for claims arising from all prior years' policies that were
unpaid at the balance sheet date. The upper (paid) portion of the table
presents the amounts paid as of subsequent period on those claims for which
reserves were carried as of each specified period. The lower portion of the
table shows the reestimated amount of the previously recorded liability at the
end of each succeeding year.
Management believes that the losses and loss expenses which have been
recorded through November 30, 1995 are adequate to cover the ultimate cost of
losses and loss expenses incurred through November 30, 1995 under the terms of
Tempest's policies. As such provisions are necessarily based on estimates, the
ultimate losses and loss expenses may be significantly greater or less than
such amounts.
S-3
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE
------- ----------- ----
<C> <S> <C>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March 14, 1996,
by and among ACE Limited, TRCL Acquisition Limited and Tempest
Reinsurance Company Limited.
5.1 Opinion of Maples and Calder as to the legality of the ACE
Ordinary Shares.
8.1 Opinion of Conyers, Dill & Pearman as to certain Bermuda tax
matters.
8.2 Opinion of Maples and Calder as to certain Cayman Islands tax
matters.
8.3 Opinion of Mayer Brown & Platt as to certain U.S. tax matters.
11.2 Statement regarding computation of earnings per Tempest Common
Share.
21.1 Subsidiaries of ACE.
23.1 Consent of Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
23.2 Consent of Price Waterhouse.
99.1 Appointment of CT Corporation System as U.S. agent for service
of process.
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Exhibit 2.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation
dated as of March 14, 1996
by and among
ACE Limited,
a Cayman Islands corporation,
TRCL Acquisition Limited,
a Bermuda limited liability company
and
Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited,
a Bermuda limited liability company
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE ONE
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<C> <S> <C>
Section 1.01 Certain Definitions........................................ 1
ARTICLE TWO
THE AMALGAMATION
Section 2.01 The Amalgamation........................................... 3
Section 2.02 Effective Time of the Amalgamation; Closing................ 3
Section 2.03 Effect of the Amalgamation................................. 3
Section 2.04 Memorandum of Association of Tempest Re; Registration
Number.................................................... 3
Section 2.05 Bye-laws of Tempest Re..................................... 4
Section 2.06 Board of Directors and Officers of Tempest Re.............. 4
Section 2.07 Conversion of Shares....................................... 4
Section 2.08 Surrender and Payment...................................... 5
Section 2.09 Adjustments................................................ 6
Section 2.10 Fractional Shares.......................................... 6
Section 2.11 Voting..................................................... 6
Section 2.12 No Further Rights.......................................... 6
ARTICLE THREE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
Section 3.01 Corporate Organization..................................... 6
Section 3.02 Authority.................................................. 7
Section 3.03 Capital Structure.......................................... 7
Section 3.04 Financial Statements....................................... 8
Section 3.05 Absence of Certain Changes................................. 8
Section 3.06 Certain Fees............................................... 8
Section 3.07 No Defaults................................................ 9
Section 3.08 Governmental Consents...................................... 9
Section 3.09 Compliance with Applicable Law............................. 9
Section 3.10 Information Supplied....................................... 9
Section 3.11 Material Contracts......................................... 10
Section 3.12 Taxes...................................................... 10
Section 3.13 Litigation................................................. 11
Section 3.14 Title to Properties; Leases................................ 11
Section 3.15 Certain Agreements......................................... 11
Section 3.16 U.S. Assets................................................ 11
Section 3.17 Employees.................................................. 11
Section 3.18 Intellectual Property...................................... 12
Section 3.19 Takeover Statutes.......................................... 12
Section 3.20 Opinion of Financial Advisor............................... 12
Section 3.21 Agreements with General Re................................. 13
</TABLE>
-i-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE FOUR
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
PARENT AND ACQUISITION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<C> <S> <C>
Section 4.01 Corporate Organization..................................... 13
Section 4.02 Authority.................................................. 13
Section 4.03 No Prior Activities........................................ 13
Section 4.04 SEC Documents; Financial Statements........................ 13
Section 4.05 Liabilities................................................ 14
Section 4.06 Absence of Certain Changes................................. 14
Section 4.07 No Defaults................................................ 14
Section 4.08 Governmental Consents...................................... 15
Section 4.09 Compliance with Applicable Law............................. 15
Section 4.10 Information Supplied....................................... 15
Section 4.11 Litigation................................................. 15
Section 4.12 Taxes...................................................... 16
Section 4.13 Certain Fees............................................... 16
Section 4.14 Opinion of Financial Advisor............................... 16
ARTICLE FIVE
COVENANTS
Section 5.01 Conduct of Business of the Company......................... 16
Section 5.02 Exclusivity................................................ 18
Section 5.03 Access to Information...................................... 19
Section 5.04 Best Efforts............................................... 19
Section 5.05 S-4; Regulatory Matters.................................... 20
Section 5.06 Public Announcements....................................... 20
Section 5.07 Supplemental Information................................... 20
Section 5.08 Shareholders' Meetings..................................... 20
Section 5.09 Waivers of Appraisal Rights; Lockup........................ 21
Section 5.10 Closing Date Balance Sheet Audit........................... 21
Section 5.11 Company Options............................................ 21
Section 5.12 Certain Change in Control Matters.......................... 22
Section 5.13 Affiliates................................................. 22
Section 5.14 Net Assets................................................. 22
Section 5.15 Stock Exchange Listing..................................... 23
Section 5.16 Trading of Parent Shares................................... 23
Section 5.17 Certain Employee Arrangements.............................. 23
Section 5.18 Post-Closing Matters....................................... 23
Section 5.19 Indemnification............................................ 24
ARTICLE SIX
CONDITIONS TO THE AMALGAMATION
Section 6.01 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Amalgamation............................................... 25
Section 6.02 Additional Conditions to the Company's Obligation to Effect
the Amalgamation........................................... 25
Section 6.03 Additional Conditions to Parent's and Acquisition's
Obligation to Effect the Amalgamation..................... 26
</TABLE>
-ii-
<PAGE>
ARTICLE SEVEN
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<C> <S> <C>
Section 7.01 Termination by the Company................................. 28
Section 7.02 Termination by the Company Upon Payment of Termination Fee. 28
Section 7.03 Termination by Parent and Acquisition...................... 28
Section 7.04 Termination by Parent and Acquisition Upon Payment of
Termination Fee........................................... 29
Section 7.05 Termination by the Company, Parent or Acquisition.......... 29
Section 7.06 Procedure and Effect of Termination........................ 29
ARTICLE EIGHT
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 8.01 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and
Agreements................................................ 29
Section 8.02 Amendment and Modification................................. 29
Section 8.03 Waiver of Compliance; Consents............................. 30
Section 8.04 Severability and Validity.................................. 30
Section 8.05 Expenses and Obligations................................... 30
Section 8.06 Parties in Interest........................................ 30
Section 8.07 Additional Agreements...................................... 30
Section 8.08 Notices.................................................... 30
Section 8.09 Governing Law.............................................. 31
Section 8.10 Counterparts............................................... 31
Section 8.11 Headings................................................... 31
Section 8.12 Entire Agreement; Assignment............................... 31
</TABLE>
-iii-
<PAGE>
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF AMALGAMATION
This Agreement and Plan of Amalgamation, dated as of March 14, 1996 (the
"Agreement"), by and among ACE Limited, a Cayman Islands corporation
("Parent"), TRCL Acquisition Limited, a limited liability company organized
and incorporated under the laws of Bermuda and a wholly owned direct
subsidiary of Parent ("Acquisition") and Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited,
a limited liability company organized and incorporated under the laws of
Bermuda (the "Company").
Whereas, the respective Boards of Directors of the Company, Parent and
Acquisition deem it advisable and in the best interests of their respective
shareholders to effect the amalgamation of Acquisition and the Company (the
"Amalgamation") pursuant to this Agreement.
Whereas, the parties intend that the Amalgamation shall qualify as a tax-
free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the United
States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code").
Now, Therefore, in consideration of the promises and of the mutual
covenants, representations, warranties and agreements herein contained, the
parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
Section 1.01 Certain Definitions. Certain capitalized terms used in this
Agreement shall have the meaning set forth below:
(a) "Affiliate" of a party means any Person or entity controlling,
controlled by, or under common control with such party. For purposes of
this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, the terms
"controlling," "controlled by" and "under common control with"), as used
with respect to any Person, shall mean the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management
or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by agreement or otherwise.
(b) "Business Day" means any day other than a Saturday, a Sunday, or a
bank holiday in the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and in the state of New York in
the United States of America.
(c) "Confidentiality Letter" means that certain letter between Parent and
the Company, dated November 21, 1995.
(d) "Determination Date" means the date upon which the Average Closing
Price is determined.
(e) "Disclosure Letter" means the letter, dated as of the date hereof,
from the Company to Parent regarding certain matters related to this
Agreement.
(f) "Dollars" or "$" means United States dollars.
(g) "Employee Benefit Plan" means each benefit plan maintained or
contributed to by the Company or with respect to which the Company may have
any liability, which provides (or is intended to provide) benefits to the
employees of the Company (or other service providers to the Company);
including, without limitation, each pension, retirement or deferred
compensation plan, incentive compensation plan, stock plan, unemployment
compensation plan, vacation pay, severance pay, bonus or benefit
arrangement, insurance, medical or hospitalization program, sickness,
accident, disability or death benefit program or any other fringe benefit
arrangement.
(h) "Exchange Act" means the United States Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.
(i) "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles as in effect in
the United States of America (as such principles may change from time to
time).
(j) "Governmental Authority" means any governmental, quasi-governmental,
judicial, or regulatory agency or entity or subdivision thereof with
jurisdiction over the Company, Parent or Acquisition or any of their
respective Subsidiaries or any of the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement.
1
<PAGE>
(k) "Lien" means any mortgage, lien, security interest, pledge, lease or
other charge or encumbrance of any kind, including, without limitation, the
lien or retained security title of a purchase money creditor or conditional
vendor, and any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to
real property, and any agreement to give any of the foregoing.
(l) "Market Value" shall mean the closing price on the NYSE on the date
immediately prior to the Closing Date.
(m) "Material Adverse Effect" shall mean, with respect to the Company or
Parent (as the case may be), any change, event, condition or development
that is or may reasonably be expected to be materially adverse to the
business, assets, liabilities, results of operations, properties, financial
or operating condition or prospects of such party and its Subsidiaries,
taken as a whole (without giving effect to the consequences of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement), or the ability of such party
(and, to the extent applicable, its Subsidiaries) to perform its (or their)
obligations under this Agreement or consummate the transactions
contemplated hereby.
(n) "Net Assets" of the Company shall mean the shareholders' equity of
the Company computed in accordance with GAAP as shown on the Closing Date
Balance Sheet (as defined herein) and adjusted to: (i) add the sum of (A)
any amounts accrued on the financial statements of the Company for Company
Options (as defined herein) and (B) incurred losses and loss expenses
recorded by the Company for the underwriting period beginning December 1,
1995 and continuing to the Closing Date (as defined herein); and (ii)
deduct the sum of (A) fees of the Company's legal, accounting, auditing and
other advisors incurred by the Company in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby to the extent that such fees have not already been
accrued on the financial statements of the Company, and (B) losses and loss
expenses in an amount equal to the greater of (x) forty-two percent of
earned premiums for the underwriting period commencing December 1, 1995 and
continuing to the Closing Date and (y) incurred losses and loss expenses
recorded by the Company for the underwriting period beginning December 1,
1995 and continuing to the Closing Date, and (C) an accrual equal to the
Market Value of Parent Shares (as defined herein) represented by the
options issued under this Agreement at the Closing Date less the exercise
price of those options, and (D) an accrual equal to (1) the product of (a)
the number of Shares subject to Company Options outstanding at the Closing
Date other than Roll-Over Options (as defined herein) multiplied by (b) the
Market Value of the Parent Shares issued pursuant to Section 2.07(a) per
Share less (2) the aggregate exercise price of such Company Options, and
(E) any decrease in excess of $10 million between November 30, 1995 and the
Closing Date in the estimate of ultimate unpaid loss reserves at November
30, 1995 (it being understood that any decrease up to an amount of $10
million shall be for the benefit of the Former Holders (as defined
herein)), and (F) any payment made or amount payable with respect to the
stop loss reinsurance agreement with General Re referred to in Section
6.03(l)(iv) hereof to the extent such amount has not reduced the Company's
shareholders' equity prior to the Closing Date.
(o) "NYSE" means the New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
(p) "Permitted Liens" means (i) Liens for Taxes or other assessments or
charges of Governmental Authorities that are not yet delinquent or that are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, in each case,
with respect to which adequate reserves or other appropriate provisions are
being maintained to the extent required by GAAP; (ii) statutory Liens of
landlords and mortgagees of landlords and Liens of carriers, warehousemen,
mechanics, materialmen and other Liens imposed by law and created in the
ordinary course of business for amounts not yet more than 30 days overdue
or which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, in
each case, with respect to which adequate reserves or other appropriate
provisions are being maintained to the extent required by GAAP; (iii)
leases or subleases, easements, rights-of-way, covenants, and consents
which do not interfere materially with the ordinary conduct of the business
of the Company or detract materially from the value of the property to
which they attach or materially impair the use thereof to the Company; and
(iv) Liens granted by the Company to lenders pursuant to credit agreements
in existence on the date hereof.
(q) "Person" shall mean an individual, corporation, limited liability
company, partnership, association, trust, unincorporated organization or
other entity.
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(r) "SEC" means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
(s) "Securities Act" means the United States Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
(t) "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to a specified Person, each
corporation, partnership or other entity in which the specified Person owns
or controls, directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, 50
percent or more of the stock or other interests having general voting power
in the election of directors or Persons performing similar functions or
rights to 50 percent or more of any distributions.
(u) "Tax" or "Taxes" shall mean any Bermuda, Cayman Islands, United
States federal, state, local, foreign or other income, capital stock,
employees' income withholding, foreign Person withholding, social security,
unemployment, disability, real property, personal property, sales, use,
transfer or other tax, including any interest, penalties or other additions
to tax in respect to the foregoing, whether disputed or not.
(v) "Third Party Acquisition" means (i) the acquisition by any Person of
more than ten percent (10%) of the total assets of the Company, (ii) the
acquisition by any Person of ten percent (10%) or more of (a) the Shares or
(b) the Total Voting Power, or (iii) any merger, amalgamation or other
combination of the Company with any Person.
(w) "Total Voting Power" means, at any date, the total number of votes
that may be cast in the election of directors of the Company at any meeting
of shareholders of the Company held on such date assuming all Voting Shares
were present and voted at such meeting.
(x) "Voting Shares" means Shares and all other securities of the Company,
if any, entitled to vote generally in the election of directors.
ARTICLE TWO
THE AMALGAMATION
Section 2.01 The Amalgamation. At the Effective Time (as defined below), and
upon the terms and subject to the conditions hereof, Acquisition shall be
amalgamated with and into the Company in accordance with the provisions of the
Companies Act 1981 of Bermuda, as amended (the "Companies Act"). At and after
the Effective Time, the Company shall continue in the form of the amalgamated
company and shall operate under the name "Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited"
("Tempest Re").
Section 2.02 Effective Time of the Amalgamation; Closing. As soon as
practicable after satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in
Article SIX, Parent and Acquisition will cause an application for the
registration of an amalgamated company and such other documents as are
required by the Companies Act in connection with the Amalgamation to be duly
filed with the Registrar of Companies of Bermuda (the "Registrar"). The
Amalgamation shall become effective upon the issuance of the certificate of
amalgamation by the Registrar (the time of such issuance being the "Effective
Time"). Prior to such filing, a closing shall be held, at the offices of
Appleby, Spurling & Kempe, Cedar House, 41 Cedar Avenue, Hamilton HM12,
Bermuda at 9:00 a.m. or such other place and/or time as the parties shall
agree, for the purpose of confirming the satisfaction or waiver of the
conditions set forth in Article SIX (the "Closing"). The date upon which the
Closing shall occur is referred to herein as the "Closing Date."
Section 2.03 Effect of the Amalgamation. The Amalgamation shall have the
effects set forth in Section 109 of the Companies Act. As of the Effective
Time, Tempest Re shall be a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Parent.
Section 2.04 Memorandum of Association of Tempest Re; Registration Number.
The memorandum of association of the Company shall become the memorandum of
association of Tempest Re and thereafter may be amended or repealed as
provided therein and by law. The memorandum of association of Tempest Re shall
be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. The registration number of
Tempest Re in Bermuda after the Effective Time shall be the same registration
number as that of the Company immediately prior to the Effective Time.
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Section 2.05 Bye-laws of Tempest Re. The bye-laws of the Company in effect
immediately prior to the Effective Time (except for Section 53 thereof which
shall read in its entirety as follows: "At any meeting of Members (or in
connection with any written resolution in lieu of such a meeting), each Member
holding Common Shares, in the case of a meeting, present in person or by
proxy, shall be entitled to one vote, on a non-cumulative basis, for each
Common Share registered in such Member's name in the Register of Members.")
shall be the bye-laws of Tempest Re and thereafter may be amended or repealed
in accordance with its terms, the memorandum of association of Tempest Re and
as provided by law.
Section 2.06 Board of Directors and Officers of Tempest Re. At the Effective
Time, the current directors of Acquisition and any additional individuals
designated by Parent, all of whose names and addresses are set forth on
Exhibit B-1 hereto, shall be the initial directors of Tempest Re, each of such
directors to hold office in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
memorandum of association and bye-laws of Tempest Re and until their
successors shall be elected or appointed and shall duly qualify. Except as set
forth on Exhibit B-1, immediately prior to the Effective Time, the current
directors of the Company shall cease to be directors of the Company and shall
not be directors of Tempest Re. After giving effect to the Amalgamation, the
officers of Tempest Re shall be the individuals whose names are set forth on
Exhibit B-2 hereto, each to hold office in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the memorandum of association and bye-laws of Tempest Re and
until their respective successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified.
Section 2.07 Conversion of Shares. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the
Amalgamation and without any action on the part of Parent, Acquisition, the
Company or the holder of any of the following securities thereof:
(a) Each common share, $10 par value per share, of the Company (a
"Share") which is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective
Time (other than Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section 2.07(d) hereof)
shall be, by virtue of the Amalgamation and without any action on the part
of the holder thereof, cancelled and extinguished and shall be converted
into that number of ordinary shares, par value $0.125 per share, of Parent
(the "Parent Shares"), obtained by dividing (i) the quotient of (x) the
Premium Amount (as defined below) divided by (y) the Average Closing Price
(as defined below), by (ii) the number of Shares issued and outstanding
(excluding Shares to be cancelled pursuant to Section 2.07(d) hereof)
immediately prior to the Effective Time (the ratio of a Share to such
number of Parent Shares, rounded to the nearest 1/10,000th of a Parent
Share, being defined herein as the "Exchange Ratio").
The "Premium Amount" shall be an amount equal to one-hundred twenty percent
(120%) of the Net Assets of the Company; provided, however, that if the Net
Assets of the Company should exceed $500 million then the Premium Amount shall
be an amount equal to the sum of (i) $600 million and (ii) the dollar amount
by which the Net Assets exceed $500 million.
The Parent Shares to be received as consideration pursuant to the
Amalgamation and the procedures set forth in Section 2.08 by each holder of
Shares is referred to herein as the "Amalgamation Consideration." Parent shall
take such action as shall be necessary to issue the Parent Shares to be
received as Amalgamation Consideration and register them on its share
register.
The "Average Closing Price" shall be an amount equal to the average per
share closing price of Parent Shares as reported on the NYSE Composite
Transaction Tape for the ten NYSE trading days immediately preceding the three
NYSE trading days prior to the date upon which Parent's shareholders' meeting
occurs as provided in Section 5.08; provided, however, that if the Average
Closing Price is greater than $45.00, the Exchange Ratio will become fixed as
if the Average Closing Price were $45.00 and if the Average Closing Price is
less than $33.00, the Exchange Ratio will become fixed as if the Average
Closing Price were $33.00 (the prices at which the Exchange Ratio will be
fixed are collectively referred to herein as the "Average Closing Price
Caps").
(b) Each share of common stock, par value $10.00 per share, of
Acquisition issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time
shall be converted into and become one validly issued, fully paid and
nonassessable share of common stock, par value $10.00 per share, of Tempest
Re.
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(c) Each Company Option (as defined in Section 3.03) outstanding as of
the Effective Time shall be treated in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.11.
(d) Each Share which is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
Effective Time and held by Parent or Acquisition or any of their respective
Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be cancelled and
no consideration shall be issued in exchange therefor.
Section 2.08 Surrender and Payment.
(a) Prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall appoint an agent (the
"Exchange Agent") for the purpose of exchanging certificates representing
Shares for certificates representing Parent Shares in accordance with the
Exchange Ratio pursuant to Section 2.07(a). At the Effective Time, Parent
will deposit with the Exchange Agent certificates representing the
aggregate Amalgamation Consideration to be paid in respect of the Shares.
Promptly after the Effective Time, Parent will send, or will cause the
Exchange Agent to send, to each holder of Shares at the Effective Time a
letter of transmittal for use in such exchange (which shall specify that
the delivery shall be effected, and risk of loss and title shall pass, only
upon proper delivery of the certificates representing Shares to the
Exchange Agent).
(b) Each holder of Shares that have been converted into a right to
receive the Amalgamation Consideration, upon surrender to the Exchange
Agent of a certificate or certificates representing such Shares, together
with a properly completed letter of transmittal covering such Shares, will
be entitled to receive the Amalgamation Consideration payable in respect of
such Shares. Until so surrendered, each such certificate shall, after the
Effective Time, represent for all purposes only the right to receive such
Amalgamation Consideration.
(c) If any portion of the Amalgamation Consideration is to be paid to a
Person other than the registered holder of the Shares represented by the
certificate or certificates surrendered in exchange therefor, it shall be a
condition to such payment that the certificate or certificates so
surrendered shall be properly endorsed or otherwise be in proper form for
transfer and that the Person requesting such payment shall pay to the
Exchange Agent any transfer or other Taxes required as a result of such
payment to a Person other than the registered holder of such Shares or
establish to the satisfaction of the Exchange Agent that such tax has been
paid or is not payable.
(d) After the Effective Time, there shall be no further registration of
transfers of Shares; provided, that, this Section shall not prohibit
transfers of shares of Tempest Re by any holder thereof. If, after the
Effective Time, certificates representing Shares are presented to Tempest
Re or, subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(e), the Exchange Agent,
they shall be cancelled and exchanged for the Amalgamation Consideration in
accordance with the procedures set forth in this Article TWO. If, after the
Effective Time and after the date set forth in the restrictive legend
endorsed on any Parent Share in accordance with Section 5.09(b) of this
Agreement, such Parent Share is presented to Tempest Re or, subject to the
provisions of Section 2.08(e), the Exchange Agent, such Parent Share shall
be cancelled and exchanged for an equivalent Parent Share without such a
restrictive legend.
(e) Any portion of the Amalgamation Consideration deposited with the
Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 2.08(a), and any cash payment for a
fractional Parent Share pursuant to Section 2.10, that remains unclaimed by
the holders of Shares twelve months after the Effective Time shall be
returned to Parent or an Affiliate designated by Parent, upon demand, and
any such holder who has not exchanged his Shares for the Amalgamation
Consideration in accordance with this Article TWO prior to that time shall
thereafter look only to Parent for his claim for Parent Shares, any cash in
lieu of fractional Parent Shares and any dividends or distributions with
respect to Parent Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Parent shall not
be liable to any holder of Shares for any amount paid to a public official
pursuant to applicable abandoned property laws.
(f) No dividends or other distributions with respect to the Parent Shares
constituting part of the Amalgamation Consideration shall be paid to the
holder of any unsurrendered certificates representing Shares until such
certificates are surrendered as provided in this Section 2.08. Upon such
surrender, there shall be paid (to the extent due and not yet paid),
without interest, to the Person in whose name the
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certificates representing the Parent Shares into which such Shares were
converted are registered, (i) any dividends and other distributions in
respect of Parent Shares that are payable on a date subsequent to, and the
record date for which occurs after, the Effective Time and (ii) any
dividends (including any Contingent Dividend, as defined in Section 5.14
hereof) or other distributions in respect of Shares that are payable on a
date subsequent to, and the record date for which occurs on or before, the
Effective Time.
Section 2.09 Adjustments. Except as specifically contemplated by this
Agreement, if prior to the Effective Time, Parent shall subdivide, split up,
reclassify or combine the Parent Shares or declare a dividend, or make a
distribution, on the Parent Shares in any security convertible into Parent
Shares, appropriate adjustment or adjustments, if any, will be made to the
Exchange Ratio, the Average Closing Price Caps and the Termination Prices (as
defined in Section 7.05 hereof). If at the Effective Time, the Company shall
have outstanding or subject to option more Shares than are contemplated to be
outstanding or subject to option as set forth in the representations and
warranties in Section 3.03, then, at Parent's election and notwithstanding
other provisions hereof, and without limiting any of its other rights
hereunder, the Exchange Ratio shall be adjusted downward to a ratio that would
result in an aggregate Amalgamation Consideration equal to the aggregate
Amalgamation Consideration that would have resulted if such representation and
warranty had been strictly complied with at the Effective Time.
Section 2.10 Fractional Shares. No certificates or scrip representing
fractional Parent Shares will be issued in the Amalgamation, but in lieu
thereof each holder of Shares otherwise entitled to a fractional Parent Share
will be entitled to receive, from the Exchange Agent in accordance with the
provisions of this Section 2.10, a cash payment in lieu of such fractional
Parent Share representing the value of such fraction, which for this purpose
shall be calculated by multiplying such fraction by the Average Closing Price
(as defined in Section 2.07(a)). As soon as practicable after the
determination of the amount of cash, if any, to be paid to holders of Shares
in lieu of any fractional Parent Share, the Exchange Agent shall promptly pay
without interest to all holders of Shares entitled thereto all such amounts.
Section 2.11 Voting. In determining shareholders of Parent entitled to
notice of and to vote at meetings of shareholders of Parent, former
shareholders of record of the Company shall not be deemed shareholders of
record until such holders have delivered their certificates representing
Shares to the Exchange Agent pursuant to Section 2.08(a), or otherwise
pursuant to Section 2.08(e).
Section 2.12 No Further Rights. At and after the Effective Time, each holder
of a certificate or certificates that represented issued and outstanding
Shares immediately prior to the Effective Time shall cease to have any rights
as a shareholder of the Company, except for the right to receive the
Amalgamation Consideration upon surrender of its certificate or certificates.
ARTICLE THREE
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY
The Company hereby represents and warrants to Parent and Acquisition that:
Section 3.01 Corporate Organization. The Company is a corporation duly
organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the
jurisdiction of its incorporation. The Company (i) is qualified, licensed or
domesticated as a foreign corporation in all jurisdictions where such
qualification, license or domestication is required to own and operate its
properties and conduct its business in the manner and at the places presently
conducted; (ii) holds all franchises, grants, licenses, certificates, permits,
consents and orders, all of which are valid and in full force and effect, from
all applicable Bermuda and foreign regulatory authorities necessary to own and
operate its properties and to conduct its business in the manner and at the
places presently conducted; and (iii) has full power and authority (corporate
and other) to own, lease and operate its respective properties and assets and
to carry on its business as presently conducted and as proposed to be
conducted, except where the failure to be so qualified, licensed or
domesticated, or to hold such franchises, grants, licenses, certificates,
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permits, consents and orders or to have such power and authority would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The
Company is not required to be authorized, qualified, licensed or domesticated
as a foreign corporation under any United States federal, state or local law.
The Company has furnished to Parent and Acquisition complete and correct
copies of its memorandum of association and bye-laws as in effect on the date
hereof. Such memorandum of association and bye-laws are in full force and
effect and no other organizational documents are applicable to or binding upon
the Company. The Company has no Subsidiaries.
Section 3.02 Authority. The Company has all requisite corporate power and
authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to the due approval by its
shareholders of the provisions of this Agreement which are the terms and means
of effecting the Amalgamation as required by the bye-laws of the Company, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by the Company, the performance by the Company of its
obligations hereunder and the consummation by the Company of the transactions
contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate
action on the part of the Company (including without limitation the approval
of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby by the necessary
vote of all members of its Board of Directors, which approval includes a
resolution recommending that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby be approved by the shareholders of the Company), subject only to the
approval of the provisions of this Agreement which are the terms and means of
effecting the Amalgamation by the affirmative vote of shareholders holding
and/or Persons representing not less than sixty percent (60%) of the issued
and outstanding Shares. No other corporate proceedings on the part of the
Company are necessary for the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by the Company and, subject to the approval by its shareholders of
the provisions of this Agreement which are the terms and means of effecting
the Amalgamation as provided by the bye-laws of the Company and the filing of
the application for registration of the Amalgamation pursuant to Section 2.02
of this Agreement, the performance by the Company of its obligations hereunder
and the consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby.
This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and
(assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by Parent and
Acquisition) constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company,
enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject with
respect to enforceability to the effect of bankruptcy, fraudulent conveyance,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws now or hereafter
affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and to the
availability of equitable remedies.
Section 3.03 Capital Structure.
(a) As of the date hereof, the authorized share capital of the Company
consists of $100,000,000 divided into 10,000,000 Shares of par value $10.00
each. As of November 30, 1995, 5,237,160 Shares were issued and
outstanding. Section 3.03(a) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth each plan,
arrangement or agreement pursuant to which options or stock appreciation
rights with respect to Shares may be granted or under which such options or
stock appreciation rights have been granted and are outstanding and in the
aggregate by plan, arrangement or agreement the number of options and stock
appreciation rights outstanding, their grant price, the date such options
or rights were granted and the number of Shares reserved for issuance
pursuant to the plan, arrangement or agreement, together with the name of
each holder of an option or stock appreciation right outstanding under any
such plan, arrangement or agreement (such options and rights being herein
collectively referred to as the "Company Options"), a description of the
exercise or purchase prices, vesting schedules, expiration dates, and
numbers of Shares subject to each such Company Option, together with a
listing of all Company Options which by their terms shall vest at the
Effective Time as a result of the Amalgamation. Except as set forth in
Section 3.03(a) of the Disclosure Letter, (i) no Shares have been issued
since November 30, 1995, except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant
to stock option agreements or other Employee Benefit Plans existing on the
date hereof, and (ii) the Company has not issued or granted any option,
warrant, convertible security or other right or agreement which affords any
Person the right to purchase or otherwise acquire any Shares or any other
security of the Company. Except as set forth in this Agreement or Section
3.03(a) of the Disclosure Letter, the Company is not subject to any
obligation (contingent or otherwise) to purchase or otherwise acquire or
retire any of its securities.
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(b) Except as described in Section 3.03(b) of the Disclosure Letter, no
bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness having the right to vote (or
convertible into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) on
any matters on which shareholders may vote ("Voting Debt") of the Company
are issued or outstanding. All of the issued and outstanding securities of
the Company have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid
and non-assessable, and were issued in compliance with all applicable
Bermuda, United States federal, state and other foreign laws regulating the
offer, sale or issuance of such securities (assuming compliance with all
such laws by the Persons to whom such securities were issued or sold and by
any transferee of such Persons).
(c) Except as described in Sections 3.03(a), (b) or (c) of the Disclosure
Letter, there are no options, warrants, calls, rights, commitments or
agreements of any character to which the Company is a party or by which it
is bound obligating the Company to issue, deliver or sell, or cause to be
issued, delivered or sold, additional shares of capital stock or any Voting
Debt of the Company or obligating the Company to grant, extend or enter
into any such option, warrant, call, right, commitment or agreement. Except
as set forth in this Agreement, at the Effective Time, there will be no
outstanding contractual obligations of the Company to repurchase, redeem or
otherwise acquire any capital stock of the Company.
(d) Except as described in Section 3.03(d) of the Disclosure Letter or as
specifically described in this Agreement, since November 30, 1995, the
Company has not (i) made or agreed to make any stock split or stock
dividend, or issued or permitted to be issued any shares of capital stock,
or securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of capital stock,
of the Company other than pursuant to and as required by the terms of any
Company Option; (ii) repurchased, redeemed or otherwise acquired any shares
of capital stock of the Company; or (iii) declared, set aside, made or paid
to the shareholders of the Company dividends or other distributions on the
outstanding shares of capital stock of the Company.
Section 3.04 Financial Statements.
(a) The Company has delivered to Parent and Acquisition copies of its
audited annual financial statements as of November 30, 1995, 1994, and 1993
(the "Financial Statements"), consisting of balance sheets as of such dates
and the related statements of income, cash flows and shareholders' equity
for the periods then ended, copies of which are included in Section 3.04(a)
of the Disclosure Letter.
(b) Except as set forth in Section 3.04(b) of the Disclosure Letter, the
Financial Statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a
consistent basis and present fairly the financial position of the Company
as of the dates thereof and the results of operations of the Company for
the periods then ended.
(c) Except as set forth in Section 3.04(c) of the Disclosure Letter, or
in the Company's balance sheet dated as of November 30, 1995 (the "Latest
Balance Sheet"), the Company has no liabilities, debts, claims or
obligations of any nature on the date of this Agreement, whether accrued,
absolute, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, whether due or to
become due, that would be required to be included on a balance sheet
prepared in accordance with GAAP and there is no existing condition or set
of circumstances which would reasonably be expected to result in such a
liability (for purposes of this Section, "Liabilities") except (i)
Liabilities incurred in the ordinary and usual course of business and
consistent with past practice since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet,
(ii) Liabilities incurred in connection with or as a result of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and (iii) Liabilities that
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.
Section 3.05 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in Section 3.05
of the Disclosure Letter, since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, (i) none
of the actions, events or circumstances listed in Section 5.01 has been taken
or occurred or exists; (ii) there has been no event or circumstance that would
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
and (iii) there has been no breach or default or event that with notice or
lapse of time or both would result in a breach or default under any material
contract of the Company, except as would not reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Section 3.06 Certain Fees. No finder, broker, agent, financial advisor or
other intermediary other than Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated ("Merrill Lynch") has acted on behalf of the Company in
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connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or is
entitled to any payment in connection herewith or therewith. The Company has
provided to Parent copies of the Company's engagement letter with Merrill
Lynch in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby.
Section 3.07 No Defaults. The Company is not in default or violation (and no
event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute
a default or violation) of its memorandum of association or bye-laws or other
governing document, or any material agreement, mortgage, indenture, debenture,
trust, lease, license, or other instrument or obligation to or by which it or
any of its properties is subject or bound (for purposes of this Section, the
"Instruments"), except for such defaults or violations as would not reasonably
be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company either
individually or in the aggregate. The Company has no knowledge of any default
or breach (or event or circumstance that with notice or lapse of time or both
would constitute a breach or default) by other parties to any Instrument,
which default or breach would reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company. The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the taking of any other action contemplated by this Agreement,
will not (i) result in any violation of or be in conflict with or constitute a
breach or default (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) under (a)
the memorandum of association or bye-laws of the Company or (b) any of the
other Instruments, breach of or default under which would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company, (ii) result in or
constitute an event entitling any party to an Instrument to effect an
acceleration of the maturity of any material indebtedness of the Company or a
material increase in the rate of interest presently in effect with respect to
such indebtedness, or (iii) result in the creation of any Lien other than
Permitted Liens upon any of the material properties or assets of the Company.
Section 3.08 Governmental Consents. Except for the filing of the application
to register the Amalgamation pursuant to the Companies Act and the consent of
the Minister of Finance of Bermuda (the "Minister") to the Amalgamation, no
consent, approval, order or authorization of, or registration, qualification,
designation, declaration or filing with, any Governmental Authority
("Consent") is required on the part of the Company in connection with the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, except those required under
applicable Bermuda law in connection with the reduction of Net Assets of the
Company as provided in Section 5.14 of this Agreement, those required by
United States federal and state securities or "Blue Sky" laws, and where
failure to obtain such Consent would not have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company.
Section 3.09 Compliance with Applicable Law. The Company has and is in
compliance with all licenses, permits, and other authorizations, domestic or
foreign, necessary to conduct its respective business, except where failure to
have or comply with such licenses, permits and authorizations would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. The
Company is not in default or violation (and no event has occurred which with
notice or the lapse of time or both would constitute a default or violation)
of any judgment, decree, order, law, statute, rule or regulation of any
Governmental Authority, except for such defaults or violations as would not
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Subject to obtaining the Consents referred to in Section 3.08, the execution,
delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the taking of the other
actions contemplated by this Agreement to be performed by the Company prior to
the date or dates as of which the representations and warranties herein are
made or deemed made, will not result in any default or violation of any
judgment, decree, order, law, statute, rule or regulation of any Governmental
Authority applicable to the Company, except for such defaults or violations as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company either individually or in the aggregate.
Section 3.10 Information Supplied. None of the written information supplied
or to be supplied by the Company for inclusion in (i) the Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (the "S-4") to be filed by Parent relating to the Parent
Shares comprising the Amalgamation Consideration will, at the time the S-4 is
filed with the SEC and at the time it becomes effective under the Securities
Act, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any
material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading, except in respect of any statements or omissions
based on written information supplied by Parent for inclusion therein, as to
which the Company
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makes no representation or warranty, and (ii) the letters to shareholders,
notices of meetings, proxy statements and forms of proxies to be distributed
to shareholders of the Company and Parent, respectively, in connection with
the Amalgamation and the transactions contemplated thereby, except in respect
of any statements or omissions based on written information supplied by Parent
for inclusion therein, as to which the Company makes no representation or
warranty, will, as of the date the Joint Proxy Statement (as defined below) is
first mailed to such shareholders and on the date of the meetings of the
Company's shareholders or Parent's shareholders, as the case may be, and the
date of any adjournment thereof, contain any untrue statement of a material
fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The documents
referred to in (ii) above are herein referred to as the "Joint Proxy
Statement." All documents that the Company is responsible for filing with any
Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of any
applicable law. Without limiting any of the representations and warranties
contained in this Agreement, no representation or warranty to Parent and
Acquisition by the Company in this Agreement, as of the date hereof, contains
any untrue statement of material fact, or omits a material fact necessary in
order to make the statements contained therein, in light of the circumstances
under which such statements are or will be made, not misleading.
Section 3.11 Material Contracts. Except as set forth in Section 3.11 of the
Disclosure Letter, the Company is not, nor has it received any written or oral
notice or has any knowledge that any other party is, in default in any respect
under any contract, agreement, commitment, arrangement, lease, insurance
policy or other instrument to which the Company or the assets, business or
operations thereof may be bound or affected or under which it or its
respective assets, business or operations receives benefits, except for those
defaults which have not had or would not reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
and there has not occurred any event that with the lapse of time or the giving
of notice would constitute such a default.
Section 3.12 Taxes.
(a) The Company does not have, nor has it had, any income which is, or
has been, subject to the United States federal income tax as income which
is effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business within the
United States, within the meaning of Section 882(a)(1) of the Code. The
Company has filed or caused to be filed with the appropriate Bermuda,
United States federal, state, local, foreign and other Governmental
Authorities, all Tax returns, information returns and reports required to
be filed on or prior to the date hereof which, if not filed, would have a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company, and has paid in full or made
adequate provision (in accordance with GAAP) for the payment of all Taxes
(including taxes withheld from employees' salaries and other withholding
taxes and obligations) shown to be due on such Tax returns. All material
written assessments of Taxes due and payable by or on behalf of the Company
have either been paid or provided for (in accordance with GAAP) or are
being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings.
(b) There are no material Tax claims pending against the Company and the
Company does not know of any threatened claim for Tax deficiencies or any
basis for such claims, no material issues have been raised in any
examination by any taxing authority with respect to the Company which, by
application of similar principles, reasonably could be expected to result
in a proposed deficiency for any other period not so examined, and there
are not now in force any waivers or agreements by the Company for the
extension of time for the assessment of any material Tax, nor has any such
waiver or agreement been requested by any taxing authority. The Company
does not have any liability for any material Bermuda, United States
federal, state, local, foreign or other Taxes of any corporation or entity
other than the Company.
(c) Disclosed in Section 3.12(c) of the Disclosure Letter is, with
respect to the year ended November 30, 1995 and for the period commencing
December 1, 1995 and ending on the date of the Disclosure Letter, (i) each
reinsurance transaction by the Company directly with shareholders of the
Company and (ii) to the actual knowledge of either co-chairman of the
Company, each reinsurance transaction by the Company
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directly or indirectly with Persons related to shareholders of the Company
and not disclosed in clause (i) above, which would cause the Company to
have any "related person insurance income," within the meaning of Section
953(c)(2) of the Code.
(d) The Company did not have for the year ended November 30, 1995, and
does not expect to have for the period ending at the Effective Time
(treating such period as if it were a taxable year) "related person
insurance income" within the meaning of Section 953(c)(2) of the Code in
excess of the exceptions provided in Sections 953(c)(3)(A) and (B) of the
Code.
Section 3.13 Litigation. Except as set forth in Section 3.13 of the
Disclosure Letter, there are no actions, suits, claims, proceedings or
investigations (or, to the knowledge of the Company, any basis for any Person
to assert any claim reasonably likely to result in liability or any other
adverse determination) pending against, or to the knowledge of the Company,
threatened against or affecting, the Company or any of its properties before
any Governmental Authority or otherwise which (i) individually or in the
aggregate would be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company;
(ii) in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or delay the
transactions contemplated hereby; or (iii) alleges criminal action or
inaction. As of the date hereof, neither the Company nor any of its respective
properties is subject to any order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree,
determination or award having, or which would reasonably be expected to have,
a Material Adverse Effect on the Company or which would prevent or delay the
consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. Except as set forth in
Section 3.13 of the Disclosure Letter, there are no pending or, to the
knowledge of the Company, threatened claims for indemnification by the Company
in favor of directors, officers, employees and agents of the Company.
Section 3.14 Title to Properties; Leases. Except as set forth in Section
3.14(a) of the Disclosure Letter, the Company has good and marketable title
to, and is the lawful owner of, or has the right to use pursuant to a license
or otherwise, all of the tangible and intangible assets, properties and rights
used in its businesses and all tangible and intangible assets, properties and
rights reflected in the Latest Balance Sheet or acquired since the date of the
Latest Balance Sheet, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens
and material defects. The Company does not own any real property. Section
3.14(b) of the Disclosure Letter sets forth all material real property and
personal property leases of the Company. All such leases are valid, binding
and enforceable against the Company (and, to the best knowledge of the
Company, each other party thereto) in accordance with their respective terms,
and there does not exist, under any lease of real property or personal
property, any material defect or any event which, with notice or lapse of time
or both, would constitute a material default by the Company or, to the best
knowledge of the Company, by any other party thereto.
Section 3.15 Certain Agreements. Except as set forth in Section 3.15 of the
Disclosure Letter or pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, the Company is
not a party to or bound by any contract, agreement or arrangement which would
cause the rights or obligations of any party thereto to change in the event of
the Amalgamation, except for any such contract, agreement or arrangement which
would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Section 3.16 U.S. Assets. The Company does not hold assets located in the
United States of America having an aggregate book value of $15 million or
more, other than investment assets, voting securities and nonvoting securities
of another Person. For the purpose of this representation, investment assets
means cash, deposits in financial institutions, other money market instruments
and instruments evidencing government obligations.
Section 3.17 Employees. Section 3.17 of the Disclosure Letter lists all
employment contracts and similar arrangements between the Company and its
executive officers, and all plans and arrangements pursuant to which the
Company is obligated to make any payment or confer any benefit upon any
officer, director, employee or agent of the Company as a result of or in
connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any
transaction or transactions resulting in a change of control of the Company.
Except as described in Section 3.17 of the Disclosure Letter, the Company is
not aware that any officer, director, executive or key employee of
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the Company or any group of employees of the Company has any plans to
terminate his, her or its employment with the Company (other than as
previously described to Parent in writing). Except as described in Section
3.17 of the Disclosure Letter, (i) the Company has complied with all laws
relating to the employment of labor, including provisions thereof relating to
wages, hours, equal opportunity, and collective bargaining except where the
failure so to comply would not reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect on the Company, (ii) no labor dispute with employees of the
Company exists or, to the knowledge of the Company, is threatened, except as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the
Company, (iii) each Employee Benefit Plan conforms in all material respects
to, and its administration is in conformity in all material respects with, all
applicable laws, no material liability has been or is expected to be incurred
by the Company with respect to any Employee Benefit Plan except regular
periodic contributions to such plans and full payment has been made of all
amounts that the Company is required to have paid as contributions to each
Employee Benefit Plan, (iv) to the Company's knowledge, the current value of
accrued benefits of each Employee Benefit Plan does not exceed the current
value of such plan's assets, (v) the Company has provided Parent with a true
and correct copy of each of the Employee Benefit Plans and all contracts
relating thereto, or to the funding thereof, (vi) all Employee Benefit Plans
intended to satisfy applicable tax qualification requirements, or other
requirements necessary to secure favorable tax or other legal treatment comply
in all material respects with such requirements, and (vii) adequate accruals
for all obligations under the Employee Benefit Plans are reflected in the
financial statements of the Company.
Section 3.18 Intellectual Property. Except as set forth in Section 3.18 of
the Disclosure Letter, the Company owns or possesses, or has all necessary
rights and licenses in, all patents, patent rights, licenses, inventions
(whether or not patentable or reduced to practice), copyrights (whether
registered or unregistered), know-how (including trade secrets and other
unpatented and/or unpatentable proprietary or confidential information,
systems or procedures), registered and unregistered trademarks, service marks
and trade names and other intellectual property rights (collectively,
"Intellectual Property") necessary to conduct its business as conducted and
proposed to be conducted except to the extent that the failure of the Company
to own or have such rights and licenses in such Intellectual Property would
not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
The Company has not received any notice of, or is aware of any fact or
circumstance that would give any Person a right to assert, infringement or
misappropriation of, or conflict with, asserted rights of others or invalidity
or unenforceability of any Intellectual Property owned by the Company with
respect to any of the foregoing which, singly or in the aggregate, would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company. To
the knowledge of the Company, the use of such Intellectual Property to conduct
the business and operations of the Company as conducted or proposed to be
conducted does not infringe on the rights of any Person in any case where such
infringement would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on
the Company. To the knowledge of the Company, no Person is challenging,
infringing on or otherwise violating any right of the Company with respect to
any Intellectual Property owned by and/or licensed to the Company. Except as
set forth in Section 3.18 of the Disclosure Letter, neither the execution of
this Agreement nor the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby
will result in a loss or limitation in the rights and licenses of the Company
to use or enjoy the benefit of any Intellectual Property employed by the
Company in connection with its business as conducted or proposed to be
conducted where such loss or limitation, individually or in the aggregate,
would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.
Section 3.19 Takeover Statutes. No "fair price", "moratorium", "control
share acquisition" or other similar anti-takeover statute or regulation
enacted under any Bermuda law applicable to the Company is applicable to the
Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated hereby. The Company has
taken all steps necessary to irrevocably exempt the transactions contemplated
by this Agreement from any applicable provisions of the Company's memorandum
of association or bye-laws.
Section 3.20 Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Company has received the
opinion of Merrill Lynch, dated the date hereof, to the effect that, as of
such date, the consideration to be received in the Amalgamation by the
shareholders of the Company participating in the Amalgamation at the Effective
Time is fair to such shareholders from a financial point of view, a copy of
which opinion has been delivered to Parent.
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Section 3.21 Agreements with General Re. Except as set forth in Section 3.21
of the Disclosure Letter, the Company is not a party to or bound by any
contract, agreement or arrangement with General Re or an affiliate thereof.
ARTICLE FOUR
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF
PARENT AND ACQUISITION
Parent and Acquisition hereby represent and warrant to the Company that:
Section 4.01 Corporate Organization. Each of Parent and Acquisition is a
corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the
laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation. Neither Parent nor Acquisition is
required to be authorized, qualified, licensed or domesticated as a foreign
corporation under any United States federal, state or local corporate law.
Parent has furnished to the Company complete and correct copies of its
memorandum of association and articles of association and Acquisition's
memorandum of association and bye-laws as in effect on the date hereof. Such
documents are in full force and effect.
Section 4.02 Authority. Each of Parent and Acquisition has all requisite
corporate power and authority to enter into this Agreement and, subject to the
due approval and adoption of this Agreement by its respective shareholders, to
consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. The execution and delivery of
this Agreement by each of Parent and Acquisition, the performance by Parent
and Acquisition of its obligations hereunder and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary
corporate action on the part of Parent and Acquisition (including without
limitation the approval of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
hereby by Parent, as sole shareholder of Acquisition, and by the necessary
vote of all members of their respective Boards of Directors, which approval,
in the case of Parent, includes a resolution recommending that this Agreement
and the transactions contemplated hereby be approved by the shareholders of
Parent), subject only to the adoption of this Agreement by the affirmative
vote of Parent's shareholders as required by the NYSE. No other corporate
proceedings on the part of Parent or Acquisition are necessary for the
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Parent and
Acquisition and, subject to the approval and adoption of this Agreement by the
shareholders as provided above and the filing of the application for
registration of the Amalgamation pursuant to Section 2.02 of this Agreement,
the performance by Parent and Acquisition of its obligations hereunder and the
consummation by the Company of the transactions contemplated hereby. This
Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Parent and Acquisition and
(assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery hereof by the Company)
constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Parent and Acquisition,
enforceable against Parent and Acquisition in accordance with its terms,
subject with respect to enforceability to the effect of bankruptcy, fraudulent
conveyance, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, or similar laws now or
hereafter affecting the enforcement of creditors' rights generally and to the
availability of equitable remedies.
Section 4.03 No Prior Activities. Acquisition has not incurred, directly or
indirectly, any liabilities or obligations, and has acquired no assets of any
kind, except those incurred or acquired in connection with its incorporation
or with the negotiation of this Agreement and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated hereby. Acquisition has been formed solely to
facilitate the transactions contemplated in this Agreement and has not
engaged, directly or indirectly, in any business or activity of any type or
kind, or entered into any agreement or arrangement with any Person or entity,
or is subject to or bound by any obligation or undertaking, that is not
contemplated by or in connection with this Agreement and the transactions
contemplated hereby.
Section 4.04 SEC Documents; Financial Statements.
(a) Parent has delivered or made available to Company a true and complete
copy of each report, schedule, registration statement and definitive proxy
statement filed by Parent with the SEC in respect of its fiscal years
ending September 30, 1994 and 1995 under the Securities Act and the
Exchange Act and will
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deliver to the Company promptly upon the filing thereof with the SEC all
such reports, schedules, registration statements and proxy statements as
may be filed after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time (as such
documents have since the time of their filing been amended, or may after
their filing, if after the date hereof, be amended, the "Parent SEC
Documents"), which are or will be all the documents that Parent was or will
be required to file with the SEC. As of their respective dates, the Parent
SEC Documents complied or will comply in all material respects with the
requirements of the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as the case may be,
and the rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder applicable to such
Parent SEC Documents, and none of the Parent SEC Documents contained or
will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or will
omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they
were made or will be made, not misleading.
(b) As of their respective dates, the financial statements of Parent
included or to be included in the Parent SEC Documents (the "Parent
Financial Statements") complied or will comply as to form in all material
respects with applicable accounting requirements and with the published
rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, are or will be in
accordance with the books and records of Parent and its Subsidiaries, which
are or will be complete and accurate in all material respects and which
have been or will have been maintained in accordance with good business
practices, and present or will present fairly the consolidated financial
position of Parent and its Subsidiaries and the consolidated results of
operations, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows of Parent and
its Subsidiaries as of the dates and for the periods indicated, in
accordance with GAAP applied on a consistent basis, subject in the case of
interim financial statements to normal year-end adjustments and except for
the absence of certain footnote information in the unaudited statements.
Section 4.05 Liabilities. Except as disclosed in filings by Parent with the
SEC (it being understood that any Liabilities will be deemed to have been
disclosed therein if the facts or circumstances to which such Liabilities
relate and the possibility that there may be Liabilities in connection
therewith has been disclosed therein), Parent and its Subsidiaries have no
liabilities, debts, claims or obligations of any nature on the date of this
Agreement, whether accrued, absolute, direct or indirect, contingent or
otherwise, whether due or to become due, whether or not of a kind required by
GAAP to be set forth in a financial statement (for purposes of this Section,
"Liabilities"), other than (i) Liabilities incurred since September 30, 1995
in the ordinary and usual course of business and consistent with past
practice, (ii) Liabilities incurred in connection with or as a result of the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (iii) Liabilities incurred in
connection with or as a result of the acquisition of Methuen Group Limited,
including obligations to provide funds with respect to underwriting of Methuen
syndicates, and (iv) Liabilities that would not reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Section 4.06 Absence of Certain Changes. Except as set forth in or arising
out of facts or circumstances disclosed in filings by Parent with the SEC,
since September 30, 1995 there has been no event or circumstances that would
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Section 4.07 No Defaults. Neither Parent nor Acquisition is in default or
violation (and no event has occurred which with notice or lapse of time or
both would constitute a default or violation) of its memorandum of association
or bye-laws or other governing document, or any material agreement, mortgage,
indenture, debenture, trust, lease, license or other instrument or obligation
to or by which it or any of its properties is subject or bound (for purposes
of this Section, the "Instruments"), except for such defaults or violations as
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent
either individually or in the aggregate. Neither Parent nor Acquisition have
knowledge of any default or breach (or event or circumstance that with notice
or lapse of time or both would constitute a breach or default) by other
parties to any Instrument, which default or breach would reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent. The execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the taking of any other action
contemplated by this Agreement, will not (i) result in any violation of or be
in conflict with or constitute a breach or default (with or without notice or
lapse of time or both) under (a) the memorandum of association or articles of
association of Parent or
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the memorandum of association or bye-laws of Acquisition, (b) any of the other
Instruments, breach of or default under which would reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent, (ii) result in or constitute an
event entitling any party to an Instrument to effect an acceleration of the
maturity of any material indebtedness of Parent or Acquisition or a material
increase in the rate of interest presently in effect with respect to such
indebtedness, or (iii) result in the creation of any Lien other than Permitted
Liens upon any of the material properties or assets of Parent or Acquisition.
Section 4.08 Governmental Consents. Except for the filing of the application
to register the Amalgamation pursuant to the Companies Act and the consent of
the Minister to the Amalgamation, no Consent is required on the part of Parent
or Acquisition in connection with the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement, except those Consents required by United States federal and state
securities or "Blue Sky" laws and such Consents the failure to obtain which
would not have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Section 4.09 Compliance with Applicable Law. Parent and Acquisition have and
are in compliance with all licenses, permits, and other authorizations,
domestic or foreign, necessary to conduct their respective businesses, except
where failure to have or comply with such licenses, permits and authorizations
would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
Neither Parent nor Acquisition is in default or violation (and no event has
occurred which with notice or the lapse of time or both would constitute a
default or violation) of any judgment, decree, order, law, statute, rule or
regulation of any Governmental Authority, except for such defaults or
violations as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent. Subject to obtaining the Consents referred to in Section
4.08, the execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement and the
taking of the other actions contemplated by this Agreement to be performed by
Parent and Acquisition prior to the date or dates as of which the
representations and warranties herein are made or deemed made, will not result
in any default or violation of any judgment, decree, order, law, statute, rule
or regulation of any Governmental Authority, except for such defaults or
violations as would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect on Parent either individually or in the aggregate.
Section 4.10 Information Supplied. None of the written information supplied
or to be supplied by either Parent or Acquisition for inclusion or
incorporation by reference in the Joint Proxy Statement will, at the date of
mailing to the Company's shareholders and Parent's shareholders and at the
time of the respective shareholders' meetings held to approve this Agreement
and the Amalgamation and the related transactions contemplated hereby, contain
any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements
therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not
misleading, except in respect of any statements or omissions based on written
information supplied by the Company for inclusion therein, as to which Parent
makes no representation or warranty. All documents that either Parent or
Acquisition is responsible for filing with any Governmental Authority in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby will comply as to form in
all material respects with the provisions of any applicable law, including
applicable provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, and the
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Without limiting any of the
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement, no representation
or warranty to the Company by either Parent or Acquisition as of the date
hereof contains any untrue statement of material fact, or omits a material
fact necessary in order to make the statements contained therein, in light of
the circumstances under which such statements are or will be made, not
misleading.
Section 4.11 Litigation. There are no actions, suits, claims, proceedings or
investigations (or, to the knowledge of Parent, any basis for any Person to
assert any claim reasonably likely to result in liability or any other adverse
determination) pending against, or to the knowledge of Parent, threatened
against or affecting, Parent or any of its properties or properties of its
Affiliates before any Governmental Authority or otherwise which (i) are
required to be described in any Parent SEC Documents and which are not so
described; (ii) in any manner challenges or seeks to prevent, enjoin, alter or
delay the transactions contemplated hereby; or (iii) alleges criminal action
or inaction. As of the date hereof, neither Parent or any of its Affiliates,
nor any of their respective properties, are subject to any order, writ,
judgment, injunction, decree, determination or award having, or which would
reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect on Parent or which
would prevent or delay the
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consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby. There are no pending or,
to the knowledge of Parent, threatened claims for indemnification in favor of
directors, officers, employees or agents of Parent or any of its Affiliates.
Section 4.12 Taxes. Neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries had for the
year ended September 30, 1995, and neither Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries
expects to have for the year ended September 30, 1996, "related person
insurance income" within the meaning of Section 953(c)(2) of the Code, in
excess of the exceptions provided in Sections 953(c)(3)(A) and (B) of the
Code.
Section 4.13 Certain Fees. No finder, broker, agent, financial advisor or
other intermediary other than Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation has acted on behalf of Parent or Acquisition in connection with
this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby, or is entitled to any
payment in connection herewith or therewith.
Section 4.14 Opinion of Financial Advisor. Parent has received the opinion
of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, dated the date hereof,
to the effect that, as of such date, the consideration to be paid by Parent in
the Amalgamation is fair to Parent and its shareholders from a financial point
of view. A copy of such opinion has been delivered to the Company.
ARTICLE FIVE
COVENANTS
Section 5.01 Conduct of Business of the Company. Except as expressly
contemplated by this Agreement or consented to in writing by Parent (in its
sole discretion), or as limited by this Section 5.01, during the period from
the date of this Agreement to the Effective Time, the Company will conduct its
operations only in, and the Company shall not take any action except in, the
ordinary and usual course of business and consistent with past practice, and
the Company will use its best efforts to preserve intact its business
organization, to keep available the services of its officers and employees and
to maintain advantageous relationships with customers, licensors, licensees,
suppliers, contractors, distributors, business partners and others having
business relationships with the Company. Without limiting the generality of
the foregoing, prior to the Effective Time, the Company will not, without the
prior written consent of Parent (such consent in Parent's sole discretion):
(a) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement, including
Sections 3.03 and 5.14, split, combine or reclassify any shares of its
capital stock, declare, pay or set aside for payment any dividend or other
distribution payable in cash, stock, property or otherwise in respect of
its capital stock, or directly or indirectly redeem, purchase or otherwise
acquire any shares of its capital stock, or other securities, which
purchase or redemption would otherwise result in an adjustment to the
Amalgamation Consideration to be paid to the shareholders of the Company
under Section 2.09 of this Agreement;
(b) authorize for issuance, issue, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber,
deliver or agree or commit to issue, sell, pledge or deliver (whether
through the issuance or granting of any options, warrants, commitments,
subscriptions, rights to purchase or otherwise) any capital stock of any
class of the Company or any securities convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for shares of capital stock of any class of the Company,
except as required by agreements as in effect as of the date hereof or as
disclosed in Section 5.01(b) of the Disclosure Letter, or amend any of the
terms of any such securities or agreements outstanding as of the date
hereof;
(c) (i) incur or assume any long-term or short-term debt or issue any
debt securities except for borrowings under existing lines of credit in the
ordinary course of business, (ii) assume, guarantee, endorse or otherwise
become liable or responsible (whether directly, contingently or otherwise)
for the obligations of any other Person except in the ordinary course of
business and in amounts not material to the Company, (iii) make any loans
or advances to any Person other than loans or advances of out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with Company business, or make any capital
contributions to, or investments in, any
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other Person, (iv) pledge or otherwise encumber shares of capital stock of
the Company, or (v) mortgage or pledge any of its assets, tangible or
intangible, or create any Lien thereupon other than Permitted Liens;
(d) except as may be required by law or as contemplated by this
Agreement, including Section 5.11, or as set forth in Section 5.01(d) of
the Disclosure Letter, enter into, adopt, or amend or terminate any bonus,
profit sharing, compensation, severance, termination, stock option, stock
appreciation right, restricted stock, performance unit, stock equivalent,
stock purchase agreement, pension, retirement, deferred compensation,
employment, severance or other Employee Benefit Plan; or enter into or
amend any employment or severance agreement with, increase in any manner
the salary, wages, bonus, commission, or other compensation or benefits of
any director or officer of the Company; or increase in any manner the
salary, wages, bonus, commission, or other compensation or benefits of any
director, officer, employee or agent of the Company except for increases in
the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice; or pay
any benefit not required by any plan and arrangement as in effect as of the
date hereof (including, without limitation, the granting of stock options,
stock appreciation rights or performance units);
(e) acquire (by merger, amalgamation, consolidation or acquisition of
stock or assets) any corporation, partnership or other business
organization or division thereof or make any material investment either by
purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital, property
transfer, or acquisition (including by lease) of any material amount of
properties or assets of any other individual or entity;
(f) except as expressly required herein, pay, discharge or satisfy any
claims, liabilities or obligations (absolute, accrued, contingent or
otherwise), other than the payment, discharge or satisfaction in the
ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice of
liabilities reflected or reserved against on the Latest Balance Sheet or
incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement
or in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice;
(g) amend the memorandum of association or bye-laws of the Company;
(h) except as contemplated by this Agreement, adopt a plan of complete or
partial liquidation or resolutions providing for the complete or partial
liquidation, dissolution, amalgamation, consolidation, restructuring,
recapitalization or other reorganization of the Company;
(i) enter into any new lines of business (whether or not part of the
insurance or reinsurance business)(except for the lines of business
disclosed in Section 5.01(i) of the Disclosure Letter), change any policy
forms, change the pricing formula for insurance policies, change its
investment policies or guidelines or otherwise make material changes to the
operation of its business, change its loss reserve methodology other than
as expressly provided in this Agreement;
(j) invest any investment securities of the Company in investments which
are not rated in one of the four highest categories by a "nationally
recognized statistical rating agency" as defined in the rules or
regulations of the SEC (it being understood that the Company is entitled to
hold the investments set forth in Section 5.01(j) of the Disclosure
Letter);
(k) sell (whether by amalgamation, consolidation or otherwise), lease,
encumber, transfer or dispose of any assets (including without limitation,
rights of renewal) outside the ordinary course of business consistent with
past practices or any assets which are material to the Company, or enter
into any material commitment or transaction outside the ordinary course of
business consistent with past practices;
(l) authorize or make or commit to make any capital expenditures, except
for transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past
practice (but in no event in excess of $150,000 in the aggregate) or
pursuant to agreements or commitments entered into by the Company prior to
the date hereof;
(m) make any Tax elections or settle or compromise any material Bermuda,
United States federal, state, local or other foreign income tax liability,
or waive or extend the statute of limitations in respect of any such taxes;
(n) pay or agree to pay in settlement or compromise of any suits or
claims of liability against the Company, its directors, officers, employees
or agents, more than an aggregate of $100,000 for all such suits and
claims;
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(o) except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or pursuant to
agreements or commitments entered into by the Company prior to the date
hereof and disclosed in Section 5.01(o) of the Disclosure Letter, take any
action likely to materially decrease or diminish the assets or net worth of
the Company;
(p) except as may be required as a result of a change in law or in GAAP,
change any of the accounting principles or practices used by it;
(q) enter into any agreement providing the acceleration or payment or
performance or other consequence as a result of a change in control of the
Company; or
(r) take any action or agree, in writing or otherwise, to take any of the
foregoing actions or any action which would make any representation or
warranty in Article THREE hereof materially untrue or incorrect.
Section 5.02 Exclusivity. Neither the Company nor any of its directors,
officers or employees shall, and the Company shall use its best efforts to
ensure that none of its representatives shall, directly or indirectly,
solicit, initiate or encourage any inquiries or proposals from or with any
Person (other than Parent and Acquisition (or other Affiliates of Parent) or
such Person's directors, officers, employees, representatives and agents) that
constitute, or would lead to, a Third Party Acquisition. The Company will
promptly advise Parent of (i) any request for non-public information from any
Person expressing an interest in a Third Party Acquisition or (ii) a proposal
in respect of a Third Party Acquisition received by the Company, including the
identity of the Person requesting non-public information or making such a
proposal (as the case may be); in the case of a proposal in respect of a Third
Party Acquisition, the Company will furnish to Parent the terms and conditions
of such proposal. The Company may provide non-public information to a Person
only if (i) such Person has expressed a written interest in (which need not
constitute a proposal for) a Third Party Acquisition, (ii) the Company
reasonably believes such Person has the financial ability to consummate such a
Third Party Acquisition, (iii) such Person executes a confidentiality letter
no less favorable to the Company than the Confidentiality Letter, (iv) a
committee of the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith
that it is necessary, in order to comply with the Board's fiduciary duties
under applicable law, to provide such requested information and (v) the
Company provides notice to Parent of the identity of the Person to whom the
non-public information is being given at or before the time such information
is given and the Company delivers to Parent a copy of all such information
concurrently with its delivery to the requesting party. If the Board of
Directors of the Company determines in good faith following consultation with
outside counsel (the advice of such counsel to be confirmed in writing to the
Board of Directors of the Company, with a copy of such written confirmation to
be delivered to Parent) that it is necessary, in order to comply with the
Board's fiduciary duties under applicable law, to review a proposal in respect
of a Third Party Acquisition, the Board of Directors of the Company may
undertake such review and participate in negotiations respecting any such
proposal. If the Board of Directors of the Company determines in good faith
that any proposal relating to a Third Party Acquisition constitutes a Superior
Proposal, the Board of Directors shall promptly give written notice,
specifying the structure and material terms of such Superior Proposal (a
"Notice of Superior Proposal"), to Parent. The Board of Directors of the
Company may (subject to the following sentences of this subsection and
compliance with Section 7.02), to the extent the Board of Directors of the
Company determines in good faith following consultation with outside counsel
(the advice of such counsel to be confirmed in writing to the Board of
Directors of the Company, with a copy of such confirmation to be delivered to
Parent) that it is necessary, in order to comply with its fiduciary duties
under applicable law, approve or recommend any such Superior Proposal, approve
or authorize the Company's entering into an agreement with respect to such
Superior Proposal, approve the solicitation of additional takeover or other
investment proposals or terminate this Agreement, in each case at any time
after the fifth Business Day following delivery to Parent of the Notice of
Superior Proposal. The Company may take any of the foregoing actions pursuant
to the preceding sentence only if a proposal for a Third Party Acquisition
that was a Superior Proposal at the time of delivery of a Notice of Superior
Proposal continues to be a Superior Proposal in light of any improved
transaction proposed by Parent prior to the expiration of the five Business
Day period specified in the preceding sentence. For purposes of this
Agreement, a "Superior Proposal" means any bona fide proposal for a Third
Party Acquisition that the Board of Directors of the Company determines in its
good faith reasonable judgment (based on the advice of a financial advisor of
recognized reputation in the U.S.) to be made by a Person with the financial
ability to consummate such proposal and to provide greater aggregate value to
the Company
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and/or the Company's shareholders than the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement (or otherwise proposed by Parent as contemplated above).
Section 5.03 Access to Information.
(a) Between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, the
Company will give Parent and its authorized representatives (including
without limitation attorneys, auditors, financial advisors and actuaries)
access during normal business hours to all personnel, offices and other
facilities and to all books and records of the Company and will permit
Parent and its authorized representatives to make such inspections as they
may reasonably require and will cause its officers and employees to furnish
Parent and its authorized representatives such financial and operating data
and other information with respect to the business and properties of the
Company as Parent and its authorized representatives may from time to time
reasonably request. The representations and warranties of the Company
contained herein or in any certificate or other documents delivered to
Parent shall not be deemed waived or otherwise affected by any such
investigation made by Parent or any of its representatives.
(b) Between the date of this Agreement and the Effective Time, Parent
will give the Company and its authorized representatives (including without
limitation attorneys, auditors, financial advisors and actuaries) access
during normal business hours to officers and employees of Parent and to
such other information as may be reasonably necessary to allow the Company
to confirm that no events or conditions have occurred since the date hereof
and are continuing which could reasonably be expected to (i) cause the
representations and warranties of Parent contained in Article FOUR hereof
to be materially inaccurate as of the Closing or (ii) have a Material
Adverse Effect on Parent. In addition, upon execution of a confidentiality
letter from the Company acceptable to the Methuen Group Limited covering
the matters described in this sentence, Parent will disclose to the Company
and its authorized representatives (including, without limitation,
attorneys, auditors, financial advisors and actuaries) all information and
documentation reasonably requested by the Company or such authorized
representatives pertaining to the acquisition of Methuen Group Limited,
including obligations to provide funds with respect to the underwriting of
Methuen syndicates.
(c) Each Party hereto will hold and will instruct its representatives
(and its Affiliates) to hold in strict confidence, unless compelled to
disclose by judicial or administrative process, or, in the opinion of its
respective counsel, by other requirements of law, all documents and
information furnished to such party (or its representatives or Affiliates)
in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (except
to the extent that such information can be shown to have been (i) in the
public domain through no fault of such party or (ii) later lawfully
acquired by such party or its Affiliates from sources other than from any
shareholder, officer, director, employee or representative of such party or
its Affiliates who shall have been an officer, director, employee or
representative of any other party hereto) and will not release or disclose
such information to any other Person, except in connection with this
Agreement to its attorneys, auditors, financial advisors, actuaries, other
consultants and advisors, all of whom shall be required to maintain the
confidentiality hereunder. If the transactions contemplated by this
Agreement are not consummated, such confidence, unless compelled to be
disclosed by judicial or administrative process, or, in the opinion of such
party's counsel, by other requirements of law, shall be maintained except
to the extent such information can be shown to have been (i) in the public
domain through no fault of such party (or its Affiliates) or (ii) later
lawfully acquired by such party (or its Affiliates) from other sources,
other than from any shareholder, officer, director, employee or
representative of such party or its Affiliates who shall have been an
officer, director, employee or representative of any other party hereto,
and, if requested by such other party, such party or its Affiliates will
destroy or return to such other party all copies of written information
furnished by any other party hereto to such party or its Affiliates,
agents, representatives or advisors.
Section 5.04 Best Efforts. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions
hereof and subject to the fiduciary duties of the Company's directors, each of
the parties hereto will use its best efforts to take, or cause to be taken,
all action and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper, or
advisable to consummate and make
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effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and shall use its
best efforts to obtain all waivers, permits, consents and approvals and to
effect all registrations, filings and notices with or to third parties or
Governmental Authorities which are necessary or desirable in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. If at any time after the
Effective Time any further action is necessary or desirable to carry out the
purposes of this Agreement, the proper officers or directors of each of the
parties hereto shall take such action.
Section 5.05 S-4; Regulatory Matters. Parent and Company shall promptly
prepare the Joint Proxy Statement, and Parent shall promptly prepare and file
with the SEC, pursuant to Rule 14a-6(a) under the Exchange Act, the Joint
Proxy Statement, in which the substance of the S-4 shall be included. Parent
shall file the S-4 promptly after conclusion of the SEC's review of the Joint
Proxy Statement. Each of Parent and Company shall provide reasonable
opportunity for the other to review and comment upon the contents of the Joint
Proxy Statement and the S-4 and shall not include therein or omit therefrom
any information or supplement to which counsel to the other shall reasonably
object or specifically request (as the case may be). After the date of the
mailing of the Joint Proxy Statement, each of Parent and Company agrees
promptly to notify the other of and to correct or supplement any information
which either of them shall have furnished for inclusion in the Joint Proxy
Statement that shall have become false or misleading in any material respect.
Parent shall use reasonable best efforts to have the S-4 declared effective
under the Securities Act as promptly as practicable after such filing. Parent
shall also take any action (other than qualifying to do business in any
jurisdiction in which it is now not so qualified) required to be taken under
any applicable state securities and "Blue Sky" laws in connection with the
issuance of Parent Shares in the Amalgamation and upon the exercise of the
Parent Options, and the Company shall furnish all information concerning the
Company and the holders of Shares as may be reasonably requested in connection
with any such action.
Section 5.06 Public Announcements. Parent and the Company shall not issue
any press release or otherwise make any public statements with respect to the
Amalgamation or this Agreement without the approval of the other party as to
the wording, timing and media for such press release or statement, except as
may be required by law or any securities exchange, which shall be notified to
the other party.
Section 5.07 Supplemental Information. Prior to the Effective Time, each
party will promptly disclose in writing to the other parties any matter
hereafter arising which, if existing, occurring or known at the date of this
Agreement would have been required to be disclosed to such other parties. Each
party shall promptly advise the other party of such party's knowledge of any
Material Adverse Effect. Except where prohibited by applicable statutes and
regulations, each party shall promptly provide the other (or its counsel) with
copies of all filings, material notices or material communications made by
such party with any Governmental Authority (including the SEC or NYSE) in
connection with this Agreement, or the transactions contemplated hereby. No
information provided to a party pursuant to this Section 5.07 shall be deemed
to cure any breach of any representation of or warranty made in this Agreement
unless the party receiving such information specifically agrees thereto in
writing.
Section 5.08 Shareholders' Meetings. Each of Parent and the Company shall
cause meetings of its respective shareholders to be duly called and will give
notice of, convene and hold such meetings as soon as practicable for the
purpose of approving this Agreement and all actions contemplated hereby. In
connection with such meetings, each of Parent and the Company shall mail the
Joint Proxy Statement to its respective shareholders. Subject to the
provisions of Section 5.02, the respective Boards of Directors of each of
Parent and the Company shall submit for approval and adoption by its
respective shareholders the matters to be voted upon at such meetings, and
shall include in the Joint Proxy Statement the recommendation of its
respective Boards of Directors that the shareholders vote in favor of, in the
case of the Company's shareholders, the approval of the provisions of this
Agreement which are the terms and means of effecting the Amalgamation and, in
the case of Parent's shareholders, approval and adoption of this Agreement and
each such party shall use its best efforts to secure such approval and
adoption. Parent shall approve, or shall cause the sole shareholder of
Acquisition to approve, this Agreement and all actions contemplated hereby.
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Section 5.09 Waivers of Appraisal Rights; Lockup.
(a) The Company will use its best efforts to obtain waivers of appraisal
rights, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, from the
Company's shareholders in connection with the circulation of the Joint
Proxy Statement. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.02, the Board of
Directors of the Company shall recommend in the Joint Proxy Statement that
shareholders execute and deliver such waivers. The Company shall use its
best efforts to obtain signed waivers from all shareholders of the Company
that have not executed and delivered such waivers; provided that, upon
Parent's written request, the Company shall give Parent the opportunity to
direct all negotiations and proceedings with respect to shareholders of the
Company that have not executed and delivered such waivers.
(b) The Company will use its best efforts to obtain consents, in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, from the Company's
shareholders to the Lock-up (as defined below) in connection with the
circulation of the Joint Proxy Statement. The shareholders of the Company
may not, directly or indirectly sell, offer to sell, grant any option for
the sale of, or otherwise dispose of, Parent Shares issued pursuant to
Section 2.07(a) of this Agreement or any security convertible or
exchangeable into or exercisable for such Parent Shares (the "Lock-up") as
follows (i) ten percent (10%) of the Parent Shares to be received by each
shareholder of the Company will not be subject to the Lock-up; (ii) fifteen
percent (15%) of the Parent Shares to be received by each shareholder of
the Company will be subject to the Lock-up for 90 days following the
Effective Time; (iii) twenty-five (25%) of the Parent Shares to be received
by each shareholder of the Company will be subject to the Lock-up for 150
days following the Effective Time; (iv) twenty-five percent (25%) of the
Parent Shares to be received by each shareholder of the Company will be
subject to the Lock-up for 210 days following the Effective Time; and (v)
the balance of the Parent Shares to be received by each shareholder of the
Company will be subject to the Lock-up for 270 days following the Effective
Time. Subject to the provisions of Section 5.02, the Board of Directors of
the Company shall recommend in the Joint Proxy Statement that shareholders
consent to the Lock-up. The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts
to obtain such consent; provided, however, that, notwithstanding the
failure of any shareholder of the Company to consent to the Lock-up,
Parent, pursuant to Article 7(a) of its articles of association, may
decline to transfer any Parent Shares issued pursuant to Section 2.07(a) of
this Agreement which are subject to the Lock-up described in this Section
5.09. All Parent Shares shall be endorsed with a restrictive legend which
shall read substantially as follows: "THE TRANSFER OF THE SHARES
REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE IS SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS PURSUANT
TO THE TERMS OF AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF AMALGAMATION AND, PURSUANT TO SUCH
AGREEMENT, MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF ACE
LIMITED UNTIL . PURSUANT TO ARTICLE 7(a) OF ACE LIMITED'S
ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION, ACE LIMITED HAS THE RIGHT TO DECLINE TO TRANSFER
ANY SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE TRANSFERRED IN VIOLATION OF THE
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF AMALGAMATION."
Section 5.10 Closing Date Balance Sheet Audit. The Company shall engage
Price Waterhouse to audit, for the purpose of expressing thereon an
unqualified opinion, the Company's balance sheet as of the Closing Date with
the assistance and cooperation of Coopers & Lybrand LLP (the "Closing Date
Balance Sheet").
Section 5.11 Company Options.
(a) At the Effective Time, each outstanding Company Option identified on
Exhibit C hereto (the "Roll-Over Options") shall be replaced by an option
(a "Parent Option") to acquire Parent Shares under Parent's existing 1995
Long-Term Incentive Plan or a new stock option plan to be established by
Parent for such purposes before the Closing Date (except that the Roll-Over
Options held by Donald Kramer shall be replaced by Parent Options to
acquire Parent Shares under Parent's existing 1995 Long-Term Incentive
Plan), all as provided in Section 5.11(b).
(b) The cancellation of the Roll-Over Options and replacement with Parent
Options shall comply in all respects with, and shall be performed in
accordance with, the methodology prescribed by the provisions of Section
424(a) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, and each Parent Option
shall provide the option
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holder with vesting and termination rights that are no less favorable to
him than were provided under the Roll-Over Option for which it was replaced
as of the Effective Time. The parties contemplate that, consistent with the
methodology prescribed by Section 424(a) of the Code and the applicable
regulations thereunder (i) the number of Parent Shares subject to such
Parent Option will be determined by applying the Exchange Ratio to the
number of Shares subject to the Roll-Over Options, and (ii) the exercise
price under such Parent Option will be determined by dividing the exercise
price per share under the Roll-Over Option in effect immediately prior to
the Effective Time of the Merger by the Exchange Ratio, and rounding the
exercise price thus determined to the nearest whole cent (a half-cent shall
be rounded to the next higher whole cent).
(c) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, Parent shall
issue to each holder of an outstanding Company Option a document evidencing
the foregoing cancellation and the issuance by Parent of a Parent Option
having the terms provided for in Section 5.11(b), and effective as of the
Effective Time.
(d) If the Parent Options issued pursuant to Section 5.11(a) above are
not already covered by an effective registration statement, Parent will
file a registration statement as promptly as practicable after the
Effective Time, which registration statement will cover the Parent Shares
issuable upon exercise of the Parent Options granted in substitution of the
Roll-Over Options, and Parent will use its reasonable best efforts to cause
such registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act
and to maintain such registration statement in effect until the exercise or
termination of all such Parent Options.
Section 5.12 Certain Change in Control Matters.
(a) From and after the date hereof, except as generally or specifically
designated in writing by Parent or as contemplated by this Agreement, the
Company shall take all action necessary, to the extent permitted under any
Employee Benefit Plan or employment agreement so that the execution and
delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions
contemplated thereby will not (i) result in any payment (including, without
limitation, severance, unemployment compensation, golden parachute or
otherwise) becoming due to any employees under any Employee Benefit Plan or
otherwise, (ii) increase any benefits otherwise payable under any Employee
Benefit Plan or otherwise, or (iii) result in any acceleration of the time
of payment or vesting of any such benefits; provided that to the extent the
Company has entered into agreements with respect to stock option awards or
stock appreciation rights which provide for acceleration of vesting upon a
change in control, such agreements may remain in effect notwithstanding
this section of the Agreement.
(b) The Company shall use all best efforts to exempt the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement from, or if necessary challenge the validity
or applicability of, any applicable takeover or change of control law, and
otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of any applicable
takeover or change of control law.
(c) The Company will not revoke, or attempt to revoke, the approvals,
exemptions, and agreements described in Section 3.19.
Section 5.13 Affiliates. At least forty days prior to the Closing Date, the
Company shall deliver to Parent a letter identifying all Persons who are, at
the time this Agreement is submitted for approval of and adoption by the
shareholders of the Company, "Affiliates" of the Company for purposes of Rule
145 under the Securities Act. The Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause each Person named in the letter delivered by it to deliver to
Parent prior to the Closing Date a written "Affiliate" agreement, in customary
form, providing that such Person (i) shall dispose of the Parent Shares to be
received by such Person in the Amalgamation only in accordance with applicable
law, and (ii) shall make such representations and enter into such agreements
as Parent may reasonably require.
Section 5.14 Net Assets. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
Agreement, the Company and its directors shall take (or shall have taken),
prior to the Effective Time, all necessary action to:
(i) repurchase or otherwise acquire or cancel Shares and options to
acquire Shares of the Persons set forth in Section 5.14 of the Disclosure
Letter, which schedule shall set forth the number of Shares and/or options
to acquire Shares held by each such Person to be repurchased or otherwise
acquired or cancelled as
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provided in this Section 5.14, provided, that, the repurchase, acquisition
or cancellation of Shares or Company Options by the Company shall not
obligate or commit Tempest Re or any of its Affiliates in any way other
than as set forth in Section 5.14 of the Disclosure Letter;
(ii) declare a dividend or otherwise distribute to its shareholders an
amount reasonably estimated to reduce the Net Assets of the Company,
measured immediately prior to the Effective Time and taking into account
the transactions contemplated pursuant to (i) above, to $500 million; and
(iii) declare a dividend (a "Contingent Dividend") in an amount equal to
such portion of the Net Assets of the Company, measured immediately prior
to the Effective Time, as exceeds $500 million (such Contingent Dividend
shall be paid to shareholders of record of the Company as of the Effective
Time and shall be held and distributed by Parent to such shareholders,
without interest, pursuant to Section 2.08(f) hereof);
provided, that, the repurchase, acquisition or cancellation of Shares or
Company Options by the Company and the declaration or distribution of
dividends or the Contingent Dividend shall not obligate or commit Tempest
Re or any of its Affiliates (except for the payment of dividends or
distributions referred to in clause (ii) or (iii) above) in any way
whatsoever.
Section 5.15 Stock Exchange Listing. Parent shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause the Parent Shares to be issued in the Amalgamation and the
Parent Shares to be reserved for issuance upon exercise of Company Options to
be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance,
prior to the Closing Date.
Section 5.16 Trading of Parent Shares. Prior to the Effective Time and
subject to the provisions of Section 5.02, neither the Company nor any of its
directors, officers, employees or Affiliates shall, directly or indirectly,
purchase, otherwise acquire, sell, or otherwise dispose of any shares of
Parent's capital stock or any other security convertible or exchangeable into
or exercisable for capital stock of Parent or take any other action, except as
expressly set forth in this Agreement, which could reasonably be expected to
have any influence on the price of Parent Shares. The Company shall promptly
notify Parent of, to the extent that the Company has actual knowledge thereof,
any action on the part of any third party to influence the price of Parent
Shares or the intention of any third party to influence the price of Parent
Shares.
Section 5.17 Certain Employee Arrangements. The Company will use its
reasonable best efforts to assist Parent in entering into employment
arrangements (i), mutually acceptable to the parties thereto, pursuant to
which Donald Kramer will serve as (x) chairman and chief executive officer of
Tempest Re on terms and conditions substantially similar to the terms and
conditions (including compensation and benefits) currently applicable to his
employment with the Company and (y) vice-chairman of Parent, and (ii)
satisfactory to Parent, with such employees of the Company and General Re
Underwriting Services Limited ("GRUS") as Parent shall determine in its sole
discretion.
Section 5.18 Post-Closing Matters.
(a) Following the Effective Time, and prior to the end of Tempest Re's
taxable year for United States federal income tax purposes that includes
the Effective Time, Parent shall (subject to the receipt of any applicable
governmental approvals or consents, which Parent shall use its best efforts
to obtain and shall cause Tempest Re to use its best efforts to obtain,)
cause Tempest Re to make distributions to Parent that, in the aggregate,
shall cause Tempest Re's current and accumulated earnings and profits as of
the end of such taxable year to be not greater than zero, as computed for
United States federal income tax purposes, but without any reduction as a
result of distributions or other payments made pursuant to Section 5.14(i)
hereof. Such distributions shall be paid by either the actual transfer of
funds from Tempest Re bank account to a Parent bank account or by transfer
of record and beneficial ownership of marketable securities with a readily
ascertainable fair market value from Tempest Re to Parent. Neither Parent
nor any
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of its subsidiaries shall make any capital contributions to Tempest Re for
a period of at least 30 days preceding and 30 days following the payment of
any such distributions by Tempest Re to Parent, and, for a period of twelve
months following the Effective Time, neither Parent nor any of its
subsidiaries shall make any capital contribution of cash or cash
equivalents to Tempest Re. The determination of the amount of the
distributions required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.18(a) shall be
made by Parent and Tempest Re in good faith and on the same basis used in
preparing the statements, forms, reports and other information required
pursuant to Section 5.18(c) below. Neither Parent nor any Parent Subsidiary
shall have any liability for the determination of the amount of the
distributions required to be paid pursuant to this Section 5.18(a) absent
wilful misconduct on Parent's part or on the part of a Parent Subsidiary.
(b) Prior to January 31, 1997, Parent shall cause Tempest Re to prepare,
and provide to each Person (including General Reinsurance Corporation
("General Re") that was a holder of Shares prior to the Effective Time
(each a "Former Holder"), (i) a statement providing the information
regarding Tempest Re required under United States Treasury Regulation
1.1248-7 or any successor thereto or official interpretation thereof, (ii)
a Form 5471, for any Former Holder that would be required to file such Form
with its United States income tax return, and (iii) such other United
States income tax forms or reports relating to Tempest Re or the
transactions contemplated under this Agreement as Tempest Re is required by
law to provide to any Former Holder; provided, however, that neither Parent
nor Acquisition shall be liable for any loss, liability, claim, damage or
expense relating to the information provided to holder of Shares to the
extent arising out of any untrue statement or omission made in reliance
upon and in conformity with information furnished to Parent or Acquisition
by Tempest Re for purposes of (i), (ii) and (iii) above. Thereafter, Parent
shall cause Tempest Re to prepare and retain records satisfying the
requirements of Treas. Reg. (S) 1.1248-7(d)(1)(i) and to provide, at any
Former Holder's request, such other information as may be reasonably
requested by such Former Holder in connection with the preparation of its
United States income tax returns or any inquiry, review or audit by the
United States Internal Revenue Service or other taxing authority or such
Former Holder's tax returns, including without limitation information
relating to such Former Holder's portion of earnings and profits of the
Company.
(c) Parent and its Affiliates shall (and, following the Effective Time,
Parent shall cause Tempest Re to) take no action with respect to the
capital stock, assets or liabilities of Tempest Re, including without
limitation the filing of tax returns or reports, that would be inconsistent
with the qualification of the Amalgamation as a "reorganization" within the
meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(B) of the Code; provided, however, that Parent
and its Affiliates may file with the appropriate Governmental Authorities
and execute all documents necessary to consummate the Amalgamation and
other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 5.19 Indemnification.
(a) From and after the Effective Time, Parent shall indemnify, defend and
hold harmless the officers, directors (including any directors resigning
after the date hereof) and employees of the Company (the "Indemnified
Parties") against all losses, expenses, claims, damages and liabilities
arising out of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement to the
fullest extent permitted or required under applicable law (including,
without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees). Parent agrees that all
rights to indemnification existing in favor of the directors, officers and
employees, of the Company as provided in the Company's memorandum of
association and bye-laws, and all rights to indemnification existing
pursuant to indemnification agreements entered into by the Company
(including an indemnification agreement between the Company and General Re
pursuant to which the Company has agreed to indemnify, defend and hold
harmless General Re and its affiliates, including the General Re designated
directors of the Company, for liability, other than for liability arising
from the gross negligence of General Re and its affiliates, arising from
certain aspects of the Amalgamation), as in effect as of the date hereof,
with respect to matters occurring through the Effective Time, shall survive
the Amalgamation and shall continue in full force and effect for a period
of not less than six years from the Effective Time, and Parent shall
guaranty the obligations of the Company in respect thereof.
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(b) Parent will cause to be maintained for a period of not less than four
years from the Effective Time the New Hampshire Insurance Company Directors
& Officers Liability Insurance Policy (policy no. 1700423) (the "D&O
Insurance"). If the existing D&O Insurance expires, is terminated or
cancelled during such four-year period, Parent will cause to be obtained,
to the extent commercially available, replacement D&O Insurance on terms
and conditions no less advantageous to the Indemnified Parties than the
existing D&O Insurance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in satisfying its
obligation under this Section 5.19(b), Parent shall not be obligated to pay
premiums in excess of 110% of the premium paid or to be paid by the Company
in the fiscal year ended November 30, 1995, which amounts have been
disclosed to Parent, but provided further that Parent shall nevertheless be
obligated to provide such coverage as may be obtained for 110% of the
premium to be paid by the Company for such insurance in the fiscal year
ended November 30, 1995.
(c) In the event that any action, suit, proceeding or investigation
relating hereto or to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement is
commenced, whether before or after the Effective Time, the parties hereto
agree to cooperate and use their respective best reasonable efforts to
vigorously defend against them and respond thereto.
ARTICLE SIX
CONDITIONS TO THE AMALGAMATION
Section 6.01 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the
Amalgamation. The respective obligations of each party to this Agreement to
consummate the Amalgamation shall be subject to the following conditions:
(a) This Agreement, the Amalgamation and the other transactions
contemplated hereby shall have been approved and adopted by the affirmative
vote or consent of (i) the Company's directors and shareholders as required
by the Companies Act and the Company's bye-laws, (ii) Parent's directors
and shareholders as required by the NYSE or Parent's articles of
association and (iii) Acquisition's directors and sole shareholder as
required by the Companies Act and Acquisition's bye-laws.
(b) The Amalgamation shall have been approved by the Minister.
(c) No order, statute, rule, regulation, executive order, stay, decree,
judgment, injunction or regulatory action shall have been enacted, entered,
issued, promulgated, threatened or enforced by any Governmental Authority,
and no litigation shall have been initiated by any Person, which has
resulted in a prohibition against the consummation of the Amalgamation.
(d) The S-4 shall have been declared effective by the SEC and shall not
be subject to a stop order or threatened stop order. Parent and Acquisition
shall have received all other authorizations necessary to consummate the
transactions contemplated hereby.
(e) The Parent Shares which shall be issued to holders of Shares upon
consummation of the Amalgamation and the Parent Shares to be reserved for
issuance upon exercise of the Parent Options shall have been authorized for
trading on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance.
(f) The Securityholder's Agreement dated as of September 15, 1993 among
the Company and each of the Company's shareholders shall have been amended
to provide for its termination as of the Effective Time.
Section 6.02 Additional Conditions to the Company's Obligation to Effect the
Amalgamation. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Amalgamation
shall be further subject to the following conditions unless waived in
accordance with Section 8.03:
(a) Each of Parent and Acquisition shall have performed in all material
respects each obligation and covenant to be performed by it on or prior to
the Effective Time.
(b) The representations and warranties of Parent and Acquisition
contained in this Agreement that are qualified as to materiality shall be
true and correct and the representations and warranties of Parent and
Acquisition contained in this Agreement that are not so qualified shall be
true and correct in all material
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respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and (except to the
extent such representations and warranties speak as of an earlier date) as
of the Closing Date as though made as of and on the Closing Date, except as
otherwise contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) The unaudited financial statements of Parent as of, and for the three
month period ended, December 31, 1995 and the unaudited financial
statements of Parent as of, and for the latest quarterly period ended prior
to the Closing for which unaudited financial statements of Parent have been
made publicly available, shall reflect no material adverse change from
Parent's September 30, 1995 audited annual financial statements, except
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
(d) No Material Adverse Effect on Parent shall have occurred since
September 30, 1995 and be continuing.
(e) The Company shall have received legal opinions from United States,
Cayman Islands and Bermuda counsel to Parent and Acquisition in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company.
(f) The opinion addressed to the Company's Board of Directors by Merrill
Lynch, delivered as contemplated by Section 3.20 of this Agreement, shall
not have been withdrawn, amended or modified.
(g) The Company shall receive customary closing documents in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to it, including, without limitation,
secretary's certificates of Acquisition and Parent, respectively,
certifying the resolutions of the Board of Directors and sole shareholder
of Acquisition, and of the Board of Directors of Parent, approving this
Agreement and certifying the memorandum of association and bye-laws of
Acquisition and the memorandum of association and articles of association
of Parent; a Certificate of an executive officer of each of Parent and
Acquisition certifying compliance with all covenants and obligations of
Parent and Acquisition, respectively, to be performed at or prior to the
Effective Time, and certifying as to the accuracy of the representations
and warranties of Parent and Acquisition, respectively, as of the Effective
Time; an incumbency and signature certificate for officers of Parent and
Acquisition; and good standing certificates for Parent from the Cayman
Islands and Bermuda and for Acquisition from Bermuda.
(h) The Company shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that all
consents and approvals required for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or the ownership and operation by Parent of the Company
and its business have been obtained and all required filings have been
made.
Section 6.03 Additional Conditions to Parent's and Acquisition's Obligation
to Effect the Amalgamation. The obligation of Parent and Acquisition to
consummate the Amalgamation shall be further subject to the following
conditions unless waived in accordance with Section 8.03:
(a) The Company shall have performed in all material respects each
obligation and covenant to be performed by it on or prior to the Effective
Time.
(b) The representations and warranties of the Company contained in this
Agreement that are qualified as to materiality shall be true and correct
and the representations and warranties of the Company contained in this
Agreement that are not so qualified shall be true and correct in all
material respects, in each case as of the date of this Agreement and
(except to the extent such representations and warranties speak as of an
earlier date) as of the Closing Date as though made as of and on the
Closing Date, except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement.
(c) The unaudited financial statements of the Company as of, and for the
three month period ended, February 29, 1996 and the unaudited financial
statements of the Company as of, and for the latest monthly period ended
prior to the Closing for which unaudited financial statements of the
Company are available, shall reflect no material change from the Company's
November 30, 1995 audited annual financial statements previously delivered
to Parent's Board of Directors, except pursuant to the terms of this
Agreement.
(d) No Material Adverse Effect on the Company shall have occurred since
November 30, 1995 and be continuing.
(e) There shall not have occurred (i) any general suspension of trading
in, or limitation on prices for, securities on any national securities
exchange or the over-the-counter market in the United States, (ii) a
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declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension of payments in
respect of banks in the United States or Bermuda (whether or not
mandatory), (iii) the commencement or escalation of a war, armed
hostilities or other national or international crisis involving the United
States or Bermuda, (iv) any limitation (whether or not mandatory) imposed
by any Governmental Authority on, or any other event having a reasonable
likelihood of affecting, the nature or extension of credit or further
extension of credit by banks or other lending institutions in the United
States or Bermuda; (v) any material adverse change in United States or
international securities markets or financial markets; or (vi) in the case
of any of the foregoing, a material acceleration or worsening thereof.
(f) The holders of at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the outstanding
Shares (not including Shares held by General Re) shall have waived their
appraisal rights and consented to the Lock-up as provided in Section 5.09
hereof.
(g) Parent and Acquisition shall have received legal opinions from United
States and Bermuda counsel to the Company in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to Parent and Acquisition.
(h) The opinion addressed to Parent's Board of Directors by Donaldson,
Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, delivered as contemplated by
Section 4.14 of this Agreement, shall not have been withdrawn, amended or
modified.
(i) Parent shall receive customary closing documents in form and
substance reasonably satisfactory to it, including, without limitation, a
secretary's certificate certifying the resolutions of the Board of
Directors and shareholders of the Company approving this Agreement and
certifying the memorandum of association and bye-laws of the Company; a
Certificate of the Chairman of the Company certifying compliance with all
covenants and obligations of the Company to be performed at or prior to the
Effective Time and certifying as to the accuracy of the representations and
warranties of the Company as of the Effective Time; an incumbency and
signature certificate for officers of the Company; and a good standing
certificate for the Company from Bermuda.
(j) Parent shall have received evidence satisfactory to it that all
consents and approvals required for the consummation of the transactions
contemplated hereby or the ownership and operation by Parent of the Company
and its business have been obtained and all required filings have been
made.
(k) Parent shall have received the report of Price Waterhouse, or a
qualified actuary reasonably acceptable to Parent, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the effect that (i) at the Closing Date, the
Company's reserve for loss and loss expenses provisions makes a reasonable
provision, in the aggregate, for all unpaid loss and loss expenses
obligations of the Company under the terms of its policies and agreements,
and (ii) the decrease, if any, between November 30, 1995 and the Closing
Date in the estimate of ultimate unpaid loss reserves at November 30, 1995
as calculated by the Company is reasonable.
(l) (i) All shares owned by General Re at any time on or after November
30, 1995 shall have been cancelled and shall no longer be outstanding
and the Company shall not be obligated to make any payments, absolute
or contingent, to General Re in respect thereof;
(ii) All options to acquire Shares or other securities of the Company
owned by General Re at any time on or after November 30, 1995 shall
have been cancelled and shall no longer be outstanding and the Company
shall not be obligated to make any payments, absolute or contingent, to
General Re in respect thereof.
(iii) The Underwriting Services Agreement, dated as of September 15,
1993, between GRUS and the Company, shall have been amended (the
material terms of which have been previously provided to Parent) in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Parent, and the Company
shall not be obligated to make any payments, absolute or contingent, to
GRUS in respect thereof except as specified therein.
(iv) General Re and the Company shall have entered into a stop loss
reinsurance agreement with the Company, in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to Parent, pursuant to which General Re will
indemnify the company in respect of 100% of all net losses and loss
adjustment expenses in excess of a Company retention of $60 million,
but not exceeding a limit of liability of General Re of $10 million,
for which the Company is obligated under all contracts of insurance or
reinsurance issued by the Company for loss or damage resulting from
occurrences taking place prior to December 1, 1995.
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ARTICLE SEVEN
TERMINATION AND ABANDONMENT
Section 7.01 Termination by the Company.
(a) The Company may terminate this Agreement, to the extent not
performed, if there shall not have been a material uncured or waived breach
by the Company of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set
forth herein and there shall have been a material breach by the Parent or
Acquisition of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement set
forth herein, which breach shall not have been cured within ten (10) days
of the Parent's receipt of written notice specifying Parent's or
Acquisition's breach and the Company's intention to terminate this
Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01.
(b) In addition, the Company may terminate any and all of its obligations
under this Agreement, to the extent not performed, if the Board of
Directors of Parent shall have (A) withdrawn, (B) modified, or (C) changed
in a manner adverse to the Company its approval or recommendation of the
Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or
shall have recommended another offer which prevents Parent from
consummating the transactions contemplated hereby, or shall have adopted
any resolution to effect any of the foregoing. Parent shall immediately pay
the Company an amount equal to the Termination Fee if the Company
terminates this Agreement pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.
Section 7.02 Termination by the Company Upon Payment of Termination Fee. The
Company may terminate this Agreement, to the extent not performed, upon
payment to Parent of $12 million (the "Termination Fee") by bank cashier's
check or wire transfer to an account designated by Parent for this purpose and
(i) five Business Days shall have elapsed following Parent's receipt of a
Notice of Superior Proposal and the Superior Proposal described in the Notice
of Superior Proposal continues to be a Superior Proposal in light of any
improved transaction proposed by Parent prior to the expiration of the five
Business Day period following receipt by Parent of the Notice of Superior
Proposal, (ii) the Board of Directors of the Company shall have withdrawn,
modified or changed in a manner adverse to Parent its approval or
recommendation of the Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or shall have recommended another offer, or shall have adopted
any resolution to effect any of the foregoing, (iii) the approval by the
Company's shareholders of the Amalgamation shall not have been obtained and
there shall be existing at such time a Superior Proposal, or (iv) a Third
Party Acquisition has occurred or any Person shall have entered into a
definitive agreement or an agreement in principle with the Company with
respect to a Third Party Acquisition.
Section 7.03 Termination by Parent and Acquisition.
(a) Parent and Acquisition may terminate this Agreement to the extent not
performed, if there shall not have been a material uncured breach by Parent
or Acquisition of any representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement set
forth herein and there shall have been a material breach by the Company of
any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement set forth herein, which
breach shall not have been cured within ten days of the Company's receipt
of written notice specifying the Company's breach and Parent's intention to
terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.03.
(b) In addition, Parent and Acquisition may terminate any and all of
their obligations under this Agreement, to the extent not performed, if (i)
the Board of Directors of the Company shall have (A) withdrawn, (B)
modified, or (C) changed in a manner adverse to Parent its approval or
recommendation of the Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated
by this Agreement or shall have recommended another offer, or shall have
adopted any resolution to effect any of the foregoing, or (ii) a Third
Party Acquisition has occurred or any Person shall have entered into a
definitive agreement or an agreement in principle with the Company with
respect to a Third Party Acquisition. The Company shall immediately pay
Parent an amount equal to the Termination Fee if Parent terminates this
Agreement pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.
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Section 7.04 Termination by Parent and Acquisition Upon Payment of
Termination Fee. Parent and Acquisition may terminate this Agreement, to the
extent not performed, upon payment to the Company of the Termination Fee by
bank cashier's check or wire transfer to an account designated by the Company
for this purpose if the Board of Directors of Parent shall have withdrawn,
modified or changed in a manner adverse to the Company its approval or
recommendation of the Amalgamation or the other transactions contemplated by
this Agreement or shall have recommended another offer, or shall have adopted
any resolution to effect any of the foregoing.
Section 7.05 Termination by the Company, Parent or Acquisition. This
Agreement may be terminated and the Amalgamation contemplated hereby may be
abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time, whether before or after
approval of the Amalgamation by the Board of Directors and shareholders of the
Company:
(a) by mutual written consent of the Parent and the Company;
(b) by either Parent or the Company by written notice to the other:
(i) if the Effective Time shall not have occurred on or before
September 30, 1996; provided, however, that the right to terminate this
Agreement under this Section 7.05(b) shall not be available to any
party whose failure to fulfill any obligation under this Agreement has
been the cause of, or resulted in, the failure of the Effective Time to
occur on or before such date;
(ii) if a Governmental Authority shall have issued an order, decree
or ruling or taken any other action (which order, decree or ruling the
parties hereto shall use their best efforts to lift), in each case
permanently restraining, enjoining or otherwise prohibiting the
transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or
(iii) if the Minister shall have failed to approve the Amalgamation
by September 30, 1996; and
(c) by either Parent or the Company by written notice to the other, no
later than 5:00 p.m., Bermuda Time, on the second calendar day following
the Determination Date if the Average Closing Price shall be greater than
$49.00 or less than $31.00 (the prices at which either party may terminate
and abandon this Agreement are collectively referred to herein as the
"Termination Prices").
Section 7.06 Procedure and Effect of Termination. In the event of the
termination of this Agreement, none of Parent, Acquisition or the Company
shall have any obligation to perform hereunder from and after the date of such
termination, except that Sections 5.03(c) (Confidentiality), 5.06 (Public
Announcements), 8.05 (Expenses), 8.08 (Notices) and 8.09 (Governing Law) shall
survive such termination and remain in full force and effect notwithstanding
such termination. No termination hereof shall relieve Parent or the Company
from liability for any breach of this Agreement.
ARTICLE EIGHT
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 8.01 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties, Covenants and
Agreements. None of the representations, warranties, covenants or agreements
contained in this Agreement shall survive the Closing, except for those
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained in Sections
2.08, 4.12, 5.03(c), 5.11, 5.18 and 5.19 and Article 8 of this Agreement.
Section 8.02 Amendment and Modification. Subject to applicable law, this
Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by written agreement
signed on behalf of Parent, Acquisition and the Company at any time prior to
the Effective Time with respect to any of the terms contained herein except
that after the meetings of the shareholders of the Company as contemplated by
Section 5.08 hereof, the Amalgamation Consideration to be paid pursuant to
this Agreement to the holders of Shares shall in no event be decreased and the
form of consideration to be received by the holders of such Shares in the
Amalgamation shall in no event be altered without the approval of such
holders.
29
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Section 8.03 Waiver of Compliance; Consents. Any failure of Parent or
Acquisition, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, to comply
with any obligation, covenant, agreement or condition herein may be waived in
writing by the Company or Parent, respectively, but such waiver or failure to
insist upon strict compliance with such obligation, covenant, agreement or
condition shall not operate as a waiver of, or estoppel with respect to, any
subsequent or other failure. Whenever this Agreement requires or permits
consent by or on behalf of any party hereto, such consent shall be given in
writing in a manner consistent with the requirements for a waiver of
compliance as set forth in this Section 8.03.
Section 8.04 Severability and Validity. The provisions set forth in this
Agreement are severable. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the remainder of this Agreement, and the
application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances, shall not be
affected thereby, and shall remain valid and enforceable in such jurisdiction,
and any such invalidity or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not
invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction.
Section 8.05 Expenses and Obligations. Each of the parties shall pay its own
expenses incurred in connection with the negotiation and preparation of this
Agreement, the performance of its covenants herein, and the effectuation of
the transactions contemplated hereby, including, without limitation, all fees
and disbursements of its respective legal counsel, advisors, and accountants;
provided, however, that nothing in this Section 8.05 shall negate any
obligation of either Parent or the Company to pay the Termination Fee. Each
party to this Agreement shall indemnify and hold harmless the other against
any claim for fees or commissions of brokers, finders, agents, or bankers
retained or purportedly retained by the indemnitor party in connection with
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
Section 8.06 Parties in Interest. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto, and nothing in this
Agreement, express or implied, is intended to confer upon any other Person any
rights or remedies of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this
Agreement, except for Section 2.07 (which is intended to be for the benefit of
the Persons referred to therein, and may be enforced by such Persons) and
Sections 4.12 and 5.18 (which are intended to be for the benefit of Former
Holders and may be enforced by such Former Holders).
Section 8.07 Additional Agreements. Subject to the terms and conditions
herein provided, each of the parties hereto agrees to use all reasonable
efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all action, and to do, or cause to be
done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws and
regulations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by
this Agreement. In case at any time after the Effective Time any further
action is necessary or desirable to carry out the purposes of this Agreement,
the proper officers and directors of each corporation which is a party to this
Agreement shall take all necessary action.
Section 8.08 Notices. All notices and other communications hereunder shall
be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally or mailed by
registered or certified mail (return receipt requested) to the parties at the
following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be
specified by like notice):
(a) if to Parent or Acquisition, or to the Company after the Effective
Time, to:
ACE Limited
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Ave.
Hamilton HM08 Bermuda
Telephone: (441) 295-5200
Facsimile: (441) 295-5221
Attention: Brian Duperreault
30
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with copies to:
Mayer, Brown & Platt
190 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603
Telephone: (312) 701-7100
Facsimile: (312) 701-7711
Attention: Edward S. Best
(b) if to the Company prior to the Effective Time, to:
Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited
14 Par-La-Ville Road
Hamilton HM08 Bermuda
Telephone: (441) 292-2603
Facsimile: (441) 292-2790
Attention: Donald Kramer
with a copy to:
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP
101 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10178
Telephone: (212) 309-6000
Facsimile: (212) 309-6273
Attention: Nancy H. Corbett
Section 8.09 Governing Law. The Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of Bermuda without regard to the conflicts of laws
rules thereof.
Section 8.10 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.
Section 8.11 Headings. The article and section headings contained in this
Agreement are solely for the purpose of reference, are not part of the
agreement of the parties and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement. References to Articles or Sections, unless
otherwise specified, are to Articles and Sections of this Agreement.
Section 8.12 Entire Agreement; Assignment. This Agreement, including the
Disclosure Letter and exhibits attached hereto and the Confidentiality Letter,
embodies the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in
respect of the subject matter contained herein. There are no agreements,
restrictions, promises, representations, warranties, covenants, or
undertakings, other than those expressly set forth or referred to herein. This
Agreement supersedes all prior agreements and understandings (including the
letter agreement, dated February 1, 1996, between Parent and the Company)
between the parties with respect to such subject matter. This Agreement shall
not be assigned by operation of law or otherwise, except with the prior
written consent of each other party hereto. This Agreement is not intended to
confer upon any other Person except the parties hereto any rights or remedies
hereunder, except as provided in Section 8.06 of this Agreement.
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<PAGE>
In Witness Whereof, each of the parties hereto has caused this Agreement to
be signed and sealed on its behalf by its duly authorized officers, all as of
the day and year first above written.
ACE LIMITED
Brian Duperreault
By___________________________________
Brian Duperreault
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
[SEAL]
TRCL Acquisition Limited
Brian Duperreault
By___________________________________
Brian Duperreault
Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer
Christopher Z. Marshall
By___________________________________
Christopher Z. Marshall
Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer
[SEAL]
Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited
Donald Kramer
By___________________________________
Donald Kramer
Co-Chairman
Charles G. Collis
By___________________________________
Charles G. Collis
Alternate Director/ Assistant
Secretary
[SEAL]
32
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Exhibit 5.1
21 May, 1996
ACE Limited
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Street
Hamilton HM 08
Bermuda
Re: ACE Limited
Registration Statement on Form S-4
----------------------------------
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as Cayman Islands counsel to ACE Limited (the "Company") in
connection with the registration of Ordinary Shares, par value $0.125 per share
(the "Ordinary Shares"), of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, in accordance with the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 21, 1996 (the
"Registration Statement").
In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have examined and are familiar
with the Registration Statement as an exhibit to which this opinion will be
filed. We have also examined such other documents and instruments and have made
such further investigations as we have deemed necessary or appropriate in
connection with this opinion.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and having regard for legal
considerations which we deem relevant, we are of the opinion that:-
1. On the basis that the contractual consideration (being worth not less than
the par value) for the Ordinary Shares is duly transferred to the Company
such Ordinary Shares issued or to be issued may properly be registered in
the Company's share register and credited as fully paid under Cayman
Islands law.
2. Fully paid shares are not subject to further calls or assessments by the
Company.
3. The Company has been incorporated as an exempted company under the
Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the liability of its shareholders
is limited to the amount, if any, unpaid on their shares (per Clause 5 of
the Company's Memorandum of Association). On the basis that all such shares
are fully paid, there is no rule of Cayman Islands law that would impose
any further liability on person holding shares in the Company, merely by
reason of such shareholding.
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement referred to above and to all references to this firm in such
Registration Statement.
Yours faithfully,
Maples and Calder
<PAGE>
Exhibit 8.1
21 May 1996
ACE Limited
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Street
Hamilton
Bermuda
Dear Sirs:
ACE Limited (the "Company")
- ---------------------------
We have acted as special legal counsel in Bermuda to the Company on advising
only on certain statements of Bermuda law (as described below) in connection
with the registration of Ordinary Shares, par value US$0.125 per share, of the
Company (the "Ordinary Shares") under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, with respect to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4
filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on 21 May,
1996 (the "Registration Statement"). This opinion is to be an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.
For purposes of giving this opinion, we have examined the Registration Statement
and such other documents and made such enquiries as to questions of Bermuda
law as we have deemed necessary in order to render the opinion set forth below.
We have assumed (a) the accuracy and completeness of all factual representations
made in the Registration Statement and other documents reviewed by us and (b)
that there is no provision of the law of any jurisdiction, other than Bermuda,
which would have any implication in relation to the opinions expressed herein.
We have further assumed the accuracy and completeness of the statement on the
amount of payroll tax paid by the Company, as contained in that section of the
Registration Statement entitled "Taxation of ACE and its Shareholders--Taxation
of ACE and its Subsidiaries--Bermuda."
We have made no investigation of and express no opinion in relation to (i) the
incorporation and organization of, and the compliance with Bermuda law by, the
Company or any of its subsidiaries and affiliates, (ii) any actual and proposed
transactions described in the Registration Statement and (iii) the laws of any
jurisdiction other than Bermuda. This opinion is governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of Bermuda and is limited to and is given on the basis
of the current law and practice in Bermuda.
On the basis of, and subject to, the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the
statements on Bermuda law set forth in the Registration Statement under the
headings "Taxation of ACE and its Shareholders--Taxation of ACE and its
Subsidiaries--Bermuda" and "Taxation of ACE and its Shareholders--Taxation of
ACE Shareholders--Bermuda" are accurate in all material respects.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement and the reference to our firm passing upon the said
Bermuda law matters in the said sections of the Registration Statement.
Yours faithfully,
CONYERS, DILL & PEARMAN
<PAGE>
Exhibit 8.2
21 May, 1996
ACE Limited
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Street
Hamilton HM 08
Bermuda
Re: ACE Limited
Registration Statement on Form S-4
----------------------------------
Dear Sirs:
We have acted as Cayman Islands counsel to ACE Limited (the "Company") in
connection with the registration of Ordinary Shares, par value $0.125 per share,
of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in accordance with
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on May 21, 1996 (the "Registration Statement").
In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have examined and are familiar
with the Registration Statement as an exhibit to which this opinion will be
filed. We have also examined such other documents and instruments and have made
such further investigations as we have deemed necessary or appropriate in
connection with this opinion.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and having regard for legal
considerations which we deem relevant, we hereby confirm, and adopt as our
opinion, the statements of legal matters contained in the Prospectus contained
in the above-referenced Registration Statement under the captions "Taxation of
ACE and its Shareholders--Taxation of ACE and its Subsidiaries--Cayman Islands"
and "Taxation of ACE and its Shareholders--Taxation of ACE Shareholders--Cayman
Islands."
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement referred to above and to all references to this firm in such
Registration Statement.
Yours faithfully,
Maples and Calder
<PAGE>
Exhibit 8.3
May 21, 1996
ACE Limited
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Street
Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda
Re: ACE Limited
Registration Statement on Form S-4
----------------------------------
Dear Sirs:
We have represented ACE Limited (the "Company") in connection with the
registration of Ordinary Shares, par value $0.125 per share (the "Ordinary
Shares"), of the Company under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, with
respect to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on May 21, 1996 (the "Registration
Statement").
In rendering the opinions expressed herein, we have examined and are
familiar with the Registration Statement as an exhibit to which this opinion
will be filed. We have also examined such other documents and instruments and
have made such further investigations as we have deemed necessary or appropriate
in connection with this opinion.
Based upon and subject to the foregoing, and having regard for legal
considerations which we deem relevant, we hereby confirm, and adopt as our
opinion, the statements of legal matters contained in the Prospectus contained
in the above-referenced Registration Statement under the captions "Taxation of
ACE and its Shareholders - Taxation of ACE and its Subsidiaries - United
States," "-Effect of the Amalgamation" (to the extent that such information
relates taxation in the United States) and "Taxation of ACE and its Shareholders
- - Taxation of ACE Shareholders - United States - Taxation of dividends,"
"-United States-Classification as a controlled foreign corporation," "-United
States-RPII companies," "-United States-Passive foreign investment companies,"
"-Information Reporting," "-Dispositions of ACE Ordinary Shares," "-Foreign
Tax Credit" and "-Other."
<PAGE>
We consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement referred to above and to all references to this firm in such
Registration Statement.
Very truly yours,
Mayer, Brown & Platt
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 11.2
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
THREE MONTHS ENDED
----------------------------------
FEBRUARY 29 FEBRUARY 28
1996 1995
---------------- ----------------
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS
OF U.S. DOLLARS,
EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C>
EARNINGS PER SHARE--PRIMARY
Weighted average common shares outstanding. 5,237,160 5,252,160
Average stock options outstanding (net of
repurchased shares under the treasury
stock method calculated using the average
book value per share)..................... 111,316 24,334
---------------- ----------------
Weighted average common shares and common
share equivalents......................... 5,348,476 5,276,494
================ ================
Net income................................. $ 44,125 $ 21,122
================ ================
Earnings per share......................... $ 8.25 $ 4.00
================ ================
EARNINGS PER SHARE--ASSUMING FULL DILUTION
Weighted average common shares outstanding. 5,237,160 5,252,160
Average stock options outstanding (net of
repurchased shares under the treasury
stock method calculated using the closing
book value per share)..................... 118,823 35,560
---------------- ----------------
Weighted average common shares and common
share equivalents......................... 5,355,983 5,287,720
================ ================
Net income................................. $ 44,125 $ 21,122
================ ================
Earnings per share......................... $ 8.24 $ 3.99
================ ================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 11.2
(CONTINUED)
TEMPEST REINSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED
COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED NOVEMBER 30, 1995 AND 1994
AND FOR THE PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1993
(DATE OF INCORPORATION) TO
NOVEMBER 30, 1993
------------------------------------------
1995 1994 1993
------------- -------------- -------------
(EXPRESSED IN THOUSANDS OF U.S. DOLLARS,
EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C>
EARNINGS PER SHARE--PRIMARY
Weighted average common shares
outstanding........................ 5,249,660 5,281,260 1,062,292
Average stock options outstanding
(net of repurchased shares under
the treasury stock method
calculated using the average book
value per share)................... 59,102 -- --
------------- -------------- -------------
Weighted average common shares and
common share equivalents........... 5,308,762 5,281,260 1,062,292
============= ============== =============
Net income.......................... $ 106,014 $ 84,697 $ 3,272
============= ============== =============
Earnings per share.................. $ 19.97 $ 16.04 $ 3.08
============= ============== =============
EARNINGS PER SHARE--ASSUMING FULL
DILUTION
Weighted average common shares
outstanding........................ 5,249,660 5,281,260 1,062,292
Average stock options outstanding
(net of repurchased shares under
the treasury stock method
calculated using the closing book
value per share)................... 128,632 8,806 --
------------- -------------- -------------
Weighted average common shares and
common share equivalents........... 5,378,292 5,290,066 1,062,292
============= ============== =============
Net income.......................... $ 106,014 $ 84,697 $ 3,272
============= ============== =============
Earnings per share.................. $ 19.71 $ 16.01 $ 3.08
============= ============== =============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
JURISDICTION OF PERCENTAGE
NAME ORGANIZATION OWNERSHIP
---- --------------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
A.C.E. Insurance Company, Ltd. ..................... Bermuda 100%
Oasis Real Estate Co. Ltd. ....................... Bermuda 100
Scarborough Property Holdings, Ltd. ............ Bermuda 40
Corporate Officers & Directors Assurance Ltd. .... Bermuda 100
ACE UK Limited.................................... United Kingdom 100
Methuen Group Limited........................... United Kingdom 51
Methuen Holding Limited...................... United Kingdom 100
Methuen (Lloyd's Underwriting Agents)
Limited.................................... United Kingdom 100
ACE Capital Limited............................. United Kingdom 100
ACE Insurance Management Ltd. ...................... Bermuda 100
ACE Services Ltd. .................................. Cayman 100
Tripar Partnership.................................. Bermuda 99.9990654
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form
S-4 of our reports dated November 14, 1995, on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules of ACE Limited and
Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1995 and 1994 and for each of the three years
in the period ended September 30, 1995. We also consent to the reference to
our firm under the caption "Experts".
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
May 21, 1996
New York, New York
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 23.2
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the use in the Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our report
dated December 22, 1995, except as to Note 1, which is as of March 14, 1996,
relating to the financial statements of Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited,
which appears in such Joint Proxy Statement/Prospectus. We also consent to the
application of such report to the Financial Statement Schedules for the two
years ended November 30, 1995 and the period from September 1, 1993 (date of
incorporation) through November 30, 1993 listed under Item 21 of this
Registration Statement when such schedules are read in conjunction with the
financial statements referred to in our report. The audits referred to in such
report also included these Financial Statement Schedules. We also consent to
the references to us under the heading "Experts" in such Joint Proxy
Statement/Prospectus.
Price Waterhouse
Chartered Accountants
Hamilton, Bermuda
May 21, 1996
<PAGE>
Exhibit 99.1
[LETTERHEAD OF CORPORATION SYSTEM]
May 16, 1996
Marc F. Sperber, Esq.
Mayer Brown & Platt
190 South LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60603-3441
Re: ACE Limited (BER)
Form S-4 Registration Statement
Order # 542859
Dear Mr. Sperber:
Reference is made to that certain Form S-4 Registration Statement dated as of
May 21, 1996 ("the Statement") involving ACE Limited.
Pursuant to the Statement, ACE Limited has appointed the undersigned with an
office presently located at 1633 Broadway, New York, New York 10019, United
States, as its agent to receive service of copies of any summons and complaints
and any other process which may be served in any action or proceeding in New
York arising out of the Statement.
The undersigned accepts the appointment and agrees to forward promptly any
notice or any process served in its capacity as agent for process to ACE
Limited, 30 Woodbourne Avenue, Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda, Attention: General
Counsel.
Very truly yours,
CT Corporation System
/s/ Francis P. Regan
Francis P. Regan
Assistant Secretary
fpr
