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OMB APPROVAL |
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OMB Number:
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3235-0059 |
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Expires:
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February 28, 2006 |
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Estimated average burden hours per
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12.75 |
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
SCHEDULE 14A
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No. )
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Filed by the Registrant þ |
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Filed by a Party other than the Registrant
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Check the appropriate box: |
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o Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by
Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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þ Definitive Proxy Statement |
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o Definitive Additional Materials |
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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12 |
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, 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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þ No fee required. |
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Fee computed on table below per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(4) and
0-11. |
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1) Title of each class of securities to which transaction applies: |
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2) Aggregate number of securities to which transaction applies: |
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3) Per unit price or other underlying value of transaction computed
pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 0-11 (set forth the amount on which the
filing fee is calculated and state how it was determined): |
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4) Proposed maximum aggregate value of transaction: |
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o Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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o Check box if any part of the fee is offset as provided by Exchange Act
Rule 0-11(a)(2) and identify the filing for which the offsetting fee
was paid previously. Identify the previous filing by registration
statement number, or the Form or Schedule and the date of its filing. |
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1) Amount Previously Paid: |
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2) Form, Schedule or Registration Statement No.: |
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SEC 1913 (02-02) |
Persons who are to respond to the collection of information
contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid
OMB control number. |
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
26255 American Drive
Southfield, Michigan 48034
(248) 358-1100
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
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Date: May 10, 2005 |
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Time: 2:00 p.m., EST |
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Place: |
Meadowbrook Insurance Group
26255 American Drive
Southfield, Michigan 48034 |
We invite you to attend the Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
Annual Meeting of Stockholders to:
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1. |
Elect three directors for a three-year term expiring in 2008 or
until the election and qualification of their successors; |
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2. |
Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the
Companys independent accountants; |
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3. |
Transact any other business that is properly submitted before
the Annual Meeting or any adjournments of the Annual Meeting. |
The record date for the Annual Meeting is March 16, 2005.
Only stockholders of record at the close of business on that
date are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. This Notice was
mailed only to those stockholders.
A proxy statement, a proxy card and the Companys 2004
Annual Report are enclosed. Whether you plan to attend the
meeting or not, whether you own a few or many shares of stock,
the Board of Directors urges you to vote promptly. You may vote
by completing, signing, dating and returning the enclosed proxy
card in the enclosed envelope.
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By Order of the Board of Directors, |
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Michael G. Costello |
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Secretary |
Southfield, Michigan
Dated: April 5, 2005
IF YOU DO NOT EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING
PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE AND SIGN THE ENCLOSED PROXY CARD
AND RETURN IT PROMPTLY IN THE POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
PROXY STATEMENT
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
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A: A proxy is a procedure which enables you, as a
stockholder, to authorize someone else to cast your vote for
you. The Board of Directors of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
(the Company) is soliciting your proxy, and asking
you to authorize Merton J. Segal, Chairman of the Board, Robert
S. Cubbin, the President and Chief Executive Officer or Michael
G. Costello, the Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary of the Company, to cast your vote for you at the 2005
Annual Meeting. You may, of course, cast your vote in person or
abstain from voting, if you so choose. The term proxy is also
used to refer to the person who is authorized by you to vote for
you. |
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2. Q: |
What are a proxy statement and a proxy card? |
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A: A proxy statement is the document the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission requires to explain the
matters on which you are asked to vote. A proxy card is the form
by which you may authorize someone else, and in this case
Mr. Segal, Mr. Cubbin or Mr. Costello, to cast
your vote for you. This proxy statement and proxy card with
respect to the Companys 2005 Annual Meeting were mailed on
or about April 5, 2005 to all stockholders entitled to vote
at the Annual Meeting. |
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3. Q: |
Who is entitled to vote? |
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A: Only holders of shares of the Companys common
stock at the close of business on March 16, 2005 (the
Record Date) are entitled to vote at the Annual
Meeting. Each stockholder of record has one vote for each share
of common stock for each matter presented for a vote. |
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4. Q: |
What will I vote on at the Annual Meeting? |
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A: At the Annual Meeting, stockholders will vote to: |
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(i) |
Elect three directors for a three-year term expiring in 2008 or
until the election and qualification of their successors; |
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(ii) |
Ratify the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the
Companys independent accountants; and |
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(iii) |
Transact any other business that is properly submitted before
the Annual Meeting or any adjournments of the Annual Meeting. |
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5. Q: |
How does the Board of Directors recommend I vote on the
proposals? |
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A: The Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR each
proposal. |
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A: You can vote in person or by proxy. To vote by proxy,
complete, sign, date and return the enclosed proxy card in the
enclosed envelope. If you returned your signed proxy card to the
Company before the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies
on the card will vote your shares as you direct. Shares
represented by proxies, which are marked WITHHELD to
vote for all three nominees for director, or for any individual
nominee(s) for election as director(s) and which are not
otherwise marked FOR the other nominees, will not be
counted in determining whether a plurality vote has been
received for the election of directors. Similarly, shares
represented by proxies which are marked ABSTAIN on
the proposal to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as independent accountants for the
Company in 2005, will not be counted in determining whether the
requisite vote has been received for such proposal. IF YOU WISH
TO VOTE IN THE MANNER THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS, IT IS
NOT NECESSARY TO SPECIFY YOUR CHOICE ON THE PROXY |
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CARD. SIMPLY SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD IN THE
ENCLOSED ENVELOPE. You may revoke a proxy at any time before the
proxy is voted by: |
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(i) |
Providing written notice of revocation to the Secretary of the
Company at the address shown on the Notice of Annual Meeting of
Stockholders on the first page of this booklet; |
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(ii) |
Submitting another proxy that is properly signed and dated
later; or |
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(iii) |
Voting in person at the meeting (but only if the shares are
registered in the Companys records in your name and not in
the name of a broker, dealer, bank or other third party). |
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7. Q: |
Is my vote confidential? |
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A: Yes, your vote is confidential. Only the inspectors of
election and certain employees associated with processing proxy
cards and counting the votes have access to your proxy card. All
comments received will be forwarded to management on an
anonymous basis unless, of course, you ask that your name be
disclosed. |
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A: There were 29,077,082 shares of the Companys
common stock outstanding on the Record Date. A majority of the
outstanding shares, or 14,538,542 shares, present or represented
by proxy, constitutes a quorum. A quorum must exist to conduct
business at the Annual Meeting. Abstentions and broker non-votes
are counted as votes present. A broker non-vote is a proxy a
broker submits that does not indicate a vote for the proposal,
because the broker does not have discretionary voting authority
and the broker did not receive instructions as to how to vote on
the proposal. |
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9. Q: |
How does voting work? |
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A: If a quorum exists at the Annual Meeting, a plurality
vote, being the greatest number, of the shares voted, although
not a majority, is required to elect the three nominees for
director. The three nominees receiving the highest number of
votes will be elected. If a quorum is present, the affirmative
vote by the holders of a majority of the shares present, or
represented by proxy, is required to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the independent accountants of
the Company in 2005. Broker non-votes are excluded for this
purpose. Therefore, a broker non-vote will have no effect on the
proposal to elect the three nominees for director and ratify the
appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the independent
accountants for the Company in 2005. |
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The Company will vote properly executed proxies it receives
prior to the Annual Meeting in the way you direct. If you do not
specify instructions, the shares represented by proxies will be
voted FOR the nominees for director and FOR the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the Companys independent
accountants for 2005. |
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10. Q: |
Who pays for the costs of the Annual Meeting? |
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A: The Company pays the cost of preparing and printing the
proxy statement and the proxy card, and soliciting proxies. The
Company will solicit proxies primarily by mail, but also may
solicit proxies personally and by telephone, facsimile or other
means. Officers and regular employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries also may solicit proxies, but will receive no
additional compensation for doing so, nor will their efforts
result in more than a minimal cost to the Company. The Company
also will reimburse banks, brokerage houses and other
custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their out-of-pocket
expenses for forwarding solicitation material to beneficial
owners of the Companys common stock. |
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11. Q: |
When are stockholder proposals for the 2006 Annual Meeting
due? |
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A: All stockholder proposals to be considered for inclusion
in next years proxy statement under Securities and
Exchange Commission Rule 14a-8 must be submitted in writing
to the Secretary of the Company at the address shown on the
Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders on the first page of
this booklet by December 6, 2005. |
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For any proposal that is not submitted for inclusion in next
years proxy statement (as described in the preceding
paragraph) but is instead sought to be presented directly at
next years annual meeting, Securities and Exchange
Commission rules permit management to vote proxies in its
discretion if (a) the Company receives notice of the
proposal before the close of business on February 19, 2006
and advises stockholders in next years proxy statement
about the nature of the matter and how management intends to
vote on such matter, or (b) does not receive notice of the
proposal prior to the close of business on February 19,
2006. |
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The Company reserves the right to reject, rule out of order, or
take other appropriate action with respect to any proposal that
does not comply with these and other applicable requirements. |
THE FIRST PROPOSAL ON WHICH YOU ARE VOTING
THE ELECTION OF THREE DIRECTORS
The Companys Board of Directors is divided into three
classes with each class of directors elected to a three-year
term of office. At each annual meeting of stockholders, the
stockholders elect one class of directors for a three-year term
to succeed the class of directors whose term of office expires
at that meeting.
This year you are voting on three candidates for Director. The
Companys Board of Directors, acting upon the
recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee, has
nominated: Robert H. Naftaly, Robert W. Sturgis and Bruce E.
Thal as Directors with terms expiring in 2008. Each nominee
currently serves as a Director, has consented to their
nomination and has agreed to serve as a Director, if elected.
If any of the nominees are unable to stand for election, the
Company may vote the shares to elect a substitute nominee,
nominated by the Board of Directors, or the number of Directors
to be elected at the Annual Meeting may be reduced.
The Companys Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR
each of the nominees.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE NOMINEES, THE INCUMBENT DIRECTORS
AND
OTHER EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Independence Determination
Our Board of Directors has determined that Messrs. Dresner,
Greenberg, Milo, Naftaly, Page, Sturgis, Swider, Thal, Tyner,
and Ms. Mark are independent as such term is defined in the
New York Stock Exchanges independence standards, as
modified or supplemented, and these Directors have no other
relationship that would impair such independence.
The following is information about the nominees for election as
a Director, each of the Directors whose term of office will
continue after the meeting, and other persons who are executive
officers of the Company. The information is as of the date of
record, March 16, 2005.
Nominee Directors Terms Expiring in 2008
Robert H. Naftaly, age 67 and a Director since 2002, is
retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of PPOM, an
independent operating subsidiary of Blue Cross Blue Shield of
Michigan (BCBSM) and as Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer of BCBSM. Previously, Mr. Naftaly
served as Vice President and General Auditor of Detroit Edison
Company and was the Director of the Department of Management and
Budget for the State of Michigan. He was a managing partner and
founder of Geller, Naftaly, Herbach & Shapiro, a certified
public accounting firm. He is the Chairman of the Compensation
Committee and a member of the Audit Committee, the Finance
Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee of the
Board of Directors of the Company.
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Robert W. Sturgis, age 63 and a Director since 2000, is
retired as Director and Principal of Tillinghast-Towers Perrin,
a global management and actuarial consulting firm. He is a
member of the Audit Committee and the Finance Committee of the
Board of Directors of the Company.
Bruce E. Thal, age 73 and a Director since 1995, is a
retired partner of Deloitte & Touche L.L.P., a public
accounting firm. Mr. Thal is the Chairman of the Audit
Committee and a member of the Investment Committee and the
Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Incumbent Directors Terms Expiring in 2006
Robert S. Cubbin, age 47 and a Director since 1995, was
appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company in May 2002. Prior to being named President and Chief
Executive Officer, Mr. Cubbin served as President and Chief
Operating Officer since February 1999. In 1999, Mr. Cubbin
was also appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
following subsidiaries of the Company: Star Insurance Company
(Star), a property and casualty insurance company;
Savers Property and Casualty Insurance Company
(Savers), a property and casualty insurance company;
Williamsburg National Insurance Company
(Williamsburg), a property and casualty insurance
company, Ameritrust Insurance Corporation
(Ameritrust), a workers compensation insurance
carrier and Meadowbrook, Inc.(Meadowbrook) an
insurance agency and risk management subsidiary of the Company.
Mr. Cubbin is the President of Meadowbrook. From 1996 until
his appointment as President and Chief Operating Officer in
February 1999, Mr. Cubbin was an Executive Vice President
of the Company. Mr. Cubbin joined the Company in 1987, as
Vice President and General Counsel. Prior to joining the
Company, Mr. Cubbin, an attorney, was with Plunkett &
Cooney, P.C., a Michigan law firm specializing in insurance law.
Mr. Cubbin is a member of the Finance Committee and the
Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Hugh W. Greenberg, age 74 and a Director since 1985, is
President of DataNet Quality Systems, formerly Detroit Gauge
& Tool Company. DataNet Quality Systems develops
manufacturing quality control software and systems.
Mr. Greenberg is the Chairman of the Governance and
Nominating Committee and a member of the Audit Committee, the
Finance Committee and the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
Florine Mark, a Director since 1996, is President and
Chief Executive Officer of The WW Group, Inc., the largest
franchisee of Weight Watchers International. Ms. Mark is a
member of the Governance and Nominating Committee and the
Investment Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Irvin F. Swider, Sr., age 77 and a Director since 1990,
is owner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Future
Products Tool Corporation and Metal Punch, Inc., which are
manufacturers of precision tooling. Mr. Swider has owned
these companies since 1963.
Incumbent Directors Terms Expiring in 2007
Merton J. Segal, age 76, is the Founder of the Company.
Mr. Segal has been a Director since 1985 and is Chairman of
the Board of Directors of the Company. Further, Mr. Segal
is a Director of the following subsidiaries of the Company:
Star, Savers, Williamsburg, Ameritrust and Meadowbrook.
Mr. Segal holds the designation of Chartered Property &
Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and is a Licensed
Insurance Counselor (LIC). Mr. Segal is a
member of the Finance Committee and the Investment Committee of
the Board of Directors of the Company.
Joseph S. Dresner, age 79 and a Director since 1985, is
Chairman of the Highland Companies, a Detroit-area-based
developer and manager of commercial, industrial and residential
properties. Mr. Dresner is the Chairman of the Investment
Committee and a member of the Finance Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company
Ralph Milo, age 61 and has been a Director since 2002.
Mr. Milo is a member of the Board of Directors and serves
as the President and Treasurer of Ocean Harbor Casualty
Insurance Company, a casualty insurer located in New York City.
From 1985 to 2001, he was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of Clarendon
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Insurance Group, a national leader in program business.
Previously, Mr. Milo was Vice President of General
Reinsurance and a partner with the Coopers & Lybrand public
accounting firm. Mr. Milo also served with the United
States Internal Revenue Service. Mr. Milo is a member of
the Audit Committee and the Finance Committee of the Board of
Directors of the Company.
David K. Page, age 71 and a Director since 2000, is a
Partner in the Detroit, Michigan law firm of Honigman Miller
Schwartz & Cohn. Mr. Page is the Chairman of the
Finance Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee,
the Investment Committee and the Governance and Nominating
Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Herbert Tyner, age 74 and a Director since 1985, is Chief
Executive Officer of Hartman & Tyner, Inc., a Detroit-based
real estate developer with land, apartment developments and
other real estate holdings in Michigan and Florida.
Mr. Tyner is a member of the Compensation Committee of the
Board of Directors of the Company.
Other Executive Officers
The following is information about the Companys other
Executive Officers.
Michael G. Costello, age 44, was appointed Senior Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, Star,
Savers, Ameritrust, Williamsburg and Meadowbrook in 1999.
Previously, Mr. Costello served as Vice President and
General Counsel of the Company, Star, Savers and Meadowbrook.
Mr. Costello joined the Company in 1993 as Vice President
and Assistant General Counsel. Mr. Costello was formerly a
Shareholder with Plunkett & Cooney, P.C., a Michigan
law firm specializing in insurance law.
Karen M. Spaun, age 40, was appointed Chief Financial
Officer in 2003. She has served as Senior Vice President and
Chief Accounting Officer of the Company since 2002. That same
year, she was elected Director, Vice President and Treasurer of
Star, Savers, Ameritrust and Meadowbrook. In 2003, she was
elected Director, Vice President and Treasurer of Williamsburg.
Ms. Spaun joined the Company in 1998 as Director of
Investor Relations. In 1997, Ms. Spaun served as Controller of
CoverX, an excess and surplus lines broker. From 1993 to 1997
she served as Director of Financial Accounting at Citizens
Insurance Company, a member of Allmerica Financial Corporation,
in Howell, Michigan. Ms. Spaun previously held financial
and accounting positions in public companies and the
Coopers & Lybrand public accounting firm.
Gregory L. Wilde, age 57, is Executive Vice President of
the Company and is President of Star, Savers, Ameritrust and
Williamsburg. Mr. Wilde joined the Company in 1999. He
previously served as Regional Vice President for Crum &
Forester, a national provider of insurance services, in their
Detroit, Michigan office. From 1971 to 1996, he served in a
variety of positions including Regional Vice President, with
Aetna Casualty & Surety Company at their offices in
Milwaukee, WI and Philadelphia, PA.
Robert Christopher Spring, age 51, is Senior Vice
President Business Operations of the Company and
President of the Companys TPA Associates Division, which
was acquired by the Company in 1999. Mr. Spring co-founded
TPA Associates in 1993. He served as Executive Vice President of
TPA from 1993 through 2000. He previously served as Assistant
Vice President with American Mutual Insurance Companies from
1987 through 1989. From 1989 through 1993, Mr. Spring worked
with Towers Perrin as a risk management consultant. He began his
career with Signature Group, an Illinois insurance company, in
1977.
Stephen A. Belden, age 49, is Senior Vice President and
Chief Actuary of the Company. Mr. Belden joined the Company
in 2003. He previously served as Chief Actuary for Zurich North
American Construction from 1995 to 2003. From 1990 to 1995,
Mr. Belden worked with Orion Capital Companies as AVP and
Actuary. Previous to this, Mr. Beldens experience
includes serving as a Consultant with Tillinghast and with
Touche, Ross and Company as an Actuarial Officer for St. Paul
Companies. He started his career in 1977 with Aetna Life and
Casualty at their offices in Hartford, CT, where he served in
various positions in the Actuarial Department.
Mr. Beldens credentials include both FCAS and CPCU
designations.
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Archie S. McIntyre, age 40, is Senior Vice President of
Business Development. Mr. McIntyre joined the Company in
1986. From 1986 to 1988, Mr. McIntyre held various
positions in the agency, marketing and finance divisions of the
Company. From 1988 to 1996, Mr. McIntyre was a manager in
the Companys public entity division. In 1996,
Mr. McIntyre was named Vice President of the Companys
Alabama Branch. In 1999, Mr. McIntyre was appointed to
manage the Companys Business Development Department, which
includes marketing, due diligence, acquisitions and corporate
strategy. Mr. McIntyre graduated from the University of
Michigan-Dearborn and holds an ARM (Associate in Risk
Management) designation.
Kenn R. Allen, age 55, is Senior Vice President of the
Company and President of the Meadowbrook Insurance Agency.
Mr. Allen has served as President of the Meadowbrook
Insurance Agency since 1986. Prior to joining the Company,
Mr. Allen held many positions at Republic Hogg Robinson,
where he was a Regional Senior Vice President for its
self-funded groups, self-insureds/associations and
property/casualty business. Mr. Allen is a graduate of the
University of Cincinnati and Henry Ford College. His credentials
include CIC (Certified Insurance Counselor) and CHCM (Certified
Hazard Control Manager).
COMMITTEES AND MEETINGS OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has established an Audit Committee,
Compensation Committee, Finance Committee, Investment Committee
and Governance and Nominating Committee.
Each of the Committees of the Board of Directors has adopted a
written Charter. A current copy of each of the Committees
Charter is attached as an appendice to this proxy statement and
is also available at the Companys website which is:
www.meadowbrook.com.
Audit Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for
reviewing the services of the Companys independent
accountants and actuaries, consults with the accountants and
actuaries, reviews the financial statements of the Company and
internal controls of the Company and monitors the Internal Audit
Department of the Company. The Audit Committee members are Bruce
E. Thal, Chairman, Hugh W. Greenberg, Ralph Milo, Robert H.
Naftaly and Robert W. Sturgis. The members of the Audit
Committee satisfy the independence and experience requirements
of the NYSE. The Audit Committee met eight (8) times in
2004. Please refer to the Audit Committee Report below for
details of the Committees proceedings during 2004.
Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee
establishes the performance goals and objectives and evaluates
the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chairman
of the Board. The Compensation Committee recommends to the Board
of Directors the base salary levels, bonuses and equity
compensation for the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the
Board. In addition, the Compensation Committee approves the
guidelines to determine salary levels, bonuses and equity
compensation for other executive officers and managers of the
Company. The Compensation Committee also reviews and makes
recommendations with respect to the Companys compensation
plans and is responsible for administering the Companys
1995 and 2002 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plans, as well
as the Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Compensation Committee
members are Robert H. Naftaly, Chairman, Hugh W. Greenberg,
David K. Page, and Herbert Tyner. The Compensation Committee met
four (4) times in 2004. Please refer to the
Compensation Committee Report below for details of the
Committees proceedings during 2004.
Finance Committee. The Finance Committee reviews the
Companys banking relationships, business operations,
potential acquisitions, capital strategy and litigation relating
to the Company. Members of the Finance Committee are David K.
Page, Chairman, Joseph S. Dresner, Hugh W. Greenberg, Ralph
Milo, Robert H. Naftaly, Bruce E. Thal, Robert W. Sturgis,
Merton J. Segal and Robert S. Cubbin. The Finance Committee met
five (5) times in 2004.
Investment Committee. The Investment Committee reviews
and approves the Companys Investment Policy Guidelines,
investment transactions of the Company and its insurance company
subsidiaries, investment performance and monitors adherence to
the Companys Investment Policy Guidelines. The Investment
Committee members are Joseph S. Dresner, Chairman, Robert S.
Cubbin, Florine Mark, David K. Page, Merton J. Segal and Bruce
E. Thal. The Investment Committee met four (4) times in
2004.
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Governance and Nominating Committee. The Governance and
Nominating Committee reviews the criteria for the selection of
senior executives and Directors of the Company. The Governance
and Nominating Committee reviews the performance of the
Directors and recommends Directors for election to the Board of
Directors. The Governance and Nominating Committee monitors
compliance with the Companys Code of Conduct, Business
Conduct Policy and other corporate governance policies. The
Governance and Nominating Committee also reviews and approves
any related-party transactions involving the Company. The
Governance and Nominating Committee members are Hugh W.
Greenberg, Chairman, Florine Mark, David K. Page, and Robert H.
Naftaly. The Governance and Nominating Committee met once in
2004.
ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS
The Board of Directors met four times in 2004. Committees of the
Board held twenty-two additional meetings in 2004. During 2004,
each of the Directors attended at least 75% of the aggregate of
the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the
total number of meetings held by all Committees of the Board
upon which he/she served.
Nine members of the Board of Directors attended the 2004 Annual
Meeting.
It is the Policy of the Board of Directors of the Company to
encourage attendance by its members at all meetings of the Board
and Committees of the Board.
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
Executive sessions of non-management directors were held at
every meeting of the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee
held executive sessions at six (6) of its
eight (8) meetings; the Compensation Committee held
executive sessions at three (3) of its
four (4) meetings; the Governance and Nominating
Committee held an executive session at its meeting; the Finance
Committee held executive sessions at three (3) of its
five (5) meetings; and the Investment Committee held
an executive session at one (1) of its
four (4) meetings.
COMMUNICATIONS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
AND TO INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
Any security holder may communicate directly with the Board of
Directors, or with any one or more individual members of the
Board. A security holder wishing to do so, should address the
communication to Board of Directors or to one or
more individual members of the Board and submit the
communication to the Company at the address of the Company noted
on the first page of this Notice of Meeting and Proxy Statement.
All such communications received by the Company and addressed to
the Board of Directors will be forwarded to the Chairman of the
Board of Directors, or to the individual member or members of
the Board, if addressed to them.
All of these communications will be reviewed by our Secretary to
filter out communications that are not appropriate,
specifically, spam or communications offering to buy or sell
products or services. The Secretary will forward all remaining
communications to the appropriate Directors.
Any interested party may communicate with our non-management
Directors by writing to:
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
26255 American Drive
Southfield, Michigan 48034
Attention: Non-Management Directors
7
GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Our Board of Directors has a Governance and Nominating Committee
which consists of four (4) Directors. Hugh W.
Greenberg (Chairman), Florine Mark, David K. Page, and Robert H.
Naftaly are the current members of the Governance and Nominating
Committee. The Governance and Nominating Committee recommends
individuals for election to the Board of Directors. During the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2004, the Governance and
Nominating Committee held one (1) meeting.
Our Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance
Guidelines and a written Charter for the Governance and
Nominating Committee, copies of which are attached as appendices
to this proxy statement and are also available to shareholders
on our website, at www.meadowbrook.com. Each of the members of
our Governance and Nominating Committee is independent as
defined in the New York Stock Exchanges independence
standards, as those standards have been modified or
supplemented, and these Directors have no other relationship
that would impair their independence.
The Governance and Nominating Committees policy is to
consider director candidates recommended by shareholders. Such
recommendations must be made pursuant to timely notice in
writing to:
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
26255 American Drive
Southfield, Michigan 48034-2438
Attention: Governance and Nominating Committee
The Governance and Nominating Committee has not established
specific minimum qualifications and skills for directors to
possess. The Governance and Nominating Committee uses a
subjective process for identifying and evaluating nominees for
director, based upon the information available to members of the
Governance and Nominating Committee and the Companys then
current needs. The Governance & Nominating Committee does
not believe there would be any difference in the manner in which
it evaluates nominees based on whether the nominee is
recommended by a shareholder. Historically, nominees have been
existing directors or persons with significant experience in the
insurance industry or accounting, actuarial or legal professions.
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to all of
our employees, officers and Directors, including our principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, principal
accounting officer, controller or persons performing similar
functions. Annually, we review the Code of Conduct for any
amendments, which are thereafter reviewed and approved by the
Governance and Nominating Committee and the Board of Directors.
Our Code of Conduct contains written standards that are intended
to deter wrongdoing and promote:
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Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of
actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and
professional relationships; |
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Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosures in
reports and documents that we file with, or submit to, the
Securities and Exchange Commission and in other public
communications we make; |
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Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and
regulations; |
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The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code of
Conduct to an appropriate person; and |
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Accountability for adherence to the Code of Conduct. |
This Code of Conduct is attached to our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004
as Exhibit 14. We have also posted it on our Web site at
www.meadowbrook.com. We will provide a copy of the Code of
Conduct to any person, without charge and upon request. Requests
for a copy of our Code of Conduct should be made to the
Secretary at 26255 American Drive, Southfield, Michigan 48034.
We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement under
Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a
8
waiver from, a provision of our Code of Conduct that applies to
our principal executive officer, principal financial officer,
principal accounting officer or controller or persons performing
similar functions and that relates to any element of the code
definition enumerated in Securities and Exchange Commission,
Regulation S-K, Item 406(b) by posting such
information on our Web site at www.meadowbrook.com within
five (5) business days following the date of the amendment
or waiver. To date, no such waivers have been made.
REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Audit Committee (the Committee) has adopted a
Charter outlining its duties and responsibilities on matters
relating to financial reporting, internal audit, accounting
practices, internal controls, loss reserving and selection of
the Companys independent auditors.
The Committee consists of all independent directors. The members
are: Bruce E. Thal, Chairman, Robert H. Naftaly, Ralph Milo,
Robert Sturgis and Hugh Greenberg. The Committee recommended and
the Board of Directors approved the appointment of Bruce E. Thal
as the Committees financial expert, in accordance with the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
In 2004, the Committee met with members of the Companys
financial management team at each of its meetings. The
Companys independent auditors attended six (6) of
eight (8) Committee meetings. During 2004, the Committee
also met with the Companys independent actuarial
consultants. During these meetings, the Committee held
discussions with the independent auditors and the actuarial
consultants relating to financial management, accounting
practices, loss reserves, internal audit and other internal
control related issues. The Committee also met in executive
session with the Companys independent auditors and
actuarial consultants.
The Committee recommended and approved the engagement of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as the Companys independent
auditors for 2005. Also, the Committee recommended and approved
the Companys use of PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP for tax
compliance services in 2004. The Board of Directors approved
both recommendations of the Committee.
During 2004, the Committee reviewed the Companys financial
management with its independent auditors. The Committee reviewed
the results of PricewaterhouseCoopers audit for 2004, as well as
PricewaterhouseCoopers audit plan for 2005. The Committee
reviewed the audited financial statements, which are included in
the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K. The
Committee received a report from the Companys independent
actuarial firm relating to the Companys loss reserves.
Also, the Committee received reports from
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLC and the Companys Internal
Audit Department relating to the Companys compliance with
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The
Committee is responsible for overseeing the Companys
project plan and compliance with Section 404.
The Committee also discussed with the independent auditors other
matters required to be discussed by the auditors with the
Committee under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61
(communication with audit committees). The Committee received
and discussed with the auditors their annual written report on
their independence from the Company and its management, which is
made under Independence Standard Board Standard No. 1
(independence discussions with audit committees).
9
In reliance upon these reviews and discussions, and the report
of the independent auditors, the Committee has recommended to
the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors has approved,
that the audited financial statements be included in the
Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2004.
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The Audit Committee |
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Bruce E. Thal, Chairman |
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Hugh W. Greenberg |
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Ralph Milo |
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Robert H. Naftaly |
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Robert W. Sturgis |
10
COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS
During 2004, each outside director received an annual retainer
fee of $15,000 and $750 meeting fee for each Board or Committee
meeting attended. Each outside Director, who served as Chairman
of a Board Committee, received an additional $2,500 annual
retainer for such services.
In 2004, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors
reviewed the compensation paid by the Company to Directors. The
Compensation Committee reviewed compensation paid to Directors
of peer companies and considered the additional work and
responsibilities assumed by Directors in recent years. Also, the
Compensation Committee wanted to assure the compensation paid by
the Company to its Directors was competitive, which would assist
the recruitment of new Directors. Effective February 11,
2005, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of
Directors the annual retainer fee for outside Directors be
increased to $20,000; the annual retainer for outside Directors
who serve as a Chairman of a Board Committee be $3,000; and the
fee for attending a Board or Committee meeting be $1,000. On
February 11, 2005, the Board of Directors approved these
changes to Board compensation.
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS
It is the Companys philosophy to attract and retain
high-quality people, which is crucial to the short-term and
long-term success of the Company. In order to further this goal,
the Company determined that it was in the best interests of the
Company to enter into At-Will Employment and Severance
Agreements (the Agreements) with eleven
(11) senior executives of the Company. These Agreements
provide for a lump-sum severance payment (of up to twelve
(12) months of the executives annual base salary,
plus one times the executives targeted annual bonus) to
the executive in the event the executives employment is
terminated without Good Cause or Good
Reason within two (2) years following a Change
of Control of the Company. If the executive is terminated
within the two (2) year period following a Change of
Control and the termination is for Good Cause,
then, no severance payment would be due the executive. Further,
if the executive voluntarily resigns or his or her employment is
not terminated within the two (2) year period following a
Change of Control and the executives
employment is terminated thereafter, no severance payment would
be due the executive.
Under the Agreements, the following terms are applicable to each
of the Agreements described above:
(a) A Change in Control shall be deemed to have
taken place upon:
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i. |
The acquisition by any individual, entity or group (within the
meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act))
(a Person) of beneficial ownership (within the
meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act)
of 35% or more of either (a) the then outstanding shares of
common stock of the Company (the Outstanding Company
Common Stock) or (b) the combined voting power of the
then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors (the
Outstanding Company Voting Securities); provided,
however, that for purposes of this subparagraph (a)(i), the
following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control:
(i) any acquisition directly from the Company,
(ii) any acquisition by the Company, (iii) any
acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust)
sponsored or maintained by the Company or any corporation
controlled by the Company, or (iv) any acquisition by any
corporation pursuant to a transaction which complies with
clauses (a), (b) and (c) of subparagraph iii of this
Section (a); or |
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ii. |
Individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board of
Directors of the Company (the Incumbent Board) cease
for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board of
Directors; provided, however, that any individual who becomes a
director subsequent to the date hereof and whose election, or
nomination for election by the Companys shareholders, was
approved by a vote of at least a majority of the directors then
comprising the Incumbent Board (either by a specific vote or by
approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such
person is named as a nominee for director, without written
objection to such nomination) shall |
11
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be deemed to be a member of the Incumbent Board; provided,
further, that notwithstanding the immediately preceding proviso,
any individual whose initial assumption of office occurs as a
result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect
to the election or removal of directors or other actual or
threatened solicitation of proxies or contests by or on behalf
of a Person, other than the Board of Directors of the Company,
shall not be deemed to be a member of the Incumbent Board; or |
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iii. |
Consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange or
consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company (a Business
Combination), in each case, unless, following such
Business Combination: (a) all or substantially all of the
individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners,
respectively, of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and
Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such
Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
more than 65% of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of
common stock and the combined voting power of the then
outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, as the case may be, of the corporation
resulting from such Business Combination (including, without
limitation, a corporation which as a result of such transaction
owns the Company or all or substantially all of the
Companys assets either directly or through one or more
subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their
ownership, immediately prior to such Business Combination, of
the Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding Company
Voting Securities, as the case may be; (b) no Person
(excluding any corporation resulting from such Business
Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of
the Company or such corporation resulting from the Business
Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 35% or
more of, respectively, the then outstanding shares of common
stock of the corporation resulting from such Business
Combination or the combined voting power of the then outstanding
voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that
such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination; and
(c) at least a majority of the members of the board of
directors of the corporation resulting from such Business
Combination were members of the Incumbent Board immediately
prior to the time of the execution of the initial agreement, or
of the action of the Board of Directors of the Company,
providing for such Business Combination; or |
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iv. |
Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete
liquidation or dissolution of the Company. |
(b) Good Cause shall mean (i) the failure
by the Executive to obey the reasonable and lawful orders of the
Board of Directors of the Company or Executives direct
supervisor; (ii) misconduct by the Executive that is
materially injurious to the Company; or (ii) the Executive
engaging in dishonest activities injurious to the Company.
(c) Good Reason shall exist if Executive
resigns from employment with the Company following the
occurrence of any one or more of the following, without
Executives prior written consent: (i) Executive is
not reelected to or is removed as an Executive of the Company;
(ii) the Company fails to vest Executive with or removes
from Executive the duties, responsibilities, authority or
resources that Executive reasonably needs to competently perform
Executives duties as an officer of the Company;
(iii) the Company changes the primary location of
Executives employment to a place that is more than 50
miles the Executives principal location of employment with
the Company immediately prior to a Change in Control of the
Company; or (iv) the Company otherwise commits a material
breach of its obligations under the Agreements and fails to cure
the breach within 30 days after Executive gives the Company
written notice of the breach.
On October 27, 2004, the Compensation Committee reviewed
and approved the Agreements and those executives eligible for
such Agreements. The actions of the Compensation Committee were
approved by the Board of Directors on November 3, 2004.
12
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth as of the Record Date the
beneficial ownership of the Companys common stock by:
(i) each person known by the Company to beneficially own
five percent or more of such shares, (ii) each nominee and
incumbent director, (iii) each person named in the Summary
Compensation Table under the EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Section of this proxy statement, and (iv) all nominees and
incumbent directors and Executive Officers as a group, together
with their respective percentage ownership of the outstanding
shares. Unless otherwise indicated, each individual has sole
investment and voting power with respect to such shares.
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Amount and Nature of | |
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Percent | |
Name of Beneficial Owner |
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Beneficial Ownership(1) | |
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of Class | |
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Directors and Executive Officers
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Merton J. Segal (Executive Officer and Director)
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2,830,492 |
(2,3) |
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9.7 |
% |
Robert S. Cubbin (Executive Officer and Director)
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539,351 |
(4) |
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1.8 |
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Michael G. Costello (Executive Officer)
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107,688 |
(5) |
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* |
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Karen M. Spaun (Executive Officer)
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31,385 |
(6) |
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* |
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Kenn R. Allen (Executive Officer)
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73,093 |
(7) |
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* |
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Stephen A. Belden (Executive Officer)
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* |
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Archie S. McIntyre (Executive Officer)
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61,983 |
(8) |
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* |
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Robert C. Spring (Executive Officer)
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18,800 |
(9) |
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* |
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Gregory L. Wilde (Executive Officer)
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72,629 |
(10) |
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* |
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Joseph S. Dresner (Director)
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108,188 |
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* |
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Hugh W. Greenberg (Director)
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109,012 |
(11) |
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* |
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Florine Mark (Director)
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6,000 |
(12) |
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* |
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Ralph Milo (Director)
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* |
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Robert H. Naftaly (Director)
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35,000 |
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* |
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David K. Page (Director)
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90,000 |
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* |
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Robert W. Sturgis (Director)
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11,300 |
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* |
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Irvin F. Swider, Sr. (Director)
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507,397 |
(13) |
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1.7 |
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Bruce E. Thal (Director)
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72,000 |
(14) |
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* |
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Herbert Tyner (Director)
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186,377 |
(15) |
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* |
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All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (20 Persons)
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4,860,695 |
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16.2 |
% |
5% Beneficial Owners (excluding Directors and
Executive Officers) |
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Dimensional Fund Advisors, Inc.
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1,559,859 |
(16) |
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5.4 |
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Wells Fargo & Company
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1,865,450 |
(17) |
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6.4 |
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All Directors, Executive Officers and 5% Beneficial Owners
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8,286,004 |
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28.0 |
% |
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(1) |
Includes shares subject to options exercisable within
60 days of the Record Date. |
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(2) |
Address is 26255 American Drive, Southfield, Michigan 48034. |
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(3) |
Includes 21,504 shares held by a family trust established by
Mr. Segal. Also, includes 10,140 shares held by
Mr. Segals spouse. Also, includes 132,500 shares,
subject to currently exercisable options. |
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(4) |
Includes 448,883 shares, subject to currently exercisable
options. |
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(5) |
Includes 107,129 shares, subject to currently exercisable
options. |
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(6) |
Includes 28,425 shares, subject to currently exercisable options. |
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(7) |
Includes 24,079 shares held under 401(k) plan. Also, includes
49,014 shares, subject to currently exercisable options. |
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(8) |
Includes 7,894 shares held under 401(k) plan. Also, includes
50,589 shares, subject to currently exercisable options. |
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(9) |
Includes 18,800 shares, subject to currently exercisable options. |
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(10) |
Includes 16,129 shares held under 401(k) plan. Also, includes
34,500 shares, subject to currently exercisable options. |
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(11) |
Includes 109,012 shares held by a Family Trust established by
Mr. Greenberg. |
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(12) |
Includes 6,000 shares held in trust by Ms. Mark. |
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(13) |
Includes 318,320 shares held by a Revocable Trust established by
Mr. Swider. Also, includes 51,077 shares held by Future Products
Tool Corp. (FPTC) of which Mr. Swider is
President and sole stockholder. Mr. Swider may be deemed to
share beneficial ownership of the FPTC shares.
Mr. Swiders business address is Future Products Tool
Corporation, 855 N. Rochester Road, Clawson, Michigan 48017. |
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(14) |
Includes 6,000 shares held in trust by Mr. Thals
spouse and 34,000 shares held in trust by Mr. Thal. Also
includes 2,000 shares held in trust by Mr. Thals
grandnephews. Mr. Thal may be deemed to share beneficial
ownership in these shares held by his grandnephews, because he
has voting power over these shares. |
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(15) |
Includes 136,377 shares held by Hartman & Tyner, Inc.
Mr. Tyner is President and greater than 10% stockholder of
Hartman & Tyner, Inc. Mr. Tyner may be deemed to share
beneficial ownership of these shares. |
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(16) |
Address is 1299 Ocean Avenue, 11th Floor, Santa Monica, CA
90401. Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities
Exchange Commission dated February 9, 2005, Dimensional
Fund Advisors, Inc. held sole voting power and sole dispositive
power of 1,559,859 shares. |
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(17) |
Address is 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94104. Based
on a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities Exchange
Commission dated January 21, 2005, Wells Fargo & Company,
and its affiliated businesses (Wells Fargo), held
sole voting power of 1,801,600 shares and sole dispositive power
of 1,865,450 shares. |
14
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, requires that the Companys Directors, executive
officers and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class
of the Companys equity securities file reports of stock
ownership and any subsequent changes in stock ownership with the
Securities and Exchange Commission within prescribed time
limits. During 2004, all of the required reports were filed on a
timely basis, except as noted herein. Mr. Kenn Allen
submitted one late report involving one transaction. The Company
is unaware of any other failure to file a required report. In
making this disclosure, the Company relies on the
Directors and Executive Officers written
representations and a review of copies of the reports filed with
the SEC.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
At December 31, 2004, the Company held an $868,125 Demand
Note receivable, including $207,335 of accrued interest, from
Robert S. Cubbin and Kathleen D. Cubbin. In 2004,
Mr. Cubbin paid $42,000 to the Company in interest relating
to the Demand Note. This Demand Note arose from a transaction in
late 1998 whereby the Company loaned Robert S. Cubbin and
Kathleen D. Cubbin funds to exercise 64,718 common stock options
to cover the exercise price and associated tax withholdings. The
Demand Note bears a rate of interest equal to the rate charged
the Company pursuant to its current revolving credit agreement.
On December 31, 2004, the rate was 4.07%. The Demand Note
is due on demand. The loan is partially collateralized by 64,718
shares of the Companys common stock, pursuant to a Stock
Pledge Agreement. The Demand Note between the Company and Mr.
and Mrs. Cubbin is a non-recourse loan with the
Companys sole remedy in the event of a default being the
reclamation of the shares of the Company that were pledged as
collateral. (See the EMPLOYMENT
CONTRACTS Robert S. Cubbin Employment
Agreement Section of this proxy statement).
Sue Cubbin, Vice President of Human Resources, is the sister of
Robert S. Cubbin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the
Company. In her capacity as Vice President of Human Resources,
Ms. Cubbin is responsible for all human resource matters
relating to compensation, fringe benefits, payroll, education
and training, hiring and performance reviews of the
Companys employees. In addition, she is responsible for
facilities management of the Companys Southfield, Michigan
headquarters.
Laura Segal, a Vice President in the Southfield branch, is the
daughter of the Chairman of the Board, Merton J. Segal.
Ms. Segal is responsible for management of the
Companys largest public entity program, which is located
in the State of Michigan.
Carol Ziecik, Vice President of Corporate Communications, is the
daughter of the Chairman of the Board, Merton J. Segal.
Ms. Ziecik is responsible for the corporate communications
of the Company, which include press releases, marketing
materials, the Annual Report and other similar matters.
In 2004, the total compensation for Ms. Cubbin,
Ms. Segal and Ms. Ziecik was $341,450. In 2004, the
Compensation Committee granted a three (3) year long-term
incentive target for Ms. Cubbin and Ms. Segal of
$39,000 and $23,398, respectively.
In 2004, the Governance & Nominating Committee retained an
outside compensation consultant to independently review the
compensation paid Ms. Cubbin, Ms. Segal and Ms. Ziecik
in relation to their duties and responsibilities. The consultant
concluded that the compensation paid these employees was within
a competitive range of market medium levels. On February 10,
2005, the Governance & Nominating Committee reviewed the
compensation of Ms. Cubbin, Ms. Segal and
Ms. Ziecik. The Governance & Nominating Committee
determined there had been no material change in either the
compensation or duties of these employees and concluded the
compensation paid these employees was fair and reasonable in
relation to
15
their experience, duties and responsibilities. On
February 11, 2005, the Board of Directors approved the
continued employment of Ms. Cubbin, Ms. Segal and
Ms. Ziecik.
On December 3, 2003, the Company entered into a Development
Agreement with Kirco Development, L.L.C. for the construction of
the Companys home office building to be located in
Southfield, Michigan. The Development Agreement has a contract
price for construction of approximately $11 million. The
real estate consultant for the developer is GVA Strategis, LLC
(GVA Strategis), a real estate brokerage and
consulting firm located in Southfield, Michigan. Michael Ziecik,
a principal in GVA Strategis, is the son-in-law of the Chairman,
Merton J. Segal. GVA Strategis was paid a fee of $240,000 by
Kirco Development, L.L.C. for its consulting work during the
construction of this home office building. The Company has no
agreement to pay any sums to GVA Strategis in relation to its
consulting work in the construction of its home office building.
The Company executed an Exclusive Sale/ Lease Agency Agreement
(Sales Agreement) with GVA Strategis. This Sales
Agreement provides that GVA Strategis shall act as the real
estate broker for the sale of the Companys approximately
4.5 acres of vacant land adjacent to the construction site of
Companys new home office. GVA Strategis is to be paid at
the closing of this sale a five percent (5%) commission
(approximately $105,000) based upon the sales price for this
vacant land. On December 4, 2003, the Company entered into
a Purchase and Sale Agreement with an unaffiliated third-party
for the sale of the vacant land. A deposit was placed into
escrow on July 29, 2004, subject to the conveyance of
certain land by the City of Southfield and filing of the revised
land description with the county. The transaction is expected to
be completed in 2005.
In July 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with an
unaffiliated third-party to sell its property and building
located at 12641 East 116th Street, Cerritos, California for
$2.9 million. GVA Strategis was retained by the Company for
this transaction. GVA Strategis received a commission of $73,550
for its services. In addition, the real estate consultant was
paid a total of $23,698 in 2004 for real estate consulting
services relating to the relocation and leasing of our
Montgomery, Alabama and Grand Rapids, Michigan offices.
The amounts paid GVA Strategis for its real estate consulting
services were disclosed, reviewed and approved by the Finance
Committee, the Governance and Nominating Committee, as well as
the Board of Directors and are commensurate with the current
market for such services. There are no current agreements
between the Company and GVA Strategis.
16
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information for the fiscal years
ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 concerning the
compensation of the Companys Chief Executive Officer and
the Companys four most highly compensated Executive
Officers, other than the Chief Executive Officer, whose total
annual salary and bonus exceeded $100,000 and includes all
compensation paid to such officers:
Summary Compensation Table for Years Ended December 31,
2004, 2003 and 2002
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Long Term | |
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Compensation Awards | |
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Annual Compensation | |
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Restricted | |
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Securities | |
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Name and |
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Stock | |
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Underlying | |
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All Other | |
Principal Position |
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Year | |
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Salary($) | |
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Bonus($) | |
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Awards($) | |
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Options(#) | |
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Compensation($)(1) | |
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Merton J. Segal
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2004 |
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485,500 |
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300,550 |
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4,920 |
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Chairman of the Board
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2003 |
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474,250 |
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176,302 |
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37,500 |
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4,800 |
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2002 |
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469,688 |
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50,000 |
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4,400 |
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Robert S. Cubbin
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2004 |
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468,750 |
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304,000 |
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4,920 |
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President, Chief Executive
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2003 |
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378,333 |
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155,336 |
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26,250 |
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4,800 |
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Officer and Director
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2002 |
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360,500 |
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70,000 |
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535,000 |
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4,400 |
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Michael G. Costello
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2004 |
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231,500 |
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130,000 |
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4,920 |
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Senior Vice President,
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2003 |
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221,000 |
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60,000 |
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19,875 |
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4,800 |
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General Counsel and
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2002 |
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217,875 |
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41,700 |
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76,500 |
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4,400 |
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Secretary
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Gregory L. Wilde
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2004 |
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246,000 |
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135,000 |
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4,920 |
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Executive Vice President
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2003 |
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234,167 |
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50,000 |
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15,000 |
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4,800 |
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President of Insurance
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Operations
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Stephen A. Belden
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2004 |
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230,062 |
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115,000 |
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4,920 |
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Senior Vice President
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Chief Actuary
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(1) |
Amount contributed to the Officers account under the
Companys 401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plans except as
otherwise noted. |
17
The Company did not grant any stock options during 2004 under
either the 1995 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan or the
2002 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan.
Options Value Table
The following table sets forth information concerning exercises
and fiscal year end values of Company stock options during the
fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 by the following Executive
Officers:
Aggregated Option Exercises and Fiscal Year End Option
Values
for Year Ended December 31, 2004
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Number of Securities | |
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Value of Unexercised | |
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Shares | |
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Value | |
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Underlying Unexercised | |
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In-the-Money Options at | |
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Acquired on | |
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Realized | |
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Options at December 31, 2004 | |
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December 31, 2004 | |
Name |
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Exercise(#) | |
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($) | |
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Exercisable/Unexercisable | |
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Exercisable/Unexercisable($)(1) | |
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Merton J. Segal
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189,000/ 58,500 |
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99,975/101,863 |
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Robert S. Cubbin
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481,133/249,750 |
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514,883/367,904 |
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Michael G. Costello
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129,375/ 54,786 |
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97,477/ 83,647 |
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Karen M. Spaun
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30,750/ 17,875 |
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37,241/ 30,109 |
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Kenn R. Allen
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56,085/ 22,586 |
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34,991/ 35,652 |
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Archie S. McIntyre
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57,040/ 22,827 |
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34,991/ 35,652 |
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Robert C. Spring
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16,400/ 6,600 |
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14,097/ 12,224 |
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Gregory L. Wilde
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43,500/ 19,000 |
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31,332/ 34,973 |
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(1) |
Fair market value based on the closing price of the
Companys Common Stock on December 31, 2004 of $4.99. |
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. Stock Option Plans
The Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. 1995 Amended and Restated
Stock Option Plan (the 1995 Plan) and the 2002
Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the 2002
Plan) (the Plans) are intended to further the
interests of the Company and its stockholders by attracting,
retaining and motivating associates. The Plans provide for the
grant of stock options (which may be nonqualified options or
incentive stock options for tax purposes) and restricted stock
awards.
The number of shares of Common Stock which may be issued under
the Plans is 2,000,000 for each of the two Plans. Options issued
under both the 1995 Plan and the 2002 Plan which expire
unexercised will again become available for grant under the
Plans. Cash exercises of stock appreciation rights and cash
supplemental payments will not count against these limits.
Lapsed, forfeited or canceled awards will also not count against
these limits. The maximum number of shares of Common Stock which
may be issued under each Plan to any single individual is
800,000. As of the Record Date, 934,831 of the options provided
for in the 1995 Plan are outstanding or have been exercised. As
of the Record Date, 1,211,165 of the options provided for in the
2002 Plan are outstanding or have been exercised.
Stock Options
The Compensation Committee is authorized to determine the terms
and conditions of all option grants, subject to the limitations
that the option price per share may not be less than the fair
market value of a share of Common Stock on the date of grant and
the term of an option may not be longer than ten years. Payment
of the option price may be made in any manner specified by the
Compensation Committee (which may include payment in cash or
Common Stock or by cashless exercise).
18
LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
In 2004, the Compensation Committee authorized the adoption of
the Companys Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP).
The LTIP provides for the award of bonuses based upon three
(3) year performance periods (which require achievement of
a three (3) year performance target) with the first
performance period commencing January 1, 2004. At the end
of the three (3) year performance period, the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors shall determine the amount
of the LTIP awards that are earned and payable to the
participants in the LTIP. One half of the LTIP award would be
payable in cash and one half of the award would be payable in
the form of restricted stock. If the Company achieves the three
(3) year performance target, payment of the award would be
made in three (3) annual installments. The shares of
Company common stock subject to the restricted stock award shall
equal the dollar amount of one half of the LTIP award divided by
the fair market value of the Company common stock on the first
date of the performance period. The restricted stock award shall
be made subject to the terms and conditions of the option plans.
No LTIP awards were paid by the Company in 2004.
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
Merton J. Segal Employment
Agreement
The Company entered into an employment agreement with
Mr. Segal effective January 1, 2004 through
December 31, 2006. Unless either the Company or Mr. Segal
gives notice to the other party of an election not to renew the
employment agreement on or before December 31, 2004, and
annually thereafter, the employment agreement will automatically
be extended one additional year.
Mr. Segals employment agreement provides for
(a) a base salary of not less than $38,000 per month,
(b) a discretionary bonus targeted at 50 percent of
his base salary (at the sole discretion of the Company) upon the
attainment of certain growth and profitability goals, profit
center goals and personal goals and objectives,
(c) participation in Company Option Plans,
(d) participation in the Companys Long Term Incentive
Plan, (e) life insurance benefits, and (f) severance
benefits upon termination of Mr. Segals employment
under the circumstances described below.
In the event Mr. Segals employment is terminated
prior to a change in control of the Company and without cause,
or by Mr. Segal for good reason, the Company shall pay to
Mr. Segal (a) his base salary for 24 months over
the Companys regularly scheduled payroll, (b) a pro
rata share of the portion of Mr. Segals discretionary
bonus that is based on Company performance criteria, and
(c) Mr. Segals COBRA premiums for health care
coverage for 18 months, or, if earlier, the cessation of
Mr. Segals and his family members eligibility
for COBRA continuation coverage.
In the event Mr. Segals employment is terminated
following a change in control of the Company and without cause,
or by Mr. Segal for good reason, the Company shall pay to
Mr. Segal (a) an amount equal to two times the sum of
(i) Mr. Segals annual base salary, plus
(ii) Mr. Segals target discretionary bonus, to
be paid in a lump sum payment within 10 days following the
date Mr. Segals employment terminates, (b) a pro
rata share of the portion of Mr. Segals discretionary
bonus that is based on Company performance criteria no later
than the February 28th following the year
Mr. Segals employment terminates, and
(c) Mr. Segals COBRA premiums for health care
coverage for 18 months, or, if earlier, the cessation of
Mr. Segals and his family members eligibility
for COBRA continuation coverage. In the event his employment
terminates following a change in control and Mr. Segal
becomes entitled to the aforementioned payments, Mr. Segal
has agreed to be subject to restrictive covenants against
competing with the Company for a period of 2 years
following such termination of employment. These restrictions are
in addition to those already in effect for all Company employees.
In the event Mr. Segals employment is terminated for
cause, he is not entitled to any severance payment under the
employment agreement.
19
Effective April 1, 2005, the Compensation Committee and the
Board of Directors approved an amendment to
Mr. Segals Employment Agreement, which reduced
Mr. Segals time commitment and commensurate annual
salary from $500,000 to $375,000.
Robert S. Cubbin Employment
Agreement
The Company entered into an employment agreement with
Mr. Cubbin effective January 1, 2004 through
December 31, 2006. Unless either the Company or Mr. Cubbin
gives notice to the other party of an election not to renew the
employment agreement on or before December 31, 2004, and
annually thereafter, the employment agreement will automatically
be extended one additional year.
Mr. Cubbins employment agreement provides for
(a) a base salary of not less than $37,500 per month,
(b) a discretionary bonus targeted at 50 percent of
his base salary (at the sole discretion of the Company) upon the
attainment of certain growth and profitability goals, profit
center goals and personal goals and objectives,
(c) participation in Company Option Plans,
(d) participation in the Companys Long Term Incentive
Plan, and (e) severance benefits upon termination of
Mr. Cubbins employment under the circumstances
described below.
In the event Mr. Cubbins employment is terminated
prior to a change in control of the Company and without cause,
or by Mr. Cubbin for good reason, the Company shall pay to
Mr. Cubbin (a) his base salary for 24 months over
the Companys regularly scheduled payroll, (b) a pro
rata share of the portion of Mr. Cubbins
discretionary bonus that is based on Company performance
criteria, and (c) Mr. Cubbins COBRA premiums for
health care coverage for 18 months, or, if earlier, the
cessation of Mr. Cubbins and his family members
eligibility for COBRA continuation coverage.
In the event Mr. Cubbins employment is terminated
following a change in control of the Company and without cause,
or by Mr. Cubbin for good reason, the Company shall pay to
Mr. Cubbin (a) an amount equal to two times the sum of
(i) Mr. Cubbins annual base salary, plus
(ii) Mr. Cubbins target discretionary bonus, to
be paid in a lump sum payment within 10 days following the
date Mr. Cubbins employment terminates, (b) a
pro rata share of the portion of Mr. Cubbins
discretionary bonus that is based on Company performance
criteria no later than the February 28th following the year
Mr. Cubbins employment terminates, and
(c) Mr. Cubbins COBRA premiums for health care
coverage for 18 months, or, if earlier, the cessation of
Mr. Cubbins and his family members eligibility
for COBRA continuation coverage. In the event his employment
terminates following a change in control and Mr. Cubbin
becomes entitled to the aforementioned payments, Mr. Cubbin
has agreed to be subject to restrictive covenants against
competing with the Company for a period of 2 years
following such termination of employment. These restrictions are
in addition to those already in effect for all Company employees.
In the event Mr. Cubbins employment is terminated for
cause, he is not entitled to any severance payment under the
employment agreement, he forfeits all of the shares of Company
stock subject to a pledge agreement with the Company, but the
Demand Note he has with the Company is cancelled and deemed paid
in full. (See the CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT
Section of this proxy statement). The Demand Note was
amended effective June 1, 2001 and deemed a non-recourse
loan with the Companys sole remedy in the event of a
default being the reclamation of the shares of the Company that
were pledged as collateral. The employment agreement also
provides that in the event Mr. Cubbins employment is
terminated by the Company without Cause or as a result of a any
purchaser acquiring 50% or more of the outstanding shares of the
Company, then (a) the Demand Note shall be cancelled and
deemed paid in full, and (b) Mr. Cubbin shall be
entitled to retain his shares of Company stock subject to the
pledge agreement or, in his discretion, sell the shares back to
the Company at the then current market price or book value,
whichever is greater. This provision continues in effect the
identical provision contained in the amendment to
Mr. Cubbins prior employment agreement with the
Company that was adopted on June 15, 2002.
Michael G. Costello
Employment Agreement
The Company entered into an employment agreement with
Mr. Costello effective January 1, 2004 through
December 31, 2006. Unless either the Company or
Mr. Costello gives notice to the other party of an
20
election not to renew the employment agreement on or before
December 31, 2004, and annually thereafter, the employment
agreement will automatically be extended one additional year.
Mr. Costellos employment agreement provides for
(a) a base salary of not less than $18,417 per month,
(b) a discretionary bonus targeted at 40 percent of
his base salary (at the sole discretion of the Company) upon the
attainment of certain growth and profitability goals, profit
center goals and personal goals and objectives,
(c) participation in Company Option Plans,
(d) participation in the Companys Long Term Incentive
Plan, and (e) severance benefits upon termination of
Mr. Costellos employment under the circumstances
described below.
In the event Mr. Costellos employment is terminated
prior to a change in control of the Company and without cause,
or by Mr. Costello for good reason, the Company shall pay
to Mr. Costello (a) his base salary for 24 months
over the Companys regularly scheduled payroll, (b) a
pro rata share of the portion of Mr. Costellos
discretionary bonus that is based on Company performance
criteria, and (c) Mr. Costellos COBRA premiums
for health care coverage for 18 months, or, if earlier, the
cessation of Mr. Costellos and his family
members eligibility for COBRA continuation coverage.
In the event Mr. Costellos employment is terminated
following a change in control of the Company and without cause,
or by Mr. Costello for good reason, the Company shall pay
to Mr. Costello (a) an amount equal to two times the
sum of (i) Mr. Costellos annual base salary,
plus (ii) Mr. Costellos target discretionary
bonus, to be paid in a lump sum payment within 10 days
following the date Mr. Costellos employment
terminates, (b) a pro rata share of the portion of
Mr. Costellos discretionary bonus that is based on
Company performance criteria no later than the
February 28th following the year Mr. Costellos
employment terminates, and (c) Mr. Costellos
COBRA premiums for health care coverage for 18 months, or,
if earlier, the cessation of Mr. Costellos and his
family members eligibility for COBRA continuation
coverage. In the event his employment terminates following a
change in control and Mr. Costello becomes entitled to the
aforementioned payments, Mr. Costello has agreed to be
subject to restrictive covenants against competing with the
Company for a period of 2 years following such termination
of employment. These restrictions are in addition to those
already in effect for all Company employees.
In the event Mr. Costellos employment is terminated
for cause, he is not entitled to any severance payment under the
employment agreement.
The following terms are applicable to each of the three
employment agreements described above:
Cause is generally defined to include (i) a
failure by the executive to obey the reasonable and lawful
orders of the Board of Directors; (ii) misconduct by the
executive that is materially injurious to the Company; or
(iii) dishonest activities injurious to the Company. If the
executives employment is terminated for Cause, he is not
entitled to any severance payment.
Change in Control is generally defined as
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(a) |
the acquisition by any individual, entity or group of beneficial
ownership of 35% or more of either (i) the then outstanding
shares of Company stock or (ii) the combined voting power
of the then outstanding Company securities. Covered acquisitions
do not include (i) acquisitions directly from the Company,
(ii) acquisitions by the Company, (iii) acquisitions
by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or
maintained by the Company, or (iv) an acquisition that
meets the requirements of clauses (i), (ii) and
(iii) of subparagraph (c) of this paragraph, |
|
|
(b) |
the date on which incumbent members of the Board of Directors
cease to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors. For
this purpose, an individual is considered an incumbent member of
the Board of Directors if the individual serves on the Board of
Directors as of the effective date of the employment agreements
or if the individual becomes a director subsequent to that date,
provided that the individuals election or nomination for
election by the Companys shareholders is approved by a
majority of the directors then making up the Companys
incumbent board. Any individual who becomes a director as a
result of an actual or threatened solicitation of |
21
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proxies or contests on behalf of an individual, entity or group
described in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, other than
the Board of Directors of the Company, shall not be considered
an incumbent board member, |
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(c) |
consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange or
consolidation or other disposition of substantially all of the
assets of the Company, unless (i) all or substantially all
beneficial owners of the Companys common stock and voting
stock immediately prior to any of the listed business
combinations, own at least 65% common stock and 65% of the
voting stock of the entity resulting from the business
combination, in substantially the same proportions as their
ownership immediately prior to the business combination,
(ii) no individual, entity or group described in
subparagraph (a) of this paragraph, excluding a corporation
which results from the business combination or an employee
benefit plan of that corporation, owns 35% or more of that
corporations common stock or 35% or more of that
corporations voting stock, and (iii) at least a
majority of the members of the board of directors of the
corporation resulting from the business combination were
incumbent board members, as described in subparagraph
(b) at the time the Board of Directors acted to enter into
the business combination, and |
|
|
(d) |
the approval by the Companys shareholders of a complete
liquidation or dissolution of the Company. |
Good Reason is generally defined as the executive
tendering his resignation within 6 months following the
date on which (a) the executive is not reelected to or is
removed from the title and office he currently holds with the
Company, (b) the Company fails to vest in the executive the
responsibilities, authority or resources he reasonably needs to
competently perform his duties in his current title and office
for the Company, (c) the Company changes the executives
primary location of employment to a place more than
50 miles from Southfield, Michigan, (d) the Company
commits a material breach of its obligations under the
employment agreement and fails to cure the breach within
30 days following the executive giving notice of the
breach, or (e) the Company gives notice that it will not
renew the employment agreement.
REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD
ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In 2003, the Compensation Committee (the Committee)
of the Board of Directors adopted a Committee Charter (the
Charter) to assure that the Companys
executives were appropriately compensated in relation to their
duties, responsibilities and performance. The Charter authorizes
the Committee to review and approve the goals and objectives for
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, evaluate the
performance of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and
approve the compensation (base salary, annualized bonus and
equity compensation) of the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer. The Committee is responsible for reviewing
recommendations made by the Chief Executive Officer relating to
the compensation of the Companys principal executives who
report to the Chief Executive Officer. In addition, the
Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving stock
option awards and/or long-term incentive awards granted to
applicable employees. Finally, the Committee is authorized to
periodically review the Companys compensation philosophy
relating to the salaries, bonuses and other long-term incentive
awards paid to employees of the Company.
It is the Companys policy to offer a compensation package
including a competitive salary, an incentive bonus based upon
individual and Company performance, as well as, competitive
benefits. The Companys compensation policy for its
executive officers is similar to that of other employers and
intended to promote the attraction and retention of talented
management, continued performance and attainment of corporate
and personal goals, as well as to further promote the
Companys financial success by aligning executive
officers financial interest with long-term shareholder
value.
Compensation consists of three (3) elements for executive
officers: base salary, annual incentive bonus and equity
compensation. The criteria for determining the Chairman, Chief
Executive Officer and other executive officers base salary
includes level of responsibility, corporate performance,
personal contribution to
22
the Companys success, experience, expertise and market
data for the Companys competitors in the insurance
industry. Criteria for determining the Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and other executive officers annual incentive
bonus includes corporate performance, personal contribution to
the Company, achievement of individually established goals,
market data for the Companys competitors in the insurance
industry and the attainment of other corporate objectives.
Criteria for awarding stock options to or long-term incentive
awards the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and other executive
officers includes level of responsibility, expected future
contributions, market data for the Companys competitors in
the insurance industry, corporate performance and actual
achievement of individually established goals.
a. Compensation of
the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer:
On February 11, 2005, the Committee reviewed the
performance of the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer as it related to the Companys 2004 results. Based
upon this review, the Committee awarded a salary increase of
$25,000 to the Chief Executive Officer for 2005. In addition,
the Committee awarded an annual bonus of $300,550 to the
Chairman and $304,000 to the Chief Executive Officer. The
Compensation Committee approved a reduction in the time
commitment and commensurate annual salary of the Chairman of the
Board from $500,000 to $375,000. This reduction was effective
April 1, 2005. Finally, the Committee approved the Chief
Executive Officers recommended 2004 annual bonus awards,
2005 merit pool and 2005 annual bonus targets for the
Companys executives, who report to the Chief Executive
Officer, as well as the 2005 merit pool, 2004 annual bonus
awards and 2005 annual bonus targets for all other applicable
employees.
b. Employment
Agreements:
The Committee retained an outside compensation consultant to
advise the Committee with regard to employment agreements for
the Companys senior executives. The outside consultant
reviewed the former Employment Agreements between the Company
and its senior executives, as well as surveyed other peer
companies both in size and type of industry. The outside
compensation consultant made recommendations to the Committee
regarding length of the employment agreement, the length and
amount of severance payment due the executive in the event his
or her employment is terminated without cause or in
the event his employment is terminated as a result of a
change of control as those phrases are defined in
the employment agreement.
After receiving the report from the outside consultant, the
Committee approved the Employment Agreements between the Company
and Mr. Segal, Mr. Cubbin and Mr. Costello. For a
more detailed discussion regarding the terms and conditions of
such Agreements, please refer to the EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
Section of this proxy statement.
c. At-Will
Employment and Severance Agreements:
The Committee retained an outside compensation consultant to
advise the Committee as to the employment agreements for other
executives of the Company. The Company advised the outside
compensation consultant of its philosophy to attract and retain
high-quality people, which is critical to the short-term and
long-term success of the Company. The outside compensation
consultant reviewed other employment agreements between peer
companies and its executives. The outside compensation
consultant made recommendations to the Committee regarding the
length and type of employment agreements, which would be
appropriate for such executives.
After receiving the report from the outside compensation
consultant, the Committee approved At-Will Employment and
Severance Agreements for eleven (11) executives of the Company.
The At-Will Employment and Severance Agreements provide for a
lump-sum severance payment (of up to twelve (12) months of
the executives annual base salary, plus one times the
executives targeted annual bonus) to the executive in the
event the executives employment is terminated without
Good Cause or Good Reason within two
(2) years following a Change of Control of the
Company. If the executive is terminated within the two (2) year
period following such Change of Control and the
termination is for Good Cause, then, no severance
payment would be due the executive. Further, if the executive
voluntarily resigns, or his or her employment is
23
not terminated within the two (2) year period following a
Change of Control and the executives
employment is terminated thereafter, no severance payment would
be due the executive.
After receiving the report from the outside compensation
consultant, the Committee and the Board of Directors approved
the At-Will Employment and Severance Agreements for the
executives. For a more detailed discussion regarding the terms
and conditions of such Agreements, please refer to the
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENTS Section of
this proxy statement.
d. Director
Compensation:
The Committee reviewed the annual compensation for the Board of
Directors. This review was prompted by the additional
responsibilities and duties, which have been assumed by the
directors, as well as, the committees of the Board of Directors.
The Committee retained an outside consultant, which specializes
in compensation related matters. The consultant reviewed the
compensation of the Board of Directors and compared to the
compensation paid to directors of other similar publicly-held
companies and peers within the insurance industry. The
Compensation Committee requested that management update the
information of the outside consultant.
After reviewing the up-dated report from management, the
Committee recommended the following: the Companys Board of
Directors retainer be increased from $15,000 to $20,000 per
year; the retainer for those Directors who serve as a Committee
Chairperson be increased from $2,500 to $3,000 per year; and the
Board and Committee meeting fee be increased from $750 to $1,000.
The Board of Directors of the Company unanimously approved all
of the above recommendations made by the Committee.
|
|
|
The Compensation Committee |
|
|
Robert H. Naftaly, Chairman |
|
Hugh W. Greenberg |
|
David K. Page |
|
Herbert Tyner |
24
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
Set forth below is a graph showing changes in the value of $100
invested in the Companys common stock, the Russell 2000
Index, and a Peer Group Index for the period December 31,
1999 through December 31, 2004. The stock price performance
on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future
stock price performance.
COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN* AMONG
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC., THE RUSSELL 2000 INDEX,
AND THE SNL $500M-$1B INSURANCE ASSET-SIZE INDEX
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period Ending | |
Index |
|
12/31/99 | |
|
12/31/00 | |
|
12/31/01 | |
|
12/31/02 | |
|
12/31/03 | |
|
12/31/04 | |
Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
126.85 |
|
|
|
31.89 |
|
|
|
39.74 |
|
|
|
67.79 |
|
|
|
79.97 |
|
Russell 2000
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
96.98 |
|
|
|
99.39 |
|
|
|
79.03 |
|
|
|
116.38 |
|
|
|
137.71 |
|
SNL $500M-$1B Insurance Asset-Size Index
|
|
|
100.00 |
|
|
|
132.14 |
|
|
|
139.11 |
|
|
|
150.65 |
|
|
|
208.86 |
|
|
|
253.94 |
|
|
|
* |
The Peer Group consists of the Russell 2000 Index, and SNL
$500-$1B Insurance Asset-Size Index. The cumulative total
returns of each company have been weighted according to each
companys stock market capitalization as of
December 31, 2004. The table includes reinvestment of
dividends. |
25
THE SECOND PROPOSAL ON WHICH YOU ARE VOTING
RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Subject to ratification by the stockholders, the Board of
Directors has appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP as
independent accountants of the Company for the current year. The
affirmative vote of a majority of shares of the Companys
common stock present in person or represented by proxy at the
Annual Meeting is required to ratify the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP. Unless you otherwise indicate on
your proxy card, your returned proxy will be voted FOR
ratification of the reappointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
A representative from PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP will be
available at the Annual Meeting to respond to any appropriate
questions from stockholders.
AUDIT FEES
Audit fees and expenses billed to the Company by
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP for the audit of the Companys
financial statements and the audit pursuant to Section 404
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for the fiscal years ended
December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003, and for
review of the Companys financial statements included in
the Companys quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
| |
|
| |
$ |
1,410,994 |
|
|
$ |
603,024 |
|
AUDIT RELATED FEES
Audit related fees and expenses billed to the Company by
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP for fiscal years December 31,
2004 and December 31, 2003 for services related to the
performance of the audit or review of the Companys
financial statements that were not included under the heading
Audit Fees, are as follows:
TAX FEES
Tax fees and expenses billed to the Company for fiscal years
December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 for services
related to tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning,
consisting primarily of reviewing the Companys federal and
state income tax returns for the previous fiscal periods and
inclusive of expenses are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
| |
|
| |
$ |
15,591 |
|
|
$ |
53,628 |
|
26
ALL OTHER FEES
Fees and expenses billed to the Company by
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP for all other services provided
during fiscal years December 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003
are as follows:
In accordance with Section 10A(i) of the Exchange Act,
before PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP is engaged by us to render
audit or non-audit services, the engagement is approved by our
Audit Committee. None of the audit-related, tax and other
services described in the table above were approved by the Audit
Committee pursuant to Rule 2-01(c)(7)(i)(C) of Regulation
S-X.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
The Board of Directors of the Company has determined that we
have an Audit Committee financial expert, as defined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission, serving on our Audit
Committee. Mr. Bruce E. Thal is our Audit Committee
financial expert. He is independent as such term for audit
committee members is defined in the New York Stock
Exchanges independence standards, as those standards have
been modified or supplemented, and he has no other relationship
that would impair his independence.
AUDITOR INDEPENDENCE
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has considered
whether the provision of the services described under the
subheadings Tax Fees and All Other Fees
above are compatible with maintaining PricewaterhouseCoopers,
LLPs independence and after such consideration the Audit
Committee believes that the non-audit services provided by
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP are compatible with maintaining the
auditors independence.
The Companys Board of Directors recommends that you
vote FOR the ratification of the appointment of the independent
accountants.
OTHER MATTERS
The Company is not aware of any matter that may be brought
before the Annual Meeting other than as described above. In the
event any other matter properly comes before the Annual Meeting,
the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy have
discretionary authority to vote on such matters.
Dated: April 5, 2004
27
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE GUIDELINES
The Board has developed the following corporate governance
guidelines to help it fulfill its responsibilities to
shareholders to oversee the work of management and the
Companys business. These corporate governance guidelines
are intended to ensure that the Board has the necessary
authority and practices in place to review and evaluate the
Companys business operations as needed and to make
decisions that are independent of the Companys management.
The guidelines are also intended to align the interests of
directors and management with those of Meadowbrooks
shareholders. Please note that these guidelines are subject to
change as the Board may find necessary or advisable to achieve
its objectives.
Board Composition and Selection; Independent Directors
1. Board Size. The Board believes no more than
fifteen (15) is an appropriate size based on the
Companys present circumstances. The Board periodically
evaluates whether a larger or smaller slate of directors would
be preferable.
2. Selection of Board Members. Board members are
elected on a staggered basis (approximately one-third each year)
annually by the Companys shareholders, except as noted
below with respect to vacancies. Each year at the Companys
annual meeting, the Board recommends a slate of directors for
election by shareholders. The Boards recommendations are
based on its determination (using advice and information
supplied by the Governance and Nominating Committee) as to the
suitability of each individual, and the slate as a whole, to
serve as directors of the Company, taking into account the
membership criteria discussed below.
The Board may fill vacancies in existing or new director
positions. Such directors elected by the Board serve only until
the next election of directors for the particular class for
which such director was appointed to serve.
3. Board Membership Criteria. The Governance and
Nominating Committee works with the Board on an annual basis to
determine the appropriate characteristics, skills and experience
for the Board as a whole and its individual members. In
evaluating the suitability of individual Board members, the
Board takes into account many factors, including general
understanding of marketing, finance, insurance and other
disciplines relevant to the success of a company in todays
business environment; understanding of Meadowbrooks
business on a technical level; and educational and professional
background. The Board evaluates each individual in the context
of the Board as a whole, with the objective of recommending a
group that can best perpetuate the success of the business and
represent shareholder interests through the exercise of sound
judgment, using its diversity of experience. In determining
whether to recommend a director for re-election, the Governance
and Nominating Committee also considers the directors past
attendance at meetings and participation in and contributions to
the activities of the Board.
4. Board Composition Mix of Management and
Independent Directors. The Board believes that, except
during periods of temporary vacancies, a majority of its
directors must be independent. In determining the independence
of a director, the Board will apply the definition of
independent director in the listing standards of the
New York Stock Exchange and applicable laws and regulations.
5. Term Limits. The Board does not believe it should
limit the number of terms for which an individual may serve as a
director. Directors who have served on the Board for an extended
period of time are able to provide valuable insight into the
operations and future of the Company based on their experience
with and understanding of the Companys history, policies
and objectives. The Board believes that, as an alternative to
term limits, it can ensure that the Board continues to evolve
and adopt new viewpoints through the evaluation and nomination
process described in these guidelines.
6. Selection of CEO and Chairman. The Board selects
the Companys CEO and Chairman in the manner that it
determines to be in the best interests of the Companys
shareholders.
7. No Specific Limitation on Other Board Service.
The Board does not believe that its members should be
prohibited from serving on boards and/or committees of other
organizations, and the board has not adopted
28
any guidelines limiting such activities. However, the Governance
and Nominating Committee and the Board will take into account
the nature of and time involved in a directors service on
other boards in evaluating the suitability of individual
directors and making its recommendations to Company
shareholders. Service on boards and/or committees of other
organizations should be consistent with the Companys
conflict of interest policies.
Board Meetings; Involvement of Senior Management
8. Board Meetings Agenda. The Chairman
of the Board and CEO, taking into account suggestions from other
members of the Board, will set the agenda for each Board
meeting, and will distribute this agenda in advance to each
director.
9. Advance Distribution of Materials. All
information relevant to the Boards understanding of
matters to be discussed at an upcoming Board meeting should be
distributed in writing or electronically to all members in
advance, whenever feasible and appropriate. This will help
facilitate the efficient use of meeting time. In preparing this
information, management should ensure that the materials
distributed are as concise as possible, yet give directors
sufficient information to make informed decisions. The Board
acknowledges that certain items to be discussed at Board
meetings are of an extremely sensitive nature and that the
distribution of materials on these matters prior to Board
meetings may not be appropriate.
10. Access to Employees. The Board should have
access to Company employees in order to ensure that directors
can ask all questions and glean all information necessary to
fulfill their duties. The Board may specify a protocol for
making such inquiries. Management is encouraged to invite
Company personnel to any Board meeting at which their presence
and expertise would help the Board have a full understanding of
matters being considered.
11. Executive Sessions of Independent Directors. The
independent directors of the Company will attempt to conduct
four (4) executive sessions each fiscal year, i.e., with no
management directors or management present, but at a minimum
such directors shall meet not less than one time each fiscal
year. Executive sessions of the independent directors will be
called and chaired by the chairperson of the Governance and
Nominating Committee. These executive session discussions may
include such topics as the independent directors determine.
Performance Evaluation; Succession Planning
12. Annual CEO Evaluation. The Chair of the
Governance and Nominating Committee, along with the assistance
from the Chair of the Compensation Committee, leads the
independent directors in conducting a review at least annually
of the performance of the CEO and communicates the results of
the review to the CEO. The independent directors establish the
evaluation process and determine the specific criteria on which
the performance of the CEO is evaluated.
13. Succession Planning. As part of the annual
officer evaluation process, the Compensation Committee works
with the CEO to plan for CEO succession, as well as to develop
plans for interim succession for the CEO in the event of an
unexpected occurrence. Succession planning may be reviewed more
frequently by the Board as it deems warranted.
14. Board Self-Evaluation. The Governance and
Nominating Committee is responsible for conducting an annual
evaluation of the performance of the full Board and reports its
conclusions to the Board. The Governance and Nominating
Committees report should generally include an assessment
of the Boards compliance with the principles set forth in
these guidelines, as well as identification of areas in which
the Board could improve its performance.
Compensation
15. Board Compensation Review. Company management
should report to the Board on an annual basis as to how the
Companys director compensation practices compare with
those of its peers. The Board should
29
make changes in its director compensation practices only upon
the recommendation of the Governance and Nominating Committee,
and following discussion and concurrence by the Board.
Miscellaneous
17. Review of Governance Guidelines. The Board
expects to review these guidelines at least every year as
appropriate.
30
APPENDICE
AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER
Authority
The Board of Directors of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the
Company) by Resolution dated August 6, 2002,
established the Audit Committee (Committee).
Purpose
The Audit Committee Charter was adopted by the Board of
Directors on November 5, 2002. The purpose of the Committee is
to provide oversight relating to financial reporting, selection,
compensation and rotation of the Companys independent
auditors and oversight of the internal audit functions of the
Company.
Duties and Responsibilities
|
|
|
|
|
The Committee shall review the independence and performance of
the auditors and annually recommend to the Board of Directors
the appointment of the independent auditors or discharge of the
auditors when circumstances warrant. |
|
|
|
Approve the fees and other significant compensation paid to the
independent auditors. |
|
|
|
On an annual basis, the Committee shall review and discuss with
the independent auditors any relationship it may have with the
Company that might impair the auditors independence. |
|
|
|
Review the independent auditors audit plan, scope, staffing,
involvement of management and general audit approach. |
|
|
|
Review and assure the Company implements any regulatory actions
adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission
(SEC). |
|
|
|
Establish, review and update periodically the Companys
Code of Business Conduct and assure that management has
established a process to enforce the Code, as well as, avoid any
transactions which would create a conflict of interest between
directors and officers of the Company. |
|
|
|
Assure the audit partner serves for no more than five (5)
consecutive years on the Companys audit. |
|
|
|
Review the quarterly and annual financial statements and
determine whether they are complete and consistent with the
information known to committee members, and assess whether the
financial statements reflect appropriate accounting principles. |
|
|
|
Discuss with the Board of Directors those matters required to be
communicated to the Audit Committee, in accordance with AICPA
SAS 61, which shall include the following: |
|
|
|
|
|
Auditors responsibility under generally accepted auditing
standards (GAAS); |
|
|
|
Significant accounting policies; |
|
|
|
Management judgments and accounting estimates; |
|
|
|
Significant audit adjustments; |
|
|
|
Other information and documents containing audited financial
statements; |
|
|
|
Disagreements with management, including accounting principles,
scope of audit, disclosures; |
|
|
|
Consultation with other accountants by management; |
|
|
|
Major issues discussed with management prior to retention; and |
|
|
|
Difficulties encountered in performing the audit. |
31
|
|
|
|
|
Develop and implement a Code of Ethics for the Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer and
Controller in accordance with Section 406 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
|
|
Monitor and assure the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer have complied with the certification
requirements of Section 906 and 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002. |
|
|
|
Review the budget, plan activities, audits and organization of
the internal audit department. |
|
|
|
Pre-approve all permitted non-audit services to be provided by
the independent auditors unless a) such non-audit services
provided to the Corporation constitute less than 5% of the total
amount of revenues paid by the Corporation to its auditors
during the fiscal year when the non-audit services are
performed, or b) such services were not recognized by the
Corporation at the time of the engagement to be non-audit
services; and such services are promptly brought to the
attention of the audit committee and approved prior to
completion of the audit. |
|
|
|
Establish procedures for the receipt, retention, and treatment
of complaints received by the Company regarding accounting,
internal controls, and auditing. |
|
|
|
Engage independent counsel and other advisers as the Audit
Committee determines necessary to carry out its duties,
including investigation of suspected improprieties, with the
Company to provide appropriate funding therefore. |
|
|
|
Review annually with management and the independent auditors
their assessments of the adequacy of the internal control
structure and procedures for financial reporting. |
|
|
|
Meet and discuss with the Companys auditors and management
the Companys quarterly and year-end earnings before filing
with SEC and disclosure to the public. |
|
|
|
Establish policies and procedures relating to the Companys
earnings, press releases, public disclosure of financial
information and earnings guidance provided to analysts and
rating agencies. |
|
|
|
Discuss guidelines and policies relating to govern the process
by which risk assessment and risk management is undertaken by
the Chief Executive Officer and senior management. |
|
|
|
Conduct separate and periodic meetings with management,
independent auditors and the internal auditors. |
|
|
|
Establish hiring policies for employees or former employees of
the Companys independent auditors. |
|
|
|
Adopt and disclose Corporate Governance Guidelines for
publication of the Companys website. |
|
|
|
Annually prepare a report to shareholders as required by the
Securities Exchange Commission, which shall be included in the
Companys Annual Proxy Statement. |
|
|
|
Perform any other activities consistent with its Charter, as the
Committee or the Board deems necessary or appropriate. |
Membership
The Committee will have a Chairman and a minimum of two
(2) other directors all of whom shall be independent
directors.
The Committee must include at least one Audit Committee
financial expert as defined by the SEC.
The Board of Directors will appoint the Committee members and
the Chairman.
The Board of Directors will approve all appointments to the
Committee.
The Board of Directors may remove a member from the Committee at
any time with or without cause.
32
Committee Meetings/ Action
|
|
|
|
|
A majority of the Committee members will be a quorum for the
transaction of business. |
|
|
|
The action of the majority of those present at a meeting when a
quorum is present will be the actions of the Committee. |
|
|
|
The Committee will meet at least four (4) times per year
and at such other times as may be requested by its Chairman. |
|
|
|
The Committee Chairman will from time to time report to the
Board of Directors on Committee actions. |
|
|
|
The Secretary of the Company will keep Minutes of all Committee
meetings. |
|
|
|
A preliminary agenda will be prepared by either Secretary or the
Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Committee will make
the final decision regarding the agenda. |
|
|
|
The agenda and all materials to be reviewed at the meeting shall
be received by the Committee members as far in advance of the
meeting date as practicable. |
33
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE CHARTER
Authority
The Board of Directors of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the
Company), by Resolution dated August 6, 2002,
established the Compensation Committee (Committee).
Purpose
The Compensation Committee Charter was adopted by the Board of
Directors on November 5, 2002. The Committees purpose
is to assure the Companys executives and other key
employees are fairly compensated in relation to their duties,
responsibilities and performance.
Duties and Responsibilities
a. Chairman and CEO Evaluation
The Committee will:
|
|
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|
|
Review and approve appropriate goals and objectives for the next
year; |
|
|
|
Evaluate the performance of the Chairman and CEO in meeting
those goals and objectives; and |
|
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|
Approve the compensation of the Chairman and CEO. |
b. Executive Compensation
The Committee will:
|
|
|
|
|
Periodically review the Companys philosophy regarding
executive compensation and provide counsel to the Chairman and
the CEO relative to different compensation approaches. |
|
|
|
Review and approve the compensation (base salary, bonus, stock
options, stock awards or other incentives) of the Chairman and
the CEO. |
|
|
|
Review and approve Stock Option Awards for all other employees. |
|
|
|
Make recommendations to the Board regarding the adoption,
amendment or rescission of incentive compensation plans and
stock-related plans (including specific provisions) in which the
Chairman, CEO and other senior executives and key employees may
be participants, including: |
|
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|
|
Approving option guidelines and quantity size of overall grants |
|
|
|
Making specific grants to associates. |
|
|
|
Determining rules and regulations relating to the Plan. |
|
|
|
Modifying or canceling existing grants. |
|
|
|
Designating employees eligible to participate in the long-term
incentive plans. |
|
|
|
Imposing limitations, restrictions and conditions upon any award
as the Committee deems appropriate. |
|
|
|
|
|
Assure that total compensation paid to the Companys
principal officers and other key employees is fair and
reasonable. |
|
|
|
Review and approve recommendations made by the Chairman and CEO
for the compensation of the Companys principal executives
and other key employees. |
|
|
|
Make recommendations to the Board relating to the nature, form
and amount of compensation paid to directors. |
34
The Committee shall have authority to retain consultants of its
selection to advise it with respect to the Companys
compensation and benefits programs.
|
|
|
|
|
Perform an annual evaluation of the Committee and its members. |
|
|
|
Issue an annual report on executive compensation in accordance
with applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and
Exchange Commission for inclusion in the Companys Annual
Proxy Statement; |
|
|
|
Perform such other duties as shall from time to time be
delegated to it by the Board of Directors. |
Membership
|
|
|
|
|
The Committee will have a Chairman and a minimum of two
(2) other directors all of whom shall be independent
directors. |
|
|
|
The Board will appoint the Committee members and a Chairman. |
|
|
|
The Board of Directors will approve all appointments to the
Committee. |
|
|
|
The Board may remove a Committee member from the membership of
the Committee at any time with or without cause. |
Committee Meetings/ Action
|
|
|
|
|
A majority of the Committee members will be a quorum for the
transaction of business. |
|
|
|
The action of the majority of those present at a meeting when a
quorum is present will be the actions of the Committee. |
|
|
|
The Committee will meet at least two (2) times per year and
at such other times as may be requested by its Chairman. |
|
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The Committee Chairman will from time to time report to the
Board of Directors on Committee actions. |
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The Secretary of the Company will keep Minutes of all Committee
meetings. |
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A preliminary agenda will be prepared by either the Secretary or
the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Committee will
make the final decision regarding the agenda. |
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The agenda and all materials to be reviewed at the meeting shall
be received by the Committee members as far in advance of the
meeting date as practicable. |
FINANCE COMMITTEE CHARTER
Authority
The Board of Directors of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the
Company), by Resolution dated August 6, 2002,
established the Finance Committee (Committee).
Purpose
The Finance Committee Charter was adopted by the Board of
Directors on November 5, 2002. The purpose of the Committee is
to provide oversight on financial and operational matters
relating to the business of the Company.
35
Duties & Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee will be as
follows:
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Review with management the long-term business objectives of the
Company and the fundamentals which drive the Companys
financial results (including such matters as growth plans and
marginal profitability of the Companys lines of business,
underwriting philosophy, reinsurance retention, pricing,
information technology goals, claims processing, etc. |
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Review and approve material acquisitions or sales of its assets. |
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Review and approve lending relationships between the Company and
its banks. |
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Review and approve any real estate acquisitions or sales by the
Company. |
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Review and approve the purchase of directors and officers
liability insurance for the Board of Directors of the Company. |
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Review and approve the Companys budget. |
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Advise the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company on significant business related issues. |
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Review and advise management of the Company about significant
financial problems or credit risks to the Company. |
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Engage experts on finance matters, if and when the members of
the Committee deem it proper or advisable to do so and upon fees
and terms acceptable to it. |
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Perform such other duties as shall from time to time be
delegated to it by the Board of Directors |
Membership
The Committee will have a Chairman and a minimum of two
(2) other directors.
The Board of Directors will appoint the Committee members and
the Chairman.
The Board of Directors will approve all appointments to the
Committee.
The Board of Directors may remove a member from the Committee at
any time with or without cause.
Committee Meetings/ Actions
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A majority of the Committee members will be a quorum for the
transaction of business. |
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The action of the majority of those present at a meeting when a
quorum is present will be the actions of the Committee. |
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The Committee will meet at least four (4) times per year or
at such other times as may be requested by its Chairman. |
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The Committee Chairman will from time to time report to the
Board of Directors on Committee actions. |
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The Secretary of the Company will keep Minutes of all Committee
meetings, which will be distributed to all Board of Directors. |
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A preliminary agenda will be prepared by either the Secretary or
the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Committee will
make the final decision regarding the agenda. |
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The agenda and all materials to be reviewed at the meeting shall
be received by the Committee members as far in advance of the
meeting date as practicable. |
36
GOVERNANCE AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER
Authority
The Board of Directors of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the
Company), by Resolution dated August 6, 2002,
established the Governance and Nominating Committee
(Committee).
Purpose
This Governance and Nominating Committee Charter was adopted by
the Board of Directors on November 5, 2002. The purpose of
the Committee is to provide oversight on matters relating to the
nomination of directors, the selection and evaluation of
officers and directors and the corporate governance of the
Company.
Duties & Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee will be as
follows:
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Establish criteria for the selection of directors of the
Company, which shall include the following qualifications:
(1) stock ownership in the Company; (2) industry
(i.e., insurance) experience; (3) financial experience;
(4) acknowledgement by the candidate of the ethical and
fiduciary obligations owed the Company; (5) the candidates
background be of the type to constructively review and question
management decisions; (6) availability to make a meaningful
contribution to the Board and issues facing the Company;
(7) candidates background have a history of success and be
reflective of the Companys strategic direction; and
candidate ought to contribute to a diverse board. |
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Identify qualified individuals to serve as senior officers and
directors of the Company. |
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Evaluate the performance of directors and oversee the evaluation
of management. |
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Establish the corporate governance rules and guidelines for the
Company, including a Code of Conduct and Business Conduct Policy. |
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Establish nominating criteria for Board members, interview Board
candidates and make recommendations to the Board of Directors to
select nominees for election at the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders. |
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Establish, review and monitor compliance with the Code of
Conduct and Business Conduct Policy. |
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Retain, if necessary, a search firm to identify director
candidates. |
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Perform an annual evaluation of the Committee and its members. |
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Prepare a report to shareholders as required by the Securities
and Exchange Commission, which shall be included in the
Companys Annual Proxy Statement. |
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Perform such other duties as shall from time to time be
delegated to it by the Board of Directors. |
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Review, discuss and approve related party transactions or other
similar type transactions involving the management of the
Company. |
Membership
The Committee will have a Chairman and a minimum of two
(2) other directors all of whom shall be independent
directors.
The Board of Directors will appoint the Committee members and
the Chairman.
The Committee shall consist solely of independent directors of
the Company.
The Board of Directors will approve all appointments to the
Committee.
The Board of Directors may remove a member from the Committee at
any time with or without cause.
37
Committee Meetings/ Actions
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A majority of the Committee members will be a quorum for the
transaction of business. |
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The action of the majority of those present at a meeting when a
quorum is present will be the actions of the Committee. |
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The Committee will meet at least two (2) times per year and
at such other times as may be requested by its Chairman. |
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The Committee Chairman will from time to time report to the
Board of Directors on Committee actions. |
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The Secretary of the Company will keep Minutes of all Committee
meetings, which will be distributed to all Board of Directors. |
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A preliminary agenda will be prepared by either the Secretary or
the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Committee will
make the final decision regarding the agenda. |
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The agenda and all materials to be reviewed at the meeting shall
be received by the Committee members as far in advance of the
meeting date as practicable. |
INVESTMENT COMMITTEE CHARTER
Authority
The Board of Directors of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the
Company), by Resolution dated August 6, 2002,
established the Investment Committee (Committee).
Purpose
This Investment Committee Charter was adopted by the Board of
Directors on August 6, 2002. The purpose of the Committee
is to develop an investment policy and provide oversight on
matters relating to investments made by the Company.
Duties & Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of the Committee will be as
follows:
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Develop an Investment Policy for the Company. |
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Develop investment guidelines for captives or rent-a-captives,
which reinsure the Companys insurance company subsidiaries. |
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Identify and develop selection criteria and select the
Investment Manager and Investment Advisor for the Company. |
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Monitor compliance with the Companys Investment Policy. |
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Monitor the Investment Managers compliance with the
Companys Investment Policy. |
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Engage experts on investment matters, if and when the members of
the Committee deem it proper or advisable to do so. |
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Perform such other duties as shall from time to time be
delegated to it by the Board of Directors. |
Membership
The Committee will have a Chairman and a minimum of two
(2) other directors.
The Board of Directors will appoint the Committee members and
the Chairman.
38
The Board of Directors will approve all appointments to the
Committee.
The Board of Directors may remove a member from the Committee at
any time with or without cause.
Committee Meetings/ Action
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A majority of the Committee members will be a quorum for the
transaction of business. |
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The action of the majority of those present at a meeting when a
quorum is present will be the actions of the Committee. |
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The Committee will meet at least four (4) times per year
and at such other times as may be requested by its Chairman. |
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The Committee Chairman will from time to time report to the
Board of Directors on Committee actions. |
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The Secretary of the Company will keep Minutes of all Committee
meetings, which will be distributed to all Board of Directors. |
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A preliminary agenda will be prepared by either Secretary or the
Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Committee will make
the final decision regarding the agenda. |
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The agenda and all materials to be reviewed at the meeting shall
be received by the Committee members as far in advance of the
meeting date as practicable. |
39
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
Proxy for 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders
To be held May 10, 2005
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
The undersigned stockholder of MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC. (the Company)
hereby appoints
MERTON J. SEGAL, ROBERT S. CUBBIN or MICHAEL G. COSTELLO, jointly and severally, the attorney and proxies of
the undersigned stockholder, with the full power of substitution, to vote all of the shares of common stock of the Company
standing in the name of the undersigned stockholder at the close of business on March 16, 2005, at the 2005 Annual
Meeting (the Annual Meeting) of the stockholders of the Company to be held on Tuesday, May 10, 2005 and at any
adjournments thereof, with all the powers the undersigned stockholder would possess if then, and there present.
The undersigned stockholder acknowledges receipt of the Notice of the 2005 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement,
both dated April 4, 2005.
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE PROMPTLY.
(Continued and to be signed on reverse)
7021Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
PLEASE MARK VOTE IN OVAL IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER USING DARK INK ONLY. t
1. |
Election of Directors: |
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Nominees:
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Robert H. Naftaly
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For
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Withhold
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For All |
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Robert W. Sturgis
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All
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All
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Except |
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Bruce E. Thal
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¨
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¨
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¨ |
(INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual
nominee, write the name(s) of such nominee(s) below.)
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2.
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Ratification of the Appointment of Independent
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For
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Against
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Abstain |
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Accountants. (Please mark one)
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¨
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¨
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¨ |
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If no choice is specified, this Proxy will be voted FOR the election of the
nominees listed and FOR the ratification of the appointment of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as the Companys independent
accountants for the year ending 2005. |
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Date: _______________________________________________________ |
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Signature(s) _________________________________________________ |
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____________________________________________________________
Please sign exactly as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When
signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give
full title as such. |
Ù FOLD AND DETACH HERE Ù
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT!
PLEASE MARK, SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY
IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE PROMPTLY.
|
7021Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. |