DEF 14A
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
Filed by the Registrant þ
Filed by a Party other than the Registrant o
Check the appropriate box:
o Preliminary Proxy Statement
o Confidential, for Use
of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2))
þ Definitive Proxy Statement
o Definitive Additional Materials
o Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14A-12
NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
(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):
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
to be held on December 1, 2006
To the Shareholders of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Net 1 UEPS
Technologies, Inc., a Florida corporation, will be held at President Place, 4th Floor, Cnr. Jan
Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa on December 1, 2006 at 16h00,
local time, for the following purposes:
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To elect seven directors. |
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To consider a proposal to amend and restate our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan to increase
by 2,845,600 shares the number of shares issuable under the plan and to make other
administrative revisions. |
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To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche (South Africa) as our independent
registered public accounting firm for the 2007 fiscal year. |
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To act upon any other matter which may properly come before the annual meeting or any
adjournment or postponement of the meeting. |
Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on October 19, 2006 as the record date
for determining shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. A list of the
shareholders as of the record date will be available for inspection by shareholders at our
principal executive offices, which is located at President Place, 4th Floor, Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue
and Bolton Road, Rosebank Johannesburg, South Africa during business hours for a period of ten
days prior to the meeting.
Your attention is directed to our proxy statement and our annual report for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2006, both of which are enclosed with this proxy statement.
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The Board of Directors, |
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/s/ Serge Belamant |
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Chief Executive Officer,
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Chairman of the Board and Directors |
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Johannesburg, South Africa
November 1, 2006
WE CORDIALLY INVITE ALL SHAREHOLDERS TO ATTEND IN PERSON. HOWEVER, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU PLAN
TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, PLEASE PROMPTLY COMPLETE, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY
CARD IN THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED. IF YOU ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY CARD AND
VOTE IN PERSON.
NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
President Place, 4th Floor
Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road
Rosebank, Johannesburg
South Africa
PROXY STATEMENT
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING
General
This proxy statement is being furnished to shareholders of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc., a
Florida corporation, in connection with the solicitation by our Board of Directors, or the Board,
of proxies for use at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held at President Place, 4th Floor,
Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa on December 1, 2006 at
16h00, local time, and at any adjournment or postponement of the annual meeting.
Solicitation
We will bear the entire cost of the solicitation, including the preparation, assembly,
printing and mailing of this proxy statement, including the proxy card and any additional
solicitation materials furnished to our shareholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be
furnished to brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding shares in their names that are
beneficially owned by others so that they may forward this solicitation material to such beneficial
owners. We may reimburse these persons for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation
materials to beneficial owners. The original solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by
a solicitation by personal contacts, telephone, facsimile, electronic mail or any other means by
our directors, officers or employees. No additional compensation will be paid to these individuals
for these services. Except as described above, we do not presently intend to solicit proxies other
than by mail.
This proxy statement and the accompanying solicitation materials are being sent to our
shareholders on or about November 1, 2006.
Revocation of Proxies
You may revoke your proxy at any time prior to the close of the polls at 23h00, Johannesburg
time, on November 30, 2006 by (1) delivering a written notice of revocation or a duly executed
proxy with a later date by mail to our corporate secretary at Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.,
President Place, 4th Floor, Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South
Africa, or (2) attending the meeting and voting in person. If you hold shares through a bank or
brokerage firm, you must contact that firm to revoke any prior voting instructions. However, if
you are a shareholder whose shares are not registered in your own name, you will need documentation
from your record holder stating your ownership as of October 19, 2006 in order to vote personally
at the annual meeting.
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Record Date, Quorum and Voting Requirements
Each holder of shares of our common stock and special convertible preferred stock outstanding
on the close of business on October 19, 2006, the record date, is entitled to notice of and vote at
the annual meeting or any adjournment thereof. There were 50,429,385 shares of common stock and
6,499,259 shares of special convertible preferred stock outstanding on the record date. The
presence at the annual meeting, in person or by a proxy, of a majority of the total number of
outstanding shares of common stock and special convertible preferred stock, or 28,464,323 shares,
is necessary to constitute a quorum. Each share of common stock and special convertible preferred
stock is entitled to one vote on all matters to be acted upon at the annual meeting. The common
stock and the special convertible preferred stock vote together as one class. For purposes of the
quorum and the discussion below regarding the vote necessary to take shareholder action, holders of
record of common stock and special convertible preferred stock who are present at the annual
meeting in person or by proxy and who abstain, including brokers holding customers shares of
record who cause abstentions to be recorded at the annual meeting, are considered shareholders who
are present and entitled to vote and they count toward the quorum. In the event that there are not
sufficient votes for a quorum or to approve any proposal at the annual meeting, the annual meeting
may be adjourned in order to permit the further solicitation of proxies.
Brokers holding shares of record for customers generally are not entitled to vote on certain
matters unless they receive voting instructions from their customers. Broker non-votes mean the
votes that could have been cast on the matter in question if the brokers had received instructions
from their customers, and as to which the brokers have notified us on a proxy form in accordance
with industry practice or have otherwise advised us that they lack voting authority. Under the
rules that govern brokers who are voting with respect to shares held in a fiduciary capacity,
brokers have the discretion to vote shares on routine matters, but not on non-routine matters.
Routine matters include the election of directors, increases in authorized common stock for general
corporate purposes and ratification of auditors. Non-routine matters include amendments to stock
plans.
Broker non-votes are not considered shares entitled to vote on the matter and therefore will
not be taken into account in determining the outcome of the vote on the matter.
All outstanding shares of common stock and special convertible preferred stock represented by
valid and unrevoked proxies received in time for the annual meeting will be voted. Shares will be
voted as instructed in the accompanying proxy on each matter submitted to shareholders. A
shareholder may, with respect to the election of directors (1) vote for the election of the named
director nominees, (2) withhold authority to vote for all such director nominees or (3) vote for
the election of all such director nominees other than any nominee(s) with respect to whom the
shareholder withholds authority to vote by writing such nominees name on the proxy in the space
provided. A shareholder may, with respect to each other matter specified in the notice of meeting
(1) vote FOR the matter, (2) vote AGAINST the matter or (3) ABSTAIN from voting on the
matter. If no instructions are given on a properly completed and returned proxy, the shares will be
voted FOR the election of the named director nominees, FOR approval of the amendment and
restatement of our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan and FOR the ratification of the selection of Deloitte
& Touche (South Africa) as our independent registered public accounting firm.
Our seven nominees will be elected by a plurality of votes. Withholding a vote as to any
nominee is the equivalent of abstaining. In an uncontested election such as this, abstentions have
no effect, since approval by a specific percentage of the shares present or outstanding is not
required. With respect to the proposal to amend and restate our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the
affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of common stock and special convertible preferred
stock present in person or by proxy at the meeting and voting is required to approve the proposal.
Abstentions will have the same effect as a vote against the proposal. With respect to the proposal
to ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche (South Africa) as our independent registered public accounting firm, the proposal will be approved if
the votes cast in favor of the proposal exceed the number of votes cast against the proposal, and
abstentions will not be taken into account in determining the outcome of the vote on this proposal.
The Board knows of no additional matters that will be presented for consideration at the
annual meeting. Return of a valid proxy, however, confers on the designated proxy holders the
discretionary authority to vote the shares in accordance with their best judgment on such other
business, if any, that may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment or postponement
thereof. Proxies solicited hereby will be tabulated by inspectors of election designated by the
Board.
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PROPOSALS TO BE VOTED ON AT THE ANNUAL MEETING
PROPOSAL NO. 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The terms of office of each of our current directors will expire at the annual meeting, and at
such time as their successors shall be elected and qualified. The Board has determined to nominate
for re-election each of our current directors for a one-year term expiring at the annual meeting of
shareholders in 2007 and until their successors shall be duly elected and qualified.
The persons named in the enclosed proxy intend to vote properly executed and returned proxies
FOR the election of all nominees proposed by the Board unless authority to vote is withheld. In the
event that any nominee is unable or unwilling to serve, the persons named in the proxy will vote
for such substitute nominee or nominees as they, in their discretion, shall determine. The Board
has no reason to believe that any nominee named herein will be unable or unwilling to serve.
Set forth below is information concerning the director nominees named in this section.
The Board recommends that you vote FOR election of each of the following director nominees.
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Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant
53 Years Old
Director since 1997
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
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Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant has been a director since our inception in May 1997, our chief executive officer since
October 2000 and the chairman of our Board since February 2003. He has also been a director of our subsidiary,
Net 1 Applied Technologies South Africa Limited, or New Aplitec, since its inception in June 2004. From June 1997
until June 2004, Dr. Belamant served as chief executive officer and a director of Net 1 Applied Technology
Holdings, or Aplitec. From 1996 to 1997, Dr. Belamant served as a consultant in the development of Chip Off-Line
Pre-Authorized Card, which is a Visa product. From October 1989 to September 1995, Dr. Belamant served as the
managing director of Net 1 (Pty) Limited, a privately owned South African company specializing in the development
of advanced technologies in the field of transaction processing and payment systems. Dr. Belamant also serves on
the boards of a number of other companies that perform welfare distribution services and the provision of
microfinance to customers. Dr. Belamant spent ten years working as a computer scientist for Control Data
Corporation where he won a number of international awards. Later, he was responsible for the design, development,
implementation and operation of the Saswitch ATM network in South Africa that rates today as the third largest ATM
switching system in the world. Dr. Belamant has patented a number of inventions besides the FTS ranging from
biometrics to gaming-related inventions. Dr. Belamant has more than 26 years of experience in the fields of
operations research, security, biometrics, artificial intelligence and online and offline transaction processing
systems. Dr. Belamant holds a PhD in Information Technology and Management. |
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Herman Gideon Kotze
37 Years Old
Director Since 2004
Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
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Herman Gideon Kotze has been a director on our Board and our secretary, treasurer and chief financial officer
since June 2004. Mr. Kotze is a member of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and joined Aplitec
in November 1998 as a strategic financial analyst. He has also been a director of New Aplitec since June 2004.
From January 2000 until June 2004, he served on the board of Aplitec as Group Financial Director. Mr. Kotze
served his articles from 1993 to 1997 at KPMG in Pretoria, South Africa, where he was the audit manager for
several major corporations in the manufacturing, mining, retail and financial services industries. During 1998, he
joined the Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa Limited, or IDC, as a business analyst. His main
duties at the IDC were the evaluation and investigation of ventures requiring funding from the IDC, from small
manufacturing concerns to huge multinational projects, as well as the structuring and implementation of loan and
equity products for these concerns. |
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Christopher Stefan Seabrooke
53 Years Old
Director Since 2005
Chief Executive Officer of Sabvest Limited
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Christopher Stefan Seabrooke was appointed to our Board in January 2005. Mr. Seabrooke is the chief executive
officer of Sabvest Limited, an investment and finance group listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa. He
is also the non-executive chairman of Massmart Holdings Limited, Metrofile Holdings Limited, and Set Point
Technology Holdings Limited and a non-executive director of Datatec Limited and Primedia Limited all of which are
listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa. Mr. Seabrooke has served on the boards of more than 20 listed
companies. Mr. Seabrooke is a member of The Institute of Directors in South Africa. Formerly, he was the chairman
of the South African State Theater and the deputy chairman of each of the National Arts Council and the Board of
Business and Arts South Africa. Mr. Seabrooke has degrees in Economics and Accounting from the University of
Natal and an MBA from the University of Witwatersrand. |
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Antony Charles Ball
47 Years Old
Director since 2004
Chief Executive Officer of Brait Group
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Antony Charles Ball was appointed to our Board in June 2004. Mr. Ball has been the chief executive officer of the
Brait Group, or Brait, since March 2000 and, as of June 1, 2005, Mr. Ball became Braits executive chairman. Mr.
Ball has led the raising and governance of Braits private equity funds and is responsible for a number of
Braits private equity investments. Prior to assuming his current position at Brait, Mr. Ball served as joint
deputy chairman of the Brait Group from 1998 to March 2000. Prior to joining Brait, Mr. Ball was the chief
executive of Capital Partners, which was the predecessor company to Brait and which pioneered the private equity
market in South Africa, from 1991 to 1998. Mr. Ball began his career with Deloitte & Touche Consulting
(1986-1991), where he co-founded its Strategy Group. Mr. Ball is a member of the board of Brait S.A. and its
subsidiaries, and of New Aplitec. Mr. Ball has been designated as a director by South African Private Equity Fund
III, L.P., an affiliate of Brait, or SAPEF, pursuant to a contractual arrangement. |
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Alasdair J. K. Pein
46 Years Old
Director Since 2005
Director of Southern Cross Capital UK Limited
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Alasdair Jonathan Kemsley Pein was appointed to our Board in February 2005. Mr. Pein is a director of Southern
Cross Capital UK Limited, which manages investment funds for Brenthurst Limited, an investment holding company
for the Oppenheimer family interests. From 1994-2002, Mr. Pein was President and CEO of Task (USA), Inc., a New
York based investment company. Mr. Pein also serves as a director of Arsenal Digital. Between 1989 and 1994, Mr.
Pein worked in London for Bankers Trust International mergers and acquisitions team and then at Gilbert Eliot
Corporate Finance. Mr. Pein is a qualified South African chartered accountant and completed his articles with
Deloitte & Touche, (South Africa) in Johannesburg in 1987. Mr. Pein has been designated as a director by SAPEF
pursuant to a contractual arrangement. |
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Paul Edwards
52 Years Old
Director Since 2005
Executive Chairman of Merryn Capital
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Paul Edwards was appointed to our Board in July 2005. Mr. Edwards is the executive chairman of Merryn Capital, a
privately-owned financial services group. From 2002 to 2005, Mr. Edwards was executive chairman of Chartwell
Capital Group. In January 2005, Mr. Edwards was appointed non-executive chairman of Starcomms, a Nigerian
telecommunications operator. Prior to that, Mr. Edwards was the chief executive officer of MTN Group, a
pan-African mobile operator. Between 1999 and 2001, Mr. Edwards was the chief executive officer of the Johnnic
Group in South Africa, of which the MTN Group was a subsidiary. Between 1995 and 1999, Mr. Edwards was the chief
operating officer of MEASAT Broadcast Network, a Malaysian-based regional pay television operator. Between 1993
and 1995, Mr. Edwards was executive vice president of satellite television broadcaster Star TV, based out of Hong
Kong. Between 1989 and 1993, Mr. Edwards was chief executive officer of Multichoice, Africas leading pay
television operator. Mr. Edwards has a BSc and an MBA from the University of Cape Town. |
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Florian P. Wendelstadt
39 Years Old
Director Since 2005
Managing Director of General Atlantic LLC
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Florian P. Wendelstadt was appointed to our Board in August 2005. Mr. Wendelstadt has been a Managing Director of
General Atlantic LLC, or GA, a global private equity firm that provides capital for growth companies driven by
information technology or intellectual property since December 2000, and has been with GA since 1997. Mr.
Wendelstadt also serves as a director of Liberata Limited and Saxo Bank A/S. Mr. Wendelstadt has a BA in Economics
from Passau University in Germany and an MBA from the European School of Management. Mr. Wendelstadt serves as a
director on our Board pursuant to a contractual arrangement between us and investment entities affiliated with GA
pursuant to which GA is entitled to designate one person to serve on our Board. |
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Information Regarding the Board and Board Committees
Board. Our Board held meetings on six occasions during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006.
Each director attended or participated in more than 75% of the aggregate number of meetings of the
Board and meetings of those committees of the Board on which such director served during the year.
It is our policy to have each director attend the meetings of shareholders. Four of our directors
attended last years annual meeting. The Board has concluded that Messrs. Seabrooke, Pein, Edwards
and Wendelstadt are independent as defined under Nasdaq Rule 4350(c) and under Rule 10A-3(b)(1)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, as that term relates to membership
on the Board and the various Board committees. Mr. Ball is an independent director as defined
under Nasdaq rules but is not eligible to serve on our audit committee, under Rule 10A-3(b)(1). The
Board has established an audit committee, a remuneration committee and a nominating and corporate
governance committee. The Board has adopted a charter for each of these committees, copies of
which are available on our website at www.net1ueps.com or upon request made by mail to our
corporate secretary at Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc., President Place, 4th Floor, Cnr.
Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa or by telephone to our
Investor Relations Department at (604) 484-8750.
Audit Committee. The audit committee consists of Messrs. Seabrooke, Pein and Edwards. The
Board has determined that Mr. Seabrooke is an audit committee financial expert as that term is
defined in applicable SEC rules, and that all three members meet Nasdaqs financial literacy
criteria. The audit committee held nine meetings during the 2006 fiscal year. The audit committee
was established by the Board for the primary purpose of overseeing or assisting the Board in
overseeing the following:
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the integrity of our financial statements; |
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our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements; |
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the qualifications and independence of our independent auditors; |
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the performance of our independent auditors and of the internal audit function; and |
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our systems and disclosure controls and procedures, internal controls over financial
reporting and compliance with ethical standards adopted by us. |
The audit committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board, which is available
without charge on our website, www.net1ueps.com.
Remuneration Committee. The remuneration committee consists of Messrs. Pein, Seabrooke and
Ball. The remuneration committee held three meetings during the 2006 fiscal year. If Messrs.
Edwards and Wendelstadt are re-elected at the annual meeting, they will become members of the
remuneration committee. The remuneration committee reviews and makes recommendations to the Board
regarding the following matters:
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development and implementation of our compensation policies, strategies, plans and
programs, and disclosure relating to these matters; |
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administration of our stock option, stock incentive and other equity compensation plans; |
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compensation-related matters outside the ordinary course, including employment
contracts, change-in-control provisions and severance arrangements; |
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compensation of our chief executive officer including the review and approval of
relevant performance goals and objectives and the evaluation of the performance of the
chief executive officer in light of those goals and objectives; |
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compensation of our other executive officers of our subsidiaries and the remuneration
of our Board ; and |
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performance reviews of individual executives and related matters. |
The remuneration committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board, which is
available without charge on our website, www.net1ueps.com.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The nominating and corporate governance
committee consists of Messrs. Seabrooke, Pein, Ball, and Edwards. The Board has determined that
each of the members of the committee is independent in accordance with applicable Nasdaq rules.
The nominating and corporate governance committee held one meeting during the 2006 fiscal year. If
Mr.. Wendelstadt is re-elected at the annual meeting, he will become a member of the nominating
and corporate government committee. The principal duties and responsibilities of the nominating and
corporate governance committee are as follows:
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monitor the composition, size and independence of the Board; |
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establish criteria for Board and committee membership and recommend to our Board
proposed nominees for election to the Board and for membership on each committee of the
Board; |
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monitor our procedures for the receipt and consideration of director nominations by
shareholders and other persons and for the receipt of shareholder communications directed
to our Board; |
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make recommendations regarding proposals submitted by our shareholders; |
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establish and monitor procedures by which the Board will conduct, at least annually,
evaluations of its performance; |
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develop and monitor compliance with our corporate governance guidelines; and |
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make recommendations to the Board regarding management succession planning and
corporate governance best practices. |
The nominating and corporate governance committee operates under a written charter adopted by
the Board, which is available without charge on our website, www.net1ueps.com.
Nominations Process and Director Qualifications
The nominating and corporate governance committee reviews with the Board the skills and
characteristics required of Board members. The committee will consider a candidates independence,
as well as the perceived needs of the Board and the candidates background, skills, business
experience and expected contributions. At a minimum, members of the Board must possess the highest
professional ethics, integrity and values, and be committed to representing the long-term interests
of our shareholders. They must also have an inquisitive and objective perspective, practical
wisdom and mature judgment. The committee may also take into account the benefits of diverse
viewpoints, as well as the benefits of constructive working relationships among directors.
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The nominating and corporate governance committee also reviews and determines whether existing
members of the Board should stand for re-election, taking into consideration matters relating to
the number of terms served by individual directors and the changing needs of the Board.
The nominating and corporate governance committee utilizes a variety of methods for
identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The committee regularly assesses the appropriate
composition, size and independence of the Board, and whether any vacancies are expected due to
change in employment or otherwise. In the event that vacancies are anticipated, or otherwise
arise, the committee considers various potential candidates for director. Candidates are evaluated
at regular or special meetings of the nominating and corporate governance committee, and may be
considered at any point during the year. The committee will consider shareholder recommendations
for candidates for the Board that are properly submitted in accordance with our by-laws in the same
manner it considers nominees from other sources. In evaluating such recommendations, the committee
will use the qualifications standards described above and will seek to achieve a balance of
knowledge, experience and capability on the Board.
Shareholder Communications with the Board
Any shareholder who wishes to communicate directly with the Board may do so via mail or
facsimile, addressed as follows:
Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.
Board of Directors
President Place, 4th Floor
Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road
Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
Fax: 27 11 880 7080
The corporate secretary shall transmit any communication to the Board as soon as practicable
upon receipt, unless there are safety or security concerns that mitigate against further
transmission. The Board, or individual director(s), as applicable, shall be advised of any
communication as soon as practicable. Absent safety or security concerns, the corporate secretary
shall relay all communications, without any other screening for content.
Corporate Governance Guidelines
The Board has adopted a set of corporate governance guidelines. We will continue to monitor
our corporate governance guidelines and adopt changes as necessary to comply with rules adopted by
the SEC and Nasdaq, and to comport with industry practice. This will include comparing our existing
policies and practices to policies and practices suggested by various groups or authorities active
in corporate governance and the practices of other public companies. A copy of our corporate
governance guidelines is available on our website at www.net1ueps.com.
Code of Ethics
The Board has adopted a written code of ethics, a copy of which is available upon request made
either by mail to our corporate secretary at Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc., President Place,
4th Floor, Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa
or by telephone to our Investor Relations Department at (604) 484-8750. We require all directors,
officers, employees, contractors, consultants and temporary staff to adhere to this code in
addressing the legal and ethical issues encountered in conducting their work. Our code of ethics
requires avoidance of conflicts of interest, compliance with all laws and other legal requirements,
conduct of business in an honest and ethical
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manner, integrity and actions in our best interest. Directors, officers and employees are
required to report any conduct that they believe in good faith to be an actual or apparent
violation of the code. A copy of our code of ethics is available on our website at
www.net1ueps.com. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires companies to have procedures to receive,
retain and treat complaints received regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing
matters and to allow for the confidential and anonymous submission by employees of concerns
regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. We currently have such procedures in place.
Compensation of Directors
Directors who are also officers of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. do not receive separate
directors fees. Mr. Seabrooke receives annual compensation of ZAR 500,000 (USD68,775) for his
services as a non-executive director. Mr. Edwards receives annual compensation of ZAR375,000
(USD51,581) for his services as non-executive director. All compensation is calculated at
$1=ZAR7.2701, the exchange rate as of June 30, 2006. We reimburse our directors for out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at our Board meetings.
-9-
PROPOSAL NO. 2: APPROVE THE AMENDMENT AND RESTATEMENT OF OUR 2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
We believe that stock options and other stock-based awards are a fundamental element in our
compensation program because they emphasize long-term company performance, as measured by creation
of shareholder value, and foster a commonality of interest between shareholders and employees.
Going forward, there are no shares available for such awards under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan of
Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries (the Stock Incentive Plan). All of the shares
initially approved by our shareholders in 2004 for issuance under the Stock Incentive Plan were
allocated, as then contemplated, to awards issued in conjunction with the Aplitec acquisition. So
that we may continue this important element of our compensation program, we are asking our
shareholders to approve an amendment and restatement of the Stock Incentive Plan adopted by our
Board to add 2,845,600 shares to the number of shares issuable under the plan and to make other
administrative revisions described below. The following description summarizes the material terms
of the Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated, but is qualified in its entirety by reference
to the full text of the amended and restated Stock Incentive Plan, which is set forth as Exhibit A
to this proxy statement.
General
The Stock Incentive Plan permits grants of awards to our employees, directors and consultants
in the form of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights,
limited stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance-based awards and other awards
based on our common stock.
The Stock Incentive Plan, as it was initially adopted and approved by our shareholders in
2004, provided for the issuance of up to 2,906,980 shares (as adjusted to reflect the reverse stock
split effectuated on June 13, 2005) of our common stock. As of October 19, 2006, no shares remain
available for grant under the Stock Incentive Plan, although shares underlying outstanding options
that are subsequently forfeited or expire without exercise will restore to the Stock Incentive Plan
and be available for future grants.
In June 2006, the Board amended the Stock Incentive Plan to address certain ministerial
matters. That amendment, which did not require shareholder approval, expanded the methods by which
participants may exercise stock options and clarified the definition of fair market value as it
relates to shares of our common stock.
On August 24, 2006, the Board adopted several further modifications to the Stock Incentive
Plan, which are reflected in the amendment and restatement of the Stock Incentive Plan that we are
asking our shareholders to approve at the annual meeting. The amendment and restatement of the
Stock Incentive Plan incorporates the ministerial matters described above, and increases the number
of shares issuable under the Stock Incentive Plan by 2,845,600 shares, which represents
approximately five percent of the aggregate number of outstanding shares of our common stock and
special convertible preferred stock as of August 24, 2006. Therefore, the number of shares issuable
under the Stock Incentive Plan will increase from 2,906,980 to 5,752,580 shares. In addition, the
remuneration committee determined that it is desirable to set the exercise price of future grants
of stock options using the 30-day weighted average trading price prior to the date of grant. The
Board added this weighted average pricing mechanism to the definition of fair market value under
the amendment and restatement of the Stock Incentive Plan.
-10-
We believe the Stock Incentive Plan is an essential component of our compensation program. It
plays an important role in enabling us to recruit and retain employees, directors and consultants
of outstanding ability and to motivate such employees, directors and consultants to exert their
best efforts on behalf of our company and its affiliates by providing incentives through the
granting of stock-based awards. We believe that we and our shareholders benefit from the added
interest which such employees, directors and consultants have in the welfare of our company as a
result of their proprietary interest in our success. Without shareholder approval of this proposal,
we will not be able to continue this component of our compensation program because the shares
available for awards under the Stock Incentive Plan have been exhausted. For these reasons we
believe it is critically important that the shareholders approve the amended and restated Stock
Incentive Plan.
Administration
The Stock Incentive Plan provides that it may be administered by the Board or by such
committee as the board may designate from time to time. The Board has designated the remuneration
committee as the committee responsible for administering the Stock Incentive Plan. The committee
may delegate its duties and powers in whole or in part to any subcommittee thereof, which committee
shall consist, unless otherwise determined by the board, (i) during any period that we are subject
to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, solely of at least two individuals who are intended to qualify
as Non-Employee Directors within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act (or any
successor rule thereto) and (ii) during any period that the company is subject to Section 162(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, or the Code, solely of outside directors within the meaning of
Section 162(m) of the Code (or any successor section thereto). The committee will determine who
will receive awards under the Stock Incentive Plan, as well as the form of the awards, the number
of shares underlying the awards, and the terms and conditions of the awards consistent with the
terms of the Stock Incentive Plan. Awards may, in the discretion of the committee, be made under
the Stock Incentive Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously
granted by us or our affiliates or a company acquired by us or with which we combine. The number of
shares underlying such substitute awards shall be counted against the aggregate number of shares
available for awards under the Stock Incentive Plan. The committee is authorized to interpret the
Stock Incentive Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and regulations relating to the
Stock Incentive Plan, and to make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for
the administration of the Stock Incentive Plan. The committee also may correct any defect, supply
any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in the Stock Incentive Plan in the manner and to the
extent that the committee deems it necessary or desirable. The committee shall require payment of
any amount it may determine to be necessary to withhold for federal, state, local or other taxes as
a result of the exercise, grant or vesting of an award.
Limitations
No award may be granted under the Stock Incentive Plan after June 7, 2014, but awards granted
before that date may extend beyond that date.
Shares Reserved for Awards and Limits on Awards
The total number of shares of our common stock available under the Stock Incentive Plan will
be 5,752,580. Shares covered by awards that expire, terminate or lapse without payment will again
be available for the grant of awards under the Stock Incentive Plan, as well as shares that are
used by the holder to pay withholding taxes or as payment for the exercise price of an award, if
permitted by the committee. The maximum number of shares for which stock options and stock
appreciation rights, or for which other stock-based awards may be granted during a calendar year to
any participant is 569,120 shares. The shares may consist, in whole or in part, of authorized but
unissued shares or treasury shares.
-11-
The number and kind of shares of common stock issued or reserved pursuant to the Stock
Incentive Plan or outstanding awards, the maximum number of shares issuable pursuant to awards, the
exercise price for awards, and other affected terms of awards, will be adjusted on account of stock
splits, stock dividends, reorganizations, recapitalizations, mergers, consolidations, spin-offs and
other corporate events.
In the event of certain corporate events, including stock sales, mergers, and sales of
substantial assets, the committee may, but shall not be obligated to, cancel outstanding awards for
fair value, waive vesting requirements, provide for the issuance of substitute awards, and/or
provide that, for a period of time prior to such corporate event, options will be exercisable for
all shares subject to the option and that upon the occurrence of the corporate event the options
will terminate.
Type of Awards
Stock Options
The Stock Incentive Plan permits the committee to grant employees incentive stock options,
which qualify for special tax treatment in the United States, and permits the committee to grant
employees, directors and consultants non-statutory stock options. The committee will establish the
duration of each option at the time it is granted. The maximum duration of an incentive stock
option is ten years after the date of grant. The committee will establish the exercise price of
each option at the time it is granted. The exercise price of a stock option may not be less than
the fair market value, as defined in the Stock Incentive Plan, of the underlying common stock on
the date of grant. As of October 19, 2006, the market value of our common stock as reported on the
Nasdaq Global Select Market was $25.52. The committee may establish vesting and performance
requirements that must be met prior to the exercise of options. Unless otherwise determined by the
committee, stock options will vest ratably (20%), on an annual basis, over a period of five years,
commencing with the first anniversary of the grant date.
The exercise price of stock options may be paid in cash or cash equivalent by the holder.
Stock option grants may include provisions that permit the option holder, to the extent permitted
by the committee, to exercise all or part of the holders vested options, or to satisfy withholding
tax liabilities, by tendering shares of our common stock owned by the option holder, including
shares deliverable upon exercise of the option, with a fair market value equal to the exercise
price and tax withholding liabilities, or by tendering a promissory note in such form as the
committee may specify that bears a market rate of interest and is fully recourse. Stock option
grants also may include provisions that permit the option holder, to the extent permitted by the
committee and only if there is a public market for the shares, to exercise all or part of the
holders vested options through a cashless exercise procedure, which requires the delivery of
irrevocable instructions to a broker to sell the shares obtained upon exercise of the option and
deliver promptly to the company the proceeds of the sale equal to the exercise price of the common
stock being purchased.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The committee also may grant stock appreciation rights, either singly or in tandem with
underlying stock options. Stock appreciation rights entitle the holder upon exercise to receive an
amount in any combination of cash or shares of our common stock (as determined by the committee)
equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of the shares covered by the right over the
grant price. The committee may also grant limited stock appreciation rights that are exercisable
upon the occurrence of specified contingent events. Such awards may provide for a different method
of determining appreciation, may specify that payment will be made only in cash and may provide
that any related awards are not exercisable while such limited stock appreciation rights are exercisable.
-12-
Other Stock-Based Awards
The Stock Incentive Plan also permits the committee to grant awards that are valued by
reference to, or otherwise based on the fair market value of, our common stock. These awards will
be in such form and subject to such conditions, as the committee may determine, including the
satisfaction of performance goals, the completion of periods of service or the occurrence of
events.
Eligibility
Incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, limited stock
appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance-based awards and other awards based on our
common stock may be granted under the Stock Incentive Plan to employees, directors and consultants
of our company or its affiliates. In addition, these awards may be granted to prospective service
providers in connection with written offers of employment, provided that no award may be exercised
prior to such persons commencement of service. As of October 19, 2006, we had approximately 2,054
employees, including four executive officers and five non-executive directors, who were eligible
under the Stock Incentive Plan. While any eligible person may be granted non-statutory stock
options, only employees may be granted incentive stock options.
The following table reflects, as of October 19, 2006, awards that have been allocated to each
director, executive officer or employee under the Stock Incentive Plan at this time and which are
contingent upon approval of this proposal by our shareholders.
New Plan Benefits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock Incentive Plan |
|
|
Dollar Value |
|
Number of |
Name and Position |
|
($)(4) |
|
Options |
Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant, Chief Executive Officer,
Chairman of the Board and Director |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
80,000 |
|
Herman G. Kotze, Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer, Secretary and Director |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
35,000 |
|
Brenda Stewart, Senior Vice President Marketing
and Sales |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
25,000 |
|
Nitin Soma, Senior Vice President Information
Technology |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
20,000 |
|
Executive Group (1) |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
Non-Executive Director Group (2) |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Non-Executive Officer Employee Group (3) |
|
|
n/a |
|
|
|
409,120 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
All current executive officers as a group. |
|
(2) |
|
All current directors who are not executive officers as a group. |
|
(3) |
|
All employees, including all current officers who are not executive officers, as a group. |
|
(4) |
|
The options have a $22.51 per share exercise price. The dollar value of the options is
indeterminable until the annual meeting date, at which date, if this proposal is approved, we will
determine the fair value of the options for financial reporting purposes using an appropriate
option valuation model. |
-13-
Options Granted to Certain Persons
The aggregate number of shares of common stock subject to options and other stock-based
awards granted to certain persons under the Stock Incentive Plan since its inception are as
follows: Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board and Director, 416,667 shares; Herman
G. Kotze, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, Secretary and Director, 416,667 shares; Brenda
Stewart, Senior Vice President Marketing and Sales, 416,667 shares; and Nitin Soma, Senior Vice
President Information Technology, 333,333 shares; all current executive officers as a group, an
aggregate of 1,583,334 shares; all current directors who are not executive officers as a group, an
aggregate of 166,668 shares; and all employees, including current officers who are not executive
officers, as a group, an aggregate of 1,156,978 shares. The
aforementioned number of shares does not
include the contingent option grants that are reflected in the New Plan Benefits table above. Since
its inception, no options have been granted under the Stock Incentive Plan to any other nominee for
election as a director, or any associate of any such director, nominee or executive officer, and no
other person has been granted five percent or more of the total amount of options granted under the
Stock Incentive Plan.
Performance Standards and Section 162(m)
Performance criteria for performance-based awards under the Stock Incentive Plan may relate to
any combination of the total corporation, a subsidiary, and/or any business unit. Performance
targets may be set at a specific level or may be expressed relative to measures at comparison
companies or a defined index. The committee will establish specific targets for recipients.
In general, Section 162(m) of the Code prevents the deductibility for U.S. income tax purposes
of compensation in excess of one million dollars paid in any taxable year to an individual who on
the last day of that year is the companys chief executive officer or is among its four other most
highly compensated executive officers, except that a deduction may be taken for compensation that
qualifies as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m). Options granted at fair market
value ordinarily satisfy the performance-based requirements of
Section 162(m), if shareholder
disclosure and approval requirements are met. If restricted stock or performance-based awards are
intended to satisfy Section 162(m) deductibility requirements, payments under such awards must be
conditioned on attainment of pre-established objective performance measures that have been
established and certified by a committee of outside directors and approved by shareholders. The
performance criteria under the Stock Incentive Plan include: consolidated earnings before or after
taxes, net income, operating income, earnings per share, book value per share, return on
shareholders equity, expense management, return on investment, improvements in capital structure,
profitability of an identifiable business unit or product, maintenance or improvement of profit
margins, stock price, market share, revenues or sales, costs, cash flow, working capital, and
return on assets. The maximum amount of a performance-based award that may be granted during a
calendar year to any participant is: (i) with respect to performance-based awards that are options,
569,120 shares, and (ii) with respect to performance-based awards that are not options, $20.0
million.
Transferability
Unless otherwise determined by the committee, awards may not be transferred or assigned by the
holder otherwise than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
Amendment
The Board may amend the Stock Incentive Plan at any time, provided that no amendment will be
made without the consent of the affected holder that diminishes the rights of the holder of any
award, and except that the board may amend the Stock Incentive Plan in such manner as it deems
necessary to permit awards to meet the requirements of the Code or other applicable laws. No
amendment to the Stock Incentive Plan by our Board may be made without the approval of shareholders
if it would increase the total number of shares reserved for issuance under the Stock Incentive
Plan or change the maximum
number of shares for which awards may be granted to participants, except for such changes in
accordance with the Stock Incentive Plans adjustment provisions described above.
-14-
United States Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following discussion of the United States federal income tax consequences relating to the
Stock Incentive Plan is based on present United States federal tax laws and regulations and does
not purport to be a complete description of the United States federal tax laws. Participants may
also be subject to certain U.S. state and local taxes and non-U.S. taxes, which are not described
below.
When a non-statutory stock option is granted, there are generally no U.S. income tax
consequences for the option holder or the company. When a non-statutory stock option is exercised,
in general, the option holder recognizes compensation equal to the excess, if any, of the fair
market value of the underlying class of common stock on the date of exercise over the exercise
price. The company is entitled to a deduction equal to the compensation recognized by the option
holder.
When an incentive stock option is granted, there are no U.S. income tax consequences for the
option holder or the company. When an incentive stock option is exercised, the option holder does
not recognize income and the company does not receive a deduction. The option holder, however, must
treat the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the underlying class of common stock on the
date of exercise over the exercise price as an item of adjustment for purposes of the alternative
minimum tax. If the option holder disposes of the shares after the option holder has held them for
at least two years after the incentive stock option was granted and one year after the incentive
stock option was exercised, the amount the option holder receives upon the disposition over the
exercise price is treated as long-term capital gain to the option holder. The company is not
entitled to a deduction. If the option holder makes a disqualifying disposition of the stock by
disposing of the stock before the stock has been held for the holding periods described above, the
option holder generally recognizes compensation income equal to the excess, if any, of (1) the fair
market value of the stock on the date of exercise, or, if less, the amount received on the
disposition, over (2) the exercise price. The company is entitled to a deduction equal to the
compensation recognized by the option holder.
When a stock appreciation right is granted, there are no U.S. income tax consequences for the
participant or the company. When a stock appreciation right is exercised, in general, the
participant recognizes compensation equal to the cash and/or the fair market value of the stock
received on exercise. The company is entitled to a deduction equal to the compensation recognized
by the participant.
In general, other types of awards that may be issued under the Stock Incentive Plan are
taxable to the holder upon receipt, except that awards of restricted stock are taxable to the
holder on the date the shares vest, or on the date of receipt if the individual makes an election
under Section 83(b) of the Code.
The Board recommends a vote FOR approval of the amendment and restatement of the Stock
Incentive Plan.
-15-
PROPOSAL NO. 3: RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The audit committee of our Board has selected the firm of Deloitte & Touche (South Africa), or
Deloitte, to serve as independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending June
30, 2007. A representative of Deloitte is expected to be present at the annual meeting. Such
representative will have an opportunity to make a statement if he or she desires to do so and is
expected to be available
to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders. Deloitte currently serves as our
independent registered public accounting firm.
We are asking our shareholders to ratify the selection of Deloitte as our independent
registered public accounting firm. Although ratification is not required by our by-laws or
otherwise, the Board is submitting the selection of Deloitte to our shareholders for ratification
as a matter of good corporate practice. In the event our shareholders fail to ratify the
appointment, the audit committee may reconsider this appointment. Even if the selection is
ratified, the audit committee in its discretion may select a different registered public accounting
firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in our best interests
and the best interests of our shareholders.
The Board recommends a vote FOR ratification of Deloitte.
-16-
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH
ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
On June 7, 2004, we completed, from a legal perspective, the acquisition of Aplitec.
Subsequent to the completion of the acquisition, 99.2% of Aplitecs shareholders elected the
reinvestment option as of June 28, 2004. As a result, Aplitec was deemed to be the accounting
acquirer of us. From an accounting perspective, June 28, 2004 is considered to be the consummation
date of the reverse acquisition, as this was the date when the accounting acquirer could be
identified. Therefore, Aplitecs historical financial statements became our historical financial
statements as of June 28, 2004. On July 12, 2004, our Board decided to dismiss Manning Elliot,
Chartered Accountants as our independent auditors and engage Deloitte to serve as our independent
auditors for the year ending June 30, 2004. Our Board decided not to retain PKF (Jhb) Inc., or
PKF, the independent auditors of Aplitec.
The reports of Manning Elliott on the financial statements of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.
for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of
opinion and were not qualified as to audit scope or accounting principles. The audit reports
contained a modification expressing substantial doubt about Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.s ability
to continue as a going concern. This modification was attributable to the circumstances that Net 1
UEPS Technologies, Inc. had limited revenues and suffered recurring losses from operations.
In connection with the audit for the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and in
connection with Manning Elliotts review of the subsequent interim period preceding dismissal on
March 31, 2004, there have been no disagreements between the Company and Manning Elliott on any
matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statements disclosure, or auditing scope or
procedure, which would have caused Manning Elliott to make a reference thereto in its report on Net
1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.s financial statements for these fiscal years and through July 12, 2004.
During the three fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and prior to July 12, 2004, Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. had
no reportable events, as listed in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of SEC Regulation S-K.
PKF audited Aplitecs financial statements for the two years ended June 30, 2003 and 2002.
PKFs reports on Aplitecs consolidated financial statements for the 2003 and 2002 fiscal years did
not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principles, except as noted therein with regards to the
segment report and earnings per share disclosures.
During Aplitecs 2003 and 2002 fiscal years and through June 28, 2004, there were no
disagreements with PKF on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement
disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure which, if not resolved to PKFs satisfaction, would have
caused PKF to make reference to the subject matter in connection with PKFs report on Aplitecs
consolidated financial statements for such years, and there were no reportable events, as listed in
Item 304(a)(1)(v) of SEC Regulation S-K.
Prior to July 12, 2004, Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. did not consult with Deloitte regarding
(1) the application of the accounting principles, or (2) the type of audit opinion that might be
rendered by Deloitte. However, Deloitte was engaged by Aplitec to advise on the application of
accounting principles regarding (1) the factors relevant to the identification of the accounting
acquirer in the proposed transaction, pursuant to which we, through New Aplitec, would acquire
substantially all of the assets and liabilities of Aplitec, and (2) the classification of certain
securities issued by New Aplitec (as part of the proposed transaction referred to above) as either
equity or liability in our consolidated financial statements if Aplitec were to be the accounting
acquirer. During Aplitecs 2003 and 2002 fiscal years and through June 28, 2004, Aplitec did not
consult Deloitte with respect to the application of accounting
principles to any other specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of
audit opinion that might be rendered on our consolidated financial statements, or any other matters
or reportable events listed in Items 304(a)(2)(i) and (ii) of SEC Regulation S-K.
-17-
AUDIT AND NON-AUDIT FEES
The following table shows the fees that we paid or accrued for the audit and other services
provided by Deloitte for the years ended June 30, 2006 and 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year ended June 30, |
|
|
2006 |
|
2005 |
|
|
$ 000 |
|
$ 000 |
Audit Fees |
|
|
1,529 |
|
|
|
838 |
|
Audit-Related Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tax Fees |
|
|
22 |
|
|
|
165 |
|
All Other Fees |
|
|
|
|
|
|
169 |
|
Audit Fees This category includes the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements,
review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002 required audit of managements assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting and the auditors independent audit of internal control over financial
reporting, and the services that an independent auditor would customarily provide in connection
with subsidiary audits, statutory requirements, regulatory filings, and similar engagements for the
fiscal year, such as comfort letters, attest services, consents, and assistance with review of
documents filed with the SEC. This category also includes advice on audit and accounting matters
that arose during, or as a result of, the audit or the review of interim financial statements.
Audit-Related Fees This category consists of assurance and related services by the
independent registered public accounting firm that are reasonably related to the performance of the
audit or review of our financial statements and are not reported above under Audit Fees. There
were no such fees paid in the years ended June 30, 2006 or 2005.
Tax Fees This category consists of professional services rendered by Deloitte for tax
compliance and tax advice. The services for the fees disclosed under this category include tax
return review and technical tax advice.
All Other Fees There were no such fees paid in the year ended June 30, 2006. For the year
ended June 30, 2005, this category consists of fees related to Deloittes involvement with our
registration statement related to our August 2005 public offering and Nasdaq listing and other
miscellaneous items.
Pre-Approval of Non-Audit Services
Pursuant to our audit committee charter, our audit committee reviews and pre-approves both
audit and non-audit services to be provided by our independent auditors. The authority to grant
pre-approvals of non-audit services may be delegated to one or more designated members of the audit
committee whose decisions will be presented to the full audit committee at its next regularly
scheduled meeting. During fiscal 2006, all of the audit, audit-related, tax and other services
provided by Deloitte with respect to fiscal year 2006 were pre-approved by the Board and, after
constitution, the audit committee.
-18-
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
The audit committee of the Board consists of three independent directors, as required by the
Nasdaq listing standards. The audit committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board
and available on the companys website at www.net1ueps.com. The audit committee is responsible for
overseeing our financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. The members of the audit
committee are Messrs. Seabrooke, Pein and Edwards. The committee selects, subject to shareholder
ratification, our independent registered public accounting firm.
Management is responsible for our financial statements and the financial reporting process,
including internal controls. The independent registered public accounting firm is responsible for
performing an independent audit of our consolidated financial statements in accordance with
auditing standards generally accepted in the United States and of our internal control over
financial reporting and for issuing a report thereon. The committees responsibility is to monitor
and oversee these processes.
In this context, the audit committee has met and held discussions with management and Deloitte
& Touche (South Africa), or Deloitte, our independent registered public accounting firm. Management
represented to the audit committee that the consolidated financial statements were prepared in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and the committee
reviewed and discussed the consolidated financial statements with management and Deloitte. The
audit committee discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed by Statement on
Auditing Standards No. 61 (Codification of Statements of Auditing Standards AU §380), as may be
modified or supplemented). These matters included a discussion of Deloittes judgments about the
quality (not just the acceptability) of the companys accounting principles as applied to the
companys financial reporting.
Deloitte also provided the audit committee with the written disclosures and letter required by
Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1 (Independence Discussions with Audit Committees), and
the audit committee discussed with Deloitte that firms independence. The committee further
considered whether the provision by Deloitte of the non-audit services described above is
compatible with maintaining the auditors independence.
Based upon the audit committees discussion with management and Deloitte and the audit
committees review of the representations of management and the disclosures by Deloitte to the
audit committee, the committee recommended to the Board that the companys audited consolidated
financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30,
2006, for filing with the SEC.
|
|
|
|
|
Audit Committee |
|
|
|
|
|
Christopher S. Seabrooke, Chairman |
|
|
Alasdair J. K. Pein |
|
|
Paul Edwards |
-19-
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table presents, as of October 19, 2006, information about beneficial ownership
of our common stock by:
|
|
|
each person or group of affiliated persons who or which, to our knowledge, owns
beneficially more than 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock; |
|
|
|
|
each of our directors and named executive officers; and |
|
|
|
|
all of our directors and executive officers as a group. |
Beneficial ownership of shares is determined in accordance with SEC rules and generally
includes any shares over which a person exercises sole or shared voting or investment power. The
beneficial ownership percentages set forth below are based on 50,429,385 shares of common stock and
6,499,259 shares of special convertible preferred stock outstanding as of October 19, 2006. All
shares of common stock into which any named person can cause to be converted their special
convertible preferred stock and all shares of common stock underlying stock options that are
presently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after October 19, 2006 by each person are
deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by that person for the purpose of computing the
ownership percentage of that person, but are not considered outstanding for the purpose of
computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Each share of our outstanding special
convertible preferred stock votes together with our common stock on a one vote per share basis.
Voting power percentage is based on an aggregate 56,928,644 shares of common stock and special
convertible preferred stock outstanding as of October 19, 2006.
Unless otherwise indicated, to our knowledge, each person listed in the table below has sole
voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown as beneficially owned by such person,
except to the extent applicable law gives spouses shared authority. Except as otherwise noted, each
shareholders address is c/o Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc., President Place, 4th Floor, Cnr. Jan
Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South Africa.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares of Common Stock |
|
Voting |
|
|
Beneficially Owned |
|
Power |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
|
Number |
|
% |
|
% |
Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant(1) |
|
|
2,101,621 |
|
|
|
4.1 |
% |
|
|
3.7 |
% |
Herman Gideon Kotze(2) |
|
|
149,999 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Antony Charles Ball(3) |
|
|
8,333 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Christopher Stefan Seabrooke(3) |
|
|
8,333 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Alasdair Jonathan Kemsley Pein(3) |
|
|
8,333 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Paul Edwards(3) |
|
|
8,333 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Florian P. Wendelstadt(4) |
|
|
6,409,091 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
% |
|
|
11.3 |
% |
Brenda Stewart(2) |
|
|
149,999 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
Nitin Soma(5) |
|
|
116,666 |
|
|
|
* |
|
|
|
* |
|
David Schwarzbach(6) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment entities affiliated with Brait S.A.(7) |
|
|
9,387,984 |
|
|
|
18.6 |
% |
|
|
16.5 |
% |
Investment entities affiliated with General Atlantic
LLC(4) |
|
|
6,409,091 |
|
|
|
12.7 |
% |
|
|
11.3 |
% |
Gilder, Gagnon, Howe & Co. LLC(8) |
|
|
2,652,106 |
|
|
|
5.3 |
% |
|
|
4.7 |
% |
Investment entities affiliated with Stephen F. Mandel (9) |
|
|
5,686,646 |
|
|
|
11.3 |
% |
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Directors and Executive Officers as a group (10
persons)(10) |
|
|
2,551,617 |
|
|
|
4.9 |
% |
|
|
4.5 |
% |
-20-
|
|
|
(1) |
|
CI Law Trustees Limited for the San Roque Trust dated 8/18/92
owns 800,799 shares of common stock. Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant as
proxy of CI Law Trustees has the power to vote all of CI Law
Trustees shares. Includes 149,999 shares of common stock, 83,332
shares of which may be sold on or after May 8, 2007, and 66,667
shares of common stock may be sold on or after May 8, 2008. Also
includes 1,150,822 shares of special convertible preferred stock
beneficially owned by Dr. Belamant that are convertible into
common stock upon the occurrence of a trigger event. Does not
include 33,336 shares of common stock underlying stock options,
which are not exercisable and will not become exercisable within
60 days after October 19, 2006. |
|
(2) |
|
Includes 149,999 shares of common stock. Of this amount, 83,332
shares of common stock may be sold on or after May 8, 2007, and
66,667 shares of common stock may be sold on or after May 8,
2008. Does not include 33,336 shares of common stock underlying
stock options which are not exercisable and will not become
exercisable within 60 days after October 19, 2006. |
|
(3) |
|
Each of Christopher Stefan Seabrooke and Antony Charles Ball
beneficially owns options to purchase 25,001 shares of common
stock, of which options to purchase 8,333 shares are currently
exercisable. Each of Paul Edwards and Alasdair Jonathan Kemsley
Pein beneficially owns options to purchase 16,668 shares of
common stock, none of which is currently exercisable. |
|
(4) |
|
According to Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D, dated June 22,
2006, filed by General Atlantic LLC (GA), and its affiliates,
General Atlantic Partners 80, L.P. (GAP 80), General Atlantic
Partners 82, L.P. (GAP 82), GapStar, LLC (GapStar), GAP
Coinvestments III, LLC, (GAPCO III), GAP Coinvestments IV, LLC,
( GAPCO IV), GAPCO GmbH & Co. KG (KG), GAPCO Management GmbH,
(GmbH Management), and GAP Coinvestments CDA, L.P. (GAPCO
CDA), these entities beneficially own, in the aggregate,
6,409,091 shares of common stock. GA is the general partner of GAP
80, GAP 82 and GAPCO CDA. GA is also the sole member of GapStar.
GmbH Management is the general partner of KG. The Managing
Directors of GA are Steven A. Denning (Chairman), William E.
Ford (President), Peter L. Bloom, Mark F. Dzialga, Klaus Esser,
Vince Feng, William O. Grabe, Abhay Havaldar, David C. Hodgson,
Braden R. Kelly, Rene M. Kern, Marc F. McMorris, Matthew Nimetz,
Franchon M. Smithson, Tom C. Tinsley, Philip P. Trahanas and
Florian P. Wendelstadt (collectively, the GA Managing
Directors). Mr. Wendelstadt is a director of the Company. The
managing members of GAPCO III and GAPCO IV are GA Managing
Directors. The business address of each of the GA Managing
Directors (other than Messrs. Esser, Feng, Havaldar, Kelly,
Tinsley and Wendelstadt) is 3 Pickwick Plaza, Greenwich,
Connecticut 06830. The business address of Mr. Esser is
Koenigsallee 62, 40212, Duesseldorf, Germany. The business
address of Mr. Feng is Suite 2007-10, One International Finance
Centre, 1 Harbour View Street, Central, Hong Kong. The business
address of Mr. Havaldar is Room 151, 152 Maker Chambers VI,
Naisman Point, Mumbai 400 021, India. The business address of Mr.
Kelly is 228 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, California 94301. The
business address of Mr. Tinsley is 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,
Washington DC 20037. |
|
(5) |
|
Includes 116,666 shares of common stock. Of this amount, 66,666
shares of common stock may be sold on or after May 8, 2007, and
50,000 shares of common stock may be sold on or after May 8,
2008. The amount does not include 33,336 shares of common stock
underlying stock options, which are not exercisable and will not
become exercisable within 60 days after October 19, 2006. |
|
(6) |
|
On January 9, 2006, the Board granted to Mr. Schwarzbach options
to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price
of $30.71. These options were not granted under our 2004 Stock
Incentive Plan because at the time of grant, there were no shares
available for issuance under the plan. These options have
expired because Mr. Schwarzbach resigned before any portion of
the options vested. |
|
(7) |
|
According to Amendment No. 2 to Schedule 13D, dated June 22,
2006, filed by South African Private Equity Fund III, L.P., SAPEF
III International G.P. Limited, Capital Partners Group Holdings
Limited and Brait, S.A., these entities beneficially own in the
aggregate 9,387,984 shares of common stock, which includes
166,458 shares of special convertible preferred stock. The
address and principal place of business of each of SAPEF III Fund
and SAPEF G.P. is Walker House, P.O. Box 908, George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. The address and principal place of
business of Capital Partners is Abbott Building, P.O. Box 3186,
Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The address and
principal place of business of Brait S.A. is 180 rue des
Aubepines, L-1145, Luxembourg. |
|
-21-
|
|
|
(8) |
|
According to a Schedule 13G, dated August 31, 2005, filed by
Gilder, Gagnon, Howe & Co. LLC, Gilder beneficially owns
2,652,106 shares of common stock. The shares reported include
2,372,704 shares held in customer accounts over which partners
and/or employees of Gilder have discretionary authority to
dispose of or direct the disposition of the shares, 245,380
shares held in accounts owned by the partners of Gilder and their
families, and 34,022 shares held in the account of the
profit-sharing plan of Gilder. Gilders principal business
address is 1775 Broadway, 26th Floor, New York, NY 10019. |
|
(9) |
|
According to a Schedule 13G, dated March 29, 2006, filed by Lone
Spruce, L.P., Lone Balsam, L.P., Lone Sequoia, L.P., Lone Pine
Associates LLC, Lone Pine Capital LLC and Stephen F. Mandel, Jr.,
these entities and Stephen Mandel beneficially own in the
aggregate 5,686,646 shares of common stock. The address of the
entity group and Stephen Mandel is Two Greenwich Plaza,
Greenwich, Connecticut 06830. |
|
(10) |
|
Includes 1,150,822 shares of special convertible preferred stock.
Does not include 200,016 shares of common stock underlying stock
options, which are not exercisable and will not become
exercisable within 60 days after October 19, 2006. |
-22-
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to the common stock purchase agreement, dated January 30, 2004, between us and SAPEF,
SAPEF is entitled to designate three nominees to our Board. SAPEF has informally agreed to reduce
the number of its designated nominees from three to two due to the recent reduction in the number
of our shares that SAPEF holds. Messrs. Ball and Pein currently serve on our Board as SAPEFs
designees. Prior to his resignation on October 6, 2006, Mr. Chad L. Smart served on our Board as a
SAPEF designee.
For services provided related to the Aplitec transaction, Brait received fees totaling
approximately $3.7 million. Brait exercised its option to purchase an equivalent of 833,333 shares
of our common stock for an exercise price of $3.00 per share as partial payment for services
rendered. The remaining amount was paid in cash in July 2004. Antony Ball is a director and an
officer of Brait S.A. and certain affiliates, including without limitation, Brait International and
those affiliates that manage SAPEF and SAPET.
Pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, dated July 18, 2005, among the investment entities
affiliated with General Atlantic, us and certain other parties, General Atlantic is entitled to
designate one nominee to our Board. This designee is currently Mr. Wendelstadt. In addition,
pursuant to the stock purchase agreement, we agreed to grant registration rights to provide, under
certain circumstances and subject to certain limitations, rights with respect to the registration
under the Securities Act of our shares held by investment entities affiliated with General
Atlantic.
We are currently negotiating a registration rights agreement with SAPEF and General Atlantic.
From June 2004 until August 2005, Nedbank Limited, or Nedbank, beneficially-owned more than 5%
of our capital stock.
We have a credit facility with Nedbank, pursuant to which Nedbank has agreed to provide us
with a revolving credit facility of up to ZAR 550,000,000, or approximately $75.7 million, at the
year ended June 30, 2006 exchange rate of $1:ZAR 7.2701. Borrowings under the facility bear
interest at Nedbanks prime lending rate minus 200 base points. The facility is cross-guaranteed by
all of our subsidiaries and is secured by our accounts receivable and intercompany loans
receivable. The facility has no termination date but is reviewed annually by Nedbank. During July
2005, we borrowed approximately $4.8 million against this facility in order to fund operations.
These amounts were repaid in August 2005. Other than these borrowings, as a group we have not made
any other borrowings under the credit facility.
We provide Nedbank with POS devices and other pay processing hardware. In addition, we have a
software development and maintenance contract with Nedbank and provide other sundry services.
During our years ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, we earned $2.0 and $1.6 million, respectively under
the software development and maintenance contract and $11.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively
in hardware sales from Nedbank. In addition, during the year ended June 30, 2004, we earned $0.1
million from other sundry services. Included in our accounts receivable as of June 30, 2005 and
2004 was $0.8 and $1.0 million, respectively due from Nedbank.
In July 2005, we entered into an agreement with Nedbank pursuant to which Nedbank agreed to
waive certain licensing restrictions under our agreements with Nedbank.
-23-
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER MATTERS
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
The following table sets forth information relating to all compensation awarded to, earned by
or paid by us during the last three fiscal years, to: (a) our Chief Executive Officer; and (b) each
of our other executive officers:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Salary |
|
Bonus(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other |
|
|
Name and Principal |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
ZAR0 |
|
$ |
|
ZAR |
|
Annual |
|
Options/ |
Position |
|
Fiscal Year |
|
000 |
|
00 |
|
000 |
|
000 |
|
Compensation |
|
Securities |
Dr. Serge Belamant, Chief |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
500 |
(2) |
|
|
3,171 |
|
|
|
500 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive Officer, |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
363 |
|
|
|
2,261 |
|
|
|
500 |
|
|
|
3,342 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chairman of the Board |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
249 |
|
|
|
1,725 |
|
|
|
101 |
|
|
|
630 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
and Director |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Herman Kotze, Chief |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
300 |
(2) |
|
|
1,903 |
|
|
|
225 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Officer and |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
260 |
|
|
|
1,621 |
|
|
|
225 |
|
|
|
1,504 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Director |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
151 |
|
|
|
1,050 |
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
|
330 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brenda Stewart, Vice- |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
253 |
(2) |
|
|
1,624 |
|
|
|
65 |
(2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President Sales and |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
221 |
|
|
|
1,376 |
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
|
406 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Marketing |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
238 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nitin Soma, Vice- |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
227 |
(2) |
|
|
1,456 |
|
|
|
58 |
(2) |
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President Information |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
201 |
|
|
|
1,247 |
|
|
|
44 |
|
|
|
291 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Technology |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
117 |
|
|
|
812 |
|
|
|
27 |
|
|
|
170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
David A. Schwarzbach(5) |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6 |
) |
Vice-President Business |
|
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Development Americas |
|
|
2004 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Bonus represents amounts earned in respect of the year indicated and paid in October of
the following fiscal year. |
|
(2) |
|
Salary amounts are payable in the ZAR equivalent of the corresponding U.S. dollar amount
at the date of the payment. Half the bonus amounts are payable in the ZAR equivalent of the
corresponding U.S. dollar amount at the bonus finalization date (October 5, 2006 $1=ZAR
7.9133). The other half of the bonus amounts are paid in U.S. dollars. The salary payable for
the year ended June 30, 2006 has been translated on a monthly basis using the average
exchange rate between the $ and ZAR for each of the 12 months ended June 30, 2006. For
purposes of translation of salary from $ to ZAR for the year ended June 30, 2006 the exchange
rates used ranged between the high of $1=ZAR 6.9599 (in June 2006) and the low of $1:$6.1084
(in April). |
|
(3) |
|
333,334 other stock-based awards at $0.00 (ZAR 0.00) and 83,334 options at $3.00 (ZAR
18.84). |
|
(4) |
|
250,000 other stock-based awards at $0.00 (ZAR 0.00) and 83,334 options at $3.00 (ZAR
18.84). |
|
(5) |
|
Mr. Schwarzbach joined the Company in January 2006 and resigned in September 2006. |
|
(6) |
|
200,000 options at $31.73. |
OPTION GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR
On January 9, 2006, the Board granted to Mr. Schwarzbach options to purchase 200,000 shares of
common stock at an exercise price of $30.71, the closing price of the common stock on January 9,
2006. These options were not granted under the 2004 Stock Incentive
Plan because, at that time,
there were no shares available for issuance under the plan. We did not seek or obtain shareholder
approval for this grant in reliance on the inducement grant exception from the Nasdaq shareholder
approval requirement. These options have expired because Mr. Schwarzbach resigned before any
portion of the options vested.
-24-
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FISCAL YEAR-END OPTION VALUES
The dollar values in the table below are calculated based upon the last sale price of our
common stock on June 30, 2006, as quoted on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, which was $27.35 per
share, less the exercise price of the options.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value Unexercised In-the- |
|
|
on |
|
Value |
|
Number of Securities |
|
Money Options at Fiscal Year |
|
|
Exercise |
|
Realized |
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
End |
|
|
(#) |
|
($000) |
|
Options at Fiscal Year-End |
|
($000) |
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant(1) |
|
|
49,999 |
|
|
|
780,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
811,683 |
|
Herman Kotze(1) |
|
|
49,999 |
|
|
|
780,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
811,683 |
|
Brenda Stewart(1) |
|
|
49,999 |
|
|
|
780,968 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,336 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
811,683 |
|
Nitin Soma(2) |
|
|
33,332 |
|
|
|
780,968 |
|
|
|
16,666 |
|
|
|
33,336 |
|
|
|
405,841 |
|
|
|
811,683 |
|
David Schwarzbach |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amount does not include 333,334 shares underlying other stock-based awards granted on June 7,
2004 at a cash exercise price of zero, 20% of which shares may be sold on the grant date and each
of the next four anniversaries thereof. As of June 30, 2006, 60% of the other stock-based awards
have been sold. |
|
(2) |
|
Amount does not include 250,000 shares underlying other stock-based awards granted on June 7,
2004 at a cash exercise price of zero, 20% of which shares may be sold on the grant date and
each of the next four anniversaries thereof. As of June 30, 2006, 60% of the other stock-based
awards have been sold. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The following table reflects certain information about our common stock that may be issued
under our equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2006.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
|
|
|
|
(c) |
|
|
Number of securities to be |
|
(b) |
|
Number of securities remaining |
|
|
issued upon exercise of |
|
Weighted average exercise |
|
available for future issuance |
|
|
outstanding options, warrants, |
|
price of outstanding options, |
|
under equity compensation plan |
|
|
rights and other stock-based |
|
warrants, rights and other |
|
(excluding securities reflected in |
Plan category |
|
awards |
|
stock-based awards |
|
column (a)) |
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security
holders1 |
|
|
632,727 |
|
|
$ |
3.00 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security
holders2 |
|
|
1,104,674 |
|
|
$ |
24.00 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
Total |
|
|
1,737,401 |
|
|
$ |
16.35 |
|
|
|
0 |
|
|
|
|
1 |
|
Represents options to purchase common stock
granted pursuant to the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, which was approved by
shareholders in 2004. |
|
2 |
|
Includes options to purchase common stock
granted under arrangements not approved by the shareholders. The material
features of these arrangements are set forth below: |
(a) On January 9, 2006, the company granted to David Schwarzbach options
to purchase 200,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $30.71,
which was the closing price of the common stock on the date of the
grant. The
options were granted in connection with the hiring of Mr. Schwarzbach. These
options were not granted under the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan because, at that
time, there were no shares available for issuance under the 2004 Stock
Incentive Plan. These options have expired because Mr. Schwarzbach resigned
before any portion of the options vested.
(b) In connection with the acquisition of Prism Holding Limited
(Prism), the company granted Prism employees options to purchase
an aggregate of 904,674 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.51
per share, which was the average of the high and low sale prices of the common
stock on the date of grant. These options become exercisable in five equal
annual installments and expire on August 24, 2016.
-25-
Employment Agreements, Termination of Employment and Change in Control Arrangements
Restraint of Trade Agreements
We have restraint of trade agreements with each of our executive officers, Dr. Serge C.P.
Belamant, Messrs. Herman Kotze and Nitin Soma and Ms. Brenda Stewart. The terms of these agreements
provide that upon the termination of the executives employment, the executive is restricted, for a
period of 24 months, from soliciting business from certain customers, working or holding interests
in our competitors or participating in a competitive activity within the territories where we do
business.
REMUNERATION COMMITTEE REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The remuneration committee of the Board consists entirely of independent directors. The
remuneration committee is responsible for setting and administering the policies that govern the
compensation of our executive officers and directors. The committee annually evaluates the
performance, and determines the compensation, of our chief executive officer and the other
executive officers based upon achievement of the corporate goals that are determined after
consultation with these executives. The performance of the chief executive officer and other
senior officers will be based on a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors.
Quantitative performance measures will include revenue growth, EBITDA growth and EPS growth, while
qualitative performance factors will encompass strategic initiatives and the successful build out
of our management team.
In order to assess the competitiveness of compensation rates, the committee has conducted a
review of similarly sized companies within the transaction processing sector as well as data from mid
cap and small cap companies across a range of related industries. Cash compensation levels have
been set at the median level of the range of the data reviewed.
The remuneration committees goals with respect to executive officers, including the chief
executive officer, are to provide compensation sufficient to attract, motivate and retain
executives of outstanding ability and potential, and to establish and maintain an appropriate
relationship between executive compensation and the creation of shareholder value. When
determining adjustments to an individuals compensation package, the committee evaluates the
importance to shareholders of that persons continued service.
The executive officers compensation structure consists of (1) base salary, (2) cash bonus and
(3) stock options.
Base Salary. Salaries for fiscal 2006 were set based on the above factors and after review of
industry comparables. The 2006 base salaries were set in accordance with the criteria listed above
and similarly sized companies across a range of industries as well as other Nasdaq listed transaction
processing companies.
Our philosophy is to maintain executive base salary at a competitive level sufficient to
recruit individuals possessing the skills and values necessary to achieve our vision and mission
over the long term. Each individuals base salary is determined by the remuneration committee after
considering a variety of factors that make up market value and prospective value to the company,
including the knowledge, experience and accomplishments of the individual, the individuals level
of responsibility, and the typical compensation levels for individuals with similar credentials.
The remuneration committee may, considering the advice of management, change the salary of an
individual on the basis of its judgment for any reason, including the performance of the individual
or the company, changes in responsibility and changes in the market for executives with similar
credentials. Determinations of appropriate base salary levels and other compensation elements are
generally made through consideration of a variety of industry surveys and studies, as well as by
monitoring developments in relevant industries
-26-
such as the electronic business and technology
industries.
Cash Bonus. Bonuses are awarded for accomplishments during the past year. Bonuses are
determined by the remuneration committee with advice from management, based upon the committees
assessment of the individuals contributions during the year, compared to, but not limited to, a
list of individualized goals previously approved by management and the committee. In determining
bonuses for fiscal 2006, the remuneration committee considered, in addition to the individualized
goals, the significant progress that was being made in projects outside of South Africa, as well
as the positioning of the Company with the acquisition of Prism which became effective July 3,
2006.
Stock Options. Stock options are a fundamental element in our executive compensation program
because they emphasize long-term company performance, as measured by creation of shareholder value,
and foster a commonality of interest between shareholders and employees. Options may be granted to
regular full-time and part-time employees, and particularly to key employees likely to contribute
significantly to the company. The objective is to emphasize a long-term focus by key employees in
the acquisition and holdings of common stock in the Company. In determining the size of an option
grant to an executive officer, the remuneration committee considers competitive factors, changes in
responsibility and the executive officers achievement of individual pre-established goals. We
generally award options to officers upon the commencement of employment and at regular intervals,
but other awards may be made as well. Our stock option plan also provides for option grants to
members of our Board. Options granted to employees generally vest over periods ranging from four
to five years after grant and have 10-year terms from the date of grant.
Because we had no shares available for issuance under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan, the named
executive officers did not receive any options in fiscal 2006. Because of the fundamental
importance of stock option grants in our executive compensation program, on August 24, 2006 we
authorized 2,845,600 additional shares under our 2004 Stock Incentive Plan. The company is seeking
shareholder approval to authorize these additional shares at the annual meeting.
Chief Executive Officers Compensation. The remuneration committee awarded Dr. Belamant a
bonus of $500,000 for fiscal 2006. Dr. Belamants base salary was set at $500,000 per year for
fiscal 2006. The remuneration committee played a role in the 2006 salary assessment, and will
continue to do so on a go forward basis. Dr. Belamants
cash bonus for the 2006 fiscal year was
determined by the remuneration committee after taking into account the high level of achievement in
financial performance which included earnings per share growth (+29%), EBITDA growth (+22%) and
cash earnings from operations growth (+100%) for that period. In addition, the committee took into
consideration the significant progress that was being made in projects outside of South Africa, as
well as the strategic positioning of the Company with the acquisition of Prism.
Compensation Deduction Limit. The remuneration committee has considered the $1 million limit
for federal income tax purposes on deductible executive compensation that is not performance-based,
and believes all executive compensation expenses will be deductible by the company for the
foreseeable future.
Remuneration Committee
Alasdair
J. K. Pein, Chairman
Christopher S. Seabrooke
Antony C. Ball
-27-
Remuneration Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
Our remuneration committee consists of Alasdair J. K. Pein, the committees chairman,
Christopher S. Seabrooke and Antony C. Ball. None of the members of our remuneration committee has
at any time been one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers serves or in the
past has served as a
member of the Board or remuneration committee of any entity that has one or more of its
executive officers serving on our Board or our remuneration committee.
Pursuant to the common stock purchase agreement, dated January 30, 2004, between us and SAPEF,
SAPEF is entitled to designate three nominees to our Board. SAPEF has informally agreed to reduce
the number of its designated nominees from three to two due to the recent reduction in the number
of our shares that SAPEF holds. Messrs. Ball and Pein currently serve on our Board as SAPEFs
designees. Until his resignation on October 6, 2006, Mr. Chad L. Smart served on our Board as a
SAPEF designee. We are currently negotiating with SAPEF III certain registration rights with
respect to the shares of common stock owned by SAPEF.
For services provided related to the Aplitec transaction, Brait received fees totaling
approximately $3.7 million. Brait exercised its option to purchase an equivalent of 833,333 shares
of our commons stock for an exercise price of $3.00 per share as partial payment for services
rendered. The remaining amount was paid in cash in July 2004. Antony Ball is a director and an
officer of Brait S.A. and certain affiliates, including without limitation, Brait International and
those affiliates that manage SAPEF and SAPET. Chad Smart is an officer of Brait S.A. and certain
affiliates, including without limitation, Brait International and those affiliates that manage
SAPEF and SAPET.
-28-
STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The chart below compares the five-year cumulative return, assuming the reinvestment of
dividends, on our common stock with that of the S&P 500 Index and the NASDAQ Industrial Index.
This graph assumes $100 was invested on June 30, 2001, in each of our common stock, the S&P 500
companies, and the companies in the NASDAQ Industrial Index.
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cumulative Total Return |
|
|
|
June 2001 |
|
|
June 2002 |
|
|
June 2003 |
|
|
June 2004 |
|
|
June 2005 |
|
|
June 2006 |
|
Our common stock |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
130 |
|
|
|
132 |
|
|
|
193 |
|
|
|
314 |
|
S&P500 Index |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
81 |
|
|
|
94 |
|
|
|
99 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
NASDAQ Industrial Index |
|
|
100 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
118 |
|
|
|
122 |
|
|
|
136 |
|
-29-
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires that our executive officers and directors, and
persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of the companys equity securities,
file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and provide the company with copies
of such reports. We have reviewed such reports received by us and written representations from our
directors and executive officers. Based solely on such review, we identified three filings that
were not made on a timely basis. Paul Edwards was late in filing his Form 3 to report his initial
ownership. Maitland Trustees Limited, was late in filing one Form 4 to report the sale of shares
of common stock. Brait, S.A., was late in filing one Form 4 to report the sale of shares of common
stock.
Other Matters
Our Board knows of no other business that will be presented for consideration at the annual
meeting. Return of a valid proxy, however, confers on the designated proxy holders discretionary
authority to vote the shares in accordance with their best judgment on such other business, if any,
that may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. It is
important that the proxies be returned promptly and that your shares be represented. You are urged
to sign, date and promptly return the enclosed proxy card in the enclosed envelope.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
A copy of our annual report on Form 10-K (without exhibits) for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2006 is being distributed along with this proxy statement. We refer you to such report for
financial and other information about us, but such report is not incorporated in this proxy
statement and is not deemed to be a part of the proxy solicitation material. It is also available
on our website (www.net1ueps.com). In addition, the report (with exhibits) is available at the
SECs website (www.sec.gov).
Shareholder Proposals for the 2007 Annual Meeting
Qualified shareholders who wish to have proposals presented at the 2007 annual meeting of
shareholders must deliver them to the company by July 3, 2007, in order to be considered for
inclusion in next years proxy statement and proxy pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act.
Any shareholder proposal or director nomination for our 2007 annual meeting that is submitted
outside the processes of Rule 14a-8 will be considered untimely if we receive it after July 3,
2007. Such proposals and nominations must be made in accordance with Section 2.08 of our Amended
and Restated By-Laws. An untimely proposal may be excluded from consideration at our 2007 annual
meeting. All proposals and nominations must be delivered to us at our principal executive offices
at President Place, 4th Floor, Cnr. Jan Smuts Avenue and Bolton Road, Rosebank, Johannesburg, South
Africa.
|
|
|
|
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors,
/s/ Serge C. P. Belamant
Dr. Serge C. P. Belamant
Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
November 1, 2006
THE BOARD HOPES THAT YOU WILL ATTEND THE MEETING. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND, PLEASE
PROMPTLY COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY.
-30-
EXHIBIT A
AMENDED AND RESTATED 2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN OF NET 1 UEPS
TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
1. Purpose of the Plan
The Company hereby establishes the Amended and Restated 2004
Stock Incentive Plan of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. (the
Plan), which is a continuation, and amendment and restatement of
the 2004 Stock Incentive Plan of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. and
Its Subsidiaries, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto. The
purpose of the Plan is to aid the Company and its Affiliates in
recruiting and retaining key employees, directors or consultants
of outstanding ability and to motivate such employees, directors
or consultants to exert their best efforts on behalf of the
Company and its Affiliates by providing incentives through the
granting of Awards. The Company expects that it will benefit from
the added interest which such key employees, directors or
consultants will have in the welfare of the Company as a result of
their proprietary interest in the Companys success.
2. Definitions
The following capitalized terms used in the Plan have the
respective meanings set forth in this Section:
|
(a) |
|
Act: The Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor thereto. |
|
(b) |
|
Affiliate: With respect to the Company, any entity directly or indirectly
controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, the Company or any other
entity designated by the Board in which the Company or an Affiliate has an interest. |
|
(c) |
|
Award: An Option, Stock Appreciation Right or Other
Stock-Based Award granted
pursuant to the Plan. |
|
(d) |
|
Beneficial Owner: A beneficial owner, as
such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 under
the Act (or any successor rule thereto). |
|
(e) |
|
Board: The Board of Directors of the Company. |
|
(f) |
|
Code: The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor thereto. |
|
(g) |
|
Committee: The Board, or such committee of the Board as it shall designate from time
to time, in accordance with Section 4. |
|
(h) |
|
Company: Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc., a Florida corporation. |
|
(i) |
|
Disability: Inability of a Participant to perform in all material respects the
Participants duties and responsibilities to the Company, or any Subsidiary of the
Company, by reason of a physical or mental disability or infirmity which inability is
reasonably expected to be permanent and has continued (i) for a period of six
consecutive months or (ii) such shorter period as the Committee may reasonably
determine in good faith. The Disability determination shall be in the sole discretion
of the Committee and a Participant (or the Participants representative) shall
furnish the Committee with medical evidence documenting the Participants disability
or infirmity which is satisfactory to the Committee. |
|
(j) |
|
Effective Date: June 7, 2004. |
|
(k) |
|
Employment: The term Employment as used herein shall be deemed to refer to (i) a
Participants employment if the Participant is an employee of the Company or any of
its Affiliates, (ii) a Participants services as a consultant, if the Participant is
consultant to the Company or its Affiliates and (iii) a Participants services as an
non-employee director, if the Participant is a non-employee member of the Board. |
A-1
|
(l) |
|
Fair Market Value: On a given date, (i) if the Shares are registered under Section
12(b) or 12(g) of the Act, and listed for trading on a national exchange or market,
the term Fair Market Value shall mean, as applicable, (a) the closing price on the
relevant date, the average of the high and low sale price on the relevant date, or
the average of the closing price over a period of up to thirty consecutive days
immediately prior to or including the relevant date, as determined in the Committees
discretion, as quoted on the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange,
the Nasdaq Global Select Market or the Nasdaq Global Market; (b) the last sale price
on the relevant date or the average of the last sale price over a period of up to
thirty consecutive days immediately prior to or including the relevant date, as
determined in the Committees discretion, as quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market; (c)
the average of the high bid and low asked prices on the relevant date quoted on the
Nasdaq OTC Bulletin Board Service or by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. or a
comparable service as determined in the Committees discretion; or (d) if the Shares
are not quoted by any of the above, the average of the closing bid and asked prices
on the relevant date furnished by a professional market maker for the Shares, or by
such other source, selected by the Committee; provided, however, that if an average
of prices over a period of days is not applicable and no public trading of the Shares
occurs on the relevant date but the Shares are so listed, then Fair Market Value
shall be determined as of the earliest preceding date on which trading of the Shares
does occur; and (ii) if the Shares on the relevant date are not listed for trading on
a national exchange or market, then Fair Market Value shall be the value established
by the Committee in good faith. |
|
|
(m) |
|
ISO: An Option that is also an incentive stock option granted pursuant to Section
6(d) of the Plan. |
|
|
(n) |
|
LSAR: A limited stock appreciation right granted pursuant to Section 7(d) of the Plan. |
|
|
(o) |
|
Other Stock-Based Awards: Awards granted pursuant to Section 8 of the Plan. |
|
|
(p) |
|
Option: A stock option granted pursuant to Section 6 of the Plan. |
|
|
(q) |
|
Option Price: The purchase price per Share of an Option, as determined pursuant to
Section 6(a) of the Plan. |
|
|
(r) |
|
Participant: An employee, director or consultant of the Company or a Subsidiary who
is selected by the Committee to participate in the Plan. |
|
|
(s) |
|
Performance-Based Awards: Certain Other Stock-Based Awards granted pursuant to
Section 8(b) of the Plan. |
|
|
(t) |
|
Person: A person, as such term is used for purposes of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of
the Act (or any successor section thereto). |
|
|
(u) |
|
Plan: The Amended and Restated 2004 Stock Incentive Plan of Net 1 UEPS Technologies,
Inc. |
|
|
(v) |
|
Shares: Shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company. |
|
|
(w) |
|
Stock Appreciation Right: A stock appreciation right granted pursuant to Section 7 of
the Plan. |
|
|
(x) |
|
Subsidiary: With reference to the Company, a subsidiary corporation, as defined in
Section 424(f) of the Code (or any successor section thereto). |
3. Shares Subject to the Plan
|
(a) |
|
The total number of Shares which may be issued under the Plan is 5,752,580.
The maximum number of Shares for which Options and Stock Appreciation
Rights (or Awards other than in Section 8(b)) may be granted during a
calendar year to any Participant |
A-2
|
|
|
shall be 569,120. The Shares may consist,
in whole or in part, of unissued Shares or treasury Shares. The issuance
of Shares or the payment of cash upon the exercise of an Award or in
consideration of the cancellation or termination of an Award shall reduce
the total number of Shares available under the Plan, as applicable. Shares
which are subject to Awards which terminate or lapse without the payment
of consideration may be granted again under the Plan. Shares delivered to
the Company as part or full payment for the exercise of an Option or to
satisfy withholding obligations upon the exercise of an Option, in each
case if permitted by the Committee, may be granted again under the Plan. |
4. Administration
The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which may delegate its duties and powers in
whole or in part to any subcommittee thereof, which Committee shall consist, unless otherwise
determined by the Board, (i) during any period that the Company is subject to Section 16 of the
Act, solely of at least two individuals who are intended to qualify as Non-Employee Directors
within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Act (or any successor rule thereto) and (ii) during any
period that the Company is subject to Section 162(m) of the Code, solely of outside directors
within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (or any successor section thereto). Awards may, in
the discretion of the Committee, be made under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for,
outstanding awards previously granted by the Company or its affiliates or a company acquired by the
Company or with which the Company combines. The number of Shares underlying such substitute awards
shall be counted against the aggregate number of Shares available for Awards under the Plan. The
Committee is authorized to interpret the Plan, to establish, amend and rescind any rules and
regulations relating to the Plan, to grant awards consistent with the terms of the Plan, and to
make any other determinations that it deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the
Plan. The Committee may correct any defect or supply any omission or reconcile any inconsistency in
the Plan in the manner and to the extent the Committee deems necessary or desirable. Any decision
of the Committee in the interpretation and administration of the Plan, as described herein, shall
lie within its sole and absolute discretion and shall be final, conclusive and binding on all
parties concerned (including, but not limited to, Participants and their beneficiaries or
successors). The Committee shall have the full power and authority to establish the terms and
conditions of any Award consistent with the provisions of the Plan and to waive any such terms and
conditions at any time (including, without limitation, accelerating or waiving any vesting
conditions). The Committee shall require payment of any amount it may determine to be necessary to
withhold for federal, state, local or other taxes as a result of the exercise, grant or vesting of
an Award. Unless the Committee specifies otherwise, the Participant may elect to pay a portion or
all of such withholding taxes by (a) delivery in Shares or (b) having Shares withheld by the
Company from any Shares that would have otherwise been received by the Participant.
5. Limitations
No Award may be granted under the Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but
Awards theretofore granted may extend beyond that date.
6. Terms and Conditions of Options
Options granted under the Plan shall be, as determined by the Committee, non-qualified or
incentive stock options for federal income tax purposes, as evidenced by the related Award
agreements, and shall be subject to the foregoing and the following terms and conditions and to
such other terms and conditions, not inconsistent therewith, as the Committee shall determine:
|
(a) |
|
Option Price. The Option Price per Share shall be determined by the
Committee, but shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of
the Shares on the date an Option is granted. |
|
(b) |
|
Exercisability. Options granted under the Plan shall vest and become
exercisable at such time and upon such terms and conditions as may be
determined by the Committee, but in no event shall an Option be
exercisable more than ten years after the date it is granted. Unless
otherwise provided in an Award agreement, an Option shall vest with
respect to twenty percent (20%) of the Shares initially covered by the
Option on each of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth
anniversaries of the date the Option was granted, subject to the
Participants continued Employment with the Company and the other
terms and conditions of the Plan and the Award agreement. |
|
(c) |
|
Exercise of Options. Except as otherwise provided in the Plan or in
an Award agreement, an Option may be exercised for all, or from time
to time any part, of the Shares for which it is
|
A-3
|
|
|
then exercisable. For purposes of Section 6 of the Plan, except as otherwise provided in an
Award agreement, the exercise date of an Option shall be the later of
the date a notice of exercise is received by the Company and, if
applicable, the date payment is received by the Company pursuant to
the following sentence. The purchase price for the Shares as to which
an Option is exercised shall be paid to the Company in full, in
accordance with Committee procedures, at the election of the
Participant (i) in cash (US dollars) or cash equivalent acceptable to
the Committee (including offset against US dollars, if any, owed by
the Company to the Participant as of the date of exercise, subject to
any required regulatory approval), (ii) if permitted by the Committee,
by tender to the Company, or attestation to the ownership, of whole
Shares owned by the Participant, including Shares deliverable upon
exercise of the Option, (iii) to the extent permitted by the
Committee, if there is a public market for the Shares at such time,
through the delivery of irrevocable instructions to a broker in a form
acceptable to the Committee providing for the assignment to the
Company of the proceeds of a sale or loan with respect to some or all
of the Shares obtained upon the exercise of the Option, (iv) if
permitted by the Committee, with a promissory note in such form as the
Committee may specify that bears a market rate of interest and is
fully recourse, (v) by any other means acceptable to the Committee, or
(vi) by any combination of the foregoing as may be permitted by the
Committee, in its sole discretion. Shares tendered in payment of the
Exercise Price will be valued at their Fair Market Value as of the
date that the exercise occurs. No Participant shall have any rights
to dividends or other rights of a stockholder with respect to Shares
subject to an Option until the Participant has given written notice of
exercise of the Option, paid in full for such Shares and, if
applicable, has satisfied any other conditions imposed by the
Committee pursuant to the Plan. |
|
(d) |
|
ISOs. The Committee may grant Options under the Plan that are intended
to be ISOs. Such ISOs shall comply with the requirements of Section
422 of the Code (or any successor section thereto). No ISO may be
granted to any Participant who at the time of such grant owns ten
percent or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of
stock of the Company or of any Subsidiary, unless (i) the Option Price
for such ISO is at least 110% of the Fair Market Value of a Share on
the date the ISO is granted and (ii) the date on which such ISO
terminates is a date not later than the day preceding the fifth
anniversary of the date on which the ISO is granted. Any Participant
who disposes of Shares acquired upon the exercise of an ISO either (i)
within two years after the date of grant of such ISO or (ii) within
one year after the transfer of such Shares to the Participant, shall
notify the Company of such disposition and of the amount realized upon
such disposition. All Options granted under the Plan are intended to
be nonqualified stock options, unless the applicable Award agreement
expressly states that the Option is intended to be an ISO. If an
Option is intended to be an ISO, and if for any reason such Option (or
portion thereof) shall not qualify as an ISO, then, to the extent of
such nonqualification, such Option (or portion thereof) shall be
regarded as a nonqualified stock option granted under the Plan;
provided that such Option (or potion thereof) otherwise complies with
the Plans requirements relating to nonqualified stock options. In no
event shall any member of the Committee, the Company or any of its
Affiliates (or their respective employees, officers or directors) have
any liability to any Participant (or any other Person) due to the
failure of an Option to qualify for any reason as an ISO. |
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Attestation. Wherever in this Plan or any agreement evidencing an
Award a Participant is permitted to pay the exercise price of an
Option or taxes relating to the exercise of an Option by delivering
Shares, the Participant may, subject to procedures satisfactory to the
Committee, satisfy such delivery requirement by presenting proof of
beneficial ownership of such Shares, in which case the Company shall
treat the Option as exercised without further payment and shall
withhold such number of Shares from the Shares acquired by the
exercise of the Option. |
7. Terms and Conditions of Stock Appreciation Rights
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Grants. The Committee also may grant (i) a Stock Appreciation Right
independent of an Option or (ii) a Stock Appreciation Right in
connection with an Option, or a portion thereof. A Stock Appreciation
Right granted pursuant to clause (ii) of the preceding sentence (A)
may be granted at the time the related Option is granted or at any
time prior to the exercise or cancellation of the related Option, (B)
shall cover the same number of Shares covered by an Option (or such
lesser number of Shares as the Committee may determine) and (C) shall
be subject to the same terms and conditions as such Option except for
such additional limitations as are contemplated by this Section 7 (or
such additional limitations as may be included in an Award agreement). |
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Terms. The exercise price per Share of a Stock Appreciation Right
shall be an amount determined by the Committee but in no event shall
such amount be less than the greater of (i) the Fair Market Value of a
Share on the date the Stock Appreciation Right is granted or, in the
case of a Stock Appreciation Right granted in conjunction with an
Option, or a portion thereof, the Option Price of the related Option
and (ii) the minimum amount permitted by applicable laws, rules,
by-laws or policies of regulatory authorities or stock exchanges. Each
Stock Appreciation Right granted independent of an Option shall
entitle a Participant upon exercise to an amount equal to (i) the
excess of (A) the Fair Market Value on the exercise date of one Share
over (B) the exercise price per Share, times (ii) the number of Shares
covered by the Stock Appreciation Right. Each Stock Appreciation Right
granted in conjunction with an Option, or a portion thereof, shall
entitle a Participant to surrender to the Company the unexercised
Option, or any portion thereof, and to receive from the Company in
exchange therefore an amount equal to (i) the excess of (A) the Fair
Market Value on the exercise date of one Share over (B) the Option
Price per Share, times (ii) the number of Shares covered by the
Option, or portion thereof, which is surrendered. The date a notice of
exercise is received by the Company shall be the exercise date.
Payment shall be made in Shares or in cash, or partly in Shares and
partly in cash (any such Shares valued at such Fair Market Value), all
as shall be determined by the Committee. Stock Appreciation Rights may
be exercised from time to time upon actual receipt by the Company of
written notice of exercise stating the number of Shares with respect
to which the Stock Appreciation Right is being exercised. No
fractional Shares will be issued in payment for Stock Appreciation
Rights, but instead cash will be paid for a fraction or, if the
Committee should so determine, the number of Shares will be rounded
downward to the next whole Share. |
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Limitations. The Committee may impose, in its discretion, such
conditions upon the exercisability or transferability of Stock
Appreciation Rights as it may deem fit. |
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Limited Stock Appreciation Rights. The Committee may grant LSARs that
are exercisable upon the occurrence of specified contingent events.
Such LSARs may provide for a different method of determining
appreciation, may specify that payment will be made only in cash and
may provide that any related Awards are not exercisable while such
LSARs are exercisable. Unless the context otherwise requires, whenever
the term Stock Appreciation Right is used in the Plan, such term
shall include LSARs. |
8. Other Stock-Based Awards
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Generally. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may grant or sell
Awards of Shares, Awards of restricted Shares and Awards that are
valued in whole or in part by reference to, or are otherwise based on
the Fair Market Value of, Shares (Other Stock-Based Awards). Such
Other Stock-Based Awards shall be in such form, and dependent on such
conditions, as the Committee shall determine, including, without
limitation, the right to receive, or vest with respect to, one or more
Shares (or the equivalent cash value of such Shares) upon the
completion of a specified period of service, the occurrence of an
event and/or the attainment of performance objectives. Other
Stock-Based Awards may be granted alone or in addition to any other
Awards granted under the Plan. Subject to the provisions of the Plan,
the Committee shall determine to whom and when Other Stock-Based
Awards will be made, the number of Shares to be awarded under (or
otherwise related to) such Other Stock-Based Awards; whether such
Other Stock-Based Awards shall be settled in cash, Shares or a
combination of cash and Shares; and all other terms and conditions of
such Awards (including, without limitation, the vesting provisions
thereof and provisions ensuring that all Shares so awarded and issued
shall be fully paid and non-assessable). Unless otherwise provided in
an Award agreement, Other Stock-Based Awards shall vest with respect
to twenty percent (20%) of the Shares initially covered by such Other
Stock-Based Award on each of the grant date and the first, second,
third and fourth anniversaries of the date such Award was granted,
subject to the Participants continued Employment with the Company and
the other terms and conditions of the Plan and the Award agreement. |
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Performance-Based Awards. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
herein, certain Other Stock-Based Awards granted under this Section 8
may be granted in a manner which is deductible by the Company under
Section 162(m) of the Code (or any successor section thereto)
(Performance-Based Awards). A Participants Performance-Based Award
shall be determined based on the attainment of written performance
goals approved by the Committee for a performance period established
by the Committee (i) while the outcome for that performance period is
substantially uncertain and (ii) no more than 90 days after the
commencement of the performance period to which the performance goal
relates or, if less, the number of days which is equal to 25% of the
relevant performance period. The performance goals, which must be
objective, shall be based upon one or more of the following criteria:
(i) consolidated earnings before or after taxes (including earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization); (ii) net
income; (iii) operating income; (iv) earnings per Share; (v) book
value per Share; (vi) return on shareholders equity; (vii) expense
management; (viii) return on investment; (ix) improvements in capital
structure; (x) profitability of an identifiable business unit or
product; (xi) maintenance or improvement of profit margins; (xii)
stock price; (xiii) market share; (xiv) revenues or sales; (xv) costs;
(xvi) cash flow; (xvii) working capital and (xviii) return on assets.
The foregoing criteria may relate to the Company, one or more of its
Subsidiaries or one or more of its divisions or units, or any
combination of the foregoing, and may be applied on an absolute basis
and/or be relative to one or more peer group companies or indices, or
any combination thereof, all as the Committee shall determine. In
addition, to the degree consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code (or
any successor section thereto), the performance goals may be
calculated without regard to extraordinary items. The maximum amount
of a Performance-Based Award during a calendar year to any Participant
shall be: (x) with respect to Performance-Based Awards that are
Options, 569,120. Shares and (y) with respect to Performance-Based
Awards that are not Options, $20,000,000. The Committee shall
determine whether, with respect to a performance period, the
applicable performance goals have been met with respect to a given
Participant and, if they have, to so certify and ascertain the amount
of the applicable Performance-Based Award. No Performance-Based Awards
will be paid for such performance period until such certification is
made by the Committee. The amount of the Performance-Based Award
actually paid to a given Participant may be less than the
amount determined by the applicable performance goal formula, at the
discretion of the Committee. The amount of the Performance-Based Award
determined by the Committee for a performance period shall be paid to
the Participant at such time as determined by the Committee in its
sole discretion after the end of such performance period; provided,
however, that a Participant may, if and to the extent permitted by the
Committee and consistent with the provisions of Section 162(m) of the
Code, elect to defer payment of a Performance-Based Award. |
9. Adjustments Upon Certain Events
Notwithstanding any other provisions in the Plan to the contrary, the following provisions
shall apply to all Awards granted under the Plan:
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In the event of any change in the outstanding Shares after the
Effective Date by reason of any Share dividend or split,
reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, spinoff,
combination or transaction or exchange of Shares or other corporate
exchange, or any distribution to shareholders of Shares other than
regular cash dividends or any transaction similar to the foregoing,
the Committee, in its sole discretion and without liability to any
person, may make such substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems
to be equitable, as to (i) the number or kind of Shares or other
securities issued or reserved for issuance pursuant to the Plan or
pursuant to outstanding Awards, (ii) the maximum number of Shares for
which Options or Stock Appreciation Rights may be granted during a
calendar year to any Participant, (iii) the maximum amount of a
Performance-Based Award that may be granted during a calendar year to
any Participant, (iv) the Option Price or exercise price of any stock appreciation right and/or (v) any other affected terms of such Awards. |
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In the event a significant corporate transaction such a sale of voting
stock, merger, sale of substantial assets, or other similar corporate
event involving the Company, occurs after the Effective Date, (i) if
determined by the Committee in the applicable Award agreement or
otherwise, any outstanding Awards then held by Participants which are
unexercisable or otherwise unvested or subject to lapse restrictions
may automatically be deemed exercisable or otherwise vested or no
longer subject to lapse restrictions, as the case may be, as of
immediately prior to such Corporate transaction, and (ii) the
Committee may, but shall not be obligated to, (A) cancel such Awards
for fair value (as determined in the sole discretion of the Committee)
which, in the case of Options and Stock Appreciation Rights, may equal
the excess, if any, of value of the consideration to be paid in such
corporate transaction to holders of the same number of Shares subject
to such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights (or, if no consideration
is paid in any such transaction, the Fair Market Value of the Shares
subject to such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights) over the
aggregate exercise price of such Options or Stock Appreciation Rights
or (B) provide for the issuance of substitute Awards that will
substantially preserve the otherwise applicable terms of any affected
Awards previously granted hereunder as determined by the Committee in
its sole discretion or (C) provide that for a period of at least 15
days prior to the consummation of such corporate transaction, such
Options shall be exercisable as to all shares subject thereto and that
upon the consummation of such corporate transaction, such Options
shall terminate and be of no further force and effect. |
10. No Right to Employment or Awards
The granting of an Award under the Plan shall impose no obligation on the Company or any
Subsidiary to continue the Employment of a Participant and shall not lessen or affect the Companys
or Subsidiarys right to terminate the Employment of such Participant. No Participant or other
Person shall have any claim to be granted any Award, and there is no obligation for uniformity of
treatment of Participants, or holders or beneficiaries of Awards. The terms and conditions of
Awards and the Committees determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the
same with respect to each Participant (whether or not such Participants are similarly situated).
11. Successors and Assigns
The Plan shall be binding on all successors and assigns of the Company and a Participant,
including without limitation, the estate of such Participant and the executor, administrator or
trustee of such estate, or any receiver or trustee in bankruptcy or representative of the
Participants creditors.
12. Nontransferability of Awards
Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, an Award shall not be transferable or assignable
by the Participant otherwise than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. An Award
exercisable after the death of a Participant may be exercised by the legatees, personal
representatives or distributees of the Participant.
13. Amendments or Termination
The Board may amend, alter or discontinue the Plan, but no amendment, alteration or
discontinuation shall be made, (a) without the approval of the shareholders of the Company, if such
action would (except as is provided in Section 9 of the Plan), increase the total number of Shares
reserved for the purposes of the Plan or change the maximum number of Shares for which Awards may
be granted to any Participant or (b) without the consent of a Participant, if such action would
diminish any of the rights of the Participant under any Award theretofore granted to such
Participant under the Plan; provided, however, that the Committee may amend the Plan in such manner
as it deems necessary to permit the granting of Awards meeting the requirements of the Code or
other applicable laws.
14. International Participants
With respect to Participants who reside or work outside the United States of America and who
are not (and who are not expected to be) covered employees within the meaning of Section 162(m)
of the Code, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend the terms of the Plan or Awards with
respect to such Participants in order to conform such terms with the requirements of local law.
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15. Choice of Law
The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of
Florida without regard to conflicts of laws.
16. Effectiveness of the Plan
The 2004 Stock Incentive Plan of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. and Its Subsidiaries initially
became effective June 7, 2004, and was amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto on June 21, 2006. The
Board, on August 24, 2006, approved the Plans further amendment, as set forth herein, subject to
approval of the shareholders of the Company at the 2006 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders or a
special meeting of the shareholders at which the Plan, as amended and restated, is presented for
approval, provided that any such special meeting is held within twelve months of the date this
amended and restated Plan is adopted by the Board.
A-8
NET 1 UEPS TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
PROXY
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
This proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors of Net 1 UEPS Technologies,
Inc. for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 1, 2006. The undersigned
appoints Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant and Herman G. Kotze, and each of them, with full power of
substitution in each, the proxies of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned and vote all
shares of the common stock of Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc. which the undersigned may be entitled
to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on December 1, 2006, and at any
adjournment or postponement thereof, as indicated on the reverse side of this proxy.
This proxy, when properly executed, will be voted in the manner directed herein by the
undersigned shareholder. If no direction is given, then this proxy will be voted FOR ALL nominees
for director and FOR proposals 2 and 3.
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Net 1 UEPS Technologies, Inc.
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P.O. BOX 11057 |
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NEW YORK, N.Y. 10203-0057 |
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6 DETACH PROXY CARD HERE
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Mark, Sign, Date and Return
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this Proxy Card Promptly
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Votes must be indicated |
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Using the Enclosed Envelope.
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(x) in Black or Blue ink. |
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THIS PROXY, WHEN PROPERLY EXECUTED, WILL BE VOTED IN THE MANNER DIRECTED HEREIN BY THE UNDERSIGNED SHAREHOLDER. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES FOR
DIRECTOR AND FOR PROPOSALS 2 AND 3.
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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS: |
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FOR ALL
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WITHHOLD FOR ALL
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EXCEPTIONS
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To change your address, please mark
this box and provide new address
where indicated on the reverse side
of this Proxy Card.
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Dr. Serge C.P. Belamant, Herman G. Kotze, Christopher S. Seabrooke, Antony C. Ball, Alasdair J.K. Pein, Paul Edwards and Florian
P. Wendelstadt |
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To include any comments, please
mark this box. |
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INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee, write that nominees name in the following space: |
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2.
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PROPOSAL TO AMEND AND RESTATE THE 2004 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN TO INCREASE BY 2,845,600 SHARES
THE NUMBER OF SHARES ISSUABLE UNDER THE PLAN AND TO MAKE OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE REVISIONS.
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PROPOSAL TO RATIFY THE SELECTION OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE (SOUTH AFRICA) AS THE INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR THE COMPANY FOR THE 2007 FISCAL YEAR.
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In their discretion upon such
other matters as may properly come before the meeting.
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C A N L I N E
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Please sign exactly as your name appears on your stock certificates. When joint tenants hold shares, both
should sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, please give full title as
such. If a corporation, please sign in full corporate name by president or other authorized officer. If a
partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
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Shareholder sign here Date
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Co-Owner sign here Date |