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 toss.240.14a-12
Republic Bancorp, Inc.
(Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Not Applicable
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[ X ] No fee required.
[ ] Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11.
1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies:
------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction
computed pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the
amount on which the filing fee is calculated and state how it
was determined):
------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction:
------------------------------------------------------------------
5) Total fee paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------
[ ] Fee paid previously with preliminary materials.
[ ] Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act Rule
0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee was paid
previously. Identify the previous filing by registration statement number, or
the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing.
1) Amount Previously Paid:
------------------------------------------------------------------
2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.:
------------------------------------------------------------------
3) Filing Party:
------------------------------------------------------------------
4) Date Filed:
------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
[Republic Bancorp logo]
Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders
of Republic Bancorp, Inc.
April 19, 2000
To our shareholders:
You are cordially invited to attend this year's annual meeting of
shareholders of Republic Bancorp, Inc. The following are details for the
meeting:
PLACE: Republic Bank Building
9600 Brownsboro Road
Louisville, Kentucky 40222
TIME: 10:00 a.m., EDT
DATE: April 19, 2000
ITEMS ON THE AGENDA:
1. To elect nine (9) directors; and
2. To transact such other business as may properly come
before the meeting.
RECORD DATE: The close of business on March 1, 2000 is the record
date for determining the shareholders entitled to notice
of, and to vote at, the annual meeting.
Whether or not you plan to attend the meeting, please sign, date and
promptly return the enclosed proxy. If for any reason you desire to revoke your
proxy, you may do so at any time before the voting as described in the
accompanying proxy statement.
Very truly yours,
/s/ Steven E. Trager
Steven E. Trager
President and Chief Executive Officer
Approximate date of mailing to shareholders: March 17, 2000
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC BANCORP, INC.
601 West Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
PROXY STATEMENT
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Board of Directors of Republic Bancorp, Inc. The proxies will
be voted at the annual meeting of shareholders of Republic Bancorp on April 19,
2000, and at any adjournments of the meeting.
This proxy statement and the enclosed proxy are first being sent to
shareholders on or about March 17, 2000. As used in this proxy statement, the
terms "we", "our" and "Republic Bancorp" refer to Republic Bancorp, Inc., a
Kentucky corporation.
VOTING
RECORD DATE. You are entitled to notice of and to vote at the annual
meeting if you held of record shares of our Class A Common Stock or Class B
Common Stock at the close of business on March 1, 2000. On that date, 14,805,725
shares of Class A Common Stock and 2,141,149 shares of Class B Common Stock were
issued and outstanding for purposes of the annual meeting.
VOTING RIGHTS. Each share of Class A Common Stock is entitled to one
vote, and each share of Class B Common Stock is entitled to 10 votes, both with
cumulative voting rights in the election of directors. Based on the number of
shares outstanding on the record date, the shares of Class A Common Stock are
entitled to an aggregate of 14,805,725 votes, and the shares of Class B Common
Stock are entitled to an aggregate of 21,411,490 votes at the annual meeting.
VOTING IN THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS. In electing directors, each shareholder has
the number of votes equal to
* the number of votes the shareholder is entitled to cast at
the annual meeting, based on the number of shares of Class
A Common Stock (each with one vote) and Class B Common
Stock (each with ten votes) held on the Record Date,
multiplied by
* the number of directors to be elected.
You may cumulate your votes and cast all of your votes for one
nominee or distribute your votes among as many nominees as you choose. Shares
represented by proxies in the accompanying form may be voted cumulatively, as
discussed below under "PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS". The nine (9) nominees
receiving the most votes at the annual meeting will be elected as directors.
1
<PAGE>
VOTING BY PROXY. If a proxy on the accompanying form is properly
executed, returned to Republic Bancorp and not revoked, the shares represented
by the proxy will be voted in accordance with the instructions set forth on the
proxy. If no instructions are given, the shares represented will be voted for
the director nominees named in this proxy statement, with the discretionary
authority discussed below under "proposal 1: election of directors". The Board
of Directors at present knows of no other business to be brought before the
annual meeting. However, persons named in the enclosed proxy, or their
substitutes, will have discretionary authority to vote on the transaction of any
other business which may properly come before the annual meeting and any
adjournment thereof, and will vote the proxies in accordance with
recommendations of the Board of Directors.
A shareholder may attend the annual meeting even though he or she has
executed a proxy. A proxy may be revoked at any time before it is voted by
delivering written notice of revocation to the Secretary of Republic Bancorp or
by delivering a later dated proxy or by the vote of the shareholder in person at
the annual meeting.
QUORUM REQUIREMENTS AND COUNTING VOTES. The presence in person or by
proxy of the holders of a majority in voting power of the combined voting power
of the Class A Common Stock and the Class B Common Stock will constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business at the annual meeting. Abstentions and
broker nonvotes will be counted as being present or represented at the annual
meeting for the purpose of establishing a quorum but will not have an effect on
the outcome of the vote in the election of directors or any other matter
determined by a plurality vote.
SHARE OWNERSHIP
The following table reflects certain information regarding the
beneficial ownership of the outstanding shares of Republic Bancorp as of the
record date for the annual meeting, based on information available to the Board
of Directors. The Class B Common Stock is convertible into Class A Common Stock
on a share-for-share basis. In the following table, information in the column
headed "Class A Common" does not reflect the shares of Class A Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the Class B Common Stock. Information is included
for
(1) persons who own more than 5% of the Class A or the Class B Common
Stock outstanding on the record date,
(2) directors and nominees,
(3) the five executive officers of Republic Bancorp who received the
highest total salary and bonus during 1999 (the "named executive
officers"), and
(4) officers and directors of Republic Bancorp as a group
2
<PAGE>
Unless indicated otherwise, Republic Bancorp believes that each person named
below has the sole power to vote and dispose of the voting securities
beneficially owned by such person. Please note that the table provides
information about the number of shares beneficially owned, as opposed to the
voting power of those shares. Officers, directors and nominees as a group (10
persons) hold 66% of the combined voting power of the Class A and Class B Common
Stock.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A and Class B
Class A Common Class B Common Common Combined
----------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
Name Shares Percent Shares Percent Shares Percent
- ----------------------------- ----------------------- ---------------------------- --------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FIVE PERCENT SHAREHOLDERS:
Bernard M. Trager 7,362,642 49.6% 1,545,858(2) 71.9% 8,908,500 52.4%
601 West Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Steven E. Trager 6,699,974 45.1 898,678(4) 41.8 7,598,652 44.7
601 West Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Scott Trager 6,675,646 45.0 912,300(6) 42.5 7,587,946 44.7
601 West Market Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Sheldon Gilman, Trustee 6,566,736 44.2 883,678(8) 41.1 7,450,414 43.9
for the grandchildren of
Bernard M. Trager
400 West Market Street
Suite 2200
Louisville, Kentucky 40202
Teebank Family 5,903,612(9) 39.8 763,984(9) 35.6 6,667,596 39.3
Limited Partnership
7413 Cedar Bluff Court
Prospect, Kentucky 40059
DIRECTORS, NOMINEES AND NAMED
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
Charles E. Anderson 53,490(10) * 1,000(11) * 54,490 *
Larry M. Hayes 338,808(12) 2.3 4,694 * 343,502 2.1
Bill Petter 389,243(13) 2.7 9,000(14) * 398,243 2.4
Sandra Metts Snowden 14,844 * 14,844 *
R. Wayne Stratton 12,900(15) * 1,700(16) * 14,600 *
Samuel G. Swope 38,220(17) * 5,694 * 43,914 *
Bernard M. Trager 7,362,642(1) 49.6 1,545,858(2) 71.9 8,908,500 52.4
Scott Trager 6,675,646(5) 45.0 912,300(6) 42.5 7,587,946 44.7
Steven E. Trager 6,669,974(3) 45.1 898,678(4) 41.8 7,598,652 44.7
Mark A. Vogt 6,935(18) * 200 * 7,135 *
Officers, Directors and Nominees as a
group (10 persons) 7,925,150 53.4% 1,611,768 75.0% 9,536,918 56.1%
</TABLE>
* Less than .5%
3
<PAGE>
(1) Includes 5,903,612 shares held of record by Teebank Family Limited
Partnership ("Teebank") and 620,784 shares held of record by Jaytee
Properties Limited Partnership, 7413 Cedar Bluff Court, Prospect,
Kentucky 40059 ("Jaytee"). Bernard Trager is a general and limited
partner and Jean Trager, his wife, is a limited partner of both
Teebank and Jaytee. Bernard Trager shares investment power over the
shares held of record by Teebank and Jaytee with Steven Trager. Also
includes 280,388 unallocated shares held of record by Republic
Bancorp's Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP"), of which Bernard
Trager is a member of the Administrative Committee. Bernard Trager
shares voting power over the shares held of record by the ESOP with
Bill Petter and Larry Hayes. Includes 100,323 shares held of record
by Trager Family Foundation, a charitable foundation organized under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Bernard Trager shares
voting and investment power over these shares with Jean Trager,
Steven Trager, and Shelley Trager Lerner. Also includes 255 shares
allocated to Bernard Trager under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan
(ESOP) .
(2) Includes 763,984 shares held of record by Teebank and 119,694 shares
held of record by Jaytee. Bernard Trager is a general and limited
partner and Jean Trager, his wife, is a limited partner of both
Teebank and Jaytee. Bernard Trager shares investment power over the
shares held of record by Teebank and Jaytee with Steven Trager. Also
includes 117,454 shares owned by Jean Trager, with whom Bernard
Trager shares voting and investment power.
(3) Includes 5,903,612 shares held of record by Teebank and 620,784
shares held of record by Jaytee. Steven Trager is a general and
limited partner. Trusts for the benefit of, among others, Steven
Trager, his wife and his two minor children are limited partners of
both Teebank and Jaytee. Steven Trager shares voting power over the
shares held of record by Teebank and Jaytee with Bernard Trager and
shares investment power over the shares held of record by Teebank and
Jaytee with Scott Trager and Sheldon Gilman, as trustee. Includes
5,000 shares held by Steven Trager's wife. Includes 100,323 shares
held of record by Trager Family Foundation, a charitable foundation
organized pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Steven Trager shares voting and investment power over these shares
with Jean Trager, Bernard Trager, and Shelley Trager Lerner. Also
includes 255 shares allocated to Steven Trager under the Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
(4) Includes 763,984 shares held of record by Teebank and 119,694 shares
held of record by Jaytee. Steven Trager is a general and limited
partner and trusts for the benefit of, among others, Steven Trager,
his wife and his two minor children are limited partners of both
Teebank and Jaytee. Steven Trager shares investment power over the
shares held of record by Teebank and Jaytee with Bernard Trager, and
shares voting power over the shares held of record by Teebank and
Jaytee with Scott Trager and Sheldon Gilman, as trustee.
(5) Includes 5,903,612 shares held of record by Teebank and 620,784
shares held of record by Jaytee. Scott Trager is a limited partner of
both Teebank and Jaytee. Scott Trager shares voting power over the
shares held of record by Teebank and Jaytee with Steven Trager and
Sheldon Gilman, as trustee. Includes 16,906 shares held of record by
a family trust of which Scott Trager is a co-trustee and a
beneficiary. Scott Trager shares voting and investment power over
such shares. Also includes 255 shares allocated to Scott Trager under
the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 25,000 shares of Class A
Common Stock that can be acquired under currently exercisable
options.
4
<PAGE>
(6) Includes 763,984 shares held of record by Teebank and 119,694 shares
held of record by Jaytee. Scott Trager is a limited partner of both
Teebank and Jaytee. Scott Trager shares voting power over the shares
held of record by Teebank and Jaytee with Steven Trager and Sheldon
Gilman, as trustee. Includes 3,380 shares held of record by a family
trust of which Scott Trager is a co-trustee and a beneficiary. Scott
Trager shares voting and investment power over such shares. Also
includes 5,000 shares of Class B Common Stock that can be acquired
under currently exercisable options.
(7) Includes 5,903,612 shares held of record by Teebank and 763,984
shares held of record by Jaytee. Sheldon Gilman is a limited partner
of both Teebank and Jaytee, as trustee for the grandchildren of
Bernard Trager. Sheldon Gilman shares voting power over the shares
held of record by Teebank and Jaytee with Steven Trager and Scott
Trager. Also includes 32,340 shares held by Mr. Gilman's wife, over
which Mr. Gilman shares voting and investment power.
(8) Includes 763,984 shares held of record by Teebank and 119,694 shares
held of record by Jaytee. Sheldon Gilman is a limited partner of both
Teebank and Jaytee, as trustee for the grandchildren of Bernard
Trager. Sheldon Gilman shares voting power over the shares held of
record by Teebank and Jaytee with Steven Trager and Scott Trager.
(9) Teebank is a limited partnership of which Bernard Trager and Steven
Trager are general and limited partners. The shares of Common Stock
beneficially owned by Teebank are also shown in the above table as
being beneficially owned by Bernard Trager, Steven Trager, Scott
Trager and Sheldon Gilman, trustee, who share voting and/or
investment power over the shares held by the partnership. The
following table provides information about the units of Teebank owned
by directors and officers of Republic Bancorp.
Name Number of Units Percent of Outstanding
---- --------------- ----------------------
Bernard M. Trager 1,099,779 (a) 55.0%
Steven E. Trager 492,315 (b) 24.7
Scott Trager 3,296 0.2
a) Includes 569,889 units held by Bernard Trager's wife, Jean Trager.
b) Includes 271,080 units held in a revocable trust and
141,664 units held for the benefit of Steven Trager's minor
children for which Sheldon Gilman serves as trustee; also
includes 79,571 shares held in an irrevocable trust for the
benefit of, among others, Steven Trager, his wife and his
minor children.
(10) Includes 6,500 shares held jointly with his wife, over which Charles
Anderson shares investment and voting power, and 11,250 shares that
can be acquired upon conversion of Trust Preferred securities.
(11) Shares held jointly with his wife, over which Charles Anderson shares
investment and voting power.
(12) Includes 2,350 shares held by his wife, 3,000 shares that can be
acquired by Larry Hayes and 7,000 shares that can be acquired by his
wife upon conversion of Trust Preferred securities; 1,000 shares held
by Midwest Construction, a Kentucky corporation of which Mr. Hayes is
majority owner; and 16,000 shares held in BPH Partnership, a Kentucky
limited liability partnership in which Larry Hayes is a limited
partner. Larry Hayes shares investment and voting power over the
shares held by his wife and BPH Partnership. Also includes 280,388
unallocated shares held of record by Republic Bancorp's Employee
Stock Ownership Plan, of which Larry Hayes is a member of the
Administrative and Investment Committees. As a member of the
Administrative Committee, Larry Hayes shares voting power over these
shares with Bernard Trager and Bill Petter and, as a member of the
Investment Committee, shares investment power over these shares with
Michael Ricketts and Bill Petter.
5
<PAGE>
(13) Includes 280,388 unallocated shares held of record by Republic
Bancorp's Employee Stock Ownership Plan, of which Bill Petter is a
member of the Administrative and Investment Committees. As a member
of the Administrative Committee, Bill Petter shares voting power over
these shares with Bernard Trager and Larry Hayes, and, as a member of
the Investment Committee, shares investment power over these shares
with Michael Ricketts and Larry Hayes. Also includes 25,000 shares of
Class A Common Stock that can be acquired under currently exercisable
options.
(14) Includes 5,000 shares of Class B Common Stock that can be acquired
under currently exercisable options.
(15) Includes 3,500 shares held jointly with his wife and 9,400 shares
held by his wife. Wayne Stratton shares investment and voting power
over these shares.
(16) Includes 700 shares held jointly with his wife and 1,000 shares held
by his wife. Wayne Stratton shares investment and voting power over
these shares.
(17) Includes 5,000 shares that can be acquired upon conversion of
Trust Preferred securities. These shares are held of record by Swope
Enterprises Inc., L.P., a Kentucky limited liability partnership in
which Samuel Swope is a limited partner.
(18) Includes 1,600 shares held jointly with his wife and 227 shares
allocated to Mark Vogt under the Employee Stock Ownership Plan(ESOP).
PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Republic Bancorp's Board of Directors is comprised of one class of
directors, elected annually. Each director serves a term of one year or until
his or her successor is duly elected or qualified. Republic Bancorp's Bylaws
provide for not less than 5 or more than 15 directors. The number of directors
is currently set at 9.
In accordance with the Bylaws of Republic Bancorp, the Board of
Directors has fixed the number of directors to be elected at the annual meeting
at 9. The Board has nominated for election as directors Bernard Trager, Steven
Trager, Scott Trager, Bill Petter, Wayne Stratton, Larry Hayes, Samuel Swope,
Charles Anderson and Sandra Metts Snowden. Each of the nominees is a current
member of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has no reason to
believe that any nominee for director will not be available for election.
However, if any of the nominees should become unavailable for election, and
unless authority is withheld, the holders of the proxies solicited hereby will
vote for such other individual(s) as the Board of Directors may recommend. In
addition, if any shareholder(s) shall vote shares cumulatively or otherwise for
the election of a director or directors other than the nominees named below, or
substitute nominees recommended by the Board of Directors, the holders of the
proxies being solicited with this proxy statement will have the discretionary
authority to vote cumulatively for some number less than all of the nominees
named below or any substitute nominees, and for such persons nominated as they
may choose.
6
<PAGE>
The following table gives the indicated information for each nominee
and incumbent director and other executive officers who are listed in the
compensation tables which follow but are not nominees or incumbent directors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and Principal Occupation for Past Five Years Age Director Since
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------- --------------
DIRECTORS AND NOMINEES:
<S> <C> <C>
Bernard M. Trager, serves as Chairman of Republic Bancorp. Prior to 1998, he also served as 71 1974
CEO of Republic and as Chairman of Republic Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank"),
Republic Bancorp's principal banking subsidiary.
Steven E. Trager, began serving as President and CEO of Republic Bancorp and Chairman and CEO 39 1988
of the Bank in 1998. From 1994 to 1997 he served as Vice Chairman and from 1994 to
1998 Secretary of Republic.
Scott Trager, has served as Vice Chairman of Republic Bancorp since 1994 and has served as 47 1990
President of the Bank since 1984.
Bill Petter, began serving as Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Republic Bancorp 50 1995
during 1997. From 1995 to 1997 he served as Vice Chairman and Chief Financial
Officer. He has served as Executive Vice President of the Bank since 1993 and
served as Chief Financial Officer of the Bank from 1993 to 1997.
R. Wayne Stratton, is a partner in the CPA firm of Jones, Nale & Mattingly, PLC. 52 1995
Larry M. Hayes, is President of Midwest Construction Company, Inc., Lexington, Kentucky. 51 1995
Samuel G. Swope, is the Chairman of Sam Swope Auto Group, Inc. 73 1998
Sandra Metts Snowden, is President of Metts Company, Inc., d/b/a Vantage 7 Realtors, 54 1999
Louisville, Kentucky, a real estate sales, management, brokerage and development
firm.
Charles E. Anderson, is Chairman and part owner of Anderson Insurance and Financial 62 1999
Services, Inc. d/b/a The Anderson Group, Owensboro, Kentucky, which provides
insurance and financial services.
NON-DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE OFFICER:
Mark A. Vogt has served as Chief Financial Officer of Republic Bancorp since May 1998, and 31
has served as Chief Financial and Accounting Officer of the Bank since October
1997. He joined the Bank in 1995 as Vice President of Finance and has served as
Senior Vice President of the Bank since 1996. Prior to joining the Bank, he
served as a certified public accountant with Deloitte & Touche LLP.
</TABLE>
7
<PAGE>
None of our directors or nominees holds any directorships in any
other company with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or subject to the requirements of Section
15(d) of such Act or any company registered as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Republic Bancorp's directors were elected at the most recent annual
meeting of shareholders held on April 21, 1999, to a one year term. Our
executive officers are selected by the Board of Directors and hold office at the
discretion of the Board of Directors.
Bernard Trager, Steven Trager and Scott Trager are relatives. Bernard
Trager is the father of Steven Trager and the uncle of Scott Trager; Steven
Trager and Scott Trager are cousins.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ITS COMMITTEES
Republic Bancorp's Board of Directors has two (2) standing Board
committees: the Audit Committee and the Compensation/Human Resources Committee.
The Board does not have a standing nominating committee or a committee
performing similar functions.
The Audit Committee, which is currently composed of Sandra Metts
Snowden, Wayne Stratton, and Charles E. Anderson, held four meetings during
1999. This committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors with
respect to the selection of independent accountants; the review and scope of
audit arrangements; the independent accountants' suggestions for strengthening
internal accounting controls; matters of concern to the committee, the
independent accountants, or management relating to Republic Bancorp's financial
statements or other results of the annual audit; the review of internal
accounting procedures and controls with Republic Bancorp's financial and
accounting staff; the review of the activities and recommendations of Republic
Bancorp's general auditor and compliance auditors; and the review of financial
statements and other financial information published by Republic Bancorp.
The Compensation/Human Resources Committee was established as a Board
committee during the first quarter of 1999, and held one meeting during 1999. It
is currently composed of Sandra Metts Snowden, Larry Hayes and Charles E.
Anderson. This committee makes recommendations to the Board of Directors as to
the amount and form of officer compensation, a role historically performed by
the Compensation/Human Resource Committee of the Bank. The Compensation/Human
Resources Committee administers Republic Bancorp's 1995 Stock Option Plan and is
authorized to grant stock options in accordance with the terms of that plan
without further approval.
The Board of Directors held six meetings during 1999. Each of the
directors attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of
Directors and the committees on which such director served, except Messrs.
Bernard Trager and Sam Swope, who attended four of the six Board meetings in
1999.
8
<PAGE>
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
Non-employee directors of Republic Bancorp and the Bank receive
director's fees of $1,350 for each board meeting attended and fees within the
range from $250 to $475 for each committee meeting attended. Total fees paid to
directors of Republic Bancorp during 1999 for service as a director of Republic
Bancorp and/or the Bank were as follows:
Charles E. Anderson $ 10,400
Larry M. Hayes 9,775
Sandra Metts Snowden 9,500
R. Wayne Stratton 9,750
Samuel G. Swope 6,600
See also the following discussion under the heading "CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND
RELATED TRANSACTIONS".
CERTAIN INFORMATION AS TO MANAGEMENT
The following table contains information concerning the compensation
received by Republic Bancorp's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") and the four most
highly compensated executive officers of Republic Bancorp as of the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1999.
9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Long Term
Compensation
Annual Compensation(1) Awards
------------------------ ------------
Securities
Underlying All Other
Name & Principal Position Year Salary Bonus(2) Options(#) Compensation
- ---------------------------------- ---- -------- -------- ------------ ---------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Bernard M. Trager 1999 $300,000 $165,000 $73,085 (3)
Chairman and Director 1998 250,000 190,000 49,117
1997 220,000 170,000 55,155
Steven E. Trager 1999 $200,000 $75,000 $8,280 (3)
President, CEO and Director 1998 175,000 100,000 10,000 8,882
1997 160,000 80,000 9,160
Scott Trager 1999 $200,000 $100,000 $8,280 (3)
Vice Chairman and Director 1998 175,000 100,000 10,000 8,882
1997 160,000 80,000 9,160
Bill Petter 1999 $200,000 $ 75,000 $17,880 (3)(4)
Vice Chairman and Director 1998 175,000 100,000 10,000 8,882
1997 160,000 80,000 9,160
Mark A. Vogt 1999 $110,000 $30,000 $5,037 (3)
Senior Vice President, CFO and CAO 1998 100,000 30,000 15,000 5,887
1997 100,000 18,000 5,379
</TABLE>
(1) Each of the above-named executive officers received perquisites
during 1999, 1998 and 1997 which were less than $50,000 in aggregate
amount for each of those years.
(2) Represents incentive bonuses awarded after year-end for achievement
of corporate, individual and organizational objectives in fiscal
years 1999, 1998 and 1997.
(3) Includes matching contributions to 401(k) Retirement Plan, ($6,000
for Bernard M. Trager, $6,000 for Steven E. Trager, $6,000 for Scott
Trager, $6,000 for Bill Petter, and $4,125 for Mark A. Vogt), amount
paid on split dollar life insurance policy ($65,763 for Bernard M.
Trager), and on life and disability insurance policies ($1,322 for
Bernard M. Trager and $2,280 each for Steven E. Trager, Scott Trager
and Bill Petter, and $912 for Mark A. Vogt).
(4) Includes $9,600 auto allowance.
10
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AGGREGATED OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
AND FY-END OPTION/SAR VALUES
Number of securities Value of Unexercised In-the-
underlying unexercised Money Options at FY-End
options at FY-End (#) ($)(3)
Shares Value --------------------------- ---------------------------
Acquired on realized
Name and Class of Shares (1) Exercise (#) ($)(2) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---------------------------- ------------ -------- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Steven E. Trager
Class A Common Stock 22,500 115,650 10,000 0
Class B Common Stock 4,500 23,130
Scott Trager
Class A Common Stock 60,000 264,125
Class B Common Stock 10,000 52,825
Bill Petter
Class A Common Stock 60,000 264,125
Class B Common Stock 10,000 52,825
Mark A. Vogt
Class A Common Stock 35,000 51,850
</TABLE>
(1) No SARs were exercised by the named executive officers or held by them at
year-end.
(2) Market price at time of exercise less exercise price.
(3) Market value of underlying securities at December 31, 1999 ($8.5625) less
exercise price.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS AND TERMINATION,
SEVERANCE AND CHANGE OF CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS
The Bank entered into a death benefit agreement with Bernard Trager,
which became effective September 10, 1996. This agreement provides for the
payment of three years compensation to the estate of Bernard Trager in the event
of death while a full-time employee of the Bank. In the event of a change in
control the agreement terminates.
11
<PAGE>
Republic entered into officer compensation continuation agreements
with each of Steven Trager, Scott Trager, and Bill Petter, which became
effective January 1995, and Mark Vogt, which became effective October 1997.
These agreements provide for the payment of the executive officer's base salary
and continuation of such executive officer's other employment benefits for up to
a period of two years if, following a change in control, the executive officer
terminates his employment for "Good Reason" or his employment is terminated
other than pursuant to death or for "Cause," as defined in the agreements. In
addition, any stock options or other similar rights will become immediately
exercisable upon a change in control, which results in termination. For purposes
of these agreements, a change in control includes the acquisition by a person of
beneficial ownership of securities representing greater voting power than held
by the "Trager Family Members" (generally defined to include Bernard Trager,
Jean Trager and their descendants, and companies, partnerships or trusts in
which they are majority owners or beneficiaries) as a group or a reduction to
less than 25% of the combined voting power of the stock held by the Trager
Family Members. These agreements expire on December 31, 2000; however, as of
December 31, 2000, and on each anniversary of that date the agreements are
extended for two additional years unless Republic Bancorp gives notice that it
elects not to extend.
12
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following graph sets forth the cumulative total shareholder
return (assuming reinvestment of dividends) on Republic Bancorp's Class A Common
Stock as compared to the S & P 500 and the NASDAQ Bank Stocks Index. The graph
covers the period beginning July 21, 1998, the date Republic Bancorp's Class A
Common Stock was registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, and ending December 31, 1999.
Note: The stock price performance shown on the graph below is not necessarily
indicative of future price performance.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
July 21, 1998 December 31, 1998 December 31, 1999
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Republic Bancorp Class A Common Stock 100.00 99.26 66.68
NASDAQ Bank Stocks 100.00 94.00 90.58
S&P 500 100.00 106.27 128.89
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
Under rules established by the SEC, the Compensation/Human Resources
Committee is required to disclose: (1) the Committee's compensation policies
applicable to Republic Bancorp's executive officers; (2) the relationship of
executive compensation to corporate performance; and (3) the Committee's bases
for determining the compensation of Republic Bancorp's Chief Executive Officer
("CEO"). Pursuant to those requirements, the Committee has prepared this report
for inclusion in the Proxy Statement.
The Compensation/Human Resources Committee was established as a
separate committee of the Board of Directors of Republic Bancorp in the first
quarter of 1999. This Committee is responsible for establishing the compensation
and compensation policies for key executive officers. The Committee's goal is to
establish a compensation package, consisting of salary, bonus, stock options and
other employee benefits, that is competitive in the marketplace and provides an
incentive to meet and exceed individual and corporate performance goals. The
Committee requires that there be a specific relationship between executive
compensation and the performance of Republic Bancorp, but it also recognizes
additional factors beyond financial performance such as salaries paid by peers,
attainment of non-financial corporate objectives, and other factors which act to
contribute to shareholder value. The achievement of both annual and long-term
corporate objectives is considered, with the emphasis being placed on annual
performance. Recommendations of the Chairman are also important to the
Committee's deliberations.
In reaching compensation decisions for 1999, the Committee placed
significant weight on the recommendations of the Chairman of the Board. The
Chairman's recommendations are based on performance appraisals for individual
executive officers (other than the Chairman), and an evaluation of actual
performance with performance goals and objectives, as well as certain subjective
considerations. The purpose of the individual performance appraisals is to
provide a documented method for reviewing job performance, an appraisal of an
executive's potential to be assigned projects of enhanced responsibility, and a
written development plan with specific goals and objectives that will promote
further professional development while providing motivation for superior future
performance. Specific individual performance goals established for a key
executive for the year may be tied to operating profits, growth in loans,
deposits and fees, as well as expense control and reduction. General performance
goals may include special projects related to Republic Bancorp's strategic plan,
expansion opportunities, unique marketing opportunities, customer satisfaction,
operation efficiencies, business referrals and expanded community involvement.
Subjective considerations of management effectiveness, maintenance of regulatory
compliance standards and professional leadership are also considered.
In addition to the recommendations of the Chairman of the Board and
an evaluation of individual performance, the Committee also considered how our
executive compensation compares to our peers. Republic Bancorp participates in
local and national compensation surveys for key executives. These surveys are
utilized only as a general guideline for establishing the key executives' levels
of compensation. The Committee recognizes that compensation to key executives
should be reasonably representative of that typically offered in Republic
Bancorp's market area in order to attract, motivate, reward and retain key
executives. The Committee's philosophy is to provide compensation to key
executives that is not only competitive with that of comparable institutions,
but that also provides retention incentive for the highly skilled management
necessary to ensure the long-term success of Republic Bancorp.
14
<PAGE>
During 1999, the salary of the Chairman of the Board and the Chief
Executive Officer were increased. Republic Bancorp's performance, the
contributions these individuals made and the Chairman's recommendations were
important factors underlying compensation increases, although the increases were
not tied to specific performance criteria.
The Committee is also responsible for the overall administration of
the stock option program and other benefit programs. Republic Bancorp's stock
option program provides for the granting of options to those employees that have
demonstrated superior performance and who are deemed by the Committee to be
important to Republic Bancorp's future success, with a view toward maximizing
shareholder value. The Chairman of the Board designates the employees eligible
to be granted options under the Plan subject to approval by the Committee. No
stock options were awarded to executive officers during 1999.
MEMBERS OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE:
Charles Anderson Larry M. Hayes Sandra Metts Snowden
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
Certain directors and executive officers, including certain members
of the Compensation/ Human Resources Committee, were clients of and had
transactions with Republic Bancorp and the Banks during 1999. Transactions which
involved loans or commitments by Republic Bancorp were made in the ordinary
course of business and on substantially the same terms, including interest rates
and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with
other persons and did not involve more than normal risk of collectibility or
present other unfavorable features.
Republic Bancorp's Compensation/Human Resources Committee was
established in the first quarter of 1999. Prior to that time, Bernard Trager, as
Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Steven Trager, as CEO, made
recommendations to the Board in connection with the Board's deliberations
concerning executive officer compensation. See the discussion above under the
heading "Compensation Committee Report."
15
<PAGE>
CERTAIN OTHER RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
LEASING ARRANGEMENTS. Within the Louisville, Kentucky, metropolitan
area, the Bank leases space in five buildings owned by Bernard Trager, Chairman
of Republic Bancorp, and Jean Trager, his wife, and partnerships in which they
own controlling interests, including Jaytee, a shareholder of Republic Bancorp.
Relatives of Bernard Trager, including Steven Trager and Scott Trager, directors
and executive officers of Republic Bancorp, are also partners in Jaytee. See
notes to the table under "Share Ownership". The buildings include Republic
Corporate Center, which serves as both the Bank's main office and administrative
headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, and is owned and leased by TEECO
Properties, which is owned by Bernard Trager. Also included are the Hurstbourne
Parkway, Bardstown Road and Springhurst banking centers, as well as the
Clarksville, Indiana loan production office, which are all owned and leased by
Jaytee. During 1999, additional space was leased in connection with banking
center expansion and the establishment of the Indiana loan production office.
Additional space has been leased in 2000 in connection with selected operational
functions. Under certain of these lease arrangements, Republic Bancorp has been
responsible for the fit-up and certain completion costs for the leased
facilities. Altogether, these affiliates currently lease approximately 92,000
square feet and the Bank pays approximately $127,000 per month, in rent, with
lease terms expiring between 2001 and 2008.
Each of the above transactions was obtained on terms comparable to
those which could have been obtained from an unaffiliated party.
STOCK TRANSACTIONS. During 1999, Republic Bancorp formed an employee
stock ownership plan to promote stock ownership by our employees. In connection
with formation of the ESOP, Republic Bancorp loaned the ESOP $3,873,000, which
the ESOP used to purchase 300,000 shares of Class A Common Stock. The ESOP
purchased 200,000 shares from our Chairman and largest shareholder, Bernard
Trager, for $2,582,000 and 100,000 shares from Bankers Insurance Agency, Inc.
(in which members of Bernard Trager's family, including Steven Trager, are
directors and shareholders) for $1,291,000. The price of these shares
($3,873,000 in the aggregate) was determined by an independent committee of the
ESOP based on the 30-day average trading price of our shares.
Republic Bancorp has also, from time to time, repurchased shares of
Class A Common Stock from charitable organizations that had received the shares
by gift from Bernard Trager. We purchased a total of 8,715 shares in 1999, at an
average price of $8.75 per share ($76,256 in the aggregate), and a total of
6,247 shares in December 1998, at an average price of $13.25 per share ($82,773
in the aggregate). In each instance the purchase price paid for the shares was
based on the then market price of the shares, as reported on the NASDAQ National
Market System.
16
<PAGE>
OTHER TRANSACTIONS. Steven Trager, a director and executive officer,
and Shelley Trager Lerner, the daughter of Bernard Trager, and Jean Trager,
Bernard Trager's wife, are directors of Bankers Insurance Agency, Inc., a title
insurance agency which provides title insurance coverage to clients of Republic
Bancorp. Most of our mortgage clients purchase title insurance from Bankers
Insurance Agency. These services resulted in commissions to Bankers Insurance
Agency of approximately $1,100,000 in 1999. Under an agreement we have with
Bankers Insurance Agency, personnel of Republic Bancorp perform certain
functions for Bankers Insurance Agency. Bankers Insurance Agency reimbursed
Republic Bancorp $61,000 for services performed by the Bank's employees and
space used during 1999. Republic Bancorp has not yet elected to enter into the
title insurance agency business. The majority owner of Bankers Insurance Agency
is Shelley Trager Lerner. Minority shareholders in Bankers Insurance Agency
include Steven Trager, Jean Trager, and the grandchildren of Bernard Trager:
Michael Kusman, Andrew Kusman, Brett Kusman, Kevin Trager and Emily Trager.
Steven Trager and Shelley Trager Lerner are children of Bernard Trager.
Republic Bancorp is currently in discussions with Anderson Insurance
& Financial Services, Inc., pursuant to which the Bank will provide life,
accident, health and long term care insurance referrals. That agency will
provide supervision and training of independent insurance agents and will share
a portion of the commission income with the Bank for the insurance sold through
that agency. Charles E. Anderson, a director of Republic Bancorp, is Chairman
and part owner of Anderson Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Republic Bancorp
currently purchases and has purchased in the past directors' and officers'
insurance through Anderson Insurance & Financial Services, Inc.
INDEBTEDNESS OF MANAGEMENT. Federal banking laws require that all
loans or extensions of credit by the Bank to its executive officers and
directors be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rate and
collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with the
general public and must not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or
present other unfavorable features. In addition, loans made to Bank directors
must be approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the
Board of Directors.
The Bank has made loans to executive officers, holders of ten percent
(10%) or more of the shares of any class of its common stock and affiliates and
directors in the ordinary course of business, on substantially the same terms,
including interest rate and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for
comparable transactions with other persons, which loans do not involve more than
the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features. As of
December 31, 1999, directors and executive officers of Republic Bancorp had
loans outstanding of $6.5 million.
17
<PAGE>
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires
Republic Bancorp's officers, directors and greater than 10% beneficial owners to
file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Officers and
directors are required by SEC regulation to furnish Republic Bancorp with copies
of all Section 16(a) forms filed. Based solely upon review of copies of such
forms, or written representations that there were no unreported holdings or
transactions, Republic Bancorp believes that for the most recent fiscal year all
Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its officers, directors and ten
percent beneficial owners were complied with on a timely basis except as
follows: Sheldon Gilman made 3 late filings covering 5 transactions and Scott
Trager reported one transaction late. In addition, Mr. Gilman filed an amended
report to correct the share ownership information reported on his initial
Section 16 filing.
SOLICITATION OF PROXIES
The cost of solicitation of proxies by the Board of Directors will be
borne by Republic Bancorp. Some of Republic Bancorp's directors and officers who
will receive no additional compensation may solicit proxies in person, and by
telephone, telegraph, telecopier, facsimile, and mail from brokerage houses and
other institutions, nominees, fiduciaries and custodians, who will be requested
to forward the proxy materials to beneficial owners of the Class A and Class B
Common Stock. Republic Bancorp will, upon request, reimburse such intermediaries
for their reasonable expenses in forwarding proxy materials but will not pay
fees, commissions, or other compensation.
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
At its meeting held on March 9, 2000, the Board of Directors adopted
the recommendation of the Audit Committee and selected Crowe, Chizek and Company
LLP to serve as Republic Bancorp's independent public accountants and auditors
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2000. Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP has
served as Republic Bancorp's independent public accountants and auditors since
the 1996 fiscal year.
Representatives of Crowe, Chizek and Company LLP are expected to be
present at the annual meeting and will be available to respond to appropriate
questions and will have the opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do
so.
OTHER MATTERS
The Board of Directors does not know of any matters to be presented
to the Annual Meeting other than that specified above. If, however, any other
matters should come before the annual meeting, it is intended that the persons
named in the enclosed proxy, or their substitutes, will vote such proxy in
accordance with their best judgment on such matters.
18
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER PROPOSALS
Shareholders who desire to present proposals at the 2001 annual
meeting of shareholders must forward them in writing to the President of
Republic Bancorp so that they are received no later than November 17, 2000, in
order to be considered for inclusion in Republic Bancorp's proxy statement for
such meeting. Shareholder proposals submitted after January 31, 2001, will be
considered untimely, and the proxy solicited by Republic Bancorp for next year's
annual meeting may confer discretionary authority to vote on any such matters
without a description of them in the proxy statement for that meeting.
ANNUAL REPORT
Republic Bancorp's Annual Report to Shareholders is enclosed with
this proxy statement. The Annual Report to Shareholders does not form any part
of the material for the solicitation of proxies.
Any shareholder who wishes to obtain a copy, without charge, of
Republic Bancorp's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended December
31, 1999, which includes financial statements and financial statement schedules,
which is required to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may
contact the Corporate Secretary, Michael Ringswald, at 601 West Market Street,
Louisville, Kentucky 40202, or at telephone number (502) 561-7112.
by order of the Board of Directors
/s/ Michael A. Ringswald
Michael A. Ringswald, Secretary
Louisville, Kentucky
March 17, 2000
PLEASE MARK, DATE, SIGN, AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE,
WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. IF YOU DO ATTEND THE
MEETING, YOU MAY STILL VOTE IN PERSON, SINCE THE PROXY MAY BE REVOKED AT ANY
TIME PRIOR TO ITS EXERCISE BY DELIVERING TO THE SECRETARY OF REPUBLIC BANCORP A
WRITTEN REVOCATION OF THE PROXY.
<PAGE>
PROXY PROXY
REPUBLIC BANCORP, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned shareholder of Republic Bancorp, Inc. hereby nominates and
appoints Larry M. Hayes and R. Wayne Stratton, with power to act without the
other and with full power of substitution, as the undersigned's true and lawful
attorney(s) to vote all of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock of
Republic Bancorp, Inc. standing in the undersigned's name on the Corporation's
books at the close of business on March 1, 2000, with all the powers the
undersigned would possess if present in person, at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on April 19, 2000, or any adjournment thereof.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD
PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE.
(Continued and to be signed on reverse side.)
<PAGE>
REPUBLIC BANCORP, INC.
PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1. Election of Directors - For Withhold For All
Nominees: All All (Except*)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
2. In their discretion, the proxies are auth-
01 Bernard M. Trager 02 Steven E. Trager orized to vote upon such other business as
03 Scott Trager 04 Bill Petter may properly come before the meeting in-
05 R. Wayne Stratton 06 Larry M. Hayes cluding matters incident to its conduct.
07 Sandra Metts Snowden 08 Samuel G. Swope
09 Charles E. Anderson
- ----------------------------------------------------- THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR
*(Write nominee(s) exception above. ITEM 1. If no choice is specified, this proxy
will be voted for the above-named nominees,
with the discretionary authority contained in
the proxy statement.
Dated: , 2000
----------------
[THIS SPACE RESERVED FOR ADDRESSING]
---------------------------------------------
Signature of Shareholder
---------------------------------------------
Signature if held jointly
Please date this proxy and sign your name
exactly as it appears hereon. Persons signing
in a representative capacity, should indicate
their capacity. A proxy for shares held in
joint ownership should be signed by each
owner.
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOLD AND DETACH HERE
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY
PROMPTLY USING THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE
