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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Filed by the Registrant [X]
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant [_]
Check the appropriate box:
[_CONFIDENTIAL,]FOR USE OF THE
COMMISSION ONLY (AS PERMITTED BY
[_]Preliminary Proxy Statement RULE 14A-6(e)(2))
[X]Definitive Proxy Statement
[_]Definitive Additional Materials
[_]Soliciting Material Pursuant to (S)240.14a-11(c) or (S)240.14a-12
CBT GROUP PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
-----------------------------------------------------
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
-----------------------------------------------------
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if other than the Registrant)
Payment of Filing Fee (Check the appropriate box):
[X] No fee required
[_] $125 per Exchange Act Rules 0-11(c)(1)(ii), 14a-6(i)(1), 14a-6(i)(2) or
Item 22(a)(2) of Schedule 14A.
[_] $500 per each party to the controversy pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a-
6(i)(3).
[_] 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:
(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:
Notes:
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CBT GROUP PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is Hereby Given that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Shareholders of
CBT Group Public Limited Company, a corporation organized under the laws of
the Republic of Ireland (the "Company"), will be held at The Shelbourne Hotel,
St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland on Friday, June 4, 1999 at 11:00 a.m.
(the "Meeting") for the purpose of transacting the following business:
ORDINARY BUSINESS
1. By separate resolutions to re-elect as Directors the following persons
who retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-
election in accordance with the Company's Articles of Association.
(A) Mr. Gregory M. Priest; and
(B) Mr. John P. Hayes
2. To elect as a director Mr. James S. Krzywicki who was appointed during the
year.
3. To receive and consider the Report of the Directors and the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 1998
and the Auditors' Report to the Members.
4. To authorize the Directors to fix the remuneration of the Company's
auditors for the year ending December 31, 1999.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
To consider and if thought fit, to pass the following resolution which will
be proposed as an ordinary resolution:
5. That the Company's Employee Share Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") be and it is
hereby amended to increase the total number of shares reserved for
issuance thereunder by 1,000,000 ordinary shares of IR9.375p each and
that the directors of the Company be and they are hereby authorized to do
such acts and things as they may consider necessary or expedient to
establish and carry into effect the increase in the number of shares
available under the ESPP.
To conduct any other ordinary business of the Company as may properly come
before the Meeting.
By Order of the Board
Jennifer M. Caldwell
Secretary
May 5, 1999
Registered Office:
Belfield Office Park
Clonskeagh
Dublin 4, Ireland
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NOTES:
1. The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy
Statement accompanying this Notice. You are urged to read the Proxy
Statement carefully.
2. Those persons whose names appear in the Register of Members of the Company
("Members") on the date materials are dispatched to shareholders are
entitled to receive notice of the Meeting or any adjournment thereof. In
addition, Members on the date of the Meeting are entitled to attend and
vote at the Meeting.
3. The Company, at the request of The Bank of New York, as Depositary for the
Ordinary Shares underlying and represented by the American Depositary
Shares ("ADSs"), has set April 9, 1999 as the Record Date for the
determination of those holders of American Depositary Receipts representing
such ADSs (collectively, the "ADS Holders") entitled to give instructions
for the exercise of voting rights at the Meeting or any adjournment
thereof. ADS Holders may not vote at the Meeting; however, the Depositary
has the right to vote all of the Ordinary Shares represented by ADSs,
subject to certain limitations. Voting of the ADSs is more fully described
in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.
4. A Member entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting may appoint a proxy or
proxies to attend, speak and vote in his, her or its place. A proxy need
not be a Member of the Company. To be valid, proxy forms must be deposited
with the Company's Registrars, Bank of Ireland, Registration Department,
P.O. Box 4044, 4th Floor, Hume House, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland not
later than 11:00 a.m. on June 4, 1999. Completion of the proxy form does
not preclude a Member from attending the Meeting and from speaking and
voting thereat.
5. The Register of Directors' Interests and particulars of directors'
transactions in the share capital of the Company and its subsidiary
companies required to be kept under section 59 of the Companies Act, 1990
will be available for inspection at the Meeting from 10:45 a.m. until the
conclusion of the Meeting. Otherwise they will be open for inspection at
the Registered Office of the Company during normal business hours on any
weekday (Saturdays, Sundays and Irish Public holidays excluded) from the
date of this Notice until the date of the Meeting.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT
TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO
COMPLETE, SIGN AND DATE THE ENCLOSED PROXY FORM AS PROMPTLY AS
POSSIBLE AND RETURN IT IN THE POSTAGE-PREPAID ENVELOPE ENCLOSED
FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING, YOU MAY VOTE IN
PERSON EVEN IF YOU HAVE RETURNED A PROXY.
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CBT GROUP PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
BELFIELD OFFICE PARK
CLONSKEAGH
DUBLIN 4, IRELAND
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PROXY STATEMENT
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INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
General
The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of CBT Group Public Limited
Company (referred to herein as "CBT" or the "Company") for use at its Annual
General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on Friday, June 4, 1999 at The
Shelbourne Hotel, St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland at 11:00 a.m., local
time (the "Annual General Meeting"), or at any adjournment thereof, for the
purposes set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual General Meeting.
These proxy solicitation materials (the "Proxy Statement") and the Report of
the Directors and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the
year ended December 31, 1998 and the Auditors' Report to the Members, were
first mailed on or about May 5, 1999 to ADS Holders and to all Ordinary
Shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting.
Record Date for Voting of American Depositary Shares
The Bank of New York, as the Registrar and Transfer Agent for the ADSs, as
well as the Depositary for the Ordinary Shares represented by the ADSs (the
"Depositary"), has fixed the close of business on April 9, 1999 (which date
has been established as the record date by the Company) as the record date
(the "Record Date") for the determination of ADS Holders entitled to give
instructions for the exercise of voting rights at the Annual General Meeting
and any adjournment thereof.
As of the Record Date, a total of 44,502,443 Ordinary Shares, par value
IR9.375p per share, were issued and outstanding (or, 44,502,443 equivalent
ADSs). Each Ordinary Share is represented by one ADS. The ADSs are quoted on the
Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "CBTSY." As of the Record Date there
were approximately 320 registered holders of ADSs. The Ordinary Shares
represented by the ADSs are owned of record by AIB Custodial Nominees Limited on
behalf of the Depositary.
The Depositary has the right, subject to certain limitations set forth in
the Deposit Agreements, each as amended and restated as of May 22, 1998, among
the Company, the Depositary and the owners and beneficial owners of American
Depositary Receipts representing ADSs (the "Deposit Agreements"), to vote all of
the Ordinary Shares represented by ADSs. Under the terms of the Deposit
Agreements, however, the Depositary is
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required to cast its votes with respect to those Ordinary Shares for which it
receives instructions from the holders of the ADSs representing such Ordinary
Shares in accordance with the instructions received. Holders of ADSs may not
vote at the Annual General Meeting. See "Voting of ADSs."
Quorum; Voting of Ordinary Shares
Holders of Ordinary Shares of the Company whose names appear in the Register
of Members ("Members") maintained by the Company's Registrars, Bank of
Ireland, Registration Department, P.O. Box 4044, 4th Floor, Hume House,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland on the date materials are dispatched to Members
are entitled to receive notice of the Annual General Meeting or any
adjournment thereof. In addition, Members on the date of the Annual General
Meeting are entitled to attend and vote at the Annual General Meeting.
The presence at the Annual General Meeting, either in person or by proxy, of
three (3) persons entitled to vote at the Annual General Meeting, and who
together hold not less than one-third of the voting share capital of the
Company in issue, each being a Member or a proxy for a Member or a duly
authorized representative of a corporate Member, constitutes a quorum for the
transaction of business. Abstentions will be counted for the purposes of
determining the presence or absence of a quorum for the transaction of
business. However, abstentions will have no effect on the outcome of the
voting as they will not be considered as votes cast with respect to any
matter.
Votes may be given at the Annual General Meeting either personally or by
proxy. Voting at the Annual General Meeting will be by a show of hands unless
a poll (a count of the number of shares voted) is duly demanded. On a show of
hands, each shareholder present in person and every proxy shall have one vote,
provided, that no individual shall have more than one vote and, on a poll, each
shareholder shall have one vote for each share of which he, she or it is the
holder. Where there is an equality of votes, whether on a show of hands or on a
poll, the chairman of the meeting is entitled to a casting vote in addition to
any other vote he may have. A proxy has the right to demand or join in demanding
a poll. On a poll, a person entitled to more than one vote need not use all his,
her or its votes or cast all the votes he, she or it uses in the same way. If a
choice is specified in the proxy as to the manner in which it is to be voted,
the persons acting under the proxy will vote the Ordinary Shares represented
thereby in accordance with such choice. If no choice is specified, the shares
will be voted for each proposal set forth in the accompanying Notice of Annual
General Meeting, as more fully described in this Proxy Statement, and in the
discretion of the proxyholders as to any other matter to properly come before
the Annual General Meeting.
Voting of ADSs
Under the terms of the Deposit Agreements, whenever the Depositary receives
notice of any meeting of holders of Ordinary Shares, the Depositary is required
to fix a record date, which shall be the record date, if any, established by the
Company for the purpose of such meeting or, if different, as close thereto as
practicable, for the determination of the owners of ADSs who will be entitled to
give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting, subject
to the provisions of the Deposit Agreements.
Upon receipt of notice of any meeting of the Company or the solicitation for
consents or proxies from the holders of Ordinary Shares, the Depositary is
required, if so requested in writing by the Company, as soon as practicable
thereafter, to mail to all owners of ADSs a notice, the form of which shall be
in the sole discretion of the Depositary, containing (a) the information
contained in the notice of meeting received by the Depositary from the
Company; (b) a statement that the owners of ADSs as at the close of business
on a specified record date are entitled (subject to any applicable provisions
of Irish law and of the Company's Articles of Association, as amended (the
"Articles")) to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise by the Depositary of
the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the number of Ordinary Shares
represented by their respective ADSs; (c) a statement that owners of ADSs who
instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of their voting rights will be
deemed to have instructed the Depositary or its authorized representative to
call for a poll with respect to each matter for which instructions are given,
(subject to any applicable provisions of Irish law and of the Articles); and
(d) a statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given
(including an express indication that instructions may
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be given or deemed to be given in accordance with the next paragraph if no
instruction is received) to the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a
person designated by the Company. Upon the written request of an owner of ADSs
on such record date, received on or before the date established by the
Depositary for the purpose of such meeting, the Depositary will endeavor,
insofar as practicable, to vote or cause to be voted the number of Ordinary
Shares represented by such ADSs in accordance with the instructions set forth in
such request. Accordingly, pursuant to the Articles and applicable Irish law,
the Depositary will cause its authorized representative to attend each meeting
of holders of Ordinary Shares and call for a poll as instructed in accordance
with clause (c) above for the purpose of effecting such vote. The Depositary
will not vote or attempt to exercise the rights to vote that attach to the
Ordinary Shares other than in accordance with such instructions or deemed
instructions.
The Deposit Agreements provide that if no instructions are received by the
Depositary from any owner of ADSs with respect to any of the Ordinary Shares
represented by the ADSs on or before the date established by the Depositary for
the purpose of such meeting, the Depositary will deem such owner of ADSs to have
instructed the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated
by the Company with respect to such Ordinary Shares and the Depositary will give
a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote such
Ordinary Shares, under circumstances and according to the terms as set forth in
the Deposit Agreements; provided, that no such instructions will be deemed given
and no such discretionary proxy will be given when the Company notifies the
Depositary (and the Company agrees to provide such notice as promptly as
practicable in writing) that the matter to be voted upon is one of the
following:
(1) a matter not submitted to shareholders by means of a proxy statement
comparable to that specified in Schedule 14A promulgated by the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") pursuant to the U.S.
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act");
(2) the subject of a counter-solicitation, or is part of a proposal made
by a shareholder which is being opposed by management (i.e. a
contest);
(3) relates to a merger or consolidation (except when the Company's
proposal is to merge with its own wholly-owned subsidiary, provided
its shareholders, dissenting thereto, do not have rights of
appraisal);
(4) involves rights of appraisal;
(5) authorizes mortgaging of property;
(6) authorizes or creates indebtedness or increases the authorized amount
of indebtedness;
(7) authorizes or creates preferred shares or increases the authorized
amount of existing preferred shares;
(8) alters the terms or conditions of any shares then outstanding or
existing indebtedness;
(9) involves the waiver or modification of preemptive rights (except when
the Company's proposal is to waive such rights with respect to shares
being offered pursuant to share option or purchase plans involving the
additional issuance of not more than 5% of the outstanding Ordinary
Shares) (see Item (12) below);
(10) alters voting provisions or the proportionate voting power of a class
of shares, or the number of its votes per share (except where
cumulative voting provisions govern the number of votes per share for
election of directors and the Company's proposal involves a change in
the number of its directors by not more than 10% or not more than
one);
(11) changes the existing quorum requirements with respect to shareholder
meetings;
(12) authorizes the issuance of Ordinary Shares, or options to purchase
Ordinary Shares, to directors, officers, or employees in an amount
which exceeds 5% of the total amount of the class outstanding (when no
plan is amended to extend its duration, the Company shall factor into
the calculation the number of Ordinary Shares that remain available
for issuance, the number of Ordinary Shares subject to outstanding
options and any Ordinary Shares being added; should there be more than
one plan being considered at the same meeting, all Ordinary Shares are
aggregated);
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(13) authorizes (a) a new profit-sharing or special remuneration plan, or a
new retirement plan, the annual cost of which will amount to more than
10% of the average annual income of the Company before taxes for the
preceding five years, or (b) the amendment of an existing plan which
would bring its costs above 10% of such average annual income before
taxes (should there be more than one plan being considered at the same
meeting, all costs are aggregated; exceptions may be made in cases of:
(i) retirement plans based on agreement or negotiations with labor
unions (or which have been or are to be approved by such unions), and
(ii) any related retirement plan for the benefit of non-union
employees having terms substantially equivalent to the terms of such
union-negotiated plan, which is submitted for action of shareholders
concurrently with such union-negotiated plan);
(14) changes the purposes or powers of the Company to an extent which would
permit it to change to a materially different line of business and it
is the Company's stated intention to make such a change;
(15) authorizes the acquisition of property, assets or a company, where the
consideration to be given has a fair value of 20% or more of the
market value of the previously outstanding shares of the Company;
(16) authorizes the sale or other disposition of assets or earning power of
20% or more of those existing prior to the transactions;
(17) authorizes a transaction not in the ordinary course of business in
which an officer, director or substantial security holder has a direct
or indirect interest; or
(18) reduces earned surplus by 51% or more or reduces earned surplus to an
amount less than the aggregate of three years' Ordinary Share
dividends computed at the current dividend rate.
Since each proposal to be acted upon at the Annual General Meeting is a
matter for which the Depositary may deem that instruction has been given for
the Depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by the
Company where no instruction is received, the Depositary will give a
discretionary proxy to a person designated by the Company to vote such
Ordinary Shares for which no instruction has been given.
The Depositary will make available for inspection by the owners of ADSs at
its Corporate Trust Office any reports and communications, including any proxy
soliciting material, received from the Company, which are both (a) received by
the Depositary as the holder of the Ordinary Shares and (b) generally made
available to the holders of Ordinary Shares by the Company. The Depositary
will also send to the owners of ADSs copies of such reports when furnished by
the Company pursuant to the Deposit Agreements.
Solicitation of Proxies
The cost of preparing, assembling, printing and mailing the Proxy Statement,
the Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and the enclosed form of
proxy, as well as the cost of soliciting proxies relating to the Annual
General Meeting, will be borne by the Company. The Company will request banks,
brokers, dealers and voting trustees or other nominees, including the
Depositary in the case of the ADSs, to solicit their customers who are owners
of shares listed of record and names of nominees, and will reimburse them for
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses of such solicitation. The original
solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, telegram and
personal solicitation by officers and other regular employees of the Company.
Revocability of Proxies
Any proxy given pursuant to this solicitation may be revoked by the person
giving it at any time before its use by delivering to the Company a written
notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date or by
attending the Annual General Meeting and voting in person.
Shareholder Proposals To Be Presented at Next Annual General Meeting
Subject to applicable laws, shareholder proposals of shareholders of the
Company that are intended to be presented by such shareholders at the Company's
2000 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders must be
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received by the Company at its offices located at 900 Chesapeake Drive,
Redwood City, California 94063 no later than November 20, 1999 and satisfy the
conditions established by the SEC for proposals to be considered for possible
inclusion in the Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting.
PROPOSAL ONE(A) AND ONE(B)
RE-ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Articles provide that the Company may have up to a maximum number of ten
(10) directors, which number may be changed by resolution of the shareholders.
There are currently six (6) directors of the Company one of whom was appointed
during the year by the Board of Directors. As is customary for many Irish
companies, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") typically consists of
fewer than the maximum number of authorized directors. The Company believes that
benefits are derived from having vacancies on the Board, particularly in the
areas of attracting qualified directors and responding to shareholder concerns.
Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of
nominees named in Proposals One (A) and One (B). At each Annual General Meeting
of Shareholders, approximately one-third (1/3) of the existing directors must
retire by rotation; however, such director(s) are eligible for re-election and,
if re-elected, shall serve until the next rotation and until his successor is
elected and qualified or until such director's resignation, death or removal.
Any director elected by the Board during the year, whether to fill a vacancy
(including a vacancy created by an increase in the Board) or otherwise, must
stand for re-election at the next Annual General Meeting of Shareholders. In
accordance with the Articles, Mr. Gregory M. Priest and Mr. John P. Hayes, as
the longest serving directors, must retire by rotation.
Mr. Priest, being eligible, offers himself for re-election.
Proposal One(A) vote required
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Ordinary Shares
represented, in person or by proxy, and voting at the Annual General Meeting
is required to approve the re-election of Mr. Priest. Unless otherwise
instructed, the proxyholders will vote the proxies "FOR" the re-election of
Mr. Priest to the Board.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL ONE(A).
Mr. Hayes, being eligible, offers himself for re-election.
Proposal One(B) vote required
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Ordinary Shares
represented, in person or by proxy, and voting at the Annual General Meeting
is required to approve the re-election of Mr. Hayes. Unless otherwise
instructed, the proxyholders will vote the proxies "FOR" the re-election of
Mr. Hayes to the Board.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL ONE(B).
PROPOSAL TWO
As noted above, the Articles provide for a total of ten (10) directors. Mr.
James S. Krzywicki was appointed to serve as the sixth director of the Company
in October 1998. The Board of Directors is recommending that the shareholders
elect Mr. Krzywicki to serve as the sixth member of the Board of Directors of
the Company.
Vote required
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Ordinary Shares
represented, in person or by proxy, and voting at the Annual General Meeting is
required to approve the election of Mr. Krzywicki. Unless otherwise instructed,
the proxyholders will vote the proxies "FOR" the election of Mr. Krzywicki to
the Board.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
A VOTE IN FAVOR OF PROPOSAL TWO.
PROPOSAL THREE
CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPANY'S CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND THE
REPORTS OF THE DIRECTORS AND THE AUDITORS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
A copy of the report of the directors and the consolidated financial
statements of the Company (prepared in accordance with Irish GAAP) for the
Last Fiscal Year and the auditors' report to the Members thereon have been
circulated to all of the shareholders of the Company. Shareholders are now
being requested to consider the Company's consolidated financial statements
and the directors' and auditors' report for the financial year ended December
31, 1998 (the "Last Fiscal Year").
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Vote Required
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Ordinary Shares
represented, in person or by proxy, and voting at the Annual General Meeting
is required to approve the resolution to receive and consider the Company's
consolidated financial statements and the report of the directors and the
auditors for the Last Fiscal Year. Unless otherwise instructed, the
proxyholders will vote the proxies "FOR" the resolution to receive and
consider the Company's consolidated financial statements and the report of the
directors and the auditors for the Last Fiscal Year. A vote "FOR" Proposal
Three will not constitute an approval or ratification of the report of the
directors or the consolidated financial statements of the Company.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL THREE.
PROPOSAL FOUR
AUTHORIZATION OF DIRECTORS TO FIX AUDITORS' REMUNERATION
Ernst & Young, Chartered Accountants, have been the Company's independent
auditors since September 10, 1993. The shareholders are now being requested to
authorize the Board to fix the remuneration of the Company's auditors for the
year ending December 31, 1999.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Ordinary Shares
represented, in person or by proxy, and voting at the Annual General Meeting is
required to authorize the directors to fix the remuneration of the Company's
auditors. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxyholders will vote the proxies
"FOR" the authorization of the directors to fix the remuneration of the
Company's auditors.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL FOUR.
PROPOSAL FIVE
INCREASE IN NUMBER OF SHARES UNDER THE EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
GENERAL
The Employee Share Purchase Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors and
approved by the Company's shareholders on March 31, 1995. The Employee Share
Purchase Plan, which is intended to qualify under Section 423 of the Code,
permits eligible employees to purchase the Company's Ordinary Shares through
payroll deductions at a price equal to 85% of the lower of the fair market value
of the Ordinary Shares on the first day of each six-month offering period or the
last day of the applicable six-month purchase period. The Company has reserved a
total of 1 million Ordinary Shares for issuance under the Employee Share
Purchase Plan, and as of April 9, 1999, 466,648 shares remained available for
future issuances.
PROPOSAL
On April 2, 1999, the Board of Directors adopted, subject to shareholder
approval at the Annual General Meeting, an amendment to the Employee Share
Purchase Plan increasing the total number of shares reserved for issuance by
an additional 1,000,000 Ordinary Shares, to an aggregate of 2,000,000 Ordinary
Shares. This amendment will enable the Company to continue to grant purchase
rights to eligible employees under the terms and conditions of the Employee
Share Purchase Plan.
The Board of Directors believes that the approval of the amendment to the
Employee Share Purchase Plan is in the best interests of the Company and its
shareholders, as the availability of an adequate number of shares for issuance
under the Employee Share Purchase Plan and the ability of employees to
participate in the Employee Share Purchase Plan are important factors in
attracting, motivating and retaining qualified personnel essential to the
success of the Company.
Vote Required
The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Ordinary Shares
represented, in person or by proxy, and voting at the Annual General Meeting
is required to approve the amendment to the Employee Share Purchase Plan.
Unless otherwise instructed, the proxyholders will vote the proxies "FOR" the
amendment to the Employee Share Purchase Plan.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS
THAT YOU VOTE "FOR" PROPOSAL FIVE.
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SUMMARY OF THE EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
The following summary of the Employee Share Purchase Plan is qualified in
its entirety by the specific language of the Employee Share Purchase Plan, a
copy of which is available to any shareholder upon written request to the
Secretary of the Company.
PURPOSE. The purposes of the Employee Share Purchase Plan are to attract
and retain the best available personnel for positions of substantial
responsibility, to provide additional incentive to employees of the Company and
to promote the success of the Company's business.
ADMINISTRATION. The Employee Share Purchase Plan may be administered by the
Board of Directors or a committee of the Board of Directors (the
"Administrator"), which committee is required to be constituted to comply with
Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act, and applicable laws.
ELIGIBILITY; LIMITATIONS. The Employee Share Purchase Plan provides that
employees are eligible to participate if they are customarily employed by the
Company or any designated subsidiary for at least 20 hours per week and for more
than five months in any calendar year.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SUBSCRIPTION. Participation under the Employee
Share Purchase Plan is evidenced by a written subscription agreement between the
employee and the Company and is subject to the following terms and conditions of
the Employee Share Purchase Plan:
(a) Purchase Price and Method. Employees who participate in the Employee
Share Purchase Plan purchase the Company's Ordinary Shares through payroll
deductions of up to 20% of their eligible compensation, up to a maximum number
of shares per offering period determined by dividing $12,500 by the fair market
value of an Ordinary Share and up to a maximum number of shares for all offering
periods ending within any calendar year determined by dividing $25,000 by the
fair market value of an Ordinary Share. In each determination of the maximum
purchase amount, the fair market value is determined as of the first day of the
applicable offering period. The price of Ordinary Shares purchased under the
Employee Share Purchase Plan is 85% of the lower of the fair market value of the
Ordinary Shares on the first day of each six-month offering period and the last
day of the applicable six-month purchase period.
(b) Offering Periods. Offering periods last six months and commence on
the first trading day in each such six-month period.
(c) Withdrawal; Termination of Employment. If an employee decides to
terminate his or her participation in the Employee Share Purchase Plan, he or
she must withdraw all the payroll deductions credited to his or her purchase
account, and such funds will be returned to him or her. Upon the termination of
employment for any reason, all payroll deductions will likewise be returned to
the (former) employee.
(d) Death. A participating employee may designate who is to receive any
shares and cash, if any, from the participant's account under the Employee Share
Purchase Plan in the event of such participant's death subsequent to exercising
a purchase option but prior to delivery of the Ordinary Shares.
(e) Nontransferability. Rights granted under the Employee Share Purchase
Plan are not transferable by a participant other than by will, the laws of
descent and distribution, or as otherwise provided under the plan, and the
Company may treat any prohibited attempt to transfer as an election to withdraw.
(f) Other Provisions. The subscription agreement may contain such other
terms, provisions and conditions not inconsistent with the Employee Share
Purchase Plan as may be determined by the Administrator.
7
<PAGE>
ADJUSTMENT UPON CHANGES IN CAPITALIZATION; CORPORATE TRANSACTIONS.
In the event of changes in the issued Ordinary Shares of the Company by
reason of any share splits, reverse share splits, share dividends,
combinations, reclassifications or other similar change in the capital
structure of the Company, an appropriate adjustment shall be made by the
Company's Board of Directors in the following: (i) the number of Ordinary
Shares subject to the Employee Share Purchase Plan and (ii) the number and
class of Ordinary Shares subject to any purchase right outstanding under the
Employee Share Purchase Plan. The determination of the Company's Board of
Directors as to which adjustments shall be made shall be conclusive. In the
event of a proposed dissolution or liquidation of the Company, the offering
periods shall terminate immediately prior to the consummation of such proposed
action, unless otherwise provided by the Company's Board of Directors.
Notwithstanding the above, in the event of a merger of the Company with or
into another corporation or the sale of all or substantially all of the assets
of the Company, each purchase right shall be assumed or an equivalent option
shall be substituted by such successor corporation, unless the Company's Board
of Directors determines, in lieu of such assumption or substitution, to
shorten the offering period then in progress by setting a new exercise date
and any offering period then in progress shall end on the new exercise date.
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF THE EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN. The Board may
at any time amend or terminate the Employee Share Purchase Plan. The Company
shall obtain shareholder approval of any amendment to the Employee Share
Purchase Plan in such a manner and to such a degree as is necessary and
desirable to comply with Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act and 423 of the U.S.
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code") (or any other
applicable law or regulation, including the requirements of any exchange or
quotation system on which the Ordinary Shares or the ADSs representing
Ordinary Shares are traded). Any amendment or termination of the Employee
Share Purchase Plan shall not affect purchase options already granted and such
purchase options shall remain in full force and effect as if the Employee
Share Purchase Plan had not been amended or terminated, unless mutually agreed
otherwise between the optionee and the Company, which agreement must be in
writing and signed by the participant and the Company. In any event, the
Employee Share Purchase Plan shall terminate on February 28, 2005.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES
No income will be taxable to a participant until the shares purchased under
the Employee Share Purchase Plan are sold or otherwise disposed of. Upon sale or
other disposition of the shares, the participant will generally be subject to
tax and the amount of the tax will depend upon the holding period. If the shares
are sold or otherwise disposed of more than two (2) years from the first day of
the offering period or more than one (1) year from the date of transfer of the
stock to the participant (the "Statutory Holding Periods"), then the participant
will recognize ordinary income measured as the lesser of (i) the excess of the
fair market value of the shares at the time of such sale or disposition over the
purchase price, or (ii) an amount equal to 15% of the fair market value of the
shares as of the first day of the offering period. Any additional gain will be
treated as long-term capital gain. Net capital gains on assets held for more
than twelve months are currently taxed at a maximum federal rate of 20%. Capital
losses are allowed in full against capital gains and up to $3,000 against other
income. If the shares are sold or otherwise disposed of before the expiration of
the Statutory Holding Periods, the participant will recognize ordinary income
generally measured as the excess of the fair market value of the shares on the
date the shares are purchased over the purchase price. Any additional gain or
loss on such sale or disposition will be long-term or short-term capital gain or
loss, depending on the holding periods. The Company is not entitled to a
deduction for amounts taxed as ordinary income or capital gain to a participant
except to the extent ordinary income is recognized by participants upon the
sale or disposition of shares prior to the expiration of the Statutory Holding
Periods described above.
8
<PAGE>
THE FOREGOING IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF THE EFFECT OF FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION UPON
THE PARTICIPANT AND THE COMPANY WITH RESPECT TO THE SHARES PURCHASED UNDER THE
EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN. REFERENCE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE APPLICABLE
PROVISIONS OF THE CODE. IN ADDITION, THE SUMMARY DOES NOT DISCUSS THE TAX
CONSEQUENCES OF A PARTICIPANT'S DEATH OR THE INCOME TAX LAWS OF ANY STATE OR
FOREIGN COUNTRY IN WHICH THE PARTICIPANT MAY RESIDE.
PARTICIPATION IN THE EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
The following table sets forth information with respect to participation by
each individual serving as the Company's Chief Executive Officer or acting in
a similar capacity and each of the four other most highly compensated
executive officers of the Company (collectively, the "Named Executive
Officers"), all current executive officers as a group and all other employees
as a group during the Last Fiscal Year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Securities Purchase Price(1)
Name of Individual and Position Purchased ($ Per Share)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
James J. Buckley.............................. 648 32.7781
(Former) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
William G. McCabe............................. 0 0
Chairman of the Board
Gregory M. Priest............................. 0 0
President and Chief Executive Officer
William B. Lewis.............................. 648 32.7781
Executive Vice President
Global Field Sales
Jeffrey N. Newton............................. 648 32.7781
Executive Vice President
Global Channel Sales
Richard Y. Okumoto............................ 0 0
(Former) Senior Vice President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
John. M. Grillos.............................. 0 0
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer
William A. Beamish............................ 0 0
Executive Vice President
Product Strategy
All current executive officers as a group (6
persons)..................................... 1,944 32.7781
All other employees as a group................ 168,872 18.29
</TABLE>
(1) Represents a weighted average per share purchase price
9
<PAGE>
INFORMATION REGARDING DIRECTORS
The following table sets forth certain information as of the Record Date for
the current directors of the Company, including those directors standing for
re-election at the Annual General Meeting:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Positions with the Company
---- --- --------------------------
<C> <C> <S>
William G. McCabe................ 42 Chairman of the Board
Gregory M. Priest................ 35 Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
John M. Grillos.................. 57 Executive Vice President, Chief Operating
Officer and Director
John P. Hayes.................... 45 Group Financial Controller and Director
Patrick J. McDonagh.............. 47 Director
James S. Krzywicki............... 47 Director
</TABLE>
William G. McCabe was the Chairman of the board of directors, Chief Executive
Officer and President of CBT from September 1991 until September 1996, when he
resigned as President. In December 1996, Mr. McCabe resigned as Chief Executive
Officer. In August 1998, Mr. McCabe resigned as Chairman but remained a member
of the board of directors. In December 1998, Mr. McCabe was re-appointed as the
Chairman of the Company's board of directors.
Gregory M. Priest was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company in December 1998. From February 1998 until December 1998, Mr. Priest was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Well Group Limited and of
Knowledge Well Limited (collectively, "Knowledge Well"). Mr. Priest served as
Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from December
1995 to January 1998. Mr. Priest has been a director of the Company since June
1996. Prior to joining CBT, Mr. Priest was an attorney with Wilson Sonsini
Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation, a private law firm representing
technology companies, where he was elected to the partnership in 1995. From June
1989 to July 1990, Mr. Priest served as a law clerk to Justice Thurgood Marshall
of the United States Supreme Court.
John M. Grillos was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer of the Company in December 1998. Mr. Grillos has been a director of the
Company since February 1994. Since June 1996, Mr. Grillos has been the sole
General Partner of ITech Partners, L.P., a venture capital limited partnership
focused on seed stage information technology companies. Prior to joining ITech
Partners, Mr. Grillos was employed by BancBoston Robertson Stephens, an
investment banking firm, in its venture capital group.
John P. Hayes has been Group Financial Controller and a director of the
Company since 1991. From 1987 to 1991, Mr. Hayes served as Financial
Controller of the Company.
Patrick J. McDonagh was a founding member of the Company and has been a
director of the Company since September 1989. He has not taken an active role
in the Company's management since 1991 and is currently a private investor.
James S. Krzywicki was appointed as a director of the Company in October 1998.
Since 1992 Mr. Kryzwicki has held various positions, most recently as a Vice
President, with Lotus Development Corporation, which is now owned by
International Business Machines Corporation. In April 1999, Mr Kryzwicki was
named Director, Distributed Learning, IBM Global Services.
There are no family relationships among any of the directors or executive
officers of the Company.
Board Meetings and Committees
The Board, which has an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Stock
Option Committee and Non-Officer Stock Option Committee, in addition to an
Independent Committee formed in October 1998 to consider the acquisition of
Knowledge Well, held a total of four meetings during the Last Fiscal Year. No
incumbent director attended fewer than seventy-five percent (75%) of the
meetings of the Board of Directors and committees thereof on which such director
served during the Last Fiscal Year.
10
<PAGE>
The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. McDonagh and Krzywicki.
During the Last Fiscal Year, the Audit Committee held one meeting. The Audit
Committee oversees actions taken by the Company's independent auditors, and
recommends the engagement of auditors.
The Stock Option Committee currently consists of Messrs. McDonagh and
Krzywicki. During the Last Fiscal Year, the Stock Option Committee did not hold
any formal meetings but took several actions by unanimous written consent. The
Stock Option Committee administers the Company's employee share option plans,
grants share options to officers of the Company and grants share options to
non-officers of the Company in excess of 10,000 shares per grant. See "Board
Compensation Committee and Stock Option Committee Report on Executive
Compensation" in this Proxy Statement.
In January 1996, the Board established the Non-Officer Stock Option
Committee which consists of Messrs. McCabe and Hayes. During the Last Fiscal
Year, the Non-Officer Stock Option Committee did not hold any formal meetings
but took several actions by unanimous written consent. The Non-Officer Stock
Option Committee grants share options which are less than 10,000 shares per
grant to non-officers of the Company.
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. McCabe, Krzywicki and
McDonagh. During the Last Fiscal Year, the Compensation Committee did not hold
any formal meetings but took several actions by unanimous written consent. The
Compensation Committee reviews and approves the compensation of executives of
the Company and makes recommendations to the Board with respect to standards
for setting compensation levels. See "Board Compensation Committee and Stock
Option Committee Report on Executive Compensation" in this Proxy Statement.
The Board does not have a Nominating Committee or any committee performing
similar functions.
Director Compensation
No director receives any cash compensation for his services as a member of
the Company's board of directors, although each director is reimbursed for his
expenses in attending board and related committee meetings. Directors who serve
on committees of the board of directors receive no additional compensation.
In December 1998, each of Messrs. Kryzwicki and McDonagh were granted,
pursuant to a resolution approved by the full board of directors, options to
purchase 50,000 CBT Ordinary Shares. Under the terms of the option plan under
which such options were granted, the exercise price of these options is the
closing price of an ADS on the Nasdaq National Market on December 8, 1998.
These options vest over four years.
11
<PAGE>
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN
BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial
ownership of the Company's ADSs (or their equivalents) as of December 31, 1998
(unless otherwise stated) by (a) each director, (b) each Named Executive Officer
(as defined below in "Executive Compensation and Other Matters--Summary
Compensation Table"); (c) each person who is the beneficial owner of more than
five percent (5%) of the Company's ADSs; and (d) all current directors and
executive officers as a group. The number and percentage of ADSs beneficially
owned is determined under the rules of the SEC, and the information is not
necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under such
rules, beneficial ownership includes any equivalent ADSs as to which the
individual has sole or shared voting power or investment power and also any
equivalent ADSs that the individual has the right to acquire within sixty (60)
days of December 31, 1998 through the exercise of share options or other rights.
Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole voting and investment power (or
shares such powers with his spouse) with respect to the shares shown as
beneficially owned.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Equivalent
ADSs Approximate
Beneficially Percentage
Name of Person or Identity of Group Owned Owned (1)
----------------------------------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Massachusetts Financial Services Company ("MFS")(2)........................ 5,186,298 11.7%
500 Boylston Street
Boston, MA 02116
Capital Research and Management Company ("Capital")(3)..................... 2,810,000 6.4%
333 South Hope Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Putnam Investments, Inc. ("Putnam")(4)..................................... 1,117,060 2.5%
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109
William G. McCabe (5)...................................................... 40,996 *
Gregory M. Priest (6)...................................................... 41,470 *
John M. Grillos (7)........................................................ 5,000 *
William A. Beamish (8)..................................................... 23,004 *
William B. Lewis (9)....................................................... 71,443 *
Jeffrey N. Newton (10)..................................................... 41,380 *
James J. Buckley (11)...................................................... 247,930 *
John P. Hayes (12)......................................................... 14,814 *
Patrick J. McDonagh........................................................ 102,000 *
James S. Krzywicki......................................................... 3,000 *
All current directors and executive officers" as a group (9 persons) (13).. 591,037 1.3%
</TABLE>
- --------------------
* less than 1%
(1) Based on 44,358,880 of the Company's ADSs (or their equivalents) issued and
outstanding as of December 31, 1998.
(2) Based on information contained in the Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 by MFS. Certain shares are
beneficially owned by non-reporting entities as well as MFS.
(3) Based on information contained in the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 by Capital. Capital disclaimed
beneficial ownership pursuant to Rule 13d-4.
(4) Based on information contained in the Schedule 13G filed with the SEC for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 by Putnam. Putnam disclaimed
beneficial ownership on behalf of certain of its affiliated reporting
entities.
(5) Includes 15,996 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of share options
held by Mr. McCabe, which options are exercisable within sixty (60) days of
December 31, 1998.
(6) Includes 41,458 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of share options
held by Mr. Priest, which options are exercisable within sixty (60) days of
December 31, 1998.
(7) Includes 5,000 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of share options
held by Mr. Grillos, which options are exercisable within 60 days of
December 31, 1998.
(8) Includes 23,004 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of share options
held by Mr. Beamish, which options are exercisable within sixty (60) days
of December 31, 1998.
(9) Includes 60,625 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of share options
held by Mr. Lewis, which options are exercisable within sixty (60) days of
December 31, 1998.
(10) Includes 41,380 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of share
options held by Mr. Newton, which options are exercisable within sixty (60)
days of December 31, 1998.
(11) Includes 245,414 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of share
options held by Mr. Buckley, which options are exercisable within sixty
(60) days of December 31, 1998.
(12) Includes 14,814 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of share options
held by Mr. Hayes, which options are exercisable within sixty (60) days of
December 31, 1998.
(13) Includes 447,691 equivalent ADSs issuable upon the exercise of options held
by current directors and our executive officers as a group, which options
are exercisable within sixty (60) days of December 31, 1998.
12
<PAGE>
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER MATTERS
Executive Officers
In addition to Messrs. McCabe, Priest, Grillos, and Hayes, the Company's
executive officers, and their respective ages and positions as of the record
date, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name Age Position
- ---------------------------- ------- ---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
William A. Beamish.......... 44 Executive Vice President, Product Strategy
William B. Lewis............ 43 Executive Vice President, Global Field Sales
Jeffrey N. Newton........... 44 Executive Vice President, Global Channel Sales
</TABLE>
William A. Beamish was appointed Executive Vice President, Product Strategy
in December 1998. Mr. Beamish was Vice President, Product Strategy and
Development from 1993 until he resigned on March 31, 1998. Mr. Beamish joined
CBT Systems Limited in 1985 as a design consultant. He became head of product
development in 1988 and Development Center Manager in 1990.
William B. Lewis was appointed Executive Vice President, Global Field Sales
in December 1998. Since March 1997, Mr. Lewis served as Vice President, North
American Sales. From January 1996 until March 1997, Mr. Lewis served as Area
Vice President of Sales for the southern region and served as Regional Vice
President of Sales for the southern region from January 1994 to January 1996.
Mr. Lewis joined the Company as a sales manager for the southern region in April
1992 and served in that capacity until January 1994.
Jeffrey N. Newton was appointed Executive Vice President, Global Channel
Sales in December 1998. Mr. Newton served as Vice President, Business
Development from March 1997 until he resigned in June 1998. From January 1996
until March 1997, Mr. Newton served as Area Vice President of Sales for the
northern region and served as Regional Vice President of Sales for the northern
region from January 1994 to January 1996. Mr. Newton joined the Company as a
sales manager for the northern region in April 1992 and served in that capacity
until January 1994.
Executive officers of the Company are elected by the Board of Directors on
an annual basis and serve until their successors have been duly elected. There
are no family relationships among the executive officers of the Company.
Recent Executive Officer Changes
On October 1, 1998, Mr. James J. Buckley, CBT's Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer and a member of the Company's board of directors, and Mr.
Richard Y. Okumoto, CBT's Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial
Officer and also a member of the board of directors, stepped down from their
respective positions. The decision was made jointly by the members of the board
of directors, including Mr. Buckley and Mr. Okumoto. Upon resignation, CBT
entered into severance agreements and mutual releases with each of Messrs.
Buckley and Okumoto.
Messrs. Buckley and Okumoto were replaced on an interim basis by a newly
formed management committee, consisting of members of the Company's board of
directors. The members of the management committee were Mr. William G. McCabe,
CBT's former chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gregory M. Priest, CBT's
former Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, and John M.
Grillos, a member of the Company's board of directors. Effective December 10,
1998, the Company appointed Mr. McCabe as Chairman of the Board, Mr. Priest as
President and Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Grillos as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer. Messrs. Priest and Grillos also remain
members of the Company's board of directors.
In December 1998, CBT also appointed Mr. William A. Beamish as Executive
Vice President, Product Strategy and Mr. Jeffrey N. Newton as Executive Vice
President, Global Channel Sales. Both of those individuals had been CBT
executives and had left the Company's employ earlier in 1998. Also in December
1998, the Company promoted Mr. William B. Lewis to Executive Vice President,
Global Field Sales. Prior to promotion, Mr. Lewis was Vice President, North
American Sales.
13
<PAGE>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following tables disclose compensation earned by the Named Executive
Officers for the fiscal years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
Annual Compensation and Long-term Compensation
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual Compensation Long-Term Compensation
------------------------------- -----------------------------
Other Annual Options to All Other
Compensation Purchase ADS Compensation
Name and Principal Position Year Salary (1) Bonus (2) Equivalents (3)
- --------------------------- ------- ----------- -------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James J. Buckley (4)........ 1998 $417,340 $ -- $ -- 120,000 $ --
(Former) Chairman and 1997 385,000 -- -- -- --
Chief Executive Officer 1996 125,618 50,000 -- 970,000 --
William G. McCabe (5)....... 1998 250,000 -- -- 470,000 29,720
Chairman of the Board 1997 250,000 -- -- -- 31,800
1996 120,000 380,000 -- 200,000 32,080
Gregory M. Priest (6)....... 1998 56,601 -- -- 410,000 --
President and Chief 1997 180,000 172,000 -- 90,000 --
Executive Officer 1996 125,000 89,250 -- 10,000 --
William B. Lewis (7)........ 1998 280,147 19,500 -- 365,196 --
Executive Vice President 1997 215,000 75,000 139,047 70,000 --
Global Field Sales 1996 72,000 118,000 -- 72,000 --
Jeffrey N. Newton (8)....... 1998 203,121 86,398 40,000 350,000 --
Executive Vice President 1997 223,000 57,000 86,086 70,000 --
Global Channel Sales 1996 72,000 116,000 -- 80,000 --
Richard Y. Okumoto (9)...... 1998 229,713 -- -- 200,000 --
(Former) Senior Vice
President, Finance and
Chief Financial Officer
John M. Grillos (10)........ 1998 19,154 -- -- 290,000 --
Executive Vice President 1997 -- -- -- -- --
and Chief Operating
Officer
William A. Beamish (11)..... 1998 527,500 -- -- 290,000 2,851
Executive Vice President 1997 200,000 -- -- -- 6,072
Product Strategy 1996 74,666 -- -- -- 6,403
</TABLE>
________
(1) Salary includes amount deferred pursuant to the Company's 401(k) plan.
(2) Includes $139,047 and $86,086 paid in 1997 to Messrs. Lewis and Newton,
respectively, for relocation expenses.
(3) Includes payments of $32,080 in 1996, $31,800 in 1997 and $29,720 in 1998
to Mr. McCabe and payments of $6,403 in 1996, $6,072 in 1997 and $2,851 in
1998 to Mr. Beamish, pursuant to defined contribution pension schemes.
(4) Mr. Buckley joined CBT in September 1996 as President and Chief Operating
Officer. In December 1996, Mr. Buckley became Chief Executive Officer and
was appointed Chairman of the Company in August 1998. He resigned as an
executive officer and director of CBT in September 1998. Consequently, Mr.
Buckley's compensation is from September 1996 through September 1998.
(5) Mr. McCabe was Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and
President until September 1996, when he resigned as President. In December
1996, he resigned as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and in August
1998, he resigned as Chairman of the Board. In December 1998, Mr. McCabe
was re-appointed Chairman of the Board. Mr. McCabe is compensated for his
management services pursuant to a consulting agreement with a third party
consulting firm. Amounts are paid by CBT Systems Limited to the consulting
firm which compensates its employees, including Mr. McCabe. The Company has
not reviewed any agreement between the consulting firm and its employees
with respect to compensation amounts.
(6) Mr. Priest was elected an executive officer of the Company in December
1995, and resigned as an executive officer effective January 31, 1998. In
December 1998, he was appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer.
The amounts shown include both payment to Mr. Priest for his services as
Chief Financial Officer of the Company in January of 1998 and payment for
his services as President and Chief Executive Officer during the fourth
quarter of 1998. Mr. Priest's annual base salary as President and Chief
Executive Officer has been set at $250,000.
(7) Mr. Lewis became Area Vice President of Sales for the southern region in
January 1996 and Vice President North American Sales in March 1997. Mr.
Lewis was appointed Executive Vice President Global Field Sales in December
1998.
(8) Mr. Newton became Area Vice President for the northern region in January
1996 and Vice President, Business Development in March 1997. He resigned in
June 1998. In December 1998, Mr. Newton was appointed Executive Vice
President, Global Channel Sales.
(9) Mr. Okumoto joined CBT in February 1998 and resigned in September 1998.
(10) Mr. Grillos was appointed as Chief Operating Officer in December 1998.
(11) Mr. Beamish was Vice President, Product Strategy and Development from 1993
until he resigned on March 31, 1998. In December 1998, he was appointed
Executive Vice President, Product Strategy.
14
<PAGE>
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
The following table provides information with respect to options granted
during fiscal 1998 to the Named Executive Officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Percent of Potential Realizable Value At
Equivalent Total Options Assumed Annual Rates of Stock
ADSs Over Granted to Exercise Price Appreciation
Which Employees in Price Per for Option Term (1)
Options Were Last Fiscal Equivalent Expiration --------------------------------
Name Granted (2)(3) Year ADS (4) Date 5% 10%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James J. Buckley...... 120,000 2.0% $36.00 1/13/08 $2,716,824 $6,884,967
William G. McCabe..... 60,000 1.0% $36.00 1/13/08 1,358,412 3,442,483
410,000 6.8% $ 9.94 12/9/08 2,562,352 6,493,504
Gregory M. Priest..... 410,000 6.8% $ 9.94 12/9/08 2,562,352 6,493,504
William B. Lewis...... 50,000 0.8% $ 6.94 1/13/08 218,147 552,829
300,000 5.0% $ 9.94 12/9/08 1,874,892 4,751,344
Jeffrey N. Newton..... 50,000 0.8% $ 6.94 1/13/08 218,147 552,829
300,000 5.0% $ 9.94 12/9/08 1,874,892 4,751,344
Richard Y. Okumoto.... -- -- -- -- -- --
John M. Grillos....... 290,000 4.8% $ 9.94 12/9/08 1,812,395 4,592,966
William A. Beamish.... 50,000 0.8% $ 6.94 1/13/08 218,147 552,829
290,000 4.8% $ 9.94 12/9/08 1,812,395 4,592,966
</TABLE>
________
(1) Potential realizable value assumes that the share price (based on the fair
market value of the ADSs) increases from the date of grant until the end of
the ten-year option term at the annual rate specified (5% and 10%). If the
price of the ADSs were to increase at such rates from $14.875 per ADS, the
price at the last trading day of fiscal 1998, over the next ten years, the
resulting ADS price at 5% and 10% appreciation would be approximately
$24.23 and $35.58 respectively. The assumed annual rates of appreciation
are specified in SEC rules and do not represent the Company's estimate or
projection of future share price. The Company does not necessarily agree
that this method can properly determine the value of an option.
(2) All options in this table were granted under the 1994 Plan. The options
expire ten years from the date of grant, subject to earlier termination in
the event of the optionee's cessation of service with the Company. The 1994
Plan is currently administered by the Stock Option Committee of the board
of directors, which has broad discretion and authority to amend outstanding
options and to reprice options, whether through an exchange of options or
an amendment thereto.
(3) Unless otherwise indicated, options generally vest over four years such
that 1/4th of the equivalent ADSs subject to the option vest one year from
the respective date of grant, 1/4th vest on the second anniversary of the
respective date of grant and 1/48th vest each month thereafter.
(4) Options were granted at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of
the Company's ADSs, as determined by reference to the closing price of the
ADSs as reported on the Nasdaq National Market on the last trading day
prior to the date of grant.
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal year
and Fiscal Year End Option Values
The following table provides information with respect to option exercises
in fiscal 1998 by the Named Executive Officers and the value of such officers'
unexercised options at December 31, 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Equivalent ADSs
Equivalent Subject to Unexercised Options Value of Unexercised In-The-Money
ADSs at Fiscal Year-End Options at Fiscal Year End (3)
Acquired on Value ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name Exercise (1) Realized (2) Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
James J. Buckley... 140,000 $ 6,599,782 245,414 -- $ -- $ --
William G. McCabe.. 554,000 25,325,000 996 470,000 -- 2,023,350
Gregory M. Priest.. 84,384 4,355,930 34,376 547,504 95,805 2,286,810
William B. Lewis... 60,678 3,058,946 42,126 451,500 334,375 2,683,031
Jeffrey N. Newton.. 85,252 4,409,193 22,215 463,337 176,332 2,776,987
Richard Y. Okumoto. -- -- -- -- -- --
John M. Grillos.... -- -- 5,000 295,000 -- 1,431,150
William A. Beamish. 9,480 406,833 8,422 399,170 125,270 2,297,687
</TABLE>
____
(1) CBT employees, including the Named Executive Officers, have a choice of
acquiring either Ordinary Shares or ADSs representing such Ordinary Shares
upon exercise of options.
(2) Market value of underlying shares based on the closing price of the ADSs on
the Nasdaq National Market on the date of exercise, minus the exercise
price.
(3) Market value of shares underlying in-the-money share options is based on
the closing price of $14.875 per ADS on the Nasdaq National Market on
December 31, 1998, which is the last trading day of fiscal 1998, minus the
exercise price.
15
<PAGE>
Stock Options Repricing
The principal purpose of CBT's equity incentive plan is to provide an
equity incentive to employees to remain in the Company's employment and to work
diligently in its best interests. CBT's board of directors determined that this
purpose would not be achieved for employees holding options exercisable at
prices above the market price of the Company's ADSs, and further determined that
it was critical to the Company's best interests and to those of its shareholders
that the Company retain the services of these employees. Accordingly, on October
16, 1998, the board of directors authorized the repricing of outstanding options
to purchase ADSs under the Company's stock option plans (except that members of
the board of directors and Mr. Buckley were excluded from the repricing), and
the repricing/option exchange became effective on that date. Employees exchanged
eligible outstanding options with exercise prices in excess of the closing sales
price of the Company's ADS on October 16, 1998 for new options with an exercise
price equal to such price. Other than the exercise price, each new option issued
upon exchange has substantially the same terms as the surrendered option,
including number of shares, vesting and expiration. The exercise price for
repriced options was $6.94, the closing sales price of the Company's ADS on
October 15, 1998. Options held by certain of the Named Executive Officers were
repriced as part of the repricing/option exchange. The following table provides
information with respect to the repricing for the Named Executive Officers:
Ten Year Option/SAR Repricing
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Length of
Securities Market Price of Exercise Price Original Option
Underlying Stock at Time of at Time of Term Remaining
Options/SAR Repricing or Repricing or at Date of
Repriced or Amendment Amendment New Exercise Repricing or
Name Date Amended ($) ($) Price ($) Amendment (Years)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
William B. Lewis...... 10/16/98 63,004 $437,090 $11.31 $6.94 7.25
William B. Lewis...... 10/16/98 52,500 364,219 20.25 6.94 8.42
William B. Lewis...... 10/16/98 50,000 346,875 36.00 6.94 9.24
Jeffrey N. Newton..... 10/16/98 14,170 98,304 11.31 6.94 7.25
Jeffrey N. Newton..... 10/16/98 50,002 346,889 17.00 6.94 7.49
Jeffrey N. Newton..... 10/16/98 52,501 364,226 20.25 6.94 8.42
Jeffrey N. Newton..... 10/16/98 50,000 346,875 36.00 6.94 9.24
William A. Beamish.... 10/16/98 17,585 121,996 11.31 6.94 7.25
William A. Beamish.... 10/16/98 5,004 34,715 17.00 6.94 7.49
William A. Beamish.... 10/16/98 45,000 312,188 20.25 6.94 8.42
William A. Beamish.... 10/16/98 50,000 346,875 36.00 6.94 9.24
</TABLE>
The Members of the Stock Option Committee
Patrick J. McDonagh
James S. Krzywicki
Employment Contracts and Arrangements
On July 24, 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with James J.
Buckley pursuant to which Mr. Buckley became the Company's President and Chief
Operating Officer, effective as of September 1, 1996. Under the terms of his
agreement, Mr. Buckley received an annual base salary of $385,000 and a
potential performance bonus of approximately $150,000. In addition, Mr. Buckley
received an option to purchase an aggregate of 970,000 ADSs at an exercise price
equal to the fair market value of the ADSs on such date. The ADSs subject to the
option vest over four years, with the initial 25% vesting after one year and the
remainder on a monthly basis thereafter.
On September 30, 1998, Mr. Buckley resigned from employment with CBT. Upon
resignation, CBT entered into a severance agreement and mutual release with Mr.
Buckley. Under the severance agreement, Mr. Buckley will continue to receive his
annual base salary through September 1999. In addition, as of September 30,
1998, Mr. Buckley had vested in options to purchase 525,414 of the 970,000 ADSs
referred to above. A total of 280,000 of such vested options had been exercised
prior to September 30, 1998, and the remaining 245,414 vested options are
exercisable until September 30, 1999. The remaining 444,586 unvested options
together with all other options granted after July 24, 1996, none of which had
vested as of September 30, 1998, expired upon Mr. Buckley's resignation. Mr.
Buckley's options were not repriced on October 16, 1998.
On September 30, 1998, Mr. Okumoto resigned employment with CBT. Upon
resignation, CBT entered into a severance agreement and mutual release with Mr.
Okumoto. Under the severance agreement, Mr. Okumoto continued to receive his
annual base salary through March 1999. As of September 30, 1998, all of Mr.
Okumoto's options to purchase ADSs were unvested and therefore expired upon his
resignation.
On January 2, 1996, CBT entered into an employment agreement with Gregory
M. Priest, under which CBT agreed to employ Mr. Priest as its Vice President,
Finance and Chief Financial Officer and also agreed that Mr. Priest would be
nominated to serve as one of the Company's directors. Under the terms of the
agreement, Mr. Priest received during the year ended December 31, 1997 an annual
base salary of $180,000. Mr. Priest also received a performance bonus of
$172,000 in the year ended December 31, 1997. The agreement did not contain a
minimum term of employment and both parties acknowledged that Mr. Priest's
employment with CBT was at-will. Mr. Priest entered into an agreement with CBT
in January 1998 pursuant to which he resigned as the Company's Vice President,
Finance and Chief Financial Officer effective as of February 1, 1998. Mr. Priest
continued to serve as one of the directors of the Company.
CBT entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Priest in February 1998,
pursuant to which Mr. Priest agreed to provide consulting services to the
Company, initially involving the transition of Mr. Priest's successor as Vice
President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Priest's agreement provided
that he would be paid on an hourly basis and his options would continue to vest.
Mr. Priest's agreement contained customary provisions regarding confidentiality
and assignment of intellectual property. On October 16, 1998, the Stock Option
Committee, in recognition of Mr. Priest's dedication of an increased amount of
time and attention to CBT business as a member of the management committee of
the board of directors, amended Mr. Priest's outstanding options to reinstate
the expiration dates that existed prior to his resignation from the Company.
CBT Systems Limited has entered into a consulting agreement with a third-
party consulting firm pursuant to which the consulting firm provides certain
management services to CBT Systems Limited, including the services of Messrs.
McCabe, Beamish and Hayes. Messrs. McCabe, Beamish and Hayes were employees of
the consulting firm during 1998. Amounts due under the consulting agreement are
paid by CBT Systems Limited to the consulting firm. Messrs. McCabe, Beamish and
Hayes are separately compensated by the consulting firm. During 1998, the
consulting firm billed CBT Systems Limited an aggregate of $845,031 for services
provided by Messrs. McCabe, Beamish and Hayes.
CBT entered into an agreement with Mr. Beamish in February 1998 under which
Mr. Beamish agreed to resign as Vice President, Product Strategy and Development
effective March 31, 1998. Mr. Beamish continued to provide consulting services
to the Company pursuant to the consulting arrangement described above through
December 31, 1998. Under the consulting agreement, Mr. Beamish's outstanding
options were to continue to vest until December 31, 1998. On October 16, 1998,
the Stock Option Committee, in recognition of Mr. Beamish's dedication of an
increased amount of time and attention to CBT business following the
resignations of Messrs. Buckley and Okumoto, amended Mr. Beamish's outstanding
options to reinstate the expiration dates that existed prior to his resignation.
These options were also repriced on that date.
The Company entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Newton in June 1998
under which Mr. Newton agreed to resign as Vice President North American Sales
effective June 30, 1998. Mr. Newton continued to provide consulting services to
the Company pursuant to a consulting agreement through December 31, 1998. Under
the consulting agreement, Mr. Newton's outstanding options were to continue to
vest until October 31, 1999. On October 16, 1998, the Stock Option Committee, in
recognition of Mr. Newton's dedication of an increased amount of time and
attention to CBT business following the resignations of Messrs. Buckley and
Okumoto, amended Mr. Newton's outstanding options to reinstate the expiration
dates that existed prior to his resignation. These options were also repriced on
that date.
Prior to the closing of the acquisition of Knowledge Well, the Company will
enter into employment and noncompetition agreements with Messrs. Priest,
Grillos, Lewis and Newton. The Company will also enter into employment and
noncompetition agreements with Messrs. McCabe and Beamish or, alternatively,
consulting and noncompetition agreements with a third-party consulting firm
which provides services to the Company, including the services of Messrs. McCabe
and Beamish. The material terms of these employment, or consulting, and
noncompetition agreements have not been negotiated. Among other things, the
employment, or consulting, and noncompetition agreements with Messrs. McCabe,
Priest, Beamish and Newton will replace their existing consulting agreements.
Compensation and Stock Option Committee Interlocks
and Insider Participation
During fiscal 1998, the Compensation Committee of the Company's board of
directors consisted of Messrs. McCabe, McDonagh and Grillos. From January 1,
1998 through October 15, 1998, the Stock Option Committee consisted of Messrs.
McDonagh and Grillos. Since October 16, 1998, the Stock Option Committee has
consisted of Messrs. McDonagh and Krzywicki. Mr. Krzywicki was not an officer or
employee of CBT or its subsidiaries during fiscal 1998 or at any time prior to
fiscal 1998. Mr. McDonagh was not an officer or employee of CBT or its
subsidiaries during fiscal 1998 or at any time since September 1991. From the
Company's inception to September 1991, Mr. McDonagh was its Chief Executive
Officer.
Mr. McCabe has served on the Compensation Committee since February 1995. Mr.
McCabe also served as Chief Executive Officer through December 1996, President
through September 1996 and Chairman of the Board through August 12, 1998. From
October 1, 1998 through December 1, 1998, Mr. McCabe was a member of the interim
management committee of the board of directors and since December 10, 1998, Mr.
McCabe has been the Chairman of the board of directors. Mr. Grillos was not an
officer or employee of CBT or its subsidiaries at any time prior to October 1,
1998. From October 1, 1998 through December 10, 1998, Mr. Grillos was a member
of the interim management committee of the board of directors and since December
10, 1998, Mr. Grillos has been the Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
16
<PAGE>
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Approximately 9% of the issued share capital of CBT (Technology) Limited
("CBT T"), one of the Company's Irish subsidiaries, representing a special non-
voting class, is owned by Stargazer Productions ("Stargazer"), an unlimited
company which is wholly-owned by certain key employees of the Company. All of
the voting securities of CBT T are indirectly owned by CBT and, except for the
securities owned by CBT, there are no other outstanding securities of CBT T.
CBT T has in the past and may in the future declare and pay dividends to
Stargazer, and Stargazer may pay dividends to its shareholders out of such
amounts. Except for the fact that Stargazer is wholly owned by certain key
employees of CBT, there is no relationship between the Group and Stargazer.
In February 1996, Gregory M. Priest, Vice President, Finance and Chief
Financial Officer and a director of the Company, received an interest-free
loan from the Company in the amount of $125,000 with principal payable in four
annual installments, commencing in February 1997. As of the date hereof, no
amounts remain outstanding under the loan.
The Company and Knowledge Well entered into a Software License Agreement
(the "License Agreement") in October 1997, pursuant to which the Company
granted Knowledge Well a limited non-exclusive license to use certain of its
technology in the development of interactive education software. The License
Agreement explicitly forbids any use by Knowledge Well of CBT's technology
within CBT's information technology market area. In exchange, Knowledge Well has
agreed to maintain functional compatibility of Knowledge Well's products with
CBT's products. Knowledge Well is also required to pay the Company an annual
licensing fee. The License Agreement also contains customary provisions
involving the provision of product updates and the protection of confidential
information. Prior to December 1998, Messrs. McCabe and Priest were Chairman of
the Board, and President, Chief Executive Officer, and director, respectively,
of Knowledge Well, and Chairman of the Board and director, respectively, of the
Company. Since December 1998, Messrs. McCabe and Priest are no longer directors
or officers of Knowledge Well, but they are Chairman of the Board and President
and Chief Executive Officer, respectively, of the Company. The License Agreement
was unanimously approved by the disinterested directors of the Company.
SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company's officers (as
defined in the rules under Section 16) and directors, and persons who own more
than ten percent of a registered class of the Company's equity securities, to
file certain reports with the SEC and the NASD regarding ownership of, and
transactions in, the Company's securities. Such officers, directors and ten
percent holders are also required by the SEC's rules to furnish to the Company
copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file.
17
<PAGE>
Based solely on its review of the copies of such forms received by it or
written representations from certain reporting persons and except for a late
filing of a Form 3 by Mr. Krzywicki, the Company believes that its executive
officers, directors and ten percent holders complied with all applicable Section
16(a) filing requirements during the Company's Last Fiscal Year.
BOARD COMPENSATION COMMITTEE AND STOCK OPTION
COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Portions of the following report are presented by each of the members of the
Company's Compensation Committee (the "Compensation Committee") and Stock Option
Committee (the "Stock Option Committee") of the Board of Directors with respect
to the compensation of the Company's executive management.
Actual compensation earned during the Last Fiscal Year for the Named
Executive Officers is shown in the Summary Compensation Table contained in
this Proxy Statement.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
The Compensation Committee reviews and approves the compensation of
executives of the Company and makes recommendations to the Board with respect
to standards for setting compensation levels.
Compensation Philosophy. At the direction of the Board and pursuant to the
charter of the Compensation Committee, the Compensation Committee endeavors to
ensure that the compensation programs for executive officers of the Company
and its subsidiaries are effective in attracting and retaining key executives
responsible for the success of the Company. These programs are administered in
a manner that seeks to meet the long-term interests of the Company and its
shareholders and are designed to align total compensation for senior
management with corporate performance.
The Compensation Committee believes that the Company's overall financial
performance should be an important factor in the total compensation of the
Company's executive officers. At the executive officer level, the Compensation
Committee has a policy that a significant proportion of total compensation
should consist of variable, performance-based components, such as bonuses and
share option grants, which can increase or decrease to reflect changes in
corporate and individual performance. These incentive compensation programs
are intended to reinforce management's commitment to enhancement of
profitability and shareholder value.
The Compensation Committee takes into account various qualitative and
quantitative indicators of corporate and individual performance in determining
the level and composition of compensation for the chief executive officer and
other executive officers. The Compensation Committee considers such corporate
performance measures as revenues, net income and earnings per share in setting
executive compensation levels. The specific factors used, and the weights
given to various factors, varies between each executive based on his or her
responsibilities. The Compensation Committee also appreciates the importance
of achievements that may be difficult to quantify, and accordingly recognizes
qualitative factors, such as successful supervision of major corporate
projects and demonstrated leadership ability.
Base salary for the chief executive officer and other executive officers are
established at levels considered appropriate in light of the duties and scope
of responsibilities of each officer's position. Salaries are reviewed
periodically and adjusted as warranted to reflect sustained individual officer
performance. The Compensation Committee focuses primarily on total annual
compensation, including incentive awards, rather than base salary alone, as
the appropriate measure of executive officer performance and contribution.
Chief Executive Officer Compensation. Generally, the criteria used in
determining the compensation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer is the
same as that which is used for executive management. Until he resigned on
October 1, 1998, Mr. Buckley received an annual salary of $385,000 which had
not changed from the level established in the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996. Mr. Priest was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer in
December 1998. Mr. Priest's compensation was set to ensure that it was based on
increasing shareholder value. Accordingly, his cash compensation is
significantly less than the Company has historically paid its Chief Executive
Officer and he was granted options to purchase CBT shares, as more fully
described above (see "Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year").
18
<PAGE>
The Compensation Committee also approved the compensation of the Company's
other executive officers for 1998, following the principles and procedures
outlined in this report.
Section 162(m). To the extent readily determinable and as one of the factors
in its consideration of compensation matters, the Compensation Committee
considers the anticipated tax treatment to the Company and to the executives
of various payments and benefits. Section 162(m) of the Code generally limits
the federal income tax deductibility of compensation paid to certain executive
officers. For this purpose, compensation can include, in addition to cash
compensation, the difference between the exercise price of stock options and
the value of the underlying stock on the date of exercise. Under this
legislation, the Company may deduct compensation with respect to any of these
individuals only to the extent that during any fiscal year such compensation
does not exceed $1 million or meets certain other conditions (such as
stockholder approval). Further, interpretations of and changes in the tax laws
and other factors beyond the Compensation Committee's control also affect the
deductibility of compensation. For these and other reasons, the Compensation
Committee will not necessarily limit executive compensation to that deductible
under Section 162(m). The Compensation Committee will consider various
alternatives to preserving the deductibility of compensation payments and
benefits to the extent reasonably practicable and to the extent consistent
with its other compensation objectives.
REPORT OF THE STOCK OPTION COMMITTEE
The Stock Option Committee oversees provision of long-term incentives for
executives and other key employees through share option grants under the 1990
Plan, 1994 Plan and 1996 Plan. Grants under the 1990 Plan or 1994 Plan are
made to executives at the time they join the Company and are made periodically
to executive management for individual performance. Grants under the 1996 Plan
are made to employees and consultants at the time they join the Company and
are made periodically for individual performance. Grants are not made to
executive officers or directors under the Company's 1996 Plan. The purpose of
share option grants is to provide incentives to perform at a level which will
enhance the overall financial performance of the Company's business and
maximize long-term shareholder value and to reward prior performance.
For grants to executives, the Stock Option Committee is responsible for
determining, subject to the terms and conditions of the plans, the timing of
such grants, the exercise price per share, the vesting provisions and the
number of shares subject to each option grant. The Stock Option Committee
primarily grants share options to executive officers under the 1994 Plan.
In 1998, based upon recommendations from executive management, the Stock
Option Committee granted share options to certain executive officers of the
Company under the Company's share option plans. In approving grants under the
1990 Plan, 1994 Plan and 1996 Plan, including grants to non-executive officers
of the Company, the Stock Option Committee considers quantitative and
qualitative factors.
In addition to the 1990 Plan, 1994 Plan and 1996 Plan, executives are
eligible to participate in the Company's 1995 Employee Share Purchase Plan
which permits the purchase of shares at a discount through payroll deductions.
Share Option Grants to the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Buckley did not
receive any options in connection with his services as the Company's Chief
Executive Officer in 1998. Mr Priest received 410,000 options in connection
with his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
Respectfully Submitted by:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
The Members of the Compensation
Committee The Members of the Stock Option Committee
William G. McCabe James S. Krzywicki
James S. Krzywicki Patrick J. McDonagh
Patrick J. McDonagh
</TABLE>
19
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The ADSs are quoted on the Nasdaq National Market. Set forth below is a
graph comparing the value of an investment of $100 in (i) the ADSs at the
initial public offering price on April 13, 1995 of $4.00 per ADS (as adjusted
for the two ADS splits in May 1996 and March 1998); (ii) the Nasdaq National
Market; and (iii) the Hambrecht & Quist Technology Index, as if all such
investments were made on April 13, 1995 and assuming dividend reinvestment
through December 31, 1998.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG CBTSY,
H&Q TECHNOLOGY INDEX AND NASDAQ NATIONAL MARKET
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
H&Q NASDAQ
MEASUREMENT PERIOD TECHNOLOGY NATIONAL
(FISCAL YEAR COVERED) CBTSY INDEX MARKET - US
--------------------- ------- ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Measurement Pt- 04/13/95....................... $100 $100 $100
FYE 12/29/95................................... $165.63 $130.43 $126.36
FYE 12/31/96................................... $339.06 $156.31 $155.05
FYE 12/31/97................................... $513.28 $228.49 $188.60
FYE 12/31/98................................... $185.94 $323.98 $263.26
</TABLE>
OTHER MATTERS
The Report of the Directors and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the
Company and Auditors' Report to the Members for the Last Fiscal Year were
approved by the Board on March 19, 1999. Irish law requires the Company to
provide its Members for receipt and consideration such Report of the Directors
and the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and Auditors' Report
to the Members for the Last Fiscal Year at the Annual General Meeting of
Shareholders. In this regard, included as part of the proxy materials
dispatched to Members is a copy of the Report of the Directors and the
Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and Auditors' Report to the
Members for the Last Fiscal Year.
Representatives of Ernst & Young, Chartered Accountants, are expected to be
present at the Annual General Meeting with the opportunity to make a statement
if they desire to do so and are expected to be available to respond to
appropriate questions.
The Company knows of no other matters to be submitted at the Annual General
Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Meeting, it is the
intention of the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy to vote the
shares they represent as the Board may recommend.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Dated: May 5, 1999
20
<PAGE>
CBT GROUP PUBLIC LIMITED COMPANY
THIS PROXY FOR THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING IS
SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The undersigned Member of CBT Group PLC, a public limited company organized
under the laws of the Republic of Ireland (the "Company"), hereby acknowledges
receipt of the Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy
Statement, each dated May 5, 1999, and hereby appoints William G. McCabe,
Gregory M. Priest and Jennifer M. Caldwell, and each of them, proxies and
attorneys-in-fact, each with full power of substitution, or of
as proxy and attorney in fact (see Note 2 below), on behalf and
in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the Company's
Annual General Meeting to be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 4, 1999 at The
Shelbourne Hotel, St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2, Ireland, and at any
adjournments thereof, and to vote all shares which the undersigned would be
entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on all matters set
forth on the reverse side hereof and in their discretion upon such other
matters as may properly come before the Annual General Meeting.
NOTES:
1. A proxy may (i) vote on a show of hands or on a poll, (ii) demand or join in
demanding a poll and (iii) speak at the Annual General Meeting.
2. If it is desired to appoint as proxy any person other than those set forth
above, please delete the names set forth above and insert the name and
address of your own proxy in the space provided. The alteration should be
initialled. A proxy need not be a shareholder of the Company.
3. In the case of a corporation, this form must be executed either under its
Common Seal or under the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorized.
4. In the case of joint holders, the signature of any one of them will suffice,
but the names of all joint holders should be shown. The vote of the senior
joint holder who tenders a vote, whether in person or by proxy, shall be
accepted to the exclusion of the votes of the other joint holders, and for
this purpose seniority shall be determined by the order in which the names
stand in the Register of Members in respect of the joint holding.
5. To be effective, the proxy form and the power of attorney or other
authority, if any, under which it is signed, or a notarially certified copy
of such power or authority must be deposited with the Company's Registrars,
Bank of Ireland, Registration Department, P.O. Box 4044, 4th Floor, Hume
House, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, Ireland not less than 48 hours before the time
appointed for the holding of the Annual General Meeting or adjourned Annual
General Meeting.
6. Any alterations made to this proxy form should be initialled.
7. On a poll a person entitled to more than one vote need not use all his,
her or its votes or cast all the votes he, she or it uses in the same way.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY FORM PROMPTLY
IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED.
<PAGE>
[X] PLEASE MARK VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE.
THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED OR, IF NO DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL
BE VOTED "FOR" EACH OF THE PROPOSALS SET FORTH BELOW AND AS SAID PROXIES DEEM
APPROPRIATE ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL
GENERAL MEETING, INCLUDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, CONSIDERATION FOR ANY MOTION
MADE FOR ADJOURNMENT OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, FOR PURPOSES OF SOLICITING ADDITIONAL VOTES FOR APPROVAL OF THE
PROPOSALS SET FORTH BELOW).
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN
ORDINARY BUSINESS --- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
1A) To re-elect Gregory M. Priest as a director of [_] [_] [_]
the Company.
1B) To re-elect John P. Hayes as a director [_] [_] [_]
of the Company.
2. To elect James S. Krzywicki as a director of the
Company.
3. To consider the Company's consolidated financial [_] [_] [_]
statements and the reports of the directors and
auditors for the year ended December 31, 1998.
4. To authorize the directors of the Company to [_] [_] [_]
fix the remuneration of the Company's auditors for the
year ending December 31, 1999.
SPECIAL BUSINESS
5. To amend the Company's Employee Share Purchase [_] [_] [_]
Plan to increase the total number of shares reserved
for issuance thereunder by 1,000,000 Ordinary Shares.
</TABLE>
Mark here if you plan [_] Mark here, and indicate [_]
to attend the Annual below, for a change of
General Meeting. address.
Please sign exactly as name appears below. When shares are held by joint
holders, the signature of any one of them will suffice, but the names of all
joint holders should be shown. When signing as attorney, as executor,
administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If a
corporation, this form must be executed either under its Common Seal or under
the hand of an officer or attorney duly authorized. If a partnership, please
sign in partnership name by authorized person.
Date: ____________________, 1999
Signature:________________________________
________________________________
(Print Name)
Date:_________________________ , 1999
Signature: _________________________
_________________________
(Print Name)
