<PAGE>
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_] Preliminary Proxy Statement [_] CONFIDENTIAL, FOR USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
RULE 14A-6(E)(2))
[X] Definitive Proxy Statement
[_] Definitive Additional Materials
[_] Soliciting Material Pursuant to Section 240.14a-11(c) or Section 240.14a-12
ACE Limited
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(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
ACE Limited
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required
[_] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and 0-11.
(1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
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(2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
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(3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (Set forth the amount on which
the filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined):
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(4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
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(5) Total fee paid:
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[_] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[_] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange
Act Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement
number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
(1) Amount Previously Paid:
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(2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
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(3) Filing Party:
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(4) Date Filed:
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<PAGE>
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
April 28, 2000
Hamilton, Bermuda
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS OF ACE LIMITED:
The Annual General Meeting of ACE Limited (the "Company") will be held on
Friday, June 9, 2000, at 9:00 a.m. at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, 76 Pitts
Bay Road, Pembroke, Bermuda, for the following purposes:
1. To elect five directors to hold office until 2003 and one director to
hold office until 2002;
2. To ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the Company's
independent accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000;
and
3. To transact such other further business, if any, as lawfully may be
brought before the meeting.
Only shareholders of record, as shown by the transfer books of the Company,
at the close of business on April 28, 2000, are entitled to notice of, and to
vote at, the Annual General Meeting.
PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY IN THE RETURN ENVELOPE
FURNISHED FOR THAT PURPOSE, AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE, WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN
TO ATTEND THE MEETING. IF YOU LATER DESIRE TO REVOKE YOUR PROXY FOR ANY
REASON, YOU MAY DO SO IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE INDIVIDUALS NOMINATED AS DIRECTORS, USE
OF THE PROXY AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS, YOU ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY
STATEMENT ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Brian Duperreault
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
<PAGE>
ACE LIMITED
The ACE Building
30 Woodbourne Avenue
Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda
April 28, 2000
PROXY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors of ACE Limited (the "Company") is soliciting the
accompanying proxy to be voted at the Annual General Meeting of the Company to
be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, June 9, 2000, at The Fairmont Hamilton
Princess, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, Bermuda, and any adjournments thereof.
When the proxy is properly executed and returned, the Ordinary Shares it
represents will, subject to any direction to the contrary, be voted at the
meeting in favor of the matters specified in the "Notice of Annual General
Meeting" attached hereto.
Any shareholder giving a proxy may revoke it prior to its exercise by
providing the Secretary of the Company with written notice of revocation, by
voting in person at the Annual General Meeting or by executing a later-dated
proxy; provided, however, that the action is taken in sufficient time to
permit the necessary examination and tabulation of the subsequent proxy or
revocation before the vote is taken.
Only holders of Ordinary Shares of record as of the close of business on
April 28, 2000 will be entitled to vote at the meeting. As of the close of
business on April 28, 2000, there were outstanding 216,945,116 Ordinary Shares
of the Company entitled to vote at the meeting, with each Ordinary Share
entitling the holder of record on such date to one vote (except that if, and
so long as, the Controlled Shares (defined generally to include all shares of
the Company directly, indirectly or constructively owned or beneficially owned
by any person or group of persons) of any person constitute 10% or more of the
issued 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 Company's
Amended and Restated Articles of Association (the "Articles")).
The election of each nominee for director and the ratification of the
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP require the affirmative vote of a
majority of the votes cast at the Annual General Meeting, provided there is a
quorum (consisting of 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 the Annual General Meeting). The Company will appoint one or more
inspectors of election to count votes cast in person or by proxy. Ordinary
Shares owned by shareholders electing to abstain from voting with respect to
any proposal will be counted towards the presence of a quorum but will have
the effect of a vote against such proposal. "Broker non-votes" will be counted
towards the presence of a quorum but will not be considered present and voting
with respect to elections of directors or other matters to be voted upon at
the Annual General Meeting. Therefore, "broker non-votes" will have no effect
on the outcome of the proposals to elect directors or ratify the appointment
of the Company's independent accountants.
A copy of the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999 accompanies this Proxy Statement.
This Proxy Statement, the attached Notice of Annual General Meeting and the
accompanying proxy card are first being mailed to shareholders on or about May
4, 2000.
The Company knows of no specific matter to be brought before the Annual
General Meeting which is not referred to in the attached Notice of Annual
General Meeting. If any such matter comes before the meeting, including any
shareholder proposal properly made, the proxy holders will vote proxies in
accordance with their judgment.
<PAGE>
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
(Item A on Proxy Card)
The Company's Articles provide that the Company's Board of Directors shall
be divided into three classes with the terms of office of each class ending in
successive years. The Company's Articles 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 16.
The Executive Committee of the Company's Board of Directors has nominated
Michael G. Atieh, Bruce L. Crockett, Thomas J. Neff, Robert W. Staley, and
Gary M. Stuart for election as directors of the Company to serve three-year
terms to expire at the Annual General Meeting in 2003 and Roberto G. Mendoza
for a two-year term to expire at the Annual General Meeting in 2002 and until
their respective successors shall have been elected and shall have qualified.
Each of these individuals is currently serving as a director of the Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE ELECTION OF THESE NOMINEES
AS DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY.
It is the intention of the persons named as proxies, subject to any
direction to the contrary, to vote in favor of the candidates nominated by the
Board of Directors. If any one or more of the nominees is unable or unwilling
to serve, the proxies will, subject to any direction to the contrary, be voted
for such other person or persons as the Board of Directors may recommend.
Certain information with respect to the nominees for election as directors
proposed by the Company and the other directors whose terms of office as
directors will continue after the Annual General Meeting is set forth below.
Nominees for Election to Terms Expiring in 2003
Michael G. Atieh, age 46, has been a director of the Company since
September 1991. Mr. Atieh has served as Vice President, U.S. Human Health, a
division of Merck & Co., Inc. ("Merck") (pharmaceuticals) since January 1999,
as Senior Vice President--Sales of Merck-Medco Managed Care, L.L.C. (managed
health care), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Merck from April 1994 to
December 1998, as Vice President--Public Affairs of Merck from January 1994 to
April 1994 and as Treasurer of Merck from April 1990 to December 1993.
Bruce L. Crockett, age 56, has been a director of the Company since May
1995. Mr. Crockett is currently a private investor. Mr. Crockett served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of COMSAT Corporation ("COMSAT")
(information services) from February 1992 until July 1996 and as President and
Chief Operating Officer of COMSAT from April 1991 to February 1992. Mr.
Crockett was an employee of COMSAT since 1980 and held various operational and
financial positions including Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Crockett is Chairman of the Board of NETSAT28, Datapipe.com and
Teletronics International Inc. Mr. Crockett is also a director of
International Business Network for World Commerce & Industry, Ltd. (IBNET),
CIGNAL Global Communications, AIM Mutual Funds Boards, DATABID.COM and
Firewater.com. Mr. Crockett is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the
University of Rochester.
Thomas J. Neff, age 62, has been a director of the Company since May 1997.
Mr. Neff has been with Spencer Stuart & Associates, N.A. ("Spencer Stuart")
(executive search consulting) since 1976 serving as President of Spencer
Stuart from 1979 to 1996. Since 1996, Mr. Neff has served as chairman of
Spencer Stuart, U.S. Mr. Neff is a director of MyJobSearch.Com and various
mutual funds managed by Lord, Abbett & Co.
Robert W. Staley, age 65, has been a director of the Company since January
1986. Mr. Staley retired March 1, 2000 as an officer and director of Emerson
Electric Co. ("Emerson") (electric equipment) where he had been employed since
1975, serving as Vice Chairman since November 1988. Mr. Staley continues to
serve Emerson as a Senior Advisor.
2
<PAGE>
Gary M. Stuart, age 59, has been a director of the Company since March
1988. Mr. Stuart retired November 30, 1999 from Union Pacific Corporation
(transportation) where he had been employed since 1981, serving as its
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from June 1998 through
November 1999 and as its Vice President and Treasurer from January 1990
through May 1998. Mr. Stuart is an Executive-in-Residence at the Lubin School
of Business at Pace University and is on the adjunct faculty at Fairfield
University.
Nominee for Election to Term Expiring in 2002
Roberto G. Mendoza, age 54, has been a director of the Company since
November 1999 and previously served as a director of the Company from 1985-
1996. Mr. Mendoza served as Vice Chairman and director of the Boards of J.P.
Morgan & Co. Incorporated and its subsidiary Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of
New York (banking) from 1990 to April 12, 2000, when he retired. Mr. Mendoza
is a director of Consorcio de Alimentos Fabril-Pacifico, S.A., Reuters Group
PLC, and Vitro S.A.
Directors Whose Terms of Office Will Continue after this Meeting
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2001
Brian Duperreault, age 52, has been a director since October 1994. Mr.
Duperreault has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company
since November 1999 and as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company from October 1994 through November 1999. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Duperreault had been employed with American International Group
("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. Mr. Duperreault serves as
a director of the Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son (Bermuda) and as a member of
the Board of Trustees of Saint Joseph's University.
Robert M. Hernandez, age 55, has been a director of the Company since
September 1985. Mr. Hernandez has served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial
Officer of USX Corporation ("USX") (a diversified company) since December
1994, as Executive Vice President--Accounting & Finance and Chief Financial
Officer of USX from November 1991 until November 1994 and as Senior Vice
President--Finance & Treasurer from October 1990 to October 1991. In addition
to being a director of USX, Mr. Hernandez is a director and chairman of RTI
International Metals, Inc.; a director of Transtar, Inc., the Strategic
Investment Fund, Inc. and the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry; a
trustee of the BlackRock Funds; and a member of the Pennsylvania Business
Roundtable.
Peter Menikoff, age 59, has been a director of the Company since January
1986. Mr. Menikoff is currently a private investor. Mr. Menikoff served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of CONEMSCO, Inc. (oil and gas
drilling/production supplies, services and equipment) from April 1997 until
June 1998. Previously, Mr. Menikoff served as Executive Vice President and
Chief Administrative Officer of Tenneco Energy Corporation (energy) since June
1995. Mr. Menikoff served as a Senior Vice President of Tenneco, Inc.
(diversified industrial) from June 1994 until April 1997. Mr. Menikoff served
as Executive Vice President of Case Corporation (agricultural and construction
equipment), a subsidiary of Tenneco, Inc., from November 1991 to June 1994.
Mr. Menikoff served as Treasurer of Tenneco, Inc. from May 1989 to November
1991.
Glen M. Renfrew, age 71, has been a director of the Company since August
1993. Mr. Renfrew retired as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of
Reuters Holdings plc (communications) on February 28, 1991, having served in
such capacity since 1981. Mr. Renfrew is a director of Shorewood (Bermuda)
Ltd., Lolla Ltd. and Bluesurf Ltd.
3
<PAGE>
Robert Ripp, age 58, has been a director of the Company since December
1991. Robert Ripp is Chairman of the Board and director of Lightpath
Technologies (fiber optics components manufacturing), a Nasdaq listed company.
Mr. Ripp also serves as a director of Lightchip Inc., a privately held fiber
optics development venture. Mr. Ripp served as Director, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of AMP Incorporated (electrical connectors) from August 1998
through May 1999. Mr. Ripp served as Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of AMP Incorporated from August 1994 through July 1998 and Vice
President and Treasurer of International Business Machines Corporation
(electronic computer equipment) from July 1989 through September 1993 and as a
director of AJ Gallagher Inc. (NYSE), an insurance brokerage company.
Dermot F. Smurfit, age 55, has been a director of the Company since August
1997. Mr. Smurfit has been Joint Deputy Chairman of Jefferson Smurfit Group
plc ("Jefferson Smurfit") (paper, paperboard and packaging) since January
1984, Chairman and Chief Executive of Jefferson Smurfit's continental European
operations from 1994 to 1997, Director of Sales and Marketing since 1997, and
has held a number of other senior positions with Jefferson Smurfit. Mr.
Smurfit is also a director of Smurfit Stone Container Corporation, a U.S.
listed associate of Smurfit Group. Mr. Smurfit is a member of the Board of
Confederation of European Paper Industries and a member of the advisory Board
of AON Groupe Nederland.
Directors Whose Terms Expire in 2002
Meryl D. Hartzband, age 45, has been a director of the Company since May
1996. Ms. Hartzband is the Investment Director and a Principal of Marsh &
McLennan Capital, Inc. (insurance). Ms. Hartzband served as a Managing
Director of J.P. Morgan International Capital Corporation (commercial and
investment banking), a subsidiary of J.P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated ("J.P.
Morgan") from August 1994 to February, 1999. From 1982 through August 1994,
Ms. Hartzband was employed with J.P. Morgan in various capacities.
Donald Kramer, age 62, has been a director and Vice Chairman of the Company
since July 1996 when the Company acquired Tempest Reinsurance Company Limited
("Tempest"), and was President of Tempest from 1996 until 1999. Mr. Kramer
served as Chairman or Co-Chairman of the Board of Tempest from its formation
in September 1993 until July 1996. Prior to the formation of Tempest, Mr.
Kramer 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, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Citigroup, a director
of Mapfre America, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn
College Foundation.
Walter A. Scott, age 62, has been a director of the Company since September
1989. Mr. Scott served as a consultant to the Company from October 1994 until
September 1996. Mr. Scott served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company from March 1991 until his retirement in September 1994
and as President and Chief Executive Officer from September 1989 to March
1991. Mr. Scott is a director of Overseas Partners Limited, and Annuity and
Life Re, Ltd. Mr. Scott is also a trustee of Lafayette College.
Sidney F. Wentz, age 68, has been a director of the Company since May 1993.
Mr. Wentz served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation (charitable foundation) from June 1, 1989 through June
1999. From February 1987 until July 1988, Mr. Wentz served as Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Crum & Forster, Inc. (insurance). Mr. Wentz is a
director of Castle Energy Corporation, a director of The Bank of Somerset
Hills, and a trustee of Drew University.
There are no arrangements or understandings between any director and any
other person pursuant to which any director was or is selected as a director
or nominee.
4
<PAGE>
Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors
During the year ended December 31, 1999, there were seven meetings of the
Board of Directors (including regularly scheduled and special meetings). All
incumbent directors, except for Robert Ripp, Robert W. Staley and Gary M.
Stuart attended at least 75% of the aggregate of such meetings and of the
meetings held by all committees of the Board of which they were a member
during the time they were a member of such committee. Mr. Ripp and Mr. Stuart
attended 75% of all regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors
during the year ended December 31, 1999.
The Board of Directors has established four standing committees: the Audit
Committee, the Compensation Committee, the Executive Committee and the Finance
Committee.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is composed entirely of non-management directors and
reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the Company's external auditors and
their audit report. The Audit Committee is comprised of Sidney F. Wentz
(Chairman), Bruce L. Crockett, Meryl D. Hartzband, Peter Menikoff, Thomas J.
Neff, Robert Ripp and Gary M. Stuart. The Audit Committee held four meetings
during the year ended December 31, 1999.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee has responsibility for determining executive
compensation. The Compensation Committee is comprised of Bruce L. Crockett
(Chairman), Robert M. Hernandez, Roberto G. Mendoza, Thomas J. Neff and Sidney
F. Wentz. The Compensation Committee held four meetings during the year ended
December 31, 1999.
Executive Committee
Except as expressly limited by applicable law, the Company's Memorandum or
Articles or by the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee may exercise
all the powers and authorities of the Board of Directors between meetings of
the full Board of Directors, with its primary focus to act for the full Board
when it is not practical to convene meetings of the full Board and to serve as
a strategic sounding board for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. The Executive Committee also has responsibility for nominating
directors and to review and make recommendations to the full Board regarding
director compensation. The Executive Committee will consider a shareholder's
suggestion for candidates if mailed to: Secretary, ACE Limited, The ACE
Building, 30 Woodbourne Avenue, Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda. Any such suggestion
with respect to directors to be elected at the Annual General Meeting to be
held in 2001 must be received not later than April 10, 2001 and must comply
with Article 40 of the Company's Articles. The Executive Committee also makes
recommendations concerning succession plans for senior executive officers of
the Company and reviews the development and performance of the Company's
senior executive officers. The Executive Committee is comprised of Robert M.
Hernandez (Chairman), Brian Duperreault, Donald Kramer, Roberto G. Mendoza and
Robert W. Staley. The Executive Committee held four meetings during the year
ended December 31, 1999.
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee is responsible for recommending asset allocations to
the Board of Directors, approving the guidelines which provide standards to
ensure portfolio liquidity and safety, and approving investment managers and
custodians for portfolio assets. The Finance Committee is comprised of Peter
Menikoff (Chairman), Michael G. Atieh, Glen M. Renfrew, Robert Ripp, Walter A.
Scott, Dermot F. Smurfit and Gary M. Stuart. The Finance Committee held four
meetings during the year ended December 31, 1999.
Director Compensation
Pursuant to the Company's 1995 Outside Directors Plan, non-management
directors of the Company are awarded an annual "retainer award" in the form of
Ordinary Shares having a fair market value of $35,000. For
5
<PAGE>
the 1999 plan year, the retainer award included additional Ordinary Shares
having a fair market value of $8,750, reflecting the longer plan year
resulting from the change in the Company's fiscal year. A director completing
less than a full year of service receives a pro rata portion of the annual
retainer award. The retainer award is made as of the date of the Company's
annual general meeting (and the additional retainer award for the 1999 plan
year was made as of August 9, 1999). The fair market value of the Ordinary
Shares is determined as of the award date. The value of any fractional share
is generally distributed in cash. Directors vest in the retainer award shares
as of the day immediately preceding the next annual general meeting. All
retainer award shares become fully vested upon a "change in control" of the
Company (as defined in the plan), or if the director ceases service as a
director because of death or disability. If a director ceases service as a
director for any other reason, all unvested retainer award shares are
forfeited.
In addition, each director who serves as the chairman of any committee of
the Board during any plan year quarter is awarded a "committee chairman award"
as of the first business day of the next following plan quarter (generally
ninety-day periods following the annual general meeting), which award is the
number of Ordinary Shares having a fair market value, determined as of such
date, of $1,250 per quarter. All shares awarded as a committee chairman award
are fully vested at the time of award. In addition, a director may elect to
receive his committee chairman award in cash.
Directors are also paid $3,000 for attendance at each meeting of the Board
of Directors and $1,000 for attendance at each meeting of a committee of the
Board of Directors. A director may elect to receive meeting fees in the form
of fully vested Ordinary Shares. Directors are also reimbursed for their
reasonable expenses in connection with Board service.
A director may elect to defer the receipt of Ordinary Shares or cash
otherwise payable.
Certain Business Relationships
Certain shareholders of the Company and their affiliates, including the
employers of or entities otherwise associated with certain directors and
officers and their affiliates, have purchased insurance from the Company on
terms the Company believes were no more favorable to these insureds than those
made available to other customers.
The Company and its subsidiaries pay to affiliates of Marsh & McLennan
Companies, Inc. ("Marsh & McLennan") normal and customary commissions for
brokerage activities performed in connection with the placing of insurance.
William M. Mercer, Incorporated, an employee benefits consulting firm and a
wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan, advises the Compensation
Committee of the Company's Board of Directors and receives customary fees in
connection therewith.
The Company has entered into a Consulting Agreement dated as of January 1,
2000 with Kramer Capital Corporation. Donald Kramer is a part time employee of
Kramer Capital Corporation. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, Kramer
Capital Corporation will provide consulting services to the Company with
respect to strategic opportunities and trends in the insurance and financial
services industry. The Consulting Agreement specifies that Mr. Kramer and
others will be made available to perform these services for the Company. The
Company paid Kramer Capital Corporation a retainer fee of $100,000. The
Company will pay Kramer Capital Corporation additional fees as agreed in
writing from time to time. The Company will also reimburse Kramer Capital
Corporation for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. The amount of services to
be performed by Kramer Capital Corporation during 2000 has not been
determined, but is expected to be approximately $300,000. Mr. Kramer has no
financial interest in Kramer Capital Corporation, either directly or
indirectly through a related person, and will receive a salary of $100,000 as
compensation for his services to Kramer Capital Corporation during the year
2000.
In March 1999, the Company made a $250,000 housing loan to Dominic
Frederico, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. The loan
bears interest at 4 3/4%, being the federal rate as of the date of the loan.
The promissory note evidencing the loan provides that $50,000, plus interest,
will be forgiven on
6
<PAGE>
March 23 of each of 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004 if Mr. Frederico is
employed by the Company or has died, resigned as a result of disability or has
been terminated without cause. The note becomes due if Mr. Frederico resigns
from the Company voluntarily or if the Company terminates him for cause.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Executive officers and directors of the Company are subject to the
reporting requirements of Section 16 of the Securities and Exchange Act of
1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). During the fiscal year ended December
31, 1999, Robert Blee was late in filing a Form 3 upon becoming an executive
officer of the Company; John Charman, Brian Duperreault, Dominic Frederico,
Dennis Reding and Keith White were each late in filing a Form 4 to report
acquisitions of ordinary shares (involving one report and transaction in the
case of each of Messrs. Frederico, Reding and White and two reports and
transactions in the case of each of Messrs. Charman and Duperreault); and Mr.
Reding was late in reporting a transaction required to be reported on Form 5.
All such transactions have now been reported.
BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF ORDINARY SHARES
Directors and Officers
The following table sets forth information, as of April 15, 2000, with
respect to the beneficial ownership of Ordinary Shares by Brian Duperreault,
the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (the Company's "CEO"), the
Company's other four most highly compensated executive officers (the "Named
Executive Officers"), each of the Company's directors and by all directors and
executive officers of the Company as a group. Unless otherwise indicated, the
named individual has sole voting and investment power over the Ordinary Shares
under the column "Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned." The Ordinary Shares
listed for each director and each executive officer constitute less than one
percent of the outstanding Ordinary Shares, except for John R. Charman for
whom the shares listed constitute approximately 1.55% of the outstanding
Ordinary Shares of the Company. The Ordinary Shares owned by all directors and
executive officers as a group constitute approximately 4.82% of the
outstanding Ordinary Shares.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Ordinary
Shares
Ordinary Subject
Shares to Restricted
Beneficially Option Ordinary
Name of Beneficial Owner Owned (1) Shares (2)
------------------------ ------------ --------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Brian Duperreault...................... 295,788 1,225,000 260,000
Dominic J. Frederico................... 21,563 235,000 121,000
Donald Kramer.......................... 116,448 1,094,396 28,000
John R. Charman (3).................... 3,302,860 33,333 20,000
Dennis B. Reding (3)................... 23,802 43,333 75,000
Michael G. Atieh (4)................... 10,404 -- 1,687
Bruce L. Crockett (4).................. 22,295 -- 1,687
Meryl D. Hartzband (4) (5)............. 1,466 -- 1,687
Robert M. Hernandez (4)................ 42,454 -- 1,687
Roberto G. Mendoza (4) (5)............. 5,305 -- 855
Peter Menikoff (3) (4)................. 21,788 -- 1,687
Thomas J. Neff (4)..................... 7,806 -- 1,687
Glen M. Renfrew (3).................... 76,313 -- 1,687
Robert Ripp (4)........................ 14,104 -- 1,687
Walter A. Scott (4).................... 231,009 480,000 1,687
Dermot F. Smurfit...................... 1,980 -- 1,687
Robert W. Staley (5)................... 8,679 -- 1,687
Gary M. Stuart (4)..................... 6,804 -- 1,687
Sidney F. Wentz (3).................... 12,532 -- 1,687
All directors & executive officers as a
group (29 individuals) (3)............ 4,784,101 4,537,243 1,137,293
</TABLE>
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- --------
(1) Represents Ordinary Shares which the reporting person has the right to
acquire within 60 days of April 15, 2000 pursuant to options.
(2) The reporting person has the right to vote (but not dispose of) the
Ordinary Shares listed under "Restricted Ordinary Shares."
(3) Messrs. Charman, Reding, Menikoff, Renfrew and Wentz had shared power to
vote and/or dispose of 24,619, 3,380, 10,800, 15,000 and 6,000,
respectively, of the Ordinary Shares listed. The directors and officers
have shared power to vote and/or dispose of 64,149, in the aggregate, of
the shares listed as owned by the directors and officers as a group. The
Ordinary Shares listed for Mr. Charman also include 2,448,277 shares
subject to trust arrangements for the benefit of Mr. Charman and/or his
family for which Mr. Charman does not have power to vote or dispose.
(4) The amounts included under "Ordinary Shares Beneficially Owned" and
"Restricted Ordinary Shares" include certain Ordinary Shares for which the
reporting person has elected to defer receipt. The reporting person has the
right to dispose of (but not to vote) such Ordinary Shares.
(5) Mr. Mendoza, Ms. Hartzband and Mr. Staley serve as officers or are
otherwise affiliated with significant shareholders of the Company. The
number of Ordinary Shares beneficially owned by such shareholders is set
forth below.
Each of the Company's directors named below is an officer of or otherwise
affiliated with a significant shareholder of the Company. The following table
sets forth the name of each such director, the name of the affiliated
shareholder (or the ultimate parent of such shareholder) and the number of
Ordinary Shares beneficially owned as of March 31, 2000, by such shareholder
(or the ultimate parent of such shareholder), except that the Ordinary Share
information provided for Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital Holdings, Ltd. is as of
March 15, 2000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percent
of
Total
Number of Ordinary
Ordinary Shares
Name Name of Shareholder Shares Outstanding
- ---- ------------------- --------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Meryl D. Hartzband........ Marsh & McLennan Risk Capital 3,790,113 1.75%
Holdings, Ltd.
Roberto G. Mendoza........ J. P. Morgan & Co. Incorporated 3,556,571 1.64%
Robert W. Staley.......... Emerson Electric Co. 321,816 *
</TABLE>
- --------
*Represents less than one percent of the outstanding Ordinary Shares.
8
<PAGE>
Other Beneficial Owners
The following table sets forth information regarding each person known by
the Company (including corporate groups) to own of record or beneficially own
more than five percent of the Company's outstanding Ordinary Shares as of the
dates indicated below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of
Shares Percent
Beneficially of
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner Owned Class
- ------------------------------------ ------------ -------
<S> <C> <C>
FMR Corp (1).............................................. 12,924,075 5.96%
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109-3614
Franklin Resources, Inc. (2)............................... 19,150,918 8.83%
777 Mariners Island Blvd.
P.O. Box 7777
San Mateo, California 94403-7777
Wellington Management Company, LLP (3)..................... 16,543,124 7.63%
75 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Based on information provided by Fidelity Management & Research Company
("Fidelity") in a letter dated March 31, 2000. As of March 31, 2000, FMR
Corp ("FMR") held 12,924,075 Ordinary Shares on behalf of its direct
subsidiaries: Fidelity, 82 Devonshire Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109,
a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR and a registered investment adviser under
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, was the beneficial owner of 12,491,800
Ordinary Shares as a result of acting as investment advisor to various
investment companies. Fidelity Management Trust Company, 82 Devonshire
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109, a wholly owned subsidiary of FMR, and
a bank, as defined in Section 3(a)(6) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, was the beneficial owner of 432,275 Ordinary Shares as a result of
serving as investment manager of the institutional accounts.
(2) As of December 31, 1999, based on a Schedule 13G filed by Franklin
Resources Inc. ("FRI"). According to such Schedule 13G, FRI is a parent
holding company, in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(ii)(G), of investment
advisors to the Franklin/Templeton Group of Funds (the "Adviser
Subsidiaries"). As of December 31, 1999, FRI, its principal shareholders
and the Adviser Subsidiaries may be deemed to have beneficial ownership of
19,150,918 Ordinary Shares.
(3) As of December 31, 1999, based on a Schedule 13G filed by Wellington
Management Company, LLP ("WMC"). WMC is a registered investment advisor
under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. As of December 31, 1999, WMC, in
its capacity as investment advisors, may be deemed to have beneficial
ownership of 16,543,124 Ordinary Shares that are owned by numerous
investment advisory clients, none of which is known to have such interest
with respect to more than five percent of the class.
Other than as disclosed above, there are no persons who own of record, or
are known by the Company to beneficially own, as of March 31, 2000, more than
five percent of the Company's outstanding Ordinary Shares.
9
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth, in summary form, compensation earned by the
Company's CEO and by the Named Executive Officers of the Company for the
periods presented.
Summary Compensation Table
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Long-Term
Annual Compensation Compensation Awards
------------------------------------ ------------------------
Securities
Other Annual Restricted Underlying All Other
Name and Fiscal Compensation Stock Options/ Compensation
Principal Position Year (1) Salary Bonus (2) Awards (3) SARs(#)(4) (5)
------------------ -------- -------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Brian Duperreault....... 1999 $800,000 $1,400,000 $222,660 $1,158,750(6) 170,000 $330,000
Chairman and Chief 1998S $175,000 -- $ 48,500 -- -- $ 26,250
Executive Officer 1998 $662,500 $1,400,000 $207,758 $1,185,000(6) 120,000 $309,375
ACE Limited 1997 $531,258 $1,200,000 $221,693 $5,400,000(6) 180,000 $259,689
Dominic J. Frederico.... 1999 $525,000 $ 650,000 $153,359 $ 772,500(6) 90,000 $176,250
President and Chief 1998S $ 93,750 -- -- -- -- $ 14,063
Operating Officer 1998 $361,250 $ 350,000 $160,769 $2,221,875(6) 75,000 $106,688
ACE Limited 1997 $310,000 $ 300,000 $185,498 $ 540,000(6) 90,000 $ 91,500
Donald Kramer........... 1999 $547,211 $ 500,000 -- $ 289,688(6) 50,000 $157,082
Vice Chairman 1998S $125,000 -- -- -- -- $ 18,750
ACE Limited 1998 $493,750 $ 500,000 -- $ 296,250(6) 50,000 $149,063
1997 $468,750 $ 475,000 -- $ 270,000(6) 60,000 $141,563
John R. Charman (7)..... 1999 $633,558 $2,436,246(8) -- $ 386,250(6) 60,000 $235,299
Chief Executive Officer 1998S $153,141 -- -- -- -- $ 61,344
ACE Global Markets 1998 $153,141 $1,427,433(9) -- -- 100,000 $ 61,344
1997 -- -- -- -- -- --
Dennis Reding .......... 1999 $416,346 $ 976,563(10) -- $ 812,813(6) 50,000 $144,952
President & CEO 1998S $ 94,231 -- -- -- -- $ 14,135
ACE USA 1998 $264,423 $1,800,000(10) -- $1,185,000(6) 85,000 $ 56,442
1997 -- -- -- -- -- --
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) During 1999, the Company changed its fiscal year from the twelve months
ended September 30 to the twelve months ended December 31. In this table,
the 1999 fiscal year represents the twelve-month period ended December 31,
1999. The 1998 and 1997 fiscal years represent the twelve-month periods
ending September 30, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The 1998S period
represents the three-month period ended December 31, 1998.
(2) Other annual compensation for the year ended December 31, 1999 includes
commuting and living expenses in respect of Messrs. Duperreault and
Frederico in the amount of $194,000 and $126,500, respectively; for the
three months ended December 31, 1998 includes commuting and living
expenses of $48,500 in respect of Mr. Duperreault; for the year ended
September 30, 1998 includes commuting and living allowances in respect of
Messrs. Duperreault and Frederico in the amounts of $203,683 and $158,619,
respectively; and for the year ended September 30, 1997 includes commuting
and living allowances in respect of Messrs. Duperreault and Frederico in
the amounts of $188,004 and $136,000, respectively.
(3) As of December 31, 1999, the number and value of restricted Ordinary
Shares held by each of the above named executive officers was: Mr.
Duperreault--260,000 ($4,338,750), Mr. Frederico--121,000 ($2,019,188),
Mr. Kramer--28,000 ($467,250), Mr. Charman--20,000 ($333,750) and Mr.
Reding--75,000 ($1,251,563). Such values were determined by multiplying
the number of shares by $16.6875 (the closing price of the Ordinary Shares
on the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") on December 31, 1999).
10
<PAGE>
(4) This column has been adjusted to give effect to the three-for-one stock
split of the Ordinary Shares. The record date for the stock split was
February 17, 1998 and certificates were mailed to shareholders in
connection with the stock split on March 2, 1998.
(5) All other compensation represents contributions by the Company to defined
contribution plans on behalf of the named individuals for the above
amounts.
(6) The value of the restricted shares awarded to the individuals in respect
of the year ended December 31, 1999 was determined by multiplying the
number of shares awarded by the closing price of the Ordinary Shares on
the NYSE on the date of the grant. With the exception of 15,000 Ordinary
Shares awarded to Mr. Reding on July 1, 1999, when the closing price of
the Ordinary Shares on the NYSE was $28.4375, all restricted shares
awarded in 1999 were awarded on November 18, 1999, on which date the
closing price for Ordinary Shares on the NYSE was $19.3125. The value of
the restricted shares awarded to the individuals in respect of the year
ended September 30, 1998 was determined by multiplying the number of
shares awarded by the closing price of the Ordinary Shares on the NYSE on
November 12, 1998 ($29.6250), in each case the date of the award. The
value of the restricted shares awarded to the individuals in respect of
the year ended September 30, 1997 was determined by multiplying the
number of shares awarded by the closing price of the Ordinary Shares on
the NYSE on November 12, 1997 ($30.00, as adjusted to give effect to the
stock split), in each case the date of the award. The number of
restricted Ordinary Shares awarded to each of the CEO and the Named
Executive Officers, as adjusted to give effect to the stock split, was:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Fiscal 1999 Fiscal 1998 Fiscal 1997
---- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Brian Duperreault..................... 60,000 40,000 180,000
Dominic J. Frederico.................. 40,000 75,000 18,000
Donald Kramer......................... 15,000 10,000 9,000
John R. Charman....................... 20,000 -- --
Dennis Reding......................... 35,000 40,000 --
</TABLE>
With respect to all restricted Ordinary Shares awarded to the CEO and the
Named Executive Officers in 1999, except for 15,000 of the 35,000
restricted Ordinary Shares awarded to Mr. Reding, the restrictions with
respect to one-quarter of the Ordinary Shares lapse on each of the first,
second, third and fourth anniversary of the date of the awards. The
restrictions on such 15,000 Ordinary Shares awarded to Mr. Reding in 1999
will lapse at the end of the first anniversary of the date of the award.
With respect to the 10,000 restricted Ordinary Shares awarded to Mr.
Kramer in 1998, the restrictions with respect to one-third of the Ordinary
Shares lapse on each of the second, third and fourth anniversary of the
date of the award. With respect to the 75,000 restricted Ordinary Shares
awarded to Mr. Frederico and the 40,000 restricted Ordinary Shares awarded
to Mr. Reding in 1998, the restrictions with respect to one-third of the
Ordinary Shares lapse on each of the third, fourth and fifth anniversary
of the date of the awards. With respect to the 40,000 restricted Ordinary
Shares awarded to Mr. Duperreault in 1998, the restrictions with respect
to 8,000 Ordinary Shares lapse on November 12, 2001, the restrictions with
respect to 16,000 Ordinary Shares lapse on November 12, 2002, and the
restrictions with respect to 16,000 Ordinary Shares lapse on November 12,
2003. With respect to the awards in 1997, other than 150,000 of the
180,000 restricted Ordinary Shares awarded to Mr. Duperreault, the
restrictions with respect to one-third of the Ordinary Shares lapse on
each of the first, second and third anniversary of the date of the awards.
With respect to such 150,000 restricted Ordinary Shares awarded to Mr.
Duperreault, the restrictions with respect to 30,000 Ordinary Shares lapse
on November 12, 2000, the restrictions with respect to 60,000 Ordinary
Shares lapse on November 12, 2001 and the restrictions with respect to
60,000 Ordinary Shares lapse on November 12, 2002. During the restricted
period, the executive officers are entitled to vote the Ordinary Shares
and receive dividends.
(7) Mr. Charman was paid in pounds sterling. His 1999 compensation
information (other than restricted stock and options) has been calculated
using the pound to dollar exchange rate for December 31, 1999 of 1.6182,
as reported by Bloomberg and his 1998 and 1998S compensation information
(other than restricted stock and options) has been calculated using the
pounds to dollar exchange rate for December 31, 1998 of 1.6875, as
reported by Bloomberg.
11
<PAGE>
(8) Includes a retention bonus of (Pounds)705,528 (valued at $1,141,686 using
the December 31, 1999 exchange rate of 1.6182 as reported by Bloomberg)
in connection with the Company's Tarquin acquisition.
(9) Consists of a retention bonus of (Pounds)845,866 (valued at $1,427,433
using the exchange rate for December 31, 1998 of 1.6875, as reported by
Bloomberg).
(10) Includes a retention bonus paid in connection with the Company's
Westchester acquisition and, for 1999, an award of 15,000 fully vested
Ordinary Shares on July 1, 1999, on which date the closing price on the
NYSE was $28.4375.
The following table sets forth information concerning awards of stock
options under the Company's 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan made to the
Company's CEO and to the Named Executive Officers during the year ended
December 31, 1999. No stock appreciation rights ("SARs") were awarded during
the year ended December 31, 1999.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Potential Realized
Value at Assumed
Number of Percent of Annual Rate of Stock
Options Total Options Price Appreciation
Awarded in Awarded to Exercise or for Option Term
Fiscal Employees in Base Price ---------------------
Name 1999 Fiscal 1999 ($/Sh) Expiration Date 5% 10%
- ---- ---------- ------------- ----------- ----------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Brian Duperreault....... 170,000(1) 4.29% $19.3125 November 18, 2009 $2,064,740 $5,232,456
Dominic J. Frederico.... 90,000(1) 2.27% 19.3125 November 18, 2009 1,093,097 2,770,124
Donald Kramer........... 50,000(1) 1.26% 19.3125 November 18, 2009 607,276 1,538,958
John R. Charman......... 60,000(1) 1.51% 19.3125 November 18, 2009 728,732 1,846,749
Dennis Reding........... 50,000(1) 1.26% 19.3125 November 18, 2009 607,276 1,538,958
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) Options vest one-third on the first, second and third anniversary of the
grant.
The following table sets forth information concerning the number of
unexercised stock options outstanding at December 31, 1999, and the value of
any unexercised in-the-money stock options outstanding at such time, held by
the Company's CEO and the Named Executive Officers. There were no SARs
outstanding at December 31, 1999.
Option Values at December 31, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Securities
Underlying Unexercised Value of Unexercised In-
Options/SARs at the-Money Options at
Fiscal Year-End (#) Fiscal Year-End ($)
Name Exercisable/Unexercisable Exercisable/Unexercisable
- ---- ------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Brian Duperreault........... 1,225,000/310,000 $ 866,250/None
Dominic J. Frederico........ 235,000/170,000 560,625/None
Donald Kramer............... 1,094,396/103,334 8,895,240/None
John R. Charman............. 33,333/126,667 None/None
Dennis Reding............... 43,333/ 91,667 None/None
</TABLE>
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors has
responsibility for determining the compensation of the Company's executive
officers. None of the members of the Compensation Committee was an officer or
employee of the Company. No officer or employee of the Company serves on the
compensation committee of any company that employs any member of the
Compensation Committee.
Employment Agreements
The following is intended to be a summary of the terms of the employment
agreements entered into between the Company and the executive officers named
below.
The Company has entered into an agreement with Brian Duperreault. This
agreement provides for a base salary of $550,000 per year, subject to
increase. Effective January 1, 2000, Mr. Duperreault's annual base salary
12
<PAGE>
is $875,000. The agreement also provides for an annual discretionary bonus.
Mr. Duperreault is also eligible to participate in the Company's benefit
plans. Pursuant to an Option and Restricted Share Agreement and Plan entered
into in connection with Mr. Duperreault's employment agreement, Mr.
Duperreault was awarded 300,000 restricted shares and options to purchase
900,000 Ordinary Shares at $7.542 per Ordinary Share (each as adjusted to give
effect to the stock split). All shares of the aforementioned shares of
restricted stock have vested and all of the aforementioned options are now
exercisable. The aforementioned options will expire on September 30, 2004.
During the 1998 fiscal year Mr. Duperreault exercised the aforementioned
options with respect to 195,000 Ordinary Shares. Mr. Duperreault may exercise
any of the options for a period of one year if his termination is by reason of
his death or disability or by the Company without cause and for 30 days if
such termination is by the Company for cause or voluntarily by Mr.
Duperreault. The agreement also provides Mr. Duperreault with customary
executive benefits, including participation in the Company's retirement plan,
the Company's supplemental executive retirement plan, various insurance plans,
reimbursement of housing and certain personal travel expenses and, generally,
such other benefit programs as are available to the Company's other senior
executives. The agreement is now subject to automatic one-year renewals unless
notice of non-renewal is provided by the Company's Board of Directors. In
addition, if, following a change in control, Mr. Duperreault's employment is
terminated without cause, his salary and benefits will continue for 12 months
and he will be entitled to any previously awarded but unpaid bonus and a bonus
for any uncompleted fiscal year based upon the bonus for the last completed
fiscal year and the number of days in the then current fiscal year in which he
was employed. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Duperreault has agreed not to
engage in any activity in Bermuda or the Cayman Islands for a period of 12
months following termination of his employment with the Company that would
compete with any business being conducted by the Company or its subsidiaries,
or which was actively being developed by the Company or its subsidiaries
during the term of Mr. Duperreault's employment.
A "change in control" under Mr. Duperreault's employment agreement is
generally deemed to occur when (i) any person becomes the beneficial owner of
50% or more of the voting stock of the Company, (ii) the majority of the Board
consists of individuals other than Incumbent Directors, which term means the
members of the Board on the date of the Agreement; provided that any person
becoming a director subsequent to such date whose election or nomination for
election was supported by three-quarters of the directors who then comprised
the Incumbent Directors shall be considered to be an Incumbent Director; (iii)
the Company adopts any plan of liquidation providing for the distribution of
all or substantially all of its assets; (iv) all or substantially all of the
assets or business of the Company are disposed of pursuant to a merger,
consolidation or other transaction (unless the shareholders of the Company
immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or other transaction
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, in substantially the same proportion
as they owned the voting stock of the Company, all of the voting stock or
other ownership interests of the entity or entities, if any, that succeed to
the business of the Company); or (v) the Company combines with another company
and is the surviving corporation but, immediately after the combination, the
shareholders of the Company immediately prior to the combination hold,
directly or indirectly, 50% or less of the voting stock of the combined
company.
The Company has entered into an agreement with Dominic J. Frederico,
pursuant to which he serves as President and Chief Operating Officer, ACE
Limited. The agreement currently provides for a base salary of $320,000 per
year, subject to increase, an annual discretionary bonus plus participation in
the Company's benefit plans. Effective January 1, 2000, Mr. Frederico's annual
base salary is $650,000. Pursuant to his agreement, Mr. Frederico was awarded
options to purchase 30,000 Ordinary Shares at $7.625 per Ordinary Share (as
adjusted to give effect to the stock split). These options have become
exercisable and expire on January 9, 2005. The agreement also provides Mr.
Frederico with customary executive benefits, including participation in the
Company's retirement plan, the Company's supplemental executive retirement
plan, various insurance plans, reimbursement of housing and certain personal
travel expenses and, generally, such other benefit programs as are available
to the Company's other senior executives. The agreement is now subject to
automatic one-year renewals unless notice of non-renewal is provided by the
Company. Upon termination without cause, Mr. Frederico's salary and benefits
are agreed to continue for 24 months and any previously awarded but unpaid
bonus is to be paid. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Frederico has agreed not
to engage in any activity in the United States, Bermuda or the Cayman Islands
for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment with the
Company that would compete with the business of the Company.
13
<PAGE>
The Company has entered into an agreement with John R. Charman, pursuant to
which he serves as Chief Executive Officer of ACE Global Markets Limited. The
agreement currently provides for a base salary of $587,407 per year, subject to
increase, an annual discretionary bonus and a retention bonus of $2.2 million
payable in two equal installments, the first having been paid on July 9, 1999
and the second payable on July 9, 2000. The agreement also provides Mr. Charman
with customary executive benefits, including participation in an executive
pension plan, various insurance plans and a car allowance plan. The agreement
is for a five year term which began July 9, 1998, and shall continue thereafter
unless 12 months written notice of termination is provided by either party.
Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Charman has agreed not to engage in any activity
for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment with the
Company that would compete with the specified business of the Company in
London.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the "Committee") is
comprised entirely of independent, non-management directors. The Committee has
responsibility for developing and implementing the Company's compensation
policy for senior management, and for determining the compensation for the
executive officers of the Company. The goal of the Committee is to achieve fair
compensation for the individuals and to enhance shareholder value by continuing
to closely align the financial rewards of management with those of the
Company's shareholders.
The Company's compensation program is structured to support the human
resource requirements of its business. The Company seeks to attract and retain
qualified executives who are creative, motivated and dedicated. With respect to
its executive officers, the Company competes with property and casualty
insurers, specialty insurers, and financial companies world-wide, although
primarily with companies based in North America and Europe. The Committee is
aware of the unique circumstances which relate to the attraction and retention
of superior executives in Bermuda, and attempts to create and administer a
compensation program to achieve that result, while at the same time
implementing integrated compensation principles for its employees worldwide.
Each executive's total compensation is generally comprised of three
components: salary, annual incentive compensation awards and long-term
incentive compensation awards. The mix of an officer's total compensation is
generally based upon the level of the officer's position, with more senior
officers receiving a greater percentage of their total compensation in the form
of incentive compensation (i.e. variable compensation), and a lesser percentage
in the form of salary (i.e. fixed compensation).
Salary and incentive compensation awards are reviewed annually for
competitiveness and are determined in large part by reference to compensation
levels for comparable positions at comparable companies based in the United
States, Bermuda, and Europe. Generally, the Company targets the upper quartile
of its applicable peer group in establishing incentive compensation, and the
median to third quartile in establishing salaries. Actual salary and incentive
compensation may be above or below such targets based on individual and
corporate performance during the prior fiscal year.
Because the Company's business activities can result in significant earnings
fluctuations from year to year, each executive's contribution to the
advancement of long-term corporate goals is also considered. These factors
include, among other things, underwriting and financial results, business
production, development of management team and strategic steps such as
development of new products and lines of business, geographical spread of
business and acquisitions.
Salary
In determining the salary of each senior executive, the Committee has been
assisted by William M. Mercer, Incorporated ("Mercer"), an independent
consulting firm which is a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan
14
<PAGE>
Companies, Inc. Mercer annually accumulates data from a peer group of
comparable companies, which the Committee takes into consideration in
determining salary. The data is analyzed to establish competitive salary ranges
for comparable positions primarily in insurance companies of generally
comparable size, market capitalization and complexity. The Company's Chief
Executive Officer makes recommendations to the Committee with respect to the
salary of each senior executive other than himself. The Committee discusses
these recommendations, and the relevant data, and then determines the senior
executives' salaries. The Committee meets separately to determine the salary of
the Company's Chief Executive Officer.
Annual Incentive Compensation
At the conclusion of each fiscal year, the Committee reviews with the
Company's Chief Executive Officer the performance of each senior executive
against goals established at the beginning of the year. Based upon the overall
performance of the Company and the contribution by the individuals in achieving
that performance by attaining the established goals, such as leadership and
management competencies, alignment with strategic initiatives (including where
applicable, financial performance), and development of corporate culture, the
Company's Chief Executive Officer recommends to the Committee annual incentive
compensation levels for each senior executive. The Committee considers his
recommendations, and the relevant data, and then determines the annual
incentive compensation for each senior executive. The Committee meets
separately to evaluate the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and
determine his annual incentive award.
Long-Term Incentive Compensation
The Company has established long-term incentive plans which use equity
awards to create incentive for employees to enhance the long-term value of the
company. The goal of the long-term incentive plans is to align executives with
long-term shareholder interest by making equity an important component of
compensation packages. In furtherance of the objectives of these plans, the
Committee established a set of goals, including:
(i) increasing officer ownership of the Company's outstanding shares by
reviewing and establishing target levels of ownership for its
officers to achieve over time, based on their respective positions
with the Company and monitoring progress towards achievement of
such target levels of officer ownership. (The Company has made
significant progress to date in achieving its targeted levels of
equity ownership by officers of the Company.);
(ii) awarding long-term incentive awards at competitive levels
annually; and
(iii) providing capital accumulation opportunities that foster
attraction and retention of key management employees by linking
their interests with shareholder interests.
With respect to guidelines for administering its long-term incentive plans,
the Committee makes long-term compensation awards based on individual and
Company performance, and on the practices of a group of generally comparable
insurance companies. While the long-term incentive plans provide for a range of
types of awards, the Committee has generally made awards in the form of stock
options and/or restricted stock. The Committee believes that awards of stock
options, which reward Company stock price appreciation over the long-term, are
particularly appropriate in light of the nature of the Company's business and
long-term business plans. The Committee also believes that restricted stock
awards, particularly those with delayed vesting, are crucial in helping to
retain high caliber executives in an increasingly competitive labor market.
Chief Executive Officer's Fiscal 1999 Compensation
As set forth in the Summary Compensation Table above, Mr. Duperreault's
total annual compensation for the year ended December 31, 1999 was $2,422,660.
Such annual compensation consisted of salary of $800,000 pursuant to Mr.
Duperreault's employment agreement described elsewhere herein (see "Employment
Agreements"), an annual incentive award of $1,400,000 and $222,660 in other
annual compensation. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 1999, Mr.
Duperreault also received options to purchase 170,000 Ordinary Shares and
received 60,000 shares of restricted stock as well as $330,000 in other
compensation.
15
<PAGE>
In determining Mr. Duperreault's annual and long-term incentive awards and
adjustment to salary, the Committee reviewed among other things, data gathered
by Mercer on the compensation of a peer group of comparable companies and the
Company's financial performance relative to those companies. The Committee
focused in particular on the progress the Company made during the fiscal year
with respect to its strategic initiatives, particularly, the completion of the
acquisition of CIGNA's property and casualty business and the very significant
contribution Mr. Duperreault made to that effort. The Committee also reviewed
measures of the Company's financial performance for the year, including stock
price.
The Committee believes that the success of the Company's acquisition program
under Mr. Duperreault's direction has the potential to contribute greatly to
the Company's long-term financial strength. The Committee therefore felt it was
appropriate to award long-term compensation to Mr. Duperreault at the high end
of the range of comparable compensation based on Mercer's data. By so doing,
the Committee rewarded Mr. Duperreault for completing important acquisitions,
but tied the value of that award to the long-term performance of the Company's
stock price. In this way, the Committee has provided further incentive for the
Company's Chief Executive Officer to integrate the acquired businesses and move
the Company forward as a larger international company. The Committee believes
it is appropriate for Mr. Duperreault to be compensated at the high end of the
Company's targeted incentive range if the Company's value increases in the
future. Long-term compensation awards such as options and restricted stock
provided the Committee with the appropriate tools to achieve this desired
result.
The Committee also took into account the recent stock price of the Company
in determining Mr. Duperreault's compensation. Because the Company stock price
was significantly lower when this year's compensation decision was made
compared to the stock price one year previously, the Committee approved a
salary adjustment and cash bonus for Mr. Duperreault which were at the low end
of the Company's targeted incentive range. The Committee set Mr. Duperreault's
annual cash compensation at the low end of this range, while providing long-
term equity based compensation at the high end of the same range, to reflect in
Mr. Duperreault's compensation current financial measures, such as stock price,
while at the same time expressing its confidence in the long-term prospects for
the Company under his leadership.
Under U.S. income tax rules, Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code
limits the deductibility of annual compensation in excess of $1 million paid to
the Company's Chief Executive Officer and any of the four other highest paid
officers. However, compensation is exempt from this limit if it qualifies as
"performance based compensation." The limit has no direct application to the
Company, because the Company is not subject to U.S. income taxes. However, if a
U.S. subsidiary has an employee who is among the five most highly compensated
officers, that subsidiary's deduction will be subject to this limit. To
preserve the deduction for the subsidiary, the Company has designed one of its
long-term incentive plans to permit the grant of "performance-based
compensation" awards that are not counted toward the $1 million limit.
Although the Compensation Committee will consider deductibility under
Section 162(m) with respect to the compensation arrangements for executive
officers who may be employed by subsidiaries subject to U.S. income tax,
deductibility will not be the sole factor used in determining appropriate
levels or methods of compensation. Since Company objectives may not always be
consistent with the requirements for full deductibility, the Company and
subsidiaries may enter into compensation arrangements under which payments
would not be deductible under Section 162(m). The foregoing report has been
approved by all members of the Committee, except for Roberto G. Mendoza who
became a member of the Compensation Committee on November 19, 1999, after
compensation for 1999 was determined.
Bruce L. Crockett (Chairman)
Robert M. Hernandez
Thomas J. Neff
Sidney F. Wentz
16
<PAGE>
Performance Graph
Set forth below is a line graph comparing the dollar change in the
cumulative total shareholder return on the Company's Ordinary Shares from
September 30, 1994 through December 31, 1999 as compared to the cumulative
total return of the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index and the cumulative total
return of the Standard & Poor's Property-Casualty Insurance Index. The chart
depicts the value on September 30th of each of 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 and
December 31, 1999 of a $100 investment made on September 30, 1994, with all
dividends reinvested.
[Performance Graph]
ACL SPX SPPROP
-------------- -------------- --------------
Period Growth of $100 Growth of $100 Growth of $100
09/30/94 - 09/30/95 146 130 143
09/30/95 - 09/30/96 228 156 160
09/30/96 - 09/30/97 409 219 248
09/30/97 - 09/30/98 396 239 224
09/30/98 - 12/31/99 225 351 174
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
(Item B on Proxy Card)
The appointment of independent accountants is approved annually by the Board
of Directors and ratified by the Company's shareholders. The decision of the
Board of Directors is based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee. In
making its recommendation, the Audit Committee reviews both the audit scope and
estimated fees for professional services for the coming year. The Board of
Directors has authorized the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
Company's independent accountants for the year ending December 31, 2000. The
Company has had a working association with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP since
1985; PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP has had the responsibility for examining the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries since
1985.
Representatives of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP will attend the Annual General
Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they wish. They
will also be available to answer questions at the meeting.
17
<PAGE>
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF
PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS.
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR 2001 ANNUAL MEETING
If you wish to submit a proposal to be considered for inclusion in the proxy
material for the next annual meeting, please send it to the Secretary, ACE
Limited, The ACE Building, 30 Woodbourne Avenue, Hamilton HM 08 Bermuda. Under
the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, proposals must be received
no later than January 4, 2001 and otherwise comply with the requirements of the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to be eligible for inclusion in the
Company's 2001 Annual General Meeting proxy statement and form of proxy.
The Company's Articles provide that if a shareholder desires to submit a
proposal for consideration at an annual 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
the Company at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than 60
days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual general
meeting. With respect to the 2001 annual general meeting, such written notice
must be received on or prior to April 10, 2001. The notice must meet the
requirements set forth in the Company's Articles. Under the circumstances
described in, and upon compliance with, Rule 14a-4(c) under the Exchange Act,
management proxies would be allowed to use their discretionary voting authority
to vote on any proposal with respect to which the foregoing requirements have
been met.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The cost of solicitation of proxies will be borne by the Company.
Solicitation will be made by mail, and may be made by directors, officers and
employees, personally or by telephone or facsimile. Proxy cards and materials
also will be distributed to beneficial owners of Ordinary Shares through
brokers, custodians, nominees and other parties, and the Company expects to
reimburse such parties for their charges and expenses. Corporate Investor
Communications, Inc. has been retained to assist the Company in the
solicitation of proxies at a fee estimated not to exceed $5,500, plus out-of-
pocket expenses.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors of the Company does not know of any matters which may
be presented at the Annual General Meeting other than those specifically set
forth in the Notice of Annual General Meeting. If any other matters come before
the meeting or any adjournment thereof, the persons named in the accompanying
form of proxy and acting thereunder will vote in accordance with their best
judgment with respect to such matters.
By Order of the Board of Directors,
Brian Duperreault
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
18
<PAGE>
HARDING & HEAL, INC. PROOF #3 04/24/00 16:33
CUST. THE BANK OF NEW YORK
FILE NAME 72472 ACE LTD PROXY
Attn: Camille Nunnari/Stencil side prints in all red ink on this card.
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- --------
- --------
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A. Election of Directors
1. For election to Term Expiring in 2003: Michael G. Atieh, Bruce L.
Crockett, Thomas J. Neff, Robert W. Staley and Gary M. Stuart.
2. For Election to Term Expiring in 2002: Roberto G. Mendoza
For /_/ Withheld /_/ Exceptions* /_/
*Exceptions_____________________________________________________________
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To vote your shares for all Director nominees, mark the "For" box on item A. To
withhold voting for all nominees, mark the "Withheld" box. If you do not wish
your shares voted "For" a particular nominee, mark the "Exceptions" box and
enter the name(s) of the exception(s) in the space provided.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. Proposal to ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as the
Company's independent accountants for the fiscal year ending December 31,
2000.
For /_/ Against /_/ Abstain /_/
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In their discretion, the Proxies are authorized to vote upon such other further
business, if any, as lawfully may be brought before the meeting.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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If you have either an Address Change or Comments on the other side of the card,
mark here.
__________________________________________________________________________
Address Change and/or Comments Mark Here /_/
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
When signing as attorney, as executor, administrator, trustee or guardian,
please give full title as such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate
name by President or other authorized officer. If a partnership or limited
liability company, please sign in partnership or limited liability company name
by authorized person.
DATED____________________________, 2000
SIGNED_________________________________
This proxy when properly executed will be voted in the manner directed herein by
the above signed shareholder.
If no direction is made, this proxy will be voted for the nominees listed above,
and for the ratification of accountants.
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. When shares are held by joint
tenants, both should sign.
Votes must be indicated (X) in Black or Blue ink. /_/
Sign, Date and Return Proxy Card Promptly Using the Enclosed Envelope.
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ACE LIMITED
P.O. BOX 11138
NEW YORK, NY 10203-0138
P R O X Y
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned hereby appoints Brian Duperreault, Christopher Z. Marshall,
Peter Mear and Keith P. White as Proxies, each with the power to appoint his
substitute, and hereby authorizes each of them to represent and to vote, as
designated below, all the Ordinary Shares of ACE Limited which the undersigned
is entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting to be held on June 9, 2000 or
any adjournment thereof.
(Continued on Reverse)
ACE LIMITED
P.O. BOX 11138
NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0138
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